Archives September 2025

India, 24th september 2025: Himanshu brings with him over 14 years of rich experience in the luxury hospitality sector, with a proven track record in MICE sales. His professional journey includes leadership roles with esteemed hotel brands such as Roseate Hotels & Resorts, The Suryaa New Delhi, Eros Hotel Nehru Place among others, where he consistently delivered exceptional sales performance and built strong client partnerships.

In his new role as Director of Catering Sales, Himanshu will be responsible for leading the MICE segment at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. He will oversee the development and execution of strategic initiatives to drive group business, maximize banquet and event revenues, and elevate the hotel’s positioning in the competitive MICE market.

Himanshu holds a Hotel Management degree from IILM College, Gurgaon and is currently pursuing his MBA from IMT Ghaziabad, further strengthening his leadership and business acumen.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Himanshu enjoys going to the gym, playing snooker, practicing yoga, and reading books.

Vinaayak, Director of Sales & Marketing said,“We are delighted to have Himanshu as part of our team. We are confident that his passion, expertise, and leadership will be instrumental in driving the Catering Sales vertical to new heights at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida.”

Anurag Rai, General Manager added, “Himanshu’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for us as we continue to strengthen our MICE offerings. His deep understanding of the market, strategic approach, and guest-centric mindset align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional experiences. We look forward to his contributions in enhancing our catering and events portfolio.”

India, 24th September 2025: For over a decade, Hafele’s Loox Range has been redefining lighting solutions for furniture applications with its elegant design, simplicity, and technological innovation. From task lighting for kitchens to mood lighting for bedrooms, the Loox Range has seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetics. Recognizing the evolving need for advanced room lighting, Hafele expanded into architectural lighting in 2019, addressing a significant gap in the market between inconsistent local options and inaccessible international brands.

With this vision, Hafele engineered a complete range of Architectural Lights that enhance interior design and empower architects, designers, and homeowners with versatile illumination options. These lights combine high performance with low Unified Glare Rating (UGR), ensuring comfortable brightness levels for everyday living. From highlighting textures and artworks to evenly illuminating floor and ceiling spaces, Hafele’s Architectural Lights are designed to meet every interior need.

The Edinburgh Series is the epitome of harmony in lighting design. Built to complement any interior scheme, the series offers fixtures that maintain a consistent luminaire design across both true ceiling and false ceiling installations. With built-in drivers for quick installation and a wide choice of mounting options, the Edinburgh Series promises flexibility without compromising design integrity and visual appeal.

What sets the Edinburgh Series apart is its ingenious design adaptability. A single recess-mounted luminaire can be used in multiple ways: fully recessed for a flush finish, partially pulled out for surface mounting, or extended further for a swivel motion application. This versatility ensures one fixture serves various lighting purposes, minimizing clutter while maximizing functionality. Available in warm, natural, and cool white light tones with baffle finishes in black, white, and bronze, these luminaires give both designers and end users the freedom to craft lighting atmospheres that reflect personal style and intent.

With uniform light distribution, smooth gradients, and the ability to tilt up to 90° and rotate 355°, the Edinburgh Series delivers both precision and ambience. For architects, it offers versatility, technical excellence, and reliability. For homeowners, it brings comfort, style, and a sense of harmony into everyday living. With Hafele’s Edinburgh Series, lighting evolves to become an integral element of design, creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful.

Heeramandi Star Jayati Bhatia Will Bring Quasar Thakore Padamsee’s Khatijabai Of Karmali Terrace To Mumbai, Pune, And Bangalore

India-wide release, 08 September 2025: Jayati Bhatia, the popular actress (Heeramandi, Rocky Aur Rani ki Prem Kahani, and Sasural Simar Ka), will star as the sassy and stubborn matriarch, Khatijabai, in the one woman show, Khatijabai of Karmali Terrace. Directed by the renowned theatre director and producer Quasar Thakore Padamsee, the play opened in November 2004 at the Prithvi Theatre Festival and has been running successfully ever since. It is still a fresh and unique take on the journey of Khatijabai, an underdog, who becomes the ruling matriarch of the Karmali household. This audacious tale will be staged across Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore in September 2025, starting with Mumbai on September 10, 2025, at the Rangshila Theatre in Andheri. 

Khatijabai of Karmali Terrace is an adaptation of the celebrated Singaporean play Emily of Emerald Hill by playwright Stella Kon. For the Indian audience, Quasar has set the play in the foreground of post-colonial affluence of 1950s Mumbai.

