Essential Spends Increased For 49% And Discretionary Spends Increased For 15%, Highest Surge In The Last 9 Months - Axis My India

·         Overall household spending has risen for 58% of families

·         49% leaning towards mobile phone investments,

·         30% interested in personal mobility, notably two-wheelers

·         44% of households have increased their health-related expenses

·         27% aware of Ayushman Bharat - Jan Arogya Yojana

·         28% are both aware and enrolled in Ayushman Bharat - Jan Arogya Yojana

Axis My India, a leading consumer data intelligence company, unveils the latest insights from the India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), revealing noteworthy trends in consumer behaviour. The report uncovers diverse trends among Indian households, with 46% reporting increased spending and feeling more financially secure than last year. Additionally, the survey highlights recent spending habits, revealing 49% of consumers investing in mobile phones, showcasing a shift towards technology. These insights reflect India's changing consumption patterns based on consumer spending power and lifestyle choices. The survey also sheds light on public awareness and participation in the Ayushman Bharat - Jan Arogya Yojana, a pivotal health insurance scheme by the Government of India.

The December net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, is at +9.9, which is an increase of +0.9 from the last month.

The sentiment analysis delves into five relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits, entertainment & tourism trends.

The survey used Computer-Aided Telephonic Interviews and included 5,143 participants from 35 states and UTs. Among them, 72% were from rural areas and 28% from urban areas. In terms of regions, 23% were from the North, 24% from the East, 28% from the West, and 25% from the South of India. Among the participants, 60% were male and 40% were female. Looking at the largest groups, 30% were aged between 36 and 50 years old, while 25% were aged between 26 and 35 years old

Commenting on the CSI report, Pradeep Gupta, Chairman & MD, Axis My India, said, “As we analyse the recent trends in India's economic landscape, the subtle yet significant transformations in consumer behavior and spending emerges distinctly. The evolving spending habits reveal a fascinating dynamic of necessity versus aspiration in consumer behavior. We are seeing a nuanced evolution in how households manage their finances and what they prioritise. From embracing digital technology to rethinking financial strategies, the Indian consumer is navigating an ever-changing economic environment with adaptability and foresight. The adaptability to govt schemes also highlights the govt’s role in spreading awareness towards their initiatives as an extension of their contribution to the nation. This trend is a reflection of the current economic and political climate, but is also a crucial indicator for the retail industry, signaling shifting consumer priorities and guiding future market strategies’

Key findings

·         Overall household spending has increased for 58% of the families, which is a decrease by 2% from last month. Consumption remains the same for 33% of families. The net score, which was +51 last month, has dipped to +50 this month.

·         Spends on essentials like personal care & household items have increased for 49% of families, which marks an increase by 5% from last month. Consumption remains the same for 36% of families. The net score, which was at +27 last month, has surged to +34 this month.

·         Spends on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, Car, and Refrigerators have increased for 15% of families. Consumption remains the same for 79% of families. The net score, which was +3 last month, is at +9 this month.

·         Expenses towards health-related items such as vitamins, tests, and healthy food have surged for 44% of the families, which marks an increase by 7% from last month. Consumption remains the same for 41% of families. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e., the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -30 this month. 

·         Consumption of media (TV, Internet, Radio, etc.) has increased for 23% of families which is an increase by 3% from last month. The net score, which was -1 last month, is at +2 this month.

·         Mobility has increased for 8% of the families, which is a increase of 1% from last month. The net score, which was -4 last month, is at -5 this month. Mobility remains the same for 78% of the families.

On topics of current national interest

·         The survey provided insightful data on household income, spending, and consumption patterns bringing to light a spectrum of sentiments regarding the nation's economic conditions this year. 46% of the participants expressed a sense of financial upliftment in 2023 compared to 2022 terms of financial well-being. Meanwhile, 36% still hold 2022 in higher regard, feeling that the previous year offered better financial stability. Additionally, 18% of the respondents viewed 2023 as being on par with the previous year, indicating a sense of consistency in their financial experiences.

·         The survey offered valuable insights into the spending patterns of consumers over the past and upcoming six months, highlighting shifts in purchase priorities. According to the findings, a significant 49% of respondent s are leaning towards investing in mobile phones, signalling a strong inclination towards technology and connectivity. Following closely, 37% of the respondents are focusing on financial prudence, with choosing a bank account being a top priority, reflecting an increased awareness and emphasis on financial management. Additionally, personal mobility emerges as a significant factor, with 30% of the respondents showing a preference for acquiring two-wheelers, underlining the growing importance of personal transportation in daily life.

