Archive: December 26, 2022

Master planning for Meghalaya’s tourist routes in the spirit of sustainable tourism

Mumbai/Shillong/Hyderabad, 26 December 2022, Meghalaya’s tourist industry has the potential to grow significantly, and the state’s leaders have set their sights on making the most of this opportunity by establishing it as a regulated sector of the economy. Since Meghalaya became an independent state, the Tourism Department has worked to cultivate favourable conditions that would entice visitors from all over the world to come and enjoy the unique culture of the region. More capital must be invested in the industry, and there must be stronger ties to financial institutions as well as a focus on capacity training for the different stakeholders. There is a wealth of educated people and resources in Meghalaya that might help support the delivery systems, and the state’s natural scenery is stunning. Because of this, the government has made it a priority to foster tourism’s growth so that it may become a significant contributor to the State’s GDP.

Meghalaya is widely regarded as one of the most visually appealing states in the nation, and the state possesses sufficient tourism content and the potential to attract tourists with a wide variety of interests. As a result, it is anticipated that an increase in the number of tourists who travel to the state, as well as an acceleration in the flow of domestic and international tourists, will occur in the not-too-distant future. Foot traffic from tourists was 12.7 lakh in 2019, and it is anticipated that this number will exceed 15 lakh by the year 2024. While the number of tourists visiting the area is growing, efforts are being made to enhance the facilities in a way that is environmentally friendly. A comprehensive study of the tourism industry has shed light on a number of problems, one of which is a lack of adequate infrastructure in the form of accommodations for tourists.

The federal and state governments are also making efforts to promote Meghalaya as a travel destination, with a focus on a variety of elements including adventure, culture, and sustainable and ethical tourism. The government of Meghalaya, together with a number of other government and non-government organizations, has put on a number of events designed to entice tourists. The government has implemented a number of different initiatives, such as encouraging ecotourism and locally developed products, with the goal of making tourism more sustainable. Some recent examples can be seen on the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Shillong Literary Festival. While the main festivities of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival are held at Polo Ground, lesser celebrations extend around the city. The festival takes place in many locations, including Ward’s Lake. The lake is lovely at any time of year, but right now is exceptionally exquisite with its delicate pastel pink hue. The major festival location, Polo Ground, is situated within easy walking distance of Shillong Golf Course, often known as Golflink.

In addition, Meghalaya hosted the great “Megha Kayak festival” in October 2022. This area receives some of the heaviest rain in the country, which helps to fill the many rivers in the region during the monsoon. This is the promised land for those who travel the rivers on their feet. The runoff causes dangerous rapids and imposing cascades that only a seasoned navigator should attempt. You may rest guaranteed that you will feel elated and fulfilled after completing each run. Meghalaya, with its varied landscape and perennial rivers fed by the strong monsoon and glacier melts, is emblematic of India’s potential as a global kayaking destination. That’s why some of the best kayakers in the world have been flocking there in recent years. Nouria Newman and Adrian Mattern were among the international kayakers that flocked to the Umtrew river in the East Khasi Hills in October 2022 for the Megha Kayak Festival.

This year, some of the most well-known bands in the country and abroad will perform at The Hills Festival in Meghalaya. Organizers of the festival have now released details about the performers and other attractions they have planned for the event’s attendees. The impressive line-up features musicians from all around the world, including Taba Chake, Bloodywood, Hanumankind, Featherheads, Karan Kanchan, The F16S, DBryn, Trance Effect, and Daminot. This year’s event organizers have made a number of environmentally friendly changes in order to fulfil their duty to protect the environment. Everything at the venue, from the advertising backgrounds to the art installations, will be made from eco-friendly, cutting-edge technology.

In addition to these events, the government has launched a number of programs to improve the tourist industry’s infrastructure and train workers to serve visitors better. If the proper training is provided, the tourism industry may be a significant source of new jobs. The department’s mission training partners include IL&FS Education, B-ABLE, Avenues, ETPL India, IHM & FCI, etc. These collaborating organizations have extensive experience at both the national and international levels, making them ideal for supporting the tourism mission with the expertise it needs to succeed. There has been training in areas such as personal grooming and developing employable skills in hospitality and service, front desk work (including communication), housekeeping, food and beverage service, food and beverage production, outdoor and adventure activities, and the cultivation of masons’ and electricians’ tradesman ship. In the previous several months, about 1410 young people have been taught in these skills by the training partners, and 574 of them have been put in various roles within and outside the state. The education and development of two thousand young people is the objective for the current year.

