Author: Neel Achary

Safe, secure and student-centered: University of Southampton Delhi announces new accommodation at SunCity

National, 21st May 2025: Imagine moving into a home where sense of community, connection, and comfort come together seamlessly. That’s exactly what the University of Southampton Delhi is now offering its students through its newly launched student accommodation in SunCity — a serene and secure gated community located less than 6 km from the University’s Gurugram campus. Designed with student wellbeing at its core, this modern accommodation combines comfort, affordability, privacy and community living.

The accommodation places communal living at the heart of the student experience. Every floor includes vibrant shared spaces where students can relax, collaborate and forge lasting friendships. Whether it’s group study sessions, casual conversations over coffee, or impromptu celebrations, these communal zones create opportunities for meaningful interaction and a true sense of belonging — essential for those living away from home for the first time.

With options for both single and double occupancy rooms — including select rooms with ensuite kitchenettes — the accommodation has been designed to support student independence while encouraging meaningful connections. To prioritise student safety, the accommodation includes 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, gated access and a dedicated, secure floor exclusively for female students. A regular, dedicated shuttle bus service to and from the University of Southampton Delhi campus will be provided for convenient and reliable transportation.

“We wanted to go beyond the basics of student housing and create a living experience that truly complements academic life. This new accommodation has been thoughtfully designed to provide not just safety and comfort, but a true sense of community — something every student looks for when living away from home. From secured access and a dedicated, secure floor for female students, to social spaces that foster interaction, every element has been curated with student wellbeing in mind. It aligns with our broader vision of offering a holistic student experience rooted in trust, care and quality.” said Dr Vishal Talwar, Chief Operating Officer, University of Southampton Delhi.

The accommodation also offers professional housekeeping, laundry services and half-board catering. Located in a peaceful neighbourhood, it provides an ideal environment for focused study as well as relaxed, social living.

Accommodation bookings are now open for all prospective University of Southampton Delhi students for August 2025 entry.

Global Leaders, Young Athletes Shine at EBEL Awards and National Games 2025 by STAIRS

• EBEL Ratna Samman conferred on national and global icons including PT Usha, Vijay Goel, and Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand
• Over 4,000 athletes from 20 states participate in the STAIRS National Games 2025

 In a resounding celebration of dedication, vision, and grassroots impact, the STAIRS Foundation, a National Sports Promotion Organization, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, presented the prestigious EBEL Awards 2025 and STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards 2025 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The awards were bestowed in the presence of distinguished guest His Excellency Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, Shri Vikram K Porval (IPS), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Economic Offence Wing/EOW), Delhi, joined as the Special guest and Shri Ajit M. Sharan, Chair of the Advisory Board at STAIRS Foundation and former Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Transportation and Information Technology was invited as the Chief Guest. Shri Sanjay Seth ji, Honourable Minister of State for Defence, sent a video message of his encouragement to the young athletes of STAIRS.

Also present at the ceremony were STAIRS Brand Ambassadors, including acclaimed actor Amit Sadh, international boxer Gaurav Bidhuri, and India’s ‘Push-up Man’ Rohtash Choudhary, who inspired the crowd by reaffirming their commitment to the cause of grassroots sports and youth leadership.

At the heart of the evening were the EBEL Awards, honouring visionary individuals and institutions who have created meaningful change in the fields of sports, education, youth leadership, and social inclusion. Among the top honours, the EBEL Ratna Samman was conferred upon Smt. P. T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association and Padma Shri awardee; Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman Gandhi Smriti, Former Union Sports Minister of India, 4 times MP, Lottery Crusader, and UNESCO Awardee (Heritage); Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Shri Shashi Dubey, a renowned spiritual life coach and founder of The Indian School of Natural Spiritual Sciences. These leaders were recognised for their exceptional impact and dedication to youth and societal development.

Recognising innovation and systemic change, the EBEL Utkrisht Samman was awarded to Shri Anandeshwar Pandey, Executive Director of the Handball Federation of India, for his instrumental role in shaping sports governance and infrastructure. In the international category, David Forde, former international footballer, coach, and author, was honoured with the EBEL Utkrisht International Catalyst Samman for his global influence on youth sports and mentorship.

