• Record-breaking sales of INR 2800 crore across 3 cities over 3 days

• 550 properties sold across residential, commercial, and retail segments

• Over 15K+ of walk-ins recorded and strong representation of sellers from both investors and end-user segments across 3 cities over 3 days

• Major financial institutions including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, UCO Bank, and Bajaj Housing Finance offered on-the-spot loan approvals

India’s real estate industry just witnessed a path-breaking weekend, as the three-day event ‘The Great Property Sell Fest’ clocked over INR 2800 crore in sales, with 550 units sold across residential, commercial, and retail asset classes.

INR 2,800 Crore Worth of Properties Sold During The Great Property Sell Fest Held in Association with The Times of India

A first-of-its-kind event, hosted across Gurugram, Noida, and Panipat in association with The Times of India, the fest attracted over 15,000 property owners, investors, channel partners, and homebuyers. Attendees experienced a revolutionary real estate marketplace where both sellers and buyers took centre stage.

Organised under the unique concept of You Sell, We Buy,” the event was a one-of-a-kind real estate marketplace.

“The response at The Great Property Sell Fest has been truly encouraging. Not only did customers actively participate in selling properties worth INR 600 crore from other developers, but they also made significant investments in our projects across Gurgaon, Noida, and Panipat. It’s gratifying to see the growing demand for quality, lifestyle-focused developments,” said Mr. Robin Mangla, President, M3M India.

Adding to the excitement, Mr.Ashish Jerath, President – Sales & Marketing, Smartworld Developers said, “Our landmark projects like Smartworld One DXP and Smartworld The Edition saw exceptional bookings, while our inaugural project, Smartworld Orchard, was completely sold out, a clear reflection of the strong customer trust in our vision and delivery. This level of enthusiasm reinforces our commitment to creating thoughtfully designed, future-ready living spaces that resonate with the aspirations of today’s homebuyers.”

Present at the event, Mr. Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chairman, ANAROCK Group said, “While ANAROCK’s latest data reflects some tempering in sales in the last quarter, this is more due to uncertainty caused by global headwinds. Buyer sentiment has remained robust, and we see the positive sentiment reflected in such events. I understand that the highest sales have been in premium and luxury homes by branded developers; this, too, is reflected in our latest sales data. Buyers are looking for lifestyles, not just homes.”

“The Property Sell Fest, with a choice of properties ranging from Rs. 2 Cr. to Rs. 15 Cr. has generated a lot of interest. I think the property marketplace that the fest created has gained enthusiasm amongst numerous customers, as well as top banks, together to facilitate ease of buying and closure,” said Mr. Vijay Singh, a representative from HDFC Sales Pvt. Ltd., who had a special spot for his team to interact with and help customers at the Great Property Sell Fest.

Present at the venue, Mr.Alok Ranjan Jha, Representative from Axis Bank, added, “The Great Property Sell Fest brought together a highly engaged audience actively exploring premium and luxury real estate options. Naturally, this translated into a significant uptick in home loan enquiries, as buyers looked for credible financing partners to support their investment decisions. We are proud to be part of this vibrant ecosystem, offering tailored mortgage solutions and real-time guidance to prospective homeowners.”

“The ‘You Sell, We Buy’ concept is truly a game-changer, no one in the industry has attempted anything even remotely similar. It’s bold, innovative, and exactly what the real estate market needed. We’re proud to have been one of the biggest dealmakers at this landmark event. The scale of participation and the seamlessness of transactions prove that the future of real estate lies in creating such dynamic, inclusive platforms,” said Mr.Gaurav Kapoor, Director, Investor Clinic, one of the largest CP firms working across regions.

One of the major highlights of the fest was the array of attractive, on-the-spot gifts offered to buyers with every purchase.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the event also featured high-energy entertainment, delectable food, lively performances, and a festive vibe that kept excitement levels high throughout the three days.

“I’ve never seen an event like this before, where such a wide range of properties and multiple banks come together under one roof. No one organises an event to sell other developers properties, but the Great Property Sell Fest has truly changed how real estate transactions happen. I sold my old property at a premium and booked a new one in Smartworld The Edition, on the spot, isn’t wonderful,” said one of the customers.

