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Iconic designer Phillippe Starck needs no introduction. Over the course of a career spanning four decades, Paris born Philippe Starck has stamped his name on seminal pieces of design - be it tableware, bath ware, toothbrushes, electric cars, and even yachts. With a style that's minimalist, quirky, and even shocking at times Philippe Starck's design and work stir up very different emotions. A genius par excellence, Starck prefers to work alone and has designed thousands of products, interiors, and buildings for clients ranging from Microsoft to Baccarat. When it comes to living spaces, Philippe Starck has partnered international property entrepreneur John Hitchcock to create YOO. With 87 projects in 55 cities and 36 countries, YOO is a thoroughly international residential and hotel design brand, with a pioneering vision for living. The YOO name also has other names like Kelly Hoppen, Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, and Steve Leung, all of whom are internationally celebrated designers. Needless to say, there are several who covet a Philippe Starck-designed home. But while many may aspire, only a few reside, as every YOO project is unique and specific to the city of its development. yoopune by Phillippe Starck is an ode to design-led luxury living. The 30th YOO project in the world, yoopune is India's first YOO project and the first one designed by Phillippe Starck. The horse-shoe shaped project is a contemporary landmark in glass and steel-look with lush green landscaping at the center and ample indulgence for a discerning clientele. The project has 228 well-appointed, spacious residences spread across 6 towers and offer a plethora of indulgent lifestyle amenities. A lush green landscape forms the distinctive feature of this award-winning luxury project. The 5-acre greenery has tall tropical trees and creates an oasis of calm at the center of the project. Spread over 17 acres, yoopune offers design-led living with an intricate connection with nature woven beautifully through contemporary interiors and verdant outdoor spaces. The apartment sizes range from 5,100 - 6,900 sq. ft. and has limited penthouses. The project has been developed by Pune-based Panchshil Realty. The Panchshil Group is known for its globally benchmarked luxury and commercial properties including India's first Trump Towers. Over the last two decades, Panchshil properties have gone on to develop some of the most defining landmarks of Pune and India. The idea for a YOO address in Pune, came about when Sagar Chordia, Director of Panchshil Realty visited the YOO project in Tel Aviv. Delighted with what he saw, Sagar Chordia connected with John Hitchcock and Philippe Starck, thereby paving the way for YOO and Philippe Starck to arrive in India. The design philosophy for yoopune centres on bringing together bold, classic and contemporary elements with luxurious materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Created as a boutique enclave, the interiors feature eye-catching decorative elements curated locally and make for a fresh new design statement. Not just a luxury residence, yoopune also carries signatures of sustainability thanks to its green credentials. Overhanging roofs for protection from the sun, rooms with brilliant natural light and plenty of cross-ventilation energy dependence for cooling. The homes also offer smart lighting and sound features controlled by tablet or smartphone app. Perhaps, the most soothing aspect of life at yoopune is its wide offering of amenities, which allow its residents to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. These include: ● Luxurious triple-height reception ● Swimming pool with swim-up bar ● Table tennis ● Pool table room ● Wine and Cigar lounge ● Music and Games room ● Art gallery ● Private cinema ● Business centre Once out of the residences, interactive communal spaces make for great places to unwind. A unique feature of this project is its underground state-of-the-art Spa la Vie by L'Occitane - a sanctuary to rejuvenate body and soul. The L'Occitane Spa offers a tranquil escape inspired by the Provencal style of life where one can indulge in traditional massage treatments, sensorial treats, relaxing music, herbal concoctions, and other wellness treatments and therapies. Residents at yoopune also have exclusive access to 24x7 concierge services, which aim to fulfill every lifestyle request. Because of its unique mix, yoopune has swept several award categories internationally over the years including 'The Best Residential Property Interior - India' at Bloomberg Asia Pacific Property Awards. Contemporary with a classic twist, yoopune designed by Starck truly reflects Starck 's value - the ability to explore, surprise, and offer exclusivity. Learn more about yoopune at www.yoopune.com DISCLAIMER This communication should not be considered as an offer and is solely of an informational nature. The references or declarations made herein are informational only and are not to be interpreted in any other manner. The developer (Eon Hadapsar Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. and/or its affiliates and/or its subsidiaries) reserve the right to make any modifications to the materials, specifications, plans, designs and delivery of the residences communicated here without providing any prior notice. All of the specifications contained herein, including technical, promotional, related to images or of any other nature, are the property of Eon Hadapsar Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. and/or its affiliates and/or its subsidiaries, and such specifications may not be used by any person, including any individual entity, without the prior written consent of Eon Hadapsar Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. and/or its affiliates and/or its subsidiaries. This project was completed before May 1, 2017.

Senior Living Homes, a need whose time has arrived in India Diving deep into statistics about the senior living sector in India, shows promise of significant growth in the near future. Acquainting with the numbers, it is found that nearly 100 million seniors have a wide range of requirements and concerns on a daily basis. Tackling issues like healthcare, socialization, tiring travels, completing day-to-day chores along with dealing with increasing issues with safety and urban crime, are several senior living houses that cater towards the fulfilment of all these concerns. Evidently, such initiations have become the need of the hour for senior living communities and this idea is not at all being neglected by our nation. Following the findings of the extensive research, Gagan Properties has shaped their vision into existence, hence calling it NULIFE. Nulife's major advantage is its proximity to major cities like Mumbai & Pune. Located in the hill station like destination Kamshet, Nulife offers seamless connectivity being just 2hr 25 min drive from the Mumbai International Airport. The project is 1.5 km from Kamshet Railway Station, while Lonavala station (18 km) is a convenient stopover for most passing trains. In addition, Gagan Properties has provided a complimentary shuttle bus service to destination within a 20 km radius of the project. The Pune Airport is just 50 km from the location. Active living - A lively voyage! Each day dawning over the beautiful premise of NULIFE is laden with parcels of fresh energy and enthusiasm. The residents here wake up to a soothing aura - a scenic view amidst mountains. The soothing weather coupled with beautiful panoramic views intertwine to make it an almost hill station like location. NULIFE residents define their own dynamic lifestyle through various recreation and leisure facilities meticulously planned in the campus. The world class facilities include a wellness Center, fitness Club (gym) yoga hall, meditation room, amphitheatre and hobby gardens. Reinvent yourself every morning! ( www.gagannulife.com/nu-wellness?cstm_ppc_channel=TimesNative) Socialization - It's a place to fulfil ambitions and long cherished dreams. Explore a new world with Gagan Nulife! The product of meeting new people is an interesting activity, regardless of how old you are. Nulife ensures a relaxing and refreshing life by offering a geographical appeasement namely Nucampus - stretched across 1 lac sq.ft. of recreational and community, this is a commonplace that allows all seniors to revisit their much-cherished college days once again with newer friends who shall remain for life. Freedom, enjoyment, friendships and fun is what Gagan Nulife is all about! As a result, our residents spend each day engaged and content. Many self-enriching venues like a library, art & craft studio, auditorium, conference hall, beauty salon and spa, community dining hall, swimming pool, indoor games and many more available. (details www.gagannulife.com/nu-lifestyle?cstm_ppc_channel=TimesNative) They provide a harmoniously empowering lifestyle for their residents and a peace of mind for their families which is truly priceless. Recreation - It's your freedom from dull routine. Becoming a Nulife resident is the new status quo. While establishing their new identity, each resident also defines and choose their own dynamic lifestyle. Residents live to the fullest by engaging in their choice of enjoyable activities which are carefully selected and designed keeping their preferences in mind. They can choose from an array of wellness and fitness programs, educational classes, social and cultural outings, games, special entertainment on festivals and much more. The list of possibilities is endless. The prescription for Healthy Aging and a Fuller Life Wellness is at the core of Nulife's service commitment which results in healthy aging while enhancing the quality of life and overall well-being of theresidents. Growing old is strictly prohibited here! At Nulife, resident wellness means opportunities for staying physically fit and socially active, continuing to learn and discover new things to enjoy; maintaining emotional and spiritual balance and feeling connected to community, friends and loved ones. (Visit: http://gagannulife.com/nu-premises.php?cstm_ppc_channel=TimesNative) Healthcare and Security - Your lives are precious! Tender lives are accommodated at Nulife; therefore, their protection must also be top-notch. The association with a renowned hospital equipped with an ICU to be present inside the complex with dedicated doctors, nurses and a resourceful pharmacy. Other Nucare facilities included in the apartment price are 24 x 7 ambulance service, periodical preventive medical check-up, routine Physiotherapy, daily housekeeping, weekly laundry services and CCTV surveillance. NULIFE believes in delivering every service with utmost care and responsibility. So when it comes to medical services and residential assistance to elder seniors, we entrust it to best of professionals from relevant fields. www.gagannulife.com/sterlingcare?cstm_ppc_channel=TimesNative Design and Details - The sculpture that inspired many! Nuilfe is a beautiful concept. But the beauty doesn't end on an intangible note. From large doorways, no-step entries and wider corridors to panic alarm system throughout the flat, grab bars in washrooms and anti-skid flooring, this project has been created by the globally renowned architect Perkins Eastman who has graced the construction of Nulife with their sensitive vision, keeping in mind the residents that will be accommodated. All amenity spaces are located in the community building, nucampus. This allows all residents convenient access to all amenities in one building, expanding useable activity space to outdoors and increasing contact with nature. Perseverance and skill - The Team! The vision of Gagan Properties, based in Pune, Nulife is a by-product of the best experiences procured out of 21 years' worth real estate experience; a brand that is receptive to innovation and customer satisfaction on progressive levels within the real estate sector. Having delivered more than 5500 apartments to satisfied clients and having more than 6 million sq. ft. currently under construction the credibility of this project reaches roof-ripping levels of authentic comfort and style for all our beloved elder ones. The first phase of Nulife project is ready for grabs as families are already residing there, with 1 and 2 BHK apartments already being quoted with a starting price of just 49.99 INR Lacs for Phase II Under construction and 79.99 Lacs INR for ready possession 2 BHK in Phase I, is a worthwhile investment. Especially, when Nulife has such impeccable service offerings including power backup for all common areas and lifts, common area maintenance, shared shuttle, concierge services, E-kart movement in the premises, exterior building maintenance, Nurse on call 24x7, weekly laundry, daily housekeeping, amenity & recreation building, ambulance on standby, periodical medical check-ups, weekly physiotherapy, trained security, staff and surveillance. All the above have been incorporated in the apartment cost and will be taken care by Gagan Nulife for upto 15 years. Gagan Nulife introduces itself as a new way of aspiration for senior citizens in India and is destined to change the senior living scenario on a scale that is nationwide. If this is what you have been dreaming to enter existence, then hurry up and contact Nulife! We believe, it is not enough for our residents to add new years to their life. We are inspired to add new life to those years. For more information on Gagan Nulife call 9372305656, or visit http://gagannulife.com/?cstm_ppc_channel=TimesNative. This ultra-modern initiation is a world-class resort residence provision for the senior citizens of our nation. Sprawling across 14 acres of holistic goodness, it can rightfully be entitled as a practical hyperbole of comfort for the senior-living concept, owing to its adherence with international standards that are exhibited proudly at Kamshet, near Lonavala. Justified with a dynamic tagline that reads ' GROW YOUNG ', Nulife is that place where seniors can age gracefully while living amidst the raw elements of nature where they are constantly socializing with pleasant weather and an unpolluted environment. NULIFE is truly breathing in NEW LIFE for it's Residents. RERA NO - PHASE 2 - P52100002941

