Author: Rabindra

Residential Rentals Soar in Mumbai’s Western Suburbs amidst High Demand

The residential rental market in Mumbai’s western suburbs has witnessed a sharp increase, driven by rising demand and limited supply of quality homes. Popular localities such as Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, and Borivali have seen rental prices surge over the past year, making it one of the hottest real estate markets in the city.

“Rental growth across premium gated societies in Mumbai has cooled down to 5-9% in 2024 after a growth of almost 50-60% in the last two years between 2021-23,” according to data shared by Zapkey.com research.

Several industry experts have weighed in on this growing trend, citing various factors such as the influx of professionals, the city’s expanding infrastructure, and the development of premium housing projects. This shift is reshaping Mumbai’s rental landscape, creating opportunities for both developers and investors.

Commenting on the trend, Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers, noted, “The rise in rental prices in Mumbai’s western suburbs is a direct reflection of the demand for modern, well-equipped homes. The area’s connectivity, proximity to commercial hubs, and lifestyle amenities has made it an attractive choice for both locals and expatriates. At Transcon, our projects are designed to meet the evolving preferences of tenants who seek high-quality living spaces.”

A 3 BHK apartment in Malad East along the Western Express Highway near the Metro station was available on rent for ₹55,000 per month in 2021. This went up to ₹85,000 per month in 2023, and in 2024 the rentals were at ₹87,000 per month according to research data by Zapkey.com.

Speaking from the demand perspective, Mr. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer, Omkar Realtors & Developers said, “We are observing increased demand from tenants looking for premium rental options in key western suburb localities. Our developments, like Omkar Alta Monte in Malad East, cater to this segment by offering a blend of luxury and convenience, which has contributed to the overall rental escalation in these neighborhoods. With the improved metro connectivity and infrastructure, this trend is likely to sustain.”

A 2 BHK apartment in a premium building of Borivali was available for a monthly rent of ₹39,000 in 2021 and went up to ₹58,000 in 2023. However, in 2024, that same building has 2 BHK apartments being offered for a monthly rent of ₹65,000, according to research data shared by Zapkey.com.

Highlighting the factors for the rental surge, Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director, CCI Projects mentioned, “The rental market in Mumbai’s western suburbs is benefiting from the city’s infrastructural growth, such as the completion of new metro lines and arterial roads. This is particularly evident in Borivali and Kandivali, where tenants are seeking homes that offer superior connectivity and contemporary living. Developments such as Rivali Park by CCI Projects are strategically located to cater to this growing demand.”

The upward trend in rentals is expected to continue, with experts forecasting further increases as new infrastructure projects near completion. The rise in demand is also attracting investors who view the rental market as a lucrative opportunity, with returns expected to outpace those in other parts of the city.

Aaryan Shukla of DPS Nashik Crowned World Champion at Mental Calculation World Cup -2024

Nashik, September, 2024 – In a spectacular display of mental prowess, Aaryan Shukla, a brilliant student of Delhi Public School (DPS) Nashik, has been crowned the World Champion at the Mental Calculation World Cup-2024, held in Germany from September 13-15, 2024. Aaryan scored an extraordinary 819.84 points out of 900, securing a commanding lead of 286.98 points over his closest competitor.

At the prestigious competition, Aaryan swept all six possible trophies, including Gold Medals in Mental Addition, Multiplication, Square Root, and Calendar Dates. Notably, Aaryan achieved a perfect score in the highly competitive Standard Tasks category. His performance also resulted in five new world records, cementing his place as one of the world’s top mental calculators.

