The Mall of Faridabad recently organized a vibrant, flameless cooking competition in collaboration with Cornitos to promote community engagement and foster family participation. The event saw a huge participation from local families and children, who showcased their culinary creativity through traditional dishes. The activity not only brought together different generations but also allowed families to celebrate their cultural roots through food.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Group, said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the community. The flameless cooking event was designed to inspire creativity and celebrate our rich culinary heritage. It was heartwarming to see families come together and share their traditions through the art of cooking.”

The delicious dishes made by the participants reflected their dedication and captured the essence of the culinary experience. This engaging initiative is part of the mall’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful experiences that unite the local community.

Pranav Agarwal and Raghav Bagai’s inclusion marks a pivotal achievement for young entrepreneurs and the advertising industry at large. 

National, 2 October 2024: Pranav Agarwal and Raghav Bagai, co-founders of SW Network, have secured a coveted spot on Hurun India’s prestigious Under35s list of young entrepreneurs, an accolade that underscores their outstanding contributions to India’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem. The list celebrates the country’s most innovative young leaders whose ideas and drive are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in India. This recognition of Pranav and Raghav highlights not only their personal success but also signals a broader shift in how entrepreneurship is fueling India’s economic and social evolution.

As dynamic leaders, Pranav Agarwal and Raghav Bagai have transformed SW Network into a thriving integrated advertising agency, leading with foresight and innovative business strategies that reflect the changing demands of the modern landscape of brands and audiences. Despite not coming from traditional advertising backgrounds, they started off by doing things differently, challenging the status quo and often being considered the underdogs in the industry. Their unconventional approach has been key to their success, helping them push boundaries and rethink how advertising works in the digital age. Their spot on the Hurun Under35s list is a testament to their commitment to innovation, building a business that is not only financially successful but also influential in shaping new standards of growth and creativity in India.

Reflecting on the recognition, Raghav Bagai, Co-Founder of SW Network, remarked, “Being included in the Hurun Under35s is both humbling and inspiring. It reinforces our belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive change, and we are motivated to continue exploring new horizons in business. In the advertising and marketing industry, we see immense potential to not just help brands grow but to redefine how businesses connect with their audiences in a digital-first world. Our goal is to keep pushing the envelope and create campaigns that leave a lasting impact on both the business and cultural landscape of India.”

Pranav Agarwal, Co-Founder of SW Network, added, “This achievement isn’t just about us; it’s a reflection of India’s entrepreneurial spirit. As young entrepreneurs in the advertising space, we are part of a larger movement that is reimagining the future of entrepreneurship in India, where innovation, resilience, and leadership are crucial to drive progress. The advertising and marketing industry plays a critical role in this transformation, offering creative and impactful solutions that help brands/businesses thrive in today’s competitive market. We are proud to be leading this change, helping brands tell their stories in ways that resonate globally.”

The Hurun Under35s list celebrates the country’s brightest entrepreneurs, offering a glimpse into the emerging generation of business leaders who are poised to redefine India’s economic trajectory. The recognition of Pranav Agarwal and Raghav Bagai not only reinforces their status as top innovators but also shines a light on the broader advertising and marketing landscape, where digital transformation, innovation, and creative solutions are rapidly reshaping the nation’s future.

Moreover, Indian companies led by young entrepreneurs are increasingly going global, leveraging their talent and innovation to compete on the world stage. This trend is positioning India as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence, with businesses expanding their reach beyond domestic borders and making a mark internationally.

As India evolves into the next global advertising hub, Indian agencies are proving their mettle by competing with the best in the world. Through innovative campaigns, creative prowess, and cutting-edge digital strategies, these agencies are not only establishing a global presence but also solidifying India’s place as a key player in the advertising industry worldwide.

In a landscape that is increasingly characterized by digital disruption and global competition, their commitment to pushing boundaries not only propels their agency forward but also inspires countless aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation. The future of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem looks bright, fueled by fresh ideas, innovative strategies, and a determination to reshape industries.