There is nothing better than a good bargain, especially when you are looking for the perfect property. As the economic condition becomes alarming and the property rates wane, those interested in buying homes and commercial spaces are still looking for those extra perks, especially during the festive time. But it's that time of the year again. The time when the festive buzz is over and so is the deals & offers everywhere. We all look for more reasons to prolong celebrations in India. And while it is hard to find a greater joy than discounts, be it in any season or without any reason, it is the little moments that we still want you to relish. The wait is over, join us in the celebration of Doosri Diwali, VTP Wali. Are You Ready For "Ek Diwali Rangon Wali Aur Doosri Diwali VTP ke Rangeele Offers Wali." VTP Realty brings the extended festive celebrations, exclusively for you. All the Puneites, it's time to celebrate Doosri Diwali again. Let the crackling festive discounts on a great range of projects across Pune delight you. While every location has become a celebration with VTP, you can relish 1,2 & 3 bedroom homes & commercial spaces from Rs. 19 Lakh to Rs. 1.9 Crore in Wagholi-Kesnand Rd., Kharadi, NIBM, Undri, Baner-Pashan Link Rd., Dange Chowk, Wakad, Chinchwad, Talegaon. That's not it! Offers like GST discounts, no pre-EMI, no floor-rise charges and minimal booking amount are waiting for you. Additionally, complimentary white goods, iPhone on Booking, Gold vouchers and electronic goods vouchers are the lucrative deals you get on some of the most sought-after properties in the city. Need more reasons to extend your Diwali festivities. We guess not! "Ek Diwali jo Duniya manaaye, Doosri Diwali jo aapki dunia sajaye, aa gai hai". Why choose VTP Realty? VTP Realty is one of the biggest real estate players in Pune with a rich experience of doing business for decades. It is popular for building world-class commercial & residential spaces in premium, middle-income and affordable segments, catering to each class of society. Backed by the 30-year-old VTP Group, which is best known for supplying best quality raw materials; steel & cement in Maharashtra and successfully constructing close to 100 projects for reputed real estate developers, Government agencies, and infrastructure companies across the country. VTP group also boasts many other flagship brands under its umbrella including VTP Ventures, VTP Rairah Foods, Viraj Projects and VTP Material catering to various businesses and customers. With its presence across all prime locales in Pune, the company promises high-quality and maximum value for investment to its customers. Standing tall with its three-pillar principle of Better Design, Better Build and Better Care, VTP is creating enriching lifestyles with spaces you'd love to flaunt. Led from the front by Mr. Sachin Bhandari, the company has achieved several milestones under his leadership. CRM (Customer relationship management) and After-Sales service is a priority for VTP. The company further improvises its customers' experience by funding and organizing community-building initiatives and society's cultural events, bringing people together and during the first 6 months. They are also very active in quickly responding and remedying any snagging issues that occur, post possession of the property. Space design and through planning is deployed before launching any project. VTP Realty has created the concept of MLA (Maximum Livable Area) Homes which have zero wastage of space wherein the customer pays only for the area that he will use. Quality of construction is another focus area for VTP backed with the latest technology and construction methods used for faster execution without compromising on the quality. VTP Realty ensures highest quality building material usage and quality standards as they have their own group companies like Viraj Infrastructure (Executed large-scale contracts for clients like Panchshil, Suzlon, Thermax, JSW Steel, Brigade Group etc.), VTP Materials and VTP Realty who ensure highest quality building material usage and quality standards. Hence a VTP product, whether it's an office, a showroom, or an apartment, is a great buy at a great location and appropriate price. And the Doosri Diwali Offers are even better than the Real ones and available only for a limited time. Time to sweeten the 'After Party' with VTP Realty.

Popularly known as 'Oxford of the East' and 'Detroit of India', Pune has become one of the favourite cities to live in over the years. This beautiful city houses India's highest number of software companies, National Defence Academy, educational institutions, and much more! With a commendable growth over the last 20 years, Pune has gained the title of 'The most liveable city in India' Knowing what Pune has in-store for the people of India, Kolte Patil is soon launching Ivy Nia as a part of the magnificent Ivy Estate in Wagholi. "Ivy Nia will offer max advantage to home-buyers who are looking for a home at an attractive price" says Gopal Sarda, Group CEO of Kolte Patil. What makes it so special is the connectivity to prime destinations of Pune. "Professionals working in Kharadi, Magarpatta or Viman Nagar can choose to stay here and experience the Ivy life", he added. Being East Pune's popular investment location, Wagholi gives an edge to Ivy Nia. Wagholi came under the buyer's radar after the swift growth witnessed by Kharadi. Today, this suburb is a much sought-after destination thanks to its proximity to schools, convenience stores, healthcare centres, etc. Not only this, IVY Nia is situated next to a hillock to give its residents a reason to wake up early to a mesmerizing morning. As far as the factors like construction quality and timely possession are concerned, Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd. doesn't leave a gap to deliver what it promises, every time. And, 3500+ families residing in Ivy Estate is the testimony to this fact too. "This is probably the last chance to own a Kolte Patil home at this price. Home buyers looking to buy a home in Pune since many years finally have a once in a lifetime opportunity". Ivy Nia is the last opportunity for all of you to live at Ivy Estate and experience a community-living like never before. Also, this project is priced reasonably to suit the pockets of even LIG or MIG clientele and everyone who has always dreamt of living in an upmarket community. Contact 1800-266-6654 for more information or Visit http://www.koltepatil.com/ivynia The project has been registered via MahaRERA registration number P52100017955 as Ivy Estate-Nia and is available on the website https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in under registered projects.

While luxury real estate in India is undergoing a transformation, one brand in Pune has already moved leagues ahead of the industry in this category, earning it the reputation of being India's most global real estate brands. That brand is none other than Pune based real estate major - Panchshil Realty. Over the last decade, Panchshil, headquartered out of Pune, has introduced several international brands like YOO, Trump Corporation, World Trade Center, JW Marriott, and Hilton to Pune city, and pioneered several best practices in construction in luxury real estate. As a matter of fact, some of these are being successfully employed in Panchshil's nine-tower luxury project - Panchshil Towers, which interestingly is also one of Pune's tallest residential landmarks. f Spread across 14-acres in the swank neighbourhood of EON Free Zone, Kharadi, and World Trade Center Pune, Panchshil Towers is a luxury project consisting of 3.5BHK, 4.5BHK luxury apartments, Penthouses, and limited Podium Villas. Panchshil Towers has been designed by US-based architect Shekhar Ganti and has several global names in construction technology partnering the development. Being a luxury project, Panchshil Towers offers over 20 key lifestyle amenities including an expansive clubhouse with function lawn, pool, gym, a gourmet café, restaurant, multi-sport courts, squash courts, jogging track, cricket/football ground, elder & teen gardens and much more. (https://www.panchshiltowers.com/amenities/) As you enter the project, intelligent use of materials and design meets your eye. The nine towers have a contemporary glass and aluminium (ACP) façade, which emanates splendour and strength. Use of technology and engineering excellence is evidenced everywhere in the project. Panchshil Towers hold the distinction of being a forerunner in the scale use of the globally prevalent practice of Dry Construction Technology (DCT), a process that eliminates usage of brick and concrete, and has reduced the usage of water in the project significantly. Other breakthrough technologies at Panchshil Towers include the use of Viega / Geberit firefighting systems from Germany that is non-welded, with almost zero chance of corrosion or leakage. The project also has technology-rich features like VRF central-air-conditioning by Samsung (thus reducing the energy footprint), and 100% power-backup. (details: https://www.panchshiltowers.com/technology/) As residents enter the luxurious lobby, silent Mitsubishi elevators whiz them off to the tower apartments. The elevators have a speed of 2.5 meters per second taking residents to the upper floors in under a minute. The towers also have private elevators specifically for the Penthouse & Podium Villa residents. Depending on configuration, the Apartments have large family-centric, multifunctional living zones like exterior decks, lounge living, family area, study, lounge, and exterior decks. Within the apartment, security is assured through the use of a 3-in-1 Yale locking system which allows residents to access the main door using either a key, fingerprint or passcode. The use of technology continues within the apartments with a five-mode mood-lighting system by Jung Yang. Instead of bricks and mortar, all apartments have dry-walls which superlative imported materials and also free-up usable carpet areas. Panchshil also believes in delivering a highly finished product to its residents ensuring that every apartment is ready to live in from day one. The Panchshil Towers living rooms comes with a false ceiling and concealed lighting. While exterior viewing decks are finished with strip tiles. https://www.panchshiltowers.com/interiors/ The kitchen is also modular and comes ready with Elica hob and chimney. All apartments come with separate utility room next to the kitchen, maid's room, and thoughtful conveniences such as a powder room for guests. The apartments all come with floor-to-ceiling windows fitted with double glazed low-E glass and low emissivity. Panchshil Towers also prides itself as being the first project in the entire country where pre-fabricated bathrooms, branded as The BathPods, are fitted directly into the apartments. A bath-pod is a three-dimensional self-supporting bathroom structure that is fabricated offsite complete and finished. It is then sky-lifted to the specific floors, complete with all architectural fittings and fixtures. A perfect blend of beauty and functionality, the bathrooms come equipped with an imported washstand, mirror and shower enclosures that are finest in quality. The bedrooms are a sanctuary of privacy with an unobtrusive lighting scheme, attached bathrooms, and spacious walk-in closets. Bedrooms come with wooden flooring, which is fixed over a sub-floor, enabling proper levelling. To know more about Panchshil Towers, we recommend you personally visit to get a first-hand experience of this iconic project. Further details are available on www.panchshiltowers.com Note: The project has been registered via MahaRERA Registration Number: P52100002528 and is available on the website https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/ under registered projects. Disclaimer: The visuals, furniture, and fixtures are for representational purposes only and are purely conceptual. The areas, prices and specifications, and elevations are proposed and subject to change as per the requirement of relevant authorities. This communication is not an offer nor any promise. Kindly contact the sales team for all specifications and technical details. The Terms and Conditions of the Sales Agreement between the purchaser and the Company shall be final and binding. Any reliance on this communication in entirely at the risk of the reader.

