Archive: May 24, 2023

SBI General Insurance unveils Surety Bond Insurance which will boost India’s infrastructure development

Mumbai, 24 May 2023: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurers announced the launch of the ‘SBI General Surety Bond Bima (Conditional & Un-Conditional)’ insurance product. The product is designed to provide protection against breach of terms & conditions by the contractors either during the bidding stage or during the performance stage of a project.

The Surety Insurance product consists of a wide range of bonds, such as Bid bonds, Advance Payment bond, Performance bonds, and Retention Money bond. Additionally, there are two variants available in the product i.e. Conditional & Un-Conditional. In a Conditional bond, a specified sum is paid to the beneficiary upon claim when specific conditions are met, while an Unconditional bond allows the beneficiary to claim the money almost without any conditions.

This product was developed in response to the government’s vision to upscale infrastructure development. The Surety insurance provides an assurance to the project owner in the form of a Surety Bond that the contractor would complete the project as per the agreed terms and conditions. The product is designed to insure the contractors for non-performance and financial exposures in case of contractual default. It helps in ensuring the contractors fulfil their obligations in the projects awarded, thereby providing financial security to the beneficiary. By providing project owners with peace of mind on individual projects, surety bonds help to promote successful and efficient project outcomes.

Anand Pejawar, Whole-Time Director, SBI General Insurance said, “The infrastructure sector has witnessed a remarkable growth in recent years, making a substantial contribution to the overall growth in economic activity in India. At SBI General, we are at the forefront of providing innovative risk solutions to our customers. Through SBI General Surety Bond Bima, we are confident that this product will serve as an effective tool for the infrastructure sector. Surety bonds offer financial security, risk mitigation, and peace of mind for all the parties involved in a contractual agreement. They foster trust, stability, and efficient project completion, ultimately contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.”

Swiss Beauty onboards Taapsee Pannu as brand ambassador

Mumbai, 24th May 2023: Swiss Beauty, a leading makeup brand, has onboarded Bollywood superstar Taapsee Pannu as its brand ambassador. With Taapsee’s influence and the brand’s commitment to high-performing makeup, they aim to redefine standards and help people make better makeup choices. This collaboration deepens the audience connection, as both Taapsee and Swiss Beauty have risen from the ground up. Together, they inspire people to embrace their unique beauty, marking a transformative chapter that celebrates authenticity and helps them make informed decisions for their makeup.

Taapsee Pannu, celebrated for her exceptional talent and authentic personality, has become an inspiration to millions of people across the country. Her natural beauty and genuine portrayal of real-life experiences perfectly align with Swiss Beauty’s core values. Through this collaboration, Swiss Beauty aims to make its makeup accessible to as many people as possible as Taapsee has a huge set of audience that matches the brand’s consumer group.

With a massive fan following in India, Taapsee Pannu’s association with Swiss Beauty is expected to strengthen the brand’s dominance and open new avenues.

Mr. Amit & Mohit Goyal, Directors of Swiss Beauty, expressed their enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Taapsee’s independent personality perfectly aligns with Swiss Beauty’s inclusive makeup line, which aims to be every makeup lover’s go-to brand with long-lasting and comfortable products. As we celebrate a decade in the industry, we are confident that her association with the brand will uplift our brand and widen the consumer base”

Speaking about onboarding Taapsee Pannu, Mr. Saahil Nayar, CEO, of Swiss Beauty, said, “We are delighted to have Taapsee Pannu as our Brand Ambassador, as she perfectly embodies our brand’s spirit. We are confident that her association with the brand will help us reach a wider set of audience.”

Taapsee Pannu shared her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Brands that matter are brands that have a story to tell. Swiss Beauty is all of it & more: grew from the ground up with a super strong aim of making makeup dependable, comfortable yet high-performing. I’ve always been drawn to products that do more than they cost, and Swiss Beauty truly embodies this principle. Their makeup range offers a diverse set of choices & voices that speak to the youth & almost everyone!

Feels good to be attached to the brand and look forward to working together to set new beauty standards that resonate with the modern outlook.”

