Archive: September 30, 2022

RBI Monetary Policy – Inevitable Hike Will Make Homes Costlier

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group:

The 50 Bps hike by the RBI was expected, especially since no global economy has hinted towards any kind of moderation. Inflation continues to ravage almost all economies, and India is no exception. ANAROCK’s recent Consumer sentiment survey also highlighted that at least 61% respondents saw high inflation as a major concern for them, seriously impacting their disposable incomes.

With this repo rate hike, home loans will get dearer soon. This could impact residential sales to some extent during the upcoming festive quarter, particularly in the affordable and mid-range housing segments. The hike in home loan rates will be in addition to the other increasing costs such as inflationary trends of construction input costs. With the overall acquisition cost increasing further, developers will have to seriously consider doling out targeted offers and discounts to boost sales during the critical festive quarter.

The silver lining is that only when the home loan interest rates breach the 9.5% mark will housing sales see a ‘High Impact’. If rates remain between 8.5-9%, the impact is expected to be moderate.

Cloudflare Democratizes Spoof-Proof Security…

Cloudflare Democratizes Spoof-Proof Security; Makes Hardware Security Keys More Accessible Than Ever for Millions of Customers Because it’s Good for the Internet

Collaborates with Yubico for exclusive offering to help end phishing attacks once and for all India, September 29, 2022 — Cloudflare, Inc. , the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today announced a new offering to make physical security keys the most accessible and economical solution for customers to better secure their business and employees.

Cloudflare customers will be able to purchase Yubico’s security keys, the leading hardware security keys, and most secure form of phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA), at an exclusive ‘good for the Internet’ cost.

A Zero Trust security model means that no one is trusted, by default, regardless if they’re inside or outside of a corporate network. As such, verification is required from everyone trying to gain access to resources on that organization’s network, including location, familiar devices, and passwords. Today, hardware security keys are an additional layer of protection and a method of MFA that has been proven to be phishing resistant.

Cloudflare customers will be able to claim an offer for Yubico’s Security Key Series at highly discounted prices – as low as $10 – through their Cloudflare dashboard. Larger organizations using Cloudflare and purchasing a multi-year YubiEnterprise Subscription for YubiKeys will receive a 50% discount off their first year of a 3+ year subscription. This collaboration aims to make it simple and seamless for organizations of all sizes to acquire, activate, and authenticate with security keys.

In July, Cloudflare prevented a breach by a SMS phishing attack that targeted more than 130 companies, due to the company’s use of Cloudflare Zero Trust paired with YubiKeys. Physical security keys strengthen the barrier against attacks and work in conjunction with additional security measures such as DNS filtering, browser isolation, cloud email security, and more, where an attacker would need to compromise every signal.

“We’re always asking ourselves how we can do even more to provide the best possible security to our customers and the Internet-at-large. With phishing attacks on the rise, this means helping to democratize additional security measures to complement the Cloudflare Zero Trust experience. We experienced this first hand and wanted to make implementing hardware security keys a no-brainer for any organization,” said Dane Knecht, SVP, Emerging Technology and Incubation at Cloudflare. 

“Working with Yubico is just another way we’re trying to make it as seamless as possible to arm our customers with the best Zero Trust security strategy. Being a Cloudflare Zero Trust customer introduces an easy, fast and affordable way to implement security keys in your organization, and all part of our greater mission to help build a better Internet.” 

With Yubico, Cloudflare is ensuring physical security keys are: 

Economical: Rolling out security keys can be difficult for companies with smaller security teams, or those that have just begun using two-factor authentication. By offering security keys at the most affordable rate, this offer makes the keys less of a financial burden on small companies.

Accessible: Now Cloudflare customers can order Security Key Series, supporting FIDO-based authentication, directly through their dashboard. The YubiKey 5 Series, available through YubiEnterprise Subscription, supports multiple authentication protocols, from legacy applications to modern FIDO-based apps and services. The exclusive ‘good for the Internet’ pricing, helps to introduce the value and functionality of hardware keys to Cloudflare customers.

Simple to use: Setting up security keys is easy for participating Cloudflare customers. For Administrators, Cloudflare Zero Trust makes it easy to use your security keys with any Identity Provider (IdP) and integrates both the keys and IdP into a comprehensive Zero Trust solution.

