Archives 2023

The prestigious Karmaveer Chakra Award conferred by the International Confederation of NGOs (iCONGO) in collaboration with the United Nations is a tribute to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India. It recognizes individuals globally for their relentless courage across various fields. Its inspiring past awardees are Dr. Verghese Kurien (The Father of the White Revolution), Major General R.S. Pannu, Film Director Subhash Ghai and many more.

Every writer is different but he is one of those who has touched souls with even the simplest expression of words. Recently on November 27, 2023, Prolific Haroon Rashid from Jammu and Kashmir, a Writer, Speaker, Poet, Artist and National Vice Chairman Youth India at Mother Teresa International Foundation (Representing 65 countries) was recently honoured with the globally acclaimed Karmaveer Chakra Award & Karmaveer Global Fellowship on at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad.

Author Haroon Rashid is a world-famous Author for ‘We Fell Asleep In One World And Woke Up In Another’ and ‘Author Haroon Rashid Quotes’. Almost every soul including prominent global celebrities from Hollywood, Bollywood, Art Fields, Music Fields, Sports Field on their social media platforms and fund-raising events shared his most revered work ‘We Fell Asleep In One World And Woke Up In Another’ aka The Earth Poem that became a rage and one of the most celebrated and quoted literary work during the COVID times.

His writings speak for him at global level making him a renowned writer par excellence. Known for the magic of his words, his many works have been translated into many languages including Spanish, French, German, Arabic, African, Indonesian, Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Kannada, Tamil, Sanskrit, Mexican, Bolivian and so on. Amongst his otherworld-famous writings are ‘Time and its perspectives’, ‘Suicide Poem’, ‘Come Back from The Heaven’, ‘Skin’, ‘Will Meet Again’, ‘Human Trafficking’, ‘Humanity Poem’, ‘Faith’, ‘Mother’, ‘Spiritual Love’, ‘The World’, ‘Human in Uniform’, ‘Get Up’, ‘Meet A Person’ so on along with Endless Quotes.

For his contribution to literary works, he has been bestowed with the following recognitions and accolades:

– Honorary Degree, Doctorate of Humanity by La Haye (Academy of Applied Sciences Supervisory Board) France.

– Designated as an Ambassador for SDG4 and SDG13 by World Literary Forum for Peace and Human Rights in promoting world peace through Quality Education and Global Citizenship Education and combating climate change.

– 1st Prizein Exhibition Award 2023 at the 1st Silk Road International Poetry Spring Festival.

– Representation for India at Designing Mexico and The World 11th Edition Mil Mentes Por Mexico association International 2023

– Representation for India at Paper Fiber Fest 2023 conducted by China, Greece, Mexico, Peru for promoting More Poetry Less War.

– Certificate of Appreciation by Greece on the occasion of International Day of Greek language Feb 9, 2023.

– Global Peace Award 2022 at Mother Teresa International Foundation

– Sir Richard Francis Burton award (Awarded to the greatest personalities in the world within the framework of September 21 and September 26, European Day of Languages, signed by the Presidents representing the 5 continents).

– The Cesar Vallejo Award 2022 (United Nations Global Marketplace) for his contribution to culture as well as literature.

– The Golden Eagle Award for Literary Excellence’ from South America.

– Honorary Award in recognition of his Excellence in Literature and Arts on the occasion of the 59th year of Independence for Trinidad and Tobago 2021.

– BalkanskaPjesnickaunijapoeticallygodine Award 2021 from Serbia.

– Invited to be a speaker at 3rd International Congress of Education, Designing the Future, Mexico, North America 2021=

– Invited to be a peace protagonist on the occasion of International Peace Day in Mexico and Greece 2021

– Invited for famous Interview shows including Oprah Winfrey Show (featured in the Oprah Magazine)

While receiving the award he reinstated upon the importance of sustainability quoting:

“One should never forget the fact that…… “It’s our responsibility to create a better world for our future generations”

Author Haroon Rashid is truly an unusual success story to be cherished.

