As day-to-day aspects of life have moved online, cybercrime is becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated, with fraudsters leveraging social engineering, data misuse, and impersonation tactics to target individuals.

Safeguard your digital world with SBI General’s Cyber VaultEdge

India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly, underpinned by widespread smartphone use and growing digital adoption. December 2025 alone saw 21.63 billion transactions worth INR 27.97 trillion, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This surge also reflects the growing adoption of digital tools and platforms, highlighting India’s shift toward a more connected, digitally integrated economy.

According to data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), cyber fraud losses in India jumped to INR 22,845.73 crore in 2024 from INR 7,465.18 crore in 2023, a 206% year-on-year surge, highlighting the rapidly escalating scale of cybercrime nationwide.

On the occasion of Data Privacy Day, SBI General Insurance reinforces the importance of safeguarding personal data, underscoring the need to embed data protection at the core of digital adoption. As digital dependence grows, cyber insurance is emerging as a critical layer of protection offering not just financial cover, but comprehensive support to help individuals and families recover and move forward with confidence.

Here are key reasons why cyber insurance is essential in today’s digital world:

• Identity Theft Protection: Covers financial losses arising from identity theft, including unauthorized use of personal information or fraudulent transactions. Supports legal recourse against perpetrators to help restore your digital identity.

• Theft of funds: Cyber insurance covers losses from unauthorised access to your finances, including bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, etc. Any legal costs necessary to prosecute cybercriminals are covered as well.

• IT Specialist and Data Restoration: Reimburses costs for engaging IT experts to investigate cyber breaches, restore lost data, or secure affected devices. Ensures timely technical support to limit damage and resume normal operations.

• Psychological Consultation: Covers professional counseling or therapy to address stress, trauma, or emotional impact resulting from cyber violations. Supports mental well-being alongside financial and technical recovery.

• Loss of Wage Due to Identity Theft: Compensates for income lost as a direct consequence of identity theft. Helps maintain financial stability while resolving the aftermath of cyber incidents.

• Family Coverage Extension: Policyholders can extend protection to their immediate family, including spouses and dependent children. This ensures that the entire household benefits from a robust safety net against cyber threats.

SBI General’s cyber offering delivers holistic support through every stage of recovery. With this comprehensive approach, SBI General’s Cyber VaultEdge offers extensive and comprehensive protection against a spectrum of cyber risks, including data breaches and cyber extortion. Designed to meet the demands of today’s digital world, the policy provides financial security while offering reassurance to policyholders and their families.

With SBI General’s Cyber VaultEdge, individuals and families can navigate the digital world with confidence, backed by comprehensive protection against evolving cyber risks ensuring security, resilience, and peace of mind.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India’s most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

The Telangana government has recently announced a new policy that will impact builders planning high-rise projects. Under this policy, builders will now be required to buy Transferable Development Rights (TDR) for new residential projects with 10 floors or more. But what exactly does this mean for the Hyderabad real estate market and more importantly, for homebuyers planning their purchase?

Hyderabad Home buyers secure your price before the climb

What is TDR?

Transferable Development Rights (TDR) is a planning mechanism used by the government to regulate urban growth. When the government acquires or reserves land for public purposes like roads, infrastructure corridors, or open spaces, it compensates the landowner by issuing development rights. These rights can be traded and used by builders to construct additional built-up area beyond the normally permitted limits.

Under the new Telangana policy, for residential projects above 10 floors, builders are required to purchase TDR from the government. This TDR is applicable to 10% of the total built-up area constructed above the 10th floor.

Importantly, while the policy primarily applies to new projects, ongoing projects may also fall under this rule if they seek:

• plan revisions,

• additional floors,

• extensions, or

• any fresh approvals beyond what was originally sanctioned.

In such cases, the 10% TDR loading on built-up area above the 10th floor becomes mandatory, ensuring compliance with the updated regulations during the approval or revision process.

