St. George’s University and Northumbria University Embrace Diversity in New Class Amid Global Education Changes

India, October 15, 2024: Medical education today increasingly focuses on global perspectives and diverse learning experiences, essential for preparing future doctors to meet the demands of an interconnected world. Recognizing this need, many universities partner with international institutions to bring education and clinical training closer to students. St. George’s University (SGU), a School of Medicine in Grenada, in the West Indies has been a pioneer in this area through its long-standing partnership with Northumbria University (NU) in the United Kingdom, established in 2007.

The partnership has welcomed more than 2,500 medical students to spend one or more years of their preclinical or medical degree program at Northumbria University. This offers students the opportunity to complete either a Four-Year MD Program or a Five- or Six-Year MD Track. These tracks are identical to those delivered in Grenada but provide students with the chance to study in and experience a different healthcare environment.

While many traditional study destinations, particularly the UK, have experienced declining interest due to evolving visa regulations and rising costs, the SGU/NU program has defied this trend. For Fall 2024, SGU’s joint MD program with NU saw a significant increase in new student enrolments, attracting an exceptionally diverse cohort of students from over 25 countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, Uganda, Egypt, Jordan, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Japan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Canada, among others.

This growth has been fuelled by several factors. SGU’s strategic approach to international recruitment, with targeted efforts in key markets such as Canada and East Asia, has significantly expanded our reach. Additionally, program innovations and flexible support tools have made SGU’s medical education more accessible to a global audience, helping students gain exposure to a diverse patient population without the need for extensive relocation.

“The diversity of our student body is one of our greatest strengths,” said Dr. James Coey, Assistant Dean of Basic Sciences (UK), St. George’s University School of Medicine. “This year’s growth reflects not only the quality of our program but also the trust students place in SGU to help them realize their dream of becoming doctors in the US or UK. Our comprehensive education, combined with SGU’s extensive clinical partnerships with hospitals in both the US and UK, are factors that help ensure our graduates are well-prepared to succeed in their medical careers.”

MSU and B4M Entertainments Inaugurate Industry Centre of Excellence for Audiography Enthusiasts

In a groundbreaking move for the music and audio engineering industry in India, B4M Entertainments & NHQ Studios and Medhavi Skills University (MSU), inaugurated the state-of-the-art “Centre for Audio Engineering and Recording Arts” on October 6, 2024, in Kochi. The event marked a major milestone in India’s creative sector, providing advanced facilities and unparalleled training to aspiring audio engineers and music professionals.

MSU and Windmill Lane Recording Studios (WLRS), a world-renowned recording studio based in Dublin, Ireland have jointly recognized this facility as an “Industry Centre of Excellence” at the event. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-founder and Pro-Chancellor at Medhavi Skills University, and Mr. Sajeev Kumar S, Vice President – Industry Relations at the University. The “Centre for Audio Engineering and Recording Arts” promises to be a game-changer, offering world-class facilities such as audio recording studios, a mix & mastering suite, a foley & sound design studio, music production studios, a Dolby Atmos Mix studio, live sound facilities, and a band practice space. These cutting-edge resources will elevate the standards of audio production and education in India, bringing international expertise to local talent.

The collaborative effort ensures that the center upholds global standards in music production and audio engineering, further bridging the gap between India and the global entertainment industry.

On this occasion, Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder and Pro-Chancellor of MSU, said “By recognizing NHQ Studios as an Industry Centre of Excellence, Medhavi Skills University will reinforce its commitment to providing hands-on, industry-relevant education. This collaboration will prepare our students to meet the evolving needs of the music and entertainment sectors, equipping them with skills that are both in demand and globally recognized.”

Jim Jacobs, Co- Founder and Director, B4M entertainments and NHQ Studios, stated “We are thrilled to partner with Medhavi Skills University to offer work-integrated courses. On-the-job training is essential for the industry readiness of budding audio engineers. With this state-of-the-art facility, we will deliver high-quality, industry-aligned training programs to aspiring audio engineers.”

With B4M as its skilling partner, MSU is offering industry-aligned audiography programs, including a B.Sc in Audiography and Music Technology and an Advanced Professional Diploma in Audiography and Music Technology. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success in this evolving industry.

