New Delhi, 14th December 2024: Magicbricks, India’s premier real estate platform, has unveiled an innovative suite of 3D visualization and immersive technology solutions developed by PropViz. These include virtual walkthroughs, interactive tours, smart location maps, integrated booking systems, and real-time inventory management tools.

Acquiring a majority stake in PropViz, a leader in this space through its brands BlueTickVR and Convrse Spaces, Magicbricks aims to enhance buyer engagement, streamline decision-making, and accelerate sales velocity for developers.

The acquisition complements Magicbricks’ existing developer-focused solutions including Verified Leads, Site Visits, and the iEngage platform, creating a comprehensive suite for early-stage pre-sales exposure. PropViz’s tools will allow developers to seamlessly integrate immersive experiences with real-time inventory insights, enhancing operational efficiency and marketing effectiveness.

Elaborating on the same, Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks, shared “We now offer a full suite of solutions tailor-made for both homebuyers and developers as part of our full-stack positioning. For developers, apart from our leading ad-sales solutions, we’ve launched Site Visits & Verified Leads as disruptive solutions. With PropViz, we will expand our range of solutions for developers covering the entire funnel from prelaunch to launch to sustenance selling of projects.”

Founded in 2019, PropViz has developed 125 million sq. ft. of virtual spaces, designed 1,800+ interactive spatial layouts, working with over 100 developers including Godrej, Tata, Smartworld, Kolte Patil, MyHome Constructions, to name a few. The company’s expertise spans advanced space design, Web 3.0 applications, and Artificial Intelligence-powered solutions, making it a leader in real estate tech innovation.

Adding to the same, Vikrant Singh, Founder and Director, PropViz, shared, “We are excited to join Magicbricks’ ecosystem, aligning with our vision to empower developers with cutting-edge immersive-tech & AI solutions. PropViz’s advanced 3D tools, including virtual walkthroughs and real-time inventory integration, have accelerated sales and enhanced buyer experiences for over 100 developers across the country. As part of Magicbricks, we aim to scale these innovations further, providing developers with unparalleled tools to showcase projects effectively while creating dynamic, engaging journeys for prospective homeowners.”

14th December 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Yolo247, a leading online gaming platform, is excited to announce its partnership with Spribe, an innovative game development studio known for its engaging and interactive games. This enhanced collaboration aims to further enrich the gaming experience for Yolo247 users by introducing a wider array of interactive and immersive gaming options.

With a focus on interactive gameplay and user experience, Spribe is at the forefront of the iGaming industry.

Since the inception of their partnership, Yolo247 and Spribe have worked together to deliver cutting-edge gaming experiences that resonate with players. With the introduction of new titles and features, this ongoing collaboration promises to elevate user engagement and satisfaction.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Spribe,” said Vinay D’Souza, CEO of Yolo247. “Their commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to provide our players with the most exciting and rewarding gaming experiences. Together, we are set to transform the online gaming landscape.”

As part of this partnership, Yolo247 has introduced several new games from Spribe’s portfolio, including the highly popular Aviator game, which has captivated players with its unique gameplay mechanics. Additionally, exclusive promotions and bonuses will be available for players engaging with these new offerings, enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Yolo247 continues to expand its extensive library of over 700 games, including live market options and instant games. The integration of Spribe’s innovative titles will further diversify the platform’s offerings, ensuring that players have access to the latest trends in online gaming.

14th December 2024  Bengluru, Karnataka, India  FOMO7, the innovative online gaming platform, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Evolution Gaming, the industry leader in live gaming solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine the online gaming landscape, providing FOMO7’s users with an unmatched gaming experience through the integration of Evolution Gaming’s world-class live gaming offerings.

FOMO7 partners with Evolution Gaming to elevate online gaming experiences with world-class live games, setting a new standard in immersive entertainment

Being a global leader in live gaming, Evolution offers state-of-the-art live dealer games to online gaming operators. Known for its high-quality streaming technology and innovative game formats, Evolution Gaming delivers an authentic and immersive gaming experience to players everywhere.

