A personal loan can be a valuable financial tool to meet various needs, from home renovations to medical emergencies. However, it is essential to approach personal loans with caution and consider the potential risks and responsibilities involved in managing these loans. Personal loans can provide the funds you need, but its essential to make informed decisions. By comparing lenders and their loan products, you can secure the most favourable terms, including competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Precautions When Considering a Personal Loan

Shriram Finance, a reputed name in the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector, offers compelling features like competitive interest rates and flexible tenure options, making it easier for people from all walks of life to effortlessly access quick funds for diverse reasons. It is important to opt for financial institutions that offer such benefits to get the best loan offers.

On that note, here are some crucial precautions to keep in mind when considering a personal loan.

1. Assess Your Financial Situation:

• Evaluate Your Budget: Before applying for a loan, assess your current financial situation. Consider your monthly income, expenses, and existing debt obligations.

• Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: This ratio measures your debt payments relative to your income. A higher DTI ratio can negatively impact your loan eligibility and interest rates.

• Set Realistic Repayment Goals: Determine a realistic repayment plan, including the monthly instalments and the loan tenure. Ensure that the monthly payments are manageable within your budget.

2. Choose the Right Lender:

• Compare Different Financial Institutions: Opt for reputable banks or NBFCs, like Shriram Finance, with a proven track record of offering good loan terms.

• Compare Interest Rates and Terms: Do not settle for the first offer. Compare interest rates, processing fees, and other terms from multiple lenders to find the best deal.

• Check for Transparency and Customer Service: Choose a lender that is transparent about its processes and offers good customer service.

3. Understand the Terms and Conditions:

• Interest Rates: Carefully review the interest rate charged on the loan. A higher interest rate can significantly increase the overall cost of borrowing.

• Processing Fees: Understand the processing fee or other charges associated with the loan.

• Prepayment Penalties: Some lenders may impose penalties for prepaying or foreclosing the loan before the end of the tenure.

• Hidden Charges: Ensure there are no hidden charges or additional fees that may arise during the loan tenure.

4. Avoid Over Borrowing:

• Borrow Only What You Need: Avoid taking a loan for unnecessary expenses. Borrow only the amount that is essential to meet your financial needs.

5. Be Wary of Loan Scams:

• Verify Lender Credentials: Ensure the lender is legitimate and authorised to offer loans.

• Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Be cautious about sharing personal and financial information online or over the phone.

Why Choose Shriram Personal Loan

Here are a few reasons why Shriram Personal Loan can be the right choice for your short or long-term financial requirements:

• Unsecured Loan Options: Access quick funds up to Rs. 10 Lakh* without pledging any assets.

• Attractive Interest Rates: With interest rates starting from 12%* p.a., Shriram Finance stands out to be one of the top choices in the NBFC sector for personal loan providers.

• Quick Approval: Shriram Personal Loan offers quick approvals to pre-approved applicants and those with a strong financial profile.

• Flexible Repayment Plans: With repayment tenures ranging from 12 to 60 months*, Shriram Personal Loan helps borrowers manage their EMIs effortlessly.

• Fully Digital Process: Applicants can apply for Shriram Personal Loan and upload the required documents with just a few clicks and from their comfort zones.

• Regular EMI Reminders: Shriram Finance sends out regular reminders on EMIs to your registered email ID and mobile number, helping you stay on top of your payments.

Conclusion

By following these precautions, you can make informed decisions and minimise the risks associated with personal loans. It is important to remember that while a personal loan can be a valuable financial tool that can help you manage urgent expenses, not exercising caution while applying for one can lead to consequences.

Shriram Finance can be a trusted partner in your personal loan journey. With loans tailored to fit your requirements and appealing features, like affordable interest rates and quick approvals, applying for Shriram Personal Loan can take you one step closer to fulfilling your financial needs and aspirations.

