Arvind Smartspaces & HDFC Capital Set Up Rs 250 Crore Housing Platform

Arvind SmartSpaces Limited (“ASL”), a part of the Lalbhai group, headquartered in Ahmedabad, one of India's leading Real Estate development Company, announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with HDFC Capital Affordable Real Estate Fund 1    (H-CARE 1) – a fund managed by HDFC Capital Advisors Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Ltd. The partnership will focus on the development of affordable and mid-income housing projects in India while ensuring quality and timely delivery of finished units. The proposed developments will be undertaken by a special purpose vehicle “Arvind Homes Private Limited” set up with an initial investment of Rs. 250 crores.

Ms. Renu Sud Karnad, Managing Director, HDFC Ltd, said “Housing remains a crucial need in India and the demand for affordable housing is expected to grow substantially with increased urbanisation. HDFC’s endeavour is to help address the demand-supply gap in affordable housing in India by providing flexible, long-term capital to leading developers across India. We are committed to partnering with developers like Arvind SmartSpaces who are aligned with our vision and values.”

Mr. Vipul Roongta, MD & CEO of HDFC Capital Advisors Limited added “Our partnership with Arvind SmartSpaces will focus on the development of high quality affordable and mid income housing in a cost-effective manner. This in line with HDFC Capital’s strategy of partnering with top rated developers with a good track record of development and delivery and a long-term view of affordable housing.”

Commenting on the strategic alliance, Mr. Sanjay Lalbhai Chairman Arvind SmartSpaces said “We are delighted to have this partnership which will help us boost growth and investments in new projects. We are confident that this joining of hands between the two most trusted names in Indian businesses will create long term value for all the stake holders.  The fresh long term funds being invested by HDFC Capital and Arvind bring in orbital change in the scale of operations and the new project pipe line of the company. It will also help us continue to build and consolidate on the legacy of trust and excellence that we are known for.’’

Mr. Kamal Singal, Managing Director and CEO of Arvind SmartSpaces added ‘’The proposed structure not only de-bottlenecks capitalization at the Company, it also has enough flexibility inbuilt to ensure that long-term patient capital is made available to the business without putting undue pressures on its balance-sheet to take care of short and medium business cycles”.

Trend Micro Announced Launch of Local Managed XDR Datacenter Service at CLOUDSEC India 2019

CLOUDSEC India 2019, hosted by Trend Micro Incorporated), attracted more than 750 business and technology leaders this year, making it the cybersecurity event of the year. With tectonic shifts in the technology landscape, “Hybrid Cloud Security and Evolution” and “Cross Generation Detection and Response” are seen as the key drivers that will define the future of cybersecurity; they are also the themes for this year. Experts opined that soon every company would become a technology company and every technology company would have to become a cybersecurity company, in order to successfully and securely navigate the digital transformation that’s underway.

At the event, Trend Micro also announced the launch of its local managed XDR datacenter service in India. While many customers are considering outsourcing complex security tasks to cybersecurity professionals, many are concerned about their sensitive data leaving the country. The local managed XDR datacenter service solves this data sovereignty issue.

Addressing the audience, Nilesh Jain, Vice President, Southeast Asia and India, Trend Micro said, “Today, data is collected and analyzed in silos, however what enterprises need is to collect and analyze data as a whole and be able to generate high-priority, actionable intelligence with context. To address this challenge, we recently launched our XDR solution that will be a gamechanger for the industry. Managed XDR is a great service for customers who have detection and response tools, but don’t have the required resources or skillsets to maximize them.”

Managed XDR is a 24/7 service for organizations that want to leverage the benefits of XDR and for organizations with security operations centers (SOCs) that may want additional detection and response support. Managed XDR seamlessly dovetails with Trend Micro’s overarching XDR strategy in FY2020.

He further added, “The engagement around cybersecurity is no longer limited to CISOs and CIOs. At Trend Micro, we have taken the engagement to the next level by speaking to the application team and the operations team. We are also looking at initiatives like community day to deepen our interactions with the DevOps professionals. Our top three priorities for India this year are to – first, focus on hybrid cloud customers who are looking to grow aggressively; second, build on existing customers including those who are sitting on the fence evaluating prospective options; and, finally, to recruit and grow our partner ecosystem.”

In India, Trend Micro has over 1,000 large enterprise customers deploying its enterprise security solution suite, which provides security across hybrid cloud, network, and endpoints. Currently, the company has a dominant presence across the government, BFSI, IT/ITeS, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and telecom verticals. Also, over 70% of nationalized banks in India use Trend Micro’s enterprise products. Earlier this year, they launched an industry-ready certification program in IT security (CPITS) initiative in India, which aims to groom the next generation of cybersecurity professionals within the industry.