This exciting partnership will introduce FOMO7’s users to Evolution Gaming’s renowned live dealer games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and innovative game shows, streamed from state-of-the-art studios worldwide. The collaboration reflects FOMO7’s dedication to bringing high-quality, immersive, and dynamic content to its players, further establishing its platform as a go-to destination for online gaming enthusiasts.

“Partnering with Evolution Gaming marks a significant milestone for FOMO7,” said Kris Fernandes, CEO of FOMO7. “We are committed to creating a thrilling and authentic gaming experience for our users. Evolution Gaming’s expertise and premium live gaming offerings will allow us to deliver an unparalleled gaming journey, connecting players to the excitement of live gaming right from their devices.”

With Evolution Gaming’s real-time streaming technology, FOMO7 players will enjoy seamless and engaging gameplay that mirrors the action and atmosphere of live gaming. The collaboration also opens up opportunities for FOMO7 to expand its user base, catering to both casual and experienced players who seek a real-time, interactive gaming experience.

This partnership signifies FOMO7’s commitment to delivering a premier gaming experience, enhancing player engagement, and setting new standards in the online gaming industry. FOMO7 and Evolution Gaming are eager to work together to bring the future of live gaming to life.

14th December 2024   Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Universal Sompo General Insurance welcomed policyholders and claimants for interaction, to its new progressive corporate office in Mumbai. This provided an opportunity to connect with its honoured customers and understand their views on product offerings and claims services. The day was marked by a sense of community and collaboration, with policyholders and claimants from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate the company’s continued commitment to delivering customer-centric insurance solutions and timely services.

The new creative office space is bringing the company even closer to its customers and partners, while deeply aligning with the evolving needs of the market. Throughout the day, the leadership team engaged in meaningful conversations with its customers, claimants, and various stakeholders to better understand the challenges they face and gain valuable insights into customer perceptions of the company’s offerings.

Sharad Mathur, Managing Director & CEO of Universal Sompo, shared his views, “Interacting with our valued policyholders and claimants has been a great pleasure for us. The new innovative office features our ongoing commitment to advancing a dynamic, collaborative environment that will drive exceptional services for our customers. As we continue to adopt new technologies and innovations, we remain focused on simplifying and enhancing the insurance process for both our customers and channel partners.”

Further reinforcing its customer-first approach, Universal Sompo recently unveiled two cutting-edge technological solutions: Universal i Assess and Universal i Gen. These innovations are designed to transform the claims settlement process, enabling surveyors to instantly assess damages and calculate claim estimates in real-time. By integrating advanced AI, these tools aim to dramatically reduce the time required for claims processing, speeding up settlements and improving the overall customer experience.

14th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Gauri Khan Designs is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, www.gaurikhan.in, as it celebrates 13 years of artistic innovation and impeccable craftsmanship.

Since its inception, Gauri Khan Designs has become synonymous with luxury, elegance, and a unique design sensibility that marries contemporary style with timeless sophistication. The new website marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, offering clients and design aficionados an immersive digital experience showcasing the breadth and depth of Gauri Khan’s visionary work.

The newly launched website features an array of interactive elements, allowing visitors to explore stunning visuals of Gauri Khan’s signature projects, from luxurious residences and hospitality projects to innovative commercial spaces. This platform also provides an avenue for the online retail of the Maison’s range of bespoke furniture, bed linens, and artefacts.

“We have always strived to push the boundaries of design and create spaces that tell a story,” added Gauri Khan. “This website is a testament to our passion for design and our dedication to our clients. We look forward to the next chapter of Gauri Khan Designs and continuing to bring extraordinary spaces to life.”

In addition to the website launch, Gauri Khan is excited to announce the opening of a new experience centre in Delhi in March. This centre will be a captivating space for visitors to experience these beautiful products firsthand, offering a tangible glimpse into the world of Gauri Khan Designs.