A new study by TimesJobs concludes that nearly 45% of the employees still experience unequal treatment due to their physical appearance. Let's find out what more India Inc. employees have to reveal about the much-hyped Diversity & Inclusion programs at the various workplaces... Key Highlights: · 25% of employees think that their organisation's management is not committed to meet the needs of employees with disabilities · 57% denied that their companies openly recruited LGBTQ or disabled candidates in the organisation · 55% of employees still experience bias at their workplaces on the grounds of gender, ethnicity and appearance · About 52% of employees mentioned that their managers treat all the employees equally regardless of their background "If people in powerful positions continue to hire and cast only people who look like them, sound like them, come from the same neighbourhoods they grew up in, they will never have a greater understanding of experiences different from their own", Beyoncé Knowles said in a recent interview. With this, she lifted the lid off the controversial 'inclusive' aspects of society and workplaces at large. The rat-race of being 'the best employee' has shifted to being 'the best employer'. In that bid, many employers roll out glossy initiatives to promote Diversity & Inclusion at their work floors, but how much of these pay off in the real sense? TimesJobs surveyed more than 2,000 India Inc. employees and hiring managers to find an answer to this question. Even though Indian corporates are progressively adopting Diversity and Inclusion at workplaces, TimesJobs survey data reveals that employees today still feel awkward or are conscious while openly expressing about their sexual orientation and cultural values at their workplaces. Almost 29% of the employees hesitate in doing so because they think it might hamper their career. A good 26% felt that their colleagues would make fun of them. And about 23% were worried that they will be judged by their co-workers. What organisations say v/s what they really do In the TimesJobs survey, about 52% of employees mentioned that their managers treat all the employees equally regardless of their background. About 48% of respondents said that managers treated them differently. On asking about the reasons for this mistreatment, these 48% respondents said the physical appearance of employees was the biggest reasons for unequal treatment. Another reason was gender. According to our survey, nearly 57% of employees denied that their companies openly recruited LGBTQ or disabled candidates in the organisation. Only 42% of the India Inc. reported a yes to it. Ironically to all the above data, among the hiring managers who took the TimesJobs survey, 65% said that their employees show a commitment to diversity and inclusion policy. About 46% of recruiters surveyed by TimesJobs said that the primary objective of diversity programs at their organisation is to give targeted development opportunities for employees coming from different backgrounds. About 29% of recruiters said that their agenda with diversity programs was to recruit candidates from different backgrounds, and almost 16% said that the motive of such programs was to develop a pipeline of diverse leaders. "With the rising quotient of millennials at the workplaces, the companies are innovating the D&I policies. The market demand is growing for diversity beyond the gender ratio. For example, a lot of organisations are sculpting their D&I programs for the physically disabled and LGBTQ candidates. It's overwhelming to see such progress in both public and private offices in our country", said Ramathreya Krishnamurthi, Business Head, TimesJobs & TechGig. Here is the link to complete report: https://bit.ly/2MEnjQk

The much-anticipated hiring numbers by TimesJobs are out. After witnessing muted growth in hiring, the month of July finally brought some cheer for job seekers. July 2018 saw highest growth (16%) in recruitment activities in a month-on-month analysis, making it the best month from employment generation perspective in 2018! All key industries and job roles showed a major upswing in talent demand in July 2018. Aug 4, 2018, New Delhi: Hiring activities in July 2018 saw an uptick with a 16% increase in talent demand, making July the best month for recruitment as compared to last six months of 2018, as revealed by TimesJobs RecruiteX a€“ a monthly hiring report. The RecruiteX August 2018 report observes that demand for talent in the BPO industry topped the chart reporting 14% growth in demand for talent in July 2018.Similar growth was also witnessed in sectors such as IT/Telecom, Healthcare, Petrochemicals/Oil and Gas/Power and the Manufacturing industry where hiring numbers showed growth in July 2018 over the preceding month. Demand for Petrochemicals/Oil and Gas/ Power professionals posted 13% hike in month-on-month comparison. Chennai recorded the highest demand for talent among other key locations in India. Tier II cities like Indore too performed well in July 2018 when compared with June 2018. Mumbai, which registered a low demand in hiring last month, witnessed a rise of 12% in talent demand. Among Indian states, Assam posted the highest rise in demand for talent. Among the experience levels, most jobs were available during the month for candidates with an experience of 10-20 years. Hiring sentiment gained maximum momentum for professionals with experience of 5-10 years. "InJuly 2018, the hiring numbers rose by 16% in the Indian job market after recording subdued growth in the first six months of 2018. In fact, the last major spike in hiring was noticed in April 2017, but the numbers were subtle as compared to July 2018. The bulk of talent demand came from Manufacturing, Petrochemicals, Oil and Gas, Power and BFSI sectors. Going by the trends from RecruiteX editions from previous years and a good sense of the job market we expect hiring activity to sustain the same growth in the coming months too," said Ramathreya Krishnamurthy, Business Head, TimesJobs and TechGig. Top hiring industries a€¢ BPO industry registered 18% rise in hiring a€¢ Projects and Infrastructure sector posted 16% rise in talent demand a€¢ Petrochemicals/ Oil and Gas/ Power sector saw 13% rise in talent demand Top hiring cities a€¢ Among top ten locations, Chennai reported more than 30% rise in demand a€¢ Chandigarh posted 40% rise in talent demand a€¢ Indore saw 36% rise in talent demand during the month Top job roles a€¢ HR professionals reported 28% rise in demand a€¢ Engineering profiles saw a 24% rise in demand a€¢ Customer Service/Tele-calling professionals witnessed 24% rise in demand About TimesJobs: TimesJobs is a platform to help competent professionals enhance their career growth. With over 25 million registered jobseekers across the board and more than 60 million-page views every month, it is the most preferred career portal among ambitious and talented professionals who want to make smarter career decisions that accelerate their career progression.

JobBuzz Workplace2025 Conclave Brings Together India's Top Business Leaders to Envision Tech Disruptions at Work Spheres  As technology is making quick inroads into workplaces, JobBuzz organised its maiden conclave to discuss and outline the changes that will alter workplaces. This event was attended by 8 CEOs, 24 CHROs, 15 CTOs, 7 business case presenters, 3 spiritual speakers, 1 motivational guru, 1 robot and 400+ business leaders! Read on… Technology is the beacon of fourth industrial revolution. Everything that is fast paced and tech-led will be the future in its respective domain. Accordingly, workplaces are expected to change. The nature of jobs, the scope of work, present job profiles, the mode of work and work culture - everything is bound to change.  To raise an industry dialogue on these disruptions, JobBuzz - an employer rating and review website from TimesJobs - recently organised one-day long HR conclave titled 'JobBuzz Workplace2025: Technology, Talent and Transformation Conclave 2018' powered by Times Internet Limited. The recently concluded event at New Delhi's Taj Palace hotel, witnessed the confluence of India's top CEOs, CTOs, CHROs and business leaders.  The day began with an exclusive CEO roundtable where India's top leaders discussed 'The Evolution of Work: New Realities Facing Today's Leaders'. This session was anchored by Gautam Sinha, CEO, Times Internet. After this session, Satyan Gajwani, Vice Chairman of Times Internet formally inaugurated the event via video message and welcomed all delegates.  This was followed by a welcome address by Gautam Sinha. In his speech Gautam Sinha hailed the use of technology and said, "New digital and communication technologies are eliminating the conventional ways of working. The transformations that surfaced in 50 years, are now merely taking five years owing to the technological advancements. It is imperative for every individual and organization to prepare for the age of compressed timelines".  Post his speech, Gautam Sinha was joined by Mitra Robot, the humanoid bot known for performing various workplace chores, for a brief dialogue on jobs done by bots. After this, Sister Shivani from Brahma Kumaris delivered the opening address on 'Managing Stress and Mental Wellness at Workplace: Tips for Mobile Ready World'.  Soon after, a series of panel discussions featuring CHROs of top Indian companies ensued throughout the day. Alongside, the event hosted two CTO panel discussions and a tech breakout session anchored by Jagdish Mitra, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Tech Mahindra. All details on panel discussions are available @ https://jobbuzz.timesjobs.com/workplace2025 Highlighting the digital transformation at workplaces, Sanjay Goyal, Vice President & Head of Product, Technology, TimesJobs, TechGig and JobBuzz said, "Workplaces are rapidly turning to technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, data science and chatbots to make their work easier. This phenomenon is only going to increase in the coming years. The only way to make the most of this technology-led future is to remain ahead of the learning and adoption curve." He also complimented all the panelists for sharing intrinsic insights on the adoption of technology in their organisations, their challenges and frank discussions on possible solutions as well.       While explaining the Gig Economy and its boon, Ramathreya Krishnamurthi, Business Head, TimesJobs, TechGig and JobBuzz said, "Hiring a skilled freelancer from any location and making payments through secured means are some of the things that the technology has enabled us to do. With further tech-innovations and advancements, Gig Economy will surely witness a boost and that will be yet another revolution in the way people work and organisations get work done." The event concluded with a glitzy awards night where best new-age workplaces were felicitated based on the employee reviews posted on JobBuzz.  Different organisations were honored under 11 award categories. Find below the details:  Best New-Age HR Practices: 1st Place: Cisco Systems  Runners-up: Johnson & Johnson  Best New-Age Employer for Employee Engagement Practices: 1st Place: Philips India  Runners-up: Microsoft India  Best New-Age Employer for Innovative Talent Management & Succession Planning: 1st Place: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories  Runners-up: Ernst & Young  Best New-Age Employer for Work-Life Balance: 1st Place: IBM India  Runners-up: CGI  Best New-Age Employer for Work Culture: 1st Place: Hewlett-Packard  Runners-up: Oracle  Best New-Age Employer for Career Growth:  1st Place: Lupin Pharmaceuticals  Runners-up: Hindustan Construction Company  Best New-Age Employer Branding Campaign:  1st Place: Amazon India  Runners-up: Accenture  Best New-Age Employer in Conglomerates: 1st Place: Tata Group  Runners-up: ITC Group Best Innovation in Recruitment: 1st Place: Capgemini India  Runners-up: Just Dial  Excellence in HR Through Technology: 1st Place: IBM India  Runners-up: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance  Best New-Age Employer: 1st Place: Tata Consultancy Services  Runners-up: Google India  The conclave witnessed 400+ delegates, 300+ companies, and a plenitude of industry experts, who apart from learning and exploring how technological advancements will impact workplaces in year 2025, also leveraged the event to expand their networking circle. 