Beyond the impressive numbers, the fest successfully shifted the narrative from a buyer-driven marketplace to an equal-opportunity platform for both sellers and buyers. Property owners were able to liquidate underperforming or stagnant assets at premium values, while buyers accessed exclusive, limited-period investment opportunities.

This event is expected to set the stage for a new era of real estate events in India that are more participatory, dynamic, and responsive to real market needs.

Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) announced the successful delivery of the first lot of its Vajra Sentinel Systems, a next-generation counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), to the Indian Air Force – marking a key technological milestone in response to Operation Sindoor.

Vajra Sentinel Systems

Designed to address the dynamic aerial threat environment, the Vajra Sentinel has demonstrated superior performance when compared to both domestic and global counterparts. Developed entirely in India with over five years of intensive R&D, field trials, and carrying the prestigious DGAQA clearance, the system has successfully qualified user acceptance tests on the first attempt, a feat which eludes even the most seasoned defence enterprises.

Vajra Sentinel Systems

Asked to respond to significant drone threats during Operation Sindoor, the young team at BBBS were able to accelerate and rapidly deliver systems to support the Indian Army and Airforce. During heightened tensions at the border, BBBS’ Vajra systems exceeded expectations by neutralizing multiple foreign-origin drones demonstrating its operational reliability and strategic value.

Dr. R. Shivaraman, CTO of BBBS, “It‘s a proud moment for us at BBBS to have contributed to national defence. Developed under the Ministry of Defence‘s iDEX Challenge, the Vajra Sentinel System represents a major step forward in India‘s journey toward defence self-reliance. Having control over the core technologies like this not only reduces dependence on imports but also offer greater adaptability and lifecycle control tailored to Indian needs. We are now taking the learnings from Operation Sindoor and are using them to design and build our next gen CUAS systems,” he further added.

Praveen Dwarakanath, CEO of BBBS, “This milestone is more than a product delivery – it is a testament to India‘s growing capability to develop and deploy state-of-the-art defence systems without foreign dependence. By investing in indigenous solutions like the Vajra Sentinel, India significantly reduces its reliance on imported technologies, which are often expensive, difficult to customize, and restricted by geopolitical constraints.”

Big Bang Boom Solutions had secured an order worth over ₹200 crore in 2024 from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. Homegrown technologies enable faster adaptation to local conditions, greater control over upgrades and support, and a secure technological edge in an evolving threat environment. As India strengthens its position as a global defence innovator, such breakthroughs reinforce strategic autonomy, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

To ensure seamless delivery, Big Bang Boom’s has setup its advanced manufacturing facility in Chennai which is now fully operational, with a capacity to produce over 100 systems per month. Operating in dual shifts, the facility is equipped to meet both domestic and international defence demands with speed and precision.

BBBS remains committed to delivering world-class defence innovations powered by Indian ingenuity – aligned with national security goals and designed to empower the armed forces of the future.

ABOUT Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS)

Big Bang Boom Solutions is Indias fastest growing Startup in the Defence Sector. Founded by Dr. Shiva and Praveen Dwarakanath, serial entrepreneurs in Deep Tech, it aims to co-create intellectual property that can be used by Indian Armed forces to counter asymmetric emerging threats. The founders have a great network in the research space which helps them develop technology faster and more frugally that by anyone else.

In addition to anti drone system, the company has won Multiple iDex challenges announced by the Ministry of Defence and has successfully completed 3 of them in diverse fields including electronic warfare, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology.

The company has also managed to setup channels for sales to friendly foreign nations with the help of the Export Promotion Cell, DDP, MOD.

• State-of-the-art campus at Keppel One Paramount to host 5,000 employees across key operations; Facility will serve as a center for innovation and collaboration

Guidehouse, a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm serving the commercial and public sectors, has opened a new 250,000 sq. ft. facility at Keppel One Paramount in Porur, Chennai. The new campus, designed for innovation and efficiency, reflects the firm’s continued investment in India’s skilled talent pool.

Guidehouse Expands Chennai Footprint with New 250k sq. ft. Facility

“This is Guidehouses largest global office, built to our peoples and projects needs,” said Scott McIntyre, CEO of Guidehouse. “We are excited about the opportunities and expertise our expanded footprint in Chennai will bring, further strengthening our global operations and supporting our long-term growth strategy.“

Designed to accommodate up to 5,000 employees across two shifts, the facility will support Guidehouse’s global operations in healthcare, financial services, technology, and corporate support functions. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the firm’s expansion journey in Chennai, one of Guidehouse’s key global delivery centers.

