Explore Investment Opportunities at Aranya City by Raheja Developers in South Gurugram
7th January 2025 NCR, Delhi, India Ever since it emerged on the scene, Gurugram’s realty-scape has witnessed innumerable architectural marvels – big, bold and sleek buildings that imparted the city its identity, one of which is Raheja Aranya City. A game-changer of a township, which is redefining urban living while standing in harmony with nature. Spanning an impressive 153.6 acres, in South of Gurugram in the Sohna Development Plan-2031, Raheja Aranya City is designed as an integrated township, offering residential and commercial plots, group housing, schools, colleges, hospitals, retail spaces, SCOs, low-rise floors, and commercial.
A Complete Urban Ecosystem: Integrated Township Features
Situated adjacent to the Aravallis, Raheja Aranya City is more than just a residential development—it’s a nature lover’s paradise. With expansive green spaces, panoramic Aravalli views, and thoughtfully designed landscapes, every corner of the township reflects an ecological ethos. It has more than 10,000 trees in the city. The infrastructure, developed by Larsen & Toubro, ensures a robust foundation for a futuristic urban habitat. The township will feature state-of-the-art amenities such as a clubhouse, gymnasium, spa, cycling track, swimming pool, adventure sports facilities, and shopping arcades, catering to all aspects of modern life, ensuring a lifestyle of convenience and comfort. For families, the availability of schools, colleges, dispensaries, and nursing homes within the township will ensure that essential services are never far away. Recreational facilities like badminton and tennis courts, cricket pitches, and children’s play areas will make it a haven for activity and wellness enthusiasts.
Strategic Location, Infrastructure and Seamless Connectivity
Strategically located along the Gurugram-Sohna Highway, Raheja Aranya City enjoys excellent connectivity. It is just 15 minutes from Vatika Chowk and 20 minutes from Rajiv Chowk. With easy access to major highways such as the KMP Expressway and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, residents can travel effortlessly to Delhi, Gurugram, and other important commercial hubs. The upcoming metro connectivity will further enhance the township’s accessibility, ensuring a fast and efficient link to NCR’s rapid transit network and reducing travel times for daily commuters.
Additionally, the township is well-positioned near significant industrial and commercial developments, including the proposed 1500-acre IMT Sohna and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Its proximity to IT/ITES SEZ, educational hubs, and the upcoming Sports City further enhances its appeal. To ensure unmatched convenience, Raheja Aranya City will feature proposed transportation services, including a shuttle service to Gurugram and 24×7 cab services, ensuring seamless travel for residents.
Unmatched Lifestyle: Luxury and Recreation
Raheja Aranya City offers an exceptional lifestyle, where luxury meets recreation in a harmonious blend designed to cater to every need. The township will feature Club Sulphur, a 2-acre luxury clubhouse that will boast an array of premium amenities, including an exotic spa, a refreshing jacuzzi, and a soothing sauna, offering residents a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the clubhouse, the township will feature open-air amphitheaters, food plazas, and performance spaces that encourage residents to come together, share experiences, and enjoy live performances, creating a vibrant social atmosphere. It will also embrace wellness and sustainability with offerings like organic farming spaces and dedicated yoga and meditation centers, allowing residents to connect with nature and enhance their mental and physical well-being.
Eco-Friendly, Green and Sustainable Living
Raheja Aranya City stands out in Sohna, offering stunning views of the mountains and forests from the West, South, and East. The township is committed to sustainability, featuring solar-powered streetlights, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems that minimize environmental impact. Electric golf carts and cycles will provide eco-friendly internal transportation, while central city monitoring CCTV cameras will enhance security. In line with India’s vision for smart cities, Aranya City also integrates advanced waste management systems and a zero-discharge design, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable living.
Senior-Friendly Design and Amenities
Raheja Aranya City has been thoughtfully designed with senior residents in mind, offering a range of senior-centric infrastructure and amenities that prioritize comfort, convenience, and well-being. The township features wide, well-paved roads and even ground levels, ensuring easy mobility and smooth navigation throughout the area. The use of curve-stoned edges and specially laid concrete roads with paver-block peripheries enhances both comfort and aesthetics while maintaining low maintenance. For seniors, this translates into easy travel for family visits and leisure outings without compromising on the calmness of their daily lives. These features create a harmonious and senior-friendly environment, making Aranya City an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
Sohna’s Investment Potential: High Growth Ahead
Sohna has become a prime real estate destination, with property values rising significantly due to enhanced connectivity and infrastructure. Over the last five years, residential property rates have increased by 137.3%, with a 20.5% rise in the past year. Independent floors have seen a growth of 39.2% in the last three years and 98.9% in five years, according to 99 Acres data.