*Above mentioned loan amount, rates and tenure are as per the company’s Digital Personal Loan Policy

About Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance is a leading diversified financial services company in India, offering a wide range of financial products and services across consumer, wholesale, and business finance segments. The company has a strong presence pan India with a network of 3,196 branches and an employee strength of 79,405 with an AUM of Rs. 254,469 crores. With a focus on financial inclusion and customer-centricity, Shriram Finance continues to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.

Wella Professionals, the No.1 Salon Color Brand in the World** with 140+ years of experience in the hair industry, recently hosted the highly anticipated TrendVision 2024-25 Grand Finale, one of the most prestigious events in the hairdressing industry. This grand celebration took place at Andaz, New Delhi, where 21 of India’s finest hairstylists competed in an electrifying showcase of artistry, innovation, and transformative skill. Judged by an esteemed panel, including Wella Global Ambassador Alexis Ferrer, renowned Bollywood celebrity Manushi Chhillar, renowned beauty editor Nandini Bhalla, and trailblazing hair expert Adhuna Bhabani, the competition culminated in an unforgettable night of bold expression and groundbreaking techniques.

Wella Professionals TrendVision 2024-25

Bringing out Wella’s legacy of passion and breaking boundaries, this year’s Artspiration, “Golden Hour,” drew a reference from photography’s most beautiful lighting moments, where warmth and radiance come together. The event showcased an extraordinary display of creativity, where participants pushed the limits of hair artistry with talent that surpassed expectations. Each creation was nothing short of a masterpiece, unbelievable yet masterfully brought to life. The judges were left in awe as transformation after transformation unfolded, proving that when talent meets fearlessness, the results are nothing less than groundbreaking.

The winners of TrendVision 2024-25 are:

• Color Visionary: Lalruattluanga (‬Mapui Salon, Shillong) & Ravi Raj Joiya (Mumbai)

• Craft Visionary: Khushal Mali (Roots Makeover, Udaipur) & Sapna Alay (Vurve Salon,

• Bangalore)

• Academy Star: Netra Vilas (BBlunt Academy, Mumbai) & Nidhi (Orane Academy, Chandigarh)

Beyond the excitement of competition, the winners earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent India at Wella’s Global Destination Event, gaining access to an exclusive masterclass from the Wella Global Ambassador, Alexis Ferrer. With every stroke of color and each precise cut, they brought the Wella philosophy to life of being Effortlessly Precise and Staying a step ahead always. The winners in the Academy Stars category are rewarded with an exclusive training internship opportunity with Wella India.

Adding to the excitement, Wella Professionals unveiled the relaunch of Color Touch, its iconic demi-permanent range featuring a built-in Metal Purifier, at this event. This ammonia-free, low-commitment color line offers a rich, multi-dimensional palette for vibrant, natural-looking results. Loved by stylists worldwide, Color Touch now also boasts a vegan formula, ensuring true-to-tone vibrancy and unmatched shine across all hair types. With over 50+ shades, stylists can now explore limitless possibilities in hair artistry.

Enhancing this relaunch, Wella introduced signature new services, from Grey Blending and Color Refresh to Color Touch Melt and the First-Time Gentle Color Experience, these services empower professionals to craft unique, high-impact transformations. The Color Touch Melt technique, blends 3-5 shades for a seamless, couture-inspired effect, defining the future of modern hair color.

Pravesh Saha, General Manager, Wella India and South Asia, shared his excitement about the event, “TrendVision is back, and it’s bigger than ever. It’s the ultimate stage for dreamers. This season’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From initial inspiration to the final reveal, each stylist has displayed an extreme level of precision & skill. The semi-finals proved to be an exhibit of passion, demonstrating the dedication and expertise that define this craft. The finale took the competition to another level, with the display of unthinkable creations leaving us seasoned experts stunned. Wella Company remains at the forefront of creative excellence, providing a platform for stylists to experiment and innovate. With TrendVision making a powerful comeback, we are driving a new era of hairdressing in India. Additionally, the new Color Touch range, now featuring an in-built metal purifier technology and dynamic new shades, opens up limitless possibilities for color expression, empowering stylists to push their creativity even further.”