Swiss Beauty’s partnership with Taapsee Pannu marks an important milestone in their commitment to redefine beauty standards and being a makeup brand that has products for everyone. The collaboration combines Taapsee’s charismatic personality with Swiss Beauty’s dedication to excellence, promising to create a positive impact in the beauty industry.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Gets Overwhelming Response With Over 50,000 Registrations

GURUGRAM, India May 24, 2023: Samsung India’s national education and innovation competition Solve for Tomorrow has seen overwhelming participation from youth across India with over 50,000 registrations coming in from across India. Youth, especially from smaller towns of the country, such as Begusarai, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Jalpaiguri, Khurda, North 24 Parganas, Madhubani, and Pathanamthitta have sent in their ideas, highlighting their growing desire to find innovative technology solutions to solve real-world problems that will have a positive social impact on the lives of people around them.

The top 3 teams in the competition stand a chance to win INR 1.5 crore to turn their ideas into action. Youth can apply for Solve for Tomorrow till 5 pm on May 31, 2023, on www.samsung.com/in/solvefortomorrow.

The flagship CSR program of India’s largest electronics brand recognizes the power of innovative solutions and their ability to transform lives and is inviting ideas from youth aged 16-22 years around 4 key themes – Education & Learning, Environment & Sustainability, Health & Wellness, and Diversity & Inclusion.

So far, 49% of ideas have come around the theme of Education & Learning while 28% of the youth have chosen Environment & Sustainability as the theme behind their innovative ideas. 18% of the applications have come under the theme of Health & Wellness and 5% under Diversity & Inclusion. 73% of those who have sent in their applications are in the 18-22 year age bracket.

Youth from across India have sent in their ideas to solve real-world problems around e-waste management, recycling of marine plastic waste, circular economy, climate change, agricultural yields, providing clean water, healthcare costs, mental health, accident prevention, improving teaching systems in schools and colleges and job creation in rural areas.

As the next step, Samsung will select the top 30 teams (individuals or teams of up to 3 members) from among the applications received. These top 30 teams will be trained and mentored by Samsung and its partners – Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi and MeitY Startup Hub at a residential boot camp at IIT Delhi, helping participants enhance their ideas.

The top 30 teams will also get INR 20,000 each to create initial prototypes and then pitch their ideas to a jury of young Samsung employees and experts from FITT, IIT Delhi, and MeitY Startup Hub. This jury will also select the top 10 teams for the finale. Each of the top 10 teams will get INR 100,000 each to enhance their prototypes based on the feedback from jury members as well as mentors.

These teams will also get the opportunity to visit Samsung India offices, its R&D centres, design centre, and Samsung Opera House in Bengaluru where they will interact with young Samsung employees and researchers.

The annual program will end with the grand announcement of three national winners who stand a chance to win INR 1.5 crore in prize money and exciting Samsung products.

First launched in the US in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow is currently operational in 63 countries globally and has seen over 2.3 million young people participate worldwide.

Newsroom Link: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-solve-for-tomorrow-gets-overwhelming-response-with-over-50000-registrations-applications-to-close-on-may-31-2023-top-3-teams-to-win-inr-1-5-crore-in-prize-money

Summer Escape to Sharks World at Oberoi Mall

Oberoi Mall, one of the trendiest retail shopping destinations in Goregaon, is organizing its Annual Summer Escape event for kids “Shark Tales” taking place till 11th June 2023 from 2 pm to 8 pm every day infused with different workshops and fun learning activities give memorable experiences to our young visitors.

A three-week-long event features a variety of engaging workshops as well as play and learn points, digital interaction areas, a shark anatomy wall, and virtual reality experiences. The Shark Theme activity will help kids to learn how to make a variety of crafts, including the Funky Shark Puppet, Surprise Shark Mouth Paper Craft, Shark Corner Bookmark, Shark Binoculars, Clothespin Shark, Shark Headband, Shark Cootie Catcher, and many other entertaining items.

