- Love is now at your fingertips with the improved QuackQuack app

·         The new improved QuackQuack app allows the users to quickly surf the matches of their choice

·         Speedier browsing through profiles and pictures

·         QuackQuack.in Valentine’s Day Survey:Nearly 85% (84.21%) of men said they were looking to find a date this Valentine through an online dating platform

·         ‘We believe in matching interests than horoscopes of people. Find your true soul mate who has the same interests with QuackQuack.in' new and improved app’ – Mr. Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO, www.QuackQuack.in

Mumbai, February 6th 2015: The season of love is here.And all the lonesome hearts are looking to find a match or a date to brighten up the month of hearts and roses - February. India’s most popular online dating platform, www.QuackQuack.inhas updated its dating app to help find your true love this Valentine’s Day even if you are on the move. Meet your soul mate through a simpler, easier and exciting manner with the new and improved version of the QuackQuack app.

Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO, QuackQuack.insaid, “Your phone may not have the number stored of your soul mate yet, but it definitely now has the ability to look for your soul mate faster. All you need to do is to download the new QuackQuackapp and sift through probable profiles even while travelling. And before you know, you might find that one number that makes your heart beat the fastest.”

The QuackQuack app was launched in August 2014 and became an instant hit with more than 50,000 downloads within four months of its launch. Now with the new version of the app one can Wave, Message or Chat with members on the go.

The updated features of the app are:

·         Swiping for liking or disliking  match

·         Shows 15 matches in a day

·         Faster and easier access to profiles and pictures of members

“We have added features to our app which makes it simpler for people to find their match. All you have to do is just log in. The screen shows you a match. Swipe left if you dislike a match, swipe right if you like a match. The app shows you 15 matches in a day. The new update to the QuackQuack app helps saves time for mobile users to browse through profiles, look up the picture, and see their common interests,” added Mr. Mittal.

QuackQuack.inapp is currently available for Android smartphones and tablets. The app is available on the Google Playstore and can be downloaded for free even though love is precious.

QuackQuackrecently also conducted a Valentine’s Day survey with 1200 respondents pan-India/Specific cities. The survey threw up interesting results.

·         Nearly 85% (84.21%) of men said they were looking to find a date this Valentine through an online dating platform. On the other hand, around 58% (57.86%) women were interested in the same

·         53% (52.86%) of women said that their date’s looks do not matter whereas 40% (40.77%) men refused to be romantic with an unattractive date

·         Nearly 68% of men have no one to court this Valentine, whereas 66% women have no one to date this time.

“The results of our survey have been an eye opener. Online dating is gaining traction in India and the results tell us exactly that. And for all the people we surveyed, who don’t have a date this season can log on to our http://www.QuackQuack.in  page and find the right match,” said Mr. Mittal.

About www.QuackQuack.in

QuackQuack.inis a modern matchmaking platform launched in 2010 for the young, hip, urbane and single Indians thriving amidst a booming economy. It works on a simple principle of matching one person with another with similar interests and helps them break the ice. QuackQuack.in offers its users a safe platform to date by ensuring to verify the user’s profile, moderating the content and also prompting them to be proactive in their search for a perfect date. It ensures there is no spamming or stalking on the website.Currently, QuackQuack.in has 7 lakhs total registered users, with new signups of 1200+ people on a daily basis.

To know more please visit: http://www.QuackQuack.in

SmartCity Kochi Ready to Deliver Kochi’s IT Promise; Holds Road-Show in Chennai

Chennai, February 6, 2015: Minister: As SCK01, the first IT tower with a total built-up area of 6.5 lakh sq ft and a floor-plate of more than 1 lakh sq ft targeting Platinum LEED rating, part of the 246-acre SmartCity Kochi (SCK), is to be opened for business by June 2015, the project’s top executives showcased the credentials of the futuristic knowledge hub in a road show held Chennai organized under the auspices of NASSCOM. Coincidently, the road-show held here was also followed by a recent report by NASSCOM itself which rated Kochi as an "Alternative to Tier I City" with a cost differential of about 25% as compared to any Tire I market. Speaking on the occasion, Gigo Joseph, CEO, SCK, said the project will be a game changer for the IT-BPM industries in India as a pioneer of the many smart cities envisaged subsequently, with its sheer size, employment generation potential and world-class, future-proof and integrated facilities for live, work and play.

Jointly promoted by Dubai Holding and Government of Kerala, SCK has set up an IT/ITES Special Economic Zone in the envisaged 13 million sq ft built-up area, housing Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Media, Finance and Research & Innovation clusters. SCK is the third such undertaking by Dubai Holding after the acclaimed SmartCity Dubai and SmartCity Malta.

 Slated to be the single largest provider of jobs in the talent-rich state (around 90,000 direct jobs by 2020 and two times indirect jobs), the first phase of SCK will generate 6000 direct IT employments, Mr. Gigo Joseph said.