Chennai, October 2, 2024: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) proudly participated in the Swachh Bharat Diwas celebrations on October 2, 2024, at Besant Nagar Beach, reaffirming its commitment to cleanliness and community welfare. The event was led by the bank’s Managing Director & CEO, Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, along with the Executive Directors, Shri Joydeep Dutta Roy and Shri Dhanaraj T. They were joined by several senior bank executives and employees who participated in the mass cleanliness drive.

The celebrations commenced with a Swachhta pledge, taken by the bank’s top management and staff, emphasizing the importance of a clean and hygienic environment. Following the pledge, the participants took part in a large-scale cleanliness drive at the beach, demonstrating the bank’s active involvement in supporting the Swachh Bharat mission.

As a mark of respect for their invaluable contribution, Shri Srivastava and the Executive Directors felicitated the housekeeping workers who work tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness of public spaces. The bank recognized their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the crucial role they play in the Swachh Bharat movement.

In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Indian Overseas Bank made a significant donation of two Battery Operated Vehicles (BOVs) to the Greater Chennai Corporation and a wall painting at Chennai Primary School, near greams road. BOV will assist the Corporation in improving garbage collection and ensuring a cleaner city. This gesture underscores IOB’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices and its contribution to the welfare of the community.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD & CEO, said, “At Indian Overseas Bank, we believe in not just financial service, but in service to the community. Our participation in Swachh Bharat Diwas reflects our deep-rooted commitment to cleanliness and sustainable development. We are honored to contribute to the city’s cleanliness efforts through the donation of these Battery Operated Vehicles.”

Indian Overseas Bank continues to be a responsible corporate citizen, actively contributing to initiatives that benefit society and the environment. The Swachh Bharat Diwas event is a testament to the bank’s enduring commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier India.

Shaitani Rasmein, a show that has captivated audiences with its battle between good and evil, is set to take a thrilling turn with the introduction of Sumit Singh as Pinni. As the storyline progresses, Sumit joins the cast in a major role, and she couldn’t be more excited about this new journey.

Speaking about her entry into the show, Sumit says, “I’m more than happy to be playing Pinni. This show isn’t your typical saas-bahu drama; it’s on a completely different level. The storyline, the themes, and the incredible co-actors I’m working with make this an amazing experience. The actors before me set a very high standard with their amazing talent and left the audience in awe. I’m worried about whether I can reach or surpass that level. The cast and crew have been so welcoming and have made me feel comfortable, allowing me the space to grow. Honestly, with each episode, you’ll see me evolve, and I’m learning so much along the way. Pinni is a naive girl who’s unaware of what the world holds for her, and playing her is both challenging and rewarding.”

She adds, “I’m extremely excited about the upcoming shoots. The way the plot unfolds and how the team works so hard to bring everything to life is inspiring. My character, Pinni, still has so much to discover, especially the hidden side of her personality that even she doesn’t know exists. That will be the most intriguing part for the audience. I promise, as Pinni’s journey unfolds, it will keep you hooked to your screens. This is such an exciting start to my journey, and I can’t wait for the audience to see my new character and the layers she brings to the show.”

Tune into Shaitani Rasmein on Star Bharat from Monday to Saturday at 10 PM to witness this exciting chapter.

KRIASH founded by Dr Neetika Ashwani which is into the health care of premature babies emerged as the winner and will compete in the TiE Global Summit Pitching competition to be held in Bangalore

Hyderabad, October 02, 2024: TiE Women Regional Finals 2024 was held in the city on Tuesday evening in The Club Botanika, Jayabheri Enclave, Gachibowli.

10 women out of 142, who were short-listed and reached the final, pitched their ideas to the jury.

The Winner was Kriash. The first Runner-up was EasyLife and Second Runner Up was OsteoForge.

Dr. Neetika Ashwani, CEO and Founder of Kriash received Rs 25,000/- prize money. This winning startup will compete in a global pitch competition to be held in Bangalore in December this year.