This growth is fueled by infrastructure projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and KMP Expressway, which have improved accessibility to key commercial areas. Sohna’s excellent connectivity and infrastructure developments make it an attractive hub for high-value investments and long-term growth.
Raheja Developers: Pioneer in Real Estate
Aranya City is a brainchild of Raheja Developers, which under the visionary leadership of Navin Raheja, has cemented its reputation as a trailblazer in real estate. With over three decades of experience, Raheja Developers has been recognised for its commitment to quality and innovation and continues to set benchmarks in the industry. The company’s emphasis on sustainability and cutting-edge technology is reflected in Aranya City, which stands as a testament to its forward-thinking approach.
Thus, Aranya City is not merely a residential project; it is a vision for the future, combining sustainability, technology, and luxury. With its exceptional amenities, green ethos, and strategic location, this township has become Sohna’s most sought-after address. Whether you’re seeking a serene lifestyle amidst nature or a smart investment with high growth potential, Raheja Aranya City offers the perfect blend of both.
Apply Now: Srishti Manipal Institute Opens Doors for 2025-26 Enrollment
7th January 2025 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology (SMI) is accepting admissions for all courses in its undergraduate and postgraduate programs for the academic year 2025-26.
SMI is India’s premier art & design institute that offers 25 courses in Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGDP) platforms. With a legacy of three decades and distinguished alumni across the world, SMI is truly ahead of the curve in the domain of art and design education, backed by a strong interconnect with technology. Currently 1500 students of SMI are mentored by 150 faculty members, with most faculty members being domain leaders and practitioners in their respective fields.
SMI offers diverse courses ranging from Visual Communication to Product Design to unique future-ready courses like Creative Education and Public Space Design. The 4-year UG Professional Program (UGPP) leading up to a B.Des. or BFA Degree allows students to explore multiple art and design domains of their interest. The 3-year UG skill-based vocational program leading to a B.Voc. Degree is ideal for learners who are focused on industry-specific interest areas. The PG program of 2 years’ duration awards M.Des. and MA degrees. The MA program admits students with a 3-year UG Degree while the M.Des. program requires a 4-year UG Degree qualification. The one-year PG Diploma Program (PGDP) is ideal for students with a 3-year UG Degree to transit to a 4-year master’s program or to enter the field of art or design.
Speaking about this announcement, Dr Arindam Das, Director SMI said, “Our aim at MAHE Bengaluru is to provide a transformative learning experience that equips students with the knowledge and dynamic skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving domains. Through our diverse and contemporary programs, we strive to nurture global citizens who can make a positive impact on society. We invite aspiring students to join us on this exciting journey of transdisciplinary learning, growth, and exciting possibilities.”
Students interested in applying to SMI’s courses can visit the website at www.srishtimaniplinstitue.in to explore the courses on offer and complete the application process.
Real Estate’s Expectations from Union Budget 2025-26
Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group
As the Union Budget 2025-26 approaches, to be announced in February 2024, the real estate sector is pinning high hopes on the Modi 3.0 regime. Amid declining real estate activity in the second half of CY 2024, the sector anticipates government measures to revive overall consumption.
While tax reliefs and other incentives are standard expectations, the government is likely to maintain its focus on building robust infrastructure across the country. Though infrastructure development may not provide immediate relief to end-users, it remains a key driver for long-term growth in the real estate market.
The upcoming Budget is expected to emphasize maintaining economic stability and fostering growth, especially in light of the uninspiring GDP numbers from the past two quarters. Stimulus measures for SMEs, MSMEs, job creation, and skilling initiatives are anticipated to further propel economic activity.
Revive Affordable Housing
For the real estate sector, key expectations include industry status recognition and a revival of the affordable housing segment. Once a promising sector, affordable housing—homes priced under INR 40 lakh—has struggled post-pandemic, with demand and supply shrinking significantly. According to ANAROCK data, the sales share of affordable housing fell to a mere 18% in 2024 from over 38% in 2019. Similarly, its share of total housing supply in the top seven cities dropped to 16% in 2024 from nearly 40% in 2019.
This stark decline highlights the urgent need for intervention. Affordable housing requires focused attention and targeted benefits, which have been lacking in the past two years. Tax breaks to boost supply and enable buyers are crucial, but the challenges go deeper. A critical issue remains the lack of urban land, particularly in areas where affordable housing is most needed.
