Archives February 2024

Step into the future of interior design craftsmanship with REHAU, the epitome of German expertise in inclusive interior solutions, at INDIAWOOD 2024. From February 22nd to 26th, in Hall no.2A, Stall no. B102, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, witness global excellence in interior innovation, meticulously crafted with the precision and quality synonymous with German engineering. As REHAU showcases its cutting-edge solutions, visitors will be immersed in the legacy of German craftsmanship, driving the evolution of interior spaces into realms of sophistication and ingenuity, catering to the needs of Indians with a global vision.

Edgebands are at the heart of REHAU’s furniture business and, thus, RAUKANTEX from the House of REHAU, has redefined interior design possibilities for architects, designers, and homeowners globally. With over 20 million color combinations and a perfect match to leading surface styles, RAUKANTEX Edgebands offer unparalleled customization. Resistant to scratches, impacts, and abrasions, RAUKANTEX ensures durability while its antifungal and antibacterial properties provide added peace of mind. As a well-established player in the international furniture industry with a proud German tradition of quality and reliability, REHAU uses its edging know-how every day to make sure the customers get exactly the product they need.

A highlight of the exhibition will be the premiere of the RAUVISIO Crystal Deep Collection, an exciting addition to REHAU’s esteemed RAUVISIO crystal range. This collection introduces a new dimension to matte surface finishes, offering versatility and sophistication to interior spaces, all crafted with the care and reliability that define German engineering.

Visitors to INDIAWOOD 2024 will also have the opportunity to explore REHAU’s latest creation, the RAUVOLET Noble Matt Roller Shutter. This roller shutter embodies elegance and practicality with its soft-touch mechanism for effortless operation. Its super matte finish adds a touch of sophistication to interior spaces, complementing various design styles with ease. The RAUVOLET Noble Matt Roller Shutter enhances your interiors with REHAU’s reliable tambour door mechanisms, including the C3 installation kit and C-box cassette system, reflecting the brand’s German excellence.

In a testament to its commitment to India’s industrial growth, REHAU announces the inauguration of its Centre of Excellence at its Vadodara facility. This strategic consolidation underscores REHAU’s dedication to sustainability and supporting India’s industrial aspirations. As REHAU integrates into the vibrant Vadodara community, the leadership team focuses on optimization, capacity utilization, and operational excellence, driven by German technology and a pursuit of craftsmanship.

As REHAU proudly commemorates 75 years of global excellence, the company is excited to unveil ambitious plans for India. REHAU’s journey of seven decades has been defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation and quality, and as the company embarks on this new chapter, it remains dedicated to bringing the unparalleled precision and expertise of German engineering to even more Indian communities.

With the theme of German Quality for Global India, REHAU is revolutionizing the Indian market by seamlessly blending German precision and quality with the diverse needs of the global Indian consumer base. With the assurance to delivering top-notch design and products, REHAU caters to the discerning Indian customers who have an eye for niche interiors. Understanding that for many, the aesthetic appeal of their living or working spaces is paramount, REHAU goes above and beyond to provide solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Whether it’s innovative architectural designs, cutting-edge technology, or impeccable craftsmanship, REHAU ensures that every product reflects the epitome of German engineering excellence.

Join REHAU at INDIAWOOD 2024 – Hall no.2A, Stall no. B102, from February 22nd to 26th at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, and experienced “The 3D Way – Explore the Latest through REHAU’s Lens”, an immersive journey merging aesthetics with digital technology. This innovative showcase promises a unique perspective on REHAU’s cutting-edge solutions, offering visitors an interactive and engaging experience unlike any other.

21 February, 2024: News18 Odia announces the upcoming ‘Rising Odisha’, an essential event highlighting the significant growth and development efforts taking place in Odisha. The event is set to take place on 23rd February 2024 at the Welcomehotel by ITC Hotels in Bhubaneshwar, from 5:00 PM onwards. This platform aims to discuss not only success stories across various sectors but also the challenges that Odisha faces for its further development.