Bengaluru, 27th December 2023 IndusInd Bank today announced the launch of ‘IndusInd Bank eSvarna’, India’s first Corporate Credit Card on RuPay network. This launch positions IndusInd Bank as the first in the country to integrate UPI functionality with a Corporate Credit Card. The card facilitates smooth transactions at merchant outlets and allows users the flexibility to make UPI payments by linking the card with UPI-enabled apps.

The IndusInd Bank eSvarna credit card on the RuPay network comes with an array of exclusive perks and rewards. IndusInd Bank eSvarna credit cardholders can look forward to a luxurious travel experience, including complimentary lounge access and fuel surcharge waiver. Corporate travellers can receive the added benefit of comprehensive travel insurance coverage and an exclusive rewards program meticulously crafted for corporate entities, which makes this credit card a valuable financial solution for various business transactions.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Soumitra Sen, Head – Consumer Banking and Marketing, IndusInd Bank, said, “At IndusInd Bank, we always believe in being one-step ahead for offering service that exceeds the customers’ expectations. The introduction of India’s first ‘Corporate Credit Card’ on the RuPay network is a testament to our constant endeavour in elevating customer experience. The product comes from our deep understanding of the segment and we are delighted to introduce a compelling proposition for Indian professionals and businessmen who travel extensively and has a need for lifestyle-related value added benefits. The card caters to their discerning lifestyle needs by offering unparalleled experiences and benefits across various categories, including travel, wellness, and lifestyle. We firmly believe that this card will set a new benchmark in consumer experience, exclusivity, and engagement.”

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI, said, “RuPay has been at the forefront of advancing India’s payment infrastructure through its state-of-the-art card payment network. The launch of ‘eSvarna,’ the country’s inaugural corporate card on RuPay, represents a significant step for corporate clients to access unique corporate offerings, benefits, and seamless UPI-enabled payments. This will elevate the overall experience for large corporates and their employees, delivering an unparalleled user experience marked by simplicity and efficiency. Aligned with NPCI’s vision for a digitally inclusive society, our collaboration with IndusInd Bank on this groundbreaking initiative fuels our excitement for the future of corporate digital transactions.”

Ghaziabad,27th December 2023 : Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad, proudly hosted the much-anticipated annual event “Mercato: The Fiesta 2023” on December 23, 2023. This vibrant event saw an overwhelming participation of over 2000 students, contributing to an array of competitive and artistic showcases.

The Mercato unfolded with a series of competitions, engaging a total of 200 teams across various domains. The events included a Debate, where sharp minds battled over contemporary topics; a Dance Competition that exhibited an array of talented performers; a Fashion Show displaying creative attires and trends; and the Battle of Bands, where music groups enthralled the audience with their rhythmic prowess.

Adding to the creative spirit, the Poster Making Competition witnessed stunning visual expressions, while the Business Plan Competition showcased innovative entrepreneurial ideas. The Business Quiz tested the participants’ corporate and economic acumen, and the Nukkad Natak (street play) offered powerful social messages through engaging performances.

A notable highlight of this year’s Mercato: The Fiesta was the “Start-Up Mela 2023”, an innovative addition to the event roster. This special segment was dedicated to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among students and attendees. Jaipuria Institute of Management provided a dynamic platform for 23 burgeoning startups to showcase their unique products and services. This initiative not only offered visibility to these emerging businesses but also facilitated networking opportunities with potential investors, mentors, and a wider audience. The Start-Up Mela became a hub of inspiration, exchanging ideas, and exploring the future of business innovation. It was a testament to the institute’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talents and supporting the business leaders of tomorrow.

The Mercato 2023 was the mesmerizing celebrity performances by renowned singers Ehsan Asgar and StarBoy LOC. Their presence added a star-studded aura to the event, captivating the audience with their musical charm.