Acknowledging ethical coaching and character building, the EBEL Dronacharya Samman was conferred upon Shri Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman of the Gujarat State Yog Board. The EBEL Khel Protsahan Samman, which recognises excellence in promoting grassroots sports access and infrastructure, was awarded to Mr. Tahsin Zahid, CEO of the Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure Sector Skills Council, and to Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited (KDHP), a Tata Consumer Products initiative.

For their exceptional contributions to youth development across education, mental health, skills, and leadership, Shri Yogesh Mishra, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Newstrack, and Shri Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, were awarded the EBEL Yuva Vikas-Shiromani Samman.

Special Honours were given to Mr. Abhay Ojha, the Chief Executive Officer of iTV Network, Shri Ayush Thakur—a dynamic young entrepreneur and consultant and Dr. Sadhna Dixit, Founder of the World Wellbeing Forum and President of The Indian School of Natural Spiritual Sciences.

The STAIRS National Sports Excellence Community Trailblazer Award was given to Ms Radhika Ojha. Other notable recipients included Sh. Lokmanyu Chaturvedi, honoured as an inspirational coach in eSports; Ms. Swati Shukla, celebrated for empowering women in sports; Dr. Richa Prakash, Principal of DPS Kalyanpur, Kanpur, for excellence in sports leadership; Shri Saurabh Yadav, as the best physical education teacher promoting sports; and Shri Tanishk Singh (aka Admino), a rising star in eSports.

In parallel, the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards 2025 recognised individuals and institutions that have worked relentlessly at the grassroots level to promote sporting talent and culture. From Rajasthan, Shri Sandeep Sargara was awarded as the most active STAIRS coordinator. In the school categories, Jaypee Public School, Noida, was named Best School in Sports Development, and Gaurs International School, Noida, received the Best Sports Infrastructure award. Rising star honours went to K R Mangalam World School, Bahadurgarh, and Prime Scholars International School, Gurugram, while Sanskaar International School, Prayagraj, was lauded as a Grassroots Champion. Seth M. R. Jaipuria School, Padrauna, was recognised for its role in rural sports talent development.

Shri Divyanshu Garg was honoured for best state-level event coordination, while Shri Vivek Samania received recognition for outstanding work in physical education. The award for promoting Taekwondo was presented to Shri Raghvendra Kumar Singh, and Shri Sunil Shinde was celebrated as the best state games organiser from Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder and President of STAIRS Foundation, remarked, “These awards are not just honours—they are recognitions of a movement. A movement rooted in the belief that grassroots efforts can produce Olympic champions and national leaders. Through these awards, we celebrate those shaping the future of India, both on and off the field.” The awards mark a milestone in STAIRS Foundation’s journey to create an equitable and accessible sports ecosystem and underscore its unwavering commitment to India’s vision of becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

On the sidelines, the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi roared with energy as STAIRS Foundation inaugurated the Second Edition of the STAIRS Youth National Games alongside the inaugural STAIRS School Games.

The grand opening ceremony was a vibrant spectacle, bringing together over 4,000 young athletes from 20 states, selected from over 400 District games spread across 15 sports disciplines, now ready to win glory on the national stage.

Consistent, Recognized as Top Brand for Motherboards and IP Cameras in 2024

New Delhi, May 21, 2025: Consistent, a trusted leader in the IT Hardware, Storage, Print Consumables and Security & Surveillance, has bagged two key awards at the recently concluded 17th NCN Awards 2024. The company was named the Highest Selling Motherboard Brand and the Best Indian IP Camera Brand for the year—an acknowledgment of its steady growth and strong market presence.

The awards are part of an annual initiative that highlights companies making a meaningful impact across India’s technology and security product landscape. For Consistent, this recognition comes on the back of consistent efforts to offer dependable products and responsive support, backed by a growing distribution network.

With a presence across more than 20 states and a product lineup that spans motherboards, SSDs, RAMs, networking solutions, CCTV cameras, peripherals, and consumer electronics, Consistent has carved a space for itself in both home and business segments. The company’s motherboard business, in particular, has seen impressive adoption among system integrators and PC builders, while its IP camera range is becoming increasingly popular among residential and small business users looking for easy-to-use, affordable surveillance options.

