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HealthMug and Bold Care join forces to revolutionize men’s sexual wellness

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New Delhi, 27th Dec 2023 – HealthMug, a leading e-commerce platform in the well-being sector, is delighted to announce its collaboration with Bold Care, a renowned and prominent brand in men’s sexual health and wellness. This strategic tie-up aims to redefine the accessibility and convenience of sexual wellness and intimate care products for consumers across India.

Bold Care is popularly known for its commitment to addressing men’s sexual health through a combination of nature and science. The brand brings innovative and science-backed products free from harmful chemicals and toxins. By partnering with HealthMug, the brand is set to provide a comprehensive range of solutions that will meet consumers’ evolving needs. 

Mr Saurav Singh, the Sr. Category Manager of HealthMug, comments on this collaboration, “The sexual wellness industry is one of the most growing industries in India, and it is estimated to reach 2,095 million by 2030. E-commerce platforms are playing a significant role in the growth of this Industry. In HealthMug, this category has shown a mammoth growth (more than 200%) as compared to the last year and continuously growing with the MOM of 15-18%. In this burgeoning, HealthMug, as one of the market leaders in the well-being category, is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking partnership with Bold Care. They are one of the leading men’s sexual health and wellness brands in the Men-Care category. This strategic collaboration is set to revolutionize the way consumers access sexual wellness and intimate care products. Their innovative solutions bring a new level of convenience and reliability to the intimate care and well-being audience. We are quite confident that together we will contribute to significant growth in both businesses.”

Mr Rahul Krishnan, the Co-Founder of Bold Care, shares his thoughts, “At Bold Care, we believe in a philosophy of solving men’s sexual wellness needs through combining nature and science. Our products are infused with science-backed ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Bold Care’s collaboration with HealthMug.com (Online business partner) will provide us with opportunities to extend our reach to an even wider audience pool. We look forward to working hand-in-hand to explore new marketing strategies, expand our product offerings, and deliver exceptional experiences to customers on HealthMug.” 

Both HealthMug and Bold Core are ready to expand their product in the market and enhance the customer experience. This collaboration will significantly contribute to the growth of both businesses and set new benchmarks in the men’s sexual wellness and intimate care industry. 

About Bold Care

Bold Care is a prominent brand which specializes in men’s wellness. With a focus on combining nature and science, the brand offers innovative solutions prioritizing efficacy and safety. The brand empowers men to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Terra Grande by Eldeco Sets New Standards in Himalayan Living

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Terra Grande, an arm of the renowned Eldeco Group, brings a luxurious living experience amidst the pristine Himalayas. Nestled in the scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh, Terra Grande Sirmaur emerges as an epitome of opulence and tranquillity, catering to the discerning tastes of those seeking resplendent holiday homes.

Artistic Image – Villa view, Terra Grande Sirmaur

In a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for high-end holiday homes in the hills, Terra Grande is committed to creating unparalleled living spaces in picturesque hill areas. Luxury villas and Estate living exclusively crafted by Terra Grande aim to offer a kind of luxurious experience in the hills.

Strategically located in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, Terra Grande capitalizes on its advantageous location to offer a unique blend of nature’s beauty and contemporary living. Perfectly encapsulating the aspiration of holiday homes amidst nature living and away from chaotic metros, the project is a low-density development standing as a grandeur of privacy and exclusivity, providing residents with a spacious and serene abode.

Redefining the concept of a home away from home, embracing the breathtaking beauty of nature while offering the best-in-class amenities, the Terra Grande Estates strike the perfect balance between public spaces and private lounges, creating a living experience that celebrates every corner of these exquisite abodes. With meticulous attention to detail, each Estate incorporates earthquake-resistant technology, ensuring a safe and secure living environment. Besides, the project features amenities like a luxurious spa, clubhouse, infinity pool, play courts, kid’s area, library, fitness centre, walking trails, and others.

