CRISIL 7 STAR Rating Awarded to Asset KASAVU

• Anurag Jhanwar, Director, Real Estate Ratings, CRISIL handed over the 7 STAR rating citation to V. Sunil Kumar, Managing Director and Anil Varma, Executive Director of  Asset Homes.
• Asset Kasavu becomes the first villa project in South India to get this highest and most coveted rating from CRISIL.
• Asset Homes becomes the first builder in India to have 3 CRISIL 7 Star rated residential projects.

Kochi, September 15, 2014:  Asset Kasavu, the aristocratic villa project at Kalamassery, Kochi, promoted by Asset Homes, one of the largest real estate companies in Kerala, has won CRISIL 7 Star Rating, the topmost among the coveted real estate project ratings in the country. In a function held here, Anurag Jhanwar, Director, Real Estate Ratings, CRISIL, Mumbai handed over the rating citation to V. Sunil Kumar, Managing Director and Anil Varma, Executive Director of Asset Homes. Mr. Raghuchandran Nair, Chairman, CREDAI Kerala was also present on the occasion.

Asset Kasavu has become South India’s First and Only Villa project to have this highest 7 STAR rating from CRISIL.  Asset Kasavu is the third residential project of Asset Homes to get 7 STAR rating. In 2010, Asset Signature, the digital apartment project at Thiruvananthapuram was the first completed project in Kerala to win the CRISIL 7 STAR rating.  In 2013, Asset Casagrande, lake front boutique apartments at Thevara, Kochi was awarded 7 STAR.  With Asset Kasavu also getting 7 Star rating, Asset Homes has become India’s First and Only builder to have three CRISIL 7 STAR rated residential projects.

Congratulating Asset Homes, Mr. Anurag Jhanwar said 7 star rating is the topmost real estate project rating given by CRISIL, a Standard & Poor’s company. He explained that CRISIL Real Estate Star Ratings provide city specific all-round assessment of real estate projects and help buyers benchmark and identify quality projects within their cities. The key factors evaluated in the Star Ratings process are quality of legal documentation, construction related risks, financial flexibility/viability of the project, innovative attributes of the project besides the background and track record of the project sponsor.

Mr. Jhanwar further added, “There is a need for enhanced transparency in the real estate sector, which can be achieved through self-regulation by developers. The good news is that we are now seeing developers coming forth and embracing this concept by opening themselves up for third-party evaluation — a positive sign indicating dedication towards customer-centricity and professionalism.”

On the occasion Sunil Kumar said “It’s indeed a great achievement for Asset Homes to have won the CRISIL 7 Star rating for three of its projects. As a responsible builder it reflects the core philosophy of our brand to stick to the fundamentals of delivering customer satisfaction. A third party audit is one way of assessing whether we are on the track”

 “Asset Kasavu is an icon of aristocracy with 50 villas spread over 4.10 acres of pristine land at Kalamassery. The project focuses on creating the most holistic environment for peaceful living combining nature, architecture, amenities and aesthetics” said Anil Varma, Executive Director. “Priced at around Rs.1.5 crore each, the luxury villas are ultimate destination for consummate living,” explained Mr. Varma. The project has a dedicated 10000 sqft. Club house and many luxurious amenities such as indoor games, swimming pool, home theatre, landscaped gardens, amphitheatre, water fountain, air conditioned health club, multipurpose banquet hall, sauna, jacuzzi, library and furnished guest rooms.

“As a part of our 7th anniversary celebrations Asset Homes is planning to launch 7 new projects across 7 locations in Kerala. The locations include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Kochi, Trissur, Kozhikode and Kannur” said Sunil Kumar. He added that on 31^st October, 2014, Asset Homes is organizing an exclusive event titled Mehfil in Dubai featuring Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas in connection with 7 new project launches.

Having completed and delivered 34 projects in a short span 7 years since inception, Asset Homes steadily continues its successful run in the realty development with 16 ongoing projects. Asset Homes has bagged prestigious awards like “CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2014” for the best construction of the year constituted by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), under planning commission, Govt. of India. “Best Builder Award 2014” constituted by the Association of Engineers Kerala, ‘The Excellence in Real Estate 2013’ award instituted by the British South India Chamber of Commerce, International Property Awards instituted by Bloomberg Television 2011, CNBC Awaaz CRISIL CREDAI Real Estate Awards 2010 for India’s Most Innovative Project, Realty Excellence Awards 2011 for India’s Young Achiever of the Year and Vocational Excellence Award 2009‐2010 among others.

