Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of Indias leading paint companies, has an ongoing initiative at the Maha Kumbh Mela, blending tradition with innovation to empower local vendors. Understanding the challenges faced by small business owners and street vendors, Kansai Nerolac is giving out storefronts inspired by the vibrant hues of Nerolac colours. These storefronts not only help the vendors stand out amidst the bustling crowds and transform their space but also protects them and their merchandise.

Kansai Nerolac Empowers Local Vendors at Maha Kumbh Mela with a Vibrant Identity

As the world’s largest religious gathering, Maha Kumbh attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims. Given its grandeur, small vendors find it difficult to make their presence known. Kansai Nerolac’s initiative provides vendors with shade card-inspired storefronts, that allow them to personalise their shops with colours that best reflect their services. Adaptable to various business needs, they transform into overhead canopies and are being used for multiple small businesses. These storefronts offer shelving, menu boards, signage, and product displays, ensuring each vendor enjoys a distinct and unmistakable presence. Each shopfront also features the selected Nerolac shade name and number, while seamlessly integrating business utility with aesthetic enhancement.

Kansai Nerolac Empowers Local Vendors at Maha Kumbh Mela with a Vibrant Identity

Made with DIY corrugated sheets and transparent acrylic boards, the structures are easy to set up and tailored as per individual vendor needs, ensuring both convenience and durability. For example, display racks for tea vendors or fold-out menu cards for food stalls.

Commenting on the initiative, a company spokesperson said, “At Kansai Nerolac, we believe that colours are more than just aesthetics. They tell stories, create identity, and enhance experiences. By bringing this concept to Maha Kumbh, we aim to uplift vendors who form the heart of this cultural gathering, while demonstrating the impact of colour in real-world applications.“

“This innovative initiative reflects our commitment to providing community-driven solutions. By empowering vendors with customised storefronts, we want to contribute to the livelihoods of small business owners and vendors, ensuring they have a better space to sell their wares and thrive in a competitive environment,” he added.

On the initiative, Gour Gupta, MD and Chairman of Tribes Communication said, “OOH innovations create the greatest impact when they move beyond advertising to solve real-world challenges. ‘Dukaan It Yourself’ is a powerful testament to this, empowering small vendors to thrive amidst the overwhelming scale of Maha Kumbh. By seamlessly blending creativity with utility, this initiative amplifies Nerolac’s presence in a meaningful way. It’s a win-win-uplifting communities, elevating brands, and proving that OOH, combined with retail, can be a true force for change.”

Watch how Kansai Nerolac is transforming vendor spaces at Maha Kumbh here: Dukan It Yourself | Kansai Nerolac at Mahakumbh.

With this initiative, Kansai Nerolac once again sets a benchmark by making a meaningful impact, offering vendors a vibrant and functional option.

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited

Kansai Nerolac Paints now in its 104th year has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. Please visit www.nerolac.com.

Florricks Lifecare Private Limited, a leading research-driven global pharmaceutical company renowned for its innovative R&D, production, and sales of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Finished Dosage Forms across multiple therapeutic areas, including critical care and oncology, has announced a significant milestone. The Mumbai-based company has entered into strategic partnerships with two prominent companies in Hong Kong and Europe, marking a total investment of USD 95 million.

This strategic move is poised to enhance Florricks Lifecares global footprint, driving innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical industry. The partnerships aim to leverage Florricks Lifecares expertise in cutting-edge pharmaceutical solutions, bolstering its presence and capabilities in these critical regions.

Dr. Salim Shaikh, Managing Director & CEO, Florricks Lifecare Private Limited

Dr. Salim Shaikh, Managing Director & CEO of Florricks Lifecare Private Limited stated, “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for our company as we expand our global reach and strengthen our commitment to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products. The investment underscores our dedication to innovation and excellence in the healthcare sector. Florricks Lifecare continues to lead the way in developing advanced pharmaceutical solutions that cater to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare professionals worldwide. With this significant investment, the company is set to make substantial strides in research, development, and production, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.”. Established with a vision to make a difference in healthcare, Florricks Lifecare has grown to become a recognized leader in sourcing and supplying Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers worldwide,“said Dr. Salim Shaikh.