Terra Grande Sirmaur, positioned as one of the promising properties in the region, embodies the convergence of natural splendor and luxurious living. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, projects like Terra Grande Sirmaur pave the way for an era of sophisticated, nature-centric residences that cater to the desires of discerning homebuyers seeking a lifestyle beyond the ordinary.

With the accelerated growth in the holiday homes segment, Terra Grande by Eldeco Group envisions creating distinctive and upscale living experiences. Besides, the groups next project of luxury villas is planned in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

BofA leases 1.1 million sq ft office space in Chennai 

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In the most significant office space deal of 2023, Bank of America (BofA) has secured a lease for 1.1 million sq ft of office space in Chennai, establishing one of its largest captive centers outside the US.

The newly leased property at DLF Downtown, Taramani, is being leased for its back office operation in India. “The property is in the fitout phase now and the company is expected to start operation from Q2 2024 for the first phase,” said two people aware of the development.

Initially, the company will utilize approximately 710,000 sq ft, with the remaining 390,000 sq ft designated for potential expansion in the second phase, according to official records. Industry estimates suggest the property can accommodate 7,000-8,000 employees.

“DLF Downtown phase one is fully committed and is under fitout for many clients. The project is commanding a rent of over ₹100 per sqft,” said one of the persons quoted above.

DLF Downtown, Taramani, spanning 27 acres, is a collaborative project between the developer’s rental business arm, DCCDL, and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).

Out of the total project area of almost 7 million sq ft, DLF has initiated the construction of 3.3 million sq ft in the initial phase. Standard Chartered Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Standard Chartered Global Business Services (GBS), and Bank of America are among the major corporations securing space in this development. Notable tenants such as KLA-Tencor, Fidelity, JRay, Synechron, and Simpliwork have also committed to leasing office space in this LEED platinum certified building.

MMTC-PAMP is India’s First Precious Metals Company to have Science-based Emissions Reduction Targets Approved by the SBTi

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MMTC-PAMP has set science-based targets consistent with limiting climate warming to 1.5C

To reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 47% by FY 2029/2030 from an FY 2018/2019 base year

MMTC-PAMP has already implemented 705 kWp of solar energy panels, actively contributing to decarbonization and minimizing its carbon footprint

MMTC-PAMP, Indias only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery gold & silver refinery, reinforces its commitment to sustainability as the first precious metals company in India to have science-based carbon emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This marks a pivotal milestone for MKS PAMP GROUP as both MMTC-PAMP and MKS PAMP commit to carbon emission reduction targets.

MMTC-PAMP reinforces its commitment to sustainability by actively minimizing its carbon footprint

MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 47% by FY2029/2030 from a FY2018/2019 base year. MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited also commits to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 27.5% within the same timeframe. Continuing its ongoing commitment to sustainability, MMTC-PAMP, among other initiatives has also recently implemented 705 kWp of solar energy panels, actively contributing to decarbonization and reducing its carbon footprint.

Commenting on the target approval by the SBTi, Mr. Vikas Singh, Managing Director and CEO, MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited said, “We are proud to be leading our industry in this transformation and are deeply devoted to making a substantial impact in our environmental engagement. In line with this vision, we have set forth a robust commitment to drive meaningful change in our carbon footprint.”

“Today, we welcome MMTC-PAMP’s science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5C,” said Luiz Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of the Science Based Targets initiative. “The ambition of MMTC-PAMP’s targets is aligned with the need for the global economy to rapidly cut emissions. This company is setting an example for the rest of its industry, and I urge others in its sector to set their targets too.”

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.

The initiative is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.

MMTC-PAMPs commitment towards sustainability and the approval from the SBTi underscores MKS PAMP GROUP’s ambition to accelerate its sustainability agenda across its companies.

About MMTC-PAMP

A joint venture between Switzerland-based bullion refinery, MKS PAMP SA, and MMTC Ltd, a Miniratna and Government of India Undertaking. MMTC-PAMP is the only LBMA-accredited gold & silver good delivery refiner in India and is accepted across global commodity exchanges and central banks. The company seamlessly marries Swiss excellence with Indian insights. MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd. is internationally recognized as an industry leader in bringing global standards of excellence to the Indian precious metals industry. MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for transparency and sustainability that it rigorously upholds in its sourcing, refining, and supply of precious metals in the Indian market.