“The second building will also start its construction in 2015. It will be in 5 acres but will have almost the same BUA of the first building, with higher FAR – 6.3 lakh sq ft. It will be built near the first building and will generate another 6000-7000 jobs. In the meantime, construction of infrastructure facilities like roads, supplies and landscaping are also fast progressing while joint-developments teamed with major players in each sector of various social infrastructure milieus including housing, healthcare, education and recreation are also under various stages of construction. SCK had also received the environmental clearance for the entire project last year,” he added.

With these, Kochi is all set to become a major IT hub in the country as suggested in the NASSCOM report with its striking advantages, Mr. Gigo Joseph said.  Kochi is already home to a busy Infopark, which is housing nearly 120 IT majors, employing more than 30,000 professionals. Gigo Joseph explained that a from being a Challenger city six years ago as described by NASSCOM, Kochi’s recent emergence as an 'Alternative to Leader City' is proof that the dynamic port city is as good as Bangalore and other Tier-1 cities for IT.

Mr. Gigo Joseph has also highlighted some other unique advantages of Kochi including the upcoming Metro Transit system and proposed intra-city waterways. “There are 30,000+ apartments already in the vicinity and teh largest mall in India (Lulu: 2 million sq.ft) in addition to the finest healthcare system in the country (15,000+ beds),” he said.

SCK creates dynamic knowledge clusters where companies can succeed. It is a part of globally connected SmartCity communities fueling growth and spurring local economic development. Each SmartCity is committed to long-term sustainability, designed as environmental friendly walk to work township understanding the importance of work-life balance. Thus, in addition to workspace, it features residential, retail, entertainment, schools, training centers, play areas, etc.

Smartnesss will be created from ICT-enabled smart features such as integrated command centre, energy efficient homes, integrated video surveillance, fire fighting integration, parking facilities and electronic billing system, etc and sustainability features such as zero discharge, LEED silver Certification, green building, integrated mobility, etc. “The entire project is envisaged as an integrated Digital Smart City. We have Smart City in Malta and have plans to start more such cities in various geographical locations. So, we could provide an efficient business network of companies,” he said.

For joint developments, Mr. Gigo Joseph said there is a Single Window Clearance facility available for the prospective developers, through which approvals will be given in 45 days. These developers do not need to take separate environmental clearance. Stamp duty is also exempted for them. The companies can also avail many SEZ tax benefits, including 17% reduction in cost of construction.  “What SCK aims is an integrated and autonomous township authority constituted by the Government of Kerala,” he said.

Fmart, India's First Premium Specialty Convenience Store Chain, Opens in Kochi

Kochi, February 2, 2015: Fmart, a Dubai-based convenience store chain which is on a fast-paced expansion plan including opening 100 stores in Malaysia within the next 3 years, opened its first outlet in India in Kochi. Tony Chammany, Mayor, Corporation of Cochin, inaugurated the country's first F-mart at the Panampilly Nagar Junction today. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yoonus Mohamed, Managing Director, Fmart Specialty Retail Concepts, said Fmart is a chain of contemporary convenience stores offering a wide range of FMCGs and other ethnically traditional branded foods. “We are planning to open 25 Fmart stores in Kerala alone in 2015, mostly on franchised model," he added.

Convenience stores normally operate in busy city areas supplying cookies/candies, groceries, cosmetics and household supplies. Fmart also offers a variety of high quality pantry items, including bakery, barista and other fresh as well as heat & eat eatables and a wide range of hot & cold beverages and other consumables.

Mr. Kareem Abdullah, Director, said at present Emaco Investments, the holding company of Fmart, collectively runs 11 stores in various prime locations while it continues its accelerated growth by expanding in the Middle East and Asia. "In the UAE alone, Fmart has 7 stores in Dubai, with the first outlet being a 3600 sqft shopping space at the famous Downtown Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower and 2 in Abu Dhabi, two coming up in Sharjah. We plan to have 15 such stores around premium locations in Dubai alone and at least 3 outlets each in the other 6 Emirates," he said.

In April 2015, Fmart plans to open four outlets in Malaysia and are highly ambitious to have 100 outlets in the next three years. "In India, each new Fmart outlet will require an investment of approximately Rs.30 lakhs to start a franchise model store. Fmart offers four flexible franchise models with different investment plans to cater to different segments of society," Dr. M. A. Babu, Director, said.

"Our franchise model is a low investment business opportunity along with premium margins,bBrand recognition and quality service,” Mr. Yoonus Mohamed said.

Frost in Munnar to Hit Q4 Tea Production

KOCHI: The tea plantations in Munnar which are already in a crisis due to heavy fall in prices and higher labour costs are facing another blow with the mercury levels in Munnar falling to as low as minus two degree Celsius, affecting tea production of about 6-7 lakh kg. According to initial estimates, the sudden and unprecedented dip in temperatures which came into effect since Sunday has severely affected even tea leaves which were ready for plucking in about 400 hectares.