·         In the wake of BJP's notable victories in recent state elections, the survey tapped into the public's perception of influence in India's political sphere. Reflecting on this political landscape, 60% of the respondents identified Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most influential figure of 2023. This perception has been further bolstered by the Prime Minister's active international engagements, including his pivotal role in the G20 summit and efforts towards elevating India's presence on the global stage. These events have clearly struck a chord with many people, contributing to the increased recognition of Narendra Modi as a significant influencer this year.

·         The survey delved into identifying the top milestone missions for India in a year filled with significant events, including the ICC World Cup and the G20 Summit. A significant 54% of respondents identified the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission as the most defining milestone of the year. This sentiment is underscored by the remarkable success of Chandrayaan-3, India's ambitious lunar mission. The event not only garnered widespread acclaim and also set a new record with 8.06 million concurrent views during its live stream, highlighting the nation's growing prowess and interest in space exploration and scientific achievements.

·         The survey unveiled that a significant 62% of respondents watched the ICC World Cup 2023, showcasing the event's wide-reaching appeal. Delving deeper into the modes of viewership, it was found that 31% of the respondents followed the matches on television, while a notable 22% of the respondents opted to watch the games on their mobile phones, highlighting the diverse ways in which audiences are consuming sports content in the digital age.

·         The study delved into the average daily time spent on TV and Video Streaming Platforms/OTT across various time brackets. The overall time spent on TV is 65 minutes per day compared to 61 minutes on OTT. The younger age group spend significantly higher time spent on OTT (96 minutes per day) compared to TV (60 minutes per day)

o   For those allocating less than 30 minutes, 14% of respondents reported spending their time on TV, while 15% preferred Video Streaming Platforms/OTT

o   In the 30 minutes to 1-hour category, 16% indicated TV usage compared to 13% for Video Streaming Platforms/OTT

o   Moving on to the 1-2 hour bracket, 24% opted for TV, while 18% chose Video Streaming Platforms/OTT

o   The percentages decrease for longer durations, with 10% on TV and 9% on Video Streaming Platforms/OTT for 3-4 hours

o   2% on TV and 3% on Video Streaming Platforms/OTT for 5-8 hours, and

o   Merely 1% for both TV and Video Streaming Platforms/OTT for 9 or more hours

This breakdown illustrates the varying preferences in media consumption habits, emphasizing a notable shift towards digital platforms, especially for shorter durations.

·         Expanding on the findings regarding age-wise distribution, the data from Axis My India provides insights into the percentage of individuals within different age groups who spend ‘1-2 hours’ watching TV on a typical day:

o   23% of 18-25 age group dedicate this time to TV

o   21% of 26-35 age group dedicate this time to TV

o   27% of 36-50 age group dedicate this time to TV

o   26% of 51-60 age group dedicate this time to TV

o   25% of above 60 age group dedicate this time to TV

This suggests a fairly even distribution of TV watching habits across different age groups, with a slightly higher inclination in the 36-50 age category.

·         Examining the data on a typical day's OTT viewership, distinct patterns emerge across various age groups:

o   Among individuals aged 18-25, a notable 25% engage with OTT platforms,

o   Slightly lower yet significant 24% from the 26-35 age group do the same.

o   The prevalence decreases in the 36-50 age group, with 17% of individuals choosing OTT for their media consumption.

o   Further down the age spectrum, the 51-60 age group and those above 60 exhibit similar preferences, with 12% from both demographics tuning into OTT platforms

These findings highlight the varying degrees of adoption of OTT platforms across different age brackets, indicating a higher affinity among younger individuals for on-demand streaming services. This suggests a fairly even distribution of TV watching habits across different age groups, with a slightly higher inclination in the 36-50 age category.

·         The survey shed light on public awareness and participation in the Ayushman Bharat - Jan Arogya Yojana, a pivotal health insurance scheme by the Government of India. It was revealed that 27% of respondents are aware of the scheme but have not taken the step to enroll. This indicates a significant level of awareness about the scheme, yet highlights a gap between awareness and action. On the other hand, 28% of respondents are aware of the scheme and have actively enrolled in the scheme, suggesting a proactive approach towards availing the health benefits offered.