About SBTi

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling companies and financial institutions to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. The SBTi’s goal is to accelerate businesses across the world to support the global economy to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero before 2050. The initiative is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.

Saucy Affair Unveils Delectable “No Onion No Garlic” Range, Redefining Culinary Creativity

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Saucy Affair, the innovative culinary brand known for its bold and flavorful sauces, is excited to introduce its latest masterpiece – the “No Onion No Garlic” product range. Crafted to meet the needs of a diverse audience, this collection brings forth a tantalizing selection of sauces that are perfect for those who prefer to savor their meals without onion and garlic.

Our latest creation – the Saucy Affair No Onion No Garlic Range! Embrace the Bold, No Onion No Garlic Range unleashes a Symphony of Flavors

The “No Onion No Garlic” range by Saucy Affair features a delightful quartet of sauces that promise to elevate your culinary experience. From the smoky allure of BBQ Mustard Mayo to the spicy kick of Schezwan Ketchup, and the rich indulgence of Cheesy Cheddar sauce to the classic Tomato Basil Sauce, this collection caters to a wide spectrum of tastes, ensuring theres something for every palate.

We understand the importance of catering to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor. Our No Onion No Garlic range is a testament to our commitment to providing unique and delicious options for all our customers,” says Krupa Doshi – Founder of Saucy Affair.

Introducing the Saucy Quartet

BBQ Mustard Mayo: Dive into a world of flavor with the perfect blend of smoky barbecue and zesty mustard. This sauce is an irresistible companion for grilled delights, sandwiches, and more.

Schezwan Ketchup

Get ready to spice things up with a Saucy Affairs twist on the classic ketchup. The Schezwan Ketchup delivers a bold and fiery flavor, adding a kick to your favorite snacks and meals.

Tomato Basil Sauce

Experience the essence of roasted tomatoes and aromatic basil in every spoonful. This versatile sauce compliments pasta, pizza, and a variety of dishes, bringing a burst of Mediterranean goodness to your table.

Cheesy Cheddar Sauce

Indulge in the creamy richness of cheddar cheese with a hint of smokiness. Ideal for dipping, pouring, or smothering, this sauce adds a cheesy twist to your favorite comfort foods.

Why “No Onion No Garlic”

The “No Onion No Garlic” range is crafted not only for those with dietary preferences but also for anyone looking to explore diverse and exciting flavors. Saucy Affair believes in creating products that cater to various tastes without compromising on quality or innovation.

Availability

The “No Onion No Garlic” range by Saucy Affair will be available at leading supermarkets, gourmet stores, and online platforms starting 27th December 2023. Each sauce is packed with natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

About Saucy Affair

Saucy Affair is a brand that believes in the power of flavor to transform every meal into a culinary adventure. With a commitment to quality and creativity, Saucy Affair brings a saucy twist to traditional recipes, ensuring that every dish is a memorable affair.

For more information about Saucy Affair and the new “No Onion No Garlic” range, please visit website saucyaffair.in or follow @SaucyAffair on social media.

Revfin raises USD 14 mn in series B funding round 

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Revfin, a prominent digital lending platform dedicated to advancing sustainable mobility and fostering financial inclusion in India, has completed its Series B funding round, securing USD 14 million (INR 115 crore). 

The round, led by Omidyar Network with a USD 5 million investment, also saw participation from the Asian Development Bank, Companion Capital Limited, and existing investors Green Frontiers Capital and LC Nueva, according to a press release by the company.

With this funding, Revfin has now raised 625 Crore through debt and equity. Noteworthy angel investors, including Dhiiraj Jain (Redcliffe Labs), Anuraag Jaipuria, Ruchi Rans Jaipuria, Rishi Kajaria, Let’s Venture Angel Fund, Harash Jain, and others, have backed Revfin in this journey.