In simple terms, the taller the building or the more changes a project seeks the higher the additional cost.

Impact of TDR on Hyderabad Real Estate Market

The new policy is expected to have varied impacts across Hyderabad’s real estate market, depending on the area. On the whole, North, South, and East Hyderabad will experience limited effects, as fewer high-rise projects are being built in these areas.

However, this policy will have a direct and growing impact on new launches and revised high-rise projects, gradually influencing overall pricing benchmarks across the city.

The policy is likely to hit West Hyderabad the hardest, especially regions like the Financial District, where most high-rise development both new and under-planning, is concentrated.

West Hyderabad: The Impact of TDR

In West Hyderabad, builders are dealing with projects that average 40-50 floors. For new developments, and for ongoing projects seeking additional permissions, the TDR requirement will be particularly significant.

Builders in such cases will need to buy TDR for the upper floors (above the 10th floor), substantially increasing project costs. Over time, this additional cost pressure is expected to reflect in pricing both for future launches and ongoing projects

How We Calculated the Impact (Methodology Explained)

To understand how this policy could affect pricing, we followed a structured, data-backed approach:

• First, we identified key micro-markets across Hyderabad, with a deeper focus on West Hyderabad due to its high-rise density.

• From each micro-market, we studied multiple ongoing and planned residential projects to arrive at an approximate average built-up area per acre and the average number of floors.

• As per the policy, TDR becomes applicable only for construction above the 10th floor, and only on 10% of the total built-up area constructed above the 10th floor. Based on the average height of projects in each micro-market, we estimated the portion of built-up area that falls under this TDR requirement.

• We then applied actual TDR rates for each location, sourced from CBRE market data, to calculate the additional cost builders would need to bear per acre.

• Finally, this additional cost was translated into an approximate per-square-foot price impact, assuming that builders eventually pass on a portion of this cost to end buyers.

All numbers below are approximations, intended to show directional impact rather than exact pricing.

Estimated TDR Impact by Micro-Market (West Hyderabad)

The estimated TDR impact across West Hyderabad’s key micro-markets shows notable variation in both land cost and price implications. The following data outlines the approximate additional cost per acre and corresponding price impact per square foot for each location:

• Kokapet: Additional cost of Rs. 6–7 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 120–140 per sq. ft.

• Narsingi: Additional cost of Rs. 4–5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 100–120 per sq. ft.

• Rajendra Nagar: Additional cost of Rs. 2–2.5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 70–90 per sq. ft.

• Nanakramguda: Additional cost of Rs. 15–16 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 380–420 per sq. ft.

• Nallagandla: Additional cost of Rs. 4.5–5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 130–150 per sq. ft.

• Miyapur: Additional cost of Rs. 5.5–6 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 180–210 per sq. ft.

• Kollur: Additional cost of Rs. 1.2–1.5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 35–45 per sq. ft.

• Tellapur: Additional cost of Rs. 4–4.5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 120–135 per sq. ft.

• Kukatpally: Additional cost of Rs. 6–6.5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 200–230 per sq. ft.

• Neopolis: Additional cost of Rs. 6–6.5 crore per acre; price impact of Rs. 120–140 per sq. ft.

What This Means for Buyers

The takeaway here is simple: TDR costs will increasingly affect future supply.

• New launches will factor this cost upfront

• Ongoing projects that seek revisions or expansion will also face higher costs

• Over time, this will push up benchmark prices across micro-markets

For buyers who are waiting for new launches or later phases, this creates a clear consideration. Buying into existing or already-approved projects today may offer better value, as future supply is likely to enter the market at higher price points due to TDR loading.

Why West Hyderabad is still a Prime Investment Hub

West Hyderabad, particularly the Financial District, is poised to be the epicenter of Hyderabad’s real estate growth. This area already boasts major IT hubs and an influx of multinational companies. Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are setting up their India campuses here, and this region is expected to generate up to 1 lakh job opportunities in the next few years. Rental yields in the Financial District are currently between 4-5%, with the average rent for a 3BHK touching Rs. 80-85K per month. According to Magicbricks’ rental report, rents in the Financial District have grown at a rate of ~18% year-on-year, and over the next five years, they are projected to increase to Rs. 1.5-2 lakh per month.

