Sarovar Hotels has launched a digital campaign, ‘What a Deal’, aimed at stimulating summer travel demand and encouraging longer leisure stays across its portfolio of destinations in India.

Sarovar Hotels – What A Deal Campaign

The limited-period promotion allows guests to book a two-night stay and receive the third night complimentary, while also offering additional value-led benefits designed to attract families and leisure travellers during the upcoming holiday season.

As part of the campaign, guests can avail 15% savings on food and beverage during their stay, while children up to 10 years of age can stay and dine complimentary when sharing the same room, making the offer particularly appealing for family vacations.

The initiative will be available across select Sarovar Hotels properties located in key leisure destinations spanning beach, hill, wildlife and city markets across India. By combining value-driven pricing with experiential destinations, the hotel chain aims to encourage travellers to extend their stays and explore more within a single trip.

Commenting on the campaign, Nitika Khanna, Director Marketing and Communications, Sarovar Hotels said, “Summer remains one of the strongest travel seasons in India, particularly for family-led leisure demand. With the ‘What a Deal’ campaign, our objective is to create a compelling value proposition that encourages guests to stay longer and explore more destinations within our portfolio.”

The campaign reflects Sarovar Hotels continued focus on strengthening direct consumer engagement while driving incremental room nights during peak leisure travel periods. Bookings for the ‘What a Deal’ campaign are open until 15 April, with guests able to explore participating hotels and make reservations through the brand website.

Sarovar Hotels currently operates over 150 hotels across 87 destinations in India and overseas, across multiple brands including Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, and international brands operated in partnership with Louvre Hotels Group, such as Tulip Inn, Golden Tulip and Royal Tulip.

About Sarovar Hotels
Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. is a leading hotel management company and one of the fastest-growing chains of hotels in India. Headed by a team of industry veterans, the company manages over 150 operational hotels in 87 destinations across India, Nepal, and Africa, under the Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, and Golden Tulip brands. Sarovar Hotels covers the Budget – Economy, Midscale – Upper Midscale & Upscale spectrum and also operates a Corporate Hospitality Services division for business schools and corporate institutions.

With 17 regional sales & reservations offices across India, Sarovar Hotels is among the country’s most diverse hotel management companies. Sarovar Hotels is part of the Paris-headquartered Group Du Louvre, a major player in the global hospitality industry, managing a portfolio of 1700 hotels across 60 countries.

slice, India’s first digital & AI native bank, today opened its UPI credit card to all customers. The card, which launched on an invite-only basis in July 2025, has built a waitlist of more than 1.2 million customers. This launch marks one of the first large-scale efforts to build a credit product natively on UPI rails.

slice UPI credit card

The card is free to own and use, with no joining fee, no annual fee, and no maintenance charge of any kind. Payments through the slice UPI card, work just like any other UPI transaction; through a QR code or a UPI ID. Customers can split payments into three monthly instalments at no extra cost through the product’s “slice in 3” feature. The card works internationally too, with no forex markup and acceptance in 200+ countries.

slice’s UPI credit card makes no-cost credit instalments accessible to 300 million Indians across 65 million merchants, on the largest payments network ever built. For context, the world’s largest buy-now-pay-later platforms together reach roughly 1.5 million merchants globally.

“slice credit card is now live for everyone. We appreciate the patience of our 1.2 million waitlisted customers over the last few months. We will shortly begin processing your applications and start accepting all new ones,” Rajan Bajaj, founder & CEO, slice said in a tweet.

Users earn rewards across all transactions, making it one of the first credit products in India to consistently reward small-ticket, high-frequency UPI transactions. UPI has already put a payments infrastructure in the hands of 300 million Indians. This card now layers a credit product on top of that — built around how those 300 million actually spend: in small amounts, frequently, and across millions of merchants. slice’s systems assess creditworthiness based on real transaction behaviour, enabling it to extend credit responsibly and grow limits incrementally as behaviour is demonstrated. 

