NCR Sees Boom in High-End Real Estate, Led by Gurugram

By – Shiwang Suraj, Founder & Director of Gurugram-based property consulting firm InfraMantra:

The surge in demand for luxury homes (Rs 5 crore and above) in NCR, especially Gurugram firmly establishes the region as a hub for luxury housing in the country.
Its two most outperforming micro markets, namely Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road, contribute significantly to Gurugram’s positioning as most of the new launches have been in the luxury segment. The region’s massive infrastructure development, increased aspirations and employment opportunities and desire to own bigger homes with new-age amenities and specifications are the reasons for the growth of luxury housing.

By – Vijay Harsh Jha, founder and CEO of property brokerage firm VS Realtors:

The NCR luxury real estate market has been growing steadily with demand surge pointing to the region’s rising preference amongst homebuyers. Owing to massive infrastructure development like Dwarka Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and proposed rapid raid and metro expansions, the region is fast emerging as an employment hub, a trigger for strong residential demand. Rising size of homes and per sq. ft. rate have elevated the price of homes in the region. However, this has been complemented by builders by providing world-class amenities and facilities within the housing complex.

NMIMS SoBA Hosts Deeksharambh 2025 to Welcome Future Advertising Professionals

6th August 2025, Mumbai: The Deeksharambh 2025, a six-day induction programme for new students of the School of Branding and Advertising (SoBA), NMIMS Mumbai Campus, was held on a solemn and elegant note in the college auditorium to mark the beginning of a transformative academic journey for aspiring professionals.

NMIMS

The orientation program commenced with the registration of new students, followed by the traditional lamp lighting and chanting of Saraswati Vandana to dispel the darkness of ignorance with the light of wisdom. The NMIMS Anthem instilled a collective spirit of unity, pride and belonging among students and faculty.

The proceedings began with an introduction of the School by Associate Dean Dr Kiran Desai. She shed light on the institution’s academic ethos and its focus on creating industry relevant skillsets. She emphasised, “The core principles of a meaningful education and career in advertising and branding lie a focus on strong fundamentals in business, marketing and branding, and an unwavering commitment to delivering real value – not just to marketers and organizations, but to society at large.”

The Registrar, Dr Tanmoy Chakraborty, reaffirmed that, NMIMS, recently reaccredited with the prestigious NAAC A++ grade and an outstanding CGPA of 3.67 out of 4.0, remains dedicated to maintaining academic excellence and value-based education across its campuses.

Mr. K. V. Sridhar aka Pops, Global Chief Creative Officer, Nihilent Limited, Co-Founder, Nativepur, Hall of Fame, DMIA, best-selling Author of ‘30 Second Thrillers, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Sridhar has garnered recognition in Campaign Brief Asia’s ‘40 legends of last 40 years’ besides a Creative Achievement Award from the New York Festivals. NMIMS students embarking on their careers benefitted from the scintillating presence of the man himself who shared practical insights into advertising, creative and branding careers.

An engaging panel discussion was held on ‘Career Paths in Branding and Advertising, Challenges, Opportunities and Career Strategies’, followed by Q&A and concluding remarks. The distinguished panellists were Mr. Sukesh Nayak, CCO, Ogilvy, Ms. Darshana Shah, CMO, Aditya Birla, and Mr. Ajay Mehta, CCO, WPP.

Dr. Desai introduced faculty and staff members of SoBA and expressed gratitude to distinguished guests, faculty and student coordinators for making the ceremony a success. The audience rose for the National Anthem to close the inaugural session with dignity and patriotic reverence.

A brilliant dance performance by NMIMS’ very own Zephyr, a deeply engaging musical performance by Leherein, a spectacular and extravagant fashion show by Atelier and the comic Sa-Re-Drama Act enthralled the audience in the afternoon session.New students were introduced to various committees, councils and forums before the grand ceremony culminated with a Vote of Thanks by Student Anchors for all guests and participants. The event set a profound and aspirational tone for the year ahead, laying a solid foundation for a purpose-driven and intellectually enriching academic life at SoBA.

Counsellor sessions, origami and caricature workshops, presentations by various departments, speeches by guests, student portal and library orientations, presentations on incubation centres and sound therapy sessions were also held over six days through July 23.

Sweet Truth Celebrates Sibling Love with ABondSoSweet This Raksha Bandhan

Mumbai, 6th August 2025: This Raksha Bandhan, Sweet Truth — the much-loved dessert brand from Rebel Foods — is dishing out more than just delicious treats. With their exciting new festive campaign #ABondSoSweet, they’re celebrating the delightful, chaotic, and enchanting bond between siblings. Think indulgent dessert hampers and a plantable Rakhi that blooms into wildflowers, adding a thoughtful and eco-friendly twist to the festivities.

RAKSHA BANDHAN

From playful jabs like “Even if I’m sending you this Rakhi, I’m still Mom’s favorite” to a gift box made for two (but designed to tempt you into stealing that last bite), this campaign shines a light on the sibling shenanigans, little squabbles, and sweet bribes that many of us know all too well.

Commenting on the campaign, Nishant Kedia, CMO at Rebel Foods, said “With #ABondSoSweet, we aimed to go beyond the usual gifting. It’s all about capturing the real essence of siblinghood – the teasing, the playful blackmail, the shared desserts – and packaging it in a way that tells a story. The plantable Rakhi is a meaningful touch that continues to grow long after the festival is over – just like the bond itself.”

Available in over 90+ cities across India, the limited-edition Sweet Truth Rakhi hamper features two rich desserts (choose between brownies or dessert jars), a plantable Rakhi, a sachet of roli-chawal, to make siblings chuckle, tease, and maybe even share a bite.

#ABondSoSweet Rakhi is now available to order and a limited edition Gift hamper will be live for the Rakhi weekend on Swiggy, Zomato, and EatSure, with order open ahead of Raksha Bandhan on August 9th.