The JobBuzz Workplace Index for May 2018 identified Consumer Durables, FMCG and Automobiles as top three best sectors to work for. This index is based on the ratings and reviews posted by Indian employees on JobBuzz. Here's more… May 17, 2018, New Delhi: Consumer Durables toppled Automobiles to become the best sector to work for in May 2018 on the JobBuzz Workplace Index. Automobiles was on top in April 2018 and got pushed to the third spot in the May edition of JobBuzz Workplace Index - a monthly tally of workplaces and sectors based on the ratings and reviews provided by Indian employees on the website.  Consumer Durables has been in the news over the past few months due to its growth statistics. Alongside its business growth, the employees working here hail it for career growth prospective, salary offering, work-life balance and work culture. That pushed this sector to grab the first position at the workplace index.  This month, Automobiles sector ranked third on the workplace index. The Consumer Durables and FMCG sector were highly rated for their workplace culture. Hospitality and Pharmaceuticals sectors were rated at par for the career growth opportunities they offer.  Sanjay Goyal, Head of Product and Technology, TimesJobs, JobBuzz and TechGig attributed this to the overall growth and positive sentiment for the sector. "The effects of demonetisation and GST are wearing away and Consumer Durables sector is back on the track. The sector is witnessing a positive sentiment and that is constantly pushing the demand for talent as well. The sector has been able to match the expectations of its workforce even with a large number of people joining it every year. It is indeed setting up a benchmark for other sectors to take a clue and create policies to build an engaged workforce," said Sanjay Goyal. It is worth noting here that consumer durables scored on top of all other sectors in all concrete factors like work culture, work-life balance, career growth and salary benchmarks. The overall scores for May 2018 looked like this -  1. Consumer Durables 2. FMCG 3. Automobiles 4. Hospitality 5. Pharmaceuticals 6. Manufacturing 7. BFSI 8. Retail 9. IT 10. Telecom DOWNLOAD THE MAY 2018 EDITION OF JOBBUZZ WORKPLACE INDEX HERE 

Recruitment activities have been on an upswing since last few months, and April 2018 too ended with an overall growth of 3%, with business management profiles being most in demand. Both Bengaluru and Pune recorded a steep rise of 14% in the talent demand. May 11, 2018, New Delhi: Talent demand remained positive in April 2018 as the month ended with 3% hike in recruitment activities as compared to March 2018. RecruiteX, the monthly recruitment index by TimesJobs, noted that hiring sentiment was positive at India Inc. in April 2018 with construction and real estate being the top hiring sectors. The April 2018 edition of RecruiteX posted a moderate 3% rise in the overall talent demand across India, which is in-line with the positive hiring momentum of 8% recorded in March 2018. Among key functional areas, professionals belonging to business management/ consulting domain, hospitality, logistics and BFSI reported a significant rise in talent demand. IT/Telecom and engineering profiles too witnessed a notable rise in demand. Among key locations, Bengaluru and Pune posted a maximum rise (14%) in hiring activities. Whereas, Chennai witnessed a rise of 11% in the talent demand. Ahmedabad and Indore were the top hiring tier II locations. Industry-wise analysis: Real estate registers 7% rise in hiring As talent demand reported rise across most key industry segments, real estate and construction drove most hiring activities in April 2018 with a rise of 7% and 6% respectively. Logistics posted an increase of 4% in the talent demand. "Overall, the first quarter of 2018 (Jan-Mar 2018) saw a positive hiring momentum and this trend has continued in April as well. In April, construction and related sectors are the biggest contributors to spike in recruitment activities. The union government is aggressively pushing many mammoth infrastructure projects, and that is causing a spiraling effect on the construction and related sectors. These sectors are witnessing a positive thrust and are hence back on hiring spree. We are hopeful that this trend will continue for some more time in the recruitment segment", said Ramathreya Krishnamurthi, Business Head, TimesJobs & TechGig. Business management and consultants in demand In April 2018, talent demand grew across all key functional areas. Business management and consultants witnessed a rise of 21% during the month, followed by hospitality and logistics professionals which witnessed 12% and 11% respectively on month-on-month analysis. Bengaluru records the highest demand Among key locations, Bengaluru and Pune posted a maximum rise (14%) in demand. Whereas, Chennai witnessed a rise of 11% in the talent demand. Ahmedabad and Indore were the top hiring tier II locations. Among states, Maharashtra (except Mumbai and Pune) posted 5% rise in the talent demand. Professionals with over 20 years of experience lead demand Hiring gained momentum for experienced professionals, while it dropped for freshers. Candidates with over 20 years of experience posted the highest rise of 10% in talent demand in April 2018. Professionals with 2-5 years and 5-10 years of experience posted a rise of 8% and 5% each. Key highlights of the report are: • Top hiring sectors Real estate Construction Logistics • Top hiring locations Bengaluru Pune Hyderabad • Top hiring profiles Business management/consultants Hospitality Logistics Complete report is available at https://bit.ly/2Iph94m

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 51-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising. Most notably, Norwegian revolutionized the cruise industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal cruise vacation on their schedule with no set dining times, a variety of entertainment options and no formal dress codes. Today, Norwegian invites guests to enjoy a relaxed, resort-style cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea with a wide variety of accommodation options, including The Haven by Norwegian®, a luxury enclave with suites, a private pool and dining, concierge service and personal butlers. Norwegian Cruise Line sails around the globe, offering guests the freedom and flexibility to explore the world on their own time and experience up to 27 dining options, award-winning entertainment, superior guest service and more across all of the brand's 16 ships. Why should you choose Norwegian for your next holiday at sea? Here are our top 6 reasons: Accommodation perfectly styled for you With dramatic, ever-changing views from your private balcony, you'll have a new perspective almost every day. All Mini-Suite and Balcony Staterooms feature comfy sitting areas, convertible or pullman beds and plenty of storage space. If you're looking for an accommodation option for two, a little more space for your family or the convenience of connecting staterooms, there's a choice that's right for you. You can also choose to relax and embrace your personal space in a wide range of comfortable and well-designed Oceanview and Inside Staterooms which will suit you perfectly. Discover true exclusivity - The Haven by Norwegian Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven by Norwegian®, an exclusive enclave accessible by private keycard with our most luxurious and well-appointed accommodation offering. Bask in tranquility in The Haven Courtyard with a private pool and sundeck. Indulge in the unparalleled personal service of a certified butler and concierge, who will make all your arrangements on board and on shore. Best of all, you're just steps away from a variety of unique specialty restaurants, award-winning shows and exciting activities your ship has to offer. Experience true exclusivity at sea on a holiday you'll never forget. Award-winning entertainment There's no better way to shift into holiday mode than on our thrilling two-level race track on board Norwegian Bliss, catch some sun and a sea breeze as you whoosh down towering waterslides or conquer the largest ropes course at sea on Norwegian Escape. There's something for everyone around every corner of our ships. Norwegian sets the standard for the best entertainment at sea. From Broadway musicals to live music to hilarious comedy, it's showtime - all the time - on all of our ships. Indulge in Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Dining Feel free to discover your inner foodie. Dine how you want. When you want. And wherever your palate leads you. If you prefer to start with dessert, we won't stand in your way. That's the freedom you'll enjoy with Freestyle Dining. Discover the Main Dining Rooms, where daily changing menus are as fresh as the ingredients used. Or Feel Free to reserve a seat at a specialty restaurant for a taste of something unique and unexpected. With no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating and superb culinary experiences, nobody does dining like Norwegian. Choose from up to 27 dining options and for Indian food lovers, Norwegian Cruise Line offers Indian menus on most Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Feel free to cruise the world - 300 ports of call With Norwegian Cruise Line, you're free to discover all the amazing beauty and exciting adventures the world has to offer. Cruise through history and marvel at the architectural masterpieces and stunning vistas in the Mediterranean and along the shores of the Baltic Sea. Admire spectacular natural scenery as you journey through Norway's magnificent fjords. Unravel the mysteries of the Far East or experience Australia and New Zealand's natural wonders. Find your slice of paradise and explore the treasures of Hawai'i or enjoy the vast landscapes and exciting rhythms of South America. In Alaska, witness awe-inspiring scenery and discover unique wildlife. Visiting 300 ports of call in 85 countries with Norwegian, the world is yours to discover. Get glacier-size goosebumps in Alaska as you witness a 30-tonne whale leap out of the Pacific Ocean. In Europe, walk in the footsteps of history, get a taste of local culture and relive the epic battles once held at the Colosseum. Swim with dolphins and other incredible marine life in the crystal-blue waters of The Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line Shore Excursions let you experience the world around you up close and personal - and on your time. Whether you're discovering natural beauty or making your own history, each destination you visit allows you to create an incredible story you will share for years to come. Family cruising Splash the day away at the Kids' Aqua Park or at the pool. Feel Free to enjoy Family Insanity, where families compete in engaging and wacky activities. Sign up your little ones at our age-appropriate complimentary youth programmes so they can learn to juggle in Splash Academy (a complimentary program for kids aged from 6 months to 12 years, with children divided into age-based activity groups supervised by trained staff). Teens can have the coolest themed parties in Entourage and the option to join other teens to watch a film, shoot hoops high above the sea, play video games, tackle a rock climbing wall, race their mates on multi-level waterslides and dance to the latest tunes under the stars. Whether you're playing dodgeball or winding down in front of a huge two-storey screen during movie night, consider Norwegian Cruise Line ships the ultimate family playground at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet Recently, the line was named "Europe's Leading Cruise Line" for the eleventh consecutive year, "World's Leading Large Ship Cruise Line" for the sixth consecutive year, the "Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line" for the fifth consecutive year, as well as "World's Leading Cruise Line" and "North America's Leading Cruise Line" both for the second straight year by the World Travel Awards. Norwegian's newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, was delivered in April 2018 and features many firsts-at-sea for the global market including the largest race track at sea, award-winning Broadway entertainment, two observation lounges for guests to enjoy stunning ocean and glacier views and more. Norwegian will introduce Norwegian Encore in 2019 and has six additional ships on order for delivery beginning in 2022. For more information call +91 22 71279333, contact your preferred travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.