The event will bring together key stakeholders, thought leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to discuss and celebrate Odisha’s remarkable journey of transformation and progress. Rising Odisha will showcase significant development in the fields of healthcare, women empowerment, sustainable industrial development, sports, and rural connectivity through initiatives like Laxmi Bus, etc., along with the evolving landscape of the education sector.

Honorable Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will grace the occasion, providing valuable guidance to drive the state towards further progress and development.  He will be joined by other eminent speakers, policymakers, and experts to discuss important topics, sharing development plans designed for Odisha’s future growth.

The esteemed guests at the include Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha; Pratap Keshari Deb, Minister, Industry, MSME and Energy; Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Minister, Higher Education; Tusharkanti Behera, Minister, Sports and Youth Services;Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport; Manoj Mishra, Principal Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology; Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India; Smt. Shreemayee Mishra, Chairperson, OB & OCWWB and Dr. Brundha D. CEO, SHAS, BSKY

The plenary sessions at the Rising Odisha will include discussions on various topics such as Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) – ‘Game Changer in Health Services’, Mission Shakti – ‘Key to Prosperous Odisha’, Transformation in Education, Odisha – ‘The Sports Capital of India’, Laxmi Bus – ‘The Lifeline of Rural Odisha’, and Industrialization Beyond Metal and Mines.

 Tune in live on News18 Odia on 23^rd February, 2024 from 5:00 PM onwards.

Bengaluru, 21 February 2024: ServiceNow, a leading digital workflow company, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education, with a goal to skill over 10,000 students on the ServiceNow Platform in the first year. This MOU is the first step in a strategic partnership with the potential to scale to 25,000 students within three years.

This collaboration provides students global and centralized learning, while building future-ready skills and capabilities. The MOU will create a continuing education path with access to ServiceNow Administrator and Developer courses on the Now Learning platform. Importantly, students will be introduced to emerging AI technologies, providing valuable insights needed by all prospective employees. This is in line with AICTE’s vision of offering holistic student development through domain specific skills that lead to accelerated digital career pathways.

According to the latest research by ServiceNow and Pearson, artificial intelligence and automation will require 16.2 million (approx. 1.6 crore) workers in India to reskill and upskill while also creating 4.7 million new jobs in the technology sector. Hence, digital upskilling and reskilling is pivotal across industries for attaining professional growth and thriving in the digital age.

Nick Tzitzon Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer at ServiceNow, meeting AICTE leadership in New Delhi said, “ServiceNow is excited to partner with AICTE to equip engineering students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. At ServiceNow we believe digital transformation requires talent transformation and the RiseUp with ServiceNow program is designed to empower young engineers with job-ready capabilities. The MOU will enable AICTE affiliated institutes across India to build a pool of qualified talent that will drive the next wave of tech innovation in India.”

Prof. (Dr) T G Sitharam, Chairman – All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) said  Ensuring our students are prepared for an evolving world is paramount, requiring us to offer them modern skills and greater access to professional growth opportunities. Our collaboration with ServiceNow is aimed at providing students with advanced training in innovative concepts and techniques, alongside motivation to explore cutting-edge technologies tailored to their needs. This partnership underscores our commitment to student upskilling and technological literacy, essential for their future success.

Dr Chandrasekhar Buddha, Chief Coordinating Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Anuvadini, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)  said Preparing students for a changing world is crucial, necessitating the provision of contemporary skills and enhanced access to professional development. Partnering with ServiceNow, we aim to equip students with the latest in innovative thinking and technology, encouraging them to engage with new technologies that meet their needs. This collaboration highlights our dedication to enhancing students’ skills and tech literacy, vital for their future achievements.

ServiceNow’s RiseUp program is a global program designed to skill one million people with in-demand digital skills around the world. In India, ServiceNow has launched the University Academic program and has partnered with 20 universities covering 16 states including Government partnerships, FutureSkills Prime NASSCOM and ICT Academy of Tamil Nadu and trained thousands of students developing job ready talent.

India is igniting ServiceNow’s growth globally, with all top 10 technology providers and most of the top five banks in India using ServiceNow products. There is a growing need for skilled workers familiar with implementing ServiceNow to help India’s businesses and organisations be at the forefront of the digital wave improving how we work.