Announcing the historic moment, Mr. Lalit Singh, Executive Director of Florricks Lifecare Private Limited, stated, “Florricks Lifecare’s hybrid supplying and global sourcing model for ingredients and raw materials delivers the most flexible and reliable solutions for our customers’ unique manufacturing requirements. We offer the flexibility to supply or source difficult-to-find ingredients and materials, supported by industry-leading standards of quality documentation and regulatory compliance. This investment will propel Florricks Lifecare to further expand our global expansion.”

This strategic move is poised to enhance Florricks Lifecares global footprint, driving innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical industry. The partnerships aim to leverage Florricks Lifecares expertise in cutting-edge pharmaceutical solutions, bolstering its presence and capabilities in these critical regions.

Mr. Lalit Singh, also remarked, “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for our company as we expand our global reach and strengthen our commitment to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products. The investment underscores our dedication to innovation and excellence in the healthcare sector.“

Florricks Lifecare continues to lead the way in developing advanced pharmaceutical solutions that cater to the evolving needs of patients and healthcare professionals worldwide. With this significant investment, the company is set to make substantial strides in research, development, and production, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.

About Florricks Lifecare Private Limited

Florricks Lifecare Private Limited, headquartered in Mumbai, India, stands as a leading global player in the pharmaceutical industry with a widespread international presence. We specialize in a diverse range of products, including Pharmaceutical APIs, Finished Formulations, Critical Raw Materials, Advanced Intermediates, Impurities, Pellets, and Nutraceuticals. Florricks Lifecare offerings cater to the Life Sciences, Specialty Chemicals, and Agriscience industries, ensuring comprehensive solutions for Florricks Lifecare clients worldwide.

With over a decade of invaluable experience, Florricks Lifecare has established a robust presence in over 45 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America. Florricks Lifecare has an international network of offices and partnerships underscores Florricks Lifecare’s commitment to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products and services on a global scale. Florricks Lifecare Private Limited is an ISO-compliant company, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety. Florricks Lifecare has collaborative manufacturing facilities boast certifications from WHO-GMP, KFDA, PMDA, EU-GMP, USFDA, and other regulatory bodies, ensuring that Florricks Lifecare products meet stringent international standards. Florricks Lifecare has a dedicated R&D team committed to developing cutting-edge Pharmaceutical Formulations, APIs, Surgical, Veterinary, Herbal, and Nutraceutical Products. This relentless pursuit of innovation allows Florricks Lifecare to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the evolving needs of Florricks Lifecare clients.

The Indian International Textile Machinery Exhibitions Society (India ITME Society) has officially kicked off the Global Textile Technology and Engineering Show (GTTES 2025) with a grand inauguration ceremony at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon (East), Mumbai. The three-day event from 21st to 23rd February is milestone event for the textile industry of India that began with traditional lamp lighting is demonstrating the technological progress and promoting global cooperation in the field of textile machinery.

GTTES event attended and interacted with few exhibitors by IAS Kailash Shinde – Municipal Commisioner, Textile Commisioner Roop Rashi Mahapatra & Director Tapan Raut Market Research Textile committee.

GTTES 2025 was graced by the presence of prominent personalities, such as Dr. Kailash Shinde, Commissioner of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, and Mrs. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, the Textiles Commissioner of the Government of India. Many other esteemed dignitaries and distinguished guests such as Srimati Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Textile Commissioner, Government of India, his excellency Mr. Gideon Labane, the Consul General of South Africa in Mumbai, His Excellency Mr. Alexandre Matsuko, the Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Mumbai and Mr. Konstantin Pichuk, the Consul General of the Consulate General of the Republic of Belarus in Mumbai and Mr. Idris Rauko, Advisor to the President of Burkina, and the ex-Ambassador to India and officials from the Botswana High Commission in New Delhi, the Burundi Embassy, the Consulate General of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey. Their presence is a true testament to the global significance of GTTES, and the thriving relationship between India and esteemed countries.

