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United Way Bengaluru Joins Hands with Karnataka Government to Transform Government Schools Under the SAMATVA Initiative
Bengaluru, August 26, 2024: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) as a part of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka’s Samatva initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the department. This partnership aims to enhance the education landscape in peri-urban and rural areas across the state, with a particular focus on strengthening government schools.
Under the initiative called Samatva, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka, envisions strengthening and transforming government schools into model institutions. These Karnataka Model Schools have been conceptualized to provide quality education to students from Lower KG (LKG) to Pre-University College (PUC) levels, all within a single campus. With upgraded infrastructure, facilities, and learning initiatives, the goal is to improve the learning and well-being of students. To achieve this, the DoSE&L has invited NGO and CSR partners for strategic collaboration.
Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru, stated, “The partnership with the government represents a path-breaking initiative aimed at transforming the educational landscape for students from kindergarten to pre-university college. Together, with our CSR partners and government stakeholders, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment, ensuring access to quality education and essential resources, particularly for the growth and development of children from marginalized communities.”
Since 2008, UWBe has been actively working with government and government-aided schools. With the support of CSR partners, it recently strengthened the Karnataka Public School in Nandagudi, Hoskote, Bengaluru. This school serves approximately 1,200 children, primarily from families of migrant and wage labourers. Key enhancements under this initiative included the construction of new classrooms and renovation of existing infrastructure, upgrading of toilet facilities, setting up STEM labs and science laboratories, and the installation of solar panels to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Additionally, teachers have received training in STEM education, enabling them to integrate innovative teaching methods into their classrooms.
The modern laboratories have attracted more students to enrol in science disciplines, significantly benefiting 250 PUC students at KPS Nandagudi. Previously, these students faced challenges due to inadequate lab facilities, often having to travel over 20 kilometres to take practical exams at another centre.
United Way Bengaluru will continue to expand its efforts under the Samatva initiative. This will include setting up STEM, digital classrooms, and English Labs in more than 100 schools and strengthening school infrastructure, including integrating WASH elements based on identified needs. UWBe will also focus on teachers’ skills development and training them on reproductive health and gender sensitivity.
UWBe is an NGO focused on social issues that seek immediate and long-term attention. United Way Bengaluru marked a significant milestone this year as it completed its 15-year journey. As a part of the global network, United Way Worldwide, the largest network of non-profit organizations with 1,100 chapters in 37 countries, United Way Bengaluru carries a global image with a ‘local heart’ committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities. True to the organization’s mission “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world”, UWBe catalyzes unified efforts from corporates, civic bodies, and citizen associations to bring about visible and sustainable change in the lives of the communities. The organization works in four key areas – environment, education, healthcare, and rural development.
Amit Kumar Appointed as Cluster General Manager of Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel & Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, 25th August 2024 – Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad are pleased to announce the appointment of Amit Kumar as the Cluster General Manager to lead both hotels in the Heritage City. With over 20 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry across India and the United Kingdom, Amit brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his new role, where he will oversee the operations of both Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad. His dynamic approach to leadership and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the two brands.
Amit began his illustrious career with Hyatt Hotels International, where he honed his pre-opening skills in hotel management. He later joined Marriott International as a part of the pre-opening team at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Throughout his career, Amit has demonstrated a strong ability to lead teams, drive revenue growth, and enhance guest satisfaction. One of his significant achievements include his role as the General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Raipur. In 2016, during the hotel’s first year of operations, Amit successfully launched and established the city’s first Marriott hotel as the primary choice for business, leisure, and social travel solutions in the region. His leadership in this role set a strong foundation for the hotel’s future success.
His most recent position as General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan was marked by exceptional accomplishments, including significant improvements in market share, revenue, guest engagement, and profit margins. With his able guidance, the hotel received several prestigious awards, such as the Marriott Select Brands Diamond Circle Award in 2023 and 2022, the Marriott Select Brands Platinum Circle Award in 2019, the Hotel of the Year Award in 2019, and the JW Marriott Jr. Diversity and Inclusion Award of Excellence in 2019.
Amit’s passion for travel, reading, and exploring new cuisines aligns with the vibrant and diverse offerings at Renaissance and Fairfield by Marriott. This appointment heralds a new chapter with confidence that his leadership will elevate the guest experience and further solidify both properties as leading hotels in Ahmedabad.