Competition Highlights:
● Mental Addition: Aaryan set a new world record by solving 10-digit numbers in 78.08 seconds on software while in the competition he scored 29 points within 7 minutes to get a Gold.
● Mental Multiplication: He scored an impressive 25 points in the 8-digits-by-8-digits multiplication task, setting another world record.
● Square Root: Aaryan secured a world-record-breaking 82 points in the Mental Square Root (6-digit inexact) category in the competition improving his previous best of 74 in 2022. While on software, Aaryan created a new World Record with a record time of 33.78 seconds.
● Calendar Dates: Aaryan achieved a perfect 100/100 score, a new world record, in this challenging category.
● Versatile Calculator: Aaryan won the Most Versatile Calculator trophy with 419.84 out of 500 points, rounding off his incredible success by winning all six competition categories.

The competition took place at the Heinz Nixdorf Museums Forum in Paderborn, Germany, where Aaryan triumphed over leading mental math athletes from across the globe. The second-place winner, Kaloyan Geshav from Bulgaria, earned 532.86 points, while Hiko Chiba from Japan came third with 455.75 points.

 Aryan also mesmerized the audience with his incredible Flash Anzan skills during ‘The Mental Calculation Show,’ leaving everyone speechless. He performed the addition of 100 four-digit numbers in just 30 seconds, a world-first accomplishment that further solidified his extraordinary abilities.

 This victory follows Aaryan’s previous world records, including a Guinness World Records for the fastest time to mentally add 50 five-digit numbers in just 25.19 seconds, which he set on an Italian TV show earlier this year. His meteoric rise in the world of mental calculations has made him a prominent figure, representing India at the international level since he was just 8 years old.

A Legacy of Achievements: Aaryan’s remarkable journey in the world of mental math began at a young age, and by 12, he had already been named the World Champion at the Mental Calculation World Cup – 2022. He has also competed in the Memoriad Turkey Open Championship in 2018, where he set two Kids World Records and brought home 10 medals.

As a founding board member of the Global Mental Calculators Association (GMCA), Aaryan has played a significant role in promoting mental calculation worldwide, a position he earned at just 13 years old.

A Proud Moment for DPS Nashik: The entire DPS Nashik community is celebrating Aaryan’s unprecedented success. Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief Learner and Director of DPS Nashik, Lava Nagpur, Varanasi, and Hinjawadi (Pune), praised Aaryan’s determination and dedication: “We are immensely proud of Aaryan’s achievements at the Mental Calculation World Cup. His passion for learning and success mindset serve as an inspiration to all. This victory reflects not just Aaryan’s talent, but also the values of hard work and excellence that DPS Nashik upholds. We look forward to watching him continue to break boundaries and reach even greater heights.”

The entire DPS Nashik community, along with Aaryan’s family, congratulates him on this incredible achievement and wishes him the very best for the future. His triumph is a proud moment not only for the school but for the entire nation, as he continues to shine on the global stage.

A one-stop Destination Where Creativity Meets Culture: IFP Returns with Season 14 in Mumbai on October 12 and 13

Calling all creators, doers, misfits, go-getters, and culture shapers! Is storytelling your forte? Is writing your escape into limitless worlds and characters? Do you love transforming ideas into visual masterpieces? If so, you’re in the right place! The ultimate playground for passionate creators is back with another exciting season! IFP (formerly India Film Project) has been your one-stop destination for over a decade. As the world’s leading festival for all things creative and cultural, IFP is at the forefront of nurturing and inspiring talent across diverse disciplines, including Films & OTT, Music, Literature & Writing, Storytelling, Photography, Design & Art, and Comedy, among others.

Taking its glorious legacy of thirteen successful seasons forward, the 14th edition of this two-day festival is taking place on October 12th and 13th in Mumbai. The festival serves as a dynamic space for artists to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Featuring an eclectic array of sessions, workshops, masterclasses, live performances, and challenges, IFP Season 14 promises to inspire, educate, and empower participants to push the boundaries of creativity.