Homestay Scheme was launched to provide opportunity to the skilled citizens to start their own venture by constructing and managing a homestay. The Homestay Scheme was designed with convergence with the PMEGP Program to facilitate construction of 2500 Homestays across the state to give an impetus to the tourism ecosystem of the state. With a subsidy of upto 70%, the scheme will facilitate faster creation of the tourism facilities within the state.

Pic Source: Perfect relations

Kirloskar System announces Appointment of Manasi Tata as Director on the board of Kirloskar Joint Venture Companies

Bangalore 26th December 2022: Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. (KSPL) today announced the appointment of Ms. Manasi Tata as Director on the board of KSPL’s joint-venture companies, including Toyota Industries Engine India Pvt. Ltd. (TIEI), Kirloskar Toyota Textile Machinery Pvt. Ltd. (KTTM), Toyota Material Handling India Pvt. Ltd. (TMHIN), and Denso Kirloskar Industries Pvt. Ltd. (DNKI).

To take effect immediately, Ms. Manasi Tata’s appointment as Director, comes after the untimely passing of her father, Late. Mr. Vikram S. Kirloskar, former Chairman & Managing Director, KSPL. His wife, Mrs. Geetanjali Kirloskar, has already taken charge as the new Chairman & Managing Director at KSPL.

Ms. Manasi Tata, a graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design in the US, is trained in Toyota manufacturing processes and the Japanese work culture.

A fifth-generation scion of the Kirloskar empire, Ms. Manasi Tata holds art very close to her heart and her NGO, “Caring with Colour” leverages this passion of hers, works with government schools in 3 districts of Karnataka.

Deeply intertwined with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, Ms. Manasi Tata is truly committed to take forward her father’s vision and dream, contributing towards accomplishing national goals and remains dedicated towards keeping up the strength of partnership with various stakeholders, and the relationships that have grown stronger over the years.

SIDBI – Inauguration of Branch Office at Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram District

Hyderabad, December 26th, 2022, Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) inaugurated on December 24, 2022 new furnished branch of SIDBI on the Bangalore-Chennai Highway, Sriperumbudur to cater to the growing financial requirements of MSMEs in SIPCOT & SIDCO industrial estates and the neighboring areas. SIDBI, CGM, Smt. Chitra Alai, and GM and Chennai Regional Head, Shri Ravindran A.L were also present.

In his inaugural address, Shri Ramann mentioned that SIDBI has been taking new initiatives to increase the flow of credit to MSMEs. SIDBI has fully digitised its lending processes to extend financial assistance in 48 hours. SIDBI has recently launch fully automated straight through process to sanction loans upto Rs. 50 lakh online within couple of hours. He advised that SIDBI is committed to increase the flow of credit to MSMEs particularly underserved/unserved MSMEs. He informed that SIDBI has been involved in drafting policies for providing timely financial assistance and liquidity to MSMEs. He emphasized on switch over from fossil fuel to renewable energy like solar, wind etc., with a view to become more sustainable and remain competitive and be part of national commitment on energy independence and carbon neutrality. The new Branch will continue to provide focused financial support (retail lending) to MSMEs located in the vicinity.

Shri Ramann also informed that promotion of women entrepreneurs with skilling, credit connect, and market connect is high on the agenda of SIDBI. SIDBI has taken up the cause of these micro women entrepreneurs and has launched on-boarding of women weavers from Kanchipuram on to the ONDC (digital e-commerce platform). To begin with, around 8 – 10 women silk saree weavers from Kanchipuram have been on-boarded with their catalogues displayed in ONDC thus bringing them global visibility.

During the event, he distributed certificates to women who had completed training (skilling) in tailoring, organized by SIDBI for the benefit of around 450 entrepreneurs in and around Kanchipuram as part of its Promotion and Development activities – livelihood support programme. The finished products with Zari, embroidery work etc. were on display. The programme is covered under the ’One District One Product’ scheme covering the textile sector prominent in Kanchipuram District.

Earlier during the day, Shri Ramann handed over sanction letter of Rs.5 lakh as grant assistance to TN State Livelihood Mission to Kanchipuram District Collector, Dr M Aarthi, IAS, under SIDBI’s Enterprise Development – market connect programme for carrying out interior work of the sales outlet (silk thread jewels and bridal jewels using beads and metals under the brand MATHI) at Sriperumbudur, set up for the benefit of Narikurava Community.

