Bengaluru April 14, 2025: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) collaborates with Marvell’s CSR support to implement ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural development program in the Bagepalli, Chikballapura district, Karnataka. The partnership is driven by a collective vision to uplift the communities with a commitment to enhancing education, health and sanitation, livelihood, and the environment.

The ‘Rural Rising’ program, now in its second year of implementation in Bagepalli has improved the quality of early child care and development services, supported school infrastructure, promoted drinking water, improved the health and sanitation standards and livelihood enhancement resources such as solar lights, and E-bikes to Public Health Centres (PHCs) to improve National Health Mission services.  Distinguished delegates and community leaders graced the occasion, including Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Country Head, Ms. Bharathi Kanuj, CSR Head, Mr. Ganesh Karnatakam, Finance Controller and Mr. Anshuman Ray, Head -Human Resources from Marvell India, Venkata Sudhakar Namala, Sr. Vice President, United Way Bengaluru, representatives of Gram Panchayats, and the local community.

Under the program, several key interventions have been implemented to ensure quality education- 3 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been constructed to create a safe and conducive environment for children (0-6 years), pregnant and lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. Additionally, a total of 17700 sanitary napkins have been distributed along with 8 incinerators installation in two years, toilet refurbishment has been undertaken at 6 government schools and 5 Water ROs of 50 LPH each have been installed in schools and 6 community RO units to ensure access to safe drinking water.

Further, recognizing the significance of clean energy, 428 solar streetlights are installed to promote sustainable energy practices across 3 Gram Panchayats. Rural Rising has also extended mobility support by providing 9 e-bikes to Public Health Centres (PHCs) and 1 basic life support ambulance vehicle to Taluka hospital, Bagepalli.

‘Our commitment to rural development is rooted in the belief that education, income stability, clean energy, and access to safe drinking water are the key pillars for transforming communities. Our partnership with United Way Bengaluru towards the ‘Rural Rising’ program is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainable change for rural communities and building a more self-sufficient future for the community’, said Navin Bishnoi, AVP and Country Manager, Marvell India .

‘A key feature of the Rural Rising flagship program lies in the ‘collaboration’. By working with local authorities and involving community members, the program ensures that local voices and needs are included in the development process. This approach helps identify key issues and priorities, creating an implementation plan that matches the community’s specific needs’ said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, of United Way Bengaluru.

In a world increasingly shaped by volatile markets and digital assets, there’s a quiet revolution happening beneath our feet—literally. Real estate, especially in the farmland sector, is witnessing a resurgence. Global investors, particularly High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), are showing a growing preference for real assets that offer tangible returns and emotional satisfaction. In India, this sentiment is stronger than ever. As the urban sprawl accelerates, owning a slice of nature isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s an intelligent investment strategy. And leading this movement is Vibez Estates, a Karnataka-based enterprise that has redefined farmland ownership for the modern investor.

The Case for Farmland in India’s Investment Landscape

India’s real estate sector is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, driven by increasing urbanisation, infrastructure development, and a rising middle class. Within this spectrum, farmlands are emerging as a high-potential subsegment. The appeal? Low volatility, rising land value, and passive income opportunities. For HNIs seeking portfolio diversification, farmland offers security that equities and crypto cannot match—plus the unique perk of weekend getaways and legacy planning.

Yet, owning and managing farmland in India is anything but simple—until now. Vibez Estates has stepped in to bridge the gap between aspiration and execution with a well-structured, profitable blueprint that turns “soil to ROI.”

A Full-Circle Investment Experience

Unlike traditional property firms, Vibez Estates offers more than just land—it delivers a holistic ownership experience. It starts with carefully selected, legally vetted farmland across Karnataka’s pristine locales—Sakleshpur, Channapatna, Mudigere, and more. But that’s just the beginning.

Once purchased, each plot is transformed into a fully managed agricultural asset. Whether it’s a coffee estate, teak plantation, or fruit orchard, Vibez handles every stage—soil testing, plantation design, cultivation, maintenance, harvesting, and even post-harvest sales.

This means you, the investor, can reap the financial and lifestyle benefits of farm ownership without dealing with any of the operational headaches.

Smart, Sustainable, and Revenue-Driven

The hallmark of Vibez Estates’ offering is its blend of agriculture with annuity-like income. By focusing on high-demand crops like Robusta coffee, pepper, and sandalwood—and leveraging long-term timber plays like teak—the company ensures that every estate is geared toward long-term value creation.