Mercato: The Fiesta 2023 was not just a platform for competition but also a celebration of talent, creativity, and intellectual prowess. The event successfully fostered a spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange among students from diverse backgrounds.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, faculty, and guests who made this event a grand success. Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad, continues to be a beacon of excellence in fostering holistic development and cultural vibrancy.

Bengaluru, 27th December 2023 Indian star golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar lived up to his reputation of being the pre-tournament favorite as he saw it home with an error-free final round of six-under 66 to triumph by a solitary shot at the TATA Steel PGTI’s season-ending TATA Steel Tour Championship 2023, an INR 3 crore event, played at the Beldih and Golmuri Golf Courses in Jamshedpur.

Chandigarh-based Gaganjeet (64-66-67-66), who won the TATA Steel Tour Championship for the second time following his previous victory in 2020, totaled 25-under 263 for the week to bag INR 45 lakh, the biggest winner’s cheque on the PGTI. It was the lowest winning total at the TATA Steel Tour Championship as Bhullar improved upon his 24-under 264 from the 2020 edition.

Rahil Gangjee (70-62-65-67) finished runner-up at 24-under 264 after firing a 67 in the last round. Bengaluru-based Gangjee’s prize money cheque of INR 30 lakh moved him up 26 spots in the PGTI Order of Merit as he ended the year in sixth place.

Chandigarh’s Angad Cheema (66-66-65-68) had a creditable third place finish at 23-under 265 in Jamshedpur. Cheema gained four spots on the money list to end the year in fifth place.

Om Prakash Chouhan (72-68-65-68) of Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, took the coveted No. 1 spot in the TATA Steel PGTI Ranking (PGTI Order of Merit) after finishing tied 10th at 15-under 273 at the Tour Championship this week. The 37-year-old Chouhan closed the 2023 season with record earnings of INR 1,18,26,059, the highest ever for a PGTI season, to finish number one in the money list by a fair distance. Om Prakash, who is attached with the Kalhaar Blues & Greens golf course in Ahmedabad, broke the previous record of season’s earnings of INR 88,50,688, set by Manu Gandas in 2022.

Chouhan won four titles and posted eight other top-10s this season. He thus became the first player to breach the INR 1 crore mark in season’s earnings in a single season on the PGTI. As a result of his Order of Merit triumph, Chouhan has now earned himself a card on the DP World Tour for the 2024 season.

Patna’s Aman Raj finished second on the PGTI Ranking with season’s earnings of INR 91,90,745. Aman took tied seventh place at 16-under 272 in Jamshedpur.

All four rounds of the event saw one half of the field play their first nine holes at Golmuri Golf Course and second nine at Beldih Golf Course while the other half of the field played Beldih first followed by Golmuri. The par for the round was 72. The leading groups started at Golmuri and finished at Beldih.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, a 12-time international winner, ended up as the wire-to-wire winner in Jamshedpur as he led the field from round one till round four. Gaganjeet’s 12th PGTI win came as a result of an eagle and four birdies on Sunday. Bhullar accumulated three birdies on the front-nine with two up and downs and a brilliant tee shot on the par-3 seventh that landed one foot from the hole.

The 35-year-old Gaganjeet, who originally hails from Kapurthala in Punjab, further strengthened his claim to the title after finding the par-5 12th green in two shots that set up an eagle conversion for him. Bhullar’s final birdie came on the 15th where he landed his approach to four feet.

Bhullar, who looked unruffled through the day, said, “I was focused on winning and was solid today from tee to green. It was all about repeating what I had done in the previous three rounds. I executed my plans well today and played some great iron and wedge shots. The two-shot swing in my favour on the 14th and 15th holes was probably the turning point today. I would like to thank TATA Steel for this fabulous season-ending event.”

Rahil Gangjee enjoyed a two-shot lead over Bhullar after the first 13 holes thanks to his eight birdies and a bogey. However, Rahil had a poor final stretch as he dropped two bogeys over the last five holes that swung the match back into Gaganjeet’s favour. Gangjee left his five-feet par-putt on the 17th just one roll short. It was Rahil’s best finish of the season.