·         The survey provided insights into the public's awareness and adoption of the 14-digit Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, a key component of India's health digitisation efforts. It revealed that 84% of respondents, are unaware of the ABHA card, indicating a significant knowledge gap in this critical health initiative. This suggests a considerable gap in public knowledge regarding the ABHA and its benefits. On the other hand, 9% of respondents have actively obtained the ABHA card, indicating some level of engagement and uptake among the populace. Meanwhile, 7% of respondents, although aware of the ABHA, do not possess the card.

·         With the five state elections seen as a prelude to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections the December CSI Report highlights the keen interest among the public in political trends. A significant 67% of respondents had expressed their intent to watch the exit polls of these crucial state elections, indicating a high level of engagement and curiosity about the potential outcomes and their implications. In contrast, 32% of the surveyed population are not planning to tune in for the exit polls, suggesting varying levels of political interest and engagement across the public.

Project Warming Hearts: Blanket Distribution For The Needy During Winter

As the winter chill sweeps through our community, Blanket Distribution, a compassionate initiative by Rotary Bangalore Midtown was done to provide warmth to those in need. On December 3, 2023, Rotary Midtown organized blanket distribution drive to alleviate the harsh conditions faced by the less fortunate during the coldest months of the year. Distributing blankets to the poor and needy people during the month of December has become a tradition of Rotary Midtown since 23 years. 

The project is aimed to reach the most vulnerable segments of the population, including homeless individuals, impoverished families, orphans and those living in makeshift shelters. With the support of the members of Rotary Midtown, a substantial number of blankets were procured to make a meaningful impact.

Midtowners bundled up against the cold themselves, embarked on a mission to distribute the blankets with care and empathy. They visited various locations identified as high-need areas, such as parks, shelters, and community centers, ensuring that the warmth reached those who needed it the most.

The distribution process was not just about providing physical warmth; it also carried a message of solidarity and compassion. Each blanket was accompanied by a kind word, offering a moment of connection to those who often feel overlooked by society.

The initiative not only provided immediate relief but also sparked a sense of community spirit. Residents and businesses rallied together, fostering a collaborative effort to address a pressing social issue. The impact of such initiatives extends beyond the immediate recipients, creating a ripple effect of compassion and social responsibility.

As winter continued, the blanket distribution initiative became a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of our community. In the face of adversity, the warmth of shared humanity shone brightly, showcasing the positive change that can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause.

Earlier only blankets were distributed every year, but from last 2 years, either hoodies or jackets or wind cheaters are given to the orphan children. 

This year on December 3, 2023, Rotary Midtown distributed wind cheaters to nearly 500 children from 24 orphanages at Catholic Club, Bangalore.

Australian Built Environment Delegation Explores Partnerships With Indian Infrastructure Companies In Bengaluru

A 10 member Australian Built Environment industry delegation visited India last week as a part of Australia-India Business Exchange program. The delegates represented and showcased Australian capabilities in water, urban development sectors. The visit program was organised by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in collaboration with the South Australian Government.

The delegation met with India’s leading infrastructure companies, relevant state government agencies across Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai between 28 November to 01 December 2023 to explore commercial partnership opportunities.

The delegation also participated at the Municipalika 2023 event in Bengaluru, organised to promote Safe, Smart and Sustainable Living in Cities. Austrade participated as Innovation Partner at this event. The delegation also showcased their individual capabilities at the Australia country session organised during this event.

Australian niche capabilities around energy efficient water and sewerage treatment technologies, water recycling and re-use technologies, water treatment systems for rural drinking water supply, containerised desalination systems, flood management tools and techniques will have potential opportunities in India with multilateral funded and federal and state government projects.

Australia has stringent building standards, a highly skilled population, and unique climatic conditions. These factors have led to the development of building and construction products and services which Australia now supplies to the world.

As world leaders in design, project management, architecture, engineering, innovative products and technology, the Australian building and construction industry is an ideal partner for India in developing projects at global standards and providing invaluable insights.

Speaking about the delegation visit, Mr Abdul Ekram, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade South Asia, said, “The emphasis on creating high-quality and sustainable infrastructure and cities is a key priority for both India and Australia. The Australian participation at Municipalika 2023 offered an excellent opportunity to showcase Australia's world-class capabilities in the infrastructure sector.”

He further said, “Australia – India bilateral relationship is at a historical high point, evidenced by implementation of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) in December 2022. The delegation visit provided an opportunity to forge partnerships with the Indian Infrastructure businesses and leverage capabilities to deliver projects that are aligned with India's ambitious sustainability and net zero goals.”