Cruises holidaying got a whole new meaning with The Palace on board the Genting Dream and World Dream, the two cruises ships from the Dream Cruises fleet. Featuring the comfort of authentic Asian hospitality combined with the finest experiences from around the world, The Palace aboard Dream Cruises is your entrée' into the vacation experience of your dreams. Indeed, it has perfected the art of luxury cruising. Genting Dream and World Dream set sail in different directions exploring the hidden jewels in the Asia Pacific region with itineraries specially curated to mesmerize the hidden explorer in guests. Dream Cruises, being the parent to both, has received accolades and recognition from across platforms in the hospitality and travel industry. The brand has been recognized as the Star Performer in the Top Ten Rating by Berlitz Cruising and Cruises Guide 2018. Besides this, Dream Cruises made its mark by being recognized as the Top 5 Cruises Lines in the Large/Medium sized cruises ships category by Conde Nast Traveller's Gold List. CNN cited it as "The Ocean's most luxurious room". On these uber luxurious ships, The Palace, is a part boutique hotel, part private clubhouse offering exclusivity, style, and impeccable service. What makes it stand apart, is its palatial naming, giving it a royal touch. The Palace is the exclusive, ship-within-a-ship concept on the upper decks of Dream Cruises' spectacular Genting Dream and World Dream. With all-suite accommodations, dedicated private facilities, butler and concierge services, and exclusive food and beverage privileges, The Palace is designed for those who appreciate and expect the finer things in life. INTRODUCING THE ART OF LUXURY CRUISING - THE PALACE Hospitality at its best The Palace prides itself for its stellar service with European styled butler concierge carefully selected and trained to the most exacting standards. The staff is mindful of guests' needs. They are attentive yet discreet - from booking of restaurants within The Palace or throughout the ship, to arranging reservations for shows and exclusive spa treatments - the list goes on and they are effortless in all. Taste the exclusive privileges! Live your dream amidst the exclusivity of The Palace. Enjoy some of the world's best wines, make new acquaintances, and explore everything on offer. Palace guests can enjoy a complimentary inclusive premium beverage package to be enjoyed throughout the ship as well as complimentary set-menu meal entitlements at specialty restaurants. Beyond this, Palace guests have exclusive access to their own 3-meal-a-day complimentary private restaurant. Rejuvenation done right Under the clear blue sky, how lovely it would be to spend quality, private time with loved ones. Within the confines of The Palace, there's an impressive array of exclusive facilities including the private pool deck and bar beside the Palace Restaurant. Palace guests also have priority access to all the other facilities and services throughout the entire ship including the renowned Crystal Life™ Spa and entertainment venues. At The Palace, experience the best of both the worlds - luxury and exclusivity. Dream Villas - Palace Villas The next level of high-end cruising, unmatched by any other luxury accommodation at sea, these duplex suites are elegantly designed and are amongst the largest at sea. They are the epitome of The Palace experience - heavenly spacious spread across 224 square meters each. Each villa is awe-inspiring, having a fully automatic coffee machine, original contemporary artwork, whirlpool spa, sauna, private sun-deck, and even a grand piano. Take in panoramic views of the ocean from your own private terrace or host an intimate dinner in your dining room. The Suites Both the cruises ships are vessels designed for your dream, giving you the finest experience of high-end cruising. Genting Dream features over 140 and World Dream features more than 150 elegantly furnished suites that provide the perfect setting for an incomparable experience. All suites are equipped with a Nespresso machine, exquisite Italian linens, a range of elegant bath amenities, spacious balconies, pillow-mattress queen-size beds, separate sitting areas with plush sofas, walk-in closets and double bathroom sink vanities. The spacious interiors& exteriors emphasize comfort, relaxation, and personal indulgence. Dream Cruises through the introduction of The Palace offers guests unforgettable experience on high seas with a pampered voyage and unmatched amenities. The Palace ensures guests are engulfed in the peace and quiet while they bounce off the elegant waves while sailing. So, come, be a part of this exciting and luxurious gateway to Asian countries and live your dream of cruising with the Dream Cruises & The Palace. See you onboard!

According to us, YES and let us tell you why! But before that, let's be honest. Students love to play most of the times, so why not let them play full-time and learn in the process? Are you ready to gamify your classrooms and engage students at every level? Are you ready to inspire students to study on their own? Are you ready to end the boring classroom experience? ....Yes. FOR REAL.... Unfortunately, as children go to schools today, the fun part has tremendously decreased. No more does learning happen through games. C'mon, it is boring to be always stressing on repetition, memorization and standardized tests. And, that's what many school end up doing! As adults, we cannot enjoy this type of learning process. Then, how can we expect children to be engaged? It is surprising how everything around us is changing so quickly but our school systems haven't seen anything dynamic yet. Our point is - schools should seriously include gamification as a part of the curriculum. When schools bring games or game elements into the classroom and curriculum, digital or otherwise, it has been often the reason for an increase in engagement. But with 75 percent of teachers reporting that they use games in their classroom, the benefits have to be broader than just keeping students busy or a boost in engagement. So, what is actually motivating schools to adopt gamification? It's simple - If children are involved in a game or a learning process with game elements, they tend to pay more attention because everyone wants to play and win a game. Game-based learning is a mix of talking, doing and repeating which is great for students to remember what they have learned Gamified learning provide constant motivation to learn and excel Gamification build perseverance in students When students fail in a game, they keep trying until they win it. In games, failure is good for learning Learning games will enhance your curriculum and end results. Every day more and more schools are adopting gamification in their classrooms to bring the best out of their students. With our platform Teachers can create unique gamified assignments (and, practice tests) for each skill for the classroom or an individual student. Students can practice the skills before starting with an assignment. Meaning, they will gain experience on complexities in the skill before taking up an assignment. This boosts confidence in every student. Playablo uses game elements like leaderboards, challenges, quizzes, scoreboards, etc to create an engaged learning experience Playablo also allows the student to review the quizzes they have answered and track their usage, performance, and ranking over a period of time. The app provides the ability to dynamically create quizzes with varying complexities. Meaning, it is fun and challenging for every single student So, are you ready to say goodbye to the boring classroom experience and welcome gamified learning experience? If you are interested in knowing how it can help YOUR SCHOOL specifically - email us at romal@playablo.com or call us at +91-74062 58882.

With MBA programs offering a wide array of specialized degrees to fill the increasing niche areas within the field--by way of international partnerships, dual degrees, student exchange programs, international internships, increased social media connectivity and role-playing for teamwork and problem-solving--today's management education has taken a quantum leap! At Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI), management education is customized to suit today's market dynamics. Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (MRIIRS; Deemed-to-be-University under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956) has earned the coveted distinction of a NAAC 'A' grade institution, giving it the unmistakable stamp of exclusivity. The institute is ranked among the Top Management Institutions of the country in the prestigious 'India Rankings 2018' by NIRF, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. It has also been ranked 'A' category by the All Indian Management Association (AIMA). MRIIRS has been bestowed with the highly coveted QS 5 Star rating for Teaching, Facilities, Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness in addition to a 4 Star Rating for Employability. With contemporary pedagogy, exposure to real-life projects, industrial visits, guest lectures, top rankings, and internships; the AICTE approved MBA programs at Manav Rachna are highly sought after. Ranked consistently among the best business schools by leading ranking bodies, the Institute offers Master of Business Administration (2 Years) with Dual Specialization in the fields of Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management, Events & Media, Finance (in collaboration with KPMG), Human Resource & Organizational Behaviour, Management Information Systems, International Business, Marketing, and Operations Management. That apart, MBA with Healthcare management in collaboration with Fortis Hospitals is a niche course that offers hospital attachment in first 3 semesters (one day per week) and 6 months (full) hospital attachment in the 4th semester. At the Institute, experiential learning is the way to go in which live field projects, workshops, action research, simulations, prototyping, role-playing scenarios, socio-drama/psychodrama, dance, meditation, and global immersions. With 120+ case studies, several capstone projects, and mentoring support; students at Manav Rachna work on real-world business scenarios. Social responsibility and community service form an integral part of the curriculum. Industry-Academia interface, 4 tier mentoring program, international student exchange programs, industry honed faculty, and extensive life skills classes have been the bedrock of all MBA courses at Manav Rachna. A forty hours Business Process Course of SAP has been embedded as a part of the curriculum. A unique Enrichment Lecture Series Program (ELSP) is also conducted apart from regular teaching to broaden the mental horizon of students, improve their general awareness and strengthen critical thinking. The Institution has maintained a healthy placement track record since 2011 when the first batch graduated. It runs an entrepreneurship cell - UDYAM (E- Cell) to encourage students to pursue the path of entrepreneurship. Students pursuing a program at Manav Rachna can also benefit from the International level sports facilities at the campus with the best training facilities, alongside modern gadgets. It is noteworthy that Shreyasi Singh and Ankur Mittal, both MBA students of Manav Rachna have been conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award 2018 for their exceptional achievements in the sport of Shooting. They have been regular at the Olympic-level Manav Rachna Shooting Range. "The name Manav Rachna itself has got powerful connotations - building humans through holistic development. And this is what inspires us! At Manav Rachna, we design programs keeping in view the employability quotient that makes our students work ready", shares Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions. Such niche, industry-backed programs at Manav Rachna reiterate that the Institute is committed to update and revise the course curriculum in tune with the dynamic needs of the business world, thereby shortening the gap between the "desired" and the "produced"! For more details, please visit: manavrachna.edu.in