BY: Sudhir Kunder

In today’s digital age, where businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing and connectivity to drive innovation and productivity, the role of robust interconnection solutions cannot be overstated. As cloud adoption continues to soar, enterprises are seeking faster, more reliable, and more secure ways to connect to cloud services, particularly those offered by industry giants like Microsoft Azure. Among the array of solutions emerging to meet this demand, Microsoft Azure Peering Service stands out as a game-changer, offering unparalleled benefits for businesses looking to optimise their cloud connectivity.

 The Microsoft Azure Peering Service is a networking service designed to enhance connectivity between an organisation’s on-premises network and Microsoft’s global network. By leveraging partnerships with Interconnection Platforms, Azure Peering Service offers Direct, Reliable, and Low-Latency connections to Microsoft Cloud Services, including Azure Cloud , Microsoft 365, and ynamics 365.

 Key Innovations Driving Cloud Connectivity
Enhanced Performance and Reliability
With the Azure Peering Service, businesses can enjoy improved performance and reliability by bypassing the public internet and connecting directly to Microsoft’s global network. This direct connection minimises latency and improves it by 90%, packet loss, and jitter, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience for mission-critical applications and services with a 50% reduction in trouble tickets.

 Optimal Routing and Traffic Optimisation
Azure Peering Service employs routing algorithms to optimise traffic flow, ensuring that data packets take the most efficient path between the customer’s network and Microsoft’s services. By dynamically selecting the best route based on network conditions, congestion levels, and otherfactors, Azure Peering Service maximises performance while minimising latency and bandwidthutilisation.

 Enhanced Security and Compliance

Security is paramount in the cloud era, and the Azure Peering Service offers robust security features to safeguard data in transit. By encrypting traffic using industry-standard protocols like IPsec and TLS, the Azure Peering Service ensures that data remains confidential and protected from interception or tampering. Moreover, the Azure Peering Service adheres to industry compliance standards, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements and maintain data sovereignty.

 Why MAPS

•  Guaranteed high-performance connectivity with the lowest possible latency.
•  A guaranteed DDoS-free connection even for the smallest bandwidths.
• Binding SLAs are supported by Microsoft.

 Carrier-grade interconnection service specifically designed for enterprises

Interconnection Platforms offers direct access to the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS). The service provides highly reliable and optimised Internet connectivity to Microsoft’s cloud services, such as Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365), and improves the user experience by offering he shortest network path from your premises to the nearest edge PoP in the Microsoft network.

 Latency optimisation and traffic monitoring
With MAPS, Microsoft customers get qualified validation of the prefix and feedback on whether the correct edge location has been assigned. The Interconnection Platform infrastructure setup for Microsoft is locally redundant and supports failover across multiple locations (geo-redundancy). This guarantees high-performance connectivity with the lowest possible latency. In addition, you can take advantage of Internet latency telemetry and route monitoring, getting alerts for hijacks, leaks, and any other Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) misconfigurations.

  No minimum bandwidth required
No minimum bandwidth is required to benefit from the Microsoft Azure Peering Service via the Interconnection Platform but you do need a public ASN (Autonomous System Number) to participate.

  As businesses continue to embrace the cloud and prioritise digital transformation, the demand for fast, reliable, and secure connectivity solutions will only grow. Microsoft Azure Peering Service, with its innovative features and global reach, is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cloud connectivity, enabling enterprises to accelerate their journey to the cloud with confidence and efficiency. By leveraging the power of Azure Peering Service, businesses can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and stay ahead in today’s dynamic and competitive landscape.

  In the current connectivity scenario, customers often access the Microsoft SaaS Platform via the Open Internet, exposing them to a myriad of risks. These include not only the threat of IP hijacks, latency challenges, and frequent trouble tickets but also susceptibility to data breaches, security vulnerabilities, and potential performance bottlenecks.

 In conclusion, Microsoft Azure Peering Service is driving innovation in cloud connectivity by providing businesses with a Scalable, Reliable, and Secure solution to optimise their connectivity to Microsoft Cloud Services. With its advanced routing capabilities, enhanced security features, and seamless integration with other Microsoft networking services, Azure Peering Service is helping organisations unlock the full potential of the cloud and stay ahead in today’s digital economy.