Join the conversation and witness the artistry unfold by following @wellaproindia Instagram handle and visiting www.wellatrendvisionindia.in.

**Based on Wella Master Brand USD sales on the 2023 Salon Hair Care Study for the hair coloring products category published by Kline

About Wella Company
Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of iconic brands such as the No. 1 Salon Color Brand in the World, Wella Professionals, and additional brands such as Sebastian Professional, System Professional, weDo Professional, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally and a presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company and its brands enable consumers to look, feel, and be their true selves. As innovators in the hair and nail industry, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, engage communities, and deliver sustainable growth to its stakeholders.

In the heart of Indias vibrant music scene, Radio City, the nation’s leading radio network successfully culminated Radio City Super Singer Season 16. The event has concluded with unparalleled success, cementing its position as Indias premier singing talent hunt. This season witnessed a remarkable surge in participation and engagement, emphasizing the nations fervent passion for music.

RCSS Season 16 Sets New Benchmarks in Talent Discovery and Engagement

A total of 4.98 lacs aspiring singers from across the country registered, reflecting the vast pool of talent eager to showcase their skills. In collaboration with Honda Big Wing, the season facilitated 6000+ test drives, seamlessly integrating automotive enthusiasm with musical aspirations. The RCSS microsite garnered 3.63 lakh page views, indicating a strong online presence and sustained interest throughout the competition. Engaging the audience directly, the microsite attracted 2.50 lakh voters, highlighting the interactive nature of the platform. The comprehensive campaign achieved a total reach of 22.8 crores, encompassing on-air, digital, and on-ground activations.

This seasons extensive reach was sustained by over 310 college activations, 535 hangout zones, creating a 360-degree engagement strategy that resonated with diverse audiences. The innovative use of AR & AI through AI RJ SIA further enhanced the interactive experience, featuring in 63 print ads across leading publications. The grand finale, held across 28 venues including malls, college auditoriums, and open venues, was evidence to the shows widespread appeal and the immense talent pool it continues to nurture.

Reflecting on the seasons success, Mr. Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, stated, “At Radio City, we are always focused and passionate about supporting and nurturing novel ideas. Radio City Super Singer is not merely a competition but a platform that identifies and cherishes extraordinary talents from all corners of our diverse nation. With the successful culmination of Season 16, we have realized that RCSS is more than just a contest; it’s now a journey that turns aspirations into reality and unearths voices that speak to our countrys soul. We extend our profound gratitude to our presenting partner Honda BigWing and Associate Partners for their invaluable support as sponsors of this years RCSS. Together, let’s craft a melody that echoes with millions and inspires the next generation of music legends.“

Mr.Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India Pvt.Ltd, said, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India Pvt. Ltd., said, “At HMSI we are committed to delivering world-class mobility solutions through innovation and customer-centric experiences. With our expanding BigWing network, we continue to set benchmarks in premium two-wheeler segment, catering to evolving consumer needs. Our partnership with Radio City’s RCSS Season 16 was a natural extension of this vision, reaching out to passionate individuals who, like our riders, strive for excellence and self-expression. This coalition strengthened our promise to creating experiences that inspire and move people forward.”

As the tagline aptly states, “Aapki Success Ki Shuruat Humse Hai,” RCSS Season 16 has once again proven to be a launchpad for Indias most talented singers, offering a platform where aspiring artists can chase their dreams and gain recognition in the highly competitive music industry.