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s international trade promotion and investment attraction agency. We deliver quality trade and investment services to businesses to grow Australia’s prosperity. We do this by generating and providing market information and insights, promoting Australian capability, and facilitating connections through our extensive global network.

To discover how we can help you, visit https://www.austrade.gov.au/

Zomato Unveils ZEAL (Zomato’s Equitable Action For Livelihood); Makes Its Rest Points Wheelchair Accessible For Last-Mile Delivery

* Commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities by making two rest points in Delhi and Bangalore barrier-free for wheelchair users 

In its continued endeavor of providing equitable access to opportunities for all, Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, is working towards making its rest points in metro cities wheelchair accessible. This initiative is focused on ensuring hassle-free movement of its wheelchair-bound delivery partner fleet. Starting with transforming two shelter points, one located in Delhi and the other in Bangalore into barrier-free spaces for wheelchair-bound delivery partners, Zomato is committed to building inclusiveness across the value chain and fostering a more convenient infrastructure and built environment.

Acknowledging the immense potential of individuals with disabilities, Zomato has taken proactive steps towards creating a holistic and inclusive environment for all. The firm currently has 300 persons with locomotor disabilities as delivery partners in its fleet, under its flagship project ZEAL (Zomato’s Equitable Action for Livelihood). 

Launched earlier this year, these rest points are part of Zomato’s ‘Shelter Project,’ a groundbreaking initiative focused on creating a more supportive gig environment for the last-mile delivery partners of various companies. These well-ventilated spaces are equipped with comfortable seating, charging points, washrooms, high-speed internet, helpdesk, first-aid support, free Wi-Fi, and access to food options. The project's purposeful design offers dedicated spaces for delivery partners to rejuvenate and relax between deliveries, fostering their physical and mental well-being. 

Commenting on the announcement, Anjalli Ravi Kumar Chief Sustainability Officer, Zomato, said, “At Zomato, we are constantly working towards creating a safe and inclusive working environment for all stakeholders. By making these rest points wheelchair accessible, we are focused on empowering the last-mile delivery partners with various abilities. We are grateful for our association  with Tejasvi Surya and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, who helped revamp the shelter in Bangalore and New Delhi respectively.  As we continue to grow, we will work towards expanding this initiative and accommodate the diverse needs of delivery partners.” 

About Zomato:  

Launched in 2010, Zomato’s mission is better food for more people. Zomato is a restaurant search & discovery, and food ordering and delivery platform.  

Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya Celebrates Its 84th Anniversary With The Bhatkhande Music Festival 2023

Renowned music institute, Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya will celebrate its 84th anniversary with the Bhaatkhande Music Festival 2023. The festival is an attempt to look back and celebrate the heritage of Hindustani Classical Music while also promoting new talents who bring in interesting innovations to age-old music traditions. The festival is scheduled to be held at the India Islamic Cultural centre Lodhi Estate, New Delhi on 9th December 2023, 5:45 pm onwards.

The event will witness the participation of around 60-70 students with performances ranging from Hindustani Classical, Vocal and Kathak, to tabla and flute recitals. For the first time, the show will have students strumming together a special orchestra piece on the soulful morning raag, Raaga Ahir Bhairav. Another highlight of the evening will be a Hori — one of the many forms of light classical music traditions of Hindustani music sung on Holi capturing its joyous and playful spirit – which will be sung by the youngest students of the Vidyalaya with intricate tans. Students as young as 6-7 yrs old will be performing kathak recital on a Tarana which has been sung by an alumnus of this institute, Neeti Mohan.

The ceremony will showcase the wide assortment of talent that the academy has attracted over the years, from four-year-old children to sixty-five-year-old senior citizens. An audience of over 300 people is expected to attend the event, which will be inaugurated and chaired by the chief guest Smt. Sangita Saxena, Wife of the Lt. Governor of Delhi and the Guest of honour Sh. Pavan K. Varma, Author, Diplomat and Former MP-Rajya sabha. 

On being a part of the festival, this is what she has to say. ‘Music is my Soul. To me it is exciting, calming, transcending, healing, encompassing and universal. Vocal or instrumental, it allows you to feel all your emotions. Where words fail, music speaks. What would this world be without it. My journey with Bhaatkhande was truly magical. The three months that I spent learning music in Bhatkhande were very fruitful. I learnt and understood music. I had a lot of fun too over those 3 months. I am grateful to Deepa ji for those unforgettable moments. My best wishes to each one associated with Bhaatkhande School of Music.’