International Business is undergoing a paramount transformation with the arrival of new technologies, shrinking boundaries, and the growing cosmopolitan culture. The Indian market itself has become a thriving ground for international talent and with the growing entrepreneurship in the Indian Subcontinent, the global demand for cutting-edge business solutions and inventive minds is on the rise. Among the leading Indian B-Schools, FORE School of Management has wholeheartedly embraced the wind of change and has fully committed itself to foster the sharpest minds in the business world with a special focus on the global business climate. The New Delhi Based Business School has trained young minds and launched the careers of many with several of its students heading the major departments across an impressive array of verticals. Recently, the FORE School of Management conducted an International Immersion Programme to facilitate a global and progressive learning environment for the students. In a brief programme spanning almost a week, IIP focused on providing students the international exposure and a platform for exchanging ideas and practices through streamlined lectures by the major academicians. The 2018 IIP had 5 highly specialized and cutting-edge courses: International Trade and Logistics which was specifically designed for the International Business group students. This course was conducted by Prof. K. Ravi Kumar Shaw, Chair Professor at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Disruptive Technologies which covered disruption in a holistic and comprehensive way to outline how eminent companies have leveraged this strategy for modifying their own, adjoining, and other unrelated industries. Finance & Technology which explained the latest technologies that are transforming the current financial industry. It covered the concepts of Digital currency and its implications, Bitcoin and Blockchain, ICO, The Rise of Ant Financial Services, and International payment transformation. Digital Marketing which helped students understand customer needs, channels, tools, and touch points. It also helped students in knowing how data is being generated and used to enhance the effectiveness of communication messages and advertising. International Competitive Strategies which deals with the challenges that managers face in accomplishing the organization's goal in competitive and uncertain conditions while deploying their people and internal assets to optimal effect. During the 2018 IIP, students visited various companies in Singapore like Grey Orange, Expara, Olam, and DHL as an essential part of their academic program. Technology group students also relished the first-hand experience of 3D printing at 3D Printing Lab of NTU. With a fully residential program like this, students sojourned at an excellent residential facility of Nanyang Executive Centre, part of NTU, Singapore. Making Global Professionals At Fore School of Management, the primary focus is on delivering the best, not second-grade or run of the mill education. Since the world's becoming increasingly global and connected, the dynamics of business sans geographic boundaries have evolved. The Fore School of Management is dedicated to pushing beyond the conventions and nurturing talent to encourage entrepreneurial and business innovation. Prof. Himanshu Joshi, Prof. in charge, International Relations says, "International Immersion Program at FORE is designed to give students an opportunity to learn the latest advancement in their respective field of specialization and deepen their knowledge about an increasingly globalized business environment. Five highly specialized courses developed by Nanyang Business School, Singapore faculty based on their intensive research experience are conducted over a week period for FORE students. Apart from the rigorous academic inputs, IIP provides insights into Singapore's Econo-political, business, social, and cultural life." With the 2018 IIP, PGDM IB students got the chance to interact with and learn from Prof. Patrick Gibbons, the Jefferson Smurfit Professor teaching Strategic Management at the University College Dublin who conducted the course for IB students at the Nanyang Executive Centre, Singapore. Prof. Gibbons introduced the students to some of the most ground-breaking International Competitive Strategies, designed to tackle the most formidable challenges that managers often face because of the unpredictable international business climate. International Competitive Strategies Course highlighted the pathways for managers who struggle with the changing business climate and illuminated methods concerning how they should deploy the business assets and resources to achieve the optimal output. PGDM 2016-2018 batch's student Akshay Sood recounts his brilliant IIP experience at NEC, Singapore. He journalized his IIP experience via a photo-story and remarked that it indeed brought him face to face with the challenging global business climate. Akshay mentioned in his photo story that it was curiosity and an insatiable hunger for knowing more that took him to Singapore and the moment he stepped on the massive campus of Nanyang, he knew that it was the wisest trip he had made. A brief trip, IIP 2018 from FORE School of Management, provided the students access to some of the most state-of-the-art amenities on the campus. Akshay, a promising IB student, added that the opportunity opened new doors for him and widened his academic and practical understanding of International Business and dealing with the challenges a global territory brings. A healthy balance of education and play Akshay spent six days with his friends and batchmates in Singapore, learning from the best and recounted how fruitful the visit to the several established companies like Expara, DHL, Grey Orange, etc. were. As part of the overseas academic program, the whole batch visited the 3-D printing Lab of NTU where they received exposure to the innovative practice and ideas. He recounted how this educational trip had been among the most fulfilling ones since he didn't just get the chance to explore the beautiful city of Singapore but also witnessed the technologically advanced marvel firsthand. Akshay and his batchmates particularly found the wondrous and comfortable stay at the Nanyang Executive Centre residential facility in Singapore and went onto exploring iconic Singapore hotspots like the Botanic Garden, Chinatown, etc. he added, "the city is such a captivating marvel with its futuristic take on technology and design! Moreover, it's perfect for kick-starting the cosmopolitan journey into international business as it embraces students' sans boundaries and with open arms".

Children are more receptive towards learning when an element of fun is added to education. Camlin has been rolling out a number of initiatives and products with the objective of making learning fun for students across the country. When it comes to art products, Camlin has been the pioneer in India. Unfortunately, with a heavy school curriculum, students may find less time to indulge in art. With such time constraints, sometimes all one may need to be inspired to create art, could be a new way to paint. On occasions like these, using the same routine of brushes, colors, palate, and water just won't do. To cater to these situations, Camlin launched an innovative product called the 'Camlin Brush Pen' - a combination of colors, brush, water and palette, all in one convenient product, making coloring easier and fun. Camlin has been promoting art forms through many exciting activities for children. One such activity was conducted on the World Art Day, where Camlin created the world's longest canvas on the theme of 'Swachh Bharat'. Through this activity, Camlin successfully promoted two good things - art and a cleaner India. Camlin launched the Mechanical Pencil, which not only gave children a superior writing experience but also helped save trees, thereby positively impacting the environment. Activities for School Principals School Principals are multi-talented and multi-tasking individuals. They take on many roles such as that of an administrator, an educator and a psychologist for children, while also being their motivator by encouraging them to bring out their best in all that they do. Such an important role deserves to be properly honored. Which is why, Camlin initiated the concept of celebrating Principals' Day on 11th January, every year. The 'Let's Make Learning Fun Seminar' is another Camlin annual event which sees the participation of Principals from various schools. The seminar highlights a healthy debate on the crucial issues that every Principal has to face. The Principals are also encouraged to share innovative practices with the fraternity. A good Principal makes the school a better place for learning and this seminar provides a platform to honor the Principals who have been doing some brilliant work in their schools. Making learning fun with Kidzania After successfully launching the first Camlin Art & Craft Studio at Kidzania in Mumbai, Camlin recreated the same experience for the children in Delhi and NCR, by launching the second Camlin Art & Craft and Painting Studio at Kidzania, Noida. The Studio offers an interesting mix of activities like cloth bag painting, designing notebook covers and creating wall hangings using geometric figures. For children who love craft, there are activities like mask and finger puppet making as well as drawing bird and animal designs which can be pasted onto popsicles. Through its new products and activities, Camlin aims to create innovative ways of making learning fun for children.

Games on phones, tablets, and PCs have always caused concern for parents as they tend to captivate the attention and interest of their children - often away from their studies and homework. PlayAblo was created to harness this characteristic of games in order to make learning fun for children. At the heart of PlayAblo lies the concept of gamification - taking the game design and game elements like points, badges, levels, and leaderboards and applying them to motivate and engage students to learn concepts in a structured manner. Gamification is versatile since, by using it, most learning needs can be fulfilled, be it for schooling, higher education, product sales, customer support, soft skills or just awareness creation. In practice, PlayAblo for Schools is adapted to the school's pedagogy and PlayAblo becomes the school's official learning app that weaves in the Learning-oriented Assessments model. The students get the opportunity to learn skills in English & Math's in an engaging fashion with game elements collaborating with the pedagogic approach. The young learners get to navigate various "skill mountains" and encounter different questions of increasing levels of complexity as they navigate the higher reaches of the "skill mountain". The pedagogic approach has been designed keeping in mind the Webb's DOK (Depth of Knowledge) framework for learning that follows the sequence of Recall -> Concept -> Analysis -> Synthesis competency-based learning to help young learners move from Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) to Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The content library of PlayAblo is over 100,000 questions strong and compliant with CBSE, ICSE & most State Board curriculum. For most schools, PlayAblo sets up complimentary Tablet Labs at NO COST to the school. Teachers use PlayAblo for allocating Classwork as well as Homework assignments and use PlayAblo's Performance Tracker to monitor the students' progress in different subjects on a weekly and monthly basis. The homework - both allocation and evaluation - is automated and since it can be automated, it can be personalized based on the needs of students. PlayAblo supports quantified reports for PTMs - helping parents determine exactly where their child needs greater attention. PlayAblo's gamified learning approach is more than just surface level benefits granted by making learning fun and quantified as it can catalyze behavioral change in the learner because it leverages the scientific principles of cyclical learning and retention. Today, PlayAblo is used by over 50,000 learners across India. It has also trained thousands of young adults nationwide in Spoken English. PlayAblo was awarded by EdTech Review as the Skill Development Company of the Year for 2018. PlayAblo helps increase student engagement, improve learning outcomes and show parents measurable impact by leveraging the technologies of today. To ask for a free and no-obligation demo setup at your school please reach out to Romal Bhulani (+91.74062.58882 / romal@playablo.com)

In 1988, two boys, in the first year of their college, met for the wedding of a common friend and decided to walk in to the best showroom for suiting in the town Circa 1988. Their discerning eye picks the costliest of fabrics immediately. The salesman sensing their inability to pay brusquely asks them to leave. The two boys promised to themselves that this experience will never repeat. We are talking of the founders of what is today called M/s Spacewood Furnishers Pvt. Limited - A Rs. 5 billion furniture company spanning kitchens, wardrobes, all kinds of home furniture and doors. And the tale of the two friends started here. During their second year they got into a small business of solving text problems on various subjects of engineering, got it published and gainfully sold the publication to struggling students of engineering. This was their first step towards entrepreneurship and partnership! They made money and threw it on the face of the salesman and bought the expensive fabric! Coincidentally, they both got placed in VIP industries, Blowplast group after passing put of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology in 1992. Kirit was with the Vendor development department of Modular Office Furniture and Vivek in the design and planning department of VIP Luggage. After working for 18 months with dedicated learning in purchase, vendor development, manufacturing and other aspects of business, Kirit Joshi and Vivek Deshpande knew that furniture it was that was their life's calling.In 1994, they founded Spacewood Furnishers Pvt.Limited and then did not look back with a 2000 sqft rented workshop, 8 workers and Rs. 65,000 investments for furniture components. Every year the business kept growing and all earnings of the enterprise was pumped back into buying new machines. In 1997, the founders invested in membrane pressing technology which was first-of-its-kind in India. They had visited Germany and bought this new technology for manufacturing kitchen fronts and shutters. With import of this unique technology, Spacewood became synonymous with Modular kitchens. In 2005, Future Group's innovative furniture format called Hometown started. Spacewood got the opportunity and started making finished products such as Bedroom Furniture, Modular Kitchens and sold them as private label - Spacewood. In 2013, the founders realised that the private label business was restrictive as retailers and OEMs are limited. For further growth, the brand 'Spacewood' had to be built. Spacewood planned its own retail arm, Modern Living Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Given the clear challenges of creating a brand and retailing, they needed huge marketing support and expertise which was not available in-house. Moreover, Nagpur being a Tier 2 city, local talent was not available. Spacewood's vision was to be the leading furniture and interior products manufacturer offering innovative products and solutions to every home in India. Spacewood partnered with Brand Capital with a vision of creating a brand. This marks an important milestone in its retail journey of becoming a consumer brand from a supplier to big retail furniture player. The initial communication focused on awareness build-up and trust for a new entrant into a highly fragmented furniture space. The strength of BCCL media properties amplified it's reach by targeting specific audiences. The large format ads in micro-market supplements achieved twin objectives of establishing the brand and enhancing visual appeal. The messaging in Spacewood's communication relied on simplicity and high emphasis on visuals to showcase large kitchens, living room furniture and wardrobes. Kirit says, "It was a dream come true to have Spacewood jacket ads in The Times of India!" Spacewood kept growing at 25% CAGR and was eyeing exponential growth and new products in the future. In 2015, Sumitomo Forestry Group, a Japanese Building material company invested and took 26% stake for an investment of ~$14 mn. This was the first ever FDI in furniture manufacturing in India. Spacewood is now a leading Brand name in India with presence in homes, kitchens, offices and doors. They have also started selling online and tied up with Pepperfry, Flipkart, Amazon, Urban Ladder and become a top seller in bedroom furniture category. Some success mantras of the Founders Be Passionate at work. If one loses passion and excitement, then the organization's performance goes down. Entrepreneurship is a journey, one never reaches the destination but sees milestones, time and again. Entrepreneurs need to have a larger vision and social responsibility. He/she is responsible to his employees, customers, investors, suppliers and all stakeholders. The objective of an entrepreneur should be to achieve not to acquire. To know more about Brand Capital, visit www.brandcapital.co.in / Follow on Twitter and LinkedIn.