About slice
slice is on a mission to build India’s most loved bank. It is reimagining consumer banking in India with simple, transparent and technology-driven products. slice operates as a full-stack bank, offering solutions such as the slice savings account, slice fixed deposits, slice UPI, slice borrow, the slice UPI credit card, and India’s first UPI-led bank branch. Its mission is to make banking faster, fairer and easier for every Indian. slice is backed by global investors including Tiger Global, Insight Partners, Advent International, Blume Ventures and Gunosy Capital.

India’s intensely competitive entrance examination ecosystem spanning engineering, medical, government and management streams is increasingly confronting a deepening mental health challenge, with student burnout emerging as a critical concern. As preparation cycles grow more rigorous and prolonged, education experts are calling for a calibrated shift towards more balanced and sustainable learning practices.

Focused preparation reflects the growing academic pressure faced by students nationwide make this more better

Recent data underscores the scale of the issue. According to findings cited from national-level studies, over 80 per cent of students in India report experiencing exam-related stress and anxiety, reflecting the pervasive psychological pressure embedded within the system.

Further, a nationwide student well-being survey indicates that nearly one in five high school students rarely feels calm, motivated or emotionally secure, pointing to rising levels of disengagement and fatigue.

Across the country, particularly in rapidly expanding education hubs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, students are navigating heightened academic expectations. Extended study hours, continuous performance assessment and intense competition are contributing to elevated levels of stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion. While access to coaching institutes and digital learning platforms has widened significantly, the corresponding focus on mental well-being continues to lag behind.

The entrenched culture of over-preparation often characterised by exhaustive study routines and minimal recovery time—is now drawing increasing scrutiny. Students are reporting symptoms associated with burnout, including diminished motivation, sleep disturbances and heightened anxiety, raising concerns about long-term implications on both academic performance and overall health.

In response, sections of the coaching and edtech ecosystem are gradually moving towards a more holistic, student-centric approach. There is a discernible shift towards structured and personalised learning frameworks that integrate mental health awareness, balanced schedules and efficient preparation strategies aimed at optimising outcomes without overwhelming students.

Neeraj Kansal, Founder & CEO of Crack Academy, said, “Success in competitive examinations must not come at the cost of mental well-being. The focus today should be on smarter, structured preparation that fosters balance and resilience. Students perform best in environments that support them, rather than overwhelm them.”

Industry observers further emphasise the role of parents and educators in mitigating this growing concern. Encouraging realistic expectations, fostering open communication and recognising consistent effort over purely outcome-driven benchmarks can significantly reduce the psychological burden on students.

As India’s examination ecosystem evolves, mental health is set to become a defining pillar in shaping future education paradigms. The narrative is steadily shifting from purely result-oriented frameworks to more sustainable models that prioritise resilience, balance and long-term student success.

With rising living costs and evolving financial needs, individuals are increasingly looking for ways to manage expenses without disrupting their long-term financial plans. One of the key aspects of borrowing today is not just access to funds, but the ability to plan repayments efficiently.

Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan

Tools like the Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan EMI calculator are helping borrowers take a more structured approach to financial planning by offering clarity on monthly instalments before applying for a loan.

Growing need for smarter financial planning

As financial commitments become more diverse, ranging from medical needs and education expenses to lifestyle upgrades, planning cash flow has become essential.

Borrowers today prefer to evaluate:

• Monthly repayment capacity

• Loan tenure options

• Total cost of borrowing

This shift has increased the importance of digital tools that provide accurate and instant calculations.

Role of an EMI calculator in loan planning

An EMI calculator is a simple yet effective tool that helps individuals estimate their monthly repayment before taking a loan.

Borrowers can calculate their expected instalments by using the Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan EMI calculator, which allows users to enter the loan amount, tenure, and interest rate to instantly view EMI amounts and total repayment details. This enables them to:

• Compare different loan scenarios

• Adjust tenure for affordability

• Avoid over-borrowing

How EMI planning improves financial stability

Understanding EMI in advance allows borrowers to align repayments with their monthly income. A well-planned EMI ensures:

• Better budget management

• Reduced financial stress

• Consistent repayment discipline

Instead of making decisions based on assumptions, individuals can rely on accurate calculations to choose a loan structure that fits their financial situation.