Talking after the spectacular inauguration, Mr Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman and members of the steering committee of India International Textile Machinery Exhibitions said, “GTTES continues its commitment to being a hub for technological innovation and technology exchange, bringing together 39 countries and featuring 210 exhibitors, creating an unparalleled platform for networking learning and collaboration. This is a platform for business and collaboration, with the textile industry accounting for 13 per cent of industrial production, 2.3 per cent of GDP and 12 per cent for foreign exchange inflows in India, GTTES 2025 is dedicated to magnifying business and trade for textile machinery manufacturers. This exclusive forum allows participants to interact with agents and dealers, not only from India but also from across the globe, facilitating invaluable connections and partnerships. The exhibition will serve as a launching pad for companies to showcase their latest products and innovations.”

Mrs. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, the Textiles Commissioner of the Government of India, started the event by mentioning how proud she’s living in Mumbai, she said, “I am proud of the administrative leaders of the city who are using technology to make the city much better, more livable, and enjoyment-friendly. When we talk about this initiative, we must also honor and welcome the key people behind this effort, such as the members from the textile committee, SBI Foundation for their support, and NIFT as the knowledge partner. This program would not be complete without acknowledging their contributions.”

Dr. Kailash Shinde, Commissioner of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation added, “Sustainability is a collective effort, where we must work together for a sustainable way of living. Technology has introduced materials that are not easily degraded, we must develop processes to ensure a sustainable future. The ministry of textile, TSR, USBI Foundation, Grassy Maam and, Reliance Industries came together to highlight a pilot project, with the support of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. If you can look at the quantity of quantum of the waste it generated, it was 2.4 kilo ton per annum. That is the waste which is being generated in a one to million people only. The global population is going beyond 7 billion people, who are generating significant textile waste. A recycling and upcycling facility have been launched to treat waste as a valuable textile resource.”

GTTES 2025 marked product releases and exhibitions by top industry leaders. Some of the major highlights included the launching of new products by different segments, the Weaving Segment saw new products introduced by the Laxmi Shuttleless Looms Pvt. Ltd., Riser Import and Export Pvt Ltd, AAS Tech, Premier Looms Manufacturers Private Limited, and Om Corporation. The Digital Print Segment also showcased it offerings from ColorJet India Limited and the Processing Segment announcing new innovations from Caru-Natex and National Electrical Engineering Company. Samruddhi Engineering also introduced creative solution for Spinning Spare Parts. Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited who released its new offerings and services under Industrial Solutions. Vertex Edge Tech bringing cutting-edge technology in Knitting & Garmenting. These offerings captured the trend of the industry to advance technology and improve efficiency in various segments of the textile machinery market, including weaving, digital printing, processing, and spinning.

A special session organized by the Government of India – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will highlight the role of standardization in textile machinery. The session will also give an informational overview of Open Trading Rights (OTR). After the session, there will be a ceremonial signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) at the B2B Pavilion, a thrilling move towards industry cooperation.

The day also featured a Symposium on Indigenous Development of Textile Machinery, sponsored by the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) jointly with the Federation of Societies for Indian Development (FSID) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bangalore. The symposium brought into focus the need for indigenous development in the textile machinery industry, with the presentation of the latest developments and interaction among industry players.

The inaugural day also saw the official inauguration of India ITME 2026, paving the way for the future of the textile industry. India ITME Awards honored the outstanding achievements and innovations in the industry, paying tribute to the successes of industry captains. The awards underscored the need for relentless innovation and excellence in the textile sector.

The Global Textile Technology & Engineering Show (GTTES 2025) is set to be a historic event, bringing together industry masters, innovators, and enthusiasts to discuss the future of textile technology and engineering.

CIEL HRs subsidiary Jombay, specialising in technology-driven talent assessment, development and engagement solutions, today announced the launch of Workplace of Winners (WOW), an AI driven platform that aims to bring to light and recognize companies with positive workplace culture. As part of this launch and initiative, Jombay hosted a gala event in Mumbai that released its first edition of WOW Workplace Awards 2025, an annual listing of organisations that have the most WOW reviews from their employees from across the internet. This inaugural edition listed over 300 organisations on www.workplaceofwinners.com as the winners of 2025, in the presence of 500+ CXOs that have attended from various industries.