Chacko P. Thomas, Managing Director, Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Co (KDHP), said the negative effects of the frostbite will impact tea production for the next 3 months. "We expect the tea production to drop at least 10-15% in the January-March period, with the last quarter performance to be very poor," he said. Last year, KDHP produced 20 million kilos of tea and though the company expects it to remain the same, it fears the net profit to be much lower than last year’s figure of Rs.23.94 crores. 

The Munnar area contributes nearly half of Kerala’s total tea production of 63 million kg. It was reported that such falls in the mercury in this season are unheard of in Munnar. The situation caught the region unawares as there was no meteorological forecast on this as well. The weather at present is that of typical frosty days, with low morning temperature, cloudless and windless with very low humidity levels. Frost is expected to hit again during the course of this week.

The KDHP, which has the highest number of tea gardens in the region, is the most affected by the unexpected cold climate.

Adding to these woes, exports are much lower this year both on volume and value terms, partly due to the glut in Kenya. The industry sources point out that the future outlook also seems to be grim as there is adequate quantity of tea in the worldwide market and therefore the tea price would be lower.  Africa and other tea producing countries still continue to harvest healthy crops.  “In this situation we do not see any major upward trend in tea prices and with COP, going up tea companies find it difficult to be viable,” Mr. Chacko P. Thomas said.

Move over celebrities, it’s ‘You’ on your tabletop calendar

Kochi: For years, companies have been producing wall or tabletop calendars after calendars, and that too year after, to be precisely. Sceneries were an old trend so are the great personalities. Lately, since the topics like conserving the nature and recycling have caught up, our tabletops too have reflected them. However, celebrities, may it be from cinema or sports, have been a consistent trend. In this easy-to-predict clutter of ho-hums, how would you like to see yourself as the best inspirer of your life and creator of your future? Mir Group, a Kochi-based business house with huge investments in real estate, bio-sciences and hospitality sectors, has been consecutively launching theme-based table top calendars for the last three years and this year, the theme of their calendar is “you are the future”, with a mirror embedded on the base so as to see yourself every time you look at the calendar through the square die-cut passing through all pages, garnished with some inspirational quotes.

The unique and custom-made aphorisms include you are the future (visualize), you are the true patron of your life (delegate), set the trend for a healthy lifestyle (pursue), you contribute to a beautiful tomorrow (initiate), you represent every caste, color and creed (influence) and you are the gateway to a radical change (inspire).

It was Bose Krishanmachari Bose, President, Kochi-Muzris Biennale Foundation, who launched the calendar in a function, held in Kochi.

‘Homage to mother’, a tribute to the selfless love of all mothers in 2013 and ‘joy of giving’ without expecting anything in return in 2014 were two of the other widely-accepted themes of Mir Calendars previously. Renowned personalities including Mohanlal picked up the calendar where a separate space was provided where one could paste one’s photo with mother, to pay true a very personalized and realistic homage to one’s mother.

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helloDOC, India’s first holistic family preventive clinic, opens in Kochi

• helloDOC, a primary and preventive ecosystem, offers both allopathic and ayurvedic doctors’ care, visiting specialists, doctors on call, periodical check-up, diet clinic, counseling, medicinal garden, electronic health records, health store, organic bar and yoga studio under the same roof
• As Kerala is being projected as the diabetic capital of India and heart disease-related deaths occur here as twice that of the USA, the promoters of helloDOC highlight a recent WHO study among the 15-65 age group that called for a strong primary and preventive healthcare in the state

Kochi, January 21, 2015: helloDOC, India’s first primary and preventive healthcare centre, was inaugurated in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi by the celebrity couple Rima Kallingal and Aashiq Abu today. A membership-based lifestyle joint to promote healthy living, helloDOC offers both allopathic and ayurvedic doctors’ care, visiting specialists, doctors on call, periodical check-up, diet clinic, counseling, electronic health records, health store, organic bar and yoga studio among others, all under one roof in a friendly atmosphere, with an amazing ambience and a royal service to match. Dr. Jase John, Director, helloDOC and an allopathic doctor said helloDOC is on a mission to revolutionize the healthcare model with patient-centric care imbibing best of both the worlds. “We are the first of its kind lifestyle ecosystem blending both the Western and Eastern medical practices keeping in mind the sagely principle of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, that is “Treat often, comfort always”. So, what we would like to mostly prescribe are healthy meals based on our in-house dietitian’s recipes,” he said.

helloDOC is a membership based family lifestyle clinic offers three types of memberships namely Select, Essential and Essential Plus. All types of memberships come with any number of consultations with the allopathic and ayurvedic doctors, routine periodical check ups, visiting specialists consultations on referral, up to 40% discounts on medicines, digital health records, e-mail correspondence with the doctors, half yearly reviews and graphical representation for easy understanding. 