Be it Emily or Khatijabai, their story is a universal tale of women in a male-dominated society who are living a life not dictated by their own will. Khatija, an orphaned girl, gets married into the Karmali family, where her life seems to revolve around endless errands that she fulfils relentlessly but with a sense of endearing entitlement. At the same time, we see different shades of Khatija: her buttering the in-laws for the ‘most favoured position’, power struggles with her sister-in-law, and pressure from her eldest son. While she presents a monologue of her tribulations to become the matriarch and wrap the Karmali household around the web of her providing, the trajectory of her mission takes an unusual turn. 

Jayati Bhatia, a popular actress who has entertained audiences across television, films, stage, and OTT, seamlessly gets into the skin of Khatijabai Karmali. You have seen Jayati play Nirmala, aka, Mataji, in Sasural Simar Ka. Recently, she stumped the audience with her portrayal of Phatto, a loyal aide of Mallikajaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Heeramandi. Bhatia successfully taps into the different shades of Khatija, bringing her warmth, grayness, and caring nature to the audience’s notice through a striking monologue. 

Along with the stellar cast and director, this one-act play also has an incredible technical crew making it run smoothly and flawlessly. Arghya Lahiri, a writer, director, and lighting designer, has done the Light Designing, bringing hues that add gravitas and depth to Jayati’s performance. Jinal Shah serves as the Production Manager for the play. 

Quasar Thakore Padamsee has been an integral part of the booming theatre scene in Mumbai for over two decades. With QTP Entertainment, he has brought many social issues to light through an interesting array of plays like Project S.T.R.I.P., So Many Socks, Minorities, and others. With Khatijabai Of Karmali Terrace, he does not victimise Khatija. He instead exposes the intricate webs of complex problems that a woman faces to run a household that does not even see her beyond her role as a nurturer and a provider.

Quasar Thakore Padamsee, Director of the play, said, “When I first adapted Khatijabai of Karmali Terrace in 2004 from the classic Singaporean play from the 80s, I recognised the parallels between their post-colonial experiences as well as ours. However, apart from this broad socio-political context, I was drawn in by the fact that it is a universal story of a woman’s endurance and her strife for agency in a world that is constantly gamed against her every step of the way. The character of Khatija is loosely based on my grandmother, whom I never really got to know closely. And working on this play has helped me better understand her as a matriarch and my roots, as well as Bombay in the 1950s. I am happy with its successful two-decade run and even happier that it is reaching newer audiences every day!”

Jayati Bhatia, who plays Khatijabai, added, “I have played the character of Khatija, or rather, have been practically living with Khatija, from 2004 until now. Her story is still relevant and still fresh. Playing this character has been a truly rewarding experience where I have learnt from her as well as consciously and subconsciously inculcated her values in my life. I am glad to continue portraying this role under a director as talented as Quasar. The play’s continuous run is a testament to the iconic character’s timelessness and relatability even today.”

Come and meet this not-so-typical neighbourhood aunty with a sharp tongue, who is stubborn, has no chill, and has no time for your nonsense, this September

Mumbai, India, 24 September 2025: LuxExclusive Marketing Private Limited, a leader in designing customer experiences and luxury marketing solutions, is delighted to announce that it has been part of the Mercedes-Benz family for 10 successful years in India, along with Qatar and the Kuwait in the past few years. This milestone shows how dedicated the company is to providing innovative, ROI-driven marketing solutions to top Indian companies and worldwide multinationals.

About LuxExclusive
LuxExclusive was started with the goal of “adding customer-centric value to brands and businesses.” It has now become a leader in changing how customers feel about luxury brands. The company focuses on three main areas: Customer Experience Design (CExD), Customised Merchandise, and Curated Events. It serves high-end industries like automobiles, real estate, alcohol and beverages, jewellery, BFSI, and luxury retail.

Sumit Govind Sharma, Managing Director and Founder of LuxExclusive, said, “Our journey with Mercedes-Benz over the past decade has been nothing but extraordinary. This relationship shows our dedication to providing excellent and innovative consumer experiences. As we keep growing and improving our services in India, Qatar, and the Kuwait, we are still focused on making those “WOW” moments that turn consumer interactions into long-term brand loyalty.”

Ten Years of Greatness with Mercedes-Benz
Over the past ten years, LuxExclusive has changed the way luxury car customers interact with the brand by carefully designing touchpoints. The organisation has designed every encounter, from the entrance to the vehicle handover, to exceed client expectations. Their complete customer experience design techniques have become standards in the luxury automotive sector.

Customised Merchandise: Quality That Matches Your Brand
LuxExclusive makes high-end merchandise for Mercedes-Benz that considers the brand’s unique colour scheme, elegant themes, and commitment to being eco-friendly. This careful approach ensures that every branded item not only showcases Mercedes-Benz’s luxurious history but also fits with the company’s environmental ideals and aesthetic standards. This creates real touchpoints that strengthen brand identity and customer connection.