To address this, the government could release centrally controlled land—managed by agencies like the Indian Railways, Port Trusts, and the Department of Heavy Industries—for affordable housing projects. Additionally, the following measures are essential:
- Reintroduce the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme under PMAY
The scheme for EWS/LIG households, which expired in 2022, should be reinstated to incentivize first-time buyers of affordable homes. It could also extend to loans for new construction or adding essential features like rooms, kitchens, or toilets to existing properties. Under PMAY (Rural), subsidies could help convert ‘kaccha’ homes into ‘pucca’ ones, provided eligibility criteria are met. - Restore the 100% Tax Holiday for Developers
The tax holiday under Section 80-IBA of the Finance Act, 2016, was a major incentive that boosted affordable housing supply. Reintroducing this benefit could be transformative, offering substantial tax breaks to developers focused on affordable housing projects. - Revise Affordable Housing Criteria
Current definitions of affordable housing, based on size, price, and buyer income, require urgent revision. While the size criterion (60 sq. m. carpet area) is reasonable, the price cap of INR 45 lakh is unrealistic in high-cost cities like Mumbai. The cap should be raised to at least INR 85 lakh in Mumbai and INR 60-65 lakh in other metro cities to reflect market realities. Such revisions would enable more properties to qualify as affordable housing, granting buyers access to lower GST rates (1% without ITC) and other subsidies.
CY 2024 saw a slowdown in real estate due to general and state elections, with housing sales in the top seven cities declining by 4% to approximately 4.46 lakh units and new launches dropping by 7% to around 4.13 lakh units, as per ANAROCK research. However, with appropriate boosters for affordable housing, CY 2025 could bring a revival, helping the residential segment regain its 2023 highs in sales and launches.
Is it still affordable to buy a house in Panchkula, Mohali and Zirakpur? Know Affordable Options
Chandigarh– Panchkula, Mohali and Zirakpur adjacent to Chandigarh were always considered affordable and convenient options for home buyers. Not only were the prices relatively low in these areas, but the modern facilities here and the proximity to Chandigarh made them special. But now the situation has changed. The tremendous increase in property prices has put these places out of the reach of many common buyers.
Panchkula: Prices rise in premium areas
Property prices in prime sectors of Panchkula have reached ₹ 12-14 crore per kanal. These rates are now at par with the popular sectors of Chandigarh, making it difficult for middle-class families to buy a house here.
Mohali: Investors’ choice, challenge for common buyers
Mohali has become a real estate hotspot due to its rapidly developing infrastructure and location on Airport Road. Recently, 1 acre of land was sold here for ₹ 100 crore, which reflects the rising prices here. However, these prices have made it challenging for common buyers.
Zirakpur: Rising prices with development
Zirakpur, which was popular due to its better connectivity and amenities, has now seen a rapid increase in property prices here too. This area is no longer a cheap option as before.
What are the Affordable Options?
There is still hope for investment in some areas around Chandigarh. These areas are not only affordable but can also give good returns in the future due to better connectivity and development plans. There are many emerging areas near Chandigarh, which are affordable as well as convenient. These can include areas around Shishu Niketan School, places near Sector 43 Bus Stand, Mohali Bus Stand and areas around Mohali Government Civil Hospital. Apart from this, areas near the new cricket stadium and around Sector-39 Grain Market can also be found better options for buying property. These places are not only budget-friendly, but there is also a lot of potential for future development here.
Along with this, there are many projects of Royale Estate Group near Chandigarh, which are budget-friendly and convenient. These include: Royale Estate Zirakpur Oxford Street (Zirakpur), Mohali Industrial Economic Zone (Banur), The Royale Sector 122 (Mohali) and Chandigarh Royale City (Near Aerocity, Mohali).
Piyush Kansal, Executive Director of Royal Estate Group, says, “We have always been committed to providing better options to buyers according to their budget. Even today our projects offer affordable options for those who want to fulfil their dream of owning a house. Whether it is a middle-class family or a young first-time home buyer, we understand their needs and provide property accordingly. This time is very favorable for investment, as these areas are developing rapidly. New roads, better connectivity and modern infrastructure projects will further increase the property value here in the coming times. In such a situation, those who invest now can expect good returns in the future.”
Despite the rising property prices in Panchkula, Mohali, and Zirakpur, you can fulfill your dream of buying a house within your budget by investing in the projects of Royale Estate Group. These places are not only affordable but also have the possibility of better returns in the future.
VST Tillers Tractors Showcases its range of innovative Farm Machines at the Krushi Odisha 2025
Bhubaneshwar, 06 January 2025: In line with its commitment to revolutionizing farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, one of India’s leading farm equipment manufacturers, showcased its range of innovative products at Krushi Odisha 2025. One of the key attractions at the mela is the VST 165 DI Electric Start Power Tiller.
