Mumbai, 29 February 2024: The ever-increasing dominance of branded developers in Indian residential real estate is shifting homebuyer attention from ready-to-move or almost-complete projects to newly launched projects. Latest ANAROCK Research data shows that over 40% of approx. 4.77 lakh homes sold in 2023 was in newly launched projects. The share of newly launched supply sales in pre-pandemic 2019 was much lower at 26% of approx. 2.61 lakh homes sold that year.
In 2020, of approx. 1.38 lakh units sold in the top7cities, 28% were launched during the year
In 2021, 34% of approx. 2.37 lakh units sold in the top7cities were new launches
In 2022, out of approx. 3.65 lakh units sold, 36% were new launches
Among the top7cities, NCR saw the lowest absorption of newly launched homes – of 65,625 units sold in 2023, about 27% were launched during the year. The remaining units were sold in projects launched before 2023. Interestingly, Gurugram outperformed other markets in the NCR region – of 36,970 units sold in Millennium City in 2023, at least 35% were newly launched.
Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group
Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “The fact that 40% of newly launched housing stock has already been sold across the topcities strongly underscores increasing homebuyer confidence on new projects. Ready homes became the biggest draw amid project delays in the past, but the trend is now changing. This is attributable to the increasing market share of financially strong branded developers with sound completion track records in the last 2-3 years.”
An increasing number of homebuyers are reposing their faith in these players, and newly launched projects are steadily gaining traction. These players have recorded very healthy sales since the pandemic, thanks to a stronger focus on market research.
“Also, in contrast to earlier years, developers are launching projects that dovetail with actual demand,” says Puri. “Their focus on good locations and appropriate unit sizes and configurations is very obvious. Several leading developers are snapping up land parcels across key cities to develop residential projects that are aligned with what customers want. ANAROCK data indicates that there were at least 97 separate land deals for over 2,707 acres closed in 2023 across the country, with at least 72% of the sold land earmarked for residential development.”
The NCR real estate market has seen a complete transformation from previous times; nevertheless, a residual hesitancy towards under-construction homes in the region is a reminder of its years of oversupply and speculative pricing.
“With developers now carefully analysing and calibrating supply and ticket sizes, we are unlikely to see mistakes from the past being repeated,” adds Puri. “Markets like Gurugram are seeing stellar performances by branded players, with projects being sold out within a short time of their launch.”
City-wise Absorption Trends
At 27%, NCR saw the lowest sales share of newly launched units in 2023. Gurugram has outperformed other key markets within the NCR with newsupply seeing significant sales. Other cities with a low fresh supply absorption share include Kolkata and MMR at 30% and 36%, respectively.
2023
2019
City
% Share of NewLaunch Absorption
% Share of NewLaunch Absorption
NCR
27%
22%
MMR
36%
23%
Bangalore
51%
27%
Pune
41%
34%
Hyderabad
50%
28%
Chennai
58%
28%
Kolkata
30%
23%
Total
40%
26%
Source: ANAROCK Research
In MMR, of 1,53,870 units sold in 2023, approx. 36% were new launches. In 2019, of 80,870 units sold, 23% were in new units
In NCR, of 65,625 units sold in 2023, approx. 27% were launched in the same year. In 2019, of 46,920 units sold, the sales share of newly launched units was 22%.
In Chennai, of 21,630 units sold in 2023, newly launched units accounted for a healthy 58% share – up from 28% of 11,820 units sold in 2019.
In Kolkata, of 23,030 units sold in 2023, about 30% were newly launched. In 2019, approx. 13,930 units were sold, of which 23% sales were of newly launched units.
In Bengaluru, of 63,980 units sold in 2023, the sale share of newly launched units was 51% – up from 27% of 50,450 units in 2019.
In Pune, of 86,680 units sold in 2023, the sale share of newly launched units was 41% – up from 34% of 40,790 units in 2019.
In Hyderabad, of approx. 61,715 units sold in 2023, approx. 50% were launched in the same year – significantly up from 28% of approx. 16,590 units in 2019.