Network18, AU Small Finance Bank Celebrate Selfless Pursuits of Excellence Across India with the Finale Event of Badlaav Humse Hai – Every Change Matters

December 2022: Humanitarians serve society and win with welfare. Many of them often go unnoticed as they are silently engaged in initiatives for the betterment of others. Honouring twenty such personalities who have been spreading hope and joy in the lives of countless Indians, Network18 and Fortune India 500 company AU Small Finance Bank, organised the Badlaav Humse Hai – Every Change Matters finale event at Trident, BKC Mumbai on 16 December 2022.

The event commenced with a brilliant dance performance by wheelchair dance theatre group, Ability Unlimited, followed by the keynote address by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra and chief guest Eknath Shinde. “We have with us multiple inspiring personalities who, with their hard work and determination, have written new narratives of change in their respective domains. I congratulate every personality who has set such national examples by braving all odds,” the CM said.

Latha Venkatesh, Executive Editor, CNBC-TV18, opened the evening with guest of honour Shri Mangalprabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Women & Child Development, Government of Maharashtra. “I salute those people who dreamt and executed real change from the remotest corners of the country, thereby helping the government significantly in bringing in holistic welfare. The efforts by Network18 and AU Small Finance Bank put out a strong message of transforming lives, akin to Amrit Mahotsav,” he said.

He was joined by Sanjay Agarwal, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, and Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi on stage. Talking about the inception of AU Small Finance Bank’s slogan- Badlaav Humse Hai, Agarwal said, “As we introduced this tagline with a campaign featuring Aamir Khan last year, our efforts in bringing a revolution in banking came forth as huge catalysts of change.”

When asked to chart his excellent journey, Satyarthi said, “I was a 5-year-old school-goer in Vidisha who was pained by the helplessness of a cobbler child standing right outside our school. The generational concept of labour from his father had a deep impact on me regarding child labour. That was the turning point of my life.”

Beginning the first round of felicitation of Healthcare Nurturers with a pre-recorded speech by superstar-director Aamir Khan, changemakers Dr Subodh Kumar Singh, Dr Manoj Pandey, Kiran Verma, Swagatika Acharya, and Harjinder Singh were felicitated for their significant contributions.

Thereafter, actor & UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza; Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director, AU Small Finance Bank; and Dr Shrikant Shinde, Member of Lok Sabha graced the stage with their presence to start the second round of felicitation of environmental activists, titled ‘Heroes of Environment’. Divya Shetty & Vishnu Vardhaan; Amaresh Naresh Samanta; Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki’ DM Priyanka Niranjan; and Atul Sarin were honoured under this category.

“Covid presented first-of-its-kind challenges and we developed jumbo facilities in Mumbai. We even created a 1000-bed facility in Thane without any government funding” said Shrikant Shinde. “Banking, for me, is a service that pays back to society. Banking is such a strong platform that it touches everyone’s lives,” said Uttam Tibrewal.

Inspiring messages unfolded in the course of the evening with conversations between Latha and Sudha Murty, Founder Infosys Foundation, Educationist, Author & Philanthropist. She said, “For me, my country means people below the poverty line who must have food, shelter, clothing, education, and skill-building.” This was followed by a conversation on women reformists with Padma Shri awardee Sudha Varghese and actor-UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza.

“I happened to read about the impoverished conditions of the Musahar community in Bihar in Class 8 and that itself prompted me to work towards bringing positive change for tribal girls and women in Bihar,” said Sudha Varghese. “Environmental health is entirely connected to human health. We must repair our broken relationship with nature,” Dia Mirza said.

Thereafter, Dia Mirza, Sudha Varghese, and Actor & Entrepreneur Gul Panag felicitated ‘The Pathfinder’ Hasina Kharbhih, Ruma Devi, Dr Yoga S Nambiar, Sukhiya Bai, and Piyush Bardia.

Next up was another insightful chat with N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys. “Infosys has been participating in corporate philanthropy much before the government’s initiative’’ he said. Social worker Dr Prakash Baba Amte was invited on stage to share his insights on ‘Being a Visionary: Becoming a Changemaker’. He shared how the introduction to the tribals of Gadchiroli by his father, gave birth to the resolve of social welfare in him.

Amte’s inspirational story was followed by the last leg of felicitation of the ‘Progress Makers’, wherein Sultan Singh Palsania, Faisal Ali Dar, Dr Gayathri Vasudevan, Mahesh Jadhav, and Prateek Khandelwal were honoured for their significant efforts to improve the fabric of society.