Key features of Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan

Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan is designed to support a wide range of financial needs while ensuring convenience and flexibility:

• Loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh

Suitable for both smaller and larger financial requirements

• Flexible repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 108 months

Allows borrowers to choose a tenure based on affordability

• Quick digital application process with fast approvals

Simplifies access to funds without lengthy procedures

• Minimal documentation requirements

Reduces complexity during the application process

These features help borrowers plan and manage their finances more effectively.

Simple process to apply for a personal loan online

Applying for a personal loan through Bajaj Finance is designed to be quick, convenient, and fully digital, allowing applicants to complete the process without unnecessary delays.

1. The applicant can begin by visiting the Personal Loan section on the Bajaj Finserv website and clicking on the ‘APPLY’ button.

2. They will then be required to enter their 10-digit mobile number and complete OTP verification.

3. After verification, they can fill in basic details related to their loan requirement in the online application form.

4. Once the details are submitted, they can proceed to the loan selection stage.

5. At this step, the applicant can choose the desired loan amount and select from available loan options.

6. They can then pick a suitable repayment tenure, ranging from 12 months to 108 months, based on their financial comfort.

7. The process concludes with completing the KYC formalities and submitting the application digitally.

You will be assisted on the next steps by our representative.

Financial planning in 2026 is increasingly driven by clarity and convenience. Tools like EMI calculators play a crucial role in helping borrowers understand their repayment commitments before taking a loan.

By using the Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan EMI calculator and reviewing loan features in advance, individuals can structure their finances more efficiently and make borrowing decisions with greater confidence.

*Terms and conditions apply

About Bajaj Finance Limited

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, successfully hosted a train-the-trainer live surgical workshop on 28th March 2026, focusing on advanced gynecological endoscopy skill development amongst young practitioners. The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for medical professionals to enhance their expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which allows for faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery. Helmed by Dr. Prashant Bhamare, HOD & Director – Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, the workshop was designed to enhance the capabilities of doctors in performing complex surgeries by adopting and embracing advanced techniques.

L–R: Dr Sujay N., Mr Nitin Kamaria & Dr Prashant Bhamare with his fellows at Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy Workshop, on March 28, at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai

The workshop featured three complex Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) surgeries, each focusing on different challenges. One surgery included Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy, where both ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed. This procedure is often needed for conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, or cancer. Another surgery demonstrated TLH with Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain. The third surgery focused on TLH in a patient with a history of two previous Caesarean Sections (LSCS), which can make the procedure more complicated due to scar tissue and changes in anatomy. The main focus of the workshop was on managing uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. Managing these conditions in patients who have had previous surgeries, such as caesareans or fibroid removals, can be challenging, which was shown during the live cases. Advanced energy devices were used during these surgeries to ensure accuracy, reduce complications, and provide valuable learning for all the participants.

Dr. Prashant Bhamare, HOD & Director, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai said, “The workshop provided an exceptional opportunity for young caregivers to gain hands-on experience about advanced laparoscopic techniques. The focus on complex cases, such as managing fibroids in patients with prior surgeries, was important for teaching the latest approaches to surgery. I’m confident that this practical experience will significantly help improve patient outcomes.”

The event also included structured teaching sessions, where participants learned about the newest developments in laparoscopic surgery. Energy devices, which are used in laparoscopic procedures to cut and coagulate tissue with heat, were also discussed. These devices help make surgeries more precise, reduce blood loss, and shorten recovery times for patients.

Mr. Nitin Kamaria, Facility Director, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, commented, “At Fortis, we believe in nurturing the skills of our clinical and nursing teams so they can provide the best care possible. With Dr. Bhamare leading the way, we’ve been able to help clinicians across the city gain hands-on expertise in advanced gynaecological endoscopic techniques. This workshop was a wonderful opportunity for doctors to learn, share experiences, and grow together. We are proud to have hosted such a meaningful event.”

The workshop was attended by consultants at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, as well as doctors from civic institutions and other leading private hospitals in Navi Mumbai. The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange and discussion of best practices in laparoscopic surgery, helping participants enhance the quality of care for their patients.