The penetration of farm machinery to small and marginal farmers is comparatively low in India because mechanization depends a lot on the land size, topography, and crop requirements. With the size of farms shrinking, and landholdings getting divided, small and marginal farmers are looking for mechanization in their farms, that are less than 1 hectare in size. VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, over the years, has introduced a range of products for the small and marginal farming community and Power Tiller is the best solution, enabling such farmers to get maximum productivity from the field by its versatile operation and lowest cost of ownership.
VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. which has over 60% market share in the power tiller industry, is committed to providing world-class products at an affordable price to Indian farmers. The goal is to enable farmers to mechanize at an affordable cost, at a time when farming costs are increasing, and labour is scarce. VST 165DI ES offers effortless electric start, adjustable tilling depth, compact design, low maintenance, and environment-friendly operation, making it an ideal companion for Indian farmers.
VST 165DI ES comes with exciting features including Electric Start for effortless starting, Digital Hour Meter to help the working hours and timely service and maintenance, Sit & Ride Comfort for the farmers to work uninterruptedly on the field for longer periods, Wider Rotary for better productivity in less time, Aerodynamic Design that gives an aesthetic look and helps in improving overall performance, Powerful High-performance 857cc engine that delivers exceptional power and efficiency and LED Head Lamp that saves energy and give better lighting while working on the field in late hours.
VST 165 DI ES 16 HP Electric Start Power Tiller is good for professional landscaping and passionate farming, this Tiller is the ultimate tool to achieve outstanding results with ease.
VST displayed all its products underthe SFM category ranging from 2 HP to 16 HP while a wide range of tractors is also available from 17 HP to 50 HP. The products were appreciated by the farming community and willing to explore profitable ventures in this Farm implements segment. VST’s range of products is widely used for both dry & wet land operations, Inter-cultivation, Earthing-up, Land preparation, etc. Although smaller in size, these products are available with multiple attachments to handle the growing demands of mechanization in Sugarcane, Turmeric, Vegetable Crops, Horticulture Crops, and Floriculture & Plantation Crops at very affordable costs.
Krushi Odisha is a three-day event being held at the Biju Patnaik Playground in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar from 3rd January to 5th January 2025. The theme of Krushi Odisha 2025 is, “A Step Towards Sustainable Food System” with a focus on Climate Smart Agriculture, Organic Farming, and Water Governance. This three-day program, organized by the Government of Odisha, will showcase and leverage the great potential of the State and enormous investment opportunities in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry Sectors. This year’s exhibition is expecting a footfall of > 30,000 farmers & farm women, SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, Pani Panchayat members, Agri-entrepreneurs, Exporters, students, research scholars, and manufacturers from different corners of the State.
New Sparkle Gift Cards: Focused on Social Impact with Cause-Specific Collaborations
6th January 2025 Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaSparkle Gift Cards has added new variant in its offering with the introduction of the Sparkle Gift Collaborative Card, a distinctive option crafted specifically for partner NGOs to collaborate and raise funds exclusively for their causes.
This innovative offering allows donors to directly support a specific cause, with the entire purchase amount going to the chosen NGO. The first three NGOs to join this initiative are CanSupport, CRY (Child Rights and You), and Railway Children India, each addressing critical issues such as palliative care, child rights, and the protection of vulnerable children respectively. These collaborative cards stand out with three distinctive features: a maroon colour, the NGO’s logo displayed on the card, and a fixed value of INR 3000/- unlike the regular card.
Sarika Chavan, Co-founder – Sparkle Gift Cards says, “It’s been one year since Sparkle Gift Cards was launched, and we are very pleased with the response and feedback. The idea of Sparkle Gift Collaborative Card was born out of the feedback we received to have exclusive cards. This innovative initiative empowers donors to directly support a specific cause, with the full purchase amount benefiting the selected NGO.”
The Sparkle Gift Collaborative Card, has made the process of giving simple and convenient. Buyers can order the cards online (at sparklegiftcards.com/buy-now) and have them delivered to an address within 72 hours, ensuring a seamless experience. Whether it’s supporting palliative care through CanSupport, advocating for child rights with CRY, or protecting vulnerable children with Railway Children India, these cards turn gifting into a profound act of kindness.
Empowering Nutrition and Education: Akshaya Patra Foundation’s New Kitchen with Canara Bank’s Support
6th January 2025 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India In an aim to enhance educational outcomes through nutritional support, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, recognized as the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program and a distinguished partner of the PM POSHAN initiative, celebrated the inauguration of its 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra Village, Avalahalli Panchayat, Bidarahalli, Bangalore, supported by Canara Bank as the anchor patron donor, represents a significant extension of Akshaya Patra’s efforts to improve educational results by providing nutritional support to students. This new facility marks the organization’s sixth location in Bengaluru.