Strategically located and spread across nine acres, the LEED Platinum-certified facility offers premium workspace and lifestyle amenities, including flexible workstations, wellness zones, green landscapes, and robust F&B options.

“This expansion represents a major step forward in Guidehouse’s continued growth in Chennai, a vital hub in our global managed services delivery network,” said Mahendra Rawat, Partner and Country Head of Guidehouse India. “This state-of-the-art facility, which will serve as a center for innovation and collaboration, reinforces our commitment to building a future-ready, people-first organization.”

Guidehouse is also partnering with local NGOs to support school infrastructure and environmental projects, as part of its commitment to sustainable, inclusive development in India.

Founded in 2018, Guidehouse has achieved five-fold growth to over $3 billion and expansion into additional markets with more than 18,000 employees in over 50 locations around the world. Named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, Guidehouse continues to build on its agility, capabilities, and scale with its integrated commercial and public sector business units and AI-led solutions.

For more details, please visit: www.guidehouse.com

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is a global advisory, technology, and managed services firm delivering value to commercial businesses and federal, state, and local governments. Purpose-built to serve industries focused on communities, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, defense, and national security, Guidehouse positions clients for AI- and data-led innovation, efficiency, and resilience. With a relentless pursuit of client success and high-quality standards, more than 18,000 colleagues collaborate across the firm to outwit complexity and achieve transformational impact, shaping the future by inspiring meaning in mission.

The Government of India has launched an extensive diplomatic outreach following the resounding success of Operation Sindoor, reaffirming the country’s uncompromising stance against cross-border terrorism, particularly state-sponsored acts emanating from Pakistan.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha

In a demonstration of national unity and bipartisan resolve, the Government has constituted a high-level all-party delegation comprising Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum. Among those selected is Shri Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, who will be joining the delegation visiting Russia, Spain, Greece, Slovenia, and Latvia.

This follows Dr. Mittal’s proactive leadership at the university level, where LPU became the first private Indian university to sever educational ties with institutions in Turkey and Azerbaijan, a principled move aligned with India’s national interest.

“I am honoured to represent India on this critical mission,” said Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal. “This delegation is a reflection of India’s united democratic voice against terrorism. We aim to build global solidarity for a safer, just, and more peaceful world.”

Additionally, reflecting on the history of such bipartisan efforts, Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji was also actively involved in all-party delegations during his early political career, including in 1960 when he represented the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (then known as Jan Sangh). His participation demonstrated the long-standing tradition of Indian leaders coming together across party lines to uphold national unity and sovereignty.

During the multi-nation tour, the delegation will firmly communicate India’s strong stance against cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the country’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and promoting global peace and security.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced its Grade 10 and Grade 12 results for over 42 lakh students on May 13. This year the exams took place from February 15 to April 4 across India. Among many schools celebrating academic excellence, Oakridge International School, Gachibowli has once again set the bar high with its students’ stellar performance in the 2025 board exams.

Grade 12 students at Oakridge Gachibowli marked a Proud milestone as they Celebrated their Graduation Day with joy and Nostalgia

Consistently ranked among the top international schools in Hyderabad, this year, students across both grades have demonstrated academic excellence and determination, with 20.5% of students scoring above 90% and the school average standing at 79.05% for Grade 12 and 81% for Grade 10. These achievements are a true testament to Oakridge’s student-centric academic philosophy, focused on nurturing critical thinking, resilience, and holistic growth.

Among the shining stars, Aditi Santosh emerged as the Class 12 topper with an outstanding score of 97%, while Neha Sai Mandadi led the Grade 10 cohort with an impressive 97.6%. Many other students across both grades secured centum and high distinctions in key subjects, reflecting the depth of academic talent at the school. Speaking on the achievement, Dipika Rao, Principal of Oakridge Gachibowli, said, “Oakridge Gachibowli is committed to well-being of students which is non-negotiable for their academic success. Our fantastic results for CBSE grades 10 and 12 are a testimony of the nurturing bond between school and students that is the backbone of our vision and extends to all its alumni.”