Reflecting on the win, Yogesh Agrawal, CMD and Co-Founder of Consistent, said: “These recognitions mean a lot to us—not just as a company, but as a team that has worked hard to build something reliable and long-lasting. We’ve always believed that if we keep things simple and focus on what customers really need, growth will follow. This award is a moment to pause and thank all our partners, teams, and customers who have made this journey possible.”

Consistent has built its reputation not through flashy campaigns, but by staying close to the ground—understanding what the Indian consumer wants, keeping pricing transparent, and ensuring stock availability and service support in both metro and non-metro cities.

With the Indian IT hardware and surveillance space evolving rapidly, the company plans to strengthen its R&D capabilities, introduce new product lines, and expand its manufacturing footprint in the coming year.

How Lumeil’s Procurement Concierge Is Saving Time (and Sanity) for India’s Designers

Jaipur: In a design industry where timelines are shrinking and client expectations are rising, Lumeil—a curated e-commerce platform for premium decorative lighting—is helping top interior designers and architects regain control of one of their most frustrating workflows: lighting procurement.

With the launch and rapid adoption of its Procurement Concierge service, Lumeil is streamlining an often overlooked, chaotic part of the design process. From sourcing and availability checks to pricing, delivery coordination, and damage control, the platform’s structured service is solving the time-draining challenges that professionals quietly endure behind the scenes.

In India’s booming interior design market—projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% through 2030—designers are managing more complex projects than ever, with tighter deadlines and higher stakes. Yet lighting procurement remains a fragmented process, often involving back-and-forth with multiple vendors, unclear lead times, inconsistent product quality, and poor post-sale support.

“This is the part no one sees—the hours spent chasing product confirmations, the panic when one pendant arrives broken, or when a design gets discontinued mid-project,” said Naman Jain, Founding Member of Lumeil. “Our Procurement Concierge brings structure, speed, and service to a process that has long been neglected. It’s not just about selling lighting—it’s about removing friction and giving designers the headspace to focus on creativity.”

Through Lumeil’s concierge support, designers get access to a dedicated lighting procurement specialist who handles everything from vendor coordination and product comparisons to availability checks, consolidated invoicing, and project-wise shipment tracking. This service is particularly valuable in multi-vendor projects, where timelines are tight and coordination can make or break delivery schedules.

As design firms scale and take on larger residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, structured procurement services like Lumeil’s are increasingly seen not as a luxury—but a necessity.

“Procurement shouldn’t be a guessing game,” added Naman. “We’re giving designers a smarter, faster way to work—with the confidence that every fixture will arrive as expected, on time, and aligned with the design vision.”

With its Procurement Concierge offering, Lumeil is not just selling lighting—it’s becoming a strategic sourcing partner to India’s design community, helping professionals meet the demands of modern project delivery without sacrificing quality, control, or peace of mind.

78 percentage of Gen Z Values Social Connection at Work, Reveals Compass Group Study

May 21, India: As Gen Z prepares to dominate the global workforce, a groundbreaking study by Compass Group, the fastest-growing food and facility management services provider, in collaboration with Mintel, reveals a compelling insight: food is fast becoming the new connector in the modern workplace. The study underscores that social connectivity at work is no longer optional—it is essential for employee well-being and talent retention.

Spanning 21 countries—including India—and covering sectors like Business & Industry, Healthcare & Senior Living, Education, Sports & Leisure, and Defence, Offshore & Remote, The Power of Socialisation survey found that 78% of Gen Z employees value work environments that promote meaningful relationships, while 54% would quit a job due to loneliness. The data highlights that only 29% of Gen Z employees feel connected to their company’s mission in unsocial work environments—underscoring the growing need to embed natural moments of socialisation into daily office life.

In today’s hybrid and high-pressure workplaces, food has emerged as a powerful enabler of social interaction. From vibrant cafés to curated micro-markets and coffee bars, companies are designing food spaces to bring people together. These spaces are becoming hubs for conversation, collaboration, and creativity—transforming the break into a vital moment of reconnection. Whether it is the casual conversation over a morning brew or team bonding over healthy lunches, food-led experiences are reshaping workplace culture.

Vikas Chawla, Managing Director, Compass Group India, said, “The Power of Socialisation report confirms what leaders have long suspected; workplace culture directly impacts retention and performance. When employees feel socially connected, they align with organisational goals. The data speaks volumes; only 14% of employees in non-social workplaces see themselves staying long-term. This study proves that workplaces designed to foster interactions lead to happier, more engaged, and more productive employees.”