The event concluded with vote of thanks Latha Venkatesh, Executive Editor, CNBC-TV18. She said, “From the northernmost to the southernmost tips of India, we have empowered 20 changemakers who have brought around a fair and sustainable change in their communities. It was indeed a rewarding experience for Network18 to witness such a constellation of changemakers grace our platform and inspire countless Indians.”

Real Estate Industry in 2023: Luxury housing uptick expected to continue

–Mr. Kamal Khetan, Chairman & Managing Director, Sunteck Realty Ltd

The Indian real estate (RE) market is expected to experience significant and favourable growth in the financial year 2023 (FY 23), fueled by a solid structural foundation and rising demand. Due to improving standards of living and population expansion, the demand for housing infrastructure has grown than ever, further bolstering India’s real estate market. The RE sector has experienced rapid growth in the recent years, and it is expected that this trend would continue in the years to come. The Indian real estate market is predicted to reach Rs. 13,00,000 crore by 2023 and touch $1 trillion in value by 2030, generating a large number of employment opportunities. The housing market, which propels and supports the real estate industry as a whole, is poised to experience boom. Prices are predicted to climb by 7.2% nationwide, according to Reuters (4-5% in Mumbai and Delhi, 5.5-6.5% in Chennai and Bengaluru).

HIGH DEMAND FOR LUXURY HOUSING IN INDIA

In India, the demand for luxury housing continues to grow exponentially. The new normal promoting work-from-home and hybrid work have made people realise the importance of comfortable and hassle-free lifestyle. As a result, an increasing number of purchasers are gravitating toward luxury properties as a lucrative investment choice. Data from ANAROCK Research shows that in the top seven cities, 1.84 lakh units were sold in the first half of the year, of which 14%, or 25,700 units, were in the luxury housing class. Given the favourable sentiment, it is clear that the market for luxury real estate has advanced up the growth ladder. Real estate’s luxury sector appears to have a promising future. As their consumer markets grow, Plotted Development, Luxury, and Uber luxury apartments will further solidify their market positions.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY HELPS THE INDIAN REAL ESTATE SECTOR GROW

Real estate’s fundamental concept has changed, expanding beyond the four walls to provide the end user with a complete 360-degree experience. The recent changes in the demographics of homebuyers have undoubtedly had a significant impact on the real estate market. Technology has enabled the real estate industry to reach its full potential by encouraging the use of digitalization and technological tools like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), big data, and analytics. On the horizon of the sector are automated homes employing the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and other technological advances. The real estate market is being disrupted by the digital technology revolution, which also offers tremendous opportunity to the sector to reach new heights. Technology has transformed real estate in every way and will continue to play a significant part in its digital transition.

Despite a positive outlook, the expansion of the Indian real estate market will be influenced by the efforts and policies that are announced in the upcoming Union Budget, changes in mortgage rates, the state of the employment markets, and the overall economic situation.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology successfully concluded a stimulating panel discussion on How sustainable is sustainability

Bengaluru, 26th December 2022: The IET Future Tech Congress 2022 featured expert opinions on the economic viability of sustainability, the current realities of the market, the influence of geopolitical contexts, and whether greenwashing is replacing on-ground action. The discussion was part of a special spotlight on sustainability at the IET Future Tech Congress 2022, organised by The Institution of Engineering and Technology. The segment is one of six special spotlights that were in focus for the event – Manufacturing, Mobility, Sustainability, Technology Standards, Fintech and Healthcare.

Speaking on the need for businesses to become active changemakers for sustainability, Pankaj Vyas, CEO & MD, Siemens Technology Pvt Ltd said, “The time is now, and every organisation must do their best to take care of the earth and the environment. In order to save the planet, we have to have a holistic approach to all aspects of the business. The way we are working today, we can create a digital twin of earth, but not a new earth. It is every organisation’s responsibility to do something about it, and the time is now.”

The sustainability spotlight consisted of a panel discussion on ‘How Sustainable is Sustainability’, chaired by Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director, The IET and featured Chethan Seegahali, Head – Digitalisation and Technology Solutions and Solution Engineering at Siemens Advanta, Krishnan Chatterjee, COO of MarketsAndMarkets, Dilip Sawhney, Regional Director at Rockwell Automation and Suchismita Sanyal, General Manager – Computational Science at Shell.