Visit the new website at www.gaurikhan.in to explore the Maison’s work and discover a range of retail bespoke items such as furniture, artefacts, and bed linens.

STYLING: At the event Gauri wore stacked bangles from Zoya’s signature My Embrace collection. The iconic criss-cross design is signature of the House, inspired by the idea of a self-hug, and being true to the calling of your heart. Styled by Aastha Sharma, Gauri paired the bangles with hoops and rings from the same collection, and a red dress from Safiyaa.

14th December 2024  Gurgaon, Haryana, India   In line with its commitment to nurture talent and foster a culture of meritocracy, Paisabazaar, India’s leading consumer credit marketplace, has launched the Propelling Advisors Towards Career Excellence (PACE) program. Built on the robust Assessment Centre/Development Centre (AC/DC) HR model, the initiative is designed to accelerate the professional growth of Sales Advisors and provide a structured pathway to leadership roles.

The AC/DC model combines rigorous evaluation with targeted development for the career progression of employees. Assessment Centres involve systematic evaluations through structured simulations and exercises to measure employees’ skills, competencies, and potential. Development Centres build on these insights, delivering customised training programs that empower employees to enhance their capabilities and prepare for higher responsibilities.

PACE Program is tailored specifically for Paisabazaar’s Sales Advisors, with a focus on roles ranging from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to Team Leaders (TLs). It aims to remove bias in the system and is purely based on meritocracy. This will also help retain and increase the vintage of employees, which remains critical for the business in terms of higher productivity.

Commenting on the initiative, Dhiraj Kalra, CHRO & Head – Customer Service and Training at Paisabazaar, said, “This is more than a professional development strategy for us, it is a testament to our belief in the potential of our workforce. This initiative empowers our Sales Advisors by providing them with a clear and structured career progression path. By equipping our employees with the skills and support they need to thrive, we aim to build a culture of excellence that benefits individuals and the organization as a whole.”

PACE employs a transparent, metrics-based framework to address growth barriers, reduce attrition, and build a robust talent pipeline. By offering equal opportunities for professional advancement, the program seeks to empower employees from varied socio-economic backgrounds. Over 3000 employees are expected to benefit from the PACE initiative at Paisabazaar.

Under this program, employees will undergo a comprehensive six-month training regimen structured in quarterly batches. The eligibility criteria for selection into the Assessment Centre is based on vintage and consistent performance. The Development Centre component then provides targeted training based on the assessment outcomes, focusing on areas such as interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, stress management, leadership, technical proficiency, and decision-making abilities.

This initiative underscores Paisabazaar’s dedication to fostering employee growth through structured and innovative frameworks. By leveraging the AC/DC model, the organisation aims to empower its workforce, cultivate talent, and drive excellence across all levels.

14th December 2024   Gurugram, Haryana, India    In a landmark development for the field of special education, SGT University, a prominent educational institution in the Delhi NCR region, has inaugurated UDAAN, a pioneering “School of Experiential Learning” for children with diverse learning needs. This special centre is set to redefine the landscape of special education and provide comprehensive support to individuals with special abilities, enabling them to reach their fullest potential.

The university and its Faculty of Physiotherapy also organised the ‘Healthy Athlete Screening’ last week, where over 300 special children from 20 different special schools participated. The event, aimed at promoting inclusiveness and well-being, featured thrilling sports activities, including 25m, 50m, and 100m sprint races and the bocce event, a key part of the Special Olympics. Mr. Manmohan Singh Chawla, Managing Trustee of Dashmesh Educational Charitable Trust, the principal sponsor of SGT University and Dr. Pooja Anand, Dean of the Faculty of Physiotherapy, ensured the event’s impeccable execution.

A significant highlight of the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SGT University and Special Olympics Bharat (SOB). It was signed by Dr. Joginder Yadav, Registrar of SGT University, and Dr. Malaika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat. This partnership is focused on providing physiotherapeutic services and enhancing educational support for special students. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the empowerment of children with special needs, ensuring they have access to quality care and educational opportunities.

