Golden Growth Fund (GGF) Announces Launch of Rs400 Crore Real Estate Fund

New Delhi, 16th September, 2024: Golden Growth Fund (GGF), a leading Category 2 Alternate Investment Fund (AIF), has announced the launch of a new real estate fund with a commitment of ₹400 crore. With the first closing of ₹40 crore already secured, the fund is on track to reach its full target within the next 18 months, marking a significant milestone for GGF as it continues to expand its footprint in the Indian real estate market.

GGF’s strategy stands out due to its focus on brownfield projects, particularly in the highly sought-after regions of South Delhi and Lutyens’ Delhi. The real estate market in Delhi, especially in these areas, is known for its dynamic nature and high demand. South Delhi, with its upscale neighborhoods such as Anand Niketna, Vasant Vihar, Defence Colony, and Greater Kailash, offers a strong appreciation potential owing to limited land availability and a robust demand for properties. On the other hand, Lutyens’ Delhi, known for its historical significance and premium properties, commands the highest real estate values in the country, though with fewer opportunities for new developments.

Commenting on the launch of the fund, Ankur Jalan, CEO of Golden Growth Fund, said, “The launch of the Golden Growth Fund is a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on high-value brownfield projects in prime locations like South Delhi and Lutyens’ Delhi. Our focus on these premium projects allows us to offer investors an exceptional opportunity to engage with the real estate market, ensuring faster project turnarounds and minimized risks. This approach positions GGF as a leader in delivering value and security to our investors.”

Golden Growth Fund’s focus on brownfield projects offers a distinct advantage over other realty funds, which primarily target greenfield developments. GGF’s project turnaround time is anticipated to be between 15-18 months, significantly shorter than the 60-72 months typically seen in greenfield projects. Additionally, GGF’s projects face no time escalation, construction cost escalation, or government regulation uncertainties, unlike the high risks associated with other realty funds. Furthermore, the infrastructure surrounding GGF’s projects is fully developed, reducing sale uncertainty and price volatility, which remain high in greenfield projects.

The appeal of South Delhi as a prime investment destination lies in its excellent location and connectivity. The region is not only home to some of the most luxurious neighborhoods but also offers a stable and predictable real estate market, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and international investors. While Lutyens’ Delhi commands higher property prices and offers limited new investment opportunities, its exclusivity and prestige ensure that it remains a highly desirable location for those seeking long-term value retention.

With decades of experience in real estate advisory and wealth management, GGF is positioned to become a leading player in the Delhi real estate market. By equipping investors with actionable insights and a diversified investment portfolio, the fund aims to deliver superior returns and drive growth in the region’s luxury real estate sector.

Hymns to Hara: A Solo Bharatanatyam Performance by Sharanya Chandran

Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Sharanya Chandran enthralled audiences with her solo performance, Hymns to Hara, on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Through this captivating presentation, Sharanya delved into the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva, exploring the diverse emotions he evokes: love, awe, devotion, valor and even disgust. Hymns to Hara featured a carefully curated selection of Bharatanatyam repertoire, woven together to celebrate the divine.

SHARANYA HYMNS TO HARA 10

Sharanya has drawn inspiration from a rich tapestry of Indian literature, incorporating poems and verses from languages such as Tamil, Mythili and more. This diverse selection reflects the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva and the cultural richness of India.

Speaking about the performance, Sharanya Chandran said, “This is a particularly special performance for me. It marks my return to the stage after a hiatus and I was excited to reconnect with my audience. Additionally, it is a tribute to my grandparents, both ardent Shiva bhaktas, as we celebrate their birth centennials. And to add to the significance, September 14th also marks my ten-year anniversary at J-PAL South Asia. I am proud to have successfully balanced my passions for development and dance.”

Sharanya was accompanied by her mother and guru, Padmashri Geeta Chandran, on the Nattuvangam, K Venkateshwaran on Vocals, Manohar Balatchandirane on the Mridangam, Varun Rajasekharan on Ghatam and G Raghavendra Prasath on Violin.

MAXHUB to Launch New Product Line at DIDAC India 2024 in New Delhi

New Delhi, 16th September 2024 – MAXHUB, a leading provider of collaborative solutions, is all set to launch its latest product lineup at DIDAC India 2024. The event will take place in New Delhi, where visitors can experience the new E2 series, U3 series, UC P30 PTZ camera, V7 series, MTR solution, and LED solutions at MAXHUB’s Booth C2.

