Archive: October 3, 2022

Union Bank of India launches 9 Union Learning Academies

Mumbai, October 01, 2022: Union Bank of India today launched 9 Learning and Development “Centers of Excellence” (CoEs) christened as the Union Learning Academies (ULAs). The academies was launched today by Ms. A. Manimekhalai, MD & CEO, in Mumbai under the initiative of Union Prerna, the renowned HR Transformation project of the Bank. The launch event took place in presence of all dignitaries of the bank, including the Executive Directors Shri Nitesh Ranjan,Shri Rajneesh Karnatak and Shri NidhuSaxena.

The project focusses on re-designing the existing Learning and Development (L&D) ecosystem to develop a future-ready talent pool with skill sets that complement the vision of the bank and to make learning more Inclusive, Innovative and Inspiring. To achieve this aim, these ULAs will focus on specialized domains like Leadership Development, Corporate Business, Credit, Risk Management, Strategy, Agri-finance, Sales &Marketing, Operations and Digitalization. The Bank has strategically ensured to establish these CoEs pan-India in Bangalore, Mangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Lucknow and Gurgaon.

At the launch event, Ms. Manimekhalai emphasized the importance of having industry-best skill sets among all Unionites. She gave her compliments to all the ULA teams for embarking on this journey of establishing the academies. She also congratulated everyone for Union bank of India’s achievement of crossing the 18-lac crore mark today.

With the vision of transforming Union Bank of India into a continuous learning organization, the ULAs will impart training on industry-leading skills through dedicated and specialized internal as well as external trainers. The ULAs will also partner with other institutes to provide cutting-edge trainings with latest methodologies along with strong pool of certifications for the Bank employees.

With this launch, the Union bank of India is looking forward to providing global best-in-class learning opportunities to all employees across their lifetime in the Bank for a personalized career trajectory building a succession pipeline as well.

Indian Smartphone market clocks 44% value growth for offline retail in H1 2022

Mumbai, 3^rd October 2022: According to GfK Market Intelligence Report, in the first half of 2022, value growth of 44% YoY in the smartphone segment is observed vis-a-vis 2021. As consumers shift back to pre-pandemic normalcy is a major driver for an uptick in smartphone growth at the back of hybrid work culture.

“The offline channel growth of smartphones reached 2019 sales levels in 2021. In 2022, it is projected to grow by 25-30% over 2021 by value in offline channels; thus the year ahead looks optimistic complemented by festive season sales. All of this is possible due to, we Indians, coming to Normalcy 38% faster than the rest of the world” explains Dheeraj Mukherjee, Head of Sales – India, GfK. 

The contribution of the>20K price band category has evolved from approximately 17% in 2017 to 40% in H1’22 in the offline market. This signifies that there is a 2.5X jump in the contribution of +20K handsets from 2017.

The 20k+ price segment shows growth across all tier cities- with Tier 4 cities witnessing maximum growth in the price segment in H12022 vis-à-vis H12019 at a staggering 240% growth followed by Tier 3 cities with 186% growth, Tier 2 at 162% growth, and 86% growth in Tier 1 cities. Tiers 5 and above cities witnessed over 120% growth. The contribution in the same time period was led by Tier 1 cities at 59%.

As per GfK’s Consumer Life Study 2022, surveyed amongst the Indian urban consumers, especially the younger demographic it was observed that 64% like to be seen with the latest tech products. While 46% of the them  used an electronic payment service like UPI, Paytm, or GPay. Post-pandemic the element of convenience is a big factor that influences purchase decisions – 62% of Indian consumers want tech which knows them and can make recommendations, thereby making their day-to-day life easier. These trends cumulatively can offer to be a tailwind opportunity for smartphone retailers in the Indian market.

The ASP of smartphones has increased up to 34% in 2021 vs 2017 while it increased 65% in 2022 O2 vs 2017 Q1. This positive uptick is an opportunity for both manufacturers and retailers to garner profit in the coming quarters; basis on data by GfK.

GfK. Growth from Knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have earned the trust of our clients around the world by supporting them in business-critical decision-making processes around consumers, markets, brands, and media. Our reliable data and insights, together with advanced AI capabilities, have revolutionized access to real-time, actionable recommendations that drive marketing, sales, and organizational effectiveness of our clients and partners. That’s how we promise and deliver Growth from Knowledge.