This recent capital infusion marks Revfin’s second substantial investment in the last 12 months. The funds will play a crucial role in advancing Revfin’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, providing financing for electric two-wheelers (e2Ws), electric three-wheelers (e3Ws), and all other types of electric vehicles, the company stated.

Additionally, the funding will support various components of the EV ecosystem, including charging stations and batteries. 

Sameer Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, stated, “I am delighted to announce that, with the backing of Omidyar Network and our esteemed investors, we have successfully raised USD 14 million. This funding will empower us to further enhance the EV ecosystem and contribute to the growth of all types of electric vehicles in India. Our unwavering commitment to revolutionize digital lending remains strong, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

MANA Solidifies its Footprint to East Bengaluru, Launches Ultra-Luxury Apartments MANA Jardin Neo in the Heart of Bengaluru City

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With the aim of further expanding its presence in East Bengaluru, renowned Bengaluru-based real estate company, MANA, is excited to introduce its latest project, MANA Jardin Neo. MANA Jardin Neo, Bengaluru’s most luxurious residential property belongs to the ultra luxury category of homes. With their tagline of “Live Brilliantly“, MANA is committed to offering a luxurious lifestyle and the right home to older millennials and their extended families with these apartments. MANA Jardin Neo is conveniently situated near Wipro SEZ, Kodathi, Sarjapur Road in the heart of Bengaluru City. As they embark on this new project, MANA is committed to upholding their reputation for delivering outstanding residential living experiences and is excited to further enrich the East Bengaluru community with their innovative approach to contemporary living.

MANA Properties launches MANA Jardin Neo in the Heart of Bengaluru

Spread over 2.40 Acres of land, this exceptional property which is located in the prime location of Bengaluru City, offers 3,4 BHK & 5 BHK Penthouse apartment units across 2 towers, totaling just 80 flats, reaching heights of up to 20 floors. MANA Jardin Neo stands out as an unparalleled ultra-luxury property on Sarjapur Road, featuring grand lobbies, two clubhouses, private elevators, and amenities meticulously tailored to buyer preferences based on their personas. Spanning expansive floor flats ranging from 3500 sq. feet to 5000 sq. feet, the project boasts Italian marble flooring, 360-degree uninterrupted views from each apartment, and a panoramic vista of the surroundings. With inverter systems, top-notch sanitary features, and an infinity-edge pool, MANA Jardin Neo redefines luxury living with attention to every detail. These elements create a peaceful and luxurious backdrop, perfect for finding mental tranquility and soul rejuvenation. Stroll along the tree-lined pathways, find moments of solace in the meditation gardens, outdoor work pods, one can immerse themselves in the captivating natural surroundings, making it a delightful place for everyone to live in.

Speaking on this launch, D. Kishore Reddy, CMD, MANA says, “Designing a residential property and instilling a sense of “home” are distinct endeavors. Our main goal is to create the most luxurious living experience for our customers where they dont just feel like theyre in a property, but instead, they find themselves in an environment enriched with top-notch features both inside and outside. MANA Jardin Neo presents spacious penthouses tailored for luxurious living, offering not just ample room but also ensuring a private haven for an unforgettable and exclusive experience.”

Adding on, Mr Reddy says, “Situated in Sarjapur, MANA Jardin Neo will allow our home buyers to enjoy both urban convenience and the serenity of nature amidst the busy city. As a brand, our commitment is to continually innovate to create the right homes, right life and living experiences for homebuyers. Our projects are not solely about converting the dream of owning a luxurious property into reality, they also are about instilling the values of sustainability and green living, paving the way for a more sustained and better future. With this latest launch, we expand our footprint in East Bengaluru and remain dedicated to drawing our homebuyers closer to nature, crafting luxurious dream spaces that elevate their quality of life.”

