The real estate landscape in smaller cities and spiritual destinations is undergoing a noticeable change. Buyers today are moving away from scattered, unplanned developments and showing a clear preference for organized townships backed by strong infrastructure and connectivity. Haridwar is emerging as a key beneficiary of this shift, especially among second-home buyers from Delhi-NCR seeking a well-connected, wellness-focused lifestyle.
 

Alaknanda by Hero Realty 
 

One of the developments reflecting this trend is Alaknanda by Hero Realty. Located along the Delhi-Dehradun Highway (NH-58), the project is part of a larger 88-acre township in Haridwar. The recently launched plotted phase, spread across 4.7 acres with over 170 plots, saw strong demand, with the entire inventory sold out shortly after launch. With prices starting from Rs. 35 lakh, the project is positioned in the mid-housing segment and is expected to be completed by February 2029, catering to both end-users and long-term investors.
 

What sets such developments apart is their focus on early-stage planning and infrastructure readiness. At Alaknanda, key site infrastructure, including internal roads and essential services, has already been put in place. The township also offers lifestyle features such as sports amenities, open green spaces, and community areas. Its proximity to institutions like IIT Roorkee and healthcare facilities such as Patanjali Ayurvedic Hospital further adds to its appeal.
 

This reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations from standalone plots to integrated, self-sustained communities that offer a better quality of living.
 

Manoj Dixit, AMM Property, and Channel Partner for Hero Realty expressed, “We have been working with Hero Realty since 2020, and our experience with Alaknanda over the last five years has been quite positive. The project stands out for its well-planned layout, wider roads and ample green areas, which are key factors for today’s buyers. Being RERA-registered also adds to the confidence among investors. In fact, we are seeing that many buyers who invest here often come back for repeat investments, reflecting strong satisfaction and trust in the development.”
 

The investment potential of the region further strengthens its appeal. Market trends indicate that property prices in this micro-market have grown nearly five times over the past 13 years, with appreciation levels reaching around 500%. This steady growth has positioned Haridwar as not just a spiritual destination, but also a viable market for long-term real estate investment.
 

Manish Ahuja, a resident at the township shared his views, “I had an excellent experience with Hero Realty. The team is backed by a strong group and a credible brand, which immediately gave me confidence. What impressed me the most was their commitment to transparency and trust throughout the entire process. It’s clear they prioritize quality and customer satisfaction, making the whole experience smooth and reassuring.”
 

As the city continues to evolve, the demand for well-planned developments is expected to grow further. Projects like Alaknanda highlight how integrated townships, supported by infrastructure and connectivity, are shaping a more structured and sustainable residential landscape in emerging cities like Haridwar.

Fully Promoted, a global leader in branded apparel and promotional merchandise, continues to strengthen its presence in India with the launch of a new franchise store in Sholinganallur, Chennai.

Fully Promoted launches in Sholinganallur, Chennai, graced by Michael O’Connor alongside India’s Master Franchise member

Strategically located within Tecci Park on OMR, one of the city’s most vibrant business corridors, the new store reflects the brand’s focused approach to entering high-growth markets. Designed to cater to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, the Sholinganallur outlet brings Fully Promoted’s globally established standards in customised branding closer to Chennai’s evolving corporate ecosystem.

Fully Promoted launches in Sholinganallur, Chennai, graced by Michael O’Connor alongside India’s Master Franchise member

The franchise is led by Sandeep and Nagadeepa, who will drive local operations while delivering the brand’s commitment to quality, consistency, and service excellence.

The launch will be inaugurated by Michael O’Connor, Senior Operations Advisor at United Franchise Group, along with India’s Master Franchise Partners Suresh Raghuraj and Deepika Loganathan, reinforcing the brand’s strong foundation in global expertise and operational excellence.

A Franchise Model Built for Scalable Growth
Fully Promoted’s expansion in India is built on a franchise model that combines global experience with local entrepreneurial drive. With a presence in 11+ countries and over 300 stores worldwide, the brand offers partners a well-structured, proven business framework designed for long-term growth.

Franchise partners benefit from:

• End-to-end support, from setup to day-to-day operations

• Access to a reliable global sourcing and supply network

• A diverse portfolio including branded apparel, corporate gifting, promotional merchandise, workwear, and safety gear

• Structured systems that ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency

A key differentiator in the Indian market is the integration of AI-led operational support through the HaiVE platform. This enables franchise partners to work with smarter tools, streamlined workflows, and real-time insights – bringing a level of operational efficiency that is still evolving within India’s franchise ecosystem.