Premium Events: Opening New Doors
This year, LuxExclusive is still pushing the limits of luxury event planning with unique events like the “100 Years of Burrata” celebration. This high-end culinary experience mixes history, luxury, and smart client engagement. These kinds of projects show that the organisation can make well-thought-out, well-designed experiences that really connect with consumers.

New ideas in designing customer experiences
LuxExclusive’s unique method includes thorough project briefings, reviews from both inside and outside the company, mapping consumer touchpoints, gap analysis, and detailed scheduled rollouts with reviews when the project is finished. The company’s Luxe Loyalty Platform lets you manage authenticated databases, run time-limited campaigns, and do everything from start to finish without any problems, all of which always result in measurable ROI.

The company’s philosophy for designing customer experiences is based on eight main goals: making customers happier, going above and beyond what they expect, building trust and loyalty, getting more support and referrals, lowering customer churn, giving the company a competitive edge, creating “WOW” feelings, and making sure that all interactions are the same.

Looking Ahead
As LuxExclusive begins its second decade with Mercedes-Benz, the company stays true to its mission of continuing to grow by offering more solutions, closing the gap between what customers expect and what the brand delivers, and sticking to its ROI-focused approach with cost-effective campaigns and initiatives.

The company still works with a wide range of industries, such as Hospitality, Alcobev, Banks and consumer Goods, Automobile,  airlines. Its headquarters are in Mumbai, but it is growing its presence in markets around the world.

Introduction to India’s Landslide Crisis

India is home to diverse geographic, climatic, and geological features, all of which contribute to the occurrence of natural disasters such as landslides. These events have increasingly intensified against the backdrop of severe weather patterns, particularly during the monsoon season. The month of September 2025 marked a significant escalation in the landslide crisis, especially in the states of Odisha and Uttarakhand, where ongoing rainfall facilitated multiple landslides, inflicting extensive damage to infrastructure and displacing countless individuals.

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to various regions in India, which can saturate the soil, enhance erosion, and ultimately lead to landslide occurrences. Particularly in hilly areas, the combination of steep slopes and loose, wet soil creates a precarious environment where natural calamities can strike with little warning. Geological factors, including the region’s geological composition and past occurrences of landslides, further exacerbate these risks. Climate change has also played a pivotal role in this crisis, as unpredictable weather patterns increase the frequency and severity of monsoon-related disasters.

While Odisha and Uttarakhand have unique geographic characteristics, both share vulnerability to landslides. In Odisha, the vast coastal belt experiences not only heavy rainfall but also cyclonic storms, which can significantly contribute to worsening land conditions. Conversely, Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayas, faces threats due to its steep mountain terrains, combined with frequent earthquakes and glacier melt. As these geological and climatic challenges continue to converge, a pressing humanitarian crisis emerges, requiring urgent attention to preventive measures and risk management strategies.

Monsoon Season Patterns and Their Effects

The monsoon season in India is a critical period characterized by heavy rainfall and is crucial for replenishing water resources and supporting agricultural activities. Occurring typically between June and September, the southwest monsoon is the primary source of precipitation for many regions in the country. In 2025, meteorological conditions during the monsoon season have shown significant anomalies, leading to excessive rainfall that has heightened the risks of landslides, particularly in states like Odisha and Uttarakhand.

Excessive rainfall can saturate the soil, making it unstable and prone to erosion, especially in hilly and mountainous terrains. This phenomenon was particularly evident in 2025 when states such as Uttarakhand experienced unusual weather patterns, including prolonged cloudbursts that resulted in disastrous landslides. The intensity and frequency of such rainfall events have raised concerns among scientists who are monitoring climate changes and their implications for disaster management strategies.

Furthermore, Odisha, known for its vulnerability to both cyclones and heavy monsoon rains, faced challenges during this period. While the state usually relies on monsoon rains for its agricultural needs, the excessive precipitation in 2025 caused significant disruptions. Crop loss and soil erosion have ensued as a result of the waterlogged conditions, undermining food security for many local communities.

These meteorological extremes highlight the dual nature of the monsoon, serving both as a lifeline and a potential threat. As we delve deeper into understanding the relationship between monsoon patterns and natural disasters, it becomes clear that the increasing trend of heavy rainfall events poses significant challenges for disaster preparedness and response in India. The government and relevant authorities must enhance their focus on effective monitoring and risk management strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of such natural calamities in the future.