New C-suite leadership appointments to supercharge growth as a global hospitality company
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 February 2024 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), announced a 28% year-on-year increase in fee-related earnings (FRE) to S$331 million, up from S$258 million in FY 2022. The announcement was made during CLI’s Full Year 2023 Financial Results which saw Ascott as a key contributor of FRE to CLI’s overall business. Ascott also achieved the highest number of property openings with nearly 9,600 units turning operational in the same year. Riding on a strong momentum of travel recovery, Revenue per Available Unit (RevPAU) grew 20% over 2022 from higher average daily rates and occupancies. 77 new properties across all brands were signed in 2023. The strong growth trajectory enabled Ascott to surpass its year-end target and secured 160,000 units earlier than expected in March.
“Ascott had a record year of fee earnings and property openings in 2023. The strong performance was underscored by our diverse portfolio of brands and strategic presence in new destinations. This is an important milestone to mark Ascott’s transformative journey to become a global leader in hospitality, as we celebrate 40 years of service this year. Harnessing our extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott remains focused on driving asset light growth organically through management and franchise agreements. In 2023, 38% of new agreements signed were with existing owners, a demonstration of their confidence in us. At the same time, we are seeking out transformative deals which can accelerate our expansion. We will continue to build upon our portfolio of global brands to drive higher quality growth. This puts us well on track to achieve our target of more than S$500 million in fee earnings by 2028,” said Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for Ascott and CLI Lodging.
Riding on the momentum of a record growth year, Ascott is strengthening its top leadership team with new C-suite appointments. These appointments will bolster and capitalise operations, commercial, strategic planning, and hospitality design efforts. They will be part of the Ascott Leadership Council, which is led by Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for Ascott and CLI Lodging.
“Ascott is tapping into our experienced leadership bench to lead the charge in our next phase of growth as a global integrated lodging operator. This series of executive appointments is Ascott’s commitment to our owner and franchise communities, and to our guests, that we will be offering more best-in-class products and services to meet the strong consumer demand of modern travellers. With our flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence model, Ascott will continue to break new ground to meet travel needs across all stay purposes globally. Having a strong senior leadership team is integral to us achieving this vision,” added Mr Goh. Mr Lee Ngor Houai Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China, Ascott
Mr Lee, Managing Director of Europe, Ascott, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China, Ascott. In his newly expanded role, Mr Lee is responsible for leading growth and overseeing operations in these key regions for Ascott. China is Ascott’s largest market with more than 47,000 units spanning over 200 properties, while EMEA and South Asia with India are emerging markets of high potentials that will propel the company’s portfolio strength. In Europe, Mr Lee continues the focus on a wider growth strategy to scale Ascott’s suite of brands across key destinations through both management and franchise management.
In addition, Mr Lee takes on digitalisation, business insights and operational excellence at the global corporate level. He will lead the drive for stronger alignment across Ascott’s global teams to ensure cross-country synergies for streamlined processes, resource optimisation, and seamless execution. Ms Tan Bee Leng Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott Managing Director, Digital Ventures, CapitaLand Investment
In her role as Chief Commercial Officer for Ascott, Ms Tan leads the company’s ecosystem of revenue-generation and brand-related functions. The Commercial Services team comprises Global Sales, Revenue & Distribution Management, Brand & Marketing, Loyalty & Partnerships, Digital Experience, as well as Public Relations & Communications.
Over the last two years, Ms Tan successfully led a global Brand360 exercise to strengthen Ascott’s portfolio through sharpened brand stories and the introduction of signature experiences and programmes unique to each brand. With evolving traveller expectations, Ascott has been on a journey of redefining its brands to drive brand relevance and affinity with guests. With each brand distinctively positioned, Ascott is primed to expand its offerings in the hotels and resorts space in its next phase of accelerated growth.
Driving tech-forward hospitality, Ms Tan led the revamp of Ascott brand website and the launch of a booking app to support its fast growing loyalty platform – Ascott Star Rewards (ASR). Amongst the many innovative offerings was the unveiling of a generative AI-powered web chatbot. Named after Ascott’s mascot Cubby, the chatbot is designed to deliver on improved booking experiences and drive direct bookings on DiscoverASR.com. It plays the role of a ‘travel buddy’ to all guests, making travel planning and booking more personalised and seamless.
Ms Wong Kar Ling Chief Strategy Officer, Ascott and Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Ascott
As Chief Strategy Officer, Ms Wong drives the development of Ascott’s global strategy and seeks opportunities to chart the course of growth through strategic initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, transformation, and partnerships. This is with the aim to accelerate expansion and provide Ascott with immediate access to new markets, diverse customer bases, and valuable synergies.