But the success story doesn’t end with exam scores. Oakridge Gachibowli is also celebrating exceptional university offers for its graduating batch. Students have secured placements in top-tier global institutions, including the Marshall School of Business, Georgia Tech, The University of Manchester, Purdue University, Rutgers, the University of Birmingham, and more.

Rukmani Kumar, CBSE Segment Head, added, “We are overjoyed to share that our Grade 10 and 12 students have delivered exceptional results once again this year, exceeding expectations and filling us with immense pride! Congratulations to them! This outstanding achievement is a direct result of the dynamic partnership between our students diligence, teachers guidance, and parents steadfast support. Together, we have set a new benchmark for academic excellence. We are excited to continue innovating and providing a top-notch education that unlocks our students full potential.“

Oakridges collaboration with Nord Anglia Education has further enhanced these outcomes, giving students exclusive access to learning partnerships with institutions like MIT and UNICEF, along with opportunities through the Global Campus platform.

For many students, this milestone is the culmination of years of hard work, and the beginning of exciting new journeys. As Grade 12 topper from Oakridge Gachibowli, Aditi Santosh shared, “I always thought of my results as the culmination of my high school journey. Looking at my results made me feel extremely delighted and proud of myself, and also grateful to everyone who helped me. However, on the other end, it hit me that this was the end of my school chapter. But I’m looking forward to my future journey, one that Oakridge catapulted me into.”

Adding to this spirit of achievement, Shritha Gudena who secured the second highest rank with 95.8% in Grade 12, reflected, “After 13 years at Oakridge, it’s been more than just a school, it’s been home. As I move forward to pursue a BBA, I carry with me lessons, memories, and friendships that will stay with me forever. I’m eternally grateful for the unwavering support of my parents and school.“

Meanwhile, Neha Sai Mandadi, Grade 10 topper with 97.6%, expressed, “I’m incredibly thankful to Oakridge for shaping my academic journey over the past ten years. The unwavering support and guidance from my teachers and parents have played a key role in helping me reach this milestone.”

With these remarkable results, Oakridge Gachibowli’s Class of 2025 walks into the future with confidence, curiosity, and a spirit of global citizenship that will continue to shine wherever they go.

Moscow, Russia
The Moscow Metro has reached its 90th year of operation, marking a significant milestone for one of the world’s largest and longest-running urban transit systems. Since its inauguration in 1935, the system has expanded to cover over 550 kilometers of track, with 302 stations, serving an average of 8 million passenger trips per weekday.

Moscow Metro, World’s Longest Circular Metro Line, Celebrates 90 Years of Operation

Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry, said, “The opening of the Metro in 1935 was a historic event for our capital and the entire country. Even then, decades ago, the workers and builders set the highest standards for passenger service. Today, in line with the goals set by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, we continue to uphold that standard. More than 65,000 people are currently employed by the Moscow Metro. They not only help serve millions of passengers every day, but also work hard to earn the continued trust of Muscovites, so that each journey leaves a positive impression. I want to thank every employee for their dedication and wish them continued success.”

Initially launched with a single line spanning 11.5 kilometers and 13 stations, the Moscow Metro has expanded steadily over the past nine decades. In 2024 alone, the system transported 2.7 billion passengers.

Moscow Metro, World’s Longest Circular Metro Line, Celebrates 90 Years of Operation

Modernization has been a continuous process. Today, more than 75% of trains are newly developed models equipped with features such as automated speed control, open gangways, and updated safety systems. These advancements enable high-frequency operations, with intervals as short as 90 seconds during peak hours.

The system has also implemented digital ticketing solutions, including smart cards, virtual ticket options, and biometric payments, now used in the majority of daily trips. These technologies aim to streamline passenger flow and improve accessibility.

Moscow Metro, World’s Longest Circular Metro Line, Celebrates 90 Years of Operation

To mark the anniversary, a series of events and exhibitions were organized in the city, highlighting both the history and evolution of the metro system. Public displays featured restored early-generation trains and archival materials documenting the networks development.

As one of the world’s most heavily used metro systems, the Moscow Metro continues to play a central role in urban transportation, reflecting broader trends in infrastructure investment, technological integration, and mass transit development over the past century.