WOW Workplace Awards 2025

Jombay’s AI-powered WOW Engagement Survey makes the process democratic and authentic by collecting, analysing & publishing positive employee reviews. This initiative marks a significant advancement in workplace recognition, leveraging comprehensive employee sentiment analysis to identify and celebrate exemplary workplaces. It assesses five key dimensions: Empowerment, Efficacy, Well-being, Pride, and Connection ensuring an unbiased and scientific approach to measuring workplace excellence.

The winners of WOW Workplace Awards 2025 were selected across multiple sectors, with the rankings declared as follows: IT, ITeS, and GCC – Top 75; Manufacturing – Top 75; BFSI – Top 50; Retail, FMCG, and Allied – Top 25; and Pharmaceutical and Healthcare – Top 25. In addition to these categories, exceptional companies from aviation, hospitality, real estate, internet & e-commerce, energy and allied sectors were also honored for their dedication to fostering exemplary workplaces.

The WOW Workplace Awards framework enables organisations to:

• Build authentic employer brands through employee advocacy

• Create measurable improvements in workplace culture

• Drive higher employee engagement and satisfaction

• Foster environments that promote innovation and growth

• Develop stronger leadership and team dynamics

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Mohit Gundecha, Co-founder & CEO of Jombay, said, “The WOW Workplace Awards represent our commitment to building Workplaces of Winners. By leveraging AI and employee sentiment analysis, were providing organisations with a transparent and credible way to measure and improve their workplace culture. This initiative marks a new chapter in how we recognise and celebrate workplace excellence in India.”

Mr. K Pandiarajan, Executive Director & Chairman of CIEL HR Group, added, “This initiative represents a transformative step in workplace recognition, using AI-powered insights to help companies in India compete on the world stage. By placing employee voices at the center of workplace assessment, were enabling organizations to build cultures that not only attract global talent but also nurture Indias diverse workforce. This is particularly crucial as we see Indian companies expanding their global footprint and multinational corporations increasing their presence in India.”

About Jombay

Jombay is a pioneer in workplace engagement and talent management solutions, offering innovative, technology-driven approaches to enhance organisational effectiveness. Our AI-powered solutions impact every aspect of the employee lifecycle, from assessment to development and engagement. With a proven track record of partnering with leading organisations across industries, Jombay continues to drive transformation in how companies build and maintain winning workplace cultures.

About CIEL HR

CIEL HR is India’s only company offering a complete suite of tech-driven HR solutions, covering the entire employee lifecycle. With 67 offices across 33 locations, CIEL has served 4,019 companies as of June 30, 2024. Over the last three financial years and Q1 FY24-25, CIEL assessed 220,378 managers, payrolled 150,824 employees in June 2024, partnered with 30 colleges through ProSculpt to engage 7,000 students, and trained 90,000 students across 400 colleges in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka using LMS content.

Our Services

• Exec Search, Selection, RPO, Value Staffing, NAPS & NATS: CIEL HR, Aargee Staffing

• Professional IT & Engineering Staffing: CIEL Technologies

• HR Advisory: Ma Foi Strategic Consultants, People Metrics

• HR Managed Services (payroll/compliance): Ma Foi Strategic Consultants

• Skilling: CIEL Skills & Careers

Our HR Tech Platforms

• Talent Assessment & Development: Jombay, Thomas Assessments

• HRMS: HfactoR

• Learning Solutions: Courseplay

• Statutory Compliance: eZYCOMP

• Fresher Upskilling: ProSculpt

Cycle Pure Agarbathi, Indias leading agarbathi brand, is thrilled to announce a unique offer with Flipkart Minutes to celebrate the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri. As part of the special initiative, Flipkart customers will receive the Godhuli Agarbathi for just Rs. 1 with every Flipkart Minutes order above Rs. 199. The offer is limited to one pack per person, and will automatically be added at Rs. 1 to the cart on shopping for Rs. 199 and more, adding an aromatic touch to every purchase.