The new products are designed to meet the evolving needs of both education and corporate sectors. E2 and U3 Interactive Flat Panel is designed for the education sector while, the V7 series of interactive flat panels (IFP) is tailored for corporate environments, Additionally, MAXHUB is introducing the UC P30 AI based, a new PTZ camera for enhanced video conferencing.

Alongside these products, MAXHUB will also showcase its MTR solution and LED solutions, giving visitors a comprehensive look at its latest offerings.

We are excited to showcase our new range of products at DIDAC India this year. Our goal is to provide innovative tools that help businesses and educators collaborate more effectively. We believe these solutions will play a key role in improving productivity and engagement, said Pankaj Jha, Managing Director of MAXHUB India.

The DIDAC India event offers a great opportunity to see MAXHUB’s latest technology in action. Attendees can visit Booth C2 to explore and interact with these new products.

Paytm Aims for PAT Profitability As It Grows Its Core Payments Business

Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR, Soundbox, and mobile payments in its 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to profitability with a compliance-first approach while focusing on its core payments business. “With commitment to the core payments business, we aim to deliver PAT profitability soon,” Sharma said.

At the AGM, Paytm’s Founder and CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, highlighted Paytm’s significant role in India’s digital payments revolution, particularly through its pioneering innovations like the QR code and Soundbox. “Our commitment has always been to create a world-class product for Indian businesses and small merchants, setting a global benchmark. Today our business has become a globally replicable template,” he said.

Being leaders in fintech and with a commitment to build for India, Sharma said that the team is ready to replicate the same success in Artificial Intelligence. “Our team is already utilizing AI across all areas—technology, product, business, and operations.

Paytm is focused on expanding its merchant base, currently serving around 40 million merchants, with a goal to reach 100 million across the country. Madhur Deora, President and Group CFO, underscored Paytm’s mission to bring half-a-billion Indians into the mainstream economy. He further highlighted the company’s strong financial position, noting a robust balance sheet with a cash balance of Rs 8,500 Crore.

Shikhar Dhawan Inspires DPSI Gurgaon Students at Special Event with Devyani Jaipuria Sports Academy

National, 16th September 2024; DPS International (DPSI) recently hosted an inspiring event featuring Shikhar Dhawan, founder of Da One Sports Academy, in collaboration with Devyani Jaipuria Sports Academy (DJSA). This event highlighted the exciting partnership between DJSA and Da One Sports Academy, aiming to promote holistic development in students through sports.

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The event, held at DPSI, was a landmark occasion, reflecting the shared vision of both DJSA and Da One Sports Academy to nurture young talent and foster comprehensive growth. Shikhar Dhawan’s visit was a significant highlight, bringing the students a wealth of experience and motivation.

In his address, Dhawan urged students to pursue excellence and follow their passions. He advised, “Be your own biggest supporter, keep pushing forward, and never let your spark fade. Stay positive, trust your instincts, and focus on truly understanding what you learn, not just memorizing it. Avoid unnecessary stress.” His words left a lasting impact, motivating students to approach both academics and sports with greater determination.

The event provided a unique platform for students to engage with Dhawan, gaining insights from one of the foremost figures in sports. The interaction included motivational talks, Q&A sessions, and personal anecdotes from Dhawan’s illustrious career, offering students valuable perspectives on achieving success both in sports and in their personal lives.

Rima Singh, head of school, DPSI, expressed her appreciation for the event, saying: ” We were honored to have Shikhar Dhawan with us, sharing his valuable insights with our students. His emphasis on self-belief, perseverance, and holistic development aligns seamlessly with our educational ethos at DPSI. Our commitment extends beyond academic excellence to nurturing personal growth, and events like this play a crucial role in motivating our students to realize their full potential.

“At Da One Sports Academy, our mission is to inspire the next generation of athletes by providing them with the tools and guidance to excel both on and off the field. Through this partnership, we aim to empower students to build resilience, leadership, and a winning mindset, said Amitesh Shah, CEO, of Da One Group

The collaboration between DJSA and Da One Sports Academy underscores a shared commitment to integrating sports into education, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals. The comprehensive sports programs introduced through this partnership not only enhance physical abilities but also cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

HCLTech ranks #1 India-headquartered company in TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies 2024

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, Sept 16, 2024—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, is honored to announce its ranking as the highest ranked India-headquartered company in TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies 2024. This recognition highlights HCLTech’s exceptional performance across key parameters, including employee satisfaction, revenue growth and ESG (environmental, social and governance) metrics.