Angad Cheema’s fourth round of 68 featured an eagle, five birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey. Cheema thus registered his second top-3 finish of the year.

Yuvraj Singh Sandhu’s nine-under 63 was the day’s best score and helped him finish fourth at 20-under 268.

The two Jamshedpur-based professionals, Karan Taunk (one-under 287) and Kurush Heerjee (10-over 298) finished tied 61st and 72nd respectively.

Varun Chopra is PGTI Emerging Player of the Year

Twenty-four-year-old rookie Varun Chopra of the United States won the PGTI Emerging Player of the Year title with season’s earnings of INR 33,15,577, the highest among the rookies. Varun, who claimed tied 14th place at 14-under 274 at the season-ending event, secured a creditable 15th position on the PGTI Order of Merit as a result of four top-10s in the season including two runner-up finishes.

By Aditya Singh 

India’s traffic landscape is notorious for its chaos, congested roads, and lax adherence to traffic rules. This has resulted in India consistently ranking high in road fatalities. According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for approximately 11% of global road traffic deaths, despite having only about 1% of the world’s vehicles. These statistics underscore the dire need to prioritize safety in the Indian automotive sector. The recent announcement of Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) was long overdue given the staggering number of road accidents.

Bharat NCAP, like other NCAPs, is not a mandatory standard but serves as a voluntary safety standard. Auto companies today, focus on improving safety through advanced simulations, machine learning, and real-world accident data analysis in their design processes. As data complexity grows, compute time and power for simulations can be a bottleneck for time to market. Quantum computing on HPC clusters offers a potential near-term solution for faster simulations.

Similarities and Differences between Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP

Bharat NCAP shares its core objective with Global NCAP: to ensure that vehicles meet stringent safety standards. Both programs aim to enhance vehicle safety and reduce the likelihood of fatalities and injuries in road accidents. However, there are notable differences in their approaches and specific requirements.

a. One significant difference is that Bharat NCAP currently focuses on voluntary compliance for vehicle manufacturers, while Global NCAP is often used for mandatory safety certifications in various countries. This distinction raises questions about the enforceability of safety standards in India and the effectiveness of voluntary compliance.

b. In Global NCAP, a vehicle must get a minimum of 34 points – 16 points for the front crash test, 16 for the side impact, and 2 points for seatbelt reminders — to get a 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection. However, in Bharat NCAP, to receive a 5-star rating, a vehicle needs at least 27 points in adult occupant protection and requires 41 points in child occupant protection.

c.Types of Crash Testing: The Bharat NCAP protocols are in line with Global NCAP norms when it comes to crash testing. Three tests including offset deformable barrier frontal impact test, side impact test, and pole side impact test — would determine the crashworthiness of the vehicles.

c.Apart from this, Bharat NCAP would also mandate the installation of six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), three-point seatbelts for every passenger, improved emergency braking systems

d. Unified Rating: Unlike Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP will give a unified rating for the vehicles, combining crash test results for adults and children alike.

Evolving Stringency of Standards with Technological Advancements and ADAS

As technology advances, so will the evolution of safety standards. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which are high end features, will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring safety on the roads. These systems encompass features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated emergency braking. With the integration of ADAS into vehicles, safety standards in the future will become more stringent, pushing manufacturers to incorporate these technologies as standard offerings rather than value added features. This was similar to when air-bags were introduced – a nice to have feature in high end cars has now become a safety norm, with Bharat NCAP mandating 6 airbags.

Improving Crash worthiness, Crumple Zone Optimization, and Structural Strength with Simulations

Meeting compliance standards and achieving favorable NCAP ratings heavily depend on a vehicle’s crashworthiness. This involves the use of sophisticated simulations, crumple zone optimizations, and structural enhancements to ensure occupant safety during a collision. As technology advances simulations will become more complex, and shift from component to system levels.

Typically these simulations take a lot of time and compute power. A lot of iterations are needed to arrive at the optimum level and there is room for improvement with a more efficient approach.