Mumbai / Kolkata, 21 February 2024:  Medica Superspecialty Hospital, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, performed a pioneering procedure to address a congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in saving the life of Aloka Mandal, a 47-year-old woman from Berhampur, Murshidabad, West Bengal. She was suffering from a condition marked by a 40 millimeter hole with floppy margin in the upper chambers of her heart. Doctors implanted a customized Occluder device with a diameter of 48 millimeters, a rarity in such cases worldwide. The entire procedure was conducted under the Swasthya Sathi scheme of Government of West Bengal. The adept team comprised of Dr. Anil Kumar Singhi, Head – Paediatric Cardiology & Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Department of Paediatric & Congenital Heart Disease, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, and his team of experts, which included Dr. Soumya Kanti Mohapatra, Associate Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Dr. Somnath Dey, Cardiac Anesthetist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital & Mr. Arnab De, Chief Cath Technician, Medica Superspecialty Hospital.

Aloka Mandal, hailing from Murshidabad district, was battling a heart condition known as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), despite being in her late forties. She experienced symptoms such as fatigue and heart palpitations, prompting her family to seek medical attention. Upon diagnosis at a local hospital, it was revealed that she had a substantial hole in her heart’s upper chambers, leading to complications such as heart chamber enlargement and mild elevation in lung pressure.

Undeterred by the diagnosis, the family turned to the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Department at Medica Superspecialty Hospital for advanced treatment options. She underwent Transesophageal Echocardiogram at Medica, and the medical team confirmed a large hole in the heart, 40 millimeters in size, with floppy edges. This birth defect had been there for a long time and caused serious problems for her heart, making some parts bigger and slightly increasing pressure in her lungs. The team also presented viable treatment alternatives and decided to operate her on December 14th, 2023.

Enumerating the details about this difficult case, Dr. Anil Kumar Singhi, explained, “While ASD typically is treated by the age of four, Aloka Mandal’s case required intervention in late fifth decade. Traditional treatment options necessitated open-heart surgery; however, advancements in medical science enabled minimally invasive procedures. Despite this progress, a unique challenge arose: the standard Occluder devices, with their 40–42-millimeter diameter, fell short of her need. Her ASD demanded a bespoke solution – a 48-millimeter device, available only from a select few manufacturers, requiring a pre-order. Our team thoroughly explained every treatment possibility, ensuring our patient and her family had the knowledge to make a well-informed choice. Moreover, we meticulously readied ourselves for any potential emergencies that might arise during the procedure.”

With unwavering determination, Aloka underwent the procedure. During cardiac catheterization, her lung pressure was found to be within acceptable limits, and her coronary arteries showed normalcy, and the doctors successfully implanted the specialized occluder device in her heart in their first attempt. Remarkably, she experienced rapid post operative recovery and was discharged within 48 hours of admission.

Dr. Singhi added, “Atrial Septal Defect constitutes 10% of congenital cardiac anomalies. In Aloka’s case it may have been missed out. This disease typically surfaces when one is mid -thirties to mid -forties. “

Aloka Mandal expressed, “Upon receiving the diagnosis of ASD, both my family and I were taken aback and scared too. I was worried about my family. Dr. Singhi and other doctors sat with me and explained every detail in a way that I would easily understand and that helped me to win over my fear and anxiety. I could not believe that I could go home so fast. My family and I will forever remain indebted to the entire medical team at Medica for granting me a second chance at life.” 

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Medica has consistently championed cutting-edge technology to overcome complex medical challenges, ensuring patients receive state-of-the-art care without the need to seek treatment outside of West Bengal. The Swasthya Sathi scheme’s ability to execute intricate operations, ensuring accessible healthcare, is evidence of its efficacy as a public health scheme with far reaching socio-economic implications. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Dr. Anil Kumar Singhi and the team for their steadfast commitment in administering innovative treatment to congenital cardiac ailment of our patient. We wish Aloka Mandal and her family a healthy life ahead.”

Gurugram, February 21, 2024: We are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our partnership between Haldiram’s and Times Prime. Following the remarkable ‘Azaadi ka Tyohaar’ celebration, where we joyfully distributed laddoos, we are joining forces once again to offer an exclusive benefit to our valued Times Prime members.