In 2022, Ms Wong led the acquisition of Oakwood Worldwide, and subsequently the successful integration of the brand into Ascott’s operational framework, enhancing the overall financial performance of the Oakwood portfolio post-acquisition. The brand portfolio has expanded by more than 20% since, making it one of Ascott’s fastest growing global brands with over 20 new signings. Ms Wong also oversaw the acquisition of the New Zealand master-franchise for Quest Apartment Hotels in 2023. The acquisition provided an immediate contribution to Ascott’s recurring fee income stream.
In addition, Ms Wong drives the capital recycling of Ascott’s assets and oversees the development of new markets, capabilities, and products to enhance the company’s portfolio and offerings. She also identifies strategic partnerships that will strengthen Ascott’s market position. Ms Wong continues to lead the team in Southeast Asia to drive all regional business, operations, and growth.
Mr Leong Teng Wui Chief Design & Technical Officer, Ascott
Mr Leong leads Ascott’s Product & Technical Services team as Chief Design & Technical Officer, overseeing the alignment of building and design standards across the global portfolio. With a role to push the boundaries of design innovation by flexing through product and room mix such as the adoption of new room models, facilities and features, Mr Leong plays an integral part in supporting Ascott’s flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence concept. The highly adaptable model provides agility for Ascott to respond to market demands and optimise occupancy for revenue growth.
With sustainable accommodation being an integral part of Ascott CARES, Ascott’s sustainability framework, Mr Leong will also spearhead the adoption of next-generation hospitality design. Integrated with environmentally friendly features, these designs seek to manage energy and water consumption, and reduce carbon emission.
Other Ascott Leadership Council members include:
Ms Beh Siew Kim Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Managing Director, Japan and Korea, Ascott Overseeing the finance, treasury, investor relations and sustainability functions of Ascott, in addition to a dual role driving the business, operations and growth in Japan and Korea, Ms Beh is also a non-independent, non-executive director of CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS).
Ms Serena Lim Chief Growth Officer, Ascott In driving continued opportunities to extend Ascott’s geographic reach across key growth markets, Ms Lim leads the global business development team to steer and manage the company’s growth in management and franchise contracts globally.
Ms Serena Teo Chief Executive Officer, CapitaLand Ascott Trust Ms Teo is responsible for leading the strategic planning and implementation of investment and operational strategies for CapitaLand Ascott Trust, the largest lodging trust in Asia Pacific with an asset value of S$8.7 billion as at 31 December 2023. She also oversees the asset management, finance, investor relations and sustainability functions.
Mr Mak Hoe Kit Managing Director, Lodging Private Equity Funds, CapitaLand Investment Mr Mak is responsible for driving the growth of private equity investment and fund management for CapitaLand Investment’s lodging business. This includes the establishment and expansion of lodging private funds such as CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II, Ascott Serviced Residence Global Fund and Student Accommodation Development Venture, with a combined target equity size of US$1.35 billion (S$1.8 billion).
Mr David Mansfield Managing Director, Australia, Ascott Mr Mansfied oversees Ascott’s managed operations in Australia, in addition to ongoing global leadership of business format franchise brand, Quest Apartment Hotels, which comprises over 170 properties in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the United Kingdom.
Mr Tan Tze Shang Managing Director, Special Projects and Senior Advisor to Ascott China A veteran with about 20 years of experience in China, Mr Tan provides counsel and guidance on China-related matters. He also leads and oversees key organisational projects to ensure strategic alignment and provides implementation support at the executive level.
Mr Joseph Wong Managing Director, China, Ascott Effective 26 March 2024, Mr Wong will lead the team to oversee and drive all business, operations, and growth of the company in China. He will be reporting to Mr Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer, EMEA, South Asia and China, Ascott.
Mr Vincent Miccolis Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India (MEATI), Ascott Reporting to Mr Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer, EMEA, South Asia and China, Ascott, Mr Miccolis leads the team in MEATI to drive all business, operations, and growth in the region.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Ascott Limited
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with about 950 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
This year, Ascott marks 40 years in hospitality service with the launch of Ascott Unlimited, a full year campaign that will offer Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good. Navigating a future of unlimited possibilities against a backdrop of global change and evolving perspectives of travel, Ascott Unlimited marks Ascott’s ambitions to break new ground, and springboard to its next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company. Find out more about Ascott Unlimited at www.discoverasr.com/ascottunlimited.