Regions Most Affected: Focus on Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, has frequently been subject to geological shifts and extreme weather patterns, making it particularly vulnerable to landslides. The state’s unique topography, characterized by steep hills, deep valleys, and fragile soil structures, exacerbates its susceptibility to such natural disasters. In September 2025, an unprecedented series of landslides struck the region, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.

Recent incidents have highlighted the acute risk faced by local communities. In the month of September alone, multiple landslides were reported across various districts, including Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, and Pauri Garhwal. These events have been attributed to heavy monsoon rainfall, which saturates the soil and increases instability on the slopes. Reports indicate that entire villages were buried under debris, isolating survivors and obstructing rescue and relief operations. The rapid occurrence of these phenomena underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness strategies.

The human toll of the landslides has been devastating. Preliminary estimates suggest that hundreds of families have been displaced, with many missing or fatally injured. The psychological impact on survivors is profound, as they grapple with the loss of homes and livelihoods. The devastation extends beyond individual losses; local infrastructure has suffered significant damage. Key roads have become impassable, hampering transportation, emergency responses, and access to essential services. This disruption not only affects daily life but also poses long-term challenges for economic recovery.

In light of these challenges, it is crucial for governmental and non-governmental organizations to collaborate on comprehensive disaster management initiatives. This should include improving early warning systems, enhancing community awareness, and reinforcing infrastructure against future landslides. Such measures are essential to mitigate the impacts of landslides in Uttarakhand and ensure the safety and resilience of its communities.

Odisha’s Struggles with Landslides

The month of September 2025 marked a significant escalation in the landslide crisis faced by the state of Odisha, revealing the region’s vulnerabilities to natural disasters. The primary causes of these landslides stemmed from heavy monsoon rains, exacerbated by deforestation and soil erosion, which have destabilized the landscape. The steep terrain of certain districts, coupled with inadequate drainage systems, made them particularly susceptible to landslides, leading to catastrophic consequences for local communities.

In response to the mounting crisis, the Odisha government launched emergency measures aimed at disaster management. Search and rescue operations were initiated promptly, mobilizing local authorities and national disaster response teams. However, logistical challenges hindered efforts, particularly in remote areas where fallen trees and debris obstructed access routes. The swift establishment of shelters was imperative, providing displaced individuals with temporary housing and essential supplies. Despite these efforts, the scale of destruction and the emotional toll on affected families underscored the difficulties faced by officials and volunteers alike.

The impact on local populations was profound, as continued landslide activity led to significant loss of property and disruption of livelihoods. Many residents relied on agriculture, but damaged fields and blocked access to markets severely hampered their ability to engage in economic activities. The trauma of losing homes and loved ones, compounded by the uncertainty of future landslides, has created a challenging environment for recovery. Efforts at rebuilding and rehabilitation are ongoing, but the psychological scars and economic hardships faced by the communities involved contribute to the long-lasting effects of the landslide crisis. Thus, Odisha continues to grapple with its vulnerabilities to natural disasters, pushing for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in hopes of mitigating future risks.

Government Response and Preparedness

The landslide crisis that unfolded in September 2025, particularly affecting the regions of Odisha and Uttarakhand, prompted significant actions from both local and national government agencies. In anticipation of the monsoon season, the governments had implemented several disaster preparedness measures aimed at minimizing the impact of such natural calamities. Annual assessments of vulnerable zones, focused training programs for local disaster response teams, and community engagement initiatives were some of the strategies in place to elevate preparedness.

Prior to the onset of the monsoon, the government had rolled out the National Policy on Disaster Management, which outlines a comprehensive framework for response and recovery in the face of such emergencies. This included investment in infrastructure improvements, like the reinforcement of roads and drainage systems in prone areas, as well as the establishment of early warning systems. These systems played a crucial role during the landslides, providing timely alerts to communities at risk. However, despite these measures, the overwhelming severity of the crisis demonstrated that existing policies needed reevaluation and enhancement.

In the immediate aftermath of the landslides, government agencies launched coordinated response efforts, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and volunteer groups. Efforts included search and rescue operations as well as the establishment of temporary relief camps for displaced populations. However, reports indicated challenges in the effectiveness of these strategies, as inadequate infrastructure and logistical issues hampered swift response. Additionally, the need for seamless communication between various levels of government became apparent, highlighting the areas of improvement necessary for future disaster management strategies.

In conclusion, while some preparedness measures were successfully executed, the landslide crisis in India in September 2025 underscored the necessity for robust policies and enhanced coordination among government agencies to effectively mitigate such disasters in the future.