Expanding into Growth Corridors & Building a Future-Ready Network
The choice of Sholinganallur reflects Fully Promoted’s strategy of establishing a presence in high-growth business corridors where infrastructure and enterprise activity converge. As OMR continues to evolve as a hub for technology companies and corporate offices, the demand for professional branding and merchandising solutions is expected to rise significantly.

Fully Promoted aims to become a trusted partner for businesses in the region, helping them enhance brand presence through customised, high-quality solutions.

This expansion also aligns with the brand’s larger vision of building a strong and scalable franchise network across India. With further growth planned across key cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, Fully Promoted is actively inviting entrepreneurs to be part of a globally established brand that combines market relevance, operational strength, and forward-looking technology.

About Fully Promoted
Fully Promoted is a one-stop B2B branding partner specialising in end-to-end sourcing of corporate gifts and branded merchandise. Its offerings include uniforms, custom apparel, workwear, safety gear, and a wide range of promotional products.

With a strong global presence across 11+ countries and 300+ stores worldwide, Fully Promoted combines creative expertise with operational excellence to deliver high-quality, customised solutions that help businesses strengthen their brand identity and visibility.

Dalcore, a new-age real estate developer, today announced the launch of The Falcon, an ultra-luxury branded residential development on Golf Course Road, Gurugram. Positioned as North India’s first branded residences by YOO, the globally renowned design-led brand founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck, the project introduces a new paradigm of design-led living to the NCR luxury housing market.

The Falcon by Dalcore

Located in Sector 53 on Golf Course Road, one of Gurugram’s most prestigious and well-connected addresses, The Falcon is envisioned as a globally benchmarked residential landmark that seamlessly integrates architecture, interiors, and lifestyle design. The project’s interiors have been designed by YOO Inspired by Starck, with architectural planning / exterior architectural planning led by internationally acclaimed firm UHA, bringing together global design intelligence and local contextual sensitivity in a single, cohesive vision.

Commenting on the launch, Sidharth Chowdhry, Managing Director, Dalcore, said, “The Falcon represents a defining moment for Dalcore as we introduce North India’s first YOO-branded residences. This project reflects our commitment to bringing globally celebrated design philosophies to India’s most discerning homebuyers. With YOO Inspired by Starck’s design vision and UHA’s architectural expertise, we are creating a residential landmark that goes beyond conventional luxury to offer a deeply curated living experience rooted in design, innovation, and long-term value.”

Spread across approximately 2 acres, The Falcon is planned as a single iconic high-rise tower comprising around 96 ultra-luxury residences. The development will feature expansive 3 BHK and 4 BHK homes, thoughtfully designed to offer privacy, scale, and refined spatial experiences. Residences are expected to be priced at ₹10 crore and above, positioning the project firmly within Gurugram’s ultra-premium residential segment.

Sharing his perspective as YOO Inpired by Starck Creative Director, Philippe Starck said, “In the beating heart of one of the most prestigious and ever-developing neighbourhoods in India, The Falcon is a visionary YOO Inspired by Starck project—a rare haven of elegance and privacy.”

At the core of The Falcon’s identity is its design philosophy, led by YOO Inspired by Starck, which brings a distinctive, globally recognisable aesthetic to every aspect of the development. From private residences, the clubhouse, common areas, and landscaped environments, the project reflects a unified design language that balances artistic expression with functional sophistication. Subtle, warm, poetic, and functional, every space is imagined as a place for sharing, meeting, and dreaming, to inspire and elevate life. The Falcon offers two interior styles for the private residences: Minimal and Classic.

Classic is most appealing to the connoisseur with an understanding and enjoyment of the finer things in life. Classic is a sophisticated style with a strong mix of classic elements and contemporary objects. The spirit of Minimal is clean and calm. A modern edge, incorporating glass, metal, concrete and neutral colors allowing the mind to find space and meditate. Minimal is ideal for those who want to add their own layers and ideas. It can work as a simple start in deciding how you want to live. An almost blank canvas where you can gradually add objects to reflect your tastes and personality.

Translating this vision into built form, the tower’s architecture led by UHA departs from conventional high-rise formats to adopt a sculptural, fluid expression. The structure is composed of softly contoured, pod-like volumes, creating a distinctive skyline presence while enhancing natural light, ventilation, and spatial fluidity within residences. Sustainability and climate responsiveness have been integral to the design approach, with careful consideration of orientation, sun paths, and wind movement to optimise energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

Beyond residences, The Falcon is conceived as a holistic living ecosystem anchored by a curated suite of lifestyle and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an exclusive clubhouse featuring fitness and wellness facilities, social and recreational spaces, and thoughtfully designed zones for leisure, work, and community engagement. The development aims to deliver a balanced, multi-dimensional lifestyle that caters to both individual and collective experiences.