About Music Broadcast Limited
Radio City, a subsidiary of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. under Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), is India’s first private FM radio broadcaster with over two decades of experience. With 39 stations across 12 states and 1 Union Territory, Radio City reaches 62% of Indias FM population, engaging 69 million weekly listeners (Source: AZ Research 2019). Its digital presence extends through www.radiocity.in

Driven by its brand philosophy “Rag Rag Mein Daude City,” Radio City has pioneered unique and impactful content that resonates with city pride. The launch of #CityKiNayiVibe aims to connect with Gen Z through a fresh, modern sound. Popular IPs like Babber Sher, Joke Studio, and Love Guru have become listener favourites. The station also champions independent music with the ‘Radio City Freedom Awards’ and provides a platform for emerging talent through ‘Radio City Super Singer,’ the first radio singing talent hunt, ongoing for 16 years. Additionally, Radio City Business Titans was introduced in 2022 to honour excellence in Indian businesses.

Radio City has embraced ‘Radigitalization,’ integrating radio with digital technology for a seamless experience. This includes AI-driven RJ Sia, who offers personalized, dynamic content, and RC Studio, a 24/7 video channel that blends video and audio, expanding Radio City’s reach and engagement. Radio City launched Muzartdisco, India’s first one-stop platform empowering independent artists with 360-degree career opportunities and global visibility, while also introduced SMINCO.in, an automated influencer marketing platform redefining digital brand engagement.

Radio City has earned over 217 awards from prestigious platforms such as New York Festivals, ACEF Global, and India Radio Forum. In 2022, Music Broadcast Limited received ‘Indias Best Company of the Year 2022’ from Berkshire Media. Radio City has consistently ranked as a top workplace in the Great Place To Work survey. In 2024, it was named the 7th Best Workplace in India and the Best Workplace for Millennials, while ranking 33rd in Asia and 1st in the Media sector. Previously, Radio City was recognized among India’s Top 75 Workplaces for Women in 2019 and achieved 4th place for Best Large Workplaces in Asia in 2020. Known for its vibrant culture, Radio City embodies trust, pride, and camaraderie, offering an exceptional workplace experience for all employees.

• RR players unveiled the latest solar and advanced energy solutions by Luminous Power Technologies along with a 360-degree marketing campaign to enhance rooftop solar adoption

• Showcases special jersey for the Pink Promise match during the upcoming India’s T-20 Premier League to continue supporting women-led transformation with a promise to promote clean energy

Luminous Power Technologies, Indias leading energy solutions company, continues its power partnership with Rajasthan Royals to be their Title Partner for the 18^th season of the upcoming India’s T-20 premier league creating a greater momentum for their sustainability efforts and launching nationwide solar adoption initiatives.

Luminous senior leadership with Rajasthan Royals players

As part of the event, Rajasthan Royals players Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande along with Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer of Rajasthan Royals and Preeti Bajaj, Neelima Burra, Amit Shukla, and Shikha Gupta from the Luminous leadership team, unveiled Luminous’ latest line of solar and advanced energy solutions, aligned with the company’s long-term mission to empower consumers with clean energy alternatives. Luminous also plans to launch a new sleek futuristic design range of inverters – EVO Inverter Series, and ZELIO S Inverter Series. Additionally, the product range includes the EON Topcon Solar Panels, along with the industry-disrupting gel battery technology – AmpBox range, all designed to offer superior efficiency, durability, and performance in extreme weather conditions of India.

Further, Luminous also unveiled a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across India and establish itself as “Indias Solar Expert,” addressing consumer trust deficits and the perception of high cost and complexity. Educating consumers on solar benefits, the campaign showcases Luminous cutting-edge solutions through digital outreach, on-ground activations, and media engagement. By focusing on trust and expertise, Luminous aims to lead solar adoption and solidify its position as the nations premier solar provider.

