Badrinath and his Dulhania celebrate their endless love affair with Singapore and SilkAir

 

Mumbai, 27 Feb, 2017: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), together with SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, organized a press conference today to announce their close collaboration with Dharma Productions for a major Bollywood movie, ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’. The movie features key scenes and songs filmed in Singapore. The film, directed by Shashank Khaitan and starring Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt & Varun Dhawan, will hit the screens on Friday, March 10, 2017 across India.

Despite filming taking place even over the Diwali holidays in November last year, the two stars Alia and Varun had an enjoyable time shooting in Singapore. They were pleasantly surprised by the destination’s varied offerings in dining, retail, attraction and entertainment. While the city impressed them, they also appreciated the friendly atmosphere provided by the people of Singapore for a successful shoot. As a city that constantly evolves and provides a plethora of filming locations with convenience, it continues to be an exciting destination for Bollywood movies.

Explaining his rationale for including Singapore in the movie, Director Shashank Khaitan highlighted, “Singapore offers an interesting mix of a unique multicultural society interwoven into a dynamic city that pulsates with modern vibrancy – something that works well with the characters of Badri and Vaidehi as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. It’s not just a destination but Singapore is intricately woven into the essence of the plot”.

Talking about Singapore’s association with the movie, G.B Srithar, Regional Director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said, “We are happy to be associated with Badrinath Ki Dulhania, a movie that will appeal to all segments of Indian society with its over-arching theme of love and the joy of life. Over the past few decades, Bollywood movies have helped build an emotive connect among the Indian audiences with Singapore. We believe through Badri and Vaidehi, they will re-discover Singapore’s variety of experiences and evolving cityscape. Keeping in line with the movie’s theme, we are pleased to welcome Indian travelers to begin their endless love affair with Singapore, by visiting and re-visiting Singapore for memorable holidays.”

Alia’s character in the movie goes through a transformation in Singapore, where the story of her involvement with SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, unfolds. SilkAir is also the official airline partner for the movie. Speaking about the association,

SilkAir’s General Manager for India, Jagdish Bhojwani also added, “SilkAir is happy and excited to be associated with the Bollywood project. India is a key market for us and we continue to view it as one with great importance. We strongly believe that the association will help us reach out to more people as we embark on efforts to spread our wings across India.”

Currently, SilkAir and Singapore Airlines have combined operations from 11 Indian cities, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Visakhapatnam connecting to over 100 destinations via its hub, Singapore

About Badrinath Ki Dulhania

Badrinath Ki Dulhania (BKD) is an upcoming Indian romantic film directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Karan Johar under the Dharma Productions banner and presented by Fox Star Studio. Starring Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Gauhar Khan, the film marks the second installment of a love franchise that began with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014).

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, STB champions tourism, making it a key economic driver for Singapore. We aim to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering a concentration of user-centric and enriching experiences through the “YourSingapore” brand. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg  or www.yoursingapore.com or follow us on Twitter @STB_sg (https://twitter.com/stb_sg).

About SilkAir

As the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir operates the Singapore Airlines Group’s narrow-body fleet and extends the Group’s network by seeding and developing new, exotic destinations in Asia-Pacific.

The airline took to the skies in February 1989 as Tradewinds the airline, before evolving into SilkAir in 1992. In its early days, the airline catered to passengers holidaying in exotic destinations within South East Asia, including Phuket and Tioman. As the carrier developed, regional business destinations such as Phnom Penh, Yangon and Kuala Lumpur were added.

Today, the full service airline operates almost 400 weekly flights to 53 destinations in 14 countries with Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos and Fuzhou in China added to its network recently.

For more details, visit silkair.com or http://www.facebook.com/SilkAirIndia

WIRC of ICAI for the year 2017-2018.

Western India Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India at its 321^st meeting held on Friday, 24^th February 2017 has elected the following Regional Council Members as Office Bearers of WIRC of ICAI for the year 2017-2018.

1) CA. Vishnu Agarwal, Mumbai - Chairman

2) CA. Sarvesh Joshi, Pune - Vice-Chairman

3) CA. Aniket Talati, Ahmedabad - Secretary

4) CA. Pradeep Agrawal, Baroda - Treasurer


It is also informed that CA. Balkishan Agarwal, Surat has been elected as Chairman of the Western India Chartered Accountants Students Association (WICASA) for the year 2017-18.