Mr. Kailash Agarwal, President Retail & QSR at Haldiram’s, remarked on the partnership, “Building upon our successful collaboration with Times Prime, we are excited to elevate this relationship further. The laddoo distribution by Haldiram’s and Times Prime during ‘Azaadi ka Tyohar” on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, set a high standard. Now, we are pleased to offer Times Prime members a sweet offer of complimentary ‘sweet lassi’ with their orders, enhancing their Haldiram’s experience as a token of our appreciation.”

Harshita Singh, Founder and Business Head of Times Prime, reflected on the partnership‘s evolution, saying, “Transitioning from a one-off campaign to a year–long collaboration with Haldiram’s underscores our commitment to providing our members with unparalleled value and unique experiences. The positive response to our initial effort has not only motivated us to continue but also deepened our partnership, starting with this exclusive offer.”

This new milestone in the collaboration between Haldiram’s and Times Prime celebrates the innovation and tradition embodied by both brands. It reflects a mutual dedication to delivering memorable and value-driven experiences to customers.

Times Prime members are warmly invited to savor this special offer, symbolizing the enduring partnership and shared appreciation for their continued support. Both organizations eagerly anticipate bringing more value, joy, and innovative benefits to the Times Prime membership experience throughout the year.

Mumbai, 21 February 2024 – Remember Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia? Now, prepare to see her in a whole new light! &PriveHD is pulling out all the stops with an exclusive premiere of “Postcard from the Edge” on February 21, a film that’s equal parts Hollywood glitz, dark humour, and raw vulnerability.

Directed by the iconic Mike Nichols, this critically acclaimed masterpiece takes you deep into the heart of Tinseltown, where Suzanne Vale (Meryl Streep) navigates her way through addiction and the complexities of her relationship with her famous mother Doris Mann, played by Shirley MacLaine. Based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel, the film offers a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of family, fame, and the struggles of overcoming personal demons in the unforgiving world of Hollywood.

Don’t miss the chance to be captivated by &PriveHD’s latest offering—a Hollywood film that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder life’s mysteries. With Fisher’s signature wit, this cinematic gem is a two-time award winner with 12 nominations. So, get ready to be spellbound by this unforgettable journey of self-discovery, served with a generous helping of reality. It’s a movie that will leave you speechless! 

Brace yourself for a riveting journey as Suzanne Vale endeavors to reclaim her identity amidst the intricacies of maternal relationships.

21th February 2024; Accel and Citi Ventures-backed fintech Xalts, which is used by financial institutions and businesses to build and manage digital finance applications, has today announced its acquisition of Contour Network, owned by a consortium of global banks, to accelerate digitisation in trade and supply chain finance.

Contour started in 2017 as a pilot by eight global banks including HSBC, Standard Chartered and BNP with a focus to digitize trade. Currently, over 22 banks and 100+ global businesses like Tata Group and Rio Tinto use Contour for digital trade finance solutions.

Xalts, which is used by institutions to build multi-party applications for digitisation and tokenization, plans to leverage Contour’s industry standard workflows and integrations to facilitate communication and transactions between businesses and financial institutions in the network.

In 2023, global trade reached over $30 trillion. However, according to QED Investors, the digitization of global trade remains relatively minuscule, with less than 1% currently conducted digitally. Due to the complexities and different regulations involved in cross-border trade, a single transaction may require up to 50 sheets of paper that are exchanged with up to 30 different stakeholders including importers, exporters, banks, logistics companies and customs.

As global trade goes from strength to strength and traditional supply chains reorganize, Xalts is taking inspiration from Silicon Valley startups like Plaid and Stripe to accelerate digitisation in trade & supply chain finance. Ashutosh Goel, CEO of Xalts commented: “We want to create a Plaid for Trade. Our vision is to expand the scope of Contour’s network which is trusted by banks and corporates, and build it into a rail that enables businesses to access digital solutions for trade and supply chain finance offered by banks, fintechs and technology partners. Combining our platform with Contour’s Network will allow participants to develop and deploy customized solutions quickly”.