Oakridge International School, Bachupally, is thrilled to announce the exceptional performance of its Grade 10 and 12 students in the recent CBSE examinations for the academic year 2025. Oakridge students have achieved phenomenal results, with a 100% pass percentage that exemplifies dedication and academic genius beyond compare.

Vanij (Class 10) and Hasitha (Class 12) CBSE top scorers

Students in Grade 12 at Oakridge Bachupally have secured an amazing overall average score of 74.40%, including 49.5% of students securing 75% and above. Hasitha Chivukula secures the top score of 95.2%, closely followed by Auritro Nath, who secured an impressive 94%, and Aashray Mathai, who secured 92%.

Grade 12 Topper Hasitha Chivukula expressed her gratitude, saying, “From my first day to 12th grade, Oakridge has been the place I’ve grown. I aimed to give my best, and I’m grateful for my achievement today, but I will be a learner forever.”

The Grade 10 students at Oakridge Bachupally have mirrored the outstanding achievements of their Grade 12 counterparts, displaying a remarkable overall average score of 82.44%, including 68% of students securing 75% and above. Vanij Yadav claimed the top spot with an incredible score of 98.2%, closely followed by Angati Joshika, who secured an impressive 97.8%. Kosuru Aarit Varma, Aarav Soni, and Thota Lola Sahasra secured the third position with a meritorious score of 97%.

Grade 10 Topper Vanij Yadav expressed his joy and said, “I had a wonderful journey as an Oakridger. Joining the school post summer break had already set me behind schedule for the session. But it was the unwavering support and guidance of teachers and school staff that helped me have a smooth sailing, find my footing, make friends and grow as a student. Not just that, the schools environment and approach towards imparting education played an important role in accomplishing my goal.”

These results underscore the schools commitment to providing a world-class education, fostering a learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. These highest scores are a testament to Oakridge’s holistic approach, focusing on personalised learning and a strong teacher-student relationship. Through innovative teaching methodologies, rigorous academic programs, and a supportive environment, the school provides the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed.

“Our students have not just passed exams – they’ve demonstrated grit, excellence, and a readiness to lead in a rapidly changing world. These results reflect a powerful blend of purpose-driven learning, mentorship, and hard work. At Oakridge Bachupally, we are proud to shape future leaders who think critically, act ethically, and aim high,” Ms. Anuradha Varma – Principal of Oakridge International School Bachupally.

“Oakridge Bachupally continues its legacy of academic excellence with outstanding CBSE results in Grades 10 and 12. Our students have not only achieved top scores but have also secured placements in leading universities worldwide. These results are a reflection of our commitment to personalized learning, dedicated faculty, and a future-focused curriculum that prepares students for success beyond school,” Head of CBSE at Oakridge International School Bachupally.

As one of the best international schools in Bachupally, Oakridge continues to stand tall in shaping academic excellence. These phenomenal CBSE results are not just numbers – they are the outcome of Oakridge’s unique teaching methodologies, personalized support, and a nurturing environment where every child is empowered to dream big and achieve more. At Oakridge Bachupally, success is not a destination-it’s a journey of inspired learning, guided by dedicated educators and driven by the belief that every Oakridger can shine bright in their way.

To know more, visit www.oakridge.in/bachupally.

About Oakridge International School, Bachupally
Oakridge International School, Bachupally, is part of Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading premium school organisation. Oakridge students are connected to a community of 76 international schools spread across 31 countries, with access to rich resources, support, and global opportunities that enhance the schools’ already excellent teaching and learning experience. Oakridge Bachupally School was recently ranked in the Top 3 International Schools in Hyderabad and No.1 in the Northwest Zone in Times School Rankings 2021. The school also ranked among the Top 3 International Day Schools in Hyderabad and Telangana by Education World India School Rankings 21-22.

• Ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and versatile all-terrain capabilities

• Powered by a 2.0 TSI making 150kW and 320Nm of torque with a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission

• Stands out with its all-new design and premium styling elements available in both Sportline and Selection L&K trim options

• Prices begin at Rs. 46 89 000

Skoda Auto India, marking 25 years in India and 130 years globally is continuing celebrations with the launch of the all-new generation of its luxury 4×4, the Kodiaq at PPS Motors Skoda Showroom at Kondapur Hyderabad. The year 2025 opened the doors to the New Era for Skoda Auto in India with the launch of its first ever sub-4m SUV, the Kylaq. The landmark year also sees the brand continue on its premium portfolio with the launch of the latest Kodiaq luxury 4×4 in India. Into its second generation in India and internationally, the brand-new Kodiaq arrives in India with its signature blend of luxury, refinement, off-road ability, on-road dynamics and seven-seat versitility.

PPS Skoda launched all new Kodiaq by Jagadeshwar G, Corporator, GHMC, S Cecil, COO, PPS Skoda -Telangana & AP and other senior officials at PPS Skoda Kondapur showroom at Hyderabad

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India shares, “In March, we recorded our biggest ever monthly sales in India, driven by the Kylaq launch, and supported by the Kushaq and Slavia. This is one of many new records we aim to set this year. In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Skoda’s luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, “We are excited to introduce the all-new Skoda Kodiaq, one of the most eagerly awaited premium SUVs from Skoda. Engineered to deliver an exceptional driving experience, the new Kodiaq seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, premium features, and a bold, dynamic design. With this launch, we are confident of further strengthening PPS Skoda’s position in the premium SUV segment. We are truly encouraged by the enthusiastic response the new Kodiaq has received and would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers for their continued trust and overwhelming response.“

At the heart of the Kodiaq

Skoda Auto’s premier 4×4 is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine making 150kW and 320Nm of torque. This power and torque is distributed to both axles through a seven-speed dual clutch DSG automatic. It is based on the MQB37 platform and is available in the Sportline and Selection L&K variants with both offering seven seats. Assembled in India at the brand’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the Kodiaq has been rated to provide fuel efficiency of 14.86 km/l by ARAI.

Measuring up the Kodiaq

The all-new generation of the Kodiaq is 59mm longer than its previous generation. It has a length of 4,758mm and height of 1,679mm. It is 1,864mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Fully laden, the all-new Kodiaq stands 155mm off the ground. The three-row luxury 4×4, like before, offers a lot of luggage capacity in its versatile interior. With all three seats up, the Kodiaq offers 281 litres of luggage space. With the third-row seats folded to the floor, this luxury SUV can carry 786 litres of luggage, and with both the rear rows down, the Kodiaq affords a cavernous carrying capacity of 1,976 litres.

Inside out

The new Skoda Kodiaq continues its tradition of refined luxury with two distinct interior themes, an all-black sporty dcor for the Sportline variant and premium Cognac leather upholstery in the Selection L&K trim. Elevating the cabin’s technology and convenience, it now features a 32.77-cm infotainment system, along with multi-function Smart Dials equipped with tactile rotary knobs and screens allowing seamless control over HVAC, seat ventilation, audio settings and drive modes. Ergonomic enhancements include a newly positioned gear-selector behind the steering wheel for improved accessibility and a tablet holder for rear-seat passengers, adding to their convenience.

The luxury quotient is further amplified with Ergo front seats that offer advanced pneumatic massage function, ensuring superior comfort and spine support. The inclusion of acoustic package with acoustic front – side windows helps in reducing exterior noise, creating a serene and premium driving experience. Safety and comfort are paramount, with 9 airbags, a sliding panoramic sunroof, and a 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers and a sub-woofer for an immersive audio experience. Additionally, rolling sunblinds in the rear windows further enhance privacy and passenger comfort.

Bold Exterior

The Skoda Kodiaq stands out with its all-new design and premium styling elements. The LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps now feature a Welcome Effect, adding a touch of sophistication upon unlocking this luxury 4×4. The Selection L&K trim exudes elegance with Dark Chrome accents, while the Sportline variant embraces a sportier persona with Glossy Black highlights. Enhancing its road presence, the Kodiaq sports a front grille with an integrated horizontal light strip, creating a striking visual identity, while a red strip connecting the tail lamps further accentuates the SUV’s width, ensuring a distinctive and commanding presence on the road.

The all-new Kodiaq is available in six colour options: Moon White, Magic Black, Graphite Grey, Velvet Red, Race Blue. The Selection L&K gets an exclusive Bronx Gold and the Sportline gets an exclusive Steel Grey.