“I am delighted that Bhaatkhande music festival is holding its 84th year celebration on 9th December this year and it's a matter of great happiness and honour for me to be a part of it as a guest of honour. It is extreme important to preserve the sanctity of our remarkable classical music legacy. And the Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya is doing precisely that and I am greasy looking forward to the evening and request all those who are interested in music and our musical tradition to please join,” says Sh. Pavan K. Varma

The Governing Council member, Mr Navneet Soni, has also sent his best wishes for the success of the festival: ‘Music is universal. It has no caste, no religion and no boundaries. Just as you sustain and nourish your body with food, the sustenance and food for the soul is music. I first met the late Sh. Vinod Chopra Ji in 2001 in the Ministry of Culture. The late Sh. Y. K. Gaiha, IRS introduced us. Sh. Chopra invited me to Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya and the resultant bond of friendship and respect lasted for two decades, till we tragically lost Sh. Chopra to COVID.  The Institution is doing a wonderful service by passing on the musical legacy of it's founding fathers to the young students. I wish them the very best.’

Over the years the Vidyalaya’s efforts in the field of fine art have helped sustain and grow our rich cultural and artistic legacy. According to Deepa Chopra Sharma, Principal Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya, ‘Music is a world within itself. It is a language without bounds. It knows no gender, no colour and no creed. It is a universal language of the mankind. Bhatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya has been imparting training in the field of performing arts for over 8 decades now. Being one of the oldest and most renowned music institution in Delhi, we have always strived to make music accessible to all. Truly devoted to its motto—The only prerequisite to learn music is the desire to learn—the institution has curated various flexible plans to suit everyone's needs.”

About Hindi Sangeet Institution: It is a registered society which runs Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya, is a cultural organization dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Indian Classical music was founded over 83 years ago at Rangoon, Burma, to meet the interests of local Indian residents. The idea was to promote Indian Classical Music among the local Indian residents. This was the dream of the founder, Late Shri. N.N. Chopra, an accomplished musician who had devoted his life to the cause of Indian Classical Music. Shri Chopra’s commitment to musicology has endowed the Vidyalaya with some valuable gems, which include his thesis on ‘Construction of Indian Ragas’, and his to conceptualization of the unique form of ‘sound and ear’ voice training – which are used in our training methodology even today. Many of his books and compositions also remain an integral part of the training process.

Soon after the Institution celebrated its second anniversary, World War II broke out and interrupted its activities. The Institute substantially moved to India in 1942. A skeleton of the Institute remained in Rangoon and in 1947 the Institution closed the first chapter of its history with a final music variety programme held at Rama Krishna Hall, Rangoon, Burma.

Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya (BSV), affiliated to the Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow - a premier music university of India, has its teaching center at Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi. The Vidyalaya has commenced a vocational plan to revive Indian culture by bringing younger generations in its fold. The Vidyalaya sends quality faculty members to partner institutions to hold classes in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music, Instrumental Music and Kathak Dance. The Vidyalaya’s partners include the Shriram School, Bluebells School, Sanskriti School, Muskaan (For Physically and Mentally Challenged), Gargi College, Jesus and Mary College, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Tammana School of Hope, DPS International School and Kamla Nehru College.

The Vidyalaya has to its credit several students who have made it to the top, such as Gursewak Mann (Pop singer), Neeti Mohan (Band member in the Channel V band “Aaasma”), Saumya Swaminathan (Winner of Spic Macay Guru Shishya Paramapara workshop - under 18 yrs. Category), Kamakshi Khanna (Pop Singer) and Neetu Chopra, National Scholarship holder in Tabla.