In conclusion, the TDR policy will undoubtedly lead to higher costs for builders, which will be passed on to buyers. West Hyderabad, with its growing infrastructure and connectivity, remains a prime investment destination in the city.

So, for homebuyers and investors, the message is clear: projects that already have approvals in place offer a time-bound value advantage, while waiting for future launches could mean paying more for the same micro-market.

In an era of changing global immigration rules, stability in medical education has become more valuable than ever. The recent hike of the U.S. H-1B visa application fee to USD 100,000 in September 2025 is a stark reminder that visa-dependent pathways can quickly turn uncertain. For Indian medical aspirants investing years of effort and savings, choosing a secure, recognised, and affordable destination is now non-negotiable and the Philippines stands out as one of the most dependable choices.

Dr. David Pillai, CEO and Founding Chairman of Transworld Educare

India’s domestic medical education landscape further amplifies this urgency. In 2025, nearly 23 lakh students registered for NEET-UG, with about 22 lakh appearing for the exam and only 12 lakh qualifying. All of them competed for just 1.23 lakh MBBS seats across 780 medical colleges nationwide. While government colleges offer affordable education, the number of seats remains severely limited. On the other hand, private medical colleges often charge anywhere between Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 1 crore for an MBBS degree, putting them out of reach for many academically capable students. For thousands of families, pursuing medical education abroad is therefore not a preference, but a practical necessity.

Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy

However, not every foreign medical university ensures a valid or secure career in India. Under National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations, students must qualify NEET, study for at least 54 months in a single institution, complete a one-year internship, and pursue education in English medium. Degrees from non-recognised universities will not qualify for licensure or FMGE/NExT in India. Hence, NMC recognition is critical to safeguarding a student’s long-term prospects.

Globally, shifting visa and immigration policies have pushed students toward more predictable destinations. Between 2023 and 2024, Indian enrolments dropped 13% in the U.S., 41% in Canada, and 28% in the U.K. Meanwhile, Germany and Russia saw a surge in enrolments – and the Philippines continues to gain traction as a secure, student-friendly option. Over 15,000 Indian students pursue MBBS in the Philippines each year, attracted by English-medium instruction, affordable fees, familiar climate, and a stable, transparent visa process.

Commenting on the growing shift toward stable and recognised destinations, Dr. David Pillai, CEO and Founding Chairman of Transworld Educare, says, “Across the world, visa and immigration policies are becoming increasingly unpredictable, while the demand for qualified doctors in India continues to rise. In such an environment, students and parents must prioritise medical education pathways that are not only affordable but also fully recognised by Indian regulators. Choosing NMC-approved universities in countries like the Philippines allows students to focus on learning and clinical training, without the constant anxiety of changing visa rules or future eligibility challenges. Ultimately, a medical degree should offer clarity and continuity, not uncertainty.”

The Philippines has steadily gained popularity among Indian medical aspirants due to its unique advantages. One of the key draws is that the medium of instruction is English, eliminating language barriers that often deter students from considering non-English-speaking countries. Additionally, the medical curriculum in the Philippines is based on the U.S. education system, which offers an international standard of learning and exposure. Another significant advantage is the clinical training students receive during their course. The Philippines has a tropical climate and disease patterns similar to those in India, ensuring Indian students are exposed to medical conditions they are likely to encounter during practice back home, providing them with relevant and practical clinical experience.

For families planning medical education abroad, the path is clear: choose NMC-approved universities in stable destinations like the Philippines, where affordability, recognition, and reliability ensure that the dream of becoming a doctor remains firmly within reach.