Impact on Infrastructure and Economy

The recent landslides in Odisha and Uttarakhand have intensified the ongoing crisis, with devastating consequences for infrastructure and the economies of these regions. Key roads and bridges essential for transportation and trade have been severely damaged, isolating communities and hindering the movement of goods and services. The disruption of these critical infrastructures has a cascading effect on local businesses, resulting in significant financial losses.

In urban areas, the destruction of homes and commercial buildings has left many residents displaced, further straining the already limited resources. The immediate economic impact is felt not only through the loss of property but also through the indirect effects on local markets. With businesses forced to close or reduce operations, employment opportunities dwindle, leading to an increase in unemployment rates in the affected areas.

Apart from the immediate impacts, the long-term economic repercussions are equally concerning. Reconstruction efforts will require substantial financial investments, diverting funds from essential public services such as education and healthcare. The reliance on government support may add further pressure on already stretched state budgets, potentially increasing the economic burden on taxpayers in the long run.

The landslides also disrupt agricultural activities, which are vital to the economies of both Odisha and Uttarakhand. Fields are rendered inaccessible, and crops are destroyed, leading to food insecurity and increased prices for consumers. The agricultural sector’s decline reverberates through the economy, impacting everything from local markets to larger supply chains.

Addressing the infrastructure damage and economic fallout from these landslides will require coordinated efforts from local and state governments, as well as national bodies. The challenge of restoring damaged infrastructure and reviving the economies of these regions underscores the urgent need for sustainable planning and investment to mitigate the risks of future disasters.

Environmental Consequences of Landslides

Landslides are significant geological hazards that result from the mass movement of soil and rock down a slope, and their occurrence can have profound environmental consequences. In the Indian states of Odisha and Uttarakhand, the landslides that were exacerbated by heavy rainfall in September 2025 are indicative of the severe impact such events can have on the environment. One of the most critical outcomes of landslides is soil erosion, which not only diminishes soil fertility but also leads to increased sedimentation in nearby water bodies, ultimately affecting water quality and aquatic life.

Moreover, landslides can lead to a drastic loss of biodiversity. The immediate aftermath of a landslide can obliterate habitats, displace numerous plant and animal species, and introduce invasive species that could further disrupt local ecosystems. In densely forested areas like those impacted in Uttarakhand, such ecological disturbances can undermine the delicate balance of flora and fauna, leading to long-term repercussions that may hinder recovery efforts and disrupt the natural succession processes.

Changes to the landscape due to landslides are equally alarming. The alteration of landforms can lead to the creation of new water bodies, changes in drainage patterns, and the potential for increased vulnerability to flooding. These landscape changes can also affect human settlements and agricultural practices, making the regions less viable for habitation and cultivation. Therefore, the environmental consequences of landslides are multifaceted, posing threats not only to the immediate physical surroundings but also to the intricate web of life that depends on these ecosystems.

The resilience of ecosystems in Odisha and Uttarakhand will be tested as they attempt to recover from these disturbances, with restoration efforts required to mitigate long-term environmental degradation. Without dedicated intervention strategies, the ecological balance in these regions may be significantly compromised.

Long-term Solutions and Recovery Measures

The increasing frequency and severity of landslides in regions such as Odisha and Uttarakhand underscore the urgent need for effective long-term solutions and recovery measures. To mitigate the risk of landslides, a multifaceted approach combining engineering solutions, community engagement initiatives, and sustainable practices is essential. Engineering solutions can involve the construction of retaining walls, slope stabilization techniques, and improved drainage systems that can effectively alleviate pressure on vulnerable slopes during heavy rainfall. Advanced technology, including geosynthetics and bioengineering methods, can also be integrated into these strategies to enhance slope stability.

Moreover, community engagement plays a crucial role in developing a culture of preparedness and resilience against landslides. Informing local residents about landslide risks and implementing early warning systems can empower communities to take necessary precautions, such as evacuation plans during threatening weather. Educational programs that emphasize understanding the natural landscape and recognizing the signs of potential landslides are vital to enhance safety awareness and response preparedness among the public. Involving the community in recovery measures, such as planting vegetation to promote soil stability, also fosters stewardship of the local environment.

In addition to engineering and community initiatives, sustainable practices should be woven into land-use planning and development policies. Regulations that limit construction in high-risk areas, coupled with strategies to restore and protect natural drainage channels, can significantly reduce the potential for landslide occurrences. Furthermore, promoting agroecological practices can enhance soil quality and reduce erosion, thus contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. By addressing the underlying environmental factors and integrating community knowledge and involvement, it is possible to build resilience against landslides, ultimately safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of those living in vulnerable regions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The recent landslide events in Odisha and Uttarakhand during September 2025 have underscored the growing crisis that natural disasters represent for India. These occurrences not only highlight the immediate dangers to human life and infrastructure but also call attention to the long-term socio-economic impacts on local communities. As observed, the interplay of monsoon rains and geographical vulnerabilities has been a significant factor exacerbating the frequency and severity of landslides in these regions. Without adequate measures, the future appears bleak, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive action.