For more information, please visit  www.starck.com / @Starck / @StarckOfficial

For years, NCR’s housing narrative was anchored where value was measured in price points and access. Today, that paradigm is being rewritten. Homeownership is becoming an expression of aspiration, identity, and long-term lifestyle alignment. What was once considered “premium” has begun to move into the mainstream consciousness, not as an upgrade, but as an expectation. This shift is underscored by the fact that a significant share of recent housing demand in NCR is now concentrated in the Rs. 1 crore-plus segment, signalling that the market is evolving.

MRG Crown, Sector 106, Gurugram

Knight Frank India’s latest report has noted a notable change in the market where houses with a price tag of above Rs 10 million accounted for 50% of the total residential sales in the top eight cities of India in 2025. Out of a total of 348,247 units sold during the year, about 175,091 units belonged to the category of houses with a price tag of above Rs 10 million, which is an increase of 14% over the previous year, with sales volumes staying flat and high.

Besides, the definition of “premium” in NCR’s housing market is seeing a shift. It is no longer defined by a price bracket or a ticket price level; instead, it is being redefined in terms of experiences, design, and identity. Today’s premium home is just as much about experiences and living as it is about price. This is also reflected in the supply side, where an increasing proportion of supply is aligned to this new premium, and in the buyer profile, where there is an expansion of this market across a broader spectrum of price points. Premium, therefore, is no longer an economic definition but a conceptual one, based on how people want to live, and not merely on what they can afford.

Another aspect of equal importance is the emergence of a new form of a premium homebuyer, whose characteristics have moved beyond just a high net-worth individual. A staggering 63% of homebuyers today classify real estate as a preferred investment option, which reflects a more financially savvy approach to homebuying. This trend is now being fueled by dual-income households, along with a new set of wealth creators from startup economies and GCC-led employment growth. What is particularly telling is the widening participation across ticket sizes, from the Rs. 1–3 crore bracket to higher-value segments, indicating that premium housing is no longer the preserve of legacy capital. Instead, it is being shaped by an aspirational, upwardly mobile buyer class whose purchasing power is matched by a clear intent to upgrade both lifestyle and asset quality.

Further, the demand is increasingly concentrated in new premium locations like Dwarka Expressway and Noida Expressway, which are driving nearly 75–80% of the high-value transactions, reflecting the trend towards planned and low-density living. Developments such as MRG Crown, fronting Dwarka Expressway in Sector 106, Gurugram, exemplify this shift, where projects are being positioned around curated living environments, improved connectivity, and access to emerging urban infrastructure.

“As homebuyers become more discerning, the focus is clearly shifting towards integrated living environments where connectivity, planning, and lifestyle come together seamlessly. Infrastructure-led corridors like Dwarka Expressway are driving this transformation and redefining what premium living means in NCR,” said Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group.

At the same time, even as the overall volumes are moderating, the trend in value growth is still dominated by larger configurations, reflecting a decisive shift towards more expansive and functional living spaces. It is not just about living in bigger homes; it is about investing in more efficient living. The fact is, people are not paying for space; they are paying for how well that space is optimized.

There is a parallel change in the manner in which houses are perceived as living spaces. This is also evident in the supply side, where premium houses now make up almost 74% of new launches in the NCR region, similar to the demand side, which is actively seeking more than just space. This is also evident in the prices, where there is an increase of almost 14% in residential prices, mainly due to the sustained performance in premium houses. There is also a trend towards homes that are providing a cohesive living experience. The rise of gated communities is also a reflection of this trend, and it is clear that for the new-age premium buyer, the product is not just the apartment.

Moreover, another significant change in definition relates to the way in which location is being judged and measured, as buyers are now focusing more on micro-market intelligence as compared to city-level intelligence. The fact that premium homes in NCR are now clearly seen to be appreciating in clusters along infrastructure-led corridors, where connectivity and growth potential are at their highest, underlines the fact that the NCR market as a whole has seen a significant appreciation in property values to the tune of almost 24% on a yearly basis. Corridors such as Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road are now seen as primary options as compared to peripheral options, and this can be attributed to the fact that there has been sustained government investment in road infrastructure, as well as in the expansion of the Metro and reduction in travel times. The fact remains that the premium homebuyer of today is no longer constrained by traditional CBDs but is making decisions based on where the city is going, as opposed to where it has been.