Speaking on the occasion, Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies, said, “India’s solar energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and at Luminous, we are dedicated to playing a crucial role in accelerating this change. We believe that the future is solar, and we are committed to driving this transition through innovative products and meaningful partnerships. Our collaboration with Rajasthan Royals enables us to connect with millions of cricket fans and inspire a movement toward clean energy adoption. Through this association, we are leveraging the influence of sports to promote solar energy, encourage its adoption, and introduce innovative products that enhance energy efficiency.“

Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation & Marketing Officer, Luminous Power Technologies said, “Cricket is more than just a sport in India-it’s a passion that unites millions. Partnering with the Rajasthan Royals provides us with a significant platform to showcase our solar innovations and promote the message of sustainability. Luminous is at the forefront of solar energy adoption through educational brand initiatives and skilling programs. We have built a comprehensive marketing strategy that combines OTT and television advertising, offline activations, social media, and nationwide partner engagement to boost user interaction, raise awareness, and reinforce brand loyalty in the solar energy sector. India’s T-20 Premier League’s reach ensures that our clean energy vision receives the attention it deserves, inspiring fans to make smart sustainable choices for a brighter future.“

“As Indias leading energy solutions and rooftop solar brand, the launch of our new product range ensures consumers can choose from a wide range of products that seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with sleek design. We believe in empowering consumers with choice, enabling them to actively participate in Indias sustainable energy future.“, said Amit Shukla, Senior Vice President, Energy Solutions Business, Luminous Power Technologies.

Luminous has undertaken a transformative endeavour aimed at bringing solar power to communities, with the support of Royal Rajasthan Foundation. The initiative is focused on training rural women to become solar engineers and promoting the usage of solar energy in their communities. Continuing their tradition of #PinkPromise match from last year, for every six-hit in one of the matches, Luminous along with RR will be powering six homes in the Sambhar region. The aim is to instil a positive impact on both the environment and the communities. The special all-pink jersey includes a visual representation of a solar panel highlighting the Royal Rajasthan Foundation’s efforts to provide clean energy to rural women.

Commenting on the association, Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Rajasthan Royals, said, “Cricket has the power to drive meaningful change far beyond the boundaries of the game. Our partnership with Luminous is not just about sponsorship-it’s about harnessing innovation and sustainability to inspire millions. Together, we are not only promoting clean energy solutions but also setting a new benchmark for how sports can lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. From impacting thousands of lives through solarification to enabling empowered women as solar ambassadors in their communities, we aim to drive greater awareness and adoption of clean energy solutions that create lasting impact.”

As a leader in energy solutions, Luminous remains committed to innovation and sustainability, empowering consumers to embrace cleaner and smarter energy alternatives. The association with Rajasthan Royals will help both to drive adoption of cutting-edge products and bring about transformation in underserved regions of India.

About Luminous Power Technologies

Luminous Power Technologies is a powerful and trustworthy brand with a wide range of innovative products in the power backup and residential solar space that covers inverters Batteries and solar solutions. Luminous has been in business for 37 years now. Recently CRISIL has upgraded its credit rating to AAA+. With 8 manufacturing units, more than 28 sales offices in India, and a presence in over 40 countries, our 6000 employees serve more than 100,000 channel partners and millions of customers. Our motto has always been Customer Delight through Innovation and Passion with a focus on Execution & Teamwork.

Indias leading private radio and entertainment network, Red FM, announced season 3 of the Quiz India Movement, a celebration of Indias unending craze for cricket. Following on the phenomenal success of its previous editions, this season is back to celebrate Indias unyielding passion for cricket and knowledge during the T20 League. The quiz promises an immersive experience for participants, blending the excitement of cricket trivia with the thrill of the first ever live quizzing.

Red FM Announces Season 3 of the Quiz India Movement – The Ultimate T20 League Quiz Challenge

RJ Purab, the host of Red FM Delhis Morning No. 1 Show, known for his unique infectious wit and ingenious entertainment style will be leading this quiz. The campaign kick started from 17th March and will conclude on 25th May 2024. Every Monday to Friday during the Morning No. 1 show across 37 cities, listeners can tune in between 10 am to 11 am and win exciting prizes up to Rs. 20,00,000/-.