Quantum Algorithms: A Game-Changer for Simulations NOW!

Enter quantum computing, a transformative technology that holds immense potential across various industries. Quantum algorithms, in particular, have the power to revolutionize complex simulations, including those used in crash testing and safety assessments. Quantum algorithms can solve complex multiphysics problems much faster with greater accuracy compared to classical computers.

Faster and more accurate simulations translate to reduced time to market for automotive manufacturers, cost savings in research and development, and, most importantly, safer vehicles on the road. Quantum computing is poised to be the driving force behind innovation in automotive safety.

The Future of Quantum Computing in Automotive Manufacturing

The potential benefits of quantum computing in the automotive industry are not limited to safety alone. As quantum hardware matures and becomes more accessible, the possibilities for innovation are endless. From optimizing vehicle designs to revolutionizing supply chain logistics, quantum computing has the potential to reshape the entire automotive manufacturing landscape.

Bharat NCAP is a welcome step towards improving road safety in India, where the need for enhanced safety standards is undeniable. However, to truly unlock a safer tomorrow, cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing would be required to accelerate safety advancements in the automotive industry.

As we stand on the cusp of a quantum revolution, BQP invites automotive engineers and researchers to experience the power of quantum for faster, accelerated simulations today!

For more information on how simulations will evolve with vehicle complexity, download the BQP’s white paper here

New Delhi, 27th December 2023: Datacultr, a front-runner in digital debt collection and risk management, is proud to announce a new initiative dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of its employees. As part of its commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy workplace, Datacultr has introduced a comprehensive mental health program, integrating services from YourDost, a specialized provider of mental health and well-being solutions.

While the collaboration with YourDost is a component of this initiative, the primary emphasis of Datacultr remains on the holistic well-being of its employees. The program provides diverse resources like counseling, stress management workshops, and mental health assessments, targeting the specific needs of each employee. Additionally, a key feature of this initiative is the mental health first aid training for all staff members, empowering them to support one another in a meaningful way.

Neel Juriasingani, CEO of Datacultr, highlights the company’s dedication: “We at Datacultr understand the critical importance of our employees’ mental health and wellbeing for their holistic success and the collective success of our organization. With the support of YourDost, we are enriching our workplace culture to include comprehensive support for the physical, mental, and emotional health of our team.

This endeavor is a crucial step towards equipping our employees with the resources they need to remain healthy, motivated, and productive. We are optimistic about the positive impact this will have on our employees and the organization.”

This initiative represents Datacultr’s commitment to placing mental well-being at the forefront of its workplace priorities. By combining its efforts with the expertise of YourDost, Datacultr is setting a new standard for creating a vibrant, productive, and mentally healthy work environment. This collaboration is a testament to Datacultr’s dedication to building a resilient and thriving workforce.

New Delhi, 27th December 2023: Strengthening its legacy as the premier institute for competitive exams in the country, FIITJEE is organizing the FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam (FTRE) for students presently in Classes V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X & XI, will be conducted on January 07, 2024, providing students ample opportunities to participate at their convenience. The exam will be conducted through Offline Mode only.

FTRE is meticulously designed to deliver students with a comprehensive platform to unlock their true potential, enabling them to accomplish unprecedented success in competitive exams and beyond.

FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam (FTRE) offers an exceptional benefits and a comprehensive platform for students to assess and enhance their competitive exam readiness. FTRE provides students with a realistic prediction of their potential All India Rank in major examinations such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, various Olympiads, and NTSE through the Rank Potential Index (RPI). It meticulously evaluates students’ analytical skills, IQ, and aptitude while helping them identify their ability to tackle conceptual, analytical, and intuitive thinking questions. FTRE also offers students the invaluable experience of attempting scientifically designed question papers that closely resemble the patterns and marking schemes of national-level competitive and scholastic exams in India. Additionally, students receive detailed analyses of their performance, with insights into concept-wise, chapter-wise, and subject-wise strengths and weaknesses. The exam also assesses examination temperament and provides valuable feedback on potential improvements.