For employees, a simple guided prompt makes the action of touching a security key for authentication seamless. Security keys work across all devices, operating systems, and areas within an organization.

“Yubico pioneered the modern security key, the YubiKey, and continues to set the industry standard, protecting enterprise customers and consumers from security threats,” said Stina Ehrenvard, CEO and co-founder, Yubico. “Today’s attacks require modern MFA. Working with Cloudflare will help get more Security Keys and YubiKeys into the hands of their customers, to deliver on the combination of phishing- resistant MFA and provide peace of mind.”

This special promotion will be available to Cloudflare customers until December 31, 2022.

Adbuffs introduces a new studio called Shutterbuffs that produces quality content for your business

Shutterbuffs studio produces content; including, photoshoots, videos, and reels, for your business according to your preference. 

Shutterbuffs, formed in July 2022, is a new in-house studio that provides content for your business profile, creating top-notch and compact content for clients. A new addition introduced by Adbuffs, a digital marketing agency based in Kolkata offers excellent service to their D2C clients, shutterbuffs that prioritise clients’ requirements and instant results.

It started with the idea of providing photoshoots, videos, reels and user-generated content for performance creatives that help in marketing. With the launch of shutterbuffs, we aim to produce more impactful content that will benefit and promote our client’s business. When ‘Shutterbuffs’ was just a plan limited to one confined place and a DSLR, it was formed with a vision; to create quality content and brainstorm innovative ideas. In months, as the progression began and profit rolled in, along with the addition of equipment, it was shifted from one bedroom studio to a full-fledged pro studio.

Working on the projects strenuously and with commitment is the motto of shutterbuffs. Clients’ satisfaction and building contacts through work excellence is what ‘shutterbuffs’ aims for. If the content leads to profit and the client’s business is soaring then shutterbuffs’ carried a successful task.

Hyatt Centric brand debuts in Chandigarh with Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh

Chandigarh, September 30, 2022: Hyatt Hotels Corporation, announced today the opening of Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, marking the debut of the Hyatt Centric brand in Chandigarh. Paying homage to French architect Le Corbusier who designed the city along with Pierre Jeanneret, Jane Drew, and Maxwell Fry, the hotel celebrates both Corbusier’s design philosophy and the vibrant and bold culture of Punjab.

Built for the adventurous spirit, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh opens its doors to savvy travellers, and business and leisure guests alike.  Just as the brand is known for being in the heart of some of the world’s most exciting cities, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh connects guests to discover the action throughout Chandigarh, with the city’s popular parks, cafes, shopping plazas and restaurants at its footsteps.

“We are extremely pleased to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to Punjab and Haryana with the opening of this hotel, and we look forward to delivering the brand’s exquisite hospitality and personalised service to local residents and visitors in the City Beautiful,” said Maulana Gupta, general manager, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh. “Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh is an exciting addition to Hyatt’s portfolio of hotels and brands in India, with its contemporary décor and playful design.”

Contemporary Guest Rooms

Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh, ideally situated in the city’s commercial and shopping district, has 144 guest rooms with modern and contemporary decor. Both the outer façade and the interior design of the hotel reflect Le Corbusier’s minimalistic style, interspersed with splashes of vibrant colour like the shades of yellow in the lobby and the red in the elevators. The décor is distinctive and includes various details such as the flute panelling on the walls which is inspired by French architecture, the contemporary bedside lamps adapted from inverted urns to the “Chandigarh chairs’”, which are placed around the property. There are 138 guest rooms and six suites in the hotel, perfect for families travelling together or business travellers on the go.

Design Inspiration

With modern architecture with little traditional touches, the entire property gives guests a chance to immerse in playful details and sophisticated furnishings that uniquely capture the spirit of Chandigarh, and get a feel for the area before one even sets foot out the door. Inspiration from French architect Le Corbusier can be found in all the design elements including artefacts, fluted walls, rattan chairs, the vintage mini bar in the rooms and the paintings on the walls in Corby’s and Hyatt Centric Lounge.

Culinary Experience

The highlights of the culinary offerings at Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh include Corby’s, the multi cuisine three-meal restaurant, where guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast spread that features a wide variety of local and international delicacies along with lunch or supper and indulge in a variety of drinks at the bar. KOYO KOYO is the property’s Pan Asian restaurant and bar, in addition to a thoughtfully designed Hyatt Centric Lounge that serves authentic tea and coffee.

