Author: Team

Ashwinder R. Singh’s Groundbreaking Real Estate Model Featured on Shark Tank

Master Residential Real Estate, authored by Ashwinder R. Singh, has been featured on Shark Tank, marking a rare achievement for a real estate book. The publisher presented it as one of their most successful titles, solidifying its reputation as a go-to resource for real estate professionals, students, developers, and channel partners.

Since its release, the book has been a No. 1 Amazon Bestseller, widely recognized for its insights into residential real estate. Its feature on Shark Tank further underscores its industry impact and credibility.

A Definitive Guide to Real Estate Mastery

Ashwinder R. Singh has authored three books—A to Z of Residential Real Estate, Master Residential Real Estate, and Master Commercial Real Estate. Together, they form a comprehensive trilogy that provides real estate professionals with a structured understanding of the sector.

“When I wrote my first book, I had no idea it would turn into a trilogy or reach this level of recognition,” said Singh. “I wrote it to bring practical, experience-driven insights to the industry. Seeing it featured on Shark Tank is a milestone I never expected.”

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike traditional real estate books, Master Residential Real Estate is built on real-world applications. It offers actionable strategies, case studies, and insights designed to help professionals navigate a complex and evolving market.

Its consistent No. 1 ranking on Amazon speaks to its relevance and the value it provides to readers. The Shark Tank feature further reinforces its status as a must-read for those serious about real estate.

A Rare Achievement in Publishing

Business and leadership books often gain mainstream attention, but a real estate book making it to Shark Tank is nearly unheard of. The combination of its bestselling status and recognition on a platform known for highlighting game-changing ideas sets Master Residential Real Estate apart.

Experience Regal Mughal Dining at The Great Kabab Factory, Radisson Blu Guwahati

Guwahati,3 March 2025: The Great Kabab Factory at Radisson Blu Guwahati is set to transport food lovers to an era of royal indulgence with the Mughal Darbar Food Feast, an extraordinary culinary experience celebrating the opulence of Mughlai cuisine.

From 28th February to 16th March, guests can savour an exclusive menu curated by the acclaimed Chef Vakil Ahmad Qureshi, who is specially coming for this grand feast to showcase his mastery of authentic Mughlai flavours.

The Mughal Darbar Food Feast promises an unparalleled dining experience featuring succulent kebabs, fragrant biryanis, rich gravies, and decadent desserts. The menu will highlight time-honored dishes such as Galouti Kebab, Murgh Chaap, Nalli Nihari, Dum Pukht Biryani, and Shahi Tukda, all prepared with traditional cooking techniques and royal spices to bring out the true essence of Mughlai cuisine.

Speaking about the festival, Dinesh Kapri, Vice President- Operations, shared, “Mughlai cuisine is a blend of rich heritage, bold flavors, and intricate cooking methods. At this food festival, we aim to recreate the regal dining experience of the Mughal courts, offering guests a feast that celebrates tradition and indulgence.”

Ankur Mehrotra, General Manager at Radisson Blu Guwahati, said, “The Mughal Darbar Food Feast is a tribute to the opulent flavours of Mughlai cuisine. Our chefs have crafted a menu that revives the essence of royal feasts, blending rich spices, slow-cooked meats, and aromatic gravies for an unparalleled dining experience.”

Speaking on Radisson Blu Guwahati’s tradition of hosting diverse food festivals, Chef Karthikeyan, Executive Chef at Radisson Blu Guwahati, said, “We want to bring authentic food from across the world for our guests. We are happy that Radisson Blu Guwahati is a one-stop destination for authentic flavours and unique culinary experiences. With every festival, we strive to introduce our guests to the finest cuisines, curated by expert chefs who are passionate about preserving tradition while innovating for modern palates.”

Radisson Blu Guwahati continues to set new standards in luxury dining, and this festival is yet another testament to its commitment to bringing unique gastronomic experiences to the city.