Dr. Malaika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, lauded SGT University’s commitment to inclusivity towards providing support for special children. “Collaborations such as ‘Healthy Athlete Screening’ go a long way in creating an inclusive society. I hope more such events are held in the future so that our special children get the required exposure and opportunity to grow with pride.”

Dr. Madhavi Sharma, Dean of the Faculty of Education at SGT, expressed her happiness at the inauguration of the ‘School of Experiential Learning’. She said, “We at UDAAN are dedicated to guiding students through their learning journey, equipping them with essential life skills, and preparing them to become productive, confident members of society. The Centre represents a comprehensive ecosystem designed to empower, nurture, and celebrate the unique potential of children with special abilities.” Ms. Poonam Talwar, who is in charge of UDAAN, provided additional insights into the centre’s services. She explained that the initiative comprehensively serves Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) through a range of specialised services, including physiotherapy, IQ testing, speech and audiology, and medical facilities.

The Healthy Athlete Screening event was attended by many esteemed dignitaries, including Sh. Mukesh Sharma (MLA, Gurugram), Sh. O.P. Dhankar (National Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party), Ms. Mukta Narain Thind (National Director – Organisational Development, SOB), and Smt. Latika Sharma (President, SOB Haryana).

The collaboration between SGT University and SOB is set to create new avenues for inclusive education and healthcare, promoting the physical and mental well-being of children with special needs. With this initiative, SGT University is firmly positioned at the forefront of inclusivity, education, and empowerment for children with special needs in the region by offering a multi-disciplinary support system that includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, and play therapy.

14th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Worthy Cart, an Expert-Driven, AI-powered e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive range of expert-validated, quality-checked beauty and wellness products, launched its operations today with 214+ onboarded brands and 800+ products. Driven by a consumer-first philosophy, all the products undergo an unbiased, rigorous validation process carried out by a dedicated team of Doctors, Experts and a quality control team.

The platform is targeting a Pre-Series A round of USD 10 million in the coming months, for which it is currently in discussions with VC funds and strategic investors. Leveraging the rapid growth of the beauty and wellness sectors, it aims to scale its business through B2B and B2C channels as well with a 1st year revenue target of INR 20 crores. Worthy Cart is also planning to expand its presence into the physical retail space by the end of the year with carefully designed 400-1000 sq.ft stores which will also serve as customer experience centres. The company targets 100 such stores in three years, especially in Tier 2 cities.

Products that achieve the highest safety and effectiveness get certified exclusively under ‘Worthy for You’ – a mark trusted for quality, efficacy and reliability. The 4-step product validation system includes (1) Decoding ingredients, (2) Physical examination, (3) Verifying legal compliance and (4) Quality check. Worthy Cart ensures that only the best and safest beauty and wellness products make it to your cart, with just 7% of over 12,000 products getting listed for sale with strict safety standards and quality checks.

“In today’s rapidly exploding beauty and wellness landscape, the challenge isn’t product availability anymore -it’s identifying products that truly have efficacious ingredients and meet quality standards. At Worthy Cart, we strive to deliver a hyper-personalized shopping experience that places Quality ahead of Quantity. More than just a marketplace, Worthy Cart represents a movement towards informed, conscious self-care investments. This is the Foundational Pledge on which Worthy Cart was founded,” said Sonya Sahni, Co-founder, Worthy Cart.

The launch was attended by eminent personalities like Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer), Dr. Ishi Khosla (Nutritionist), Rajiv Makhni (Tech Guru), Sanjeev Kakkar (Ex Regional Head, HUL) and Malika Sadani (Founder, The Moms Co.), who honoured the platform’s launch with their presence along with Key Opinion Leaders including Manisha Khungar (Triathlete swim coach) and Nriti Shah (Beauty and Fashion Trendsetter) and Ranjan Relan (Founder Agent Analytics.AI). The launch was also attended by 30 + brands whose products have made the selection and they were also felicitated by advisors and industry leaders as Worthy Makers.