The stage of IFP Season 14 will be graced by a stellar lineup of speakers, including prominent figures like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kabir Khan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shoojit Sircar, Guneet Monga, Saurabh Shukla, Sonam Wangchuk, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vivek Gomber, Rajesh Krishnan, Kunal Kemmu, Ram Madhvani, Chhaya Kadam, Kavita Seth, Geetanjali Shree (International Booker Prize Winner, Author of Tomb of Sand), Vikas Swarup, William Dalrymple, Trinetra, and Avanti Nagral. Creators can look forward to great industry insights from these cultural icons. Boasting creative growth, collaboration opportunities, and insider viewpoints, this edition strives to take participants’ artistic journey to the next level.

Staying true to its innovative roots, IFP brings back its signature series of 50-hour challenges in filmmaking, music, design, performing arts, writing, and photography to this season, with over 54,000 creative minds participating globally. These challenges will be evaluated by a powerhouse jury, featuring a diverse panel of experts such as Kabir Khan, Rob, Amit Sharma, Lilette Dubey, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Sandeep Modi, Sooni Taraporewala, Sushin Shyam, Chaaya Prabhat, Sabari Venu, Manoj Shah, and Sasha Jairam.

Sharing his excitement about IFP Season 14, Ritam Bhatnagar, Founder, IFP, said, “We are ecstatic to launch yet another exciting season of IFP, a nexus for everything creative and culture. We are delighted to see participation coming in from 44 countries this year. Our goal is to create a truly global festival that fosters a community of creative individuals and provides a place to collaborate with like-minded individuals, allowing them to break new ground with their craft. With a fantastic mix of challenges and speakers, we hope to inspire and empower artists of all ages and backgrounds through this festival in coming years”

IFP Season 14 has something unique for everyone – from thought-provoking discussions to immersive experiences. So, mark your calendars for October 12th and 13th to celebrate the power of creativity and empower the next generation of artists!

Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dwarka Launches Exclusive Neurology OPD in Association with Hari RamHospital, Bhiwadi

Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dwarka, today announced the launch of their exclusive Neurology OPD services in partnership with the city-based Hari Ram Hospital. Present during the launch wasDr. Rajnish Kumar, Principal Director, Neurology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dwarka, who will be conducting the *OPDs at Hari Ram Hospital, Bhiwadi on 2nd & 4thWednesday of every month from 12 pm – 2 pm*

Patients in and around Bhiwadi can now consult for super specialist opinions pertaining to various neurological disorders and management including stroke management, and epilepsy surgery.

*During the launch, Dr. Rajnish Kumar, Principal Director, Neurology, from Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dwarka,said* “People often come to us with conditions such as headache, migraines, sudden or acute onset of dizziness or unconsciousness, trouble walking, loss of balance, sensation or coordination, trouble seeing with one or both eyes, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, etc. Through the launch of this OPD service, the people from Bhiwadi will get access to the best-in-class services and we will raise awareness about Neurological disorders.”

*Dr. Kumar further added* “Strokes are medical emergencies demanding immediate attention, with the “golden hour” being crucial for effective intervention, particularly for ischemic strokes. Quick action, such as clot-dissolving medication or clot removal procedures, can minimize damage to the brain.Medical management involves Thrombolytic Therapy, Anticoagulants, Antiplatelet Medications, and Blood Pressure Control. Similarly, other movement disorders need to be identified early and with advancements in medications and surgical interventions available, the condition can be effectively managed.”

Xebia Appoints Tobias Wagner as Chief Financial Officer to Lead Finance Transformation as It Enters Next Phase of Growth

Atlanta, GA, USA – 25th September 2024 – Xebia, a global leader in IT consultancy and software development, is excited to announce the appointment of Tobias Wagner as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over 25 years of experience in Consulting and Technology industries, Tobias brings a strong track record in managing complex financial landscapes, driving revenue growth, and delivering substantial cost savings across global corporations.

At Xebia, Tobias will lead the global financial strategy, focusing on initiatives that enhance market presence and promote sustainable growth. His expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial transformation and managing large-scale programs and sizeable budgets, will be instrumental as Xebia continues to expand its footprint worldwide.