The unparalleled advantages of FTRE contribute to the 360-degree development of students-:

• Assessment of academic capabilities: Parents and children will gain comprehensive insights into a child’s academic strengths, including aptitude, comprehension skills, analytical capability, general IQ, and IQ specific to the desired career path.
• Identification of academic inclinations: Recognising a child’s subject-wise aptitude at an early stage is essential for making informed decisions about stream selection in class XI, putting them on a successful career path.
• Discover through Scientifically Designed Tests: All of these can’t be done through just any test. A child needs scientific testing that also has a pattern similar to various prominent National Level Competitive & Scholastic Exams.
• National Level Academic Standing: FTRE allows students to identify their national level standing, which is paramount for various competitive and academic exams. Post the exam analysis, FIITJEE will offer extensive guidance to parents and students on how to unlock their true potential.
• Discovering the road to optimum success: After all the analysis, parents and child need to know what needs to be done for unravelling his/her total potential manifested & hidden). This is the most crucial step. It needs to be done carefully. The child will be happy working hard, with this clarity rather than feel stressed or even depressed.

Mr. Vinod Agrawal, Managing Partner, and Centre Head, FIITJEE Dwarka Centre said, ”FTRE is more than just an exam. It’s a tool for transforming a student’s academic experience and will set them on course for extraordinary growth in terms of their ability to evaluate their potential, present capability, and real inclinations. I highly recommend that every student who is thinking of joining FIITJEE at any stage must appear in the FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam. This will help him / her to get immense Early Joining Academic Benefits. This is an opportunity to study with the superior learning environment. Furthermore, FTRE serves as a gateway to qualify for prestigious FIITJEE Classroom and Integrated School Programs, as well as access to the Live Online Classroom Program through FIITJEE eSchool, making it a valuable opportunity for students across India”.

FTRE is a gold standard to not only evaluate students’ IQ, aptitude & academic potential from a national competitive standpoint but also to gauge your analytical skills required for success in an array of competitive / scholastic examinations and careers. FTRE offers new benchmarks for assessing the IQ, aptitude, and academic potential of students, allowing them to excel in competitive exams and diverse career domains.

“By participating in FTRE, students will not only gain a better understanding of their current abilities but also receive the necessary support to chalk a course towards their academic aspirations and future success. Also, the advantages of FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam extend beyond just IIT JEE, empowering students who are pursuing other streams like, Commerce, Arts, or the medical field. Mr. Agrawal Concluded”. 

To register for FTRE, students can either visit www.fiitjee-ftre.com for online registration or visit a nearby FIITJEE centre to register via offline mode.

The last date to register for the FTRE is 05^th January 2024 two days prior to the respective test date. 

27th December 2023: In a ground-breaking move, TECNO, the premium global smartphone brand, is delighted to announce Indian superstar Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador. This move marks the next step in TECNO’s proposition of delivering the best of innovation while remaining stylish and accessible with the consumers’ needs at heart.

TECNO is buzzing with excitement as Deepika brings an incredible mix of talent, charisma & iconicity! This strategic partnership is not just a collaboration; it’s a full-on commitment from TECNO to ride the wave of innovation while grooving to the beats of the young, diverse, and dynamic audience.

Get ready for a dose of excitement because Deepika and TECNO are coming together to empower consumers through cutting-edge tech! Her dazzling presence – both on and off the screen – adds a splash of elegance, intelligence, and versatility to TECNO’s tech scene. TECNO celebrates Deepika’s commitment to breaking barriers not just in the world of entertainment but beyond. As the brand ambassador, Deepika is taking center stage, representing TECNO across the board and strengthening their vision of making innovative and stylish tech accessible to everyone. It’s like tech meets glam, and it’s about to be one epic show!