Addressing the landslide crisis requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes both preventive measures and community resilience. One critical area is the enhancement of awareness among residents in vulnerable zones regarding the risks associated with landslides. Educational programs and workshops can empower individuals with knowledge about early warning signs and safe evacuation procedures, thereby minimizing casualties during such disasters.

Moreover, policy reforms are essential to create a robust framework for disaster preparedness and response. This entails the implementation of stricter building codes and land-use planning that considers geological surveys and environmental assessments to mitigate landslide risks. Government and non-governmental organizations should collaborate to establish comprehensive disaster management strategies focusing on both immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.

Involving communities in these initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards disaster preparedness. By encouraging local participation in planning and executing disaster management protocols, the effectiveness of these strategies can be significantly enhanced. It is not just a government affair; engagement from all sectors of society is vital in tackling the landslide crisis. The time to act is now; we must come together to create a safer environment for future generations, ensuring that the incidents of September 2025 never repeat themselves.

Noida, 24th September 2025 :The Reppro, an emerging PR agency with a growing focus on education and international higher education, has been chosen to lead the India communications mandate for the University of Worcester a UK institution widely recognised for its teaching excellence, student support, and leadership in sustainability. The partnership aims to raise the university’s profile in India, strengthening its connection with students, parents, and education partners at a time when overseas study options are expanding rapidly.

For The Reppro, the win marks another step in its expanding higher education portfolio across India and South Asia, underscoring its expertise in positioning global universities in one of the world’s most competitive student markets.

Nick Slade, DPVC International and External Affairs, University of Worcester, said: “The University of Worcester continues to grow its presence in India. Through this partnership with The Reppro, our focus will be on strengthening our engagement in the region with strategic public relations initiatives that highlight who we are and what we stand for. Ranked Joint 1st in the UK for Quality Education in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 and consistently among the top 10 for Gender Equality, we are equally proud of our strong employability outcomes, with most of our graduates moving into work or further study soon after completing their degrees. This collaboration is about building bridges, connecting students, educators, and partners in India with the opportunities and values the University of Worcester represents worldwide.”

The University of Worcester has earned consistent recognition in the UK for its teaching quality, student satisfaction, and inclusive environment. It has been shortlisted for national awards, including University of the Year, and is widely regarded as a leader in sustainability within higher education.

Amit Gupta, Founder of The Reppro, said, “A university’s reputation today is built on academic excellence and how well it connects with students’ aspirations, values, and career goals. The University of Worcester combines academic excellence, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to sustainability, qualities that matter to Indian students and families making important decisions about higher education. Our role at The Reppro is to highlight these strengths in a way that informs and inspires, while also contributing to the broader conversation on how global institutions engage with India, one of the world’s most dynamic education markets.”

This partnership signals The Reppro’s continued focus on higher education, as it works with universities worldwide to strengthen their presence in the Indian student market. At the heart of its approach is creating communications that bridge global institutions with the priorities of Indian students and their families, from academic quality to career prospects and campus culture. With international education becoming increasingly competitive, The Reppro aims to help universities like Worcester stand out by aligning their strengths with the aspirations of Indian students and by shaping narratives that matter to both students and stakeholders.

Bengaluru, September 24, 2025: Under Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2025, as per the call given by the Finance Ministry, Government of India, a mega cleanliness drive was conducted by Canara Bank, Head Office, on 23.09.2025 at Ward No. 182, Padmanabhanagar, Bengaluru.

Under the guidance of General Manager Shri Rama Naik K and other Executives, along with participation of more than 100 bank staff, general public & safai karmacharis, 3 Cleanliness target units were cleaned and freed from garbage.

All the staff and general public volunteers participated in the true spirit of the campaign and did their best to bring about cleanliness in the spots identified.

As a token of appreciation and thanks-giving, Safai Karmacharis were also felicitated with safety kits & refreshments.

The cleanliness drive was successful, and the efforts were applauded by the residents of the area.

Mumbai, September 24, 2025 — Three seasoned financial services professionals Mr. Saif Hasan, Mr. Jaspreet Singh, and Mr. Prajit Chandrasekhar have come together to launch KreditVenture, a pioneering NBFC dedicated to bridging the credit gap for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The company began operations earlier this year with a focus on Loan Against Property (LAP), marking the start of its secured lending journey.