Customers will receive the Godhuli Agarbathi for just Rs. 1 with every Flipkart Minutes order above Rs. 199/-

This collaboration builds on the success of Cycle Pure Agarbathi’s previous collaboration with Flipkart Minutes, which brought the ‘Scent of Pongal’ to people celebrating away from home. During that initiative, a pack of agarbathi was delivered across Bengaluru with every order placed in the days leading up to the festival.

By expanding on this success, the new collaboration aims to enhance Maha Shivratri festivities in households across major Indian cities, adding an aromatic touch to traditional rituals. The Godhuli Agarbathi, known for its serene fragrance, will enrich the spiritual ambiance during prayers and rituals.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “Following the success of our previous collaboration with Flipkart Minutes to bring the scent of Pongal to devotees, we are delighted to associate with Flipkart Minutes to elevate the upcoming festival of Maha Shivratri. The Godhuli Agarbathi is crafted with devotion and purity, and we hope to add a divine touch to our customers’ celebrations through Flipkart Minutes quick delivery.”

Yatish Bhargava, Senior Director – Home Business Unit, Flipkart said, “Known for using sustainable and environment-friendly practices, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, a brand with heritage and National presence, is known for their high-quality pooja essentials and is a top choice among households. We are excited to join hands once again to celebrate the occasion of Maha Shivratri, with a special deal and quick deliveries via Flipkart Minutes.”

The offer is available through Flipkart Minutes from 25th February to 1st March 2025, catering to the needs of customers in these cities.

About NRRS

The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest-selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defense helicopters. The organization has largely committed to social responsibilities and fulfills them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation’.

NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family. For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in.

CloudThat is proud to announce that 20 of its Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) have been featured in Microsoft’s prestigious Top 100 MCTs global list for 2025. This remarkable achievement highlights CloudThat’s excellence in technical training and its dedication to empowering professionals with cutting-edge Microsoft technology skills.

CloudThat’s trainers clinch 20 spots in Microsoft’s Top 100 MCT Global Rankings

The Top 100 MCTs global list is an esteemed global recognition by Microsoft, honouring the highest-performing Microsoft Certified Trainers. The selection is based on Metrics That Matter (MTM) survey ratings, which capture learner feedback on training effectiveness and instructional quality. CloudThat’s strong presence in this elite group underscores its commitment to delivering impactful learning experiences.

Speaking about this milestone, Bhavesh Goswami, Founder and CEO of CloudThat, expressed his delight, “Out of the several thousand Microsoft Certified Trainers worldwide, to have 20 CloudThat trainers recognized among the Global Top 100 is an incredible achievement. Over the years, our trainers have continuously refined their training methodologies, learned from one another, and adopted the best instructional practices. Our commitment to enhancing learning experiences has paid off, and we are honoured that our trainers have been acknowledged by Microsoft.”

Microsoft’s MCT Top 100 list recognizes Microsoft trainers who excel across various technology domains, including specialization in AI, ML, and Data. This year, six CloudThat trainers were acknowledged for their proficiency across all Microsoft courses, while eight trainers stood out for their excellence in AI, ML, and Data. Notably, six trainers achieved recognition in both categories-a significant achievement that highlights their versatility and deep mastery across multiple Microsoft technology areas.

As Microsoft continues to honour top educators in the technology space, CloudThat remains committed to bridging the global digital skills gap by offering world-class training programs in cloud computing, AI/ML, cybersecurity, DevOps, and other transformative technologies. This milestone further solidifies CloudThat’s position as a leader in the technology training industry, ensuring that professionals across the globe have access to high-quality Microsoft certification programs and cutting-edge learning experiences.

About CloudThat

Established in 2012, CloudThat is an award-winning company and the first in India to offer both cloud training and consulting services. As a global leader in digital transformation, CloudThat empowers individuals and organizations with skills in cloud and other cutting-edge technologies like GenAI, Data, AI/ML, DevOps, and IoT.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with offices in the UK, USA, and Bangladesh, CloudThat has supported clients across 30+ countries, training over 850,000 professionals across 600+ certifications, and delivering 500+ consulting projects for 200+ organizations.