About CapitaLand Investment Limited (www.capitalandinvest.com)
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2023, CLI had S$134 billion of assets under management as well as nearly S$100 billion of funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics, self-storage and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and commercial management, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
Mumbai February 29th, 2024: Zeron, a leading innovator in cybersecurity solutions, announces the launch of ASMv2.0, the next evolution in AttackSurfaceManagement designed to provide enhanced security measures to the decision makers in the BFSI sector. With ASMv2.0, Zeron aims to empower security teams with the tools to navigate the digital landscape with precision, cutting through the noise to address real threats promptly.
ASMv2.0 represents a significant upgrade, fine-tuned to eliminate distractions and streamline threat identification processes. The centerpiece of ASMv2.0 is its Asset Discovery Path, meticulously engineered to uncover every digital nook and cranny, from cloud services to external-facing assets. This comprehensive visibility ensures that no potential threat goes unnoticed, enabling proactive defense strategies.
One of the key features of ASMv2.0 is its proactive stance against phishing attacks. With Lookalike Domains detection, ASMv2.0 stands ready to defend organizations against the increasingly sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals. By identifying and neutralizing these deceptive domains, ASMv2.0 adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and assets.
Moreover, ASMv2.0 introduces a revolutionary approach to vulnerability management by prioritizing threats based on their risk probability. By focusing on the most critical vulnerabilities first, security teams can effectively allocate resources and mitigate potential breaches before they escalate.
Introducing Clustered Threats, ASMv2.0 offers a unique feature to identify and neutralise risks efficiently. With this comprehensive overview of potential threats, organizations can swiftly take action to mitigate risks and fortify their security posture.
Sanket Sarkar, Founder at Zeron, emphasized the transformative power of ASMv2.0, stating, “Upgrade to ASMv2.0, where security meets simplicity, and threats meet their match.” He underscored the platform’s capacity to empower security teams by enabling them to cut through the noise and respond with precision, thereby ensuring that organizations maintain a proactive stance against emerging threats.
The BFSI sector witnesses a profound transformation fueled by technological integration, reshaping operations and customer experiences. Advancements like AI and blockchain revolutionize banking, yet pose governance and cybersecurity challenges. To navigate this dynamic landscape, banks must adopt comprehensive frameworks ensuring technological resilience, regulatory compliance, and risk management against evolving threats and disruptions.
February 29th, 2024:Ben–Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev’s Prof. Gad Vatine and Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Avraham Ashkenazi are up-and-coming young principal investigators. Vatine is an expert in studying rare disorders using patient-specific stem cells, and Ashkenazi is an expert in trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders and protein clearance pathways. While they don’t work on the same diseases, the Yad Laneshima patientorganization thought they could work together to find treatments for CCHS, which causes young children to stop breathing as soon as they fall asleep. This means that if they fall asleep without ventilatory support they will suffocate to death.
Sponsored initially by the Israeliorganization Yad Laneshima, and then by the international CCHS Network, Prof. Vatine and Dr. Ashkenazi were intrigued by the challenge and began a collaboration. That collaboration has yielded important new information about the cause of CCHS, which could lead to future treatments.
Their findings were published in the prestigious EMBO Journal.
CCHS is caused by a mutation in the PHOX2B gene, a key transcription factor in the development of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), a system that controls non-voluntary body functions such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate. PHOX2B and eight other nuclear proteins that cause various neural disorders have a poly-alanine tract. In these disorders, a mutation that expands the poly-alanine tract causes the disease.
The women PhD students Fatima Amer-Sarsour from Ashkenazi’s lab and Daniel Falik from Vatine’s lab identified a poly-alanine that is also present in one of the enzymes of the ubiquitin transfer system. Profs. Aaron Ciechanover and Avram Hershko from Israel with Prof. Irwin Rose were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004 “for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation”. In a healthy condition, this poly-alanine stretch is required for enzyme recognition enabling proper ubiquitin transfer to target proteins, such as those involved in neural development, thereby controlling their degradation. In a disease, such as in CCHS, the Vatine and Ashkenazi research teams discovered that the expansion mutation of the poly-alanine tract in PHOX2B (and in other poly-alanine disease-causing proteins) causes aberrant interaction with the poly-alanine recognizing enzyme of the ubiquitin transfer system. This interaction disrupts the proper ubiquitin transfer to neural proteins, which inhibits the ubiquitous normal functions, leading to cell death and eventually triggering CCHS.