India’s LAP market is estimated at INR 5.6–7 lakh crore, yet a significant portion remains underserved. KreditVenture’s approach is anchored in secured lending, initially targeting MSMEs and later expanding into used commercial vehicle loans. The mission is to build a scalable, responsible lending business rooted in strong credit discipline.

Saif Hasan, Founder of KreditVenture, said, “We are committed to building KreditVenture as a long-term, responsible player in secured lending. Our focus is on prudent, scalable growth across Bharat—from LAP to adjacent secured products—anchored in trust, customer-centricity, and discipline. We believe the next phase of secured lending growth will be led by early movers who drive collaboration by digitally integrating partners across the value chain.’’

Currently operating in nearly ten towns across Maharashtra, KreditVenture aims to expand to fifty locations within a year and plans to extend into southern and northern markets soon, strengthening its presence across India’s growth corridors.

Sharing his perspective, Jaspreet Singh, Co-Founder said, “Markets beyond metros are full of high-potential entrepreneurs who lack access to formal credit. By combining data-driven underwriting with on-ground validation, we bridge this gap. Our platform digitizes traditional manual processes, enabling micro businesses and partners to improve sourcing, boost efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities.”

What sets KreditVenture apart is its blend of high-tech tools with deep local engagement. While digitized land and income records enhance underwriting accuracy, we also assess household-level income streams such as small shops, tailoring, or seasonal work validated through community references. This combination of technology and human insight allows us to extend credit to those largely excluded from formal finance.

Prajit Chandrasekhar, Founding Partner, added, “Our focus on secured lending enables responsible growth. By integrating real market data into our assessments, we address challenges like limited income proof and low financial literacy in rural areas. Digitized records, combined with on-ground validation, help us manage risk transparently and reduce information asymmetry building a resilient, responsible NBFC”

The three founders bring diverse strengths that form the company’s core Saif Hasan, with over two decades of experience in financial services from leading business teams to forging strategic partnerships, Jaspreet Singh, with 20 years of experience in transaction banking, technology, and strategy, and Prajit Chandrasekhar, with 20 plus years in corporate and investment banking, fintech, and credit-risk management.

KreditVenture has already secured early-stage equity funding from Nikunj Jajodia a Delhi based large family office. The association of such a family office reflects strong confidence in the company’s vision and positions KreditVenture for future rounds of capital raising. Also, the company has partnered with reputed NBFCs and HFCs—including DMI Housing Finance, Agrim Housing Finance, and Singularity Credit World (BHN)—for co-lending and partnership requirements.

With a clear strategy, innovative lending model, and a leadership team that combines vision with operational depth, KreditVenture is positioning itself as a next-generation NBFC committed to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship across India’s vibrant tier 2 and tier 3 markets.

By Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

As India’s cities expand, redevelopment projects are rapidly reshaping our cities’ skylines—but this transformation invariably brings some serious challenges with it, namely to the natural ecosystems that have been part and parcel of the areas being urbanized.

It is widely acknowledged that modern construction consumes significant resources. Buildings consume nearly a third of available potable water, as much as 1/4th of the available electricity, and give rise to huge quantities of waste. This has given rise to the trend in sustainable buildings, which tend to replace older, wasteful buildings and societies.

If done right, sustainable real estate uses less than half the water and energy of regular, older buildings. This reduces their environmental footprint, which is crucial in a time and place where climate change and increasing resource scarcity are taken seriously.

India has been at the forefront of the Paris Accords on climate change, which makes sustainability a national responsibility – not only of real estate developers but also consumers of real estate. Responsible building practices and insistence on sustainability features in the spaces we occupy are no longer optional.

Redevelopment that Respects Nature

The Ministry of Urban Development issued its Model Building Bye-Laws in 2016, which are compulsory for all plots above 100 square metres and therefore cover a significant chunk of redevelopment projects. Under its provisions, one tree must be planted for every 80 square meters being developed; three new trees must be planted for every tree chopped down; and the development must retain a minimum of 20% of unpaved land for open or recreational green space.

This is a critical measure to protect biodiversity amid densely urbanized areas. It is also important because redevelopment is driven by a clear profit motive, and the first instinct for precious space in city centres is to build up every available square foot as marketable real estate.

The Ecological Toll of Construction

Despite these and other related mitigation measures, there is no getting completely around the ecological consequences of construction, which involves clearing of vegetation, deep excavation work, and the use of heavy machinery. This has a direct impact on the natural habitats of birds, insects, and smaller mammals. At the same time, the use of fossil fuels, paints, solvents, and volatile organic compounds in construction and development releases heavy pollutants that seep into the soil and groundwater.