Diipa Khosla Buller Becomes First Indian Entrepreneur To Host South Asian Talent At Cannes Film Festival

India 24, May 2023– Leading global lifestyle influencer, activist, and beauty entrepreneur, Diipa Büller-Khosla will be marking her presence, for the 6th consecutive year, at the 76^th edition of cinema’s most iconic event, Cannes Film Festival 2023.

In 2018, Khosla became India’s very first global influencer to walk the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival, breaking the barriers for the many other Indian influencers that followed. Her 2023 outing will mark her 8^th appearance at the prestigious red carpet.

For the first time ever in the history of the festival, an Indian-founded beauty brand will be hosting a curated ensemble of South Asian global talent featuring female self-starters leading the change in fashion, entrepreneurship, media, and entertainment. As the first-ever Indian-founded beauty brand hosting at Cannes Film Festival, it marks not only Diipa’s long-established affiliation with the world’s biggest film festival but also emphasizes India’s growing relevance and presence in the global luxury market.

The collaborative effort will see Diipa joining forces with women of influence and impact such as global music sensation Raja Kumari and content creator and actress Dolly Singh to honor and celebrate South Asian women from various walks of life who are paving the way for future generations.

Speaking about this first-of-its-kind eclectic collaboration Diipa Büller-Khosla states; “Bringing these amazing women to Cannes, and with them the millions of girls that look up to them and feel inspired, we are paving the way a little further. Six years ago, I did my very first Cannes red carpet walk and I had to fight for that spot. Now we are here with half an army. We are truly represented. I crawled, so we can now walk. Next round, we run and one day we’ll fly.”

 The all-women influential trio will team up for a one-of-its-kind ‘Power Table’ red carpet walk to support the cause of indē Wild’s foundational concept of Ayurvedistry: where Ayurveda meets chemistry, tradition meets modernity, eastern truth meets western facts to form a new concoction equipped for the 21st century, ushering in a new era defined by South Asian pride adding a little desi masala to the world as we know it.

Adding on further Diipa Büller-Khosla shares, “At indē wild we empower and celebrate women through authentic South Asian beauty rituals that have proven their value both over the centuries and in recent clinical studies. I’m truly elated that indē wild becomes the first Indian brand to celebrate South Asian excellence at the Cannes Film Festival. We remain committed to sharing inspiring stories of South Asian women achievers and change-makers that have been instrumental in sharing the South Asian narrative in the diaspora globally with their various works in societal causes and community building. At Cannes this year I will be celebrating remarkable women, trailblazers of South Asian heritage, inspiring the next generation of female leaders, who are breaking stereotypes and spreading positivity on skin tone, health, confidence, and body size. I truly hope to help women feel beautiful, confident, proud, and strong allowing them to make their journey from progress toward positive change.”

Hailed as a blue-eyed Cannes favourite, the quintessentially chic Diipa returns to the red carpet this year alongside an array of Bollywood stars such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Manushi Chillar, Anushka Sharma, Vijay Verma, Mrunal Thakur, and Aditi Rao Hyadri.

LEO1’s unique fee financing model making quality education accessible to Parents in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Karnataka, 24 May 2023: The major challenge which the education ecosystem is undergoing in today’s times is the shortage of funds. Parents and educational institutions have both experienced an interruption in the inflow of income, resulting in a disturbance in the entire ecosystem.

Even though parents wish to provide their children with the best possible education, the rising education fees remains a matter of concern. For education institutions, Fee remains the primary source of funds which has been interrupted during the last few years. This disturbance further hampers their overall operations which eventually reflect on their performance and reputation.

To solve the problem of fee payment, LEO1, India’s leading Fee payment solution provider, has introduced an innovative fee payment model at zero cost zero interest EMI across India. This unique financing model by LEO1 is enabling the institutions to receive a 100 percent fee at the beginning of the academic session and facilitates a no-cost and zero-interest EMI for parents.

Speaking about the expansion, Rohit Gajbhiye, Founder & MD, LEO1, said: “Our vision is to make quality education accessible to the masses. We are getting encouraging responses from the education institutions and parents of Karnataka which further strengthens our expansion plans. We have already tied up with several institutions in key cities of the state and are expanding to other cities too. This facility helps education institutions to get the entire fees at the beginning and they don’t have any shortage of funds to operate. Fee financing has proven to be a win-win for both parents and institutions”.