Before joining Xebia, Tobias served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Akkodis, where he successfully managed, e.g., a turnover of up to €2 billion as regional CFO and led initiatives that streamlined operations and a centralized, shared service model in his role as Head of Finance Processes and Transformation. He holds a degree in Economics from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Tobias is known for his commitment to diversity, having lived and worked in three countries across three continents, enriching his global perspective.

Welcoming Tobias Wagner, Anand Sahay, Global CEO of Xebia, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tobias to the Xebia team. His deep financial expertise, combined with a strong strategic vision, will be crucial as we navigate the next stage of our global growth. Tobias brings a unique blend of experience in financial management and operational transformation that will help us scale efficiently and continue to deliver value to our clients globally.”

Tobias Wagner, CFO of Xebia, said, “I am enthusiastic about joining Xebia and co-creating the company’s future as Chief Financial Officer. I am committed to driving the path to sustainable and profitable growth. As a business partner, I will work closely with the organization and understand the local and global needs to ensure the alignment and focus are set up to achieve our ambitious goals.”

Gozoop Group elevates Jyoti Bhatia to Group Director

Mumbai, September 25, 2024: GOZOOP Group, a leading independent creative marketing and communications agency, is proud to announce the promotion of Jyoti Bhatia to Group Director. In her new role, Jyoti will take on expanded responsibilities, overseeing key strategic initiatives and driving the agency’s continued innovation in marketing and advertising.

An experienced Account Director with a proven track record in the marketing and advertising industry, Jyoti has expertise in advertising, integrated marketing, marketing strategy, digital marketing and social media, With a strong focus on strengthening client relationships, Jyoti will be leading a team of members at Gozoop Group to drive growth and innovation.

Excited about her new role, Jyoti Chugh Bhatia, Group Director – Brand Communications, GOZOOP Group stated, “I’m thrilled to take on this new role at Gozoop, where the #BreakTheBox mindset constantly pushes us to challenge norms and think beyond traditional solutions. The company’s innovative culture has been a key driver in my growth, allowing me to explore new ideas and deliver meaningful impact for our clients. I look forward to further contributing to Gozoop’s journey of setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

Rohan Bhansali, Chairman and Co-founder, of GOZOOP Group commented, “At Gozoop Group, we take immense pride in our work culture that nurtures growth, innovation, and excellence. It not only retains top talent but also empowers them to take on new challenges, unlocking their full potential. Jyoti is not only a great leader but a great ladder. She is an organization builder and her new role and position reflects our faith in not only her talent but also her value system”.

With Jyoti’s expertise and extensive experience, her contribution as a Group Director will assist Gozoop Group to grow and build strategies, delivering groundbreaking solutions for sustainable growth.

FlowerAura Expands Its Premium Floral Arrangement Collection with New Exquisite Blooms

FlowerAura, India’s leading online gifting platform, has announced new additions to its premium floral arrangement collection. The newly added flowers, including Yellow Button Daisy, Pink Oriental Lilies, Spray Carnations, and Tube Rose, further elevate the collection’s elegance and diversity. The new additions offer a wide variety to customers seeking sophisticated gifting options.

The mix of freshly sourced new blooms are curated by expert florists to create stunning floral arrangements. Whether it’s the colourful “Blooms of Happiness” or the elegant “Snowy Dreams,” each arrangement is crafted to add to the customer’s gifting experience, offering a variety of options and adding a touch of luxury to each occasion

Shrey Sehgal, Co-founder, FlowerAura, said, “We are delighted to announce the additions to our popular premium collection, which has a variety of floral arrangements, each unique in its own way catering to diverse tastes and preferences of our customers. We aim to keep adding new and unique flowers and keep experimenting with our premium collection to make sure our customer gets something new for each occasion. Each arrangement portrays the finest craftsmanship, aiming to create lasting gifting memories for our customers.”

FlowerAura’s continuous innovation and the ability to blend tradition with modernity ensures it remains a leading name in the gifting industry. With the latest additions to its premium collection, the platform offers a range of floral expressions. Visit FlowerAura’s website to explore the full range of luxurious floral arrangements.