MANA Jardin Neo offers an impressive array of amenities to enhance your lifestyle. One can enrich all five senses amid an herbal haven, meditation deck, fragrant oasis, tranquil reading nooks, celebration garden, and pergola adorned with verdant ivies. Enjoy a well-equipped Gymnasium, Childrens Play Area, Badminton and Squash Courts, Meditation Zone, Multi-purpose hall and a Cycling & Jogging Track. They also have 24×7 Security which ensures the safety of every individual. These amenities cater to every homebuyers desires, providing a luxurious living experience at MANA Jardin Neo. Furthermore, the project is registered under Karnataka RERA – PRM/KA/RERA/1251/446/PR/181223/006500.

About MANA

MANA, founded in 2000 by Mr. D. Kishore Reddy, has evolved over the past two decades to become a revolutionary force in the real estate market. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company is expanding across business verticals, including property development and construction, with plans to expand its footprint to Hyderabad.

With a commitment to green living, MANA has built a wealth of expertise in design, construction, and development, spanning across a spectrum of entry-level homes (through its brand, MACASA) to premium and luxury homes. The companys mission is to provide future-forward living that blends nature with dream spaces, using imagination to engineer homes for the next generation of homebuyers.

MANAs tagline, ‘Live Brilliantly,’ encapsulates the companys multidisciplinary approach to design, blending tomorrows technologies with todays reality. With more than 8 million sq. ft. developed to date, MANA consistently delivers innovative, high-quality homes that exceed customer expectations.

PFC Bags SAFA Gold Award for Best Presented Accounts / Annual Report

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The Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC), a Maharatna CPSE and the country’s leading NBFC in the power sector has won the prestigious South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) Gold Award in Best Presented Accounts / Annual Report Awards (BPA) in ‘Public Sector Entities‘ category for the Financial Year 2021-22.

PFC was bestowed with this coveted Award for its highest level of transparency in accounting practices and for achieving excellence in presenting and disclosing high-quality, relevant, reliable and objective financial statements following the international framework.

Smt. Parminder Chopra, CMD and Addl. Charge Director (Finance), PFC receiving the SAFA Gold Award from Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, Vice-President of SAFA

SAFA was formed in 1984 to serve the accountancy profession in the South Asian Region and uphold its eminence in the world of accountancy. It represents the Eleven Professional Accountancy bodies in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. The SAFA BPA Award is considered South Asias most prestigious financial reporting accolade. PFC last year won the SAFA Gold for the financial year 2020-21, and this is the first time since the inception of these awards in the year 1997 that any Indian Company has won a ‘Gold‘ in the category of “Public Sector Entities” for two consecutive years.

It is worth mentioning that PFC had earlier won the ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) Gold Award for excellence in financial reporting in the ‘Public Sector Entities’ category for the Financial Year 2021-22.

Smt. Parminder Chopra, CMD and Addl. Charge Director (Finance), Shri Sandeep Kumar, ED (Finance), Shri R K Malhotra, ED (Finance) and Shri. Mohd. Salim, SGM (Finance), received this coveted Award at an award distribution ceremony held at Ghaziabad.

myHQ by ANAROCK Partners With Awfis to Add 100+ New Coworking Centers for On-Demand Day Passes

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Tie-up adds over 15 new cities to the flexi-workspace portfolio.

Of 10.5 mn. sq. ft. office space absorbed in Q3 2023 in top 7 cities, coworking accounts for approx. 20% share.

Post COVID-19, 70% of Indian companies have adopted various kinds of coworking models.

myHQ by ANAROCK, India’s leading platform for flexible workspace solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with Awfis, the country’s largest provider of agile office spaces, to give on-demand access to Awfis’s 100+ centers across the country.

Utkarsh Kawatra, Senior Director – myHQ by ANAROCK

Utkarsh Kawatra, Senior Director – myHQ by ANAROCK, says, “Under this collaboration, myHQ user base of 100,000 individuals, will now have seamless access to Awfis centers to book on-demand seats and meeting rooms across the country via the myHQ app. Our on-demand solutions are one of the most popular options for professionals who need to get work done in an enabled corporate setting on a short-term or occasional basis. They can book individually or together, a single seat or a meeting room, whatever they need.”