Rasna Introduces New Ad Campaign ‘Pyarelal Ka Bachpan Ka Pyar’

• Ad campaign dedicated to Rasna’s decades journey of spreading love
• Ventures into baked sweet snack category with Rasna Vitos  
• New powder facility at Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh to boost 20% production capacity

Mumbai, 23rd February, 2017: Rasna, world’s largest manufacturers of instant fruit based concentrate today announced its new advertisement campaign ‘Pyarelal Ka Bachpan Ka Pyar’. This campaign aims at celebrating the brand’s journey of spreading love for decades across generations. Rasna also announced its entry in the baked sweet snack category with the launch of Rasna Vitos.  

Speaking on the launch of the new ad campaign, Mr. Piruz Khambatta, Chairman & MD, Rasna Pvt Ltd, said, “Over the years, Rasna has unveiled some of the most remarkable and lovable campaigns. Our latest campaign has been created keeping in mind our journey of over generations wherein we have spread love and served more than 120 billion glasses. Unlike earlier campaigns wherein our mascot has always been a girl child between 3 to 8 years, this time, we have roped in two iconic Bollywood veteran actors. I am confident that their charm as Rasna’s 60 year old grand man and grand lady, will amplify the overall impact of our ads.”  

Rasna’s ‘Pyarelal Ka Bachpan Ka Pyar’ campaign is spread in three parts including teasers followed by ad films of 2 minutes, 40 seconds, 30 seconds and shorter durations. For the first time, fruit juice concentrate maker has roped in veteran Bollywood actor Ram Sethi, also popularly known as Pyarelal and Daisy Irani. The ad film captures the affection between the two actors in different time periods and the journey of Rasna in their lives as a unifying factor. The latest ad campaign is conceptualized by Scarecrow Communications, produced by Chrome Films and explores different formats and platforms in order to cater to the interest levels of people of all age groups.  

Considered as one of the most trusted original Made in India brand, Rasna is a market leader with 85 % share in the powdered drink segment. Now, Rasna has strong plans to chart its next phase of double digit growth and expansion of overall product portfolio.

In the press conference held in Mumbai for the new ad campaign, Rasna launched Rasna Vitos, a baked sweet snacks. According to market researcher Euromonitor, sweet and savoury snacks have grown by 26%, highest within packaged food segment between 2010 and 2015. Sensing this opportunity, Rasna is planning to target the sweet snacks segment with focus on kids coming from school. As of now, Rasna Vitos will be available in chocolate and strawberry flavours.

“Vitos is our answer to the huge opportunity in the evening snacks and kids back from school segment. This product will drive the proposition of evening snacking in a tasty and healthy manner. Unlike fried chips and namkeens with 40% fat, Vitos is not fried but baked and made with Ragi and wheat with 14 nutrients making it an ideal health supplement for kids. Rasna has kept its promise of healthy tasty product for the masses that too at an affordable price of Rs.10 per pouch. The focus will now be on increasing the penetration of Vitos by levering our robust marketing and distribution network.” added Mr. Piruz Khambatta on the launch of Rasna Vitos.  

Rasna has also announced in the press conference regarding setting up of new powder facility at Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh which would add another 20% to its capacity to its double digit growth plan. Currently, the brand has nine manufacturing facilities across India. This new facility will be integral for Rasna to not only strengthen the market share in the powder drink segment, but also compete with fruit drinks.

Remarkably, Rasna has not increased the MRP of its product from its launch in 20 years and is still available at Rs.2 per glass. In recent research done by MRSS India (Majestic Market Research Support Services), Rasna has stood out with the highest recall orange drink - aided and unaided recall, which is another great achievement.

About Rasna Private Limited

Rasna today is one of the largest FMCG company manufacturing fruit based soft drink concentrate in the world. Rasna has 3000 people working for it directly and indirectly and exports to 533 countries. Rasna has won numerous awards viz. Rasna got Most preferred Brand 2003&2004, consumer world award 2014,ITQI Belgium superior taste award 2008,Monde Selection Quality award 2012, Most promising brand of the year 2014-15 (Soft Drinks)Food & Beverage Sector Asia, to name a few. Rasna has more than 80% market share in its category unlike any other Indian company. Rasna has strong sales and marketing track record with more than 300 TVCs with 100% recall aided and unaided. Rasna is available in 1.8 million outlets with 9 manufacturing facilities across the country, 35 warehouses, 2500 stockist.

Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) forays into the Indian market

Mumbai, February 23, 2017: The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) forays into the Indian market starting 2017 to tap the increasing Indian outbound travel segment. The tourism board recently participated in one of the biggest travel shows in Mumbai as the trigger point of its 3-year-strategic plan.

GNTO’s target is to create increased destination awareness about lesser known cities of great geophysical, historical and cultural importance and to position Greece in the top-5 list of European destinations, for Indian tourists.

Speaking at the press conference organized in Mumbai, Ms. Elena Kountoura, Honourable Minister of Tourism of Greece said, “With the entry of Greek Tourism in the Indian market we aim to associate with the travel trade industry and offer our audience a customized product. Our strategy aims to promote 365 days tourism in Greece and we are confident that we will see a positive boost in the number of Indian arrivals to Greece with our initiatives.

“India is a promising market for us and this year we plan to reach out to affluent Indians through a well planned marketing and advertising campaign. GNTO is looking at promoting Greece as an ideal destination for film tourism, destination weddings & celebrations, apart from the existing popular segments like honeymoons, MICE and FITS. Establishing a GNTO Office in India is the ultimate aim, until then we will associate with our Indian counterpart to bring out the dynamic perspectives of Greek Tourism in the market of India.”  Added Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos, Secretary General, Greek National Tourism Organization.

Greek National Tourism Organization is in talks with representatives of the largest air carriers, such as Emirates, Qatar, Etihad and Jet Airways to improve the connectivity to Athens for the Indian travelers. Greek Tourism has recorded a double digit growth in 2016 and with the entry in the Indian market the numbers will only rise.

VPS Rockland Hospitals achieved the prestigious NABH Accreditation

 

(VPS Rockland Hospitals has now been accredited by prestigious NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) affirming our commitment to quality healthcare)

New Delhi, 21^st February 2017: VPS Rockland Hospitals, Manesar and Dwarka have achieved another milestone by accomplishing NABH accreditation (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) in recognition of meeting the highest quality standards in the healthcare.

“This prestigious accreditation could not have come at a better time in supporting us to achieve our strategic goals to put VPS Healthcare in line with the best healthcare service providers in India. VPS Rockland Hospitals strive for excellence both in clinical and service standards. With state-of-the-art amenities and world-class services, VPS Rockland hospitals focus on providing high quality healthcare that is at par with global standards. Owing to the challenging needs in the growing healthcare landscape, it is our constant pursuit to create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable and sustainable.” Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director, VPS Rockland Hospitals.

India is considered as one of the important destination for the Medical Tourism and accreditation helps the patients in selecting the right hospital. For the employees, it improves their skills, value and pride. For the patients quality and safe treatment are assured. NABH will help us in continuously improving safety parameters and adopt best practices in the healthcare arena

Our hospitals maintain the superior quality level with a focused approach on its continuous improvement and we have always been committed to create a culture of quality excellence and patient safety to improve positive outcomes for the patients.

The accreditation is an added feather in our endeavor to provide quality healthcare and spread awareness on healthy living among the people. VPS Rockland Hospitals apart from having set high standards in clinical care, has been working on various healthcare awareness drives to create a positive impact on the lives of people.

“Quality is always the result of intelligent efforts”- We at VPS Rockland are determined to bring a healthcare transformation in India and successful accomplishment of NABH accreditation for all our facilities truly recognizes the persistent efforts of our Medical Team and the Management. 

Muthoot Exim launches Swarnavarsham Diamond Jewellery in association with Divine Solitaires Pratham Diamonds

·        So simple, affordable and accessible that every Indian can now own a diamond.

·        Initially 76 branches of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd to showcase Swarnavarsham Jewellery with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds.

·        Easy one month and 3-6 months EMI schemes available for buying diamonds.

Mumbai, 16^th February 2017: High quality diamond jewellery has finally become affordable and accessible for everyone. Muthoot Exim Pvt Ltd., the precious metals division of the 130- year –old business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group, has launched Swarnavarsham diamond jewellery in association with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds. The launch was graced by dignitaries from both Muthoot Pappachan Group and Divine Solitaires which include Mr. Thomas Muthoot (Executive Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group),) Mr. Keyur Shah (CEO, Muthoot Precious Metals Division), Mr. Jignesh Mehta (Founder and Managing Director, Divine Solitaires), Mr. Shailen Mehta (Co-founder and Director, Divine Solitaires) and Mr. Hitesh Mehta (Director, Divine Solitaires) amongst others.