To make this discovery clinically relevant, The Vatine lab at the Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) research center at BGU used patient-specific stem cells, termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The BGU-stem cell-core is the premier research facility of its kind in Israel, providing research support nationally and internationally. They use a technique called ‘reprogramming’ that was developed by the Japanese Nobel Prize winner, Shinya Yamanaka. This technique enables easily accessible cells (like blood cells or skin cells), to be “taken back in time” to become identical to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Unlike ESCs, iPSCs are generated without destroying embryos, and can be generated from any individual. The iPSCs from CCHS patients were then differentiated into PHOX2B-expressing cells of the ANS, which revealed the disease mechanism in the most vulnerable of the patient‘s nerve cells.
Daniel Falik: “Using personalized, cutting-edge technologies, we have uncovered insights that can pave the way for significant advances in the disease therapeutics.”
Fatima Amer-Sarsour: “I am thrilled with the progress we have made in identifying defective pathways in CCHS, as this opens up exciting research avenues to explore the development and function of the ANS.”
Prof. Vatine and Dr. Ashkenazi are very excited about the potential of this groundbreaking discovery: “Now that we know what goes wrong in the CCHS patient neurons, we can start developing modalities to fix it with the goal of promoting neuron survival that will allow better quality of life for the patients.”
29 February 2024: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, has announced the appointment of Kuldeep Singh as Senior Vice President and Head of Engineering. With over 18 years of experience leading distributed teams across the globe, Mr. Singh brings a wealth of technical leadership from his notable roles in high-value start-ups and global financial institutions.In his new role, he will spearhead the engineering efforts at MediBuddy, focusing on designing and implementing innovative solutions that align with the company’s vision of making high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people.
Satish Kannan, Co-founder, and CEO, MediBuddy said, “We are pleased to welcome Kuldeep to our leadership team as we embark on an ambitious journey to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people. Kuldeep’s diverse experience, spanning multinational corporations and high-growth startups, will be instrumental in guiding our team. Our aim is to push boundaries and redefine healthcare delivery. His expertise will be instrumental as we accelerate our product roadmap and fortify our platform to ensure quality care reaches all.”
“Technology is the enabler and differentiator in today’s on-demand services era. I am inspired by MediBuddy’s mission ‘to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people’. I look forward to building an engineering team centred on business impact and enhancing the platform and ecosystem to expand access to quality care. I am excited to be part of MediBuddy’s talented team engineers, designers, and domain experts,” said Kuldeep Singh.
In his previous role at Gojek, Singh was leading Engineering for Business platforms (Marketplace, Cartography, Customer, and Communication platform). This formed the core engine of Gojek powered by machine learning systems for real-time, high throughput use cases, in pricing, allocations, routing, and incentives. Prior to Gojek, Kuldeep served as a Distinguished Engineer at Deutsche Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland and as Director of Engineering at Indian e-commerce unicorn Snapdeal. He holds an engineering degree from IIT Delhi.
Hyderabad, February 29, 2024: Kamineni Hospitals, a leading healthcare provider in Hyderabad, has announced its strategic collaboration with QurHealth to revolutionize post-operative care for its patients.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in the field of healthcare technology as both organizations combine their expertise to redefine the patient care and recovery experience. Leveraging AI-based innovations, Kamineni Hospitals and QurHealth are poised to transform post-operative care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and reducing complications.
Post-operative care represents a critical step in the continuum of health care, where personalized attention is essential to manage pain, prevent complications, and facilitate a return to health. Traditionally, this phase has relied on periodic hospital visits and routine referrals, leaving gaps in monitoring and support. However, with the integration of advanced AI technology, patients can now access personalized care remotely, staying connected with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Gayatri Kamineni, COO, Kamineni Hospitals said, “We are delighted to partner with QurHealth in our continued commitment to deliver exceptional patient care. This collaboration marks an important step towards leveraging technology to improve patient experiences and outcomes. With QurHealth’s expertise in personalized care solutions we aim to provide continuous support to our patients throughout their recovery journey.”