This unique collaboration will leverage the hugely increased post-pandemic pace of the Indian coworking industry. As per myHQ research, since 2017, an astonishing 25 mn. sq. ft. of coworking spaces have penetrated the top 7 cities of the country.

Today, coworking represents a 21% share of the country’s entire commercial office space sector,” says Kawatra. “In Q3 2023, the top 7 cities have absorbed 10.5 million square feet of office space, of which coworking accounts for a approx. 20% share. The most vibrant coworking hubs in India are currently NCR, Pune, and Bengaluru – but the flex workspace trend is rapidly penetrating even Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and towns.”

Sumit Lakhani, Deputy CEO – Awfis

Sumit Lakhani, Deputy CEO – Awfis, says, “We are excited to collaborate with myHQ for our mobility solutions. For us, this becomes another key source of helping a wider audience base experience our services. Our products have been carefully designed keeping in mind the evolving preferences of the new-age workforce and our pricing strategy ensures that people get elevated workspace experience in key micro-markets across cities at a very competitive price. This partnership aligns with our goal to maximize our reach to individuals and corporates across the country.”

Post the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% of Indian companies have adopted various iterations of flexible work models. Coworking spaces have thus become the go-to option for firms and their employees to accommodate their dynamic work approach. More than 50% of startups and fledgling firms with smaller teams find coworking an exceptionally cost-effective solution for hybrid work.

Coworking centers have become a very attractive proposition for businesses, especially startups and companies with smaller teams. The myHQ SaaS platform has already enabled such firms, as well as large corporates who have added flexible work to their traditional office approach, access to 1000+ centers across India.

About myHQ by ANAROCK

myHQ by ANAROCK is India’s largest flexible workspace solutions platform. Founded in 2016 by IIT Delhi graduates Utkarsh Kawatra & Vinayak Agarawal, their mission is to empower today’s workforce with freedom and flexibility to work in any-way & from any-where by providing technology driven innovative workspace solutions. Currently present across 7+ cities with a footprint of 700+ spaces, they have helped over 50,000 individuals & corporates in having more productive days at work.

Please visit myhq.in

About Awfis

Awfis is the leading flexible workspace solutions company in India offering a network of flexible coworking spaces, where small and large corporates can seamlessly book and utilize workspaces tailored to their requirements. Within their suite of flexible workspace solutions, they offer Awfis Space Solutions, Awfis Transform, and Awfis Care. Their integrated platform strategy addresses modern workspace requirements by backward integration with Awfis Transform, providing design and build services, and forward integration with Awfis Care, delivering facility management services on behalf of space owners.

For more information: Please log on to www.awfis.com.

About ANAROCK

ANAROCK is the leading independent real estate services company with a visible presence across India and the Middle East. The Company has diversified interests across the real estate lifecycle and deploys its proprietary technology platform to accelerate marketing and sales on behalf of its clients.

Over the last six years, ANAROCK has expanded from being a residential-focused organization to complementary sectors including retail, commercial, hospitality, logistics & data centres, industrial and land. The firm also specialises in strategic advisory, investment banking, research & valuations and offers app based flexible workspaces and society management. ANAROCK has developed its own technology which is applied across all businesses.

ANAROCK has a team of over 2200 experienced real estate professionals who operate across all major markets in India and the Middle East.

Please visit anarock.com.

Cutting-edge Research & End-to-end Collaborations Critical to Enhance Cotton Productivity: Experts

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To bring back self-sufficiency in cotton production to the meet growing demand, India needs to focus on cutting-edge R&D to enhance productivity and farmers’ incomes, echoed India’s top agricultural scientists and experts at a national conference on Pioneering the Future of Cotton Research here on Sunday.