Driving luxury from ownership to maintenance

Skoda Auto India will also be offering some delectable ownership and maintenance solutions for Kodiaq owners. This Skoda flagship will offer a standard warranty of 5-year/125,000 kms – whichever earlier. There is also a 10-year complimentary Road-Side Assistance on offer with this luxury 4×4. Bringing service costs down further is Skoda Supercare, a standard maintenance package, which is available at no cost to the customer for the first year.

The Kodiaq so far

The Kodiaq made its India debut in 2017 as a seven-seat luxury 4×4, a tradition it continues to this day. This premium family car was the one that began Skoda Auto’s legacy of naming ICE SUVs beginning with the letter ‘K’ and ending with a ‘Q’. Skoda Auto India has furthered this tradition with the India-specific Kushaq and Kylaq SUVs. The Kodiaq derives its name from the Kodiak archipelago in Alaska, USA and the Kodiak bear that calls the region home denoting the beauty and ruggedness of the geography and its prime predator.

Price INR (Ex-Showroom)

KodiaqSportline Rs. 46 89 000

KodiaqSelection L&K Rs. 48 69 000

*All prices ex-showroom India

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the countrys largest spread automobile conglomerates – with a rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touch-points across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 20 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 18,800 crores in FY 2024.

India’s podcasting scene marks a landmark moment as ‘The Chill Hour’, the soulful, no-filters podcast hosted by creator and entrepreneur Deepak Pareek, releases its 100th episode, celebrating a journey built on honesty, depth, and connection which is a milestone moment for one of India’s most authentic digital shows, 100 episodes in and just getting started.

The Chill Hour Podcast by Deepak Pareek completes 100 episodes

Since its inception, The Chill Hour has grown into one of India’s most beloved independent podcasts, with over 4 lakh followers across platforms and a loyal listener base that spans generations and geographies. What began as an intimate space for candid conversations has evolved into a genre-defying show that explores everything from the personal to the profound.

The podcast has featured a wide range of voices, including Bollywood icons like Gajraj Rao and Adah Sharma, youth culture leaders like Raghav Juyal and Avika Gor, and niche powerhouses like Sneh Rana, Tridha Choudhury, Pavail Gulati, Atul Khatri, Shalini Passi, Sameeksha Takke, and Niharicka Singh. With appearances from comedians, cricketers, creators, and changemakers, The Chill Hour has become a rare space where vulnerability meets versatility.

The 100-episode catalogue reflects the show’s incredible thematic depth. Listeners have tuned in for episodes that span self-growth, content strategy, productivity, mental health, relationships, and modern dating, to women’s health, skincare, cricket, entrepreneurship, law, society, culture, and even true crime, AI, and the future of tech. Each conversation is a window into topics that are often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.

“This milestone is a moment to pause, reflect, and thank the listeners who made this journey possible,” says Deepak. “These 100 episodes are not just numbers, they’re 100 deep dives into the lives, minds, and hearts of some truly incredible people.”

To mark the occasion, the podcast features Ankur Warikoo in its centennial episode, one of India’s most respected voices on mindfulness, money, and meaning. His episode continues the show’s ethos of open, grounded, and growth-focused dialogue.

Outside of the studio, Deepak, Impact 30 under 30 award winner, 11x TEDx speaker, media entrepreneur, content creator, podcast host, keynote speaker & storyteller, continues to amplify meaningful narratives through Iceberg Creations, his media production company. He has been speaker at leading institutions like IIT Kanpur, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Kharagpur, offering fresh perspectives on storytelling, digital culture, and staying authentic in the age of algorithms.

Recently, Deepak Pareek won the Best Show Host Award in the Arts & Entertainment Category in India Audio Summit & Awards 2025 for his Podcast ‘The Chill Hour’ which marks a defining moment in Pareek’s journey as a content creator dedicated to meaningful, unfiltered conversations and has earned national recognition for Deepak Pareek’s heartfelt podcast journey.

As The Chill Hour enters a new phase, fans can expect regional expansions, on-ground experiences, and new formats, all rooted in the show’s founding promise: real people, real stories, real impact. Episode 100 of The Chill Hour featuring Ankur Warikoo is now streaming on all major platforms.