“AI to Change the Way the Students Learn at IIM Sambalpur” – Prof.Mahadeo Jaiswal On 10th Foundation Day

September 25th, 2024; National – IIM Sambalpur, one of the premier management institutions, announced the introduction of AI in a big way which will transform the way students learn in classrooms. Role of teacher will change that from teaching to creating and learning. IIM Sambalpur commemorated its 10th Foundation Day by reflecting a decade of excellence and transformative achievements that underscore its commitment to innovation, inclusiveness and integrity. Since its inception, the institution of national importance has aimed at imparting management education through action-oriented research, value-driven consulting and experiential learning pedagogy and is rapidly emerging as a leader in business education, pioneering new benchmarks in gender diversity, placements, cultural development, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements.

Uday A. Kaole, Chairman and Managing Director of MCL, graced the event as the chief guest, while Dr. Anurag Batra was the guest of honor. Nishita Baliarsingh, Co-founder & CEO, Nexus Power and Anindya Ghosh, Associate Partner, IBM were the keynote speakers.

10th Foundation Day of IIM Sambalpur

Delivering a welcome address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur said, “I express sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and everyone who contributed to building this world-class institute. I want to highlight some unique highlights of the institute. IIM Sambalpur, which began with just 49 MBA students in 2015, is today a proud institution with 320 MBA students and a ground-breaking 75% female student body. We created world-class infrastructure and process of onboarding 60 plus of start-ups under our incubation centre, and promoted international collaborations. Furthermore, he said, “We today announce the implementation of AI in classrooms for the transformative learning experience.”

He also spoke about plans to organize a Women’s Empowerment Summit in February to further the goals of Viksit Bharat. IIM Sambalpur is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in management education. IIM Sambalpur this year will have three Centers of Excellence, a more diverse MBA program that is in line with NEP’s focused efforts towards international accreditations, and expansion of campus this year.

Chief Guest Uday Kaole, CMD, MCL said, “IIM Sambalpur is the most vibrant and most talked about IIM. With IIM Sambalpur, students are in the best hands. I congratulate IIM Sambalpur for everything they have done till now. I congratulate Dr. Jaiswal who is the power behind this institute, towards making it unstoppable. Through this address, I offer access to great talents from IIM Sambalpur to see the business aspect at MCL, the largest coal producer in the country.”

Nishita Balliarsingh, Co-founder & CEO, Nexus Power as a keynote speaker inspired students by speaking about consistency of efforts and being honest with yourself.

Anindya Ghosh, Associate Partner, IBM as a keynote speaker emphasized on focused efforts and giving your 100%, love what you do, financial planning at early stage.

Dr. Anurag Batra, Guest of Honor, iterated on the importance of sleep, helping others, working towards sustainability, and being optimistic.

Central Inauguration of IDE Bootcamp Second Edition Phase I
The Foundation Day celebration coincides with the launch of the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp (Second Edition – Phase I), envisioned by the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Scheduled from 23rd to 27th September 2024, this initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), aims to nurture innovation, design, and entrepreneurial skills among student innovators across India. The Bootcamp was hosted simultaneously across nine prestigious institutions from all across the nation.

 The bootcamp engages over 3000 student innovators and Innovation Ambassadors from higher education institutions across the country. IIM Sambalpur actively supports the IDE Bootcamp through its focus on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning, which aligns with the core goals of the initiative. As a leading management institution committed to action-oriented research and value-driven education, IIM Sambalpur provides a robust platform for nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and creative problem-solving skills among students. “India is about to take a big stride forward in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of its youth and fortifying its innovation ecosystem with the launch of this bootcamp” – Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur.

 Bootcamp Exhibition
The event also featured an exhibition by innovators & startups with more than 70 startups showcasing their unique products. There were diverse range of products including tech products, agriculture products, and healthcare products, etc. Startups from across the nation have participated in the exhibition.