STEM Graduates Command 1.6x Higher Salaries; NLB Services Predicts Growing Demand in Tier 2 and 3 Markets

A Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) report on the global distribution of STEM graduates reveals that 34% of all graduates in India come from STEM disciplines. Additionally, industry insights indicate that India’s annual STEM graduate output is sufficient to meet the IT-related workforce demands of Europe and the USA, including specialized roles. This highlights the important role of STEM in promoting employment and accelerating economic growth. Covering engineering, technology, and scientific research opportunities, the STEM domain includes roles such as software developer, computer network architect, environmental engineer, and biochemist with the most sought-after positions being software developers (24%), data analysts (18%), and AI/ML specialists (15%).

Each year, more than 1.5 million students take the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), competing for roughly 16,000 seats at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Likewise, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) sees over 1.8 million aspirants vying for around 90,000 MBBS seats. This fierce competition reflects the high societal and economic value placed on STEM careers, driven by lucrative salary prospects and the perception of greater job stability in these fields. Industry reports also indicate that 70% of the highest-paying jobs worldwide demand highly skilled STEM graduates. Salaries for these roles typically range from 4-8 lakhs for freshers, 6-11 lakhs for mid-level managers, and 12-30 lakhs for senior professionals. The gender distribution in these positions reflects a male-to-female ratio of 4:1.

This indicates stark gender disparity in the STEM field. For instance, between 2013-14 and 2021-22, female enrollment in undergraduate programs rose by 46% and by 55.5% in postgraduate courses. However, enrollment in engineering degrees declined by 1.35% at the undergraduate level and a sharp 43% at the postgraduate level, according to government data. Globally, women accounted for only 29% of the STEM workforce across 146 nations assessed in the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), despite making up 49% of the workforce in non-STEM fields. Additionally, women in STEM earn 15-30% less than men—a gap attributed not to skill differences but to men’s higher confidence in negotiating salaries, as highlighted by a Stanford University study. However, with increasing efforts toward pay transparency, diversity initiatives, and policy interventions, this gap is expected to narrow in the coming years, leading to a more equitable pay structure and higher female representation in STEM.

With tech companies expanding their hiring focus to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, STEM opportunities are growing in locations such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. In the coming years, STEM hiring from these regions is expected to rise by 15-20% by 2027. Additionally, India’s overall STEM sector is projected to see a 40-45% increase by 2027, driven by rising demand for skilled professionals across industries.

Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services commented ‘The growing emphasis on STEM education and workforce development is a testament to India’s commitment to innovation and economic progress. This is also reflected in the Union Budget announcement focusing on transforming India’s education landscape with initiatives like 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, high-speed internet for rural schools, AI integration, and skill development. The tinkering labs will help in research in the STEM field where students can practice new ideas and approaches. Additionally, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative, for National Science Day 2025, encourages young minds to engage with research institutions, fostering hands-on scientific exploration.’

IIT Roorkee and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Work Together on Advanced Stormwater Management Strategy

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – March 1, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively develop a Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for Bhubaneswar City, Odisha . This initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing stormwater management in a city, urban resilience, mitigating flood risks, and future-proofing urban infrastructure against climate change challenges.

The MoU between IIT Roorkee and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) was formally signed by Prof. Akshay Dvivedi , Dean SRIC , IIT Roorkee, and Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS , Commissioner, BMC . The project shall be led by Prof DS Arya, Professor (HAG) , Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee. This collaboration aims to develop an integrated drainage master plan and a detailed project report (DPR) to provide sustainable, data-driven solutions for Bhubaneswar’s inundation challenges, with a focus on future climate change impacts and population growth projections up to 2050.