QurHealth’s innovative approach, including a patient-friendly Qurbook app with a 24/7 AI health assistant named “Sheela”, offers a comprehensive suite of features such as medication reminders, symptom tracking, vitals recording, adherence to care plans and personalized diet plans. In addition, patients can benefit from regular consultations, counseling sessions and ongoing support, real-time guidance and monitoring from healthcare professionals.
Mumbai, India February 29, 2024: Every year, millions of individuals grapple with thyroid concerns, impacting their lives in diverse ways. According to recent studies on thyroid disease prevalence, approximately 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders. Against this backdrop, P. D. Hinduja Hospital organized an exclusive and enlightening session with Bollywood actress Ms. Bhagyashree, and Dr. Phulrenu Chauhan, Head Endocrinology. Together, they shared invaluable expertise and insights into thyroid disorders, aiming to dispel myths, embrace facts, and foster a healthier understanding of thyroid conditions for patients and communities.
Dr. Phulrenu Chauhan, Head Endocrinology, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim said, “Thyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions across India. Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility. Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid is crucial. Educating the public and empowering individuals to take control of their health is vital for prevention and effective management of thyroid. By dispelling myths and embracing facts, we can work towards a healthier future for all. It’s really valuable to spread awareness and empower everyone to stay on top of their thyroid health.”
Thyroid disorders constitute a pressing health issue in India, impacting individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds. Hypothyroidism afflicts approximately 10% of the Indian population, while the prevalence of hyperthyroidism is estimated at around 1.3%. Contributing factors encompass iodine deficiency, genetic predisposition, shifts in lifestyle patterns, and exposure to environmental pollutants, all of which contribute to the escalating incidence of thyroid disorders.
Ms. Bhagyashree emphasized, “It is imperative to maintain thyroid health, especially during pregnancy, as it can lead to complications in neural development of the foetus. Thyroid health is crucial irrespective of gender, as it is linked to cardiovascular diseases and other serious health issues. Having delved into discussions on the impact of thyroid disorders on numerous occasions, I am deeply honoured to contribute to this initiative aimed at raising awareness and nurturing a deeper understanding of these conditions. Access to accurate information and robust support systems is paramount for effective management, empowering individuals to take charge of their health journey.”
On this occasion, Mr. Joy Chakraborty, COO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre said, “At P. D. Hinduja Hospital, we take great pride in our commitment to regularly organizing comprehensive Patient Awareness programs. It is our firm belief that knowledge is a powerful tool in promoting overall well-being. In today’s time as the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension increases, understanding of thyroid health and its impact as an underlying cause for various diseases is critical. Through this awareness program, we strive to shed light on the intricacies of thyroid disorders, dispel misconceptions and encourage proactive healthcare practices. I would like to thank Ms. Bhagyashree for taking time to join us and throwing light on this health concern.”
D.HindujaHospital and Medical Research Centre celebrated patient care awareness month (Feb 2024) conducting multiple activities, programs including competitions, quiz, knowledge sharing sessions, etc. to drive awareness for and enhance its patient-centric approach. This exclusive session on thyroid awareness is a part of the hospital’s patient care awareness month initiative provided valuable insights into thyroid condition management and treatment while addressing prevalent misconceptions.
Bengaluru, February 29, 2024: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants, hosted its New Member Ceremony to felicitate its 588 new members. The event brought together industry leaders, new ACCA members, fellows, and ACCA’s global rank holders to explore and discuss the theme ‘Sustainability and Technology – Shaping the Future of Accountancy and Finance.’
The ceremony commenced with a keynote speech by Melanie Proffitt, Vice President of ACCA. Addressing the gathering, Proffitt said, “I’m often asked what’s so special about ACCA. My answer is always the same; it’s simple and you can sum it up in ACCA’s three Ps. They are: Purpose, People and Professionalism. As members, we are dedicated to pursuing careers with a richer meaning and greater personal reward. Working with a purpose sustains you, motivates you, inspires you, and keeps you fresh, energetic, and sharp. ACCA’s genius lies in its foundation’s grand aim of uniting accountants to serve as a force for public good, a vision that remains our guiding light. The concept of the public good takes many forms, and I know that you will find the best way to contribute in your own life and career.”
ACCA, which has been championing for the accountancy profession to work towards a sustainable future, also hosted a panel discussion on the topic of “Sustainability and Technology – Shaping the Future of Accountancy and Finance.” Panellists included Dr. Amar Patnaik, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Mr. Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary, Government of India; and Melanie Proffitt. The discussion was moderated by Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA.