“This certification is not just a label, but a pledge and promise that the product has been thoroughly assessed and is the best product of today,” said Varun Suri, Co-founder, Worthy Cart. “In addition to quality assurance, our investment prospects are particularly strong because of our unique positioning in the market with Expert Intelligence and WorthyAI coming together. We call upon all brands and customers to participate in this journey and make Worthy Cart even better with their inputs,” he added.

WorthyAI, a revolutionary conversational shopping assistant
Another standout feature of the platform is its AI-driven shopping comparison tools, which present the user with recommendations based on individual requirements. Worthy Cart has launched WorthyAI, a revolutionary conversational shopping assistant in its beta phase that combines cutting-edge AI technology with expert-curated selections. Consumers get personalised and need specific health and beauty products for their overall self-care. WorthyAI leverages #VectorLake multi-agent technology, ensuring seamless product recommendations and precise customer engagement.

At Worthy Cart, consumers can shop by concern for curated products. Worthy Cart also believes in making people try the best of the handpicked products, so each customer gets a Worthy Sample. For members, there are special offers on hand-picked, value-added services for lab tests, pregnancy and baby care, weight management, in-house loyalty points and many other membership benefits.

Besides redefining consumer trust, Worthy Cart is championing a shift in industry practices by promoting transparency and accountability among brands. As India continues to be on the move toward healthier, safer beauty and wellness options, government tightening norms in health, beauty, labelling and branding, Worthy Cart is positioned to take the lead with its high standards and advanced technology. With Worthy Cart, it’s time for India to do better for their body and family and #ChooseWise. #ChooseWise is a movement initiated by Worthy Cart with key industry leaders for raising awareness on weak or bad quality products in self-care.

14th December 2024 Delhi-NCR, India  The luxury real estate in Delhi-NCR continues to thrive, mainly driven by the demand for homes in prime neighborhoods that offer a blend of prestige, exclusivity, and modern-day conveniences. For affluent homebuyers, the location is beyond an address. As the region continues to evolve, the demand for luxury homes has been increasingly driven by the allure of well-connected, high-demand locations that offer exceptional living standards and promise a secure and prosperous future.

Strategic locations are now a key factor in shaping buyers’ decision-making, and micro-markets across Delhi-NCR have become the ultimate choice for those seeking to blend luxury with convenience. The buyers’ focus has heavily shifted to the property’s locational value, which offers ease of access, connectivity, and long-term growth potential.

Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said, “The true essence of luxury in real estate goes beyond opulence-it lies in the exclusivity of location. Faridabad, with its strategic connectivity, established infrastructure, and growing economic potential, is emerging as a new frontier for upscale living. At Bhumika Group, we are redefining luxury through our premium mixed-use land development on Delhi-Mathura Road, combining world-class retail, hospitality, and bespoke residences. This prime address offers not just homes but an elevated lifestyle, seamlessly blending convenience, prestige, and enduring value.”

Regarding luxury sales in India, Delhi NCR stands out as the leader among the country’s top seven cities. It holds a significant market share of 65%, with 4,763 units sold. As per the data by JLL, Gurugram emerged as a leader, accounting for 88% of launches on Dwarka Expressway and Southern Peripheral Road. On the other hand, Sohna experienced a remarkable rise in residential supply post-pandemic, becoming the third-largest market in Gurugram after Dwarka Expressway and New Gurugram.

As per Square Yards, property price appreciation in the region has been steady, with values almost doubling since 2019. In 2024, prices saw a 13% increase compared to the previous year, with rates ranging between Rs. 7,500 and Rs. 8,500 per sq. ft. These data highlight the growing desire for high-end residential properties in these areas.