The following participants will be performing at the 84th anniversary festival:

1.     Raag Khamaj - Mischa Raj & Tejas Tripathy

2.     Raag Bhupali - Aradhya Pandey, Suhavani Kumar, Viraj sharma, Mananya Thakur & Akshita Pathak

3.     Bhajan - Rashi Singh, Riya, Chetna Ahuja & Tanuja Rawat

4.     Hori - Ishani Mohapatra, Shubhvrat chand, Shiv Agarwal, Samar Choksi, Spiti Choksi, & Agastya Tanuj Chauhan

5.     Mira Bhajan - Akhil & Kedareshwaran Subramanium

6.     Tabla - Samarth Gupta, Viraj Sharma & Aditri Dewan

7.     Thumri - Riya Sharma, Antara Vaid Datta, Dikshita Chandan, Aaruniya S. Manohar

8.     Raag Jaunpuri - Seema Kashyap & Anupama Tripathi

9.     Lakshan Geet (Rag Yaman) - Jishnu Kalra & Araina Choudhary

10.  Ram Bhajan - Vidha Dharam, Smrity Sinha

11.  Raag Miya Malhar - Abhinav Kumar

12.  Kathak - Advita Gunjan, Namasya Kariya, Jasri Janvi, Eshna Singhal, Kavya Joshi, Gargi, Aradhya Mishra, Araina Choudhary, Spiti Choksi & Vaishvi Sharma

13.  Kathak - Ishani Mohapatra, Riya Sharma, Samaira Kumar, Shrinika Chauhan, Zoya Bhatia, Naira Verma, Ruhani Goel, Menka & Akshita Pathak

14.  Orchestra Keyboard - Kaashvi Sharma & Prabir Singh ;  Guitar : Shreyas Sarma, Rishabh Pandey, Beauty Behera, Tanuja Chauhan, Shantanu & Aditya Narayan Flute : Chehak Kaur.

Provident Housing Releases ESG Report Highlighting Commitment To Sustainable Construction

Provident Housing Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Puravankara Limited, focused on large-scale community housing, today unveiled its second Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) report that highlights how the company is leading the way towards sustainable operational and business practices by adopting new technologies and reducing its impact on the environment.

The report demonstrates Provident Housing’s commitment to sustainable construction, and it records that conservation across all projects led to water savings of nearly 210 KL. The company’s effective waste management practices resulted in the repurposing of 60 loads of construction and demolition waste for roadworks at project sites. The transition to paperless operations, in addition to yielding cost savings, has positively impacted biodiversity conservation.

On the governance front, the company has made significant strides in promoting gender diversity in its workforce. There has been a 41% increase in the hiring of female employees, contributing to an overall gender diversity ratio of 33%. Provident Housing also recorded 100% safety across all sites during the reporting period.

As part of the larger community outreach, Provident has undertaken projects to revive heritage wells for water conservation to build resilience among local communities.

"From FY24-25, SEBI has proposed ESG disclosures according to the BRSR Core for the top 250 companies on a comply-or-explain basis beginning in 2024, with assurance beginning the following year. While Provident Housing is not independently listed, we have started the procedure for ESG reporting. This paves the way for not only good practices but also for future readiness," said Mallanna Sasalu, CEO of Provident Housing.

Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Sasalu also discussed future plans for Provident Housing. On a question about Provident Housing being listed independently, he said, “It is premature to discuss such topics. We are in the process of building the business to larger possibilities. Anything is possible at the appropriate time.”

Sasalu also discussed the state of the affordable housing segment and said, “Affordable housing today does not have the exact definition as it used to be. We continue to be in the same space as we were. Over the last decade, affordable unit prices have ranged between Rs. 45 lakh to Rs. 1.2 Crore in metropolitan cities. Our focus continues to be on this market segment, as this is the largest pie in the residential housing business.”

The full copy of the ESG report released by Provident Housing is available at http://bit.ly/41bPSs1   

The Sixth Edition Of #JapaneseFilmFestivalIndia Comes To Mumbai And Bengaluru, The “Full-Of-Cinephiles” Cities!

* After successful runs in Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad, Japan Foundation now brings the sixth edition of the Japanese Film Festival India to Mumbai and Bengaluru in attendance of notable entities and influencers. The four-month-long touring festival will take place in 7 Indian cities between October 2023 and January 2024.

Japan Foundation hosted the sixth edition of the Japanese Film Festival India in New Delhi, in association with PVR INOX from 12th-15th October. The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Koji Yoshida, the Director of the Japan Information Centre, the Embassy of Japan in India and Mr. Koji Sato, Director General of the Japan Foundation New Delhi. The event was attended by notable stalwarts, film critics, members of the Japan Foundation and Japan Embassy. Influencers and Delhi-based cosplayers attended the screening along with the members of the Delhi Anime Club and Delhi Film Club.

Following Delhi, the Japanese Film Festival was hosted in Chennai and Hyderabad from 2nd-5th November, experiencing similar success and praise. The event was attended by notable entities, including the Consul-General of Japan in Chennai, as well as members of popular groups like The Hyderabad Anime Club.