The questions will be narrated on-air and will simultaneously appear on the website, enhancing the quiz experience for both radio and online audiences. Daily winners will be awarded a prize of Rs. 20,000, while a weekly bumper prize of ₹1,00,000 will be presented to one lucky participant selected from the week’s entries every Friday.

Speaking about the campaign, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, Red FM& Magic FM, said, “Cricket is a passion that unites a billion hearts. The energy, the excitement, and the unwavering love for the game bring people together like nothing else. With the Quiz India Movement, we celebrate this spirit by giving fans a platform to showcase their knowledge and win big. As we launch Season 3, the power of radio and digital will create an unforgettable experience, making the festival of cricket even grander. This season, we are set to reach more fans, engage with greater intensity, and amplify the thrill of the game. It’s time to cheer, compete, and celebrate cricket in a way that truly resonates with its biggest fans. We are truly humbled and grateful by the response from our listeners, which continues to inspire us in making this campaign bigger and better.”

Join the movement now: quizindiamovement.in

About 93.5 RED FM

Red FM stands out as India’s largest radio channel and one of the biggest entertainment networks. We are hyper-local, hyper vocal, and with our brand philosophy and attitude ‘Bajaate Raho!’ We are at the core of millennials’ hearts. By leveraging our two-decades-old legacy and expertise, we sow the seeds of a ‘larger than life experience’. We thrive on the emotional connection with the listeners and audience fashioned through a massive footprint of 69 radio stations nationwide. We create original podcasts, digital shows, and on-ground events, feature independent music, make 360-degree noise, and speak the truth. As the ‘station of expression,’ Red FM boasts over 663 award-winning campaigns including BEST BRAND, BEST FM STATION, and BEST RJs.

OTTplay, India’s leading OTT aggregator, is thrilled to announce the third edition of the OTTplay Awards, set to take place on March 22, 2025. Continuing its unique legacy under the theme “One Nation, One Award”, OTTplay Awards remain the only platform that unites and celebrates outstanding OTT films and web series across all Indian languages-ensuring a level playing field for diverse content.

Real Fruit Juice presents OTTPlay Awards 2025 in partnership with HT City

This year’s edition, presented by Real Fruit Juices and Beverages (Co-Presenting Partner), is powered by Stockgroww and held in partnership with HT City. The event is further supported by Flipkart Spoyl (Exclusive Styling Partner), D Paul’s (Travel Partner), Amante (Premium Lingerie Partner), Aussie Lamb (Special Partner), and Propshop (Real Estate Partner).

Recognising excellence in OTT

The OTTplay Awards 2025 will honour the finest performances, filmmakers, and creative minds shaping India’s digital entertainment landscape. Featuring around 30 categories, the awards will recognise excellence in acting, direction, writing, and more.

A key highlight is the Viewer’s Choice Awards, where audiences play a pivotal role in selecting the winners. Fans will get to vote for their favourite films, series, and actors on www.ottplay.com/awards ensuring an inclusive and democratic selection process.

“One Nation, One Award is the essence of OTTplay Awards – celebrating films and series across all Indian languages on an equal footing. This year, we continue to spotlight the best in Indian entertainment and bring audiences closer to the content they love,” said Avinash Mudaliar, Co-founder & CEO, OTTplay.

Award categories

The third edition of OTTplay Awards will feature multiple categories recognising excellence in OTT entertainment, including:

Best Movie
Best Director (Film)
Best Actor in a Film (Male)
Best Actor in a Film (Female)
Best Actor in a Negative Role (Film)
Best Actor in a Comic Role (Film)
Best Director (Series)
Best Actor in a Series (Male)
Best Actor in a Series (Female)
Best Supporting Actor in a Series (Male)
Best Supporting Actor in a Series (Female)
Best Actor in a Negative Role (Series)
Best Actor in a Comic Role (Series)
Best Showrunner
Best Talk Show Host
Best Reality Show
Best Non-scripted Show
Trailblazer of the Year
Versatile Performer of the Year (Female)
Versatile Performer of the Year (Male)
Best Documentary Series
Pioneering Contributions to New-Wave Cinema
Inspiring Performer of the Year

Additionally, the Viewer’s Choice Awards, selected through audience votes submitted on www.ottplay.com/awardsinclude:

Best Series
Breakthrough Performance in Film (Male)
Breakthrough Performance in Film (Female)
Breakthrough Performance in a Series (Male)
Breakthrough Performance in a Series (Female)

For more updates, stay tuned to www.ottplay.com/awards.