ITC Mangaldeep Introduces Fusion: A New Range of Agarbatti

National, 15 October 2024 – ITC Mangaldeep, one of India’s leading incense brands has launched its latest range of incense, Mangaldeep Fusion. This new offering is an innovative mix of classic and modern fragrances that aims to elevate the experience of its consumers. Mangaldeep Fusion is designed for those who seek harmony in their spiritual practices while embracing modernity. This innovative product range brings together carefully selected natural ingredients and fragrances that have been traditionally used in Indian households, aiming to transform the incense experience into a modern aromatic journey for devotion.

Each pack of Fusion contains three variants of sticks, uniquely combining one traditional and one modern fragrance per pack. Each charcoal-free pack of incense brings a refreshing twist to daily prayers with its unique fragrance combinations, such as the calming essence of sandalwood paired with the earthy aroma of vetiver, or the soothing notes of lavender complemented by the grounding scent of sage. Additionally, it indulges users in the rich, resinous aroma of sambrani harmoniously blended with the deep, luxurious Arabian fragrance of Oudh.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Gaurav Tayal, Chief Executive, Matches & Agarbatti Business Division, ITC Ltd., said, “We are happy to launch Mangaldeep Fusion, a range that truly embodies our strength in innovation while reinforcing tradition. We at Mangaldeep are excited about this innovative launch and the enthusiasm we’ve seen from consumers as well as our distributors and wholesalers has been overwhelming. This new range is not just a product launch, it’s a modern interpretation of timeless devotion, blending the best of traditional ingredients with contemporary fragrances.”

Mangaldeep Fusion‘s innovative scent combinations reflect the evolving lifestyle of modern India. Innovated for a younger consumer, these fragrances capture the essence of contemporary cultural fusion in lifestyle, fashion, music, and art, offering a modern twist on traditional aromas. Mangaldeep Fusion is available at PAN Indian retail stores, supermarkets, and popular online platforms and is soon to be available in e-commerce stores.

byteXL introduces Nimbus: A Revolutionary Learning Platform Set to Redefine Coding Education

15 October 2024, Hyderabad – byteXL, the pioneering engineering education transformation platform, is proud to unveil Nimbus, a one-of-its-kind, innovative internal learning platform that changes how students learn to code. Nimbus is crafted for top-notch user experience by giving students the capability and resources to handle challenging coding problems and application development projects.

Nimbus allows students to work in 18+ coding languages, including complex coding languages like Python, C++, and JAVA, all on one platform, so it’s easy to switch between languages when needed. Such flexibility in the change of language will enormously develop efficiency but, in the same place, will give students the opportunity to experiment and learn various programming languages.

The key feature of Nimbus is the ability to launch in as few as 30 to 60 seconds, compared to other platforms, which take several hours to set up. This would provide a great reduction in latency, leading to massive increases in productivity-that is, instead of wasting hours waiting for a machine to configure itself, students will spend their time learning and coding. Nimbus aimed to provide access from affordable devices to eliminate the need for expensive laptops and further facilitate access to top-notch coding education.

Whereas competing platforms command subscription costs very high and often beyond the reach of most, byteXL ensured that Nimbus stayed at reasonable prices. One of the more innovative solutions here is for universities to pay subscription fees for Nimbus so the parents should not have to worry about the subscription. By the aspect of EdTech, Nimbus remains one of the best resources on account of cost and a host of features it has to offer.

According to Karun Tadepalli, CEO, byteXL, “With Nimbus, we’re not just launching a code platform; we’re redefining the entire learning experience for students. The goal is to make sure the next generation of developers will have the skills and tools to remain competitive in the increasingly competitive technology landscape. Added to that, Nimbus will support multiple languages with unmatched speed and affordability, making it a true game-changer in the coding education space.”

“Nimbus is more than a platform’s a game-changing paradigm in the way coding is taught and learned,” said Charan Tadepalli, Co-founder and Chief Sales Officer of byteXL. “By applying advanced technologies and making it more affordable, we are removing obstacles in education and providing students with the needed tools to innovate and lead in the technology industry.”