Contextualising the conversation on sustainability within the current global geopolitical crisis that the world is facing, Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director, The IET said, “The Collins dictionary word for 2022, which they introduced this year, is permacrisis. A crisis that is going to be so permanent, that there is a word for it”. “In such a scenario, if we are not responsible, and if we do not understand how sustainable sustainability is, there is no Plan B”, he added

Speaking on the role of large corporations in leading the sustainability movement, Dilip Sawhney, Regional Director – Rockwell Automation said “Digital Transformation has a role to play in helping tackle the sustainability question that we have in front of us. Here is a choice: Do we want to do things, the way they have been done in the past? As a developing nation, we must together find a solution to it, but the answer certainly is not doing what has been done so far.”

In a discussion on whether sustainability talk will translate into real impact, Chethan Seegahalli, Siemens said, ‘While companies may be talking more than they are actually doing, this is where it starts. There is certainly a lot to talk, but it is being followed up by actions. In large organisations, shareholders are demanding it. It is a natural course of action – people talk about it, explain it to the world, and then follow through”

The 2-day national technology conference was centered on the theme ‘Decoding tomorrow’s customer demands” and focused on the opportunities and challenges that the customer demands of the future will reveal. It discussed future-focused technology innovation in the form of stimulating panel discussions, insightful keynotes, use case demonstrations and high-octane tech debates with industry leaders and experts, unveiling technology 5 years from now.

SOTC Travel expands its network in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, December 26, 2022: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company recently inaugurated its newest franchise outlet in Sector 7, Kharghar. This expansion augments SOTC’s second retail store in Navi Mumbai reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city.

Navi Mumbai features a key source market for SOTC Travel and caters to the growing demand from multigenerational families, millennials, couples and business owners. The Company’s internal consumer data indicates 83% of Navi Mumbaikars are keen to take a holiday and to cater to the strong pent-up demand from this high potential market, SOTC Travel has introduced an array of special offers like Early Bird discounts, complimentary cruise experience on Europe Holidays, vegetarian tours, ready to book and customized air-inclusive holidays with Air Arabia, Emirates Holidays and Vistara Getaways. Customers are also displaying growing interest for spiritual getaways, group holidays,
eclectic stays, experiential holidays, adventure holidays, domestic cruises and biking trips.

Long and mid haul destinations driving demand from Navi Mumbai include Europe’s Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Austria; United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), Australia – New Zealand, Turkiye and Egypt; equally short haul favourites include South East Asia’s Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia; equally Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Mauritius, Bhutan and Nepal. Domestic favourite locales are Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans, Kerala and the North East.

SOTC Travel’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.

The Teaser Company bags mandate for Waterful and Refine Beauty

26th December, India: The Teaser Company, a Gurgaon-based, D2C exclusive marketing company, won the mandate of Waterful and Refine Beauty. With this association, The Teaser Company aims to further create high converting ads that get higher intent traffic on the website and result in increased return on ad spends on the brand campaigns.

The partnership will add to the existing portfolio of D2C brands Teaser has worked with. Founded 4 years back, they have already been associated with 100+ D2C brands in the past 4 years. Well Being Nutrition, Gynoveda, Plum Goodness (Phy) and Wakao Foods are some of
the brands that have grown manifold post their association with Teaser.

Waterful, as a brand, aimed towards making the water tastier and healthier, a plant-based formulation designed to hydrate anytime and anywhere. On the other side, Refine Beauty, is a cosmetic brand with limited edition and an innovative range of luxe products. Both brands
are among the top players in their niche.

On this, Varun Chopra, Cofounder of The Teaser Company, says, “As a company that deals exclusively with D2C brands, we are always delighted to have founders who know what they’re doing.” “Waterful’s team has a clear understanding of the category and how they intend to disrupt it. On the other hand, Refine Beauty has already made strides in differentiating itself in the personal care category,” Shivam K, Cofounder and Head of Strategy at Teaser, adds.

Firdose Ghauri, Cofounder of Refine Beauty, says, “In a short period of time, Refine Beauty has garnered a great deal of audience affection and support. We are delighted to partner with The Teaser Company as we prepare for the next stage of our growth and are certain that its special expertise in creating effective communication campaigns will help us achieve strong brand differentiation and significant business impact with the help of high conversion ads” To this, Baranidharan Pacha, Founder & COO of Waterful adds, “We believe working with The Teaser Company will develop many insight-driven initiatives that will help us achieve outstanding outcomes and new heights of success in the digital sphere.”

The Teaser Company is partnering with companies who are innovating at the core, even while major market space is occupied by the competitors, Waterful, Refine Beauty, and Ethnic Co being few of them. Teaser is working with brands and taking inspiration from
Founders in the top echelon of the fraternity and building an ecosystem of learning together wherein they could grow together as Teaser believes that brand success is collective efforts of the stakeholders.