In addition to securing the top position among all India-headquartered companies, HCLTech is also distinguished in the global top 10 list within the Professional Services category. This marks the second consecutive year that HCLTech has been featured in these prestigious rankings.

“This accolade underscores HCLTech’s commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Rahul Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Corporate Functions, HCLTech. “It reinforces our leadership in the industry and our status as a top employer. Aligned with our purpose of ‘Supercharging Progress’ and ‘Find Your Spark’ employee value proposition, we are dedicated to maximizing employee potential, advancing community and social responsibility initiatives and achieving sustainability goals. We continue to set new benchmarks in fostering a people-centric culture and a sustainability-driven operating model.”

The World’s Best Companies 2024 ranking is a comprehensive analysis conducted to identify the top-performing companies across the globe. They were identified based on three primary dimensions:

Employee Satisfaction: The surveys were conducted in over 50 countries, with data collected from approximately 170,000 participants. The evaluation encompassed direct and indirect recommendations of companies as well as evaluations from employers across the dimensions of image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, and equality by verified employees.
Revenue Growth: The companies generating revenue of at least US $100 million in 2023 and demonstrating positive revenue growth from 2021 to 2023 were considered.
Sustainability (ESG): Evaluated based on ESG data among standardized KPIs from Statista’s ESG database and targeted data research.

This latest accolade further strengthens HCLTech‘s impressive roster of awards, including recognition as a Forbes Best Employer for New Graduates, a Forbes Best Management Consulting Firm and a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute. These honors collectively underscore HCLTech’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and employee satisfaction.

Veranda Learning elevates Aditya Malik to Group Chief Operating Officer

CHENNAI, 16th SEPTEMBER 2024: Veranda Learning Solutions, a listed enterprise offering end-to-end solutions in the education space, is pleased to announce the elevation of Mr. Aditya Malik to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Malik, who currently serves as CEO of Veranda HigherEd, has been instrumental in driving the growth and success of Veranda’s higher education initiatives. His new role aligns with the company’s broader vision of scaling its operations and positioning itself as a leader in the education space.

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Commenting on the elevation, Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning Solutions, said, “Aditya has been a key force in our journey towards excellence, particularly in the higher education segment. His strategic insights and leadership have been pivotal in shaping the future of Veranda HigherEd. His promotion to Group COO is not just a recognition of his contributions, but also a crucial step in realizing our broader vision for Veranda’s sustainable yet rapid growth.”

As part of Veranda’s long-term strategic vision, Aditya Malik’s elevation reflects the company’s commitment to fostering growth, driving synergies across its business units, and creating a sustainable roadmap for future success. His leadership will be integral in ensuring that Veranda continues to expand its offerings while maintaining its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and profitability.

Mr. Vivek Sapre, Chief Human Resources Officer, also shared his thoughts on this significant appointment, “Aditya’s elevation underscores our focus on developing internal talent and supporting our employees’ growth. We believe Aditya would bring his vast experience in bringing process-oriented solutions to our broad offerings.”

Expressing his commitment to Veranda, Mr. Aditya Malik said, “I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence that the management has placed in me. Leading Veranda HigherEd has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to contributing to the broader goals of Veranda Learning Solutions as Group COO. I am excited to continue our journey of innovation and excellence working with our talented team.”

Before joining Veranda, Mr. Aditya Malik was the founder of Talentedge and served as a Senior Partner at Lumis Partners, a private equity fund. He has also held senior leadership roles at Bank of America, GE Consumer Finance, and GECIS, bringing with him a wealth of experience in business operations, strategy, and leadership.

Immersive Super Reality Dome Theatre at Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway

Bengaluru, 16 September 2024 – Orion Mall, in partnership with Epic Quest Entertainment Pvt Ltd, has announced the installation of an innovative 360 Degree Super Immersive Dome Theatre at Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway. This state-of-the-art theatre will offer visitors an unparalleled cinematic experience. The 8-meter dome, spanning 1000 square feet across a 30×30-foot outdoor space and standing at 16.5 feet tall, boasts a world-class projection and speaker system for unparalleled visual and auditory experiences. With a capacity of up to 15 people per session, the theatre will screen a variety of captivating films, including classic titles like Aladdin – The Bachelor Party, Moby Dick – Friends to the Rescue, and Aztec- Historical Survival. Each show will have a duration of approximately 10 minutes, and the theatre will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM.