Nimbus also integrates AI, LLM, and full-stack development, adding to a suite of instruments that will support developers in all fields of coding. The platform is powered by advanced AI to enhance live assistance for students in writing better code faster.

Currently, 27 colleges in India have integrated Nimbus into their curriculum. In this process, 50,000+ students have benefitted from this premium coding platform. The response from students and instructors has been encouraging beyond all expectations.

“Nimbus is unlike any platform I have used before. Its ease of use and speed make coding much more enjoyable and easier. I am quite sure that this is going to help me prepare for my future preparations” says a student from QIS College of Engineering and Technology.

“It has been easier for the students to have access to a wide range of programming languages and tools at an affordable price with Nimbus. AI-assisted coding is probably the most impressive feature that has enhanced student engagement,” says a professor from Lovely Professional University (LPU).

Most importantly, as QIS College of Engineering and Technology’s HOD believes, “Nimbus has transformed the way we teach coding. It has added speed, flexibility, and much more through its AI-based features to our curriculum so that it becomes easy for our students to learn and excel at the coding end.”

With these unique features, byteXL’s Nimbus, together with a user-centric approach, sets a new benchmark in coding education for empowering the next generation of students to become successful in an AI-driven world. This is a bold step toward the future of education that equips the next generation of engineers with the right skill set and knowledge.

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Hidesign signs-up Unicommerce to organise its omnichannel operations

15 October 2024, New Delhi: Leather goods manufacturer Hidesign has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms to strengthen its e-commerce operations and improve order processing for its wide collection of leather products across online and offline channels.

Hidesign has deployed Unicommerce’s technology including its ‘No Frills Order Processing’ feature for omnichannel orders which will allow Hidesign’s staff to view all actionable order items on a single page, making it easier to process store orders seamlessly from a centralised location.

Unicommerce’s platform offers a wide array of integrations across marketplaces & webstores, logistics service providers, ERP, PoS and accounting systems that provide brands a cohesive experience to handle each aspect of their operations. Leveraging these integrations, Hidesign will be able to further streamline its e-commerce operations, improving its billing efficiency and providing a consistent experience across all store locations.

With the latest technological capabilities, Hidesign will be able to provide an enhanced post-purchase experience to its end-customers using Unicommerce’s SaaS platform. Currently, the brand has integrated its 50+ stores and warehouses with the Unicommerce platform.

Talking about the partnership, Pujaspada Pandab (Pujas), Chief finance officer at Hidesign said, “We have had a long known history of our physical presence across the country. With e-commerce becoming the go-to choice for today’s customers, it is important to adopt the right kind of technology. With Unicommerce’s reliable platform, we are rest-assured that our business operations will yield improved results”.

Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, while speaking about the association mentioned, “Hidesign represents the power of art and how its artisanal belief has led to the making of a renowned leather products brand over the years. Just like we have built our technology step by step, our technological prowess will provide the apt support to enhance their post-purchase operations”.

Sathish Rajendren of Knight Frank India Triumphs at RICS South Asia Awards, 2024

Mumbai, October 15, 2024: Knight Frank India, a leading real estate consultancy, is proud to announce that Senior Executive Director- Facilities & Management Services, Sathish Rajendren has triumphed at the RICS South Asia Awards 2024, where he was honoured as South Asia’s Property Professional of the Year. This award from RICS was presented to Sathish for his outstanding contributions in valuation, consulting, facilities, property, and asset management across all sectors of the built environment. This well-deserved recognition represents the highest professional ethics and values, demonstrating the use of standards in day-to-day activities that embody the excellence expected of this prestigious award.

This recognition not only celebrates Sathish’s thought leadership and significant impact on the real estate sector, but also underlines the expertise and dedication of the Knight Frank leadership, reflecting its commitment to delivering strong governance and excellence with efficiency and exceptional client satisfaction.

Under Sathish’s leadership, Knight Frank India has built a high-performance team that adapts to the evolving needs of consulting, facilities management, and asset services, expanding its service offerings across diverse industrial segments such as commercial, retail, residential, hospitality, infra and healthcare for occupiers, developers, government, and investors while collaborating closely with global teams to propel the business to the next phase of growth.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Sathish Rajendren, Senior Executive Director- Facilities & Asset Management Services at Knight Frank India, stated, “These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We remain committed to excellence in all our endeavours, and this acknowledgment inspires us to continue delivering exceptional services, and client care while giving back to the community.”