Housing prices in top eight Indian cities saw a steady 3% QoQ growth: CREDAI – Colliers – Liases Foras
Gurugram, India, 26th August 2024: Positive homebuyer sentiment and steady demand have kept the momentum strong in residential market across major Indian cities. Average housing prices across the top eight Indian cities witnessed a 3% QoQ growth in Q2 2024. Interestingly, quarterly price movements at India level have been almost similar at about 3% for the last four quarters. This stability in price growth is reflective of steady underlying demand over the last few quarters. On an annual basis too, average housing prices at the end of Q2 2024 have showed a 12% growth across the eight major cities. Interestingly, 7 out of 8 cities under review witnessed annual price appreciation, with Delhi NCR witnessing the highest price rise at 30% YoY closely followed by Bengaluru.
While unsold inventory remained stable on an annual basis at a pan India level, it dropped marginally on a quarterly basis amid healthy sales in housing units. At 5%, Kolkata saw the highest sequential decline in unsold inventory levels followed by Pune with 3% dip. As of Q2 2024, there was an availability of over 10 lakh housing units across the primary market of eight major cities, with MMR alone having about 40% share in unsold inventory levels. Despite yearly increase in number of unsold units in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, both cities saw a modest dip on a sequential basis. As the festive season approaches, developers are likely to closely monitor new launches and overall housing stock in prominent residential catchment areas.
Mr. Boman Irani, President of CREDAI National stated, “Indian Real Estate has been somewhat experiencing a bull run in the past few quarters, substantiated by the volume of transactions across Top 8 cities as well as the prevalent positive sentiments towards housing. There has been a direct impact on housing prices – signifying not just the underlying demand but the definitive shift towards real estate as a preferred asset class. With the upcoming festive season – coupled with the Government’s focus on infrastructure and a relatively stable lending eco-system – we project this momentum to be further have an impact on both prices and unsold inventory levels, as the industry’s demand-supply dynamics change.”
“Housing demand has continued to remain healthy over the past few quarters. Concurrently, stable interest rates and recent positive budgetary announcements, have provided tailwinds for the housing market of the country. Notably, average housing prices have witnessed a consistent double-digit annual growth rate (12% in Q2 2024,) adding buoyancy to the sustained growth story in residential real estate. Additionally, the upcoming festive season will further invigorate the housing market with heightened sales and new launches. We thus envisage a strong finish for the housing market in 2024.”, added, Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers, India
Pan India residential price trends (Q2 2024) (in INR/sq ft) –
| City | Average Price Q2 2023 | Average Price Q1 2024 | Average Price Q2 2024 | QoQ Price change (Q2 2024 vs Q1 2024) | YoY Price change (Q2 2024 vs Q2 2023) |
| Ahmedabad | 6,507 | 7,176 | 7,335 | 2% | 13% |
| Bengaluru | 8,688 | 10,377 | 11,161 | 8% | 28% |
| Chennai | 7,653 | 7,710 | 7,690 | 0% | 0% |
| Delhi NCR* | 8,652 | 9,757 | 11,279 | 16% | 30% |
| Hyderabad | 10,530 | 11,323 | 11,290 | 0% | 7% |
| Kolkata | 7,315 | 7,727 | 7,745 | 0% | 6% |
| MMR* | 19,111 | 20,361 | 20,275 | 0% | 6% |
| Pune | 8,540 | 9,448 | 9,656 | 2% | 13% |
Source: Liases Foras, Colliers
All the prices are based on carpet area
*NCR- National Capital Region
**MMR- Mumbai Metropolitan Region
“Sales across India’s cities have maintained growth despite the price rise. The current quarter also showed a remarkable 33% increase in new launches in the affordable segment. NCR’s growth in sales and new launches augurs that the market will stay on a growth trajectory.”, said Pankaj Kapoor, Managing Director, Liases Foras.
Leading the top eight cities, Delhi NCR saw a 16% QoQ rise in housing prices
At 16%, average housing prices in Delhi NCR witnessed the highest quarterly price appreciation. Within Delhi NCR, Dwarka Expressway and Greater Noida witnessed impressive price appreciation at 35% and 24% QoQ in average housing prices respectively. This is the highest quarterly price rise for these micro markets in last few quarters and is led by the recent pick up in luxury segment launches. Furthermore, preference for spacious housing units in luxury & ultra-luxury segments led up-to 12% QoQ growth in average price of 3-4BHK configurations in Delhi NCR.