Take teak plantations, for instance. Teak is a slow-growing, high-value wood that matures in 15-20 years. Vibez estimates an average CAGR of 14-16% over the life of the investment—an impressive figure for any long-horizon asset class.

And that’s not all. In regions like Sakleshpur, the estates double as eco-retreats and short-stay vacation homes, offering investors dual returns through agriculture and Airbnb-style rentals. These properties are designed with sustainability in mind—solar-powered, water-harvesting enabled, and set amid biodiversity-rich zones. The result is a high-return, low-carbon portfolio addition.

Innovation Meets Experience

Behind Vibez Estates’ success lies a team with deep real estate, agricultural, and hospitality expertise. The company doesn’t just sell a vision; it executes it with precision—thanks to its fully integrated model, which includes land acquisition, plantation development, farm management, marketing, and customer service.

What sets it apart, however, is its transparency and tech-first approach. Investors can track their property, receive crop reports, and even monitor farm performance through digital dashboards. With an active community of over 700 investors and 1,500+ acres under management, Vibez isn’t just offering farmland—it’s offering peace of mind backed by performance.

Building Not Just Farms, But Futures

Vibez also addresses a significant emotional quotient in its investment strategy: the human desire to reconnect with nature. In an age of concrete skylines and pixelated sunsets, Vibez offers HNIs a retreat into something real. The option to build luxurious farmhouses and nature resorts on your land elevates the ownership experience, making it both a financial asset and a personal sanctuary.

And while others in the space treat land as a commodity, Vibez nurtures it as an ecosystem—rich in biodiversity, culture, and community.

Why It Works

• Legal Clarity: Every plot is 100% legally verified with clear titles.

• Sustainable Farming: Organic practices and soil conservation are the norm.

• End-to-End Management: Investors don’t need to lift a finger post-purchase.

• Multiple Income Streams: Timber, crop sales, and tourism rentals.

• Exit Opportunities: A built-in buyback or resale network.

Final Thoughts: The Soil-Based Gold Standard

As asset classes get more complex and speculative, farmland is emerging as the new gold standard—grounded, productive, and increasingly profitable. Vibez Estates understands this shift and has crafted a business model that delivers both emotional dividends and real-world returns.

For those looking to diversify their investment portfolio while embracing a more sustainable, grounded future, Vibez isn’t just an option—it’s the blueprint.

After all, in a time of virtual assets and digital disruption, what could be more real than land that pays you back, season after season?

Wooden Street, India’s leading home furniture brand, proudly announces the opening of its 104th experience store in Hyderabad. This expansion strengthens the brand’s presence in the city with its 11th store, reaffirming its commitment to offering high-quality and innovative furniture solutions to Indian homeowners.

Located in one of Hyderabad’s top malls, the newly inaugurated store spans over 3,000 sq. ft. and showcases a curated collection of furniture designs. The store is designed to offer an immersive shopping experience, allowing customers to explore a wide range of furniture, home décor, and furnishing products tailored to evolving tastes and preferences.

“Our vision has always been to make premium furniture accessible to every Indian home. The launch of our 104th store in Hyderabad is a result of our rapid growth and dedication to customer satisfaction. Hyderabad continues to be a key market for us, and we are thrilled to bring our experience-driven retail approach closer to its residents,” said Lokendra Ranawat, CEO, Wooden Street.

Wooden Street’s aggressive expansion plan focuses on strengthening its nationwide footprint by entering both metro cities and tier-2 and tier-3 markets. With robust supply chain capabilities and cutting-edge manufacturing infrastructure, the company is poised for continued growth.

 Wooden Street at a Glance:

• 104+ Experience Stores across India
• 20+ Warehouses ensuring seamless supply chain operations
• 15 Lakh Sq. Ft. State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility
• Over 30,000 Products in furniture, home décor, and furnishings
• 1 Million+ Homes Transformed with Wooden Street’s offerings

Since its inception in 2015, Wooden Street has secured approximately $78 million in funding, accelerating its omni channel presence across India. With a focus on customer-centric service, quality craftsmanship, and innovative designs, the brand continues to redefine the home furniture landscape in India.

The launch of this new store in Hyderabad further solidifies the company’s position as a leading home furniture destination, offering customers a seamless blend of aesthetics, functionality, and superior shopping experience.

March 13,2025:Holi is all about vibrant colors, joyous celebrations, and letting loose. But while your spirit soaks in the festivities, your skin and hair often take a hit—hello, dryness, irritation, and stubborn color stains! That’s why a solid pre- and post-Holi skincare routine is the secret to keeping your skin protected, nourished, and glowing long after the colors fade.