Initially, to begin with Muthoot Exim in association with Divine Solitaires, is offering 18-Karat gold ring studded with 0.14 cents diamond of EF color and VVS clarity. This ring is being offered in three sizes of 12mm, 14mm and 16mm with weight of gold as 2gm, 2.2gm and 2.4gm respectively. More variants of diamond studded gold Jewellery will be launched subsequently. Laser inscription of unique identification code is available on every diamond. Muthoot Swarnavarsham diamond jewellery with Pratham diamonds which is an extension of the parent brand Divine Solitaires is available in tamper proof see through packaging and comes with a Quality Guarantee Certificate & Buyback Guarantee.

Muthoot Exim’s Swarnavarsham Diamond Jewellery will be available initially at 76 branches of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd., which is the flagship company of Muthoot Pappachan Group, and one of the largest NBFCs in India, registered with the Reserve Bank of India. The Muthoot Fincorp branches in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Madurai, Mumbai and Vijayawada locations will showcase the diamond jewellery in the first phase of launch.

Mr. Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group, said, “Diamonds are forever and every Indian desires to own them but many feel that it’s a luxury beyond reach. In a

pioneering initiative, the Muthoot Pappachan Group Company Muthoot Exim Pvt Ltd., is now introducing an innovative offering – Swarnavarsham Diamond Jewellery with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds, which enable customers to purchase assured high quality diamond jewellery through easy monthly payments. We want to make quality diamonds affordable and within the reach of every Indian. Our focus is to empower underprivileged sections of society to buy and own diamonds and realize their dreams. The Swarnavarsham Jewellery with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds will be available initially at 76 branches of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd across 9 cities.’’

Customers can choose to buy the jewellery from various payment schemes offered as follows: 1) One month scheme: Customers can make entire payment in one shot and book the jewellery; and 2) EMI schemes: Customers can choose to make payment towards jewellery in monthly installments of 3/6 months. 20% of the invoice must be paid as down payment and balance in EMI’s. The price of gold and diamond in the jewellery will be frozen at the time of booking and any further changes in prices will not affect customer. Delivery of the jewellery to the customer will be effected only after completion of full payment.

Mr. Keyur Shah, CEO, Muthoot Precious Metals Division., said, “Muthoot Exim has set new standards of innovation, excellence, affordability and accessibility with Swarnavarsham gold jewellery and Swethavarsham silver articles. And now we present Swarnavarsham Diamond jewellery in association with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds – a revolutionary product with Buyback Guarantee for the masses. Buyback of solitaire diamonds will be offered at 90% of prevailing rates as per Nationwide Standard & Transparent Price List, which makes it very transparent process. Buyback will be facilitated through our Muthoot Gold Points – the first National level organised sector that allows you to sell your gold in a transparent and efficient manner. One year free insurance is also being offered on Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds.”

Mr. Jignesh Mehta, Founder and Managing Director, Divine Solitaires, said, “Gold Jewellery have always lured masses across India because of its affordability, accessibility and transparency, unlike diamonds which have been though highly aspirational in the Indian culture. As a pioneering step, Divine Solitaires have revolutionized diamond buying by introducing Pratham diamonds, an extension of Divine Solitaires in association with Muthoot Exim’s Swarnavarsham Jewellery that now provides the same affordability, accessibility and transparency while buying the best quality diamonds by the masses across the country. Based on a stringent check on 123 parameters and guaranteed Hearts & Arrows craftsmanship in each & every diamond, Divine Solitaires Pratham Diamonds are guaranteed to be the brightest & most magnificent diamond. Divine Solitaires also brings in pricing transparency through its ‘Nationwide Standard & Transparent Price List ‘ and also provides Buyback and Upgrades that gives the benefit of price appreciation to the consumers. Current Prices can be tracked anytime on the Divine Solitaires mobile application.

So buying diamonds is now made easier with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds that symbolizes the stepping stone towards better future, be it in career, marriage, business or personal life.

We are very happy & excited to partner with Muthoot Pappachan Group.”

About Muthoot Exim Pvt. Ltd.

Muthoot Exim Pvt Ltd is the precious metal vertical of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, specialises in innovative products and offerings in the precious metal space. Customers have access to quality products that meet the highest standards, at an affordable price.  The company’s flagship products are:

Swarnavarsham: A unique product, allowing customers to purchase BIS hallmarked 916/995 pure gold jewellery of low ticket sizes (1.5 to 9.5 grams), in tamper proof packaging, in easy and affordable monthly payments- a first of its kind in India.