About OTTplay

OTTplay is India’s pioneering OTT aggregator, revolutionising content discovery and consumption with AI-driven recommendations. With OTTplay Premium, users get a curated selection of content from over 36 premier OTT platforms, personalised to their unique viewing preferences.

The 55th All Japan Nishikigoi Show was held in Tokyo from January 25 to 26, 2025, where a Niigata-bred koi fish won the overall top prize. A koi dealer who exports to India also took the Excellence Award in the Bekko variety category.

Left: Overall Champion “Showa-sanshoku,” Right: “Bekko” Excellence Award

Nishikigoi are vibrant ornamental fish born from Japanese tradition and are often called “swimming jewels” for their beauty. Since first appearing from a natural mutation over 200 years ago, selective breeding has produced over 150 varieties. Koi from Niigata Prefecture, the birthplace of Nishikigoi, are especially valued for their vivid colors and striking patterns.

Known internationally as “Koi” or “Nishikigoi,” these fish have gained global popularity in recent years, particularly in Europe, the US, and Asia. Demand is also growing in India, especially among wealthy enthusiasts.

The All Japan Nishikigoi Show is one of the worlds most prestigious koi competitions, where breeders and collectors from across the globe compete in beauty and quality. This year, a Niigata-bred koi was awarded the top prize out of 1,843 entries-an accomplishment worthy of being called the most beautiful koi in the world.

A dealer who sells Japanese koi primarily in India also received the Excellence Award for the Bekko variety. Award-winning koi often increase their value significantly, with individual fish sometimes fetching several hundred thousand rupees.

Photo, right: Mr. Amila I Bandara

Bekko Excellence Award – Comment from Mr. Amila I Bandara (Sri Lanka)
Koi bred in Niigata are truly outstanding in their vivid coloration and pattern. It is essentially the holy land of Nishikigoi here. Im honored that my koi received the Excellence Award in this prestigious competition. In India, where I sell koi, many wealthy individuals keep them in large ponds at their homes. While varieties like Kohaku, Taisho-sanshoku, and Showa-sanshoku are staples, unique patterns like Asagi and Bekko have also been gaining popularity among enthusiasts. I plan to continue expanding sales of high-quality Niigata-bred koi and further promote their beauty throughout India.

Mana Projects, a leading builder in Bengaluru, has completed 25 years of transforming Bengalurus skyline. A journey that began in the 2000s as a modest venture has evolved to become a trailblazer in the real estate sector today that has been built upon trust, and loyalty from its customers.

Mana Projects: Celebrating 25 Years Of Living

Guided by the visionary leadership of Mr. Kishore Reddy, CMD of Mana Projects, the company embarked on its journey with residential developments in KR Puram and Bellandur. By focusing on Bengalurus dynamic Southeast market-home to thriving IT parks, renowned schools, and top-tier healthcare facilities-they built strong communities that elevated urban living standards.

How Mana Turned Challenges into Opportunities

Over the years, Mana Projects has navigated significant challenges, from economic downturns to evolving market demands. Adapting, innovating, and staying committed to excellence has been key to building an empire that resonates with trust and quality. From managing small projects to undertaking ambitious ventures like a 100-acre township, Mana Projects has consistently set benchmarks in the industry.

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Mana adheres to the highest standards of quality, customer satisfaction, and efficient project execution. This certification ensures that every Mana home is built with precision, excellence, and a strong focus on long-term value.