The initial focus for Xalts will be on embedded solutions for trade and supply chain finance. These will enable banks, logistics companies and technology companies to offer integrated solutions to businesses, using a single platform.

Many global and regional banks have been making a push for deeper integrations with their clients and global platforms. In 2023, HSBC had announced a JV with Tradeshift to create embedded finance applications. “Our platform also enables institutions to build new innovative applications and products by leveraging blockchain and tokenization. We partner with leading blockchains and integrate with multiple infrastructure providers to help our clients build tokenization applications.” said Supreet Kaur, COO of Xalts. “Contour will also enable network members to work with us to launch applications in this space”.

Xalts was founded in 2022 by Ashutosh Goel and Supreet Kaur, former senior executives at HSBC and Meta. Currently with a team of over 50 across offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, UAE and UK, Xalts counts large financial institutions, regulatory bodies and technology companies as its clients.

Abhinav Chaturvedi, Partner, Accel added: “Accel has backed innovative companies globally in this space. Xalts has demonstrated that they have the right vision and a team that can execute at a global scale very quickly.”

“Citi has long been a leader in driving innovation in financial services. We invested in Contour in 2020 and led the seed round for Xalts in 2022. The combination of these two companies into one firm with an expanded vision and a great leadership team will accelerate innovation in global trade finance.”, said Everett Leonidas, Director, Citi Ventures.

Carl Wegner, who was the CEO of Contour Network prior to this acquisition is expected to take a senior leadership role at Xalts. “I am really proud of what Contour has been able to accomplish in such a short time. The vision that Xalts has for Contour’s future turbocharges its strengths and addresses key client needs.”
Ends

Mumbai, 21 February, 2024: Brace yourselves for a captivating journey where love, betrayal, and deep-rooted traditions intertwine in Colors Kannada’s brand-new drama, “Karimani”. Premiering on February 19th at 9:30 PM and airing every Monday through Friday, “Karimani” embarks on a unique exploration of desires clashing with vows, in association with Levista Instant Coffee and Dhruti Masala as special partners.

Sahitya, a bright woman nearing graduation, dreams of a promising future without her mother by her side. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Karna, the enigmatic heir to a powerful business empire. Drawn together by an unexpected spark, their lives become entangled in a whirlwind of shocking secrets, hidden agendas, and forbidden love. Prepare to witness their destinies collide in a thrilling rollercoaster of unpredictable twists and turns, forever altering the paths they thought they were destined for.

Spandana Somanna brings to life the determined Sahitya, whose world crumbles when she is asked to sign divorce papers on her wedding day. Thrust into a web of deceit, she finds herself drawn to Karna (played by Ashwin Yadav), a man caught between loyalty and a hidden truth that threatens his world. Together, they navigate a complex tapestry of love, betrayal, and family secrets, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

Beyond their star-crossed love, “Karimani” boasts a rich tapestry of supporting characters. Suchendra Prasad portrays Sahitya’s father, Vishwanath, desperately holding onto hope for his daughter’s happiness. Anusha Rao shines as Karna’s stepmother, Arundhathi, offering him unexpected solace. Meanwhile, a battle for connection unfolds between Rajendra Prasad (played by the seasoned actor himself) and his son Karna, with secrets simmering beneath the surface. Karna’s wise teacher Anuradha, loyal uncle Venkatesh, and Karna’s trusted family maid Papamma add further depth and intrigue, while Sahitya’s aunt Nalini and Rajendra’s sister Vanaja promise to thicken the plot of the story.

“With ‘Karimani,’ Colors Kannada embarks on a captivating journey that unfolds the intricate tapestry of tradition, love, and shocking betrayals,” said Prashanth Nayak, Business Head of Colors Kannada. “This emotionally charged series will leave you breathless with its unpredictable twists and turns, delving into the depths of human desire and the sacrifices we make for those we cherish. ‘Karimani’ is more than just a drama; it’s a powerful exploration of the choices we make and the consequences they unleash. We’re confident this unique show will resonate deeply with our viewers and leave an indelible mark.”