CloudThat is also a proud Microsoft Solutions Partner and the first Indian company to win the prestigious Microsoft Training Partner of the Year Award (2024). With 11 prestigious awards in the last 8 years, CloudThat continues to lead with innovation, driving impact for businesses and professionals worldwide while working to bridge the global digital skills gap.

At Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), we’re dedicated to making quality education accessible to all. The HBSF (Harish and Bina Shah Foundation) – MAHE EduEmpower Scholarship reflects this commitment by offering full financial support to bright yet economically disadvantaged students pursuing B.Tech program at MIT Manipal. Following a successful launch last year, we are excited to expand this opportunity to even more number of deserving students in the 2025 intake.

HBSF-MAHE scholarship empowering meritorious students

Key Highlights

The HBSF-MAHE EduEmpower Scholarship offers a complete waiver on tuition, hostel and mess fees. For the 2024-25 admissions, a total of INR 3 Crores has been allocated to support the top 50 students, selected based on their academic merit and eligibility. To be considered, students need to have scored 85% or more in PCM in their 10+2 exams, secure a Manipal Entrance Test (MET) rank between 1 and 10,000 and come from government schools with a family income of less than INR 8 lakh per year. Additionally, the scholarship is renewable each year, contingent on maintaining a good CGPA.

Application Process

Post completing an online application (apply.manipal.edu), eligible candidates must participate in the B.Tech Common Counselling with a INR 10,000 as a waitlist deposit, which shall be refunded within 2 months of class commencement, on submission of duly filled Scholarship Application Form to the MAHE Manipal Admissions office. Scholarships are granted based on merit, determined by rank in the Manipal Entrance Test (MET), during the counselling rounds.

Empowering Dreams, Changing Lives

The true impact of the HBSF-MAHE EduEmpower Scholarship can best be captured in the words of students whose lives have been transformed by it. Chiranjeevi G, a first-year B.Tech student in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bellary, Karnataka, secured an All India Rank of 5606 in MET, making the scholarship a life-changing opportunity. He says, “Getting into MIT Manipal was a dream come true, but receiving this scholarship made it even more special. It eased my family’s financial burden and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.” Sanika, pursuing B.Tech in Cyber Physical Systems from Haklady, near Kundapura, says, “This scholarship has shown me that talent and hard work can break barriers, no matter where you come from.”

Ganesh Nagaraja Nandiyar, from Sagar, Shimoga, who has secured an All-India Rank of 4893 in MET said, “Receiving this scholarship was an incredible moment of joy for my family. I want to make the most of this opportunity.” Pradeep Mogaveera, a B.Tech student in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Gujjadi village near Udupi, says the scholarship has made his dream a reality. “I am the first in my family and my village to pursue B.Tech.”

Kruthik Shetty, studying B.Tech Information Technology from a farming family in Udupi, secured a MET Rank of 6394. “The whole neighbourhood was thrilled when they heard about me receiving this scholarship. It makes me believe that education can truly change lives,” he said.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Launched on April 6, 2024, the HBSF-MAHE EduEmpower Scholarship is set to support 240 students over four years (about 60 students per year), providing Rs. 12 crore in financial assistance. This marks a groundbreaking initiative, being the first scholarship of its scale and vision established by an MIT Manipal alumnus. At the heart of this transformative effort is Mr. Harish Shah, an MIT Manipal alumnus (B.Tech Mechanical Engineering, Batch of 1980) and the founder of Signet, a global leader in pharmaceutical raw materials. In 2020, Signet became part of IMCD N.V., Netherlands. Through the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF), established in 2002, Mr. Shah has been a pillar of philanthropy, supporting education, healthcare, sustainability and the arts. This scholarship embodies his continued mission to make a lasting social impact.

For More Information on the HBSF-MAHE EduEmpower Scholarship

Visit: www.manipal.edu/mu/admission/scholarships.html

Contact: 92437-77733

Write to: scholarships@manipal.edu

Karmic Beauty is all set to transform the beauty industry with its commitment to authentic, high-performance, self-care luxury products in haircare and skincare. Blending ancient wisdom with innovation, the brand stands for transparency, efficacy, and sustainability, creating luxurious formulations that prioritise real results over marketing trends.