Swethavarsham: First of its kind, offering purchase of silver bars and hallmarked Silver article under spot and monthly payment basis.

Muthoot Gold Point: First National level organised sector that allows to sell your gold in a transparent and efficient manner.

Mobile Muthoot Gold Point allows people to sell their old gold at their doorstep and convenience. The 'Mobile Muthoot Gold Point' is India’s first mobile gold buting vehicle to collect gold directly from customers at their doorsteps. Customers can call on 7356534111 or 9321171122 for the mobile van between10:30am to 7.00 pm and fix an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

Corporate gifting: Muthoot Exim has set a new benchmark in Corporate Gifting by providing world class products with genuine purity and efficient service.

About Muthoot Pappachan Group

Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), the 130 years old business conglomerate has been providing solutions, services and expertise to lakhs of customers across the country in various domains like financial services, automotive, property, hospitality, and alternate energy. Over the years Muthoot Pappachan Group has grown to become a significant entity in the Indian business landscape. Currently it has more than 20,000 employees, serving over a million customers through over 3,800 retail branches. MPG's customer-centric approach and innovation in terms of new products that cater to changing customer needs have helped in winning the loyalty of innumerable customers, as well as attracting new ones. The Group adapts the latest technology and new ways to serve the customers, with an uncompromising stand on values, principles and ethics.

Muthoot Fincorp Ltd., the flagship company of Muthoot Pappachan Group, is one of the largest NBFCs in India, registered with the Reserve Bank of India. Muthoot Fincorp is a provider of retail finance in the form of gold loans. Decades of dedicated research and experience in rural areas have enabled the Company to provide quick and customized finance options and investment schemes for millions of customers who do not have access to mainstream commercial banks. Muthoot Fincorp is one amongst the largest Gold Loan companies in India and has an average of 50,000 walk in customers per day. The company has a diverse mix of retail offerings catering to the various needs of its customers including Loan products, Money Transfer, Foreign Exchange, Insurance Services and Wealth Management Services.

Muthoot Capital Services Ltd. (MCSL) is the first listed entity of Muthoot Pappachan Group. A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) listed on the BSE and NSE, MCSL offers financial solutions including Vehicle Loans (2 wheeler loans). MCSL is presently active in retail financing and caters to the requirements of borrowers both in rural and semi-urban areas. The Company's direct approach helps arrive at solutions that best suit the financial requirements of individuals and small entrepreneurs. The Company being a deposit taking ‘Category A’ NBFC, also accepts deposits from public at attractive rates of interest. The company is currently servicing more than 2,200 dealerships in fifteen states with a strong presence in Hero and Honda, which together contribute more than 80% of the total business.

Five years back the Group entered the affordable housing finance arena throughMuthoot Housing Finance Company Ltd (MHFL), a subsidiary of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd. MHFL caters mainly to the housing finance requirements of customers in the middle and lower income category. The Company offers housing loan, primarily to the people in the unorganised sector to make their dream of owning a home come true. Loan amounts range from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs, with a loan repayment period up to 15 years and a loan to property value of up to 80%. MHFL offers loans for the purchase of ready property, house/flats under-construction, self-construction on own plot and home extension.

The Muthoot Pappachan Group firmly believes that financial inclusion of the economically weaker section of society is important for the socio-economic growth of the country. With this belief Muthoot Microfin Ltd., the micro finance business unit was launched by the Group. The company recently received the license from RBI for NBFC -MFI. It follows the Joint Liability Group (JLG) model of micro-finance. Clients are organized in groups of five to ten women from economically weaker sections of society, living in rural and semi- urban areas or urban slums. Target clients are economically active women with regular cash flow through lawful, Sustainable and stable economic activity. Under this program, each individual in a JLG is offered a loan between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on her repayment capacity, for tenure of 52 weeks. It also fosters entrepreneurship skills among women and gives them basic financial literacy.

The Group has contributed to the tourist attractions of Kerala by setting up star hotels run by the Taj and Hilton Groups, Villa Maya the exclusive restaurant and Sky Chef the air catering unit, while contribution to Safe and Clean Energy comes in the form of electricity through wind farms and to Technology through the state of the art Muthoot Technopolis.