DME makes a mark in Cinema Studies through Indo-Aussie collaboration Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME) reserved its place in the galaxy of prestigious institutions of India by organising first of its kind international conference in New Delhi and Noida in the third week of November. The participation of more than five hundred academicians, researchers, media professionals and students of PhD, masters and bachelors programmes in 8 technical sessions, 3 plenary sessions, 3 workshops, inaugural and opening sessions, valedictory session along with an evening of music and dance might be envy for any emerging educational institution. India-Australia Collaboration This international conference Indian Cinema and Alternate Networks - ICAN2 2018 was jointly organised by DME Media School of Delhi Metropolitan Education, Noida and School of Creative Arts and Communication, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia on November 16, 17 and 18, 2018. This India-Australia collaboration was unique and worked excellently on the ground. Endorsement by Government of India ICAN2 2018 was endorsed by Government of India when Mr. Satya Pal Singh, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, lauded the efforts of DME in brining Australia closer to India in the field of academics and research. While inaugurating the conference as Chief Guest at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, he added that films could be an effective instrument of brining social change and spreading the culture of India beyond borders. Congregation of film makers and experts from India Media academicians, researchers, scholars, professionals and students belonging to more than 40 universities and colleges from 15 States and Union Territories of India gathered in Delhi NCR for ICAN2 2018. To name a few educators, Prof. K G Suresh, Director General of Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Prof. F B Khan, Professor-Jamia Millia and Dr. M Asad Nizam,, IGNOU and Dr. Shahid Rasool, Director of CEMCA contributed to the conference. The list of filmmakers in the conference was really rich with Ms. NimishaPandey, National Award winner filmmaker and Content Head, ALT Balaji, Mr. ViveckVaswani, known film producer, director and actor, Mr. Dilip Mehta, director of The Untold Story of Sunny Leone released on Netflix recently, Mr. Aditya Seth, consultant to the University of South Wales in Cardiff and Mr. Nimish Kapoor, the man behind India International Science Film Festival. Ms.Shubhra Gupta, the most credible film critic associated with The Indian Express added value to the conference. Eminent scholars and filmmakers from Australia Dr. Sean Redmond, Professor in Deakin University delivered key note address in the inaugural session of ICAN2 2018. Dr. John Cuming, Senior Lecturer in Screen and Design at Deakin University, participated in deliberations throughout in addition to conducting a workshop. The conference opened with the wishes by Professor Matthew Allen, of Deakin University. Dr. Vikrant Kishore, Course Director - Film, Television & Animation and Senior Lecturer in Screen and Design at the Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, addressed the opening session and a plenary session and also conducted a workshop. The force behind academic extravaganza ICAN2 2018 This international conference could see light of the day with the support of Mr. AmanSahni, Vice Chairman, DME. The two conveners Prof. (Dr.) SusmitaBala and her team of DME Media School and Dr. Vikrant Kishore and his team from Australia were successful in making sure that everything is put in place at the right moment. Prof. (Dr.) AmbrishSaxena, Advisor to the conference, led from the front from conceptualization to execution and made sure that DME marches ahead on the chosen path. DME Media School has also constructed a state of art studio to keep pace with its growing ambitions.

ET NOW, India's leading English Business News Channel, hosted 'Leaders of Tomorrow' (LOT) Conclave and Awards 2018 at Taj Land's End, Mumbai on 25th September, 2018. It is India's biggest platform for SMEs. LOT showcases, empowers and recognises India's most promising Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The LOT Conclave & Awards 2018 was attended by corporate leaders from various industries who led the conversation on what it takes to leapfrog SMEs to the Sensex. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO - NITI-Aayog; theme address by Mr. V. Vaidyanathan, Founder & Chairman - Capital First and the special address on 'Right to Win' was delivered by Mr. Harsh Mariwala, Founder & Chairman - Marico India. In his keynote address, Amitabh Kant stated clearly that the future of SMEs and MSMEs lies in digitisation. 98.3% of Indians already pay income tax online, as a result of the government shifting to digitization and technology. He emphasized that this will be a huge asset in the way MSMEs do business and for India's economy to grow at 9-10%, we need to create the right ecosystem. The stellar line-up of speakers included Sam Subramaniam, CEO - Brand Capital; Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD & CEO - BSE; Partha Sinha, VC & MD - McCann Worldwide; Pradeep Parameswaran, President - Uber, India & SA; Debjani Ghosh, President - NASSCOM; Vijay Karia, Chairman & MD - Ravin Group and Prabodh Thakker, Chairman - Global Insurance Brokers amongst others. The sessions through various discourses and deliberations reflected on a range of topics including Open Innovation, Smart Marketing, Local to Global and the Digital Front amongst others. Some excerpts from the Smart Marketing Panel Discussion. Sam Subramaniam, CEO - Brand Capital highlighted that SMEs have much to achieve in a very short time and don't have deep pockets to use prime media to reach their consumers. Brand Capital could become their first point of leverage as it provides relevant media, helps in media strategy and in building the entrepreneur's brand story. When companies need capital, Brand Capital introduces them to private equity funds, family offices, venture funds and helps them get the capital as well. Partha Sinha defined marketing as a combination of empathy and imagination. He said that one needs to be empathetic towards people one is serving and use imagination to serve them better. He thinks both can be and should be done by people who are at the helm of the business. Arun Iyer shared his viewpoint stating that the biggest difference between seasoned marketers, start-ups and SMEs is the fact that seasoned marketers get second, third and fourth chances unlike a start-up or SME. S. Swaminathan had an interesting take that Smart Marketing embedded with smart analytics is really the future. Re-imagination of data is what SMEs need to look at and that's the opportunity they should really pursue. The Conclave was followed by an Award Ceremony to honour the true Leaders of Tomorrow. The winners were shortlisted after a month-long nomination process across nine exciting categories. Pioneers from various industries were felicitated based on the criteria including their unprecedented display of sharp business prowess, clear understanding of the market and their deep focus on innovation and driving change. Clensta International, one of the companies which was earlier mentored at Brand Capital Scale Up, the exclusive closed-door mentorship program by Brand Capital won the 'SME of the Year Award'. Brand Capital Scale Up connects budding entrepreneurs to industry veterans who provide mentoring in areas such as business strategy, branding, distribution, finance and funding. Since 2014, 192 companies have been mentored through this platform. To get invited to the next Brand Capital Scale Up, register here. Brand Capital is the strategic investment arm of The Times Group. To know more about Brand Capital, visit www.brandcapital.co.in / Follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.