Ralith Realty enters the NCR market at a time when real estate development is being reassessed for its long-term relevance. As cities expand and buyer expectations evolve, the company emerges as a developer focused on getting the basics right: planning, construction quality and day-to-day livability. This approach is guided by a vision that sees innovation as meaningful only when it serves real needs, balancing contemporary development ideas with market realities and customer expectations. Anchored in values of excellence, collaboration, sustainability and integrity, Ralith places equal emphasis on internal culture and on-ground delivery, ensuring growth remains aligned with long-term value creation.

Rakesh Kaul, CEO and Managing Director, Ralith Realty
 

At the helm of Ralith Realty is Rakesh Kaul, CEO and Managing Director, whose experience shapes both vision and execution. With over three decades of real estate expertise spanning residential, commercial, retail, leisure, and student housing, he has held leadership roles as Chief Executive at L&T Realty and as MD & CEO at Experion Developers, spearheading millions of sq. ft. of landmark developments. Rakesh is known for blending strategic vision with hands-on execution, and for introducing market-first disruptions in design, development and sales strategy.

Building on his leadership, Ralith Realty’s projects reflect the same blend of vision and pragmatism. The company focuses on integrated community developments, bringing together residential, commercial, and plotted spaces that cater to diverse needs. Ralith is developing a township in a phased manner called “Ralith Retreat” in Sector-19A, Panipat, one of the most upscale areas of the city, with a revenue potential of above Rs. 1000 Cr. Over time, Ralith Retreat is a commitment to quality, compliance, and thoughtful design and future readiness. The project offers a mix of plots, villas, floors, and commercial spaces, each crafted to provide both lifestyle choice and long-term investment value. The emphasis is on creating communities where every element, from planning to execution, aligns with how people want to live.

The second project on anvil is a high-rise luxury condominium adjoining Dwarka Expressway in Sector – 88A, Gurugram, called “Devasya Bharat,” at a time when the Expressway is increasingly being preferred as an emerging premium residential corridor in NCR, driven by infrastructure upgrades and improved connectivity between Gurugram and Delhi. Conceived to integrate modern lifestyle with traditional Indian values, the project offers homes that honour rooted living while embracing contemporary aspirations. It offers a blend of luxury and convenience with premium amenities and smooth connectivity to key business, social and lifestyle hubs in and around the city. The project has a topline potential of above Rs. 1,900 crore.

Ralith Realty’s growth is anchored in execution discipline and scale, with projects developed through a mix of owned land parcels and strategic partnerships that allow expansion without compromising delivery control. Strong corporate governance and technology-led systems support planning, monitoring and customer engagement, ensuring transparency and timely execution. Beyond delivery, the company sees itself as a long-term partner in key life milestones. From homeownership to wealth creation, Ralith Realty is focused on building trust-led relationships and enduring communities that leave a lasting imprint across NCR.

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, has been recognised by the Singapore Government, as one of the eight newly approved overseas medical schools. This recognition will take effect from February 1, 2026.

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal

The inclusion of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, places it among a select group of 120 globally reputed medical schools from countries such as Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The SMC occasionally reviews overseas medical qualifications to ensure that training standards are comparable with those in Singapore. The assessment considers factors such as academic quality, language of instruction, clinical exposure, and graduates’ performance in professional practice. The announcement follows SMC’s review of the list of registrable medical qualifications to ensure that foreign-trained medical doctors applying to practice in Singapore have received education and training comparable with Singapore’s medical schools.

Hailing the recognition Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, said, “As the longest‑serving official of MAHE, I am proud to see KMC Manipal recognized by the Singapore Medical Council. This milestone reflects our enduring commitment to excellence and honors the vision of our founder, Dr. TMA Pai, whose legacy continues to guide us.”

Welcoming the announcement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This recognition by the Singapore Medical Council is a moment of pride for Manipal Academy of Higher Education and a strong validation of the academic rigor, clinical depth, and global relevance of KMC, Manipal. This achievement not only elevates the international stature of KMC but also opens new global pathways for our graduates. It reaffirms our mission to produce competent, ethical, and globally competitive medical professionals who can serve healthcare systems across borders.”