Witness the captivating saga of love, betrayal, and tradition unfold in “Karimani,” premiering February 19th at 9:30 PM exclusively on Colors Kannada.

Navi Mumbai and Panvel is undergoing a major makeover and is all set to become the next Mumbai 3.0. This is being done in order to decongest the island city, improve connectivity, provide more affordable housing, and bring prosperity to people living across the MMR region. In line with this vision, a number of large infrastructure projects are being undertaken that promise to change the entire dynamics of the real estate landscape in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and the surrounding region. The long-awaited and much looked forward to the project; the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL) has formally been thrown open to traffic. This project has the propensity to bring immense prosperity to the region’s residents.

Speaking on how Navi Mumbai and Panvel are emerging as the next growth driver for the Indian economy Mr. Navin Makhija, Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group said, “The Navi Mumbai and Panvel region is seeing a complete transformation and it will change completely in the next 2 to 3 years, where we expect prices to rise to astronomical levels. The ongoing infrastructure development projects coupled with improved connectivity with Mumbai, through the MTHL route, have further cemented that premise. In addition, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will further give a boost to the housing sector, and overall economic development of the region.”

Apart from MTHL, there are several other infrastructure projects that are in various stages of completion. These include Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Ulwe Coastal Road connecting MTHL and NMIA, International Corporate Park at Kharghar touted as BKC 2, Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Township, 30-km-long suburban rail corridor connecting Karjat with Panvel, Extension of Sion-Panvel expressway, Metro connectivity between CSM International Airport and NMIA, Nerul Passenger Water Transport Terminal and future Metro lines in Navi Mumbai. These projects, once completed, will bolster economic development in the MMR, increase employment opportunities for the people, and provide housing across different price segments for the people in the region.

Real estate prices in Mumbai that are anywhere within 50 minutes of travel from South Mumbai are priced not less than Rs. 35,000/- to Rs. 40,000/- per sq ft. This is in sharp contrast to Panvel, where traveling across the harbor by the MTHL takes 50 minutes; but surprisingly property prices here are just 1/3 rd to that of Mumbai. In this short commute time, a home buyer or investor gets a more reasonably priced home that comes along with better infrastructure and cleaner air to breathe with a higher Air Quality Index (AQI).

Navi Mumbai International Airport
The Navi Mumbai International Airport will be completed in four phases between now and 2032. On completion, a total of 142,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs are estimated to be created as a result of the project. The government is also planning a quick mass transit system. It has approved a new 33.15-kilometer Metro Railway project connecting Navi Mumbai International Airport with Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Coastal Road to NMIA
The Ulwe Coastal Road will help in connecting MTHL to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. This connector will drastically reduce travel time and provide ease of travel to commuters, commuting between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The 7kmlong road will connect MTHL Junction to Amra Marg Junction in Belapur.

International Corporate Park
Plans are afoot to develop Kharghar into an International Corporate Park on the lines of Mumbai’s BKC; conveniently located just 12 kilometers away from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. It will consist of corporate offices, hospitality, educational institutions, entertainment, and healthcare facilities for the residents.

Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Township
The state government has also decided to develop the Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Township as the new IT and service sector hub of Maharashtra, in addition to promoting educational and research institutes here. The Maharashtra government is working on building several data centers, within which 65 percent of India’s data capacity is planned to be developed in Navi Mumbai itself.

30-km-long suburban rail corridor connecting Karjat with Panvel
Work on the 30-km-long suburban rail corridor connecting Karjat with Panvel has also started. This route will reduce the travel time from CSMT to Karjat by more than 20 minutes. It will provide an alternative route from Mumbai to Karjat via Panvel. This suburban corridor will enhance economic development in the fast-developing areas of Panvel, Karjat, and NAINA (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area).

Mumbai has reached a point of saturation with extremely high property prices. Panvel and Navi Mumbai on the other hand with its rapid development of social, economic, and transport infrastructure offer home buyers and investors an attractive option to invest here. In addition, the Panvel and Navi Mumbai regions provide home buyers with tranquil surroundings, a pollution-free environment, and improved quality of life for residents. Presently, property rates are quite competitive, but given the fast pace of ongoing project developments, these are bound to rise in the immediate future.