Vaibhav Mittal, Founder of Karmic Beauty

Founder & CEO,Vaibhav Mittal shares his vision for the brand, “I founded Karmic Beauty both out of my professional experience in the industry and my own self-care experience. With years spent working in the beauty industry, I realised that many false claims of effective or natural products were being made but weren’t delivering those promises. I saw a gap in the market-luxury products were often inaccessible, while affordable options lacked quality. Karmic Beauty bridges this divide by crafting products that don’t just promise but perform. We focus on natural ingredients sourced ethically and sustainably from the source of their origin globally, ensuring our consumers get to enjoy genuine self-care. Our belief, Feeling good is looking good, guides each of our brand’s values -from formulation to packaging, purity, effectiveness, and sustainability are our greatest concern, never settling for anything less.”

“At Karmic Beauty, our vision is to be the world leader in the natural beauty space in the next 3-5 years. There is a huge demand for luxury personal care in India, but very few home-grown players have the same quality as international players. We want to turn that on its head by providing consumers with a world-class Indian beauty brand built with quality, efficacy, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Just like consumers are now better educated about reading food labels, we would like to make consumers better educated about beauty labels, too. We dont merely want to provide consumers with genuine, natural products but also inform consumers about what actually works in ingredients.”

Karmic Beauty Product Range

With this ethos at its core, Karmic Beauty has meticulously developed its product range using responsibly sourced, 100% certified organic, USDA-approved Moroccan Argan Oil directly from Morocco and 92% Pure Hydrolysed Keratin in its hair care formulations. Their product contains up to 91.8% naturally derived ingredients, backed by ECOCERT and IFRA certifications, ensuring the highest quality standards, safety, and environmental responsibility. The brand also follows a ‘Reuse, Repurpose, Reimagine’ approach to sustainability, ensuring eco-friendly formulations and thoughtful packaging that aligns with global sustainability goals.

Further, Vaibhav says, “Since its launch, Karmic Beauty has garnered a dedicated consumer base, with users reporting visible improvements in hair strength, skin hydration, and overall well-being. Customers have praised the Pure Moroccan Argan Oil-infused hair care line for restoring shine and strength. At the same time, the lightweight, non-greasy Hair Serum has been celebrated for its effectiveness across different climates.” One user shared, “After years of trying different products, Karmic Beauty is the first brand that truly transformed my hair-my curls feel healthier, shinier, and more manageable.” Another added, “The purity of ingredients is unmatched. My scalp feels nourished without irritation, which is not so common in natural beauty products.”

Karmic Beauty also offers corporate gifting and curates bespoke product offerings for various occasions, further strengthening the brand’s reputation for craftsmanship and quality. As the industry evolves, Karmic Beauty remains dedicated to creating authentic and luxurious self-care experiences. The brand invests heavily in researching and developing natural and organic ingredients, drawing on ancient beauty wisdom. Karmic Beauty continues to innovate while staying true to its core values.

Choose Karmic Beauty. Choose Natural. Choose Luxury.

The products are available on the brand website, karmicbeauty.in, and other e-commerce websites, such as Nykaa, Myntra and Amazon.

Luxury real estate in Delhi-NCR is seeing sustained growth, offering buyers a diverse range of options, from established high-end neighborhoods to rapidly developing micro-markets. The housing segment experienced a steep surge in demand for both luxury and premium housing, driven by increasing disposable incomes, buyers’ changing lifestyle preferences, favorable home loan rates, and various other factors.

NCRs dynamic luxury living landscape

As per CBRE, the real estate sector saw a growth in land deals in 2024, with transactions exceeding 2,200 acres from around 1,900 acres in the previous year, with Delhi-NCR taking the lead. Besides, the Delhi-NCR micro-markets led the chart with over 40 land deals, with Gurugram accounting for more than 60%, followed by Noida and Greater Noida with a 25% share of NCR deals. This uptick in activity across regions highlights a major shift in the luxury housing segment.