Differentiated Experiences for Guests

To help savvy explorers discover more in Chandigarh and see the city from a fresh point of view the hotel has curated a unique ‘17 ways to Chandigarh’ to give them a memorable experience and a reason to visit again.  The 17 experiences are curated to capture cultural tourist destinations, nature and sports activities. Along with spots like Rock Garden and the museums in Sector 10 which give a panoramic view of Le Corbusier’s planned city, the 17 experiences also include activities such as golfing, cycling, shooting, dancing the bhangra, and a scenic walk through Pinjore Garden and Rose Garden.

Fitness and Wellbeing

For wellbeing and leisure, unwind at the hotel’s outdoor pool. Located on the first floor, Viram – a place of respite – leverages five essential elements to realign the body and brings guests to a state of equilibrium so that you are ready for your next adventure. Catering to fitness enthusiasts staying at the hotel, the Fitness Center, is accessible to all guests and is fully furnished with high-tech cardio and fitness equipment from TechnoGym.

Event Space

To celebrate the beautiful milestones of life, the hotel has approximately 26,000 square feet of event space. With three dedicated indoor and outdoor venues spread across the ground and first floor, Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh invites guests to utilise The Living room, Centric Studio and Crystal Room, which all open into the lawn, terrace and the pool area and can be used both for social and business purposes.

Wellness Workshop Organized by Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&wssc) at Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

New Delhi: With a vision to promote overall wellbeing, B&WSSC, BEAUTY, AND WELLNESS SECTOR SKILL COUNCIL organized a 360* Wellness Workshop for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The main objective of this workshop was to impart knowledge about leading a holistic lifestyle in our busy day-to-day life and to maintain a healthy balance of good eating habits, exercise, yoga, meditation and self-care. The workshop was inaugurated by Shri K. K. Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, MSDE with an encouraging and motivating opening address. Mrs. Monica Bahl, CEO-B&WSSC, Mrs. Shruti Pandey, Deputy Director MSDE and Acharya Ravindra, SVyasa University. joined in the endeavor and had special sessions.

The workshop made people appreciate the vast knowledge about food we, as Indians, have
inherited from our ancestors and how the concepts of balanced diet and satvik food are gaining
momentum across the globe. The participants practiced a few physical and meditative Yoga
exercises for an overall happy and healthy living. The take away of the workshop was to learn
how to thrive with positive energy rather than survive on a daily basis.

The session started with conducting the Body Composition Analysis (BCA), sponsored by
InBody for the MSDE officials. The detailed individual BCA report stating BMI, WHR,
segmented Fat mass, Lean body mass, Visceral fat etc. were recorded & explained to theparticipants.

Dr. K K Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, MSDE also shared the importance of leading a healthy life
and adapting healthy lifestyle practices like reading books, disconnecting from social media
at regular intervals, spending time with family, being content and doing Yoga.
Mrs. Monica Bahl, CEO-B&WSSC, talked about how eating simple, seasonal &; sensible home
cooked food not only improves our health & boosts our immunity but also makes us
beautiful from inside out.

Mrs. Shruti Pandey, Deputy Director MSDE motivated the officials to learn & implement
these basic habits for enhancing their quality of life, thus improving the happiness quotient
at the work place.Yoga practices, as a way of life, were demonstrated by Acharya Ravindra, SVyasa University.
He taught the officials the new concept of desk-top yoga workouts with meditation for
de stressing &; leading a fulfilling life.Daily care regimen for skin, hands and feet and hair were shared with all the participants by Mrs.
Arshee Rehman from B&;WSSC.

Schneider Electric Lays Foundation of its new state-of-the-art Smart Factory in Telangana

Mumbai. September 30, 2022: Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today hosted the Groundbreaking Ceremony of its upcoming State-of-the-art Smart Factory at GMR Industrial Park in Hyderabad. The event was graced by the presence of Sri KT Rama Rao, Hon’ble Minister of IT, Industries, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Telangana, H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, and Mr. Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt. of Telangana, Industries and Commerce Department.

Spread over 18 acres, the upcoming unit will be the company’s second factory in Telangana, serving as a harbinger of growth while strengthening resilience in supply chain operations. The new facility will be developed in two phases. The first phase with 2 lakh sq. ft. facility area is expected to be completed in September 2023.