PRE HOLI

POST HOLI

March 13,2025:Holi, the festival of colors, is now also a festival of connections. As the country gears up for celebrations, dating apps across India are seeing a surge in matches, interactions, and spontaneous meetups. India’s most popular dating app, QuackQuack, revealed that their new survey shows 2 in 7 matches formed around the festival turned into real-life connections. The app’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said, “Holi is all about embracing joy, which makes it an exciting time to begin something new. The new survey data shows that beyond flirting online and the festive spirit, many users are forming real relationships. We noticed that it happens often around auspicious days and group celebrations.”

The study was conducted by QuackQuack in the first week of March, with responses from more than 9500 users from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. Participants varied between 20 and 35 and belonged to a range of professions, including IT, healthcare, sales and marketing, social media content creators, finance, and more.

Color-Coded Connection

Holi has always been the perfect backdrop for chemistry and connection, and this year, in the digital dating world, GenZ singles have come up with a fun and unique new trend- daters are deciding compatibility based on color choices. QuackQuack’s data shows more than 21% of matches initiated a conversation about “favorite gulal colors.” Daters between 20 and 26 revealed people who chose red, blue, and yellow were categorized in the easy-going category. The ones who picked purple, green, and pink were put in the complicated category. If two users picked the same color, it was considered a sign to continue the match and see where it goes! Ishita from Gurgaon said, “It’s nothing serious, just a cute way of finding your kind of people. The first category of people are ones who are happy with the basics, and the second category of people are more meticulous and specific. It was a fun little way of understanding and guessing each other’s personality.”

Bhaang bonds and Buddy system

QuackQuack revealed that Bhaang-fueled conversations have always been a Holi specialty, but this year, the interesting trend was how daters from Tier 1, 2, and 3 chose safety as their top priority. While over 3266 users from metros and suburbs disclosed starting a conversation with a stagnant match, they also revealed maintaining “the buddy system,” where their closest friends would monitor the conversation to keep an eye out for red flags and warning bells. Tanmay (27) from Varanasi shared, “I decided to finally send that first message to my online crush, and I had my best friends reviewing all my messages, making sure I wasn’t being inappropriate or “too out there” in any way.”

Pakka Pyar Vs. Gulaal ghosters

This Holi, QuackQuack’s female users explained how every festivity comes with its fair share of genuine connections and fleeting ones, too. While 9% of women revealed having met people who disappeared before the Holi colors could fade, and most of these were matches under 25, over 32% of women shared having met their perfect match and planning to meet IRL on Holi. Nimisha from Hampi said, “I met two people before Holi, one 25 and the other 29. I think the older ones are looking for serious connections while the younger men are still exploring. It’s perfectly fine, and importantly, I struck up a great conversation with my second match.”

Holi Safety Checks

While the festival of color is famous for carefree fun, QuackQuack users maintain strict Holi Safety Checks. 19% of men shared how their matches were insistent on public meetups and group events, and they also explained how that also takes off the pressure of a one-on-one setup. Sober Flirting was the trending word of the pre-Holi week.

National, 13th March 2025 – Holi is more than just a festival—it’s an explosion of color, energy, and joy! From playful splashes of Gulaal to heartwarming family moments and the vibrant chaos of celebrations, every frame holds a story waiting to be captured. With the right Nikon camera and lens, you can transform these fleeting moments into stunning masterpieces. Whether you’re a beginner documenting Holi or a seasoned photographer looking to elevate your shots, Nikon’s cutting-edge cameras and lenses ensure every click is breathtaking. Get ready to capture the true essence of Holi like never before!

Holi is a festival of vibrant colours, laughter, and unforgettable moments, and your camera should be just as lively! The Nikon Z50II is the perfect companion for vloggers, creators, and live streamers, ensuring you capture every splash of colour and joyous celebration with stunning clarity. With a 20.9MP CMOS Sensor, it brings out Holi’s rich hues, while the EXPEED 7 Image Processor allows continuous shooting at 30 fps, so you never miss a moment. Its advanced autofocus system effortlessly tracks multiple subjects, making it ideal for capturing the fast-paced energy of the festival. For those looking to record the celebrations, 4K video at 60fps delivers smooth, high-quality footage, perfect for sharing your Holi stories. Plus, with 31 Picture Controls, you can add a creative touch to your images and videos. Compact and lightweight, the Nikon Z50II is easy to carry through the festive chaos, letting you focus on enjoying the celebrations while creating memories that last a lifetime. This Holi don’t just play with colours—capture the magic with Nikon!