Cine Actress Ragini Dwivedi Inaugurates ‘Asia Wedding Fair 2019’ From Oct 11-13 at JW Marriott Hotel

This October , experience the wedding & jewellery extravaganza in Bengaluru city from October 11-13th, 2019, 10.30 a.m to 8 p.m at JW Marriott Hotel,Bengaluru , near UB City.

The Grand Inauguration of Asia Wedding Fair 2019 was done by Ragini Dwivedi the Renowned Film Actress on 11th Oct 2019 at JW Marriott Hotel. Come and witness South India’s most opulent Wedding Expo- ‘Asia Wedding Fair 2019.’ From the best of Bridal jewellery, apparel ,Asia Wedding Fair ’19 offers the best of everything under one roof.

This Edition is a very Special one with Focus on Wedding Jewellery. The product profile consists of Bridal Jewellery,Couture,Ethnic, Bridal Trousseau, ,Traditional Jewellery, Precious  Stone & Pearl Jewellery, Wedding Accessories, Wedding Planners, Lifestyle refinements ,Bridal makeup, Wedding Gifts to name a few.

The Asia Wedding Fair is one of the biggest assortments of some of the top leading wedding essential brands under one roof.  The fair will also house some of the leading jewellery brands from across the country, that will include a dazzling array of International jewellery designs from top brands in the country.

On display are luxury brands from the apparel, Jewellery and wedding planning industry from Bangalore, New Delhi, Surat to name a few. Some of the popular names include:

Sri Ganesh Diamonds & Jewellery,Nikhaar Jewels,Ananya Jewels,Amrapali Jewels. Golden Jewells By Anand Shah,Samyakk ,Riya Kodali - Award Winning Celebrity Designer,Dagina Jewellers –Surat,Panchkesari Badera Jewellers,Kimaya’s Jewels –Delhi,Vitrag Jewels,Apranje Jewellers,Classy Captures.Prade Jewellery.

Jawa Motorcycles Announce “90th Anniversary Edition” Motorcycle

It was in 1929 when František Janeček laid the foundation of Jawa Motorcycles in the erstwhile Czechoslovakia and conceived the Jawa 500 OHV, the brand’s first motorcycle. To mark the 90th anniversary of this occasion, Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. has introduced the Jawa ‘90th Anniversary Edition’ in India.

Based on the Jawa dual channel ABS variant, this motorcycle is a homage to the glorious beginnings of the brand in 1929. This edition will be limited to just 90 units and will feature a special 90th anniversary colour scheme inspired by the Jawa 500 OHV. Every motorcycle will also feature a 90th Anniversary commemorative emblem on the fuel tank along with its individual serial number.

Although there is no change in price over the regular Jawa dual channel ABS motorcycle, this limited edition that comes in a new shade of red and ivory, will be available for immediate delivery.

This limited-edition motorcycle will be available on display at Jawa dealerships from October 15th, 2019 for people to come and witness this piece of history. Customers who hold an active booking for the Jawa models and those who will make one before the midnight of October 22nd, 2019 will stand a chance to own this motorcycle. All they must do is specify their intent towards opting for a draw of lots for the allotment of this motorcycle at their nearest dealership. The customers will automatically go back to their original booking sequence and model if they are not selected in the draw. Once allotted, the motorcycles will be immediately dispatched to the customers at their respective locations.

The technical specifications of the motorcycle remain unchanged; it is powered by a 293cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder, DOHC engine nestled within a double cradle chassis that is tuned to bring out the superlative handling and class leading stability, making the new Jawa a true modern classic. The Jawa and Jawa forty two are priced at INR 1,64,000/- and INR 1,55,000/- respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the Dual Channel ABS variants are available at INR 1,72,942/- & INR 1,63,942/- respectively. The motorcycles are manufactured at the company's Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh.

STL Signs MoU with CSC Academy to Skill Village-Level Entrepreneurs

Highlights

* STL to train 1,00,000 village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) across 1,00,000 gram panchayats
* CSC to mobilize pool of VLEs and post training provide employment support at panchayat level

STL, a global data network solutions company, announced signing of a MoU with Common Services Centres (CSC) Academy to skill VLEs across the country in Optical Fibre Network. With India’s upcoming 5G roll out, need for a robust optical fibre network is critical than ever. To meet this need, the telecom industry requires highly- skilled fiber deployment specialists. STL and CSC aim to address this industry demand with their joint initiative.