LEO1 has also launched a LEO1 card which is an innovative approach to digitizing the financial ecosystem in educational institutes across India and creating cash-free campuses. With the LEO1 card, Parents can send money digitally and monitor category-wise usage of the card and overall spending. Students can use it effortlessly to tap & pay institute fees, make payments effortlessly at any retail outlets that use POS terminals, pay online payments just like any other debit card, withdraw cash if necessary from an ATM, and also use it as a student ID card. The LEO1 Card also offers students access to GenZ exclusive discounts and offers and earning 5X rewards for each penny spent using the card. Rewards can be redeemed on leading food-delivery apps, movie-ticketing platforms, travel platforms, and many more.

Oxford University Press India to launch a new edition of its bestseller ‘Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management

Bengaluru India, May 24, 2023: Oxford University Press India (OUPI) is set to launch the fourth edition of its bestseller “Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management.” The soft launch of the book is scheduled on May 27th at the Taj Bangalore during the 5th National Housekeepers convention and 8th PHA (Professional Housekeepers’ Association) anniversary celebration.

Co-authored by G. Raghubalan and Smritee Raghubalan, “Hotel Housekeeping: Operations and Management” has been widely regarded as a key resource for housekeepers in the hospitality industry. Since its first edition in 2005, the book has been a bestseller for Oxford University Press and has sold over 1.7 Lakh copies. The new edition is thoroughly revised and updated, covering a wide range of contemporary themes related to housekeeping, including the latest standard operating procedures (SOPs), formats, exhibits, and case studies. It also pays special attention to Infection Prevention and Control Protocols for COVID-19. The book explores emerging trends such as nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and software.

The book which covers the NCHMCT syllabus delves into various aspects of housekeeping, such as the role of housekeeping in hospitality operations, caring for and cleaning different surfaces, room layout and guest supplies, area cleaning, routine systems and records, pest and odour control, uniforms, laundry, flower arrangement, interior decoration, indoor plants, lighting, and contract services. The book is designed for students of undergraduate and diploma courses in hotel management, certificate courses in housekeeping, and postgraduate courses in accommodation operations. Its practice-oriented approach makes it useful for housekeeping professionals and students of home science.

Factors Responsible For Unprecedented Growth of Commercial Real Estate in NCR

The commercial real estate sector in NCR has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with Noida and Gurugram emerging as the new hotspots. This growth is due to a combination of factors, including infrastructure development and improved connectivity. NCR has always been a hub for commercial real estate development due to its strategic location and proximity to the national capital. However, the recent infrastructure developments, such as widening highways and constructing new metro lines, have made NCR an even more attractive destination for businesses.

Mr. Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group, said, “The growth of commercial real estate in NCR can be attributed to the robust infrastructure development, especially in Noida and Gurugram. As Delhi became congested Noida and Gurugram emerged as two major alternatives east and west of the city. With rapid growth in premium residential living, the commercial infrastructure, both retail and office spaces took a vertical leap. Coupled with the favourable policies of the state governments and improvement in connectivity, both road and metro including the rapid pace of construction of Noida Airport, the development of the commercial segment in the regions, especially Noida has received a major boost.”

“The rise of NCR as a commercial real estate hub is also due to the availability of land parcels at reasonable rates, which is a rarity in other metropolitan cities. The region offers a perfect blend of affordable land rates and top-notch amenities, which has made it a preferred destination for businesses. The recent infrastructure developments and improved connectivity have made NCR an attractive destination for businesses. We expect to see more demand for commercial properties in these regions in the future,” said Mr. Amit Jain, Director, Mahagun Group.

According to a recent report by Anarock, Noida and Gurugram have witnessed the highest supply of commercial spaces in the NCR region. This has resulted in increased demand for commercial properties, leading to higher rental yields and capital appreciation for investors. Real estate developers are optimistic about the future growth of NCR’s commercial real estate sector.