Whether you’re a budding creator or a seasoned pro, let the Nikon Z50II bring your Holi celebrations to life! Capture the festival’s vibrant energy, dazzling colours, and joyful moments with stunning clarity, and make your Holi vlogs as lively and dynamic as the festival itself.

For videographers looking to capture the electrifying spirit of Holi, the Nikon Z6III is the ultimate creative companion. Featuring the world’s first-ever partially-stacked CMOS sensor and superior autofocus, this powerhouse camera ensures every colour, emotion, and joyful moment is brought to life with cinematic brilliance. Holi is a festival of vibrant hues and spontaneous celebrations, and the Z6III is designed to capture its energy in breathtaking clarity.

With 6K internal recording and 4K 120p slow-motion capabilities, every splash of colour and every candid expression is transformed into stunning visuals. Its fast and precise autofocus, including Eye-Detection AF, keeps subjects sharp amidst the lively chaos of Holi. Plus, with built-in N-Log, N-RAW, and 10-bit HLG support, videographers have incredible flexibility for professional-grade storytelling.

This Holi, let the Nikon Z6III turn your creative vision into visually immersive masterpieces that truly capture the festival’s magic like never before!

Paired with a Nikon Z series camera, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is the perfect companion to capture the vibrant energy of Holi in stunning clarity. Its fast f/1.4 aperture creates a large, dreamy bokeh that beautifully separates the subject from the riot of colours, making every shot feel immersive and dynamic. Designed to minimize chromatic aberration, this lens ensures that Holi’s dazzling hues are captured with absolute precision, free from colour fringing. Whether you’re freezing fast-paced action or capturing heartfelt portraits amidst a flurry of gulaal, the swift and accurate autofocus keeps your subject sharp, ensuring no magical moment of the festival is missed.

Whether you’re capturing the carefree laughter of friends drenched in colour or the intricate details of Holi rituals, this lens transforms every shot into a masterpiece. Let the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 bring your Holi memories to life with rich detail, vibrant hues, and an artistic depth that makes every frame unforgettable.

Videographers aiming to create immersive Holi videos will find the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens to be an invaluable tool. Designed with professional videographers in mind, this lens boasts smooth operation, comprehensive functionality, and convenient power zoom control. Versatile Zoom Range of 28-135mm focal length covers wide to medium telephoto shots, allowing for flexibility in framing various scenes during Holi. The constant f/4 aperture that provides consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, essential for professional-quality video. Power Zoom Control enables smooth and precise zooming, crucial for dynamic event coverage. Silent Operation that minimizes noise during focusing and zooming, ensuring clear audio capture.

Mumbai, March 13th, 2025: Infiniti Mall, the premium destination for shopping, luxury, and entertainment, is bringing a vibrant twist to Holi celebrations this year! Get ready for an enchanting Flower Holi Celebration at Infiniti Mall, Malad, on 14th March 2025 — where colors bloom with elegance.

Immerse yourself in a cascade of fresh flower petals, creating a mesmerizing, joyful atmosphere filled with fragrance, fun, and festive vibes. With lively music, a kaleidoscope of colors, and a heartwarming ambiance, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Holi in style.

Join us from 05:30 PM onwards for a celebration that’s not just about coloring your clothes — but lifting your spirits. Gather your friends and family and step into a world of floral magic only at Infiniti Mall, Malad!

New Delhi, 13th March 2025: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the Matanand Welfare Foundation, successfully concluded the National Hearing Week 2025, held from March 3rd to March 9th, under the theme “Hear Their World: Early Detection, Early Action.” The week-long initiative focused on children, with the aim to raise awareness about congenital hearing loss and highlight the need for early detection and preventive care. By reaching 3 crores people across India, the campaign helped improve awareness and access to pediatric hearing healthcare.

The initiative gained strong momentum both online and offline, engaging thousands across the country and bringing together healthcare professionals, influencers, and volunteers. More than 1200 free hearing screening camps were conducted in clinics, hospitals, and community centers, ensuring early diagnosis opportunities for children. The campaign’s social media efforts also had a significant impact, with #HarBacchaSunega trending at number two on X (formerly Twitter) and reaching millions nationwide on the other hand social media campaign reached to 25 Million people.