STL formed STL Academy to create an ecosystem of highly skilled professionals for deploying and maintaining complex optical fibre networks. Under the MoU, STL Academy will conduct certified training program for VLEs registered with CSC. The program will train and skill 1,00,000 VLEs across 1,00,000 gram panchayats thereby making it the world’s largest training on Optical Fibre Network.

STL will conduct 2 pilot trainings at designated blocks in UP. The first training program launches this month and key highlights include:

o  Training will cover Optical Fibre cable joining and maintenance across underground and aerial, Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) hardware maintenance, and Wi-Fi access point’s maintenance

o  Training manuals in English and Hindi for easy understanding

o  Practical knowledge with site visits and workshops at block level on fibre optics and wireless network maintenance

The training program will happen in over 40 cities across the country and the target is to complete it in 180 days. Post training, CSC will provide employment or self-employed support to all VLEs at panchayat level.

“The current requirement of Indian telecom sector is to have a strong optical fibre backbone to carry large amount of data. To meet these needs we need skilled workforce that can manage end-to-end optical fibre network.” mentioned Anjali Byce, CHRO, STL. Remarking on the MoU, she added, “We are delighted to partner with CSC Academy to train and skill VLEs, and provide them with an opportunity for growth. This will further support the telecom industry in getting right talent and will boost the economy.”

CSC has been highly invested in making this a success. Emphasizing this, CSC spokesperson Sri Dinesh Tyagi CEO CSC e governance Services Ltd said, “CSC Academy aims at providing professional training to learners from diverse backgrounds and with educational needs. We are delighted to partner with STL to skill rural masses in India. Together, we are promoting entrepreneurship by fostering the capability and development of the VLEs under the Common Services Centre scheme.”

Early this year, STL academy also partnered with FTTH Council APAC to create an ecosystem of highly skilled professionals in deploying and maintaining complex optical-fibre networks. This MoU with CSC is a further testament to STL’s commitment to transforming lives by creating skill based employment while improving the quality and reach of data networks.

Bollywood Playback Singer Mohith Chauhan Kicks Off Phoenix Festival Season 3 at Phoenix Marketcity Bengaluru

With the festive season just around the corner, Phoenix Marketcity is all geared up to offer visitors an experience of a lifetime with the third season of Phoenix Festival. Just like the previous two seasons, this year’s edition spans over 90 days from October to December and is filled with non-stop entertainment, amazing food, a host of games, events, shopping surprises and lots more.

The festival kicks off with glitz and glamour on 5th October with the Grand Finale of the Phoenix Mega Model Hunt presided by the fashion and style Guru Prasad Bidapa and featuring show stealer Dino Morea, followed by the Shop & Win announcements. October will also sway to the mellifluous chartbusters of Mohit Chauhan, as he will be performing live as part of the Alive India Concert Season 7 on the 12th October. Ananya Birla will perform live on the 19th of October. In November, there are dazzling performances by none other than Vidya Vox on the 8th   November. A stand-up act by Jeeveshu Ahluwalia on 15th November is bound to leave the audience in splits.

Commenting on Phoenix Festival Season 3, Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathore, Sr. Centre Director South said, “This Year Phoenix Festival comes in a bigger avatar with many live-in concerts by renowned artist and singers, mesmerising décor and One Crore worth prizes will be given in the Phoenix Shopping Festival Season.”

The celebrations are not limited to music and fashion. The SteppinOut food festival is happening on 20th October, and will bring flavours from across the world straight to your platter along with lots of beer. There will also be the Denim Festival too, which mixes fashion with fun November.

Diwali, in all its amazing splendor, is the festival of bling. The mall will be sparkling with Diwali décor inspired by Goddess Laxmi. The spectacular experience begins at the stunning entrance comprising of an enormous lotus and an alluring peacock figurine crafted from crystals and mirrors, extending a grand welcome. The major materials used to create the sparkling diamond effects in the installations are crystals, mirror facets and reflective mirrors making it look grand just like our festival of Diwali. Besides, there are chic chandeliers installed across the mall, which adds to the glamour of the festive season at its best!

Adding to the glitz of Diwali will be the Jewellery Fest -19 as all brands will showcase exclusive collections of the season, making the mall a one stop space for all your fashion needs. Brands like Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyallukas, Bhima Jewellers, Senco Gold and Diamonds, C. Krishaiah Chetty Jewellers, Caratlane, Mia by Tanishq, Orra Diamond are running exciting offers.

As is tradition, Christmas is the time of the year, when Phoenix Marketcity Bangalore creates magic. The destination will transform into the enchanting ‘World of Christmas’ from 29th November right up to Christmas Day on 25th December and will be adorned in Christmas décor and cheer. Modelled along the lines of a European Christmas Market, ‘World of Christmas’ redefines the festive Christmas experience in India by giving consumers a feel of European celebrations through a magnificent display of Christmas decor, international cuisines, live performances and a mesmerising Christmas market full of festive products from different parts of the world.