Dr Bindhu KS, President, Navi Mumbai Obstetrics and Gynecological Society was also present to deliver a keynote for this session. This workshop is a part of Fortis Hiranandani Hospital’s ongoing efforts to lead the way in medical education and surgical innovation, not just within the unit but across the medical community. By offering such programs, the hospital ensures that doctors have the tools and knowledge they need to deliver the best care to their patients.

About IHH Healthcare (“IHH”)

IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Turkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com

A significant decline in the number of Indian students opting for higher education abroad is prompting a larger conversation around the readiness of India’s education ecosystem, according to Sushma Bharath, an independent education strategist and consultant.

Sushma Bharath

Recent data indicates that the number of Indians travelling overseas for higher education has dropped from 908,000 in 2023 to 626,000 in 2025, with US student visas alone witnessing a sharp 62 per cent decline between June and July 2025. While this trend may appear encouraging for India, Bharath notes that the reasons behind it warrant closer scrutiny. (Source: The Red Pen)

“While visa restrictions and global uncertainties are immediate factors, the growing impact of AI on service-led sectors such as IT is also influencing parental decisions. Families are increasingly reassessing long-term financial stability, which is shaping education choices,” she said.

Bharath raises a critical concern on whether India becoming a preferred option by default reflects progress or exposes underlying gaps in perception. “If it takes external disruptions for students to consider staying back, it is important for us to question what that says about our system,” she added.

Highlighting the evolution of India’s higher education landscape, Bharath pointed to the rise of liberal arts institutions such as Ashoka University, O.P. Jindal Global University, Azim Premji University, Krea University and Plaksha University, alongside the expansion of established institutions like Manipal and BITS into multi-campus models. 

However, she emphasised that increasing competition, especially with foreign universities such as University of Bristol, Illinois Institute of Technology, UNSW and University of Liverpool setting up campuses in India under the National Education Policy, will require institutions to significantly strengthen their offerings. (Source: Overseas education and The Economic Times)

“Universities can no longer assume demand. They must focus on strong faculty, meaningful multidisciplinary programmes, and outcomes that are aligned with the future of work,” she said.

Bharath also underscored the need for a broader shift in mindset from a service-led economy to one that nurtures entrepreneurship and job creation. “India must move from being a nation of job seekers to one of job creators. With the rise of the startup ecosystem, young people today are increasingly inspired by founders and builders, and education must reflect that shift,” she noted.

Calling for collective responsibility, Bharath said that the presence of these students in India places an onus on the entire ecosystem. “Universities, employers, counsellors, and all stakeholders must ensure that students see real value and outcomes here. It cannot be reduced to positioning or marketing alone,” she said.

“The students are here. The question is whether we are ready for them,” she added.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27th March 2026. A total of 785 students from various programmes graduated, this evening. Degrees were awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) received the Master of Management Studies (Public Policy) degree. One PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research, while gold medals were awarded for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore 

“Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at the 51st Convocation of IIM Bangalore. As you enter a rapidly evolving business environment, remember that lasting success is built through consistent choices, not just moments of acceleration. The real test of leadership lies in balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation. It is possible to have it all, but not always at the same time – prioritization and resilience act as the key. I wish you the wisdom to play the long game and create meaningful, enduring impact”, said Chief Guest Ms Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, during her special address at IIM Bangalore’s Convocation ceremony, this evening. 

Ms Padalkar explained the graduating students that life should go beyond the fast pace of the sprint to make way for a more resilient and enduring marathon. She explained that institutions and careers are not built in sprints but through a process of evolution of a long distance race, with doses of energy, ambition, confidence and courage, and that leadership was about integrating multiple lenses. She also emphasized on the importance of precision meeting persuasion, trust built over years and slowing down to accelerate, to have sustainable careers. 

Ms Padalkar also shared that three key decisions proved to be the turning points in her own life – choosing finance as her career, returning to India to build a life in the financial capital Mumbai, and choosing the life partner that she did. 