QR678 appoints industry veteran and medtech leader Sridhar Ranganathan to advisory board

Mumbai, 25 September 2024: QR678®, a pioneering company dedicated to revolutionizing hair and skin science through groundbreaking research and innovative solutions, has announced the appointment of Mr. Sridhar Ranganathan to its Board of Advisors. Sridhar, former Managing Director at Allergan, brings a wealth of expertise in biotechnology, healthcare, and aesthetics, which is expected to significantly bolster QR678®’s strategic direction and market penetration.

During his tenure as Managing Director at Allergan India and South Asia, Sridhar played a pivotal role in scaling up Botox over several years, significantly expanding its market presence and transforming it into a leading product in the aesthetics industry. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in elevating Botox’s prominence, contributing to Allergan’s strong foothold in the market.

Sridhar is a distinguished figure in the medtech industry, currently being part of the IIT Madras incubated enterprises including HELYXON. His role encompasses driving strategic initiatives and leveraging his extensive experience in sales, marketing, and transformational leadership. Additionally, Sridhar is a member of the Steering Committee of HRD at the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, that provides strategic directions in biotechnology education and development. Sridhar is also a IICA certified Indpendent Director.

Speaking about this, Indrajit Dutta, Vice President, QR678®, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Sridhar to the QR678® Board of Advisors. His exceptional background in medtech and pharmaceuticals, coupled with his strategic vision and leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to advance our innovative hair regrowth therapy. Sridhar’s deep understanding of market dynamics, combined with his ability to steer transformative initiatives, will undoubtedly propel QR678® to new heights in both domestic and international markets.”

Adding further, Sridhar Ranganathan said, “The way QR678® has progressed and its penetration in the hair growth segment is nothing short of phenomenal. What excites me about QR678® is not just its significant impact in India but its potential to revolutionize hair regrowth therapy globally. The rigorous research and academic intensity backing QR678®, along with its established place in the market, make it an extraordinary journey to be part of. I look forward to collaborating with the team to support QR678®’s strategic goals and further its mission of revolutionizing hair regrowth therapy.”

He also shared his thoughts for doctors and aesthetic practitioners: “For practitioners, understanding QR678® in detail and how it can be integrated into their practice is crucial. Whether used as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments, QR678® offers a robust solution for managing patients with androgenetic alopecia. I believe it can become an essential tool in every practitioner’s arsenal.”

Sridhar holds an MBA in General Management from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Vivekananda College.

The Rise of Business Parks in Kolkata Transforms the City into a Thriving Commercial Hub

Kolkata is witnessing a rapid transformation, with an increasing demand for business parks driving its growth as a premier commercial hub. These modern office spaces, designed to cater to the evolving needs of industries and startups, are attracting investments from national and international companies alike. Upcoming projects like the Keventer 1 building in the central business district are redefining the city’s corporate landscape, offering a perfect blend of functionality and sustainability.

Several key business parks are reshaping the skyline, providing state-of-the-art facilities and strategic locations. The development of such projects is not only contributing to the real estate market but also boosting job opportunities and economic growth in Kolkata. Metro line expansions have further increased accessibility, making these business hubs more appealing to companies looking for long-term solutions.

 With Kolkata emerging as a prime destination for businesses, the rise of commercial infrastructure is set to solidify the city’s position on the global map. These upcoming business parks promise to elevate the city’s profile, catering to diverse industries and fostering growth in the years to come.

 Speaking on the rise of interest for business parks in the city, Mr B.P.Singh Roy, COO of Keventer Realty said, “Kolkata’s commercial real estate is evolving rapidly, positioning the city as a rising commercial hub. The growing demand for business parks highlights the city’s potential. At Keventer Realty, we’re committed to delivering innovative spaces that meet the needs of modern businesses and contribute to Kolkata’s development. With iconic projects like Keventer One, we’re setting new industry standards and driving economic progress.”