Partnering with Deepika Padukone isn’t just a strategic move for TECNO but it’s like turning up the style quotient to make a super-strong connection with the young and upbeat audience. Deepika’s fashion-forward personality blends seamlessly with the stylish innovations TECNO brings to users. The association will extend across all brand and product launches throughout the year, ensuring a consistent and impactful presence.

Commenting on the new collaboration, DeepikaPadukone, said “I’m excited to join TECNO, a brand synonymous with innovation and stylish smartphones. TECNO’s lifestyle-tailored approach seamlessly blends innovation, style, design, and accessibility, resonating with the spirit of the new generation. I look forward to this partnership and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

Speaking about the recently formed partnership, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile, said, “We are thrilled to announce DeepikaPadukone as TECNO’s brand ambassador. Deepika’s charisma, coupled with TECNO’s innovation focus, creates a powerful synergy that will strengthen our brand perception and resonate with younger audiences. Beyond being a smartphone brand, TECNO aspires to be a lifestyle companion. We anticipate the association will enhance our brand image and engage a diverse audience, fostering our pursuit of excellence and ‘Stop at Nothing’ brand philosophy. With Deepika, we look forward to a year of ground-breaking launches, captivating campaigns, and a partnership reflecting the essence of TECNO – where technology meets style to redefine the smartphone experience.”

With this alliance TECNO is celebrating the starting point for its big plan in the coming year. The brand is gearing up to give consumers a premium experience and go that extra mile to bring users the stylish tech at an accessible price point.

Stay tuned as TECNO and Deepika Padukone embark on this exciting journey together, shaping the future of mobile technology and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Mumbai,27th December 2023: The Mahalaxmi Saras 2023-24, a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, opened its doors on December 26th at MMRDA Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is supporting many artisans across the country to market their merchandise at the event.

Shri Girish Mahajan, Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj of Maharashtra, inaugurated the much-awaited event in the presence of distinguished guests, including Representatives of MSRLM, Shri Ruchesh Jaivanshi, CEO, MSRLM, Shri Parmeshwar Raut,COO, MSRLM, and Shri Raymond D’Souza, CGM, NABARD.

Organized annually since 2006 by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and the Department of Rural Development, Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the UMED-Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM), the Mahalakshmi Saras Mela serves as a vital platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs), craftspeople, artisans, farmers, and other stakeholders to showcase their products and connect with urban consumers.

“Mahalaxmi Saras Mela exemplifies our commitment to empowering rural artisans. We are proud to be associated with an event that not only provides a marketplace for artisans but also fosters a deeper understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage. Through initiatives like these, we aim to bridge the gap between rural artisans and urban consumers, creating sustainable livelihoods and preserving our diverse traditions,” said Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD.

“Each NABARD supported stall tells a story of our artisans and their efforts in producing beautiful handlooms and handicrafts. NABARD shall continue to provide pathbreaking interventions for rural artisans and farmers and provision of 49 stalls to them in SARAS mela is one such example. The participants in SARAS would inspire many other rural inhabitants to come forward and market their products in urban areas.” said Shri Raymond D’Souza, CGM, NABARD.

This year’s event boasts over 500 stalls featuring a diverse array of products from across India. Notably, NABARD has contributed to the mela’s unique offerings, supporting 49 stalls of artisans from across the country. These stalls are showcasing products like Assamese Gamocha, Pochampally sarees, Banarasi sarees, Tangliya products, etc. The apex agriculture bank will be helping approximately 100 rural artisans from Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Off-Farm Producer Organisations (OFPOs) to exhibit their products. The NABARD-assisted artisan group will be exhibiting 13 Geographical Indication (GI) certified products.

Recognising the need to protect dying arts and crafts in rural areas, NABARD has been at the forefront, supporting rural artisans, weavers, farmers, and craftsmen by providing financial assistance, skilling, market linkages, and infrastructure facilities. As part of its initiatives, NABARD has been a consistent supporter of the SARAS Mela for the 2023-24 edition too. Highlighting the importance of GI-tagged products, NABARD ensures that only creative and innovative products make it to the mela, enriching urban consumers on the diversity and uniqueness of these offerings.