Experts at National Cotton Conference in Salem, Tamil Nadu on December 24, 2023

Rasi Seeds, a pioneer in Indian seed sector celebrating its Golden Jubilee, organized a national conference in collaboration with the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), New Delhi. About 150 top researchers and scientists working on cotton from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and noted experts from across the nation, emphasized on the need to step up our below-average productivity at 447 kg / ha, despite being a global leader in both acreage (13.61 mn ha) and production (34.3 mn bales)

Despite having worlds largest cotton acreage, Indias global rank in productivity is languishing at a 44th place. Factors such as shifting weather patterns, increasing pest & disease challenges, and the slow adoption of advanced technologies have hindered growth, resulting in a plateau in productivity over the last 5-7 years.

This national conference is aimed at reiterating the significant role and urgent need of cutting-edge R&D in cotton crop in India, exploring holistic solutions to increase cotton productivity. Specific focus on enabling technological and policy interventions is the need of the hour to ensure India’s cotton sector remains sustainable, profitable and globally competitive,” said Dr. M. Ramasami, Chairman of Rasi Seeds, a veteran with over 50 years of experience in the seed sector. Having been at the helm of the cotton seed revolution which began in 1992, Rasi Seeds has gained trust of millions of farmers with its high-performing hybrid cotton seeds cultivated on 75 lakh acres by about 40 lakh farmers.

In its continued endeavor to drive to the cotton sector, Rasi Seeds also signed several Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR), ICAR, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), and Annamalai University. These collaborations aim to advance farmers training programs including cotton advisories through radio broadcasting to bring awareness on various issues such as management of the Pink Bollworm menace, drive research projects on cotton crop improvement, industry-academia joint initiatives, and field-level training on plant breeding aspects for research students, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing critical issues in cotton research.

Dr. R S Paroda, Founder Chairman,Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), lauded the significance of such collaborations, stating, “Partnerships in the field of cotton research are not merely advantageous but rather pivotal for the sustainable growth of Indias cotton industry at this juncture. These proactive collaborative efforts act as a shield, enhancing resilience against the multifaceted challenges that the cotton sector faces. By fostering innovation and sharing knowledge, we collectively contribute to the prosperity of the cotton farming community, ensuring a robust and sustainable future for the industry.”

Dr. D K Yadava, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, said, “This gathering united the most brilliant minds within the cotton sector. Considering the distinctive hurdles we encounter, collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial for charting a meaningful path ahead. Indias potential is vast, demanding concerted efforts to tackle the low-productivity challenge.”

Dr. Y G Prasad, Director, CICR, Nagpur said, “Public and private partnership is the need of hour to address the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the cotton crops currently. Further, R&D in cotton seeds needs to be aligned with the medium and long-term needs of the Indian textiles sector.

Ajai Rana, Chairman, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) echoed the real urgency and the importance to be given to India’s dynamic seed sector particularly, from the policy and regulatory aspects. More importantly, the nation needs to adopt a science-based and unbiased approach towards innovative technologies in seeds and biotechnology.

Ram Kaundinya – DG, Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) emphasized Science and research have been an enriching force in agriculture, and continued investment in it is pivotal. Its essential for science to guide us through challenges like the ones affecting cotton crop yields.

Dr. Geetha Lakshmi, VC, TNAU, and Dr. RM Kathiresan, VC, Annamalai University, also graced the occasion and shared their perspectives on enhancing industry- institute interactions.

With approximately 150 delegates representing diverse stakeholders from government bodies, research institutions, and seed industry, the conference provided a platform to discuss the imminent role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in enhancing cotton productivity.

About Rasi Seeds Private Limited

Established in 1973, Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd. is a leading seed company based in Attur, Tamil Nadu, India, with a mission of “Breeding Excellence“. The company has been at the forefront of the cotton seed industry, contributing to the growth and sustainability of cotton cultivation in the country.

About Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII)

FSII is an association of R&D-based plant science industry, engaged in the production of high-performance quality seeds for food, feed, and fiber in India. FSIIs members are involved in research-based breeding applications and seed technologies, contributing significantly to the research and development expenses of the seed industry. FSII advocates for science-based, proactive policy and regulatory framework for enhancing agricultural prosperity in India.