It wasn't easy in Bengaluru and it was no better in California-when Ramakant Sharma and Anuj Srivastava decided to renovate their respective homes. And that's when they learnt how frustrating the experience can be. While one chose a local contractor, the other hired an interior designer. The result was the same: their project became a Pandora's box where they would discover newer challenges every day. From timeline, prices, quality - to the personal attention that the project demanded, nothing was predictable. In the end, their tribulations landed them in the middle of a highly fragmented $23Bn market that was calling for a technology-led innovation. And thus, in July 2014, Livspace was incorporated and its operations were launched in Bengaluru in January 2015. Cut to the present, Livspace has grown to become India's largest home interiors and renovation platform. Today it serves seven metro areas and has announced its plans to serve six more, for a total of 13, by 2019. The company has designed over 5,000 homes-a whopping 2 million+ square feet-and works with over 2,000 design partners. This unprecedented scale is disrupting the entire interior design ecosystem. But how did they get here? Livspace combines Canvas, its proprietary technology platform with a three-sided marketplace between homeowners, certified designers and vendors. It delivers end-to-end home interiors to homeowners in a hassle-free, predictable manner and empowers designers and vendors to deliver it. Canvas allows designers to manage the entire design project on the cloud-create designs in 2D/3D, access a digital catalogue of millions of SKUs, plan the budget, chat with clients, place manufacturing orders, create project plans, track delivery and more, without installing any software on their computer system. This allows designers to work on more projects and hence increase their incremental earnings. On average, a Livspace Design Partner earns twice as much as his/her peers outside of Livspace. This increase in productivity directly impacts the number of homeowners that get access to good interior design-something that was traditionally reserved for the affluent few. Livspace, on the other hand, espouses the philosophy of good design for all; a philosophy that wasn't all that simple to offer right at the outset. For beginners, "interiors" is an often-misrepresented term. Many people associate home interiors with just buying furniture, painting the walls and designing a modular kitchen. However, nothing can be farther from the truth. Interior design is not only very expansive in what it entails-furniture and decor, modular kitchen, wardrobes, storage such as TV units, services like false ceiling, flooring, electrical and more-but also involves designing spaces that solve a functional and aesthetic purpose. To add to the complexity, interiors have never been associated with an organized player of scale. Hence, the company had a huge opportunity and challenge in front of them right at the very inception. So, they took it upon themselves to be the market makers. For a high-value and infrequent purchase such as home interiors, they invested in a strong omnichannel strategy. They extended their world-class online experience to their Design Centers and experience apartments, which boast a very strong tactile experience. This helped them not only reduce time to convert but also increased their average order value by up to 40%. Livspace partnered with Brand Capital, the strategic investment arm of The Times Group, and was able to create a strong brand presence. The brand targeted urban consumers focusing on working professionals in top metropolitan cities seeking assured quality and timely delivery of services. The company utilised a good mix of print ads, radio campaigns and strategically located OOH properties offered by the Times Group, leading to a strong top-of-mind recall. This partnership created a valuable impact to build awareness and establish credibility. Some success mantras of the founders When asked to share tips for upcoming start-ups who seek to become market makers and leaders, Anuj and Ramakant had a thing or two to add. ● "Always hire people smarter than yourself. Problem-solvers who are action-biased are a great fit for start-ups seeking to disrupt any space," said Anuj Srivastava. ● "At an early stage, investing in building a culture of autonomy may not seem critical but these things tend to stick as you grow. So, think about culture early," added Srivastava. ● Ramakant Sharma advised, "If you want to scale, always think for scale. Don't invest in products and features that are intrinsically 'unscalable'. But whatever you do, launch fast and then improve. Don't wait for perfection." Brand Capital is the strategic investment arm of The Times of India group. To know more about Brand Capital, visit www.brandcapital.co.in / Follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About 30 years ago, two brothers - Irfan and Rezwan Razack dared to move away from the family's well-established retail business to create their own space. Today, what then might have been frowned upon as a break from tradition, is a company worth a couple of billion dollars. That, in short, is the story of the Prestige Group, India's second largest developer, which is credited with redefining south India's skyline. It all began with young Irfan getting interested in the task of selling a family house. As he negotiated a sale deal with a builder from Mumbai, he got exposure to the entire process of selling property, interacting with lawyers and finally collecting the money. It proved to be a tremendous learning experience for him. Since the brothers Irfan, Rezwan and Noaman had to reinvest for capital gains, they found themselves buying more properties in the city. After selling one of the plots they'd bought, they realised that this was a profitable business. After five years of trading, the brothers decided to try their hand at developing the properties they had bought. Prestige Estates was born in 1986. One of the first buildings, in fact, was a plot of land owned by Irfan Razack's father-in-law. He was keen to sell it, but Irfan managed to convince him to build on it, lease it and earn a regular rental income, thereby turning unproductive assets into productive ones. That building - Prestige Copper Arch - remains to this day one of the nicest structures in Bengaluru! Prestige has grown into a trusted brand, one that enjoys the confidence of its partners and customers. Right from the start, Irfan Razack was clear that whatever one does, one does well. A lot of emphasis was put on the basics - quality, design, on-time delivery, maintenance and customer service. Irfan Razack says, "In building a brand and a business, it is essential to think long-term. Prestige isn't Prestige for what we are currently doing. It is about the little things we have done in the past that makes us what we are today. Your sins catch up with you. If you've done good work, that catches up too. At some point, money will lose its relevance and it's all about creating something that will stand for generations." His daughter Uzma Irfan, the Director, had the brainwave to have the Prestige Brand undergo rapid expansion and diversification under the leadership of Irfan Razack. Uzma has made immense efforts to streamline all branding and communication-related initiatives. Over the years, the Prestige Group has grown by leaps and bounds and she can be credited for single-handedly strengthening the public image of the company during this phase. Prestige Group partnered with Brand Capital, the strategic investment arm of The Times Group to build a strong and recognizable brand. Large innovative formats of advertising like Power Jackets, French Windows, were used in a sustainable manner in The Times of India and The Economic Times to create brand impact and imagery. Brand Salience was created through impactful and classy communication by the Prestige Group. This was further augmented by The Times Group's 360-degree media platforms. Prestige Group has several innovative firsts to its credit. The Forum - the first mall in South India, Prestige Ozone - the first gated community, Prestige Shantiniketan - the first integrated township, UB City - the biggest mixed-use development in Bangalore's Central Business District comprising of commercial offices, The Collection - South India's only luxury mall, serviced residences, restaurants and the Piazza. Well-wishers often advised Irfan Razack not to take risks, to stay on the safe track, but he chose to innovate and blaze new trails. He took the road less traveled and has today created a legacy of landmarks that will be admired and enjoyed by people long after his time. Some of Irfan Razack's success mantras are: You must have the ability and the heart to give. Give and it will keep coming back to you several times over. If you don't give and try to hold onto something, it will run away from you. If you believe in something, don't give up the fight. Don't take no for an answer. Find a way to make it work. Make a difference, even if it's a small one. Irfan Razack couldn't change the whole city, but he is happy making a small difference. Build a business on sound ethics. Build your reputation and the word will get around, adding to your credibility. If you take shortcuts and don't keep your commitments, that word will spread too. Excerpts from the story are from Prakash Iyer's book - You Too Can. Brand Capital is the strategic arm of The Times of India group. To know more about Brand Capital, visit www.brandcapital.co.in / Follow on LinkedIn and Twitter

Diners across India waited for and then celebrated the Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) in 2018 for an entire month from 1st to 28th February. India's largest annual restaurant festival, GIRF 2018 saw 1 Million Indians eating out at the top restaurants in their city without burning a hole in their pockets. This year, the number of restaurants that offered diners a flat 50% off on food, alcohol or buffet, were 2,182, giving diners multiple options. A diner chose from top restaurants like Social, SodaBottleOpenerWala, Tamasha, FLYP@MTV, Yauatcha among many others. The festival gave diners access to the best of 5 star dining in their city, from The Ritz-Carlton in Bangalore to Westin in Gurgaon, from Hyatt Regency in Kolkata to Taj Deccan in Hyderabad and many others. Thanks to Dineout, February has now been branded as the official month for Foodies. With two years of the Great Indian Restaurant Festival, foodies across India's top 8 cities have started associating February as the month of experimenting with new cuisines and restaurants. A large number of diners tagged Dineout at the many office parties, birthdays as well as family reunions that were planned at festival restaurants in the month. Ankit Mehrotra, Co Founder & Business Head of Dineout added, 'We received an overwhelming response to the second edition of the Great Indian Restaurant Festival 2018. There was an extremely high percentage of diners who went out multiple times during the festival which truly is the best way to fully utilize the amazing offers available to a diner during February. Dineout consumers saved a whopping 45 Cr in discounts on restaurant bills.' This festival is proving to be a unique and beneficial initiative for India's F&B industry. When asked Ayush Madan, CEO at The Barbeque Company said, 'Last year, our association with the Great Indian Restaurant Festival was hugely successful and it has been so this year as well. Infact, GIRF has always helped us bring in more clientele and generate more leads for us. The festival also plays a huge role in marketing our outlet and we are sure that it'll indeed help us in the long run.' The Barbeque Company in New Delhi was one of the fastest selling outlets during the festival. Dineout drove more than 125 Cr INR worth of business for the participating restaurants. During GIRF 2018, diners were engaged on social media via a daily contest that made 28 lucky diners eat their way to owning a OnePlus 5T. Each day of February, saw one lucky winner who shared his/her dining images on Instagram & Facebook, win the much-coveted OnePlus 5T. This was a much talked about social contest and saw thousands of foodporn posts giving visibility to the participating restaurants. Apart from trending multiple times on Twitter, GIRF 2018 was the most talked about festival in February in the food blogging circles. The festival was presented by Airtel Payments Bank, with NRAI as the industry partner, William Lawson's CDs as the drinks partner and Pepsi as the food partner; all of whom played a huge role in the festival's success. Until next year's Great Indian Restaurant Festival, Dineout continues to offer great discounts to diners who make table reservations through them at the top restaurants in the city.

Enjoy flat 50% discount while dining at India's top 2000+ restaurants. Dineout, India's largest table reservation platform by Times Internet, is back with this country's largest online restaurant festival to suit the many tastes of India's food enthusiasts. Throughout February, people across India's 8 major cities- Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, can avail a flat 50% discount on menu prices at 2000+ premier restaurants, courtesy- the Great Indian Restaurant Festival. In Feb, 2017, Dineout organized India's first and largest restaurant festival. Owing to the popularity of the campaign and popular request, the team decided to host a second edition of the festival for an entire month, from 1st to 28th February 2018. This year, the amount of partnering restaurants will be double that of last year, to provide customers an even wider buffet of choices. "Eating out is one of India's biggest forms of entertainment, if not the biggest. So, it only made sense to create a festival where all of us foodies can have a month long party - eat the best food, discover new restaurants and have a good time.' said Ankit Mehrotra, Co-founder, Dineout. He continued 'All the big cities in the world have their own restaurant festivals, where locals as well as tourists, get an opportunity to sample different tastes and food experiences during the festival. Not only does it promote the eating out culture, it also gives an opportunity to the restauranteurs in the city to showcase their best and make more people fall in love with their restaurant's experience.' The National Restaurant Association of India are the official industry partners to GIRF 2018. Mr Rahul Singh, President, NRAI commented, ‘Dining out is no more limited to celebrations or festivals, it is an occasion by itself. Urban youth travels and eats out at least 5-6 times a month. Restaurant goers are looking out for novelty experiences and are more willing to experiment. It only made sense for National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) to partner with Dineout’s Great Indian Restaurant Festival. This initiative will give multi fold visibility to chain and standalone restaurants and is taking eating out to the next level.” More than 2000 restaurants will be participating in this unique festival, such as Social, Irish House, Sigree Global, Khandaani Rajdhani, JW Marriott, Ritz Carlton, Mainland China, OLive Bistro, Punjab Grill, Cafe Delhi Heights & many more. Airtel Payments Bank, the lead sponsor adds spice to the offering by providing additional 100% cashback on the booking fee to customers paying via Airtel Payments Bank on the Dineout app. In addition, customers who pay their restaurant bill through the Dineout app using Airtel Payments Bank will get an extra 10% cashback on top off the existing 20% cashback offer by Dineout. Speaking about the partnership with Dineout, A. Ganesh, Chief Operating Officer, Airtel Payments Bank said- "We are delighted to partner with Dineout for the Great Indian Restaurant Festival and look forward to offering visitors a host of discounts and offers launched by Airtel Payments Bank especially for the event." During this festival, William Lawson's are offering one free drink to each guest who has booked a deal at select restaurants in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Anshuman Goenka, Marketing Head, Bacardi India says 'We are delighted to associate William Lawson's with Dineout given their scale and diverse network of restaurants.' Pepsi is the official Food Category Partner and will offer 50% off the menu price of Pepsi at 400+ select GIRF participating restaurants that the festival will cover. Raj Rishi Singh-Director-Marketing Pepsi, PepsiCo India says 'Pepsi is delighted to be associated with Dineout. No food occasion is complete without a chilled bottle of Pepsi.' To use a 50% discount, one has to first download the Dineout app or visit www.dineout.co.in. After selecting a restaurant and offer of one's choice, one must buy the deal which will be nominally priced (such as Rs.50). On showing the confirmation message at the restaurant, the offer will can be redeemed.