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“Orion Malls has always brought innovative experiences for our patrons through pioneering entertainment options and this initiative is bound to resonate with our visitors and we are positive that they will take home a captivating sensory experience. We believe that shopping should be more than just transactions; it should be an opportunity for families to relax and create lasting memories. The Super Reality Dome Theatre, will cater to all age groups, from fantasy and adventure to action, kids’ cartoons, and beyond.” said Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President Retail, Brigade Group

“We’re thrilled to bring our 360 Degree Super Immersive Dome Theatre to the vibrant Orion Mall. This unique space will not only elevate the entertainment landscape in Bengaluru but also create a captivating ambience that attracts footfall and adds a new dimension to the shopping experience. We are confident that this innovative theatre will captivate patrons at the mall and redefine their expectations of entertainment.” said Rakesh Anjanappa, Director, Epic Quest Entertainment Pvt Ltd

Tickets for the Super Reality Dome Theatre range from Rs 200 on weekdays and Rs 300 on weekends and will be available at the mall.

Kolkata to Witness B Praak’s Mesmerizing Performance at ‘Kolkata Odyssey’ on October 20th

Kolkata, 16th September, 2024: The vibrant city of Kolkata is set to host an extraordinary musical event as renowned Indian music composer and singer B Praak takes the stage for a spectacular live concert, “Kolkata Odyssey,” on 20th October at Big Lawn Nicco Park, Kolkata. This grand event promises to deliver more than just a concert; it aims to offer a transformative musical journey into the next dimension of live performances.

Kolkata Odyssey is not merely an event but a grand festival dedicated to celebrating Kolkata’s rich cultural and musical heritage. Attendees can anticipate a mesmerizing fusion of breathtaking visuals and immersive soundscapes designed to elevate their concert experience. The festival is crafted to honor the vibrant spirit of Kolkata, offering an unforgettable night of music and celebration.

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B Praak, a leading figure in the Indian music industry known for his distinctive voice and emotionally charged compositions, will take center stage. His recent work from the movie Animal, particularly the soul-stirring track Saari Duniya Jala Denge, has become a fan favorite. Alongside this latest sensation, B Praak will perform his chart-topping hits such as Teri Mitti, Zohrajabeen and Filhaal, which have deeply resonated with audiences. This performance will elevate his iconic songs to new heights, creating an emotionally powerful experience for all.

On this Occasion, Pranav Jaiswal, Organiser & MD of Bivita Events & Co. said, “We are thrilled to bring B Praak’s extraordinary talent to Kolkata with Kolkata Odyssey. This concert will transcend the traditional live music experience, offering a mesmerizing blend of stunning visuals and immersive sound. Join us for a night that promises to be unforgettable as we embark on this unique musical journey together. Our primary goal with Kolkata Odyssey is to provide a dedicated festival that celebrates and highlights the vibrant spirit of Kolkata.”

LIC appoints Infosys to build its NextGen Digital Platform

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has undertaken a digital transformation programme named DIVE (Digital Innovation and Value Enhancement). Under DIVE, LIC aims to significantly boost its digital platform with an aim to provide superior experience to its customers, field force, partners and employees.

Shri. Siddhartha Mohanty, CEO & MD

LIC has appointed Infosys to build its new state-of-art NextGen Digital Platform which will be an integrated end-to-end digital insurance solution to provide excellent Services to its customers, Business lifecycle management and operational activities for sales intermediaries and digital front-end platform for branch employees.

The NextGen Digital Platform will be modular, flexible, cloud-native, and have platform driven architecture which will be capable of quickly adopting innovative technologies, new products and features. This platform will form the foundation for building high value business applications such as the Customer & Sales Super Apps, Portals and Digital Branch for LIC.

Shri Siddhartha Mohanty, CEO & MD, LIC, said, “Our vision is to transform LIC into a technology enabled organisation providing life insurance solutions. We look forward to our partnership with Infosys in creating world class digital solutions and providing best-in-class experience for all our stakeholders including customers and sales intermediaries.”

Highlighting on the need for digital transformation, CEO & MD of LIC, Mr.Mohanty said, “Today we are living in a digitally connected era where customers expect their needs to be met instantly whether during on-boarding or post sales service. Technology can help us generate greater insights about our customers and by leveraging India’s advanced digital eco-system to help us serve better”.