KRIASH improves the adherence of skin-to-skin contact practice in admitted premature babies to improve health outcomes by wireless tracking and vitals monitoring through a non-invasive medical device.

Dr NALLURI HIMA BINDU, Founder and Chairperson, of EasyLife Mobility Innovations received Rs 15000 prize money as first runner-up for her startup which is into electrical wheelchair manufacturing.

Dr. Ramya, Co-Founder & CEO, of Osteoforge Medtech, received Rs 10,000/- as prize money as second runner-up.

Raga Shailaja Founder, Gravy Stories bagged an elevator pitch award.

The TiE Women Global Pitch Competition provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas and gain valuable exposure.

The Guest of Honor for the event Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary in his video address said Telangana became the first state to get NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform chapter which was launched today. It provides a lot of opportunities and with the help of this platform, every issue can be resolved. The platform is designed to foster entrepreneurship among women by offering customised support and services, he added.

T Hub CEO Mahankali Srinivas Rao said according to a survey published, 21% of businesses out of 63 million businesses registered in India are owned by women. Of these, 1% of businesses employed more than ten people. If more women run startups employ at least 5 people, 130 million additional jobs will be created.

India has 1800 Venture Capitalists of which 14% have at least one women representative on their boards, he said.

Murali Bukkapatnam, Vice Chair, TiE Global Board of Trustees said TiE creates an impact of over a trillion US $ in economic activity

Women are the best entrepreneurs one can ever come across, he added.

Srinivas Chandupatla, President TiE Hyderabad said women are future business leaders who will impact economy of any country.

Ahmedabad, October 02: In a clear indication of the growing significance of NK Proteins Private Limited in India’s edible oil sector, two senior members of its leadership team— Managing Director Mr. Priyam Patel and Deputy CEO Dr. Bhavna Shah—have been appointed to key positions in two of the most prominent trade bodies in the industry. Mr. Patel has been elected as Chairman of the West Zone of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), while Dr. Shah has been appointed Vice President of the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA).

Mr. Patel’s leadership at NK Proteins has been marked by innovation and strategic growth, transforming the company into a household name in the edible oil sector. His election as Chairman of SEA’s West Zone highlights his deep commitment to driving positive change in the industry.

On his appointment, Mr. Patel said, “It is an honour to be elected as Chairman of SEA’s West Zone. I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders to address the challenges we face and to foster innovation and sustainability. Together, we can shape a better future for the edible oil industry, benefiting both producers and consumers.”

Dr. Shah, with nearly three decades of experience, has brought immense value to NK Proteins through her expertise in market development and international trade relations. Her appointment as Vice President of IVPA reflects her influential role in the sector. Having previously held leadership positions at the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, she has been instrumental in advancing sustainable practices within the industry.

Commenting on her new role, Dr. Shah said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility at IVPA and look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the vegetable oil sector. My focus will be on promoting innovation and sustainability, which are critical for the industry’s long-term success.”

These appointments further cement NK Proteins’ standing as a leader in the edible oil sector, with its leadership team playing a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future.

Noida: AAFT Noida, a premier media and arts institution in India, hosted the much-awaited AAFT Orientation 2024 from August 22nd to 31st at its Noida campus. The program, filled with inspiration, learning, and empowerment, featured distinguished speakers and veterans from various fields who shared their journeys, insights, and valuable advice. The event left a lasting impact on the aspiring creative professionals in attendance. From the importance of resilience to the fusion of art and technology, this year’s speakers offered a comprehensive outlook for the future leaders of creative industries.

The orientation kicked off on August 22, with the first three days dedicated to the School of Animation, Data Science, Fine Arts, and Digital Marketing. Opening the program, motivational speaker Simerjeet Singh addressed the incoming students, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creativity. His keynote set the tone for the following days, where students learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Renowned artist and animator Charuvi P. Agrawal delved into the fusion of traditional art with modern technology. She highlighted the role of storytelling in animation, explaining how blending artistic techniques with digital tools can create compelling visual narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder & President of AAFT Pvt Ltd., delivered a powerful message on leadership and personal growth. He encouraged students to embrace failures as part of their journey, urging them to learn from challenges rather than shy away from them. His address resonated with the institution’s ethos of fostering growth through experiential learning.