Dr. Amar Patnaik, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha said “The issue of sustainability is pervasive. This concept has to be a part and parcel of the profession of accountancy and finance. The most important thing is to recognize where the points of carbon emissions are taking place, and then you have to measure, account, report, and verify it. I think that’s an area where no company or organization, including the government, can move ahead unless finance and accounting professionals are made a part of the particular exercise of measurement, reporting, and evaluation. I am looking forward to a time when, because of the National Carbon Accounting System, people will not only be talking about the economic GDP but also be discussing the carbon GDP, wherein a green pathway to growth will be laid out. And all this would not be possible without the support of finance professionals.”
In the discussion, Mr. Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary, Government of India mentioned, “Accounting and finance functions are expected to evolve in times to come. From an accounting perspective, in my view, the way the accounting profession has evolved over the past 100 years or so is primarily to capture the financial value of the goods and services produced in the economy. Unfortunately, the side effects or by-products of the production system were not accounted for, which are now recognized as sustainability and ESG. Companies were simply emitting carbon into the atmosphere or through their drains, or by air or water. There was no responsibility on the companies to pay for that or to reduce it. Therefore, the accountants were also not accounting for it. In my understanding, no professional body ever bothered that accounting should include these environmental aspects. For this reason, professional bodies should mainstream the accounting of the environmental side of it.”
During the event, ACCA also launched its research paper titled ‘Founder’s Guide to Start-Ups, Role of Accountancy and Finance’. Prof. R. Narayanaswamy, Member of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and Finance Faculty at IIM Bangalore, delivered a special address on the role of accountants to boost entrepreneurship.
He said, “Accounting systems and budgets are crucial for every business, especially for new ventures that have a low margin for error in cash management, capital planning, product pricing, or capital budgeting. No accounting propriety is possible if the CFO compromises on ethics.”
Fellowship status, which is the highest achievement awarded to ACCA members after five years of continuous membership and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) compliance, was also conferred upon a few ACCA members during the ceremony.
Pune, 29th February 2024: Kinetic Green, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles in India, has been honored with the “Dream Companies to Work for – Automotive Sector” award at the prestigious World HRD Congress. The company has been recognized for its progressive policies, work-life balance initiatives, collaborative environment, social responsibility, and continuous feedback and open communication culture. In addition, Ranjit Kondeshan, CHRO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd., has been recognized with the “Most Iconic HR Leaders Award.”
Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, expressed her delight at the awards, stating, “We are truly honored to be recognized as a Dream Company to Work for in the Automotive Sector. This award is a testament to our commitment to investing in our people and building a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and open communication. This recognition is a tremendous honor and a strong confirmation that our leadership and development programs are effectively aligned. It encourages us to formulate further initiatives aimed at creating a profound impact on workforce transformation.”
Kinetic Green proudly stands out as an exemplary workplace, driven by its unwavering commitment to “doing good by being good”: as a purpose driven organization deeply committed to social impact, passion and innovation are at the heart of Kinetic Green’s vibrant culture. investing in its workforce and fostering a culture characterized by inclusivity, innovation, and open communication. The company has been a trailblazer in Diversity & Inclusion, nurturing an environment where prominent women leaders serve as inspirations, challenging stereotypes, and actively contributing to the organization’s overall success. Kinetic Green’s noteworthy pledge to maintain a 25% women workforce in the 2-wheeler assembly at its manufacturing facility near Pune underscores its steadfast dedication to gender diversity. Prioritizing Work-Life Balance & Fun at Work, the company has implemented progressive policies, including an initiative for an all-Saturday-off and encouragement of regular breaks, thereby creating a positive and supportive work atmosphere. The company’s proactive adaptation of leave policies to align with changing times demonstrates a commitment to fostering a progressive work environment. Additionally, the purpose of existence was redesigned to position Kinetic Green as an “Employer at Heart,” emphasizing the value and support provided to employees.
With a focus on fostering a Collaborative Environment, Kinetic Green places its trust in Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs) such as “Project GO” and “KG Warriors,” showcasing effective problem-solving and teamwork. The foundation of their healthy workplace culture lies in Continuous Feedback & Open Communication, evident through their Open Door Policy, Town Hall Meetings, digitization for peer feedback via HRMS, and innovative talent management initiatives. Together, these efforts contribute to an environment characterized by transparency, trust, and collaboration, ultimately ensuring enhanced performance and satisfaction among employees.