To amplify the message further, a national radio awareness campaign aired on 92.7 BIG FM in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Bangalore.1200 + physical camps, 20+ walkathons and rallies, along with ENT specialists at clinics, hospitals, 5 Street skits, and community centers were organized across INDIA. Over 100+ awareness videos featuring top ENT specialists were shared on social media, while more than 20 school awareness camps educated parents and children about hearing health. Additionally, five major walkathons and rallies brought communities together in support of the cause.

Additionally, funds raised through Matanand.org and ENTOD’s CSR initiatives will support cochlear implant surgeries for children from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to critical treatment and a better quality of life.

The campaign’s impact was strengthened by the participation of over 105 ENT specialists and 100 social media influencers, who helped emphasize the importance of early intervention for congenital hearing loss. Awareness camps were also conducted for healthcare workers, ASHA, and Anganwadi members to help them identify hearing disabilities in children at the community level.

Mr. Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, shared the vision behind the initiative, saying, “National Hearing Week 2025 has been a significant milestone in raising awareness about congenital hearing loss. Through 1200+ free hearing camps, a nationwide radio campaign, and a dynamic social media movement, we have reached millions across India—but this is just the beginning. Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to hear, speak, and thrive. The funds raised will support cochlear implants for underprivileged children, strengthening our commitment to making hearing care accessible to all.”

Dr. Sanjeev Pethe, M.S. ENT, stressed the importance of early diagnosis, saying, “Congenital hearing loss is more common than people think, yet many cases go unnoticed until it’s too late. Without early intervention, children struggle with speech, education, and social interactions. National Hearing Week 2025 is a crucial step in spreading awareness and inspiring action. This initiative is a reminder for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to make hearing screenings a priority so that no child is denied the ability to hear and communicate.”

Although National Hearing Week 2025 has concluded, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals remains committed to making hearing healthcare accessible for all children. The success of this campaign marks the beginning of sustained efforts to educate communities, provide screenings, and support children with hearing disabilities across India.

Bengaluru, 13 March 2025: Knight Frank India, a leading international property consultancy, , cited that Bengaluru has witnessed transaction volume growth of 27% year-on-year (YoY) with a total area leasing of 6.6 million square feet (mn sq ft) in 2024 which when compared to 2023 was 5.2 mn sq ft. Bengaluru’s warehousing market thrives on strong infrastructure connectivity and solid economic fundamentals. With major highways like NH-75 and NH-48 ensuring smooth cross-border transportation, the city has emerged as a key hub for logistics and warehousing operations.

Source: Knight Frank Research

The city of Bengaluru has a development potential of 28.5mn sq ft to service any additional demand. This translates to around four times the annual transaction volumes in 2024.

Industry wise, other manufacturing (excluding FMCG and FMCD) emerged as the leading sector in Bengaluru’s warehousing market, accounting for 41% of total leasing activity, up from 32% in 2023. This trend underscores the increasing significance of industrial occupiers in the region. Meanwhile, retail and e-commerce sectors experienced notable growth, with their leasing share rising from 12% to 16% and 3% to 11%, respectively. The expansion of e-commerce reinforces Bengaluru’s position as a technology and consumption hub, driving higher demand for last-mile fulfilment centres. Additionally, the FMCG sector expanded its presence, growing from 3% in 2023 to 7% in 2024.

INDUSTRY SPLIT OF TRANSACTION VOLUME

• Warehousing transactions data includes light manufacturing/assembling.
• Other Manufacturing – These include all manufacturing sectors (automobile, electronics, pharmaceutical, etc.) except FMCG and FMCD.
• Miscellaneous – These include services such as telecom, real estate, document management, agricultural warehousing and publishing.

The Nelamangala-Dabaspete cluster has emerged as Bengaluru’s preferred warehousing hub, marking a significant shift in cluster-wise leasing. Major tenants such as Bosch, Shoppers Stop, and ABB have played a key role in driving this growth. In 2024, the region accounted for 52% of total leased space, a sharp increase from 21% in 2023, with the Nelamangala market contributing to over half of the transactions. This surge is largely attributed to the cluster’s strategic connectivity via National Highway 48, facilitating access to key consumption centers across southern and western India.

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, of Knight Frank India said, “Bengaluru’s warehousing market continues to expand, driven by rising leasing activity, manufacturing sector growth, and increasing demand from e-commerce and retail players. Strengthened by improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and sustained occupier interest, the market is set for long-term growth. As warehousing needs evolve, Bengaluru is expected to reinforce its position as a leading logistics hub in Southern India”.