Particulate matter severely impacts the air quality in a construction site even as toxic effluents play havoc with the aquatic ecosystems. At any construction site, the local flora and fauna are the silent victims.

Green Construction Lessens Ecological Impact

When redevelopment, or any development for that matter, is done from a sustainable construction perspective, it will involve materials that are gentler in their ecological impact. Greener construction materials include bricks made of fly ash, bamboo, autoclaved aerated concrete panels, and less dense concrete. Not only do these materials put less pressure on the environment, but they are also largely recyclable.

Sustainable development also involves better insulation materials, which reduce the need for power-intensive climate controls like ACs, which also use very harmful coolant gas, and reduce overall emissions. At the same time, new technologies like solar panels and passive solar designs reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while “cool” roofs treated with reflective paint help counteract the harmful urban heat island effect.

The idea behind all these measures remains clear and unwavering – redevelopment must coexist more respectfully with the ecology. The old ways simply don’t serve the needs of the current day any longer.

Integrated Townships – A New Blueprint for Urban India

Moving away from redevelopment, which is basically an afterthought, there is an even more important greenfield development concept that is forward-looking – that of integrated townships.

These massive, master-planned developments have sustainability embedded in their very DNA and in every facet of their design. Efficiently combining residential, commercial, leisure, and green spaces into a cohesive whole, they significantly reduce not only ecological impact but also the stress levels of their inhabitants.

Integrated townships are, quite simply, the ideal blueprint of our urban future and are becoming more and more prevalent in cities like Pune, Bengaluru and the National Capital Region.

Much has been achieved when it comes to taking sustainable development from concept to construction site, but a lot more needs to be done if we are to meet our climate commitments and leave a better urban environment for the future generations.

Perhaps most importantly, we need to realize that sustainability is not just a construction strategy and just the responsibility of real estate developers. It is a responsibility we all share to build and inhabit a nation whose progress does not come at the expense of the environment.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

Bengaluru, 24 September 2025: The wait is finally over. Volvo Car India today announced the arrival of the much-anticipated Volvo EX30, the brand’s most sustainable and stylish electric car. The EX30 is set to make luxury electric mobility more accessible than ever before.

This festive season, Volvo Car India, together with its dealers, is bringing extra delight by offering exclusive benefits for customers who pre-reserve the car before 19th October 2025. This special offer is available for a limited time, and customers can reach out to their nearest dealership for further details.

The car will be available in five colors, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first week of November 2025.

This marks the third EV model from Volvo Cars to be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Hosakote, Bengaluru. Each EX30 comes with an 11-kW charger as a standard offer. The EX30 embodies Volvo’s commitment to sustainable mobility, innovative technology, futuristic design, and uncompromising safety.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Volvo EX30 to the Indian market at such an exciting price point, with special benefits for those who pre-reserve,” said Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. “We believe this model will play a significant role in making luxury electric vehicles appeal to a new segment of innovators and achievers, those who appreciate power, design and sustainable luxury. With its impressive performance, extended range, sophisticated look, and the convenience of a hassle-free ownership package, the EX30 is set to redefine the EV experience for our discerning customers.”

As the most sustainable car in Volvo’s lineup, the EX30 has the lowest carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo to date. Its attractive interiors are made from recycled materials, including denim, PET bottles, aluminium, and PVC pipes. Incorporating Scandinavian design and cutting-edge technology, EX30 has achieved a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test. The EX30 also features active safety tools such as an intersection auto-brake to mitigate collisions, a door-opening alert to prevent “dooring” accidents, and the advanced Safe Space Technology, which boasts 5 cameras, 5 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

The cabin offers an immersive experience with five ambient lighting themes and sounds inspired by Scandinavian seasons. The new Harman Kardon soundbar concept, featuring a 1040W amplifier and nine high-performance speakers, delivers state-of-the-art surround sound. The intuitive 12.3-inch high-resolution center display includes Google Built-in, 5G connectivity, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. This head-turning design has also earned international accolades, including the prestigious Red Dot award: Best of the Best Product Design 2024 and the World Urban Car of the Year 2024.

The EX30 comes with an 8-year battery warranty and a wall box charger. The car reimagines convenience with its digital key functionality. Using NFC, one can simply tap a card to unlock the car, and with Digital Key Plus on the Volvo Car App, your phone acts as the key, providing a seamless and smarter experience.

Hassle-free package inclusions:

• 3 years comprehensive car warranty
• 3 years Volvo Service Package
• 3 years Roadside Assistance
• 8 years battery warranty
• 5 years subscription to digital services (now called ‘Connect Plus’)
• 1 wall box charger (11 kW) through third party