Ranjit Kondeshan, CHRO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd., shared his thoughts on receiving the Most Iconic HR Leaders Award, “I am humbled to receive the prestigious ‘Most Iconic HR Leaders Award.’ This recognition reflects the entire team’s hard work and dedication to creating a positive, supportive, and diverse workplace. We strive to implement innovative HR practices that contribute to the overall success of our organization. This award motivates us to continue enhancing HR technology and best practices for the benefit of our employees and the industry.”
The World HRD Congress is renowned for celebrating excellence in human resources development, bringing together the best minds and practices in the industry. The “Dream Companies to Work for – Automotive Sector” award recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to create an exceptional workplace culture.
Mr. Subhas Vij., Corporate Chef, Ohris Mr. Sai Sailesh., Sr.Corporate General Manager Ohris Mr. Gurbaj Singh Sandhu., Cluster Executive Chef Ohris
Hyderabad 29th February 2024: Ohri’s the iconic restaurant chain in India, proudly announces the grand launch of Mings&Mee, a culinary haven bringing the vibrant flavours of Pan Asian cuisine. With decades of culinary excellence under its belt, the decision to evolve into a Pan Asian paradise is a testament to Ohri’s commitment to catering to the diverse taste palettes of Hyderabad.
Mings&Mee promises an immersive dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Mings&Mee unveils a menu that reads like a Pan Asian passport, offering signature dishes that promise to be the talk of the town. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the flavours of Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Burma, and Thailand. The restaurant’s ambiance, though subtly changed, exudes a vibrant and dynamic aura, inviting patrons to embark on a culinary journey like never before. With the introduction of a dedicated sushi bar, Mings&Mee adds a touch of modernity to its repertoire, promising a symphony of flavours and textures that will tantalize the senses.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Amar Ohri, Managing Director of the Ohri’s Group, “Our transformation into Mings&Mee marks a significant milestone in our culinary journey. We are thrilled to unveil this new chapter, offering our patrons an unparalleled Pan Asian dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of flavours from across the continent.”
At Mings&Mee, patrons can expect a tantalizing array of Pan Asian delights meticulously crafted by our team of culinary experts. From the bold and fiery flavours of Sichuan cuisine to the delicate artistry of Japanese sushi, every dish is a celebration of authenticity and innovation. Whether you’re craving the comforting embrace of a bowl of steaming ramen or the subtle elegance of a plate of sushi, Mings&Mee promises to delight even the most discerning of palates.
Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter with Ohri’s Mings&Mee and indulge in a feast for the senses that promises to leave a lasting impression on every discerning food lover.
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February 29th, 2024: 
Hyderabad, February 29, 2024: Kamineni Hospitals, a leading healthcare provider in Hyderabad, has announced its strategic collaboration with QurHealth to revolutionize post-operative care for its patients.
Mumbai, India February 29, 2024: Every year, millions of individuals grapple with thyroid concerns, impacting their lives in diverse ways. According to recent studies on thyroid disease prevalence, approximately 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders. Against this backdrop, P. D. Hinduja Hospital organized an exclusive and enlightening session with Bollywood actress Ms. Bhagyashree, and Dr. Phulrenu Chauhan, Head Endocrinology. Together, they shared invaluable expertise and insights into thyroid disorders, aiming to dispel myths, embrace facts, and foster a healthier understanding of thyroid conditions for patients and communities.
Bengaluru, February 29, 2024: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants, hosted its New Member Ceremony to felicitate its 588 new members. The event brought together industry leaders, new ACCA members, fellows, and ACCA’s global rank holders to explore and discuss the theme ‘Sustainability and Technology – Shaping the Future of Accountancy and Finance.’
Pune, 29th February 2024: Kinetic Green, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles in India, has been honored with the “Dream Companies to Work for – Automotive Sector” award at the prestigious World HRD Congress. The company has been recognized for its progressive policies, work-life balance initiatives, collaborative environment, social responsibility, and continuous feedback and open communication culture. In addition, Ranjit Kondeshan, CHRO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd., has been recognized with the “Most Iconic HR Leaders Award.”