This accomplishment reaffirms the firm’s position as a leader in the real estate sector, demonstrating its relentless pursuit of excellence in every project undertaken. Knight Frank continues to push the boundaries of innovation, professionalism, and sustainability, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its clients while contributing positively to society.

Real estate sector records the highest-ever equity investment since 2018

National – October 15th, 2024 – CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading real estate consulting firm, announced the findings of its report, ‘India Market Monitor Q3 2024 – Investments’. The report indicates a robust 46% Y-o-Y growth in real estate equity investments, totalling USD 8.9 billion in Jan-Sep ’24 —the highest-ever recorded since CY 2018, surpassing the USD 7.4 billion total equity investments for CY 2023. On a quarterly basis, equity investments in real estate stood at USD 2.6 bn in the Jul-Sep’24 period.

Domestic investors (predominately developers) took the lead with ~79% share in equity capital inflows in Jul-Sep ‘24. Singapore-based investors accounted for nearly 73% of the total foreign capital inflows, followed by the United States (~22%). Developer activity picked pace in Jul- Sep ’24 quarter, accounting for a share of nearly 47% in total equity investments, followed by institutional & collective vehicle investors (~36%).

Mumbai led the equity investment activity in Jul-Sep ‘24, along with Bengaluru and Chennai. Together, these three cities accounted for over 66% of total investments during this period. Investors are expected to continue directing equity inflows towards metros and tier-I cities. However, SEBI’s SM REIT regulations also highlight investment opportunities in quality (but smaller) assets in tier-II locations.

During Jul-Sept’24, land/development sites dominated investments with a share of 45%, followed by the office sector with a 24% share. The retail sector experienced a resurgence in capital inflows, capturing a ~22% share in the same quarter. About 56% of the total capital inflows in site/land acquisitions were deployed for residential developments, while the remaining was committed towards the development of retail, data centres, warehousing projects, hospitals, etc.

In addition to the capital infusion of USD 2.6 billion in Jul-Sep ’24, investment, and development platforms worth ~USD 235 million were set up during the quarter across the hotels and residential sectors.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “Investment activity in India’s real estate market scaled a new peak in 9M 2024, on the back of a resurgence in capital deployment in Q2 2024 (Apr-Jun ’24). Sustained capital inflows are expected in both traditional and emerging sectors in the upcoming quarters, while institutional and collective vehicle investors, along with developers, are expected to drive the overall capital flows”.

Gaurav Kumar, Managing Director, Capital Markets and Land, CBRE India, said. “A rebound in the office leasing market, strong disposal incomes and an unprecedented risk appetite for consumer spending and home buying has led to a record flow of investments in the first 9 months of 2024. As India’s demographic profile continues to pay rich dividends and an affordable talent pool keeps adding at a fast pace, we expect sustainable and rapid growth in India’s residential, retail, office, and logistics sectors.”

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa Honoured with Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award

Bangalore, October 15 2024 – Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award, a testament to the exceptional experiences it provides to guests from around the world. This recognition, based on consistently high ratings and positive feedback from travellers, reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality and service excellence.

Nestled amidst lush greenery and offering world-class amenities, Clarks Exotica has long been a preferred destination for leisure, business, and events. The resort’s dedication to ensuring the utmost comfort and satisfaction of its guests has earned it a reputation as one of the leading luxury properties in India. The Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award highlights the resort’s continuous efforts to enhance guest experiences through personalized services and a serene environment.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Balaji M, CEO of Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, said, “We are honoured to receive the Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating memorable and delightful stays for our guests. It is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team, who go above and beyond to ensure that every visitor feels at home. We will continue to elevate our services to meet and exceed guest expectations in the years to come.”

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa continues to be a leader in the hospitality industry, consistently raising the bar with its state-of-the-art facilities, including the award-winning Ocean Convention Centre, premium dining options, and a holistic wellness spa. The resort’s latest accolade from Agoda further cements its place as a top destination for travellers seeking luxury, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.