Minister KT Rama Rao at the ceremony, said, “I congratulate Schneider Electric on this momentous occasion. The upcoming smart factory will greatly contribute to the state’s economy, which is bolstering its position as a leading investment hotbed. With India rising as an economic powerhouse, the opportunities are huge. We believe this facility, apart from catering to the needs of the industry, will also magnify revenue generation opportunities and boost job creation.”

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, the Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, said, “I am proud to congratulate Schneider Electric on this new milestone. This factory will be a demonstration of how state-of-the-art technology can support sustainable manufacturing and job creation.  It is also emblematic of Telangana’s economic dynamism and attractiveness for French businesses. Schneider Electric’s decades-long presence in India is a success story that mirrors the strength of the Indo-French partnership and France’s commitment to helping India meet its sustainable development goals.”

“Today is a proud moment for us. The new upcoming state-of-the-art smart factory is a testament to our commitment to making Hyderabad a leading manufacturing hub in the country. We will be investing over INR 300 crores in this project, which will in turn create additional 1,000 jobs. We believe that as an industry leader, it is the most opportune time for us to accelerate our efforts and contribute to the economic growth of the country and individual states. We follow India for India and India for Globe strategy, manufacturing in India for local consumption, and global exports to over 30 countries. This project is set to contribute to our ongoing efforts for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. And I thank the State of Telangana for the support extended to make this dream a reality,” said Anil Chaudhry, Zone President, India, and CEO & MD Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Javed Ahmad, Sr. Vice President, Global Supply Chain, International Region, Schneider Electric added, “The vision behind this facility is to cater to the needs of our customers and be more resilient against future disruptions. The upcoming smart factory will harness the power of Industry 4.0 technologies to make better and faster decisions for enhanced customer experience. This new facility with 75% export volume capacity will strengthen our position as a reliable export hub for our global customers. Our manufacturing base expansion in Telangana will also amplify our contributions to the Make In India program.”

Schneider Electric is constantly leveraging new-age technologies to meet ever-changing customer needs. The company’s success is resonated across the world. The existing Schneider Electric Smart Factory in Hyderabad recently earned the recognition of an Advanced Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum.  Manufacturing mission-critical products, this Hyderabad smart factory has leveraged Schneider Electric’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) based EcoStruxure Solutions backed by AI deep learning, IIOT infrastructure, and both predictive and prescriptive analytics.

Refex Industries Limited grants ESOPs

Mumbai, 30 September 2022: Reflex Industries Limited (Reflex), a company listed on NSE & BSE and working as a part of Reflex Group, recently announced to give employee stock option plan (ESOP) which would be vested within the next 5 years. Reflex had announced the ESOPs’ distribution for all eligible employees in the first tranche, on account of healthy growth.

“This scheme was started with 20,00,000 options that were set aside for employees, of which 7,00,009 Equity Shares were granted in the first tranche to some of the employees”, said Anil Jain, MD of Reflex.

Reflex is a diversified business involved in the area of Coal and Ash handling, Power Trading, Solar power generation, and Refrigerant Gases manufacturing and re-filling. It is a pioneer in environmentally acceptable refrigerant gases.

The distribution of such ESOPs has been made inclusive and includes employees across all ranks and levels of Reflex.

“The past 20 years have been a remarkable journey where we have been able to establish ourselves as a strong player in our business verticals. We have also been able to expand our business verticals over the years. This grant of ESOP will further motivate the employees and we will together work harder in our endeavor to scale newer heights as Reflex”, concludes Anil Jain, MD of Reflex.

Education Destination: Les Roches Marbella, Mediterranean style campus with international influence

^30th September 2022: Celebrating the 25^th anniversary of its campus in Marbella, Andalusia, Spain the prestigious Les Roches Hospitality Business School is a unique educational destination for students from all over the world.

Set in the heart of a paradise-like setting, in the sublime Spanish Costa del Sol resort, Marbella in southern Spain in the Andalusia region, the school accommodates over 1,800 students from 100 different nationalities.

The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and restaurants.

The Marbella campus is an open-air classroom, surrounded by luxury establishments and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine all year round.