About Divine Solitaire

Divine Solitaires, a venture of R.S.Diamonds Pvt. Ltd. is the first & only solitaire diamond brand in India which provides its consumer with the world’s finest & perfectly crafted solitaire diamonds in an organized & transparent manner. Divine Solitaires has introduced Pratham Diamonds that caters to segment that aspires to own high quality diamonds with affordability and transparency and comes in association with Muthoot’s Swarnavarsham Jewellery.

Every Divine Solitaires diamond adheres to the highest standards of craftsmanship & stringent quality measures which go beyond any laboratory certifications. Divine Solitaires is the first diamond brand in India to bring Nationwide Standard & Transparent Price List that guarantees complete transparency & assures our customers to get true value for money. Every Divine Solitaires diamond is equipped with unmatched features like Hearts & Arrows cut, Easy upgrade & buyback options, a free all risk insurance cover and many more. Divine Solitaires consistently strives to provide the consumer with a perfectly cut diamond solitaires that has an ethical sourcing, quality certification, investment value and clarity in pricing put together in a state of the art packaging.

Divine Solitaires has strengthened its presence at 124 premium jewellery stores in 69 cities across the country.

A Heartfelt Gift for Your Partner this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with promises, commitment and a pledge to love and cherish our special other half. We celebrate this day by showing our love and affection for our partner and by renewing our commitment to one another. Some of the most common ways to express our feelings and emotions are the usual gifts such as chocolates, flowers, jewelry and even romantic vacations. But all these options are short lived and don’t have much bearing on the relationship after the day has gone by.

How about celebrating this Valentine’s Day in a special new way – a way that captures the true essence of this beautiful day? A simple gesture that says I value our relationship and commit to securing our future together. This is exactly what the Aviva Heart Care insurance cover does. It is a health insurance plan with a difference – 1 plan that covers 2 hearts. As the only health insurance plan dedicated to securing the hearts of couples in India, Aviva Heart Care covers both you and your spouse under one plan. The plan insures the policy holder and the spouse in the same policy at a nominal extra premium. This is what makes this health insurance plan so special!

As a company we are committed to helping people lead a healthy life. We want to encourage you to achieve your healthy heart goals by making health a priority for yourself and your spouse. And with the right planning and cover, you can have a positive impact on your family and secure your financial future.

A heart care insurance plan is essential because all statistics show that India is fast becoming the heart disease capital of the world. Research shows that nearly 50% of cardiovascular related deaths are likely to occur in individuals between 30-69 years of age. Moreover, the treatment for heart care diseases is increasing every year. In fact, the cost of heart treatment increased by 52.5% annually between 2007-08 and 2009-10 in terms of the average amount claimed from health insurers. Another vital point is that the complete treatment plan for heart conditions includes the operative costs, hospital stay, medicines, post operative care, and the recovery period during which you may not be able to get back to work. And your existing mediclaim or critical illness policy will not cover most of these as they are neither comprehensive nor dedicated to heart ailments. All these factors, along with the distress faced by your loved ones, becomes the main reason for you to make a commitment to yourself and your spouse this year.

The plan provides coverage against 19 mild, moderate and severe cardiovascular conditions and procedures. It has a lump-sum pay-out irrespective of the cost of the treatment. The policy has also options to restore policy benefits once the basic sum assured is exhausted for severe category conditions.

Today, most of us strive towards a better, healthier and fitter lifestyle. But what’s lacking is financial preparedness for serious medical emergencies, such as cardiac related diseases which can burn a large hole in your pocket. So, this Valentine’s Day express your longstanding commitment to your loved ones with Aviva Heart Care. After all, health insurance is love insurance!

Despite a subdued market demand, Minda Corporation sustained its topline growth at 10.1% y-o-y

Credit Rating upgraded by India Ratings & Research (Fitch)

The Board has declared an interim dividend of Rs. 0.20 per equity share (10% of face value)

New Delhi, India, February 14, 2017 – Minda Corporation Limited (referred to as “Minda Corp” or the “Company”; NSE: MINDACORP, BSE: 538962), a leading automotive component and flagship company of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group, announces its Q3 FY2017 results, in accordance with Indian GAAP.