Mr. Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, said, “The NCR region is witnessing a steady demand for commercial properties due to world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce. People want change, shopping online for so long has a changing scale, so the habit of offline shopping is growing and therefore demand for retail and commercial office spaces. Now commercial establishments are gearing up again for the office work culture which became extinct during Covid. The unprecedented growth of commercial real estate has been fuelled by the emergence of new industries and startups, which have been constantly seeking a space to grow. With the region’s expanding economy and favourable business policies, there is a surge in demand for commercial spaces, which is driving the growth in this sector.”

Mr. Ajendra Singh, VP-Sales & Marketing, Spectrum Metro, said, “Strong infrastructure development, particularly in Noida and Gurugram, can be credited with the expansion of commercial real estate in the NCR. These areas are now very accessible to commuters thanks to the construction of contemporary roads, metro lines, and flyovers, which has made them a hub for enterprises. The government’s beneficial policies have also been a major factor in this rise. We anticipate that the commercial real estate market will continue to expand in the upcoming years due to the enormous growth potential of this area.”

The emergence of NCR as a centre for commercial real estate is also attributed to the affordability of land parcels, which is uncommon in other major cities. The area has become a popular business destination because it provides the ideal balance of low land prices and first-rate amenities. The recent improvements to the infrastructure and increased connectivity have made the NCR a desirable location for businesses. Future demand for commercial real estate in these areas is anticipated to increase, says Harpal Singh Chawla, Director, Spaze group.

Noida and Gurugram, in particular, have seen a surge in commercial real estate development due to their rich connectivity and infrastructure. The completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor has also brought new investment opportunities, leading to the development of commercial properties in these regions. Another factor contributing to the growth of commercial real estate in NCR is the availability of a skilled workforce and ample office space. Many multinational corporations are setting up their offices in Noida and Gurugram due to the availability of world-class infrastructure and affordable office space.

AirAsia India launches Summer Sale

Mumbai, 24th May, 2023: AIX Connect, operating as AirAsia India, announced the launch of its Summer Sale with fares starting at ₹1,648, for routes such as Delhi-Jaipur, in addition to similar discounted sale fares across its network including ₹1,817 for Mumbai-Goa. The offer is applicable on bookings made till 31st May 2023 for travel after 1st July. AirAsia India is the second-largest low cost carrier in the country based on market share, as per the latest DGCA reports. The airline has extended this offer for bookings made on its new consolidated website with Air India Express, www.airindiaexpress.com, as well as the AirAsia India iOS and Android mobile apps, and other major booking channels. NeuPass members travelling can also earn up to 8% NeuCoins. AirAsia India also offers special discounted fares and benefits for flight bookings for SMEs, families, defence personnel, doctors and nurses, senior citizens, and students.

The sale encourages travellers to explore the mesmerising landscapes of the Northeast like Bagdogra, Guwahati & Imphal as well as key leisure destinations like Goa, Jaipur and Kochi. With over 50 direct and 100 connecting flights to 19 destinations, the airline offers fast bookings, fab deals, and fantastic value.

AirAsia India caters to both business and leisure travellers offering ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, all-leather seats, and the in-flight experience hub, AirFlix. The cloud-powered in-flight experience hub, AirFlix, sets a new standard for onboard entertainment, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless and immersive journey. Tia, the AI-powered conversational chatbot, provides personalised assistance and enhanced customer engagement. Collaborating with innovative service providers enables us to offer innovative solutions like FlyPorter baggage delivery services.

AirAsia India upholds its unwavering commitment to safety, punctuality, and operational excellence. Pioneering the digital revolution in Indian aviation, the airline proudly offers a multitude of guest-centric services that redefine the travel experience. Furthermore, our integration with the Tata NeuPass loyalty program empowers members with seamless Single-Sign On, profile management, and personalised experiences, elevating customer satisfaction to new heights. At AirAsia India, we continually strive to revolutionise the industry, combining cutting-edge technology and unmatched customer focus. Making history, AirAsia India recently flew its first commercial flight, powered by a blend of indigenous Sustainable Aviation Fuel.