Celebrating this milestone, Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, said, “ “This recognition by the Singapore Medical Council is a proud moment for KMC Manipal and for India. Being the only Indian medical school to be included among the newly recognised institutions underscores the strength of our academic framework, clinical training standards, and global relevance. It reflects decades of commitment to excellence in medical education and reinforces KMC’s standing as a trusted institution on the world stage.”

From 2026 onwards, aspiring medical students may apply to KMC Manipal with the assurance that the MBBS qualification is recognised for medical registration in Singapore. Graduates from KMC Manipal, irrespective of nationality and year of graduation, will be eligible to seek registration with SMC, subject to fulfilling regulatory and supervisory requirements. This milestone further strengthens MAHE’s international footprint and reaffirms its role in shaping globally competent healthcare professionals.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

India’s leading building materials exhibition, MATECIA Exhibition (Materials & Products for Construction, Interiors & Architecture) – a premier Indian trade exhibition for building materials, interior products, furniture, and design—along with SURFACES REPORTER, one of India’s most respected architecture and design media platforms, is set to host the largest-ever confluence of architecture, interiors, and building materials for East & Northeast India. The three-day event will be held from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan (BBMP), opposite Science City in Kolkata, with National Award-winning actor, motivational speaker and founder of Ashish Vidyarthi & Associates, Mr. Ashish Vidyarthi, as the chief guest.

MATECIA Exhibition and SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event to Spotlight the Rise of East & Northeast India in Kolkata

This event will bring together over 150+ top architecture and design firms, interior designers, developers, dealers, brands, and channel partners from 12+ states across East and Northeast India, from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim,  positioning Kolkata as a vital cultural and regional bridge while reinforcing the scale, diversity and creative strength of the regional design ecosystem.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Verticaa Dvivedi, Director, Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event, said, “For far too long, East and Northeast India have been perceived as slow or difficult markets—regions many hesitate to enter, assuming they are not easily reachable. What often gets overlooked is the exceptional depth of architectural thinking emerging from these regions. Designers here work with climate, context, and culture not as constraints, but as strengths. In many ways, the rest of India has a lot to learn from them. Through the Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event – East & Northeast India, we aim to highlight, promote, and amplify this outstanding body of work. This edition is not an arrival—it is the first page of a much larger national narrative.”

Spread across over 1,50,000 sq. ft., the event will feature 100+ leading interior and surface brands and bring together 200+ architects and interior designers showcasing over 500 landmark projects, welcoming an estimated 14,000–16,000 visitors from 100+ towns and cities.

The three-day event will commence with its inauguration on Thursday, 30 January 2026, from 10:30 AM onwards. A key highlight of the platform will be Surfaces Reporter Salutes – Architecture & Design Honours, scheduled for 31 January 2026 from 4:00 PM onwards. As the first collective regional recognition initiative dedicated exclusively to East and Northeast India, the honours will celebrate around 100 leading architects and interior designers, the creative forces behind more than 500 of the region’s most notable projects, recognising excellence across residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional and urban design.

The lamp lighting ceremony and opening address will be led by Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President, FIPPI and CMD, Greenply Industries Ltd; Mr. Surinder Arora, President, ILMA and Managing Director, Virgo Industries Ltd; Mr. Ramesh Bagla, President, CTMA; and Ms. Meenakshi Ganeshan, Deputy Director General, BIS, East Zone. They will be joined by Mr. Manoj Lohia of Merino Industries Ltd, Mr. Joydeep Chitlangia of Duroply, Mr. Vishal Dokania of Durian, Mr. Rushil Thakkar of Rushil Décor, Mr. Gajanan Munka of Saburi Plywood, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President, BTIA, Mr. Vikas Khemka, Vice President, BTMA, Mr. M.P. Singh, former Director, IWST and FIPPI, and Mr. J. Ahuja of ILMA.