Amidst this growth, NCR has seen new and developing sectors, driven by the rise of modern infrastructure, world-class amenities, and competitive pricing. While premium locations like Lutyens’ Delhi, Golf Course Road in Gurugram, and Noida’s Sector 150 have long been the hallmark of luxury living, commanding significant price premiums, newer sectors and developing corridors such as Dwarka Expressway, SPR, Siddharth Vihar in Ghaziabad, Sectors 76-95 in New Gurugram and Greater Noida West are redefining upscale living with modern townships, sustainable infrastructure, and luxury living.

Manoj Gaur, President CREDAI NCR and CMD Gaurs Group, says, “Luxury living in NCR is no longer confined to legacy locations. New developments in emerging corridors are redefining what premium real estate means. The projects in these locations integrate cutting-edge architecture, high-end amenities, and smart home features, catering to a new generation of buyers who seek both exclusivity and modern convenience. Therefore, we believe the future of premium living lies in well-planned, amenity-rich communities that offer seamless connectivity and unparalleled lifestyle benefits.”

Market trends show that backed by enhanced connectivity and proximity to key business hubs, Dwarka Expressway, and SPR witnessed significant traction in residential development in 2024, accounting for an impressive 88% share. Meanwhile, in Noida, Sector 150 has emerged as a key micro-market, fueling real estate growth amid rising demand for luxury residences with premium amenities. The sector recorded a 12% year-on-year increase in luxury rental prices in H1 2024, closely followed by the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway at 11%.

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group, says, “NCR’s real estate market, particularly the city of Gurugram has seen tremendous growth over the years. Corridors like Dwarka Expressway and SPR are set to become the upcoming hubs of luxury real estate. With excellent connectivity, these corridors attract end-users and investors. The demand for high-end residences in these areas has surged due to their strategic locations and competitive offerings when compared to traditional luxury sectors. As these micro-markets mature, they will offer enhanced luxury living experiences with a blend of modern amenities and sustainable infrastructure, making them a compelling choice for luxury buyers looking for long-term value.”

Further, according to a report by Anarock, Ghaziabad continues its upward trajectory, with Siddharth Vihar and Indirapuram emerging as sought-after micro-markets for luxury living. Premium projects like Prateek Grand Begonia in Siddharth Vihar offer capital and rental appreciation through enticing investment opportunities. The group offers a limited-time 30:70 payment plan, where buyers can pay 10% at the time of booking, another 20% within 90 days, and the remaining 70% upon receiving the final demand letter. This flexible plan provides buyers with a convenient and attractive option to secure their units, thus reducing their financial burden. In addition, with property prices appreciating more than 2X in Siddharth Vihar, the growth showcases the significant demand for luxury properties in the region.

Dr. Gautam Kanodia, Founder of KREEVA and Kanodia Group, says, “Premium markets offer stability and long-term value but come at a steep price. Meanwhile, new and emerging micro-markets promise high growth potential with lower initial investment, making them lucrative for new-age investors and homebuyers seeking luxury within reach. Locations like New Gurgaon and Golf Course Road offer high-end developments at competitive prices. These areas are witnessing rapid infrastructure growth, improved connectivity, and increasing demand for luxury living. Thus, we believe the micro-market boom is here to stay. The growing interest from NRIs and HNIs and the changing lifestyle preferences of buyers are pushing new locations and micro-markets to a lucrative living choice amongst home buyers.”

Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group, says, “As luxury real estate evolves in NCR, there is a clear shift towards integrated townships that offer green spaces, wellness amenities, and high-end concierge services. The demand for spacious, well-designed homes along corridors like the Dwarka Expressway continues to grow. Hence, we see the future of luxury being defined by exclusivity, innovation, and lifestyle enhancements that cater to modern aspirations, making luxury living more than just a prime location.”

Therefore, choosing between premium locations and new micro-markets ultimately comes down to what each offers. As emerging corridors mature, they are set to redefine luxury living in NCR, making premium lifestyles more accessible, dynamic, and investment-friendly.