Renowned artist Nawal Kishore shared his deep understanding of artistic expression, using color as a metaphor for self-discovery and individuality. He urged students to embrace their artistic voices, underscoring that every stroke of paint tells a story. AI expert Dipanjan Sarkar guided students from Data Science and Digital Marketing through the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. By introducing tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, Sarkar demonstrated how AI is revolutionizing industries and creating new pathways for creativity.

From August 27 to 29, the spotlight shifted to the School of Cinema, Music, Still Photography, Journalism and Mass Communication, Advertising, PR, and Events. Acclaimed music director, guitarist, and musician Ehsaan Noorani shared his experiences composing for cinema, illuminating the intricate relationship between music and storytelling in films. Meanwhile, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and best-selling author Ankur Warikoo shared his insights on personal development and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the significance of understanding and learning from failures, providing a practical perspective on building a successful career.

Best-selling author Ravinder Singh, known for his romantic novels like I Too Had a Love Story, captivated the 2024 batch with an insightful session on the art of storytelling. Sharing his own journey from IT professional to literary star, he encouraged students to transform personal experiences into narratives that resonate with others. He highlighted the therapeutic and transformative power of writing, leaving students with the belief that their unique stories can forge meaningful connections.

The final leg of the orientation, from August 29 to 31, focused on the School of Fashion Design, Interior Design, Hospitality and Tourism, and Health and Wellness. Celebrated chef and Guinness World Record holder Varun Inamdar, also known as ‘The Bombay Chef’, added a flavorful twist to the discussions by drawing parallels between culinary arts and storytelling. Like all art forms, he demonstrated how food can evoke emotions and tell a story. Actress and certified life coach Tannaz Irani brought a deeply personal touch to the program, speaking about the power of overcoming challenges. Her stories of navigating professional and personal hardships resonated with students, inspiring them to use adversity as a tool for growth and success.

The AAFT Orientation 2024 stood as a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and empowering students to achieve their full potential. The diverse range of speakers and their insightful sessions provided students with a well-rounded perspective on the creative industries and the skills required to thrive in them. As a leading media and arts education institution, AAFT continues to inspire and equip aspiring creative professionals to turn their passion into a thriving profession.

Breast Cancer, unlike assumed by many, is not the disease of the old women any longer. Even younger women are becoming victims of it, say experts

Hyderabad, October 2, 2024: FLO (FICCI Ladies Organisation) organised a Cancer Awareness Walk in October month observed as Cancer Awareness Month. The walk was organised from the Botanical Garden to KIMS Kondapur on Wednesday morning. It was organised in partnership with KIMS Kondapur.

A hundred FLO members with their family members walked 5 km holding placards creating awareness about cancer, early detection, etc.

As the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population. Awareness and early detection are the only way forward said Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO.

Everyone who is diagnosed with cancer will witness fear, uncertainty, and agony. This walk was aimed to assure such people that there is hope in terms of advanced treatment, caregivers, and support groups. It is not CANCER, but it is CanTogether, she said. Good health is the foundation for quality life she added

The walk concluded at KIMS Kondapur, where Torn Curtains Theatre Group, one of the oldest theatre groups in Hyderabad led by Mala Pasha, performed a play, ‘Half Cup Full’ on cancer awareness. The play was about Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Support Group and the inspiring journey of hope and determination.

‘I am beating cancer’ said one of the characters in the play.