Based on the report’s findings, Compass Group India is at the forefront of fostering connection through food. The company is designing immersive café spaces, coffee bars with vibrant interiors, and wellness-focused food counters. These settings not only spark spontaneous conversations but also support a healthy and purpose-driven culture. By turning mealtimes into shared experiences, Compass is nurturing workplace belonging and joy.

Hobby clubs such as reading circles, music groups, and gaming parlors are also emerging as key drivers of employee engagement—and food is seamlessly integrated into these spaces through themed snack stations, micro-kitchens, and beverage counters that make these breakout zones inviting and energising. Coffee has emerged as the ultimate conversation starter, with offices investing in beautifully designed coffee bars that mirror the experience of a local café, complete with cozy seating and ambient vibes.

“The future of work is deeply social and as leaders responsible for shaping tomorrow’s workplace, we cannot ignore these findings. Our responsibility extends beyond operational metrics to creating a culture that fosters belonging and purpose. The study shows that employees taking structured breaks report 52% higher workplace happiness than those who take breaks only when prompted by exhaustion. The Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, are looking for more than just a paycheque; they seek workplaces that actively promote interaction, collaboration, and well-being. Organisations that prioritise social connectivity will see measurable returns in engagement, innovation, and retention,” commented Manika Awasthi, Chief People Officer, Compass Group India.

In a rapidly evolving economic landscape—where India contributes over 7% to global GDP and houses a 500-million-strong workforce—the role of food in crafting inclusive and engaging work environments is becoming more central than ever.

As businesses prepare for the future, those that nurture daily, human experiences—especially over food—will lead in attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent. Compass Group India is proud to be pioneering this transformation, turning every meal and coffee break into a moment of meaningful connection.

ICRA Analytics Unveils ‘InfRE360’: A Cloud-Based SaaS Platform for Indian InvITs and REITs

Mumbai, India: ICRA Analytics Ltd., a leading provider of business intelligence, risk management, and analytics solutions, today announced the launch of ‘InfRE360’, India’s first cloud-based SaaS Data & Analytics platform tailored exclusively for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

InfRE360 is designed to empower strategic decision-making and investment planning among sponsors, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders in India’s REIT and InvIT ecosystem. Coverage encompasses road, power, telecommunication, warehouse & logistics for InvITs and REITs. The platform offers comprehensive insights backed by powerful analytical tools and real-time intelligence.

“With the rapid evolution of India’s infrastructure and real estate trust markets, there is an urgent need for a robust and reliable analytics backbone. InfRE360 bridges this gap by delivering actionable insights, transparency, and efficiency in a single, user-friendly platform,” said Madhubani Sengupta, Head- Knowledge Services, ICRA Analytics.

Key Features of InfRE360

• Extensive Data Coverage: Access up-to-date annual and quarterly financials from FY2022, covering 150+ performance parameters for REITs, InvITs at Trust level and their 300+ SPVs
• Performance Assessment: Explore sector, entity, and asset-level performance through interactive visuals. Evaluate key financial ratios across diverse metrics for deep operational insights.
• Key News Tracking: Stay ahead of market developments with near real-time alerts on the REITs and InvITs landscape
• Peer Level Analysis: Compare multiple peers within specific sectors to identify leaders, benchmark performance, and uncover strategic opportunities.
• Detailed Insights: Granular SPV-level information and access comprehensive data on  shareholding patterns, debt instruments, and credit ratings.
• Valuation Simulator: Run scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to assess potential changes in valuation based on varying market conditions

Tailored Benefits for Key Stakeholders

• Sponsors & Owners
  • Strategic insights from comprehensive data sets
  • Peer benchmarking for competitive advantage
  • Time-saving automated data collection
• Investors
  • Informed investment decisions via detailed analytics
  • SPV-level risk identification and mitigation
  • Scenario-based valuation clarity
• Regulators
  • Real-time compliance tracking and market risk monitoring
  • Data-driven policy formulation and gap analysis
  • Enhanced transparency and accountability

With InfRE360, ICRA Analytics continues to redefine how India’s capital markets leverage data and technology to drive efficiency, governance, and informed growth.