Emphasising the material and market perspective, Pragat Dvivedi, Director, MATECIA Exhibition, added, “2026 will mark the emergence of East and Northeast India as serious growth markets. These regions are witnessing rapid urban development, infrastructure expansion, and a new generation of design-conscious professionals. MATECIA Exhibition’s presence here reflects our belief that the future of India’s building materials market will also be equally driven by East and Northeast India.”

The event will also be graced by esteemed dignitaries from the architectural fraternity, including Ar. Sunil Maniramka of Maniramka & Associates, Ar. Rupande Shah of Rupande Shah & Associates, Ar. Monica Khosla Bhargava of Kham Consultants, Ar. Amber Chandgothia of Amber Creations, Ar. J.P. Agrawal of Agrawal & Agrawal Architects, and Ar. Bipratip Dhar of Epsilon. Also present will be Ar. Atul Saraf of Atulya Architects, Ranchi, President, IIA Jharkhand, along with members of IIA Jharkhand; Ar. Bapilu Chai, Member, Arunachal Architects Association, along with members; Ar. Frederick Malsawmzuala, President, Mizoram Architects Forum, along with members; and Ar. Nokranglong Jamir, Vice President, Association of Nagaland Architects, along with members.

The event will also feature India Interior Retailing (IIR), a knowledge platform that brings industry and interior retail leaders together, creating a high-energy space for learning, networking, and growth. In addition, the Surfaces Reporter SHOWCASE will provide a special presentation zone where brands present and architects review, offering an excellent opportunity for interaction and collaboration between designers and manufacturers.

The MATECIA Exhibition & SURFACES REPORTER Architecture Event – East & Northeast India is set to redefine how the region is viewed by the industry and the nation, marking a decisive step in reshaping national perceptions and bringing the East and Northeast India’s design excellence firmly into the national spotlight.

For more information, visit:  www.MATECIA Exhibition.com
 

About MATECIA EXHIBITION
MATECIA is a business exhibition in India that connects Exhibitors & Sponsors with Architects, Interior Retailers, Designers, Distributors, Agents, Builders, Government agencies, Project Consultants, Channel Partners and Dealers in the Building Material and Interior Products industry.

It is a flagship initiative of Bigsea Marcom India Pvt. Ltd., a 25-year-old media and communications company, supported by Knowledge Partners SURFACES REPORTER®, PLY REPORTER® and FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY.

About SURFACES REPORTER

SURFACES REPORTER® is India’s leading media platform for interiors, architecture, building materials and the business of design, with over 11 years of industry presence. As India’s first content platform focused exclusively on products and materials for building and interiors, SURFACES REPORTER® is committed to informing, guiding and connecting architects, interior designers, developers and industry experts who are shaping the future of the built environment.

SURFACES REPORTER® reaches a wide and growing audience through its bi-monthly print circulation of 28,000 copies, 150,000 e-zine subscriptions and a readership of over 450,000 across platforms.

CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto exchange, today announced the listing of World of Dypians (WOD) on its platform, enabling Indian users to access one of the most advanced blockchain-based MMORPG ecosystems globally.

Mihai Nicusor Busica Chief Executive Officer World of Dypians

World of Dypians is a next-generation multiplayer online role-playing game available on Epic Games, set in a vast, interconnected virtual world. The platform uniquely brings together gaming, DeFi, NFTs, and AI into a single immersive experience. Players can explore expansive environments, participate in quests, engage in multiplayer challenges, and trade digital assets within a dynamic, blockchain-powered in-game economy.

With high-quality graphics, real-time interactions, and AI-driven gameplay mechanics, World of Dypians is redefining immersive gaming by combining entertainment with digital ownership and decentralized economies.