Mana Projects aims to shape the future of Bengaluru’s real estate landscape with projects that address urban challenges and enhance lifestyles while setting new benchmarks with its innovative and sustainable designs through Iconic projects such as:

• Mana Foresta: India’s first vertical forest tower, blending nature, and modern architecture seamlessly. This is an extraordinary luxury residential development that re-introduces urban living by bringing the serenity of a forest into the heart of the city. This architectural standard includes around 56 exclusive residences, enveloped by a meticulously curated vertical forest featuring over 225 trees, 2,500 shrubs, and 1,000 perennial plants within its vicinity.

• Daintree by Mana: Daintree Luxury Villas sets a new benchmark in sustainable luxury living. The residences at Daintree are engineered to create a living environment that seamlessly connects with nature, offering oxygen levels three times higher than conventional homes and twice the natural light penetration. A serene villa community inspired by nature, featuring double-height courtyards and eco-friendly construction.

• Mana Capitol: Introducing revolutionary convertible homes with movable walls and terrace kitchen gardens. Thoughtfully designed bay windows flood the spaces with natural light while offering panoramic views of the cityscape. For the homebuyers embracing the grow-your-own movement, private terrace kitchen gardens provide the perfect setting for urban farming.

• Mana Jardin Neo: Luxury living at its finest, combining exclusivity and elegance at the Sarjapur Road. This exceptional residential masterpiece transforms the concept of high-rise living through its commanding 360-degree panoramic views that paint a new picture with each passing hour.

• Mana Dale: A nature-infused development offering lush skywalks and teakwood boulevards. At its heart lies an unprecedented commitment to open spaces, with 75% of the property dedicated to verdant landscapes that invite residents to reconnect with nature and each other.

• Macasa Emerald: Fully furnished homes tailored for the millennial lifestyle and positioned strategically in one of the citys most vibrant residential corridors make it a substantial value appreciation, and hence an ideal choice for investors seeking to build lasting wealth through real estate.

Rooted in sustainability, Mana Projects incorporates green building concepts inspired by Italian architecture. In Mana Dale, for example, the company preserved existing trees using advanced tree transplantation techniques, ensuring that nature remains an integral part of the living experience.

With centralized quality control systems and eco-friendly innovations, the company ensures consistency and excellence across all developments, maximising the quality of life for residents.

“Our 25-year journey is more than just a timeline; it’s a story of dreams realized, trust earned, and lives transformed,” reflects Mr. Reddy. “We set out to create spaces that not only house people but inspire them to live brilliantly.”

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are not just reflecting on our past achievements but looking ahead to a future filled with possibilities,” says Mr. Reddy. “The next phase of our journey includes bold plans to develop more than 15 million square feet across residential, commercial, and retail segments.”

Beyond building homes, Mana Projects is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Their CSR initiatives reflect their dedication to creating a positive impact:

• School Development Programs: Transforming government schools by establishing digital classrooms, conducting teacher training, and enhancing educational opportunities for students.

• Lake Rejuvenation: Restoring Hegondanahalli Lake through de-silting, planting native species, and introducing natural water purification methods, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

• Ecological Drives: Organizing plantation drives and planting over 1,000 trees to promote environmental balance and create a greener tomorrow.

These initiatives reflect Mana Projects commitment to building a better, more sustainable world for all.

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of Mana’s employees, partners, and customers who have been integral to its success. Mana Projects continues to shape lives and communities, staying true to its vision of creating innovative spaces that harmonize with nature and redefine living standards.

Beyond quality, Mana has been at the forefront of green and sustainable living. As one of the founding members of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Mana integrates eco-conscious designs, energy-efficient materials, rainwater harvesting, and tree transplantation techniques across its developments. From Mana Foresta’s vertical forest concept to the lush tree-hugging balconies at Mana Tropicale, sustainability is woven into every Mana project. Our commitment to green-certified developments ensures that every home we build is future-ready, environmentally responsible, and built for generations to come.