IOSCO Secretary General, FPSB CEO Discuss the Impact of Financial Planning on Investor Resilience This World Financial Planning Day

DENVER, COLO – 3 October 2022 – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) and its global network of financial planning professional bodies host the sixth annual World Financial Planning Day (WFPD) on Wednesday, 5 October, in partnership with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week (WIW) from 3-9 October, to promote global consumer financial literacy and resilience.

In a Fireside Chat to be broadcasted on FPSB social media channels on World Financial Planning Day, FPSB CEO Noel Maye and IOSCO Secretary General Martin Moloney discuss IOSCO’s goals for World Investor Week, the challenges facing members of the public as they seek to manage finances and plan for the future, and the impact that financial planning and a global community of CFP professionals can have on consumer wellbeing and resilience. “Financial planning plays a critical role in helping a client build financial resilience and be able to deal with the problems that come around the corner for all of us,” said IOSCO Secretary General Martin Moloney.

FPSB’s World Financial Planning Day raises awareness among the public about the value of financial planning, of having a financial plan, and working with a financial planner who has committed to competency and ethical standards, like a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional.

“Given the impacts of an increasingly digitalized world, cryptocurrencies, influencers, geopolitical conflicts, inflationary trends, and lingering uncertainty around COVID, it’s more important than ever that FPSB and the global CFP professional community promote the value of financial planning and having a plan,” said FPSB CEO Noel Maye. “This World Financial Planning Day, we want the public to know how financial planning can help them feel more confident and in control of their finances, keep them on track with goals, and live their today while planning their tomorrow.”

FPSB and its network of financial planning professional bodies, representing more than 203,000 CFP professionals worldwide, will host a series of programs and events to raise awareness of the value of financial planning in celebration of World Financial Planning Day. Activities include:

• Australia: FPA Australia will host Financial Planning Week from 3-9 October, with the release of a custom measurement index and research that reflects the value of financial advice.
• Brazil: Planejar – Associação Brasileira de Planejamento Financeiro will host virtual consumer events on financial planning and investment topics from 3-7 October.
• China: FPSB China will host in-person and virtual events to raise awareness of financial planning.
• Chinese Taipei: The World Investor Week Forum hosted by the Financial Planning Association of Taiwan from 4-6 October will provide an in-depth analysis of market trends to help the public gain financial knowledge related to global inflation.
• Germany: FPSB Deutschland will conduct virtual consumer events from 3-7 October to raise awareness about the value of financial planning.
• Hong Kong: The Institute of Financial Planners Hong Kong will host a virtual event on best practices of wealth transfer planning on 5 October.
• India: FPSB India will participate in the National Stock Exchange of India bell-ringing ceremony on 4 October to kick off World Financial Planning Day, host TV and virtual discussions with CFP professionals on the evolution and value of financial planning, a live YouTube session with a CFP practitioner on personal finance, and in-person sessions with students and employees on the importance of financial planning in the first week of October.
• Indonesia: Virtual consumer events on a variety of financial planning topics will be hosted by FPSB Indonesia and FPAI from 5-9 October.
• Japan: Japan Association for Financial Planners is raising awareness of financial planning with an extensive media and social media campaign.
• Malaysia: Pro bono financial planning sessions from CFP professionals and in-person and virtual financial education events are being facilitated throughout September and October by the
• Financial Planning Association of Malaysia in partnership with SmartFinance and #FinPlan4U.
• Republic of Korea: FPSB Korea launched a video contest to address the question, “What are you doing to better your future?” and will grant awards to winners on 5 October.
• Singapore: Financial Planning Association of Singapore will host in-person and virtual consumer events on a variety of financial planning topics and publish articles, blogs, and brochures to
• raise awareness about the value of financial planning.
• South Africa: FPI of Southern Africa will celebrate Financial Planning Week in partnership with ASISA Foundation from 3-7 October as part of World Financial Planning Day, which will
• include Facebook live sessions and podcasts on a range of financial planning topics, workshops, and pro bono financial planning consultations.
• Thailand: Consumer-facing articles from the Thai Financial Planners Association that cover a range of financial planning topics will be featured and supported by a media outreach and social media campaign.
• The Netherlands: Federatie Financieel Planners will host Plan Your Future. Live Today (“Plan je toekomst; Leef Vandaag”) from 3-7 October and publish financial planning articles for consumers and professionals.
• United Kingdom: Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment hosts its Financial Planning Week from 3-9 October to advance financial literacy and money management skills across the UK, which includes a #10DaysOfFinancialPlanning social media campaign.
• United States: CFP Board will host its 5th Annual Diversity Summit to advance diversity in the financial planning profession on 27 October.
  For more information about World, Financial Planning Day visit WorldFPDay.org and follow the #WFPD2022 conversations on FPSB social media channels. To view the on-demand FPSB and IOSCO Fireside Chat, please tune into FPSB’s social media channels LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter during World Financial Planning Day on 5 October.