Meanwhile, in Noida-Ghaziabad, emerging micro-markets such as Noida Sector 150, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Greater Noida West, Siddharth Vihar, Raj Nagar Extension, and Indirapuram are rapidly gaining traction among luxury homebuyers. These locations are becoming increasingly attractive due to their evolving infrastructure, seamless connectivity to Delhi and NCR, and a growing array of premium residential projects catering to the aspirations of modern discerning buyers.

Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group, says, “Location is one of the prime attributes for any city’s real estate growth. Gurgaon continues to dominate the luxury real estate segment due to its unparalleled connectivity and modern infrastructure. The city’s seamless access to Delhi, global corporates, and the IGI airport, coupled with its well-planned urban ecosystem, make it a magnet for luxury homebuyers. Further, Gurgaon’s emerging micro-markets perfectly align with its growth in luxury real estate, as its strategic location demonstrates how connectivity shapes the demand for premium homes. As buyers increasingly prioritize convenience and lifestyle, we believe location will continue to become a symbol of premium living, driving sustained demand and appreciation.”

Developers like Prateek Group are capitalizing on the potential of these micro-markets by strategically positioning their projects in and around the region and further enhancing their appeal in the luxury segment. The group’s upcoming premium residences in Siddharth Vihar redefine grandeur living through a bespoke, serene lifestyle influenced by a fantasy world. Strategically located along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, the project offers excellent connectivity to Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida, coupled with world-class amenities.

Further, established neighborhoods in South Delhi, like Defence Colony, New Friends Colony, and more, have been identified as the most affluent neighborhoods in the city. The areas are well-connected to major business districts and close to some of Delhi’s top schools, colleges, and hospitals, making them ideal choices for homebuyers looking for a convenient yet prestigious location.

Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, says, “Gurugram ’s real estate market is witnessing a surge in demand for luxury real estate. Micro-markets like SPR have experienced double-digit capital value jumps in the recent past, drawing significant buyer interest. Amid this growth, we foresee creating spaces that elevate the region’s appeal for homebuyers and investors. Its accessibility to key hubs of Gurugram adds to its appeal, while its potential for long-term appreciation makes it an attractive choice for investors. Thus, SPR is undoubtedly becoming one of NCR’s most promising luxury micro-markets.”

Moreover, in Gurugram, the Dwarka Expressway has emerged as one of the best strategic destinations for the real estate sector. Several reports have indicated that property prices here have risen steadily as the expressway nears completion.

Mihir Jha, Senior General Manager, Better Choice Realtors Pvt. Ltd., says, “With the advent of Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram has quickly emerged as a magnet for buyers and investors seeking a blend of accessibility. Recognizing the area’s potential, we contribute to this transformation by developing luxury homes that ensure a high standard of living for our residents while aligning with future urban development needs.”

The location has become a powerful statement for affluent buyers, signifying not just an address but a lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and long-term value. As NCR’s infrastructure and its periphery’s connectivity improve, the demand for luxury homes in strategically located micro-markets is expected to increase further.

14th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Action Construction Equipment Ltd. (ACE), India’s leading manufacturer of material handling and construction equipment, has unveiled its all new BS-V(CE-V) AX124 Backhoe Loader at Bauma Conexpo 2024 setting new standards for sustainability, performance, and efficiency.

The all new AX124 BS-5(CE-V) Backhoe Loader powered by TATA 74 h.p engine is engineered to meet the stringent Bharat Stage V (BS-V)(CE-V) emission norms & comes with a fresh new styling boasting of new bold grill, muscular bonnet & premium cabin. The machine delivers’ exceptional fuel efficiency and lower emissions, positioning ACE at the forefront of sustainable construction solutions.

Sorab Agarwal, Executive Director, ACE, said, “The unveiling of our all new BS-V(CE-V) AX124 Backhoe Loader marks a defining moment in ACE’s journey toward innovation and sustainability. The new backhoe loader not only delivers 15% better fuel efficiency but also 15% higher output per litre of fuel consumption. The new generation backhoe delivers on our promise of offering customers contemporary machines, high on performance & efficiency but at the right price.”