The event will witness India’s largest curated Christmas market with 25 days of exclusive shopping options, scrumptious food, great music, stage performances, talent shows and a whole lot of festive excitement. There will be a marvellous Christmas tree designed by a Spanish artist that will be elegantly lit up in warm white hues of the festive season. As one steps in, the exquisite Christmas décor along with chic chandeliers spread across the mall will capture the spirit of the season.

There’s also a ton of fun in store for youngsters who are comic fans at the Avengers Station.

AGS Transact Techs Launches HP Fastlane in Association with HPCL

Key Features:

* Leverages Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to deliver paperless, cashless and contactless payment solutions through HP Fastlane mobile wallet
* Digital & Transparent payment process reduces the risk of pilferage
* Enables user to preset the fueling amount on the app
* Ensures meter reading is auto-set to Zero so the user pays only for the fuel dispensed
* Completely wireless technology
* 1.25% instant cashback on every fuelling transaction done via HP Fastlane app

HP Fastlane, India’s first RFID fuel payment solution and an initiative of AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL), one of India’s leading providers of end-to-end cash and digital payments solutions and automation technology is now available in Pune after its successful launch in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. The app based solution has been launched in partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) with the aim to provide a convenient and a more transparent fueling experience to consumers. More than 120 HPCL outlets in Mumbai & Pune have been enabled with HP Fastlane.

HP Fastlane leverages RFID technology to deliver cashless payment solutions and brings efficacy in fuel management. The HP Fastlane app which has more than 60,000 downloads since June 2019 is available for free on Android and iOS platforms.

Ravi B. Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director, AGS Transact Technologies Limited said, “Our understanding of the payment solutions combined with our experience and knowledge of automated fuel management system enables us to introduce a convenient method of fueling. We are delighted to collaborate with Hindustan Petroleum, a leading state-owned oil company to introduce the first ever RFID based fuel payment solution. With their extensive network, we will be able to provide Fastlane supported HPCL fuel stations that will deliver an enhanced customer experience to Punekars while optimising the business operations across fuel retail outlets. We are certain that our systematic and standardised end-to-end performance capabilities would be welcomed by all the stakeholders across the fuel industry.”

“We received an immensely positive response for HP Fastlane at our HPCL petrol pumps in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Thane and we are elated to now extend this partnership to our customers in Pune. HP-Fastlane allows convenient fuelling of designated vehicles & prevents fuel pilferage by bringing transparency in transactions. At HPCL, we are committed to providing better and efficient services and this solution will help us service our customers in Pune in a quicker, transparent and more secure way. We further aim to take HP Fastlane to all our pumps across India.” said Mr. DN Krishnamurthy, Chief General Manager West Zone, HPCL

“HP Fastlane has not only helped us on a micro level, but has also eased the task of managing transactions on a daily basis. With their technology we have been able to easily collect data, track the running average of our vehicles and also optimize the overall operational costs. After the positive results in Mumbai, we have implemented the HP Fastlane solution on our vehicles in Pune as well. Currently, we have enrolled more than 100 vehicles on HP Fastlane.” said Mohit Mangal, Director and CEO, Euro Cars India Private Limited

HP-Fastlane fuel management solution can be accessed over web or through the HP Fastlane mobile app. It enables the customer to enroll their vehicle details and load money in the HP-Fastlane wallet as and when required. The HP Fastlane user can pre-set the desired fueling amount before visiting a nearby HPCL pump. When the registered vehicle reaches an HP Fastlane enabled petrol pump, the attendant will scan the RFID tag pasted on the windshield of the vehicle. The user is notified on a real-time basis once the fueling is completed. HP Fastlane assures that just the right amount of fuel is dispensed and he/she is billed for the same.

How does it work?

Customer downloads the Fastlane Fuel app from Playstore & Appstore and enters the relevant details to enroll. He/she can also request the AGSTTL sales representative to complete the enrollment formalities in person at any participating HPCL Fuel Station.

*  The customer can load money into the HP Fastlane wallet through credit card/ debit card/ net banking and preset the amount of fuel he/she intends to buy.

* As the vehicle enters the station, the attendant scans the RFID instated HP Fastlane sticker which is pasted on the vehicle’s windshield.

* Once the HP Fastlane sticker is scanned and if the system is satisfied that this is an authorized vehicle, the pump receives reset authorization from cloud and fueling will commence.

* After fuelling, the driver or the user can simply drive away without having to wait for making payment at the outlet, as the preset amount is deducted directly from the HP Fastlane wallet.