Journalists: For a preview of the Fireside Chat, go here. Fireside Chat recording is under EMBARGO until 23:00h UTC on Tuesday, 4 October 2022.

Honda Cars India registers 29% growth in domestic sales in September’22

New Delhi, October 01, 2022: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, registered monthly domestic sales of 8,714 units in September’22 registering a growth of 29% over the same period last year.The export numbers for HCIL stood at 2,333 units in September’22.

Sharing thoughts on the Sept’22 sales performance, Mr. Yuichi Murata, Director, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “The festive demand for has been strong and continues to show good momentum. On the supply side, we were able to increase our factory output compared to last month which is also a positive for the festive sales in terms of better availability of Honda cars during Navratras, Dussehra and Diwali period. Our volume models, Honda City and Amaze continue to nurture customer trust and clock good sales. City e:HEV is giving us additional opportunity to serve our customers with advanced electrified mobility solution and we are getting exceptional user feedback from them.”

The company had registered 6,765 units in domestic sales and exported 2,964 units in September’21.

IOSCO Secretary General, FPSB CEO Discuss the Impact of Financial Planning on Investor Resilience This World Financial Planning Day

DENVER, COLO – 3 October 2022 – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) and its global network of financial planning professional bodies host the sixth annual World Financial Planning Day (WFPD) on Wednesday, 5 October, in partnership with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week (WIW) from 3-9 October, to promote global consumer financial literacy and resilience.

In a Fireside Chat to be broadcasted on FPSB social media channels on World Financial Planning Day, FPSB CEO Noel Maye and IOSCO Secretary General Martin Moloney discuss IOSCO’s goals for World Investor Week, the challenges facing members of the public as they seek to manage finances and plan for the future, and the impact that financial planning and a global community of CFP professionals can have on consumer wellbeing and resilience. “Financial planning plays a critical role in helping a client build financial resilience and be able to deal with the problems that come around the corner for all of us,” said IOSCO Secretary General Martin Moloney.

FPSB’s World Financial Planning Day raises awareness among the public about the value of financial planning, of having a financial plan, and working with a financial planner who has committed to competency and ethical standards, like a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional.

“Given the impacts of an increasingly digitalized world, cryptocurrencies, influencers, geopolitical conflicts, inflationary trends, and lingering uncertainty around COVID, it’s more important than ever that FPSB and the global CFP professional community promote the value of financial planning and having a plan,” said FPSB CEO Noel Maye. “This World Financial Planning Day, we want the public to know how financial planning can help them feel more confident and in control of their finances, keep them on track with goals, and live their today while planning their tomorrow.”

FPSB and its network of financial planning professional bodies, representing more than 203,000 CFP professionals worldwide, will host a series of programs and events to raise awareness of the value of financial planning in celebration of World Financial Planning Day. Activities include:

• Australia: FPA Australia will host Financial Planning Week from 3-9 October, with the release of a custom measurement index and research that reflects the value of financial advice.
• Brazil: Planejar – Associação Brasileira de Planejamento Financeiro will host virtual consumer events on financial planning and investment topics from 3-7 October.
• China: FPSB China will host in-person and virtual events to raise awareness of financial planning.
• Chinese Taipei: The World Investor Week Forum hosted by the Financial Planning Association of Taiwan from 4-6 October will provide an in-depth analysis of market trends to help the public gain financial knowledge related to global inflation.
• Germany: FPSB Deutschland will conduct virtual consumer events from 3-7 October to raise awareness about the value of financial planning.
• Hong Kong: The Institute of Financial Planners Hong Kong will host a virtual event on best practices of wealth transfer planning on 5 October.
• India: FPSB India will participate in the National Stock Exchange of India bell-ringing ceremony on 4 October to kick off World Financial Planning Day, host TV and virtual discussions with CFP professionals on the evolution and value of financial planning, a live YouTube session with a CFP practitioner on personal finance, and in-person sessions with students and employees on the importance of financial planning in the first week of October.
• Indonesia: Virtual consumer events on a variety of financial planning topics will be hosted by FPSB Indonesia and FPAI from 5-9 October.
• Japan: Japan Association for Financial Planners is raising awareness of financial planning with an extensive media and social media campaign.
• Malaysia: Pro bono financial planning sessions from CFP professionals and in-person and virtual financial education events are being facilitated throughout September and October by the
• Financial Planning Association of Malaysia in partnership with SmartFinance and #FinPlan4U.
• Republic of Korea: FPSB Korea launched a video contest to address the question, “What are you doing to better your future?” and will grant awards to winners on 5 October.
• Singapore: Financial Planning Association of Singapore will host in-person and virtual consumer events on a variety of financial planning topics and publish articles, blogs, and brochures to
• raise awareness about the value of financial planning.
• South Africa: FPI of Southern Africa will celebrate Financial Planning Week in partnership with ASISA Foundation from 3-7 October as part of World Financial Planning Day, which will
• include Facebook live sessions and podcasts on a range of financial planning topics, workshops, and pro bono financial planning consultations.
• Thailand: Consumer-facing articles from the Thai Financial Planners Association that cover a range of financial planning topics will be featured and supported by a media outreach and social media campaign.
• The Netherlands: Federatie Financieel Planners will host Plan Your Future. Live Today (“Plan je toekomst; Leef Vandaag”) from 3-7 October and publish financial planning articles for consumers and professionals.
• United Kingdom: Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment hosts its Financial Planning Week from 3-9 October to advance financial literacy and money management skills across the UK, which includes a #10DaysOfFinancialPlanning social media campaign.
• United States: CFP Board will host its 5th Annual Diversity Summit to advance diversity in the financial planning profession on 27 October.
  For more information about World, Financial Planning Day visit WorldFPDay.org and follow the #WFPD2022 conversations on FPSB social media channels. To view the on-demand FPSB and IOSCO Fireside Chat, please tune into FPSB’s social media channels LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter during World Financial Planning Day on 5 October.

Journalists: For a preview of the Fireside Chat, go here. Fireside Chat recording is under EMBARGO until 23:00h UTC on Tuesday, 4 October 2022.

Real Estate Horizon To Shine Bright Amidst Festive Season…

by Mr. Harshvardhan Tibrewala, Director at Roha Realty

The dawn of the festive season is all set to bring celebratory cheer, fortunes of opportune & inspiring shoots of recovery to the COVID-stricken realty sector.

The real estate sector, across all its verticals, have set its hopes high on the arrival of festivities to accelerate revenues.

Reports have shown significant signs of growth even as demands for residential properties have witnessed a substantial rise due to increased interest in better lifestyles, spacious homes & modern amenities.

According to a recent report by ANAROCK, despite many windstorms, residential activity in Q2 2022 remained stable across major 7 cities of India with a record of 84,930 units being sold during that period while new launches stood at 82,150 units, hinting an aspiring demand & tough resilience of the real estate sector which is said to expect a 20-30% growth this festive season.

Even as developers have increased the prices of properties & the RBI has hiked the repo rate by 140 bps, housing sales have shown a phenomenal trend with genuine buyers seizing home deals irrespective of any economic changes happening in the background.

This trend is said to be continued in the festive season as well due to the following reasons :

1. The pandemic has made ‘homeownership’ a sustaining priority amongst the millennials.
2. Despite three successive rate hikes by the RBI, interest rates continue to be lower than during the global financial crisis of 2008 when they went as high as 12% and above.
3. Several new projects with attractive brokerages, new schemes, exciting offers & discounted deals.
4. The market is filled with ready-to-move-in properties acknowledging the interests of eager home buyers.
With the festive season ringing bells of celebrations, both realtors & buyers have the potential scope of mutual success.