After these great turnouts, the Japan Foundation is all set to start the penultimate leg of the Japanese Film Festival in Mumbai and Bengaluru from 7th-10th December. The festival will be held at PVR ICON, Infiniti Mall, Andheri West in Mumbai, and at INOX, Mantri Square Mall, Malleswaram in Bengaluru.

The highlight of this year’s annual JFF India is the screening of the popular anime from the ‘Detective Conan’ universe and the 4K remastered edition of ‘Lupin The 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro,’ the first anime film directed by Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki in 1979. The sixth edition of JFF will showcase 11 masterpieces, including ‘A Man’, ‘Anime Supremacy!,’ ‘Intolerance,’ ‘MONDAYS: See you “this” week!,’ ‘Father of the Milky Way Railroad,’ ‘Detective Conan: Episode “ONE”’ ‘Detective Conan the Movie: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital,’ ‘We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,’ ‘Detective Conan the Movie: The Last Wizard of the Century,’ and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest award-winning film, ‘Monster.’

During the inaugural speech, Mr. Koji Sato, Director General of the Japan Foundation New Delhi, expressed, “We are glad that the JFF, which began in 2017, is now in its sixth edition and has become an annual event for the people of India. It goes without saying that anime is very popular in India, but we hope that through this film festival, people will also discover the appeal of the latest Japanese feature films.”

Director of the Japan Information Centre at the Embassy of Japan in India, Mr. Koji Yoshida, expressed his appreciation for the film event, stating, “We congratulate Japan Foundation on the successful opening of the sixth edition of the Japanese Film Festival in India. We are confident that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow through the medium of film.”

Following the Mumbai and Bengaluru edition, the last leg of the JFF India will take place in Kolkata and Pune from 18th-21st January, 2024 at INOX South City, Kolkata, and PVR ICON Pavilion Mall, Pune.

Mr. Gautam Dutta, Co-CEO, PVR INOX Limited remarked, “We are extremely pleased to host the 6th Edition of the Annual Japanese Film Festival yet again, now as a merger entity of PVR INOX and the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India. Japan Foundation and PVR have shared a long association since 2017 and there has been no looking back ever since. We have taken inspiration from this new emerging trend of film festivals from Japan Foundation and our recent film festivals based on legends of Indian cinema have met with huge success.”

About Japan Foundation

The Japan Foundation is Japan’s only institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world. With the objective of deepening mutual understanding between the people of Japan and other countries and regions, our various activities and information services create opportunities for interpersonal interactions. The Japan Foundation develops programs in three different fields—Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese- Language Education Overseas, and Japanese Studies and Global Partnerships.

The Japan Foundation has a global network consisting of the Tokyo headquarters, the Kyoto Office, two Japanese-language institutes, and 26 overseas offices in 25 countries. The Japan Foundation, New Delhi was officially established in January 1994 and since then has been carrying out the Foundation’s programs thoroughly.

For further information, visit: https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/index.html or https://nd.jpf.go.jp/

About PVR INOX

PVR INOX Limited is the largest film exhibition company in India with 1711 screens across 359 properties in 114 cities (India and Sri Lanka). Since their inception, both PVR and INOX have created iconic cinema brands with storied histories of achieving significant milestones and setting benchmarks in the film exhibition industry. With a collective heritage of transforming out-of-home entertainment in the country, the merged company offers a wide range of cinema services such as child friendly Audis, the latest screening technology, superior sound systems, wide range of F&B offerings, film and non-film content and an array of formats in the premium screen category.

For further information, visit: http://www.pvrcinemas.com

About Japanese Film Festival (JFF)

"JFF (Japanese Film Festival)" was first held in 2016 in ASEAN countries and Australia and expanded its area to China and India in 2017 and to Russia in 2018. In our efforts to promote Japanese culture in India, the Japan Foundation believes that Japanese media, such as films and anime, are extremely fundamental. The Japanese Film Festival, the Japan Foundation's annual film festival, has been successful in spreading the mesmerizing Japanese cinema in the country. By showcasing contemporary Japanese films in theatres across the nation, we are creating a unique experience for cinema enthusiasts. Besides, through our projects, we cultivate the film market in this country and have a continuous impact on the audience and commercial activities.

For further information,  visit: https://jff.jpf.go.jp/