Bengaluru too witnessed significant price appreciation, with average housing prices in the city breaching the INR 11,000 mark in Q2 2024. Average residential prices in the city increased by 8% on a quarterly basis. Within Bengaluru, Inner East micro market saw the highest quarterly rise at 25% followed by Periphery & Outer East micro market at 10%. Additionally, led by heightened demand in luxury segment, Inner East and Periphery & Outer West micro markets, have witnessed significant surge in average housing prices for ready units.
Unsold inventory declined on a quarterly basis in 7 out of the 8 cities
Excluding MMR, unsold inventory levels have declined by up to 5% on a quarterly basis across all cities under review. While MMR witnessed healthy sales in residential units during Q2 2024, a significant surge in new launches led to a marginal rise in unsold units. On an annual basis with a 13% YoY drop, Pune particularly witnessed the highest annual decline in unsold units. Annual declines in unsold inventory levels have been significant in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata too with 6-8% drop.
“Within the residential market, demand growth has been the strongest in luxury & ultra-luxury segments including second & vacation homes which is evident with price growth in select micro-markets of Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. Average housing prices for spacious dwelling units, particularly 3-4BHK configurations in these cities have increased up-to 30% on an annual basis. Additionally, the government’s recent partial rollback pertaining to long term capital gains arising out of sale of land and buildings retrospectively is expected to boost investors and homeowners’ sentiment and thus, the real estate sector at large,” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.
Social Beat Wins Mandate to Drive Business Outcomes for Cialfo
Chennai, 26, August 2024: Cialfo, a leading global edtech company, has assigned its digital mandate to Social Beat, a premier digital marketing agency known for its innovative strategies and driving business outcomes. Social Beat will focus on increasing lead inflow through LinkedIn campaigns and improving organic ranking via comprehensive SEO strategies. Additionally, the agency will explore platforms like Meta and Google to boost brand awareness, targeting metrics such as cost per quality lead, keyword rankings, website visits, and keyword search volume.
Mr. Suneil Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Cialfo, a pioneer in the edtech space. Our goal is to drive meaningful business outcomes by leveraging our expertise in digital marketing to enhance their lead generation and organic presence. We look forward to a successful and impactful collaboration.”
Pooja Gupta Pasari, Sr. VP of Strategic Operations at Cialfo, stated, “Our partnership with Social Beat marks an important step in our growth journey. Their deep understanding of digital marketing and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our vision. We are excited to work together to achieve our objectives and expand our reach.”
Signature Global Elevates Festivity with Special Janmashtami Offer
Gurugram, August 26th, 2024: Signature Global, India’s leading real estate brand announced an exclusive Janmashtami offer on its premium independent floor project ‘Signature Global City 63A’ located at the prominent Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 63A, Gurugram. This offer presents a unique opportunity for homebuyers to secure their dream home with significant savings and special benefits.
Under this limited-time offer, customers can book a unit with a nominal amount of just ₹1 lakh and avail of benefits worth ₹5 lakh. In addition, every booking will come with assured gold coins worth ₹2.5 lakh, adding a divine touch to this festive season. This exclusive offer is available only until August 30, 2024.
Mr. Devender Aggarwal, Co-founder & Joint Managing Director, Signature Global (India) Ltd. says” At Signature Global, our primary focus is on enriching the lives of our customers by providing value-driven offerings that go beyond just real estate. This Janmashtami, we are delighted to present an offer that not only makes luxury living more accessible but also adds significant financial benefits for our buyers. Our premium independent floors at Golf Course Extension, Gurugram, are designed to offer the perfect blend of modern amenities and serene living. We understand that purchasing a home is a significant decision, and with this special offer, we aim to make it a rewarding experience for our customers. We encourage homebuyers to seize this limited-time opportunity to secure their dream home in one of Gurugram’s most prestigious locations and enjoy the festive season with added joy and benefits.”
The premium independent floors at ‘Signature Global City 63A’ located at Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 63A, are designed to provide luxury living with modern amenities, ensuring a high standard of comfort and style. This prime location offers excellent connectivity and proximity to essential services, making it an ideal choice for discerning homebuyers.