The signing ceremony was attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra , Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Development Department, Govt. of Odisha , and Smt. Sulochana Das , Hon’ble Mayor of Bhubaneswar . Other notable attendees included Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, IAS , Vice-Chairman of Bhubaneswar Development Authority ; Dr. Kamla Lochan Mishra, IAS , Executive Director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority ; Shri Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar , Chairperson, Sanitation Standing Committee ; and Shri Bilash Kumar Behera , City Engineer ; Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant , Director of IIT Roorkee ; Prof. Sumit Sen , Head, Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee Prof. NK Navani , Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Roorkee, Prof DS Arya , Professor Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee . Their presence emphasized a shared commitment to sustainable urban development and technological innovation.

This partnership brings together on-ground expertise and advanced technology to address Bhubaneswar’s flood management challenges. The project will leverage cutting-edge technologies for data collection, such as Drone Mapping, Total Station (TS), and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) for precise mapping and data acquisition. Additionally, IIT Roorkee will conduct hydraulic and dynamic simulations to optimize the city’s stormwater infrastructure, ensuring efficient floodwater discharge through various canals, including the Gangua Nala, ultimately to the Daya River. Plans also include integrating SCADA systems for real-time monitoring of pumping stations, along with a sensor-based flood alarm system. The project will offer both immediate solutions for critical flooding issues and a scientifically backed long-term master plan to address future urbanization and climate-related challenges. Furthermore, the collaboration will incorporate a comprehensive socio-environmental impact analysis and develop drainage rehabilitation plans to ensure sustainable urban development that protects vulnerable communities.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant , Director of IIT Roorkee, commented, “This collaboration exemplifies IIT Roorkee’s dedication to addressing real-world challenges through research-driven solutions. We aim to help Bhubaneswar build an infrastructure that is not just resilient but also adaptive to the challenges posed by climate change.”

Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS , Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, added, “This MoU is a significant leap toward sustainable urban development for Bhubaneswar City. With IIT Roorkee’s scientific expertise, we are confident of developing an integrated drainage system that will protect our city from current and future flooding threats.”

This partnership between IIT Roorkee and BMC goes beyond infrastructure development—it aims to make Bhubaneswar a model for climate-resilient urban planning in India. By blending IIT Roorkee’s scientific prowess with BMC’s local governance expertise, the initiative will serve as a national benchmark for urban flood management and sustainability, aligned with India’s Smart Cities Mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

NTPC Group Sets Record with 400 Billion Units of Power Generation in FY 2024-25

New Delhi, 1st March 2025: NTPC Group achieved fastest ever 400 Billion Units (BU) generation on 1st March 2025 in FY 2024-25. This milestone is achieved in just 335 days, which is 12 days earlier as compared to the last financial year.

In FY 2023-24, the company had crossed 400 BU generation on 13th March 2024.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of over 77 GW, with an additional capacity of 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

Along with power generation, NTPC has ventured into various new business areas, including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen solutions. It has also participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories.

Moscow Attracts Growing Number of Indian Business Tourists with Exclusive Offers and Personalized Experiences

1 March 2025: In recent years, promoting Moscow as an ideal destination for MICE tourism has become a priority tasks of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. The steady influx of travelers to the Russian capital continues to grow, driven in no small part by an increase in business visitors. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the number of business travelers is expected to reach a remarkable 8 million by 2030, with a significant share hailing from India.

Moscow’s appeal to business travelers—whether attending exhibitions, congresses, or MICE group events—is clear. The city not only boasts world-class infrastructure for hosting business events of all scales but also offers an exceptional array of cultural and leisure experiences available year-round. From historic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square to mesmerizing performances in its world-renowned theaters, Moscow seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Visitors can discover unique brands in modern shopping centers or explore a vibrant nightlife with its parties and nightclubs.

What truly sets Moscow apart is the diversity of exceptional venues that allow hosting out-of-the box events. Imagine events in historical mansions or at the museums, art galleries, or on the open air immaculate lawns of renovated estates. And the city can offer more than 150 such unique locations for MICE events. For those seeking a unique setting, open-air events can be hosted in picturesque parks, allowing guests to enjoy fresh air and breathtaking landscapes while engaging in professional discussions.