“80% of breast and cervical cancer cases are treatable”, say experts at Aster

Doha, October 22nd, 2014: Aster Medical Centre, a division of Aster DM Healthcare, the leading healthcare conglomerate in the Middle East and India, organized an interactive session on breast cancer and cervical cancer to enhance awareness about the disease. With October being marked as the Breast Cancer Awareness month, the interactive session was held for the female staff of Scholars International School, Al Rayyan, on October 22, 2014.

The session was headed by Dr. Jyoti Khanna, an eminent gynecologist and obstetrician having over 17 years of experience as a medical practitioner.  Dr. Jyothi is a gynecologist and obstetrician with Aster Medical Centre, Al Rayyan.

The interactive session threw light on the causes, symptoms, self examination, screenings and treatments of breast cancer and cervical cancer.Dr. Jyothi also provided insights on how women tend to neglect their own health concerns and risk factors of these life threatening conditions.

Commenting on the alarming rates of breast cancer cases in the world, Dr. Jyothi said: “Breast cancer is now a very common form cancer amongst women. Earlier breast cancer was detected only among women who are in between the age group of 40 to 50 and above and who are in their post-menopausal stage. But now women between the age group of 20 to 30 are also at high risk of getting affected with it. Risk is especially increased if a woman has a family history of breast cancer.”

She further added: “80 per cent of breast cancer cases are treatable if it is diagnosed at an early stage. There are various symptoms of this condition wherein a lady herself can identify the threat.  Breast lumps or underarm swelling, pain or tenderness, change in size, color, texture and temperature, change in nipple and unusual discharge from the nipple are the symptoms that should not be underestimated. All women can conduct breast self-examination once in 2 to 6 months to check on for any unusual changes. Being aware of your body is a must for preventing and early treatments of cancer.”

Speaking on Cervical Cancer, Dr.Jyothi said: “Cervical Cancer is also a common condition amongst women. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV Virus. Abnormal bleeding from vagina, change in menstrual cycle which cannot be explained, bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, pain during intercourse and vaginal discharge tinged with blood are the symptoms of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be avoided be if regular Pap Smear tests are conducted. Pap smear test are beneficial in finding out abnormalities in the cervix which might cause cervical cancer in the future. Vaccinations are also available to prevent HPV from causing cancer.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Sameer Moopan, CEO, DM Healthcare-Qatar, said, “Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common cancer among the women worldwide. So, understanding of these conditions is very important amongst women. But what is important is to know being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of your life. They are treatable.”

“We are also very thankful to Scholars International School for their support in making this awareness drive a great success. At Aster, we aim to educate people from all the communities and strata of life on how such life threatening conditions are to be dealt with. We always reach out to help them with preventive measures, so that one can live a positive life ahead.” added Dr. Moopan.

Xoom Announces Instant Deposit Service to ICICI Bank Accounts in India

Xoom expands instant deposit service to one of India’s leading financial institutions

Xoom Corporation (NASDAQ: XOOM), a leading digital money transfer provider, is now offering instant deposits to ICICI Bank accounts in India. This revolutionary service allows Xoom customers to instantly deposit money into their recipients’ ICICI Bank accounts, 365 days a year, including bank holidays. Instant deposits to ICICI Bank are processed through Xoom’s partnership with Punjab National Bank.

“Through our partnership with Punjab National Bank and the breakthrough IMPS technology, we are thrilled to expand our instant deposit service to ICICI Bank, one of India’s largest banks,” said Julian King, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Xoom. “Instant deposits are available 365 days, including bank holidays, so customers will never have to wait. Speed and convenience are what customers expect from Xoom’s service and we continue to do just that in our mission to provide instant deposit to even more banks in India.”

In addition to ICICI Bank, Xoom also offers instant deposits to Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Federal Bank and Yes Bank.

Xoom provides great locked-in exchange rates for money transfers to India, and there is no fee when customers send more than $1,000 and pay with their U.S.-based bank account. Plus, Xoom continues to provide fast bank deposits within four hours to all other banks in India, including to NRE and NRO accounts, when sent during bank processing hours in India.

Customers can also download the Xoom App for Android and iOS mobile devices for free. Visit https://www.xoom.com/india for more information.

About Xoom                                                                                                                             

Xoom is a leading digital money transfer provider that enables consumers to send money to 30 countries in a secure, fast and cost-effective way, using their mobile phone, tablet or computer. During the 12 months ended June 30, 2014, Xoom's more than 1.1 million active customers sent approximately $6.3 billion to family and friends. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and can be found online at www.xoom.com.