The evolution of buyer aspirations is also being mirrored in developer strategies in NCR, although not as a catalyst but rather as a response to the changing aspirations of the buyer. This is also being reflected in a gradual move towards fewer, better-curated launches, where quality is being given greater importance over quantity. Hence, supply is not being pushed into the market but rather being curated in response to a more evolved buyer, thereby reflecting a greater degree of coherence between what is being supplied and what is being demanded.

It is, therefore, in the midst of such evolution in the residential market in NCR that it is becoming increasingly apparent that the change is not only structural, but it is here to stay. The market is moving from one where the driving force was affordability constraints to one where the driving force is aspiration, driven by consumption patterns, where the purchase decision is underpinned as much by aspiration as it is by affordability. Thus, the region is slowly and steadily emerging as one where aspiration is not just present, but is the guiding force behind the residential market.

Galgotias University has achieved a significant milestone with 4700+ placement offers for the Batch of 2026, reinforcing its position as a leading institution for career-driven education and industry readiness. The university continues to witness strong participation from top recruiters, reflecting its robust academic ecosystem and focus on employability.

A moment of pride and celebration from Galgotias University

Leading organizations such as Infosys, Capgemini, Cognizant, City Union Bank, LTM, Accenture, and EY have recruited students in large numbers, showcasing the scale and consistency of placements at the university. The placement drive highlights the institution’s ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry through skill-based learning and real-world exposure.

Placement records from the university indicate that the highest package for the current year is recorded as 60 Lakh per annum. In addition, several other students received niche job offers ranging between ₹15 lakh and ₹26.6 lakh per annum from companies of high repute.

Further strengthening its industry-driven learning ecosystem, Galgotias University has established multiple Industry Integrated Academic Centres in collaboration with leading organizations such as Cisco, Tata Technologies, Vivo, Salesforce, L&T, and HP-Intel. These centres provide students with hands-on exposure, industry-aligned training, advanced technologies, and practical learning opportunities that effectively bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications, significantly enhancing employability and preparing future-ready professionals.

The university has also recorded 80+ dream offers in the Big 4, with students securing opportunities in leading global firms such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC. This achievement further reflects the strong industry readiness, academic quality, and professional excellence of Galgotias students.

Adding to the list of accomplishments, Nikita and Yashika Jain from B.Tech (AI and ML), Batch 2028, have been selected for the LinkedIn CoachIn Program 2026. Their selection reflects the growing global recognition of Galgotias students and the university’s commitment to empowering future technology leaders, especially women in tech.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO said, “At Galgotias University, our focus has always been on creating future-ready professionals equipped with the right skills, mindset, and global exposure. The remarkable placement outcomes and international opportunities secured by our students are a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and industry integration.”

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, today announced that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Sanjay Khanna, currently Director (Refineries), as the Chairman & Managing Director (C&MD) of the Company.
 

Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL
 

The appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Shri Khanna will assume charge, effective from the date of assumption of office, and will hold the position till his superannuation on May 31, 2029, or until further orders.

With extensive experience in refinery operations and project execution, Shri Khanna is expected to further strengthen BPCL’s strategic focus on value-added products, petrochemical integration, operational efficiency, and long-term energy security, while driving sustainable growth in an evolving energy landscape.

Shri Sanjay Khanna is a seasoned industry leader with over three decades of experience in refinery operations and technical services. A Chemical Engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli and a postgraduate in Finance Management from University of Mumbai, Shri Khanna has played a pivotal role in strengthening BPCL’s refining and petrochemical capabilities.

Prior to his appointment as C&MD, he served as Director (Refineries) and has previously headed BPCL’s Mumbai and Kochi Refineries, driving operational excellence and capacity augmentation. As Executive Director of Kochi Refinery, he successfully led the commissioning of BPCL’s first niche petrochemical venture—the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP)—despite significant challenges during the pandemic, marking a key milestone in BPCL’s petrochemical journey.

Over the years, Shri Khanna has anchored several prestigious projects involving the establishment of new process units across BPCL’s refineries, contributing to enhanced efficiency, higher value realization, and technological advancement.

He also serves on the Boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, strengthening BPCL’s integration across the energy value chain. Additionally, Shri Khanna is the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, contributing to policy and technical advancements in India’s refining sector.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 25,300+ Fuel Stations, over 1000+ CNG stations, over 6,250+ LPG distributorships, 440+ Lubes distributorships, 81 POL storage locations, 56 LPG Bottling Plants, 81 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 6 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6800+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.