In addition, business events can be easily combined with exclusive tours or immersive performances, gaining deeper insight into Russia’s cultural heritage. Whether hosting a summit atop the iconic Ostankino TV Tower or fostering team spirit through lessons in traditional Russian music, business visitors can expect an experience that extends far beyond the boardroom.

As Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin noted earlier, business tourists are increasingly combining business trips with a cultural program. To meet this evolving demand, Moscow has expanded its calendar of industry events and diversified its leisure programs, ensuring that each visit is both enriching and productive.

The same trend was pointed out by Maya Anurova, Head of the Business Tourism Development Department of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. According to her, today expectations of modern business travelers are shifting: offering a luxurious hotel stay or a well-equipped conference hall is no longer enough, now business tourists seek personalized experiences and unforgettable impressions. “So personalising the offer and creating unique formats is very important here,” Anurova emphasized.

Today, India is one of the most important markets for Moscow in terms of attracting business tourists. The Moscow City Tourism Committee regularly holds events and implements projects aimed at attracting tourists from the region, both leisure and MICE. Earlier this year, a Moscow delegation participated in the OTM tourism exhibition in Mumbai, showing major projects to Indian industry professionals: the Moscow Tea Time Project, which revives Moscow’s historic tea traditions, the Moscow Estates Festival, an iconic cultural event drawing over 100,000 visitors annually, the City of Discoveries educational initiative, and the RUSSPASS travel planning service. During the event, the Moscow stand facilitated more than 2,000 business meetings and negotiations. Notably, Moscow has agreed on cooperation in the field of tourism development with the State of Maharashtra – India’s second most populous and third-largest state – as well as with Thomas Cook India Group, the country’s leading tour operator.

These concerted efforts are yielding tangible results. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, India ranked among the top two source markets for foreign visitors to Moscow, with over 61,000 Indian travelers exploring the city — an impressive a 1.4-foldincrease compared to the previous year. Moreover, business travel remains a dominant segment, with one in every three Indian visitors arriving for professional purposes.

According to key industry figures, Moscow’s exceptional service standards, warm hospitality, and ability to deliver unique experiences make it an increasingly attractive business destination. Shailesh Sharma, head of DMC company Headed Goose, notes that Indian visitors consistently praise Moscow’s unique fusion of rich history, modern culture and advanced infrastructure, including its world-class hotels. He also highlights the Moscow’s outstanding safety, with many Indian tourists describing it as the safest city they have ever visited.

According to Elena Orlenko, a representative of the Grand Rus agency, which acts as a DMC for Indian MICE agencies, an important factor is the availability of high-quality Indian cuisine in Moscow. She noted that Indian tourists pay great attention to the organization of food during their trips, and the Russian capital is able to offer them a huge number of restaurants serving Indian cuisine or high-quality vegetarian dishes for any budget.

Echoing this sentiment, Mohit Mandhwani of Travel Canvas, a graduate of the Moscow MICE Ambassadors certification program, launched by The Moscow City Tourism Committee in 2023, commends the city’s thriving Indian culinary scene. “The Indian cuisine in Moscow is outstanding — better than in many other countries!” he remarks. Moreover, several Indian restaurants offer catering services, ensuring authentic, high-quality meals at business events.

Another significant factor contributing to the surge in Indian business travelers is the streamlined visa process. Since August 2023, Indian citizens have been able to apply for an e-visa, with approvals granted within just four days through an entirely online process. As a result, India now ranks among the top five countries for e-visas issued by the Russian Federation.

“The introduction of the e-visa, of course, has become a great contribution to the development of the tourism industry and the attractiveness of the country as a whole. That is, in this way the state has shown that we are ready to open borders to different nationalities, we are ready for cooperation, and we want people to come to us,” explained Elena Orlenko.

As Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, noted earlier at the OTM exhibition in Mumbai, the Moscow authorities are pleased to observe a steady increase in Indian visitors to the Russian capital. “Through strategic partnerships, customized travel experiences, and immersive initiatives, we look forward to welcoming more Indian tourists and providing them with an unforgettable experience in our vibrant and historically rich city,” he noted.