Standalone Performance Highlights: Q3 FY2016-17 vs. Q3 FY2015-16

·            Total Revenue increased by 6.9% Y-o-Y to Rs. 1,919 million

·            EBITDA increased by 15.0% Y-o-Y to Rs. 232 million; Margin at 12.1%

·            Net Profit increased by 57.3% to Rs. 176 million, Margin at 9.2%

Consolidated Performance Highlights: Q3 FY2016-17 vs. Q3 FY2015-16

·            Total revenue increased by 10.1% Y-o-Y to Rs. 7,230 million

·            EBITDA at Rs. 416 million. EBITDA margin at 5.8%

·            Net profit at Rs. 201 million. Margin at 2.8%

·            Total Debt of Rs. 5,985 million (Q2 FY2017: Rs. 5,906 million)

·            Net Debt / Equity ratio of 0.86x (Q2 FY2017: 0.86x)

Commenting on the results, Mr. Ashok Minda, Chairman and Group CEO said:

 “On the backdrop of demonetization which drastically reduced the liquidity in the market, sales volume for the quarter across the automobile sector were down by (4.0)% on a y-o-y basis in comparison to the 19.1% y-o-y growth in the last quarter. Despite a sustained pressure on the overall business demand and a slow global recovery, our topline during Q3 FY2017 was resilient, registering an increase of 10.1% on a y-o-y basis. Besides, the quarter marked continuing addition of new blue chip customers globally and received additional orders worth Rs. 180 crore.

We are optimistic of the various pro-reformative measures of the Government being undertaken and also reflected in the recent fiscal Budget augurs well for the auto component sector as a whole in the long term, and we expect the automobile market to revive over the next two quarters”

Commenting on the results, Mr. D.C. Sharma, Group CFO said:

 “This quarter has been a mixed bag for the Company. During the quarter, our financial performance was temporarily impacted on account of demonetization, high raw material cost, adverse product mix and delay in price actualization of one of the subsidiaries. We are also in the process of incurring pre-operating expenses towards new greenfield plants at Mexico and Pune and setting up of the technical centre. However, I am pleased to inform you that our credit rating has been upgraded to ‘IND A+’ for long term bank facilities by Fitch Ratings, reinforcing the credit worthiness of the Company.

We are also closely watching the developments to the full roll out of the GST and continue to be hopeful of its positive implications for the automotive and automotive component industries.”

Consolidated Financial Overview

Dr (Prof) Sanskruti Rajhans contesting from Ward No 19 at Charkop, Kandivali West.

Dr (Prof) Sanskruti Rajhans

A PhD in Hindi Literature, Dr Rajhans further commented that the city severely lacks in infrastructure and amenities. It is a documentation of the BMC’s failure on issues including roads, garbage, water supply, solid waste management, hospitals and schools. “During the Shiv Sena’s regime, they have spent crores of rupees on various services, but has anything changed in the city? Rather, the situation is deteriorating continuously,” she maintained.

The 39-year-old is contesting the BMC polls from Ward No 19 in Charkop, Kandivali West. “My constituency has been a Shiv Sena bastion for many years, but the scenario has completely changed since the outgoing corporation turned a deaf ear deteriorating on all fronts,” she concluded.

Dr (Prof) Sanskruti Rajhans (born September 11 1976) is an Indian politician and she joined the Congress party in 2012. She is Women’s President – Sahakar Cell of Kandivali Unit of the Congress party. She is representing Ward No 19 for the ensuing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2017 on Congress seat.

Early life and education

Dr Rajhans is married to Shri Satyanarayan Rajhans, who is a social worker and Founder President of

She received her PhD degree in Hindi literature from Kolhapur University. She was a Hindi professor with Annasaheb Dhange College of Arts in Kolhapur.

Agenda Charkop

Education

I believe the future belongs to the young and a nation’s welfare depends on the decisions of its educated and informed citizens. Thus, great impetus must be put into education and youth development, and I intend to initiate programs centered on youth development and self-empowerment to uplift the socio-economic group.

Infrastructure Development

For bettering the lives of the people of my constituency my major concern is refining infrastructure. My priorities are roads, water supply drainage, sanitation, health care and transport.

Women and Child Welfare

Empowering women and girl child education are concerns close to my heart and I will do everything in my power to strengthen this backbone.

Sports and Recreation

Ironically, a fun thing like sports needs to be taken more seriously. I will initiate measures to improve sporting facilities and make them more accessible to every strata of society. I want children to have the right facilities for play and have I have taken several initiatives to save and ensure as many open spaces.

Peace and Communal Harmony

The fundamentals of my philosophy and efforts to propagate peace and communal harmony will continue not only in my constituency.

Health

Health is a concern close to my heart. My key areas have been Cancer, empowering the Differently Abled, General Health and AIDS awareness.