Many rural artisans lack access to urban markets; the SARAS Mela provides crucial exposure. The platform enables artisans to understand urban market preferences, fostering adaptability. Artisans can negotiate better prices and explore opportunities for bulk/corporate orders. NABARD’s association provides a unique platform for rural artisans to increase income, build brands, and gain recognition among urban consumers.

The exhibition will conclude on January 7th, 2024. Attendees can visit the stalls between 10 am – 10 pm on all days till then.

New Delhi, 27th December 2023 Housing.com’s latest report, leveraging extensive data analysis of online homebuyer activity, positions Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad as the driving forces in the Indian residential real estate sector’s anticipated continued growth in 2024. These cities are highlighted as the epicentres of intensified market activity, poised to significantly shape the sector’s narrative in the upcoming months.

Encouraging Signals from Housing.com’s IRIS Index The IRIS index (Buy) from Housing.com, a key indicator of future demand in India’s major cities, is trending at 131 points in December 2023, achieving 83 percent of its historical peak. This trend is indicative of a positive market outlook for the forthcoming months.

2024 Trends: Increased Demand for Larger Homes The trend towards larger home configurations, especially 3+BHK apartments, is gaining momentum. Search queries for these spacious layouts have escalated sixfold year-over-year in 2023, indicating a shift towards larger living spaces.

Luxury Living Gains Traction: High-End Apartments in the Spotlight for 2024 The demand for luxury apartments, particularly in the INR 1-2 crore bracket and above, is expected to soar in 2024. This segment has seen a remarkable 7.5 times increase in online property search volume year-over-year in 2023.

Mr. Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO, Housing.com, PropTiger.com, & Makaan.com said “2023 stands as a landmark year in the Indian real estate sector, characterised by exceptional growth and resilience. Despite challenges like elevated interest rates and global uncertainties, the industry has demonstrated robustness. The RBI’s decision to pause rate hikes in April, coupled with pent-up post-pandemic demand, has significantly bolstered buyer confidence. A noticeable uptick in residential demand is evident across various market segments, heralding a promising 2024.”

Ms. Ankita Sood, Head of Research, Housing.com, PropTiger.com, & Makaan.com said “2024 is well poised for taking the sector forward. We expect good momentum in both property buying and renting as our IRIS index which tracks upcoming demand, estimates northbound movement. Property prices surged 15-20% from pre-COVID levels and monthly rents, saw a spike of 25-50% in key areas of cities driven by the service industry. We see that growth for 2024 will not just be limited to the metros, but be driven by the Tier-2 cities as newfound economic and realty epicentres.”

Localities to watch out for in 2024 Localities such as Greater Noida West (Greater Noida), Mira Road East, Malad West (Mumbai), Kondapur (Hyderabad), and Whitefield (Bengaluru) took highest share in online high-intent home buying activity on our portal.

For January-December 2023, the top 10 trending localities on Housing.com for home buying were:

Rental Market and Emerging Trends in Tier II Cities Online search trends indicate that the rental market is predicted to experience significant growth in 2024, especially in Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, driven by the resumption of back to office work policies. Rent appreciation in these cities’ key areas have ranged from 25-50 percent above pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

Additionally, Tier II cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, Mohali, and Vadodara are emerging as substantial markets for residential activity, as indicated by their highest year-on-year growth in online property search volume for buying.

Significance of Gated Communities and Consumer Sentiment Gated communities with ready-to-move-in properties are expected to play a crucial role in home purchases in 2024. Further, according to the Consumer Sentiment Outlook, a majority of homebuyers also show a preference for direct purchases from developers, indicating a renewed trust towards new property developments as compared to resale properties.

In conclusion, these trends depict a vibrant and evolving landscape of homebuyer preferences and expectations in India’s residential real estate market for 2024. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights for both homebuyers and developers, enabling well-informed decision-making in a dynamic market environment.