DBS Foundation Funds Haqdarshak’s Financial Literacy Program with SGD 5.1 Million to Drive Growth

Chandigarh, March 1, 2025 – DBS Foundation, in partnership with Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (HESPL), has announced a new program designed to help advance financial inclusion, with a focus on rural India. The program is part of DBS Bank’s larger commitment, announced in 2023, to allocate SGD 1 billion over the next decade to improve the lives and livelihoods of low-income and underprivileged individuals. The DBS Foundation will provide SGD 5.1 million to fund the program, which has targeted impacting 500,000 beneficiaries in totality across the country.

India’s rural population can often face challenges such as lack of information about and access to financial services and social welfare entitlements. The DBS-funded program addresses these critical gaps by providing resources to help this demographic understand financial concepts and products as well as the tools and assistance on how to access social welfare schemes, supported by Haqdarshak’s team of agents. The program implementation will focus on rural regions in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

As part of the program, dedicated field teams, including Haqdarshak’s female agents, will be deployed to conduct both digital and financial literacy training sessions along with entitlement screening sessions. The program will prioritise enrolling eligible beneficiaries, particularly women, the elderly, and nano entrepreneurs like street vendors and tradesmen, into appropriate social welfare schemes. Additionally, to bolster their protection against financial fraud, participants will receive anti-scam awareness trainings. Enhancing the effectiveness of these services, the Haqdarshak Yojana Card, a QR coded card will facilitate easy access to the beneficiary’s social entitlement profiles online with periodic information updates on scheme eligibility. DBS employees will actively participate in the program delivery under its staff volunteer movement ‘People of Purpose’ to increase content awareness as well as conduct community sessions along with the Haqdarshak team.

Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director and Head – Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank India, said, “Since inception more than a decade ago, the DBS Foundation has been focused on uplifting lives and livelihoods and, it is especially meaningful to be able to launch a new intervention with Haqdarshak, who we have nurtured since 2018 as a Business For Impact. Having completed three decades in India, DBS Bank is more committed than ever to stay true to its purpose-driven vision and catalyse change. Together with Haqdarshak, we will take forward this shared mission to go beyond banking and empower communities through financial inclusion. By tackling real knowledge gaps with targeted solutions, we can enable pathways out of poverty and create lasting impact to help build a better world for generations to come.”

Over the years, Haqdarshak has been engaging with and been supported by the DBS Foundation (DBSF), including via the 2018 DBSF Business for Impact Grant and the 2020 DBSF Business Transformation Improvement Grant. In 2023 Haqdarshak became a DBSF program partner in India to foster digital and financial literacy among citizens from vulnerable communities across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Through this initiative over 10,000 digital and financial literacy sessions were successfully conducted for over 2 lakh beneficiaries, along with entitlement screening and facilitation support to over 4 lakh individuals so they could avail relevant welfare schemes. Notably, around 90% of the participants trained in digital and financial literacy were women.

Commenting on the announcement, Aniket Doegar, Co-Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak, said “As we navigate an increasingly fast-paced world, it is important to support those who may need more assistance and ensure that no one is left behind. Our new program is aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience and self-sufficiency among underprivileged communities by giving them the skills and confidence to access the benefits of the formal system. The DBS Foundation has been instrumental as a trusted partner in our journey and their consistent support over the years has enabled us to scale our reach and impact more lives positively. We look forward to partnering once again on a very purposeful initiative, bringing about real impact by sparking collective action.”

This program is part of the DBS Foundation’s broader objective to support vulnerable communities and enable them to gain financial resilience across Asia, with a specific focus on the underprivileged and ageing members of society. By championing Businesses For Impact, DBS advocates for enterprises with a dual bottom line of profit and purpose, nurturing those that align with its mission and integrating them into DBS’s culture and operations.