Hospitality Education at Les Roches Marbella, therefore, does not stop in the classroom. The balance between theoretical knowledge together with practical applications is a strong component of the curricula and supports the development of professional skills with the aim of shaping tomorrow’s managers. All these elements are combined to prepare students to face complex professional situations in a multicultural environment, with the thoroughness and sense of innovation that characterize the school. In addition to the teaching provided, Les Roches stands out for its innovative vision through its numerous partnerships with emblematic brands in the innovation and hotel sectors. A true source of inspiration for students as it offers a guide in determining their future careers.

Building on its success, with a student population that has increased by over 65% in the last decade, Les Roches is also inaugurating a brand-new Mediterranean-style student residence this year: Bahia, increasing its residential capacity by 20%. With this state-of-the-art accommodation, Les Roches Marbella stands out from other international schools in the area.

Benefiting from a modern campus with hi-tech teaching, students have the opportunity of growing in an outstanding environment that guarantees excellence. Four restaurants are available to ensure a healthy, tasty diet on a daily basis.

Located in the direct vicinity of the campus, the new Bahía residence will offer students a wide choice of rooms and apartments: individual or double rooms, junior and superior suites with en-suite bathrooms, and technological amenities (mini-bar, audiovisual connections, coffee machines…). Available also 34 apartments with fully fitted kitchens, air-conditioning, and state-of-the-art smart TVs.

The residence will have a transfer service, 24-hour security, a cleaning service, and electric car chargers. The end of the year will see the opening of a fully operational restaurant opened to the public, the finalization of co-working areas, individual meeting rooms and common study areas as well as the completion of a fully equipped gym and spa with sauna and heated pool.

The aim is to provide a new home where students can create and enjoy great experiences as well as leave a legacy of memories.

Les Roches Marbella offers its students a truly dynamic and enriching life experience in an exceptional setting. This ideal place to embark on hospitality undergraduate, graduate or professional development programs.

All India Prosecutors Association (AIPA) inks agreement with International Association of Prosecutors (the Hague)

Hyderabad, September 30th, 2022: In what will emerge as a major recognition for the prosecutors from India, the All India Prosecutors Association (AIPA) has signed an agreement with the International Association of Prosecutors, which has its headquarters at the Hague. On behalf of AIPA, the agreement was signed on Tuesday, September 27th, by Mr. Padma Rao Lakkaraju, Vice President, AIPA, and a prominent legal practitioner from Hyderabad and is also the standing Counsel of NHAI & TTD, signed the agreement on behalf of AIPA, and will continue to act as the ‘Organisational member’ of IAP in India.

Established in June 1995 at the United Nations offices in Vienna, the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) is the only worldwide organization of prosecutors.  The Association now has more than 183 organizational members from over 177 different countries, representing every continent, as well as many individual members. The main impetus leading to its formation was the rapid growth in serious transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud.

AIPA signed the agreement during the 27th Annual Conference & General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecuting currently underway at Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. The conference is being organized to look at the impact of the pandemic on criminal justice systems and examine whether the strategies and digital technologies deployed to ensure business continuity are both desirable and sustainable in the long term. It also looks at the rapid growth in the prevalence and sophistication of cybercrimes and the enormous challenges these bring to criminal justice actors.

Mr. Padma Rao Lakkaraju commented on this development, “The signing of this agreement between the All India Prosecutors Association and the International Association of Prosecutors (Hague) will open doors for greater international collaborations between legal professionals from India and those from around the World. This agreement will also provide an opportunity for Indian legal eagles to gain immensely from the knowledge available across all member nations.”

In a series of bilateral meetings Mr. Padma Rao Lakkaraju had with multiple representatives from various judicial bodies, the latter agreed to make engage with prosecutors from India on various fronts. During such a bilateral discussion with Nazhat Shameem Khan, Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court, the Hague – Netherlands, who expressed interest to engage with prosecutors from India, though the Republic of India is not a party to the ICC. In another meeting, Mr. Lidislav Harman, President of Eurojust (the Hague) also expressed interest in exploring the possibilities of employing Indian Prosecutors on deputation to Eurojust. Mr. Thomas N. Burrows, Associate Director of the International Affairs, US Department of Justice too agreed to cooperate in exploring the possibilities of engaging the Indian Prosecutors on deputation in UNODC.

The IAP is an International Community of Prosecutors committed to setting and raising standards of professional conduct and ethics for Prosecutors worldwide; promoting the rule of law, fairness, impartiality, and respect for human rights, and improving international cooperation to combat crime. And this is the first-ever time an Indian legal professional has represented the country on this platform.