Recommended for patrons up to the age of 30, Select includes a select number of tests and services, carefully picked to ensure the best overall health and quality of life to the low-risk demographics while

Essential also includes a select number of tests and services packaged to suit the quality of life to the mid-risk demographics, aged between 30 and 45. Recommended for patrons above 45 with lifestyle diseases or who are smokers, Essential Plus offers, in addition to the tests and consultations, any number of visits for the dietician’s consultation, dental consultation and tooth cleaning and free and periodic doctor’s call on request.

Dr. Varun Nishanth, Medical Director, helloDOC said the concept is the outcome of World Health Organization’s call for a strong primary and preventive healthcare in Kerala followed by a recent study among the 15-65 age group in the state. He also highlighted a report in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in its May 2013 issue which projected Kerala as the diabetic capital of India while adding the fact that heart disease-related deaths occur here as twice that of the USA. “Our health and longevity indices are world-acclaimed but we are sitting on a time bomb. If we do not act now, it’s going to be a now or never situation,” Dr. Varun Nishanth said.

Considering these, helloDOC is positioned as a completely feel-good center with a full scale medicinal garden setup for the use of members under the guidance of the reputed herbalists; an organic health products’ store stocking from the most basics like rock salt to the most complex of ingredients; and an

Organic bar to serve healthy meals exclusively for the members.

“Once we establish soon in Kochi, we would be expanding to more locations so that we can open the helloDOC quality of primary and preventive healthcare to more people,” Dr. Jase John said.

For more details, please visit www.hellodocworld.com

Club Houses Go Royal; the Loom at Asset Kasavu Sets the Trend

·         The Loom, the recently-opened club house with star facilities at the Asset Kasavu, south India’s first CRISIL 7-star rated villa project, creates a new wave in club houses

Kochi: As the number of Malayalis who do not wish to confine their lives just to their homes and workplaces is growing, the waiting list and the entrance fee to join the few luxury clubs is also growing at a faster pace. The new generation Malayali will be quite disturbed if he finds his gym, swimming pool and the library are at three different corners of the city. Fortunately, the leading real estate developers have found a royal solution to this problem by presenting a totally revamped concept of club houses.

A few builders in the state have already responded to this demand from the upper crust of the fast growing luxury segment by setting up club houses with very modern and quality amenities along with their luxurious villas’ or apartments’ projects. The Loom, the recently-opened state-of-the art club house at Asset Kasavu, a 51-villa project from Asset Homes, one of the leading builders in the state, is a case in point.  What makes the Loom unique is the grandeur it adds to Kasavu, the first villa project in south India to receive CRISIL 7-Star rating.

Construction of Asset Kasavu is fast nearing completion at a picturesque West Kalamassery, on the banks of river Muttar, a tributary of Periyar. What is interesting to note is that the Loom, the club house with star facilities, has already been inaugurated. The 3-strorey 10,000-sq-ft Loom, as its name denotes, will be a loom for weaving some finest of life experiences adorned with golden lace that is Kasavu.

“The changing lifestyle is our motivation for building such a club house. Most of us wish to spend the weekends in a luxurious manner and we have arranged the star facilities considering this aspect,” says V. Sunil Kumar, Managing Director, Asset Homes.

The Loom has been built at a location closer to the river. The major attraction in the ground floor of this fully air-conditioned club house is a multipurpose auditorium. The modern seating arrangements for more than 300 persons and a stage make the auditorium more attractive. A kids’ pLay area with a slide, kids’ basketball and various computer games has also been arranged at the left side of the well-appointed reception area in the lobby. The second floor offers facilities for playing billiards and table tennis, a beautifully -designed library and two guest rooms with quality facilities and spacious balconies. A well-equipped gymnasium, resort-model swimming pools for both for kids and adults with original wooden paneling forms one side of the third floor. The steam and sauna facilities along with showers are part of the pools.

“The needs of those who buy homes by spending millions of rupees were in mind while we designed this club house. And as per the schedule, the villas in Kasavu will be handed over to the owners in 2015 itself,” points out Anil Varma, Executive Director, Asset Homes.

The Loom, undoubtedly a trail blazer among the stand-alone club houses, will thus mark the beginning of a new wave in club houses with royal facilities which can enrich the quality time spent by the new Malayali who is surging ahead with higher volumes of disposable income but hard-pressed for time and thus is always on the lookout for some very high quality relaxation and recreation facilities.

Based on the master plan of the Singapore-based renowned architecture fir, Site Concepts International, it was Bineesh Sukumar Architects and Planners who have designed Kasavu, which would emerge as a milestone among the housing projects in the state along with the Loom, club house.