At last, Kochi to have executive business centres to meet the burgeoning demand

Kochi, September 8, 2014: As Kochi has very recently emerged as one of the top 3 destinations for IT-BPM business and among the top 10 places in Asia to visit, a lot of MNCs are mulling to set up shop in the port town and commercial capital of the highly literature south Indian state. Among them are a Swiss industrial automation company, British luxury car maker and a US telecom giant. But instead of setting up a full-fledged office and going ahead in full throttle, many of the companies, like these three, are entering the town via the business centre way.  Fortunately, Kochi, which did not have high quality business centers till recently, has also risen to the occasion to offer business centers with facilities and class as expected of them by MNCs. The first among them, Centre-A Offices, promoted by Francis Alapatt group, a gold retail chain and FMCG distribution major, for instance, offers turnkey business-centre access to businesses of all sizes. Centre-A Offices with 18,000 sq. ft. of floor area in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th floors of the Alapatt Heritage Building on M.G. Road, the city’s business district, targets multinationals as well as MSMEs and travelling businessmen both for long-term and short-term occupation.

“With the opening of International Container Transhipment Terminal in Vallarpadam, the shipping action has also come downtown from the faraway Willington Island and with close proximity to Vallarpadam, we are attracting a lot of interest from global shipping companies which are thinking of getting a foothold in Kochi. There are concrete enquiries from a couple of prime IT brands as well from the hardware side, which do not need to be staffed in huge numbers like the BPOs, while at the same time, has huge marketing and servicing requirements here. Financial and wealth management companies, .com startups, national and multinational legal eagles, tour operators, airlines, architects, banks, online coaching centers and  real-estate developers are also in the list as Kochi serves them as a gateway to the NRI-rich, IT-centric and touristy state of Kerala,” says Joe Alapatt, Director, Centre-A Offices.

“Starting from IT Infrastructure to basic staffing to coordinate the general needs in an office, Centre A could even be used as a virtual office and also for an hour, a day or even a year. There are options of monthly membership as well. We want people to focus on their business rather than get distracted setting up an office from scratch”, he added.

Additionally, such executive business centres offer reception services, administrative and secretarial support, high speed internet access, data security, housekeeping, financial services, travel desk, staffing solution and audio-video conferencing facilities among others. 

For more details: www.centre-a.com

Asset Homes Launches New Luxury Apartments on Avenue Road, Thrissur

Thrissur, August 16, 2013: Asset Homes, one of the largest real estate companies in Kerala, announced its new luxury apartment project in Thrissur. “The construction of the 14-floored luxury apartment, Asset Anchorage, located in the centre of the city, on Avenue Road, will be completed and handed over within 2 years,” Mr. V. Sunilkumar, Managing Director and Mr. K. Anil Varma, Executive Director told a media conference here.

“The project offers a choice of 48 exclusively designed, spacious 4 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom apartments with areas ranging from 2000 square feet to 3400 square feet. The most attractive feature of this exclusive ship-shaped project is the stunning swimming pool and party area constructed in its deck region.  The apartments will be available in the price range of Rs.75 lakhs to Rs. 140 lakhs,” said Sunil Kumar.

Asset Anchorage is the second project of Asset Homes in Thrissur. “We are also glad to announce that our ongoing project, Asset Midtown in Poonkunnam, will be completed and handed over in this December,” informed Sunil Kumar.

This luxury apartment will be constructed using the most modern technologies available in the industry. This will be the first-of-its-kind project in the city to do so, added Anil Varma. “Asset Homes is one of the few builders in India who do not depend on outsourcing to build. As we have our team and equipment to do our jobs, we could always maintain the quality standards of construction and deliveries on time,” said Anil Varma..

Having completed 26 projects in a short span 6 years, Asset Homes steadily continues its successful run in the realty development with 21 ongoing projects in Kochi, Thiruvanathapuram, Kottayam, Kannur and Thrissur.

Founded in 2007, Asset Homes is known for its professional leadership under the Chairmanship of Mr. K. A. Mohamed Saleem, a professional with more than two decades of top management experience in corporate companies, Mr. Sunil Kumar V., Managing Director and Mr. Anil Varma Executive Director, both civil engineering graduates with more than two decades of experience in construction and project management. Asset Homes has a team of 160 professionals working for the company and a network of 5 offices across Kerala.   

Asset Homes is renowned for high end luxury apartments, villas, sky villas, luxury, lifestyle and moderately priced apartments and townhouses.  The company takes extra care to build eco-friendly buildings by adopting sustainable construction methods and offering high safety standards.

Asset Homes has bagged prestigious awards like ‘The Excellence in Real Estate 2013’ award instituted by the British South India Chamber of Commerce, International Property Awards instituted by Bloomberg Television 2011, CNBC Awaaz CRISIL CREDAI Real Estate Awards 2010 for India’s Most Innovative Project, Realty Excellence Awards 2011 for India’s Young Achiever of the Year and Vocational Excellence Award 2009‐2010 among others. Asset Homes is the first builder to complete a CRISIL 7 star rated project in Kerala, awarded to Asset Signature, Thiruvanathapuram.