Dr Shilpi Reddy of KIMS Hospital said breast cancer is assumed to be a disease of older women but it is not so. The average age of people who are suffering from breast cancer is 35 years. Even men can also get breast cancer, she added

Early detection is the key to cure, observed many doctors who spoke on the occasion

Mumbai, 02 October 2024: Sustained confidence in the Indian economy continued to drive institutional investments into the real estate sector, reaching USD 4.7 billion during the first three quarters of 2024, almost at par with the corresponding period in 2023. Following significant inflows in the first two quarters, Q3 2024 also registered a healthy investment inflow of about USD 1.1 billion, reflecting a 45% YoY growth. The office segment accounted for 54% of the total investments during the quarter, followed by residential, with a 33% share. Residential inflows during Q3 2024 were particularly driven by domestic capital. Overall domestic investments remained robust at USD 0.5 billion, driving 44% of the total inflows during the quarter.

“Institutional flows in Indian realty remain consistent, indicating sustained investor confidence. The investors are well diversified between global and domestic capital. While office assets remain a key focus, industrial & warehousing and residential segments are gaining significant momentum. The newer emerging themes like fractional ownership in office & warehousing, residential platforms with developers, flexible credit, and hospitality are driving opportunities for investors. Of the total USD 4.7 billion institutional inflows during the first nine months of 2024 (Jan-Sept), over 60% were directed towards industrial & warehousing and residential assets. With continued momentum, 2024 is expected to end on a higher note, likely surpassing 2023 volumes,” said Piyush Gupta, Managing Director, Capital Markets & Investment Services at Colliers India.

In addition to continued traction in domestic capital, foreign investors also maintained a sizeable and healthy appetite for Indian real estate. At USD 0.6 billion inflows in Q3 2024, foreign investments have more than doubled compared to the investments witnessed in Q3 2023.

Investment inflows (USD million) Q3 2024–

*Note: Alternate assets include data centers, life sciences, senior housing, holiday homes, student housing, schools etc. (Investment inflows in alternate assets were limited in both Q2 and Q3 2024)

**Investment inflows in Retail were limited in Q3 2023, Q2 2024 & Q3 2024

Source: Colliers

Investment inflows (USD million) YTD 2024 –

*Note: Alternate assets include data centers, life sciences, senior housing, holiday homes, student housing, schools etc.

**Investment inflows in Retail were in YTD 2023 and YTD 2024

Source: Colliers

Quarterly investments in the Office segment surged by 6.8X times over Q3 2023

After witnessing subdued activity in the previous quarter, investments in the office segment doubled on a QoQ basis, at USD 0.6 billion inflows. At the same time, investments also rose by 6.8X times as compared to the same period last year. Foreign investments accounted for 88% of the total inflows into the segment during Q3 2024. Going forward, robust demand and supply momentum in Grade A office spaces across the top markets will keep the investor confidence buoyant.

Apart from office assets, residential assets too witnessed notable inflows during the quarter at USD 0.4 billion, witnessing a substantial surge of 40% on a YoY basis.

“Private equity investments in the residential segment are on the rise, fuelled by home-ownership trends and growing interest from domestic as well as foreign institutional investors. In the first nine months of 2024, investments in the segment crossed USD 1 billion, marking a significant 46% year-on-year increase. Q3 2024 alone saw USD 0.4 billion in residential investments, accounting for one-third of the total investments in the quarter. Most of these investments were directed towards developmental assets, as institutional investors continue to partner with reputed developers in marquee residential projects. With a conducive domestic environment, ongoing festive season and a much-anticipated reduction in interest rates, investor confidence in India’s residential real estate market is poised to remain intact,” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.

Chennai & Mumbai together drove about 57% of the quarterly inflows

Chennai and Mumbai together accounted for about 57% of the total inflows during Q3 2024 backed by key acquisitions in office segment. Almost 70% of the inflows in Chennai during the quarter were driven by foreign investments. Mumbai and Delhi NCR cumulatively witnessed about 44% of the total quarterly investments in the residential segment. Furthermore, multi-city investments corresponded to 30% of the overall inflows during Q3 2024 and were predominantly directed towards office and residential asset classes.

City-wise investment inflows in Q3 2024 –

Source: Colliers

Note: * Investment inflows in Hyderabad were limited in both quarters