Ms Vibha Padalkar advised the students that the ability to anticipate, discipline to pause and wisdom to choose deliberately, will stand them in good stead in the long run. “IIMB has honed your decision making skills. So, as you enter a new phase of your lives, remember that you need to run fast when it matters, slow down when it counts and stay in the long race.”

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27th March 2026. A total of 785 students from various programmes graduated, this evening. Degrees were awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) received the Master of Management Studies (Public Policy) degree. One PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research, while gold medals were awarded for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank.

The students graduated from the prestigious institution this year in the presence of the Chief Guest, Board Members, Director-in-charge, Deans, faculty, alumni and staff of the Institute, alongside proud smiles and loud cheers from their families.

Gold medallists and PhD award winner: This year, a total of nine students have won gold medals. Moreover, a PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) 2024-2026, Manasi Anju Mertia is the First Rank Holder, while Dhvit Jayen Mehta is the Second Rank Holder. 

Mayur Dattatray Khule is the Gold Medallist for Best All Round Performance for Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026 combined.

For the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026, Bharat Mundra is the First Rank Holder.

In Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) 2025-2026, Aysha Shaba PP is the First Rank Holder and Rajasilpi SP is the Best All Round Performer.

In Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) 2024-2026, Lakshmi R is the First Rank Holder, while Biswaranjan Mishra is the Best All Round Performer.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM), Anirudh has won the gold medal for Best Academic Performance.

The Institute Research Award 2026 was won by Divya Dwivedi, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student of the Information Systems area of the graduating batch. The award seeks to inspire the school’s Doctoral students to achieve greater heights in terms of research quality and productivity.

Address by Prof. Malavika R Harita, Member, IIMB Board of Governors
The day’s events also included an inspiring address by Prof. Malavika R. Harita, Founder & CEO, Brand Circle, and Member, IIMB Board of Governors. She made mention of IIMB’s new Centres such as the Centre for Digital Public Goods as well as the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, the newly set up IIMB Development Foundation – the Institute’s fundraising and development arm, and the Institute’s collaborations with leading national and global organizations which play a significant role in enhancing the Institute’s reputation. She also highlighted IIMB’s achievements in terms of placements and the Institute’s position in prestigious national as well as global rankings.

“Be focussed on gaining knowledge, stay authentic, relevant and original, and create the impact you want to”, she advised the budding managers and entrepreneurs.”

Director’s address
Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, highlighted some of the achievements of the Institute as well as of faculty, students and alumni, and shared details on IIMB’s programmes, centres, events, digital learning initiatives, rankings, placements, entrepreneurship, and more. 

“With a vision to elevate undergraduate education in India with the same academic rigour that defines our postgraduate offerings, we introduced two undergraduate offerings: BSc Honors in Economics, and BSc Honors in Data Science.”

While sharing his message, Prof. Dinesh Kumar commended the Institute for its initiatives on sustainability, inclusivity as well as nation building, apart from academics and research. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion convened important conversations on accessibility and universal design, and student-led efforts play an important role in our outreach.”

“Sustainability remains our key priority. We released our Sustainability Report on World Environment Day and introduced a new core course on Responsible Business and Sustainability. These efforts were accompanied by practical steps toward greener campus operations, including the introduction of an EV fleet on campus, donated by the PGP 1998 batch. IIM Bangalore won the Award for Excellence in Biodiversity Management and the Award for Excellence in Social Welfare and Community Services, at the ELCITA Sustainability Awards 2025.”

He also congratulated IIMB’s incubation centre, NSRCEL, on completing 25 years of supporting entrepreneurs in November last year. 

Prof. Dinesh Kumar also shared three Zen stories to emphasize on the importance of mindfulness to the graduating students. “The destination is not so important, but the journey is, and the journey has to be full of happiness. Be compassionate, which again is necessary to make life happier. Also, make integrity your life motto. These three elements will go a long may in making your lives happier.”

“Consider IIMB to be your home – come back, share your life stories and be an inspiration to the entire country.”

As the graduating students get a step closer to their dreams – with new beginnings, hopes and possibilities in the horizon – the campus today was witness to moments full of emotional farewells, group photos, selfies and other celebrations.