Commenting on the listing, Mridul Gupta, Founding Partner – CoinDCX, said, “Blockchain gaming is one of the most exciting frontiers of Web3, as it blends immersive experiences with real digital ownership and global participation. World of Dypians stands out for its focus on high-quality gameplay and seamless integration of blockchain technology. By listing WOD, we aim to give Indian users access to innovative, utility-driven gaming ecosystems while continuing to expand the range of credible global projects available on CoinDCX.

Mihai Nicusor Busica Chief Executive Officer World of Dypians added, “The listing of WOD on CoinDCX marks an important milestone in our global expansion journey. India is home to a rapidly growing gaming and Web3 community, and this collaboration helps us bring World of Dypians to a broader audience eager to experience immersive, next-generation gameplay powered by blockchain, AI, and decentralized economies.”

WOD is now available on CoinDCX with WOD/INR and WOD/USDT trading pairs.

About DCX Group
Founded in 2018 CoinDCX was established with a mission to make crypto accessible to Indians in a simple and compliant manner, CoinDCX is today India’s largest exchange, trusted by over 2 crore users.

Today, the company has evolved into DCX Group, a multi-entity ecosystem with touchpoints across India and international markets.

In 2024, the company took its first step towards international expansion with the acquisition of Dubai- based BitOasis, MENA’s leading virtual assets broker-dealer. In 2025, BitOasis expanded into Bahrain, further strengthening the Group’s presence in the region.

Beyond exchanges, the Group powers the Web3 economy through CoinDCX Ventures, which has backed more than 15 pioneering projects, and Okto, its Web3 wallet with 2 crore users globally.

The Group is backed by global investors including Pantera, Steadview Capital, Kingsway, Polychain Capital, B Capital Group, Bain Capital Ventures, Cadenza, Draper Dragon, Republic, Kindred, and Coinbase Ventures.

RIA Advisory, a global business and technology advisory consulting firm, has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to building a high-trust, people-first workplace.

A Milestone Powered by Trust, Collaboration, and Our People — Great Place to Work® Certified

The Great Place to Work® Certification is regarded as a benchmark for workplace excellence and is awarded through a rigorous, employee-led assessment of trust, fairness, respect, and pride. Securing this recognition for the fourth consecutive year reflects RIA Advisory’s ability to sustain a culture where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered.

“At RIA Advisory, our people are not just part of the business—they are the business,” said Saket Pabby, Founder and CEO of RIA Advisory. “This recognition belongs to every team member who brings curiosity, integrity, and purpose to their work each day. Sustaining this certification year after year tells us that our culture is not aspirational—it’s lived.”

“Our growth journey has always been guided by a simple belief: when people thrive, organizations excel,” added Rama Thirumalaiswamy, CHRO, RIA Advisory. “Being recognized for the fourth consecutive year validates the trust our teams place in us and strengthens our resolve to keep raising the bar.”

Echoing these sentiments, Country Head – India, Sameer Deo, stated: “People have been RIA Advisory’s core strength since inception. This Great Place to Work certification reflects the trust our employees place in our start-up mindset—where ideas are valued, and people are encouraged to challenge themselves.”

The certification reflects RIA Advisory’s focus on building an organization where performance, accountability, and employee experience progress together, strengthening its position as both a trusted partner to clients and an employer of choice within the global advisory ecosystem.

About RIA Advisory
Founded in 2016, RIA Advisory is a global business and technology advisory consulting firm specializing in revenue management and billing solutions for Financial Services, Utilities, Healthcare, the Public Sector, Capital Markets, Exchanges, and Insurance. The firm supports enterprise clients through strategic consulting, technology implementation, and business transformation, with a focus on modernizing pricing, billing, and customer care systems.

RIA expanded its global footprint in 2022 through the integration of TMG Consulting and today employs over 1,000 professionals worldwide. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, RIA operates across the U.K., Canada, India, the Philippines, Australia, Mexico, and South Africa, delivering scalable, ROI-driven solutions to clients globally.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, helping organizations identify, create, and sustain high-trust, high-performance workplaces through data-driven insights and employee feedback.