Yokohama India-backed endurance expedition sets new record for the fastest North to South expedition on four wheels

New Delhi 3 October 2022: Endurance traveling enthusiast, Paras Bhimta, backed by Yokohama India, has successfully accomplished the fastest North to South expedition on four wheels in the solo category. The demanding expedition was a testament to the tenacity and zeal shown by Bhimta even after inclement weather conditions challenged him.

The endurance expedition, which was to begin on September 20th, 2022, finally got underway on the 23rd of September due to unruly weather. The weather could not dampen the gutsy spirits of Paras Bhimta and his vehicle, which was underpinned by four long-lasting Yokohama Geolandar AT G015. The expedition concluded in a record-breaking time frame of 55 hours and 38 minutes, beating the previous record of 56 hours and 20 minutes.

“Our plans to start on the 20th failed since the weather was troublesome. What kept me going and propelled me to give it another try on the 23rd was my trust in the ever-reliable Geolandars attached to my vehicle. There was no terrain in the length and breadth of India that could challenge the durability of these tires. The four Geolanders were built to last, and they just did that for the whole journey of 4000 km. It was the sheer consistency in contrasting conditions, like in the freezing temperatures of Leh to the wet road conditions midway and even on hot tarmac. I experienced ultimate grip throughout the journey.” said Paras Bhima

The Geolandar AT G015 by Yokohama is a high-dimension all-terrain tire that has unmatched durability and longer tread life. It has been specifically designed for excellent wet grip and off-road traction. The features of this tire made it an appropriate choice that encouraged a stress-free attempt for such a record-breaking expedition.

On the success of this arduous endeavor, Harshwardhan Honmode, Director of Yokohama India, said, “The resilient spirit of Paras Bhimta personifies Yokohama India’s brand philosophy, which is celebrating the motoring lifestyle. We cannot be more proud of the remarkable feat he has been able to accomplish. On the toughest terrains and contrasting road conditions of India both Paras and our Geolandar Tyres proved that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. We look forward to more challenges of attrition to showcase our durability.”

Acharya Prashant launches Maya – I Bow to Thee, You Cannot be Overcome’ External

National, October 3rd, 2022: One of the most acclaimed teachers of spiritual awakening in today’s world, Acharya Prashant, unveils his latest book – ‘Maya – I Bow to Thee, You Cannot be Overcome’. Published by Jaico, the book challenges readers to have the courage to let go of their old beliefs and to pay the price for an authentic life, and to love the unvarnished truth.

Acharya Prashant guides us toward a genuine understanding of Maya as she manifests in our daily lives at a time when much neo-spirituality is just about tools for a different kind of entertainment. What distinguishes this work from others is the use of common metaphor and timeless wisdom in a modern setting.

When you truly understand how everything in your mind is an illusion (Maya), and how Maya will never stop pursuing you as long as you are attached to a physical body, that in and of itself brings peace. One then gives up the pursuit and savors the tension. Every chapter of this book is based on audience members’ interactions with Acharya Prashant. The readers gain a valuable kaleidoscopic perspective as they explore the variety of human conditions, misunderstandings, and inquiries.

Commenting on the launch of his latest book, acclaimed Vedanta Teacher & Bestselling Author, Acharya Prashant said, “My interactions with audiences for over a decade inspired me to write this book as people need to understand the commonly used, but misunderstood spiritual term “Maya”. The reader of this book would have a scientific understanding of Maya, which is anything that compulsively permeates our mental space and occupies our consciousness.” 

Akash Shah, Publisher at Jaico Publishing House, said “Acharya Prashant is a leading authority on Vedanta, guiding millions of people to our timeless Vedantic wisdom. People struggle to understand Maya because, by definition, she is elusive. Acharya ji clarifies the significance of Maya in our lives through this book. It gives us great pleasure to publish Maya.” 

Acharya Prashant’s fearless message has improved the lives of people, animals, and earth itself with his books. He has authored over 100 books on important subjects such as Joy, Love, and Marriage to commentaries on the Scriptures, including his national bestseller, ‘Karma- Why Everything You Know About It Is Wrong’. Recently, more than six of his books have been listed as bestsellers on Amazon.