The event was inaugurated by chief guests, Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, and Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister, Government of Karnataka. Smt. Lathakumari IAS, CEO of Bengaluru Urban District Zilla Panchayat, graced the occasion. On-behalf of the foundation Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, and Shri Gunakara Rama Dasa, Regional President – Bengaluru Cluster, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation were present. The event saw Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank, as the anchor patron donor.
Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, the newly launched kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving nutritious meals to children and communities. This initiative reflects the spirit of service and development, bringing hope and nourishment to many and strengthening the future of Karnataka.”
Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Government of Karnataka and Canara Bank, whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the inauguration of our 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra, Bengaluru. This new facility is not just a kitchen; it’s promising enhanced educational outcomes through nutritional support to over 7,500 students. The strategic location and advanced capabilities of this kitchen enable us to extend our reach and efficacy, reflecting our dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering them through education.”
He also added, “Our heartfelt thanks to Canara Bank for their pivotal role as our anchor patron donor, and to the Government of Karnataka and The Government of India for their continuous partnership. Together, we are forging a future where no child’s educational opportunities are limited by their nutritional status.”
The kitchen, sprawling over 5,000 square feet, is strategically located to cater to over 7,500 students across 60 government and government-aided schools in the Bidarahalli and Cheemasandra areas. It aims to provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals within a strict 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to quality and efficiency. This effort not only aims to nourish young minds but also boosts local employment and procurement, & the facility is semi-solar powered, with future plans to incorporate more electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.
Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank said, “Our bank takes immense pride in supporting cultural and spiritual celebrations across the country, reflecting our commitment to community engagement. As we grow and prosper, we remain dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our nation, especially in Karnataka. It is a privilege to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, a remarkable initiative that serves and uplifts the community.”
Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “The transformative power of a daily meal cannot be overstated—it shapes futures, builds dreams, and nurtures the young beneficiaries. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s success is a testament to the strength of public-private partnerships, with unwavering support from the Government of India, state governments, and generous donors. As we march towards the milestone of our 100th kitchen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Together, we are creating a legacy of nourishment, hope, and empowerment.”
Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal offerings in Bengaluru are customized to appeal to the local palate, ensuring that they are not only nutritious but also palatable. The menu features a variety of dishes including vegetable pulav, bisibele bath, and moong dal payasam, catering to diverse tastes while promoting healthy eating habits among students. This initiative is further enhanced by The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s role as an implementing partner of the visionary ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ program by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, aimed at providing milk to schoolchildren, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered by nutritional deficits.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests toured the facility and served meals to children, visibly impressed by the foundation’s dedication to quality and community impact. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently serves over 1.8 lakh children across 1200+ schools in Bangalore and 4.4 lakh children across 3400+ schools in Karnataka.
This project is more than just a facility; it reflects The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It also underscores the organization’s drive towards promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices.
With the continuous support of the Government of Karnataka and the commitment of all stakeholders, The Akshaya Patra Foundation is set to continue its mission of ensuring that ‘No child is deprived of education because of hunger.’
Why Indian Tourists Are Flocking to Da Nang and Phu Quoc for Their Next Getaway
6th January 2025 Phu Quoc, Vietnam With significant investments in infrastructure and tourism services, Da Nang and Phu Quoc are becoming two of Vietnam’s most attractive beach destinations for Indian tourists. Their long stretches of white sandy beaches, world-class resorts, diverse cuisine and a variety of entertainment options have made these two cities ideal holiday spots that cater to the needs of Indian travellers.
Da Nang: the top pick for Indian travellers
Da Nang has cemented itself as the top-searched destination for Indian travellers, as reported by Skyscanner India’s travel trend reports. Indian tourists favour destinations with short flight distances, beautiful beaches and relaxing environments – criteria that Da Nang effortlessly fulfils.
In the first nine months of 2024, Da Nang welcomed over 151,000 Indian visitors, accounting for 43% of all Indian arrivals in Vietnam – a 125 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
To accommodate the growing demand, several direct flights from India to Da Nang have been introduced. In October 2024, Ahmedabad-Da Nang was launched with two flights per week, adding to the flow of visitors beyond New Delhi.
Sun World Ba Na Hills of Da Nang, home to the iconic Golden Bridge is one of the main draws for Indian tourists. Major Indian media Luxebook recently called the bridge one of the world’s most iconic bridges. For many Indian families, visiting the Golden Bridge is a dream come true.
“Seeing the Golden Bridge in person has always been a dream for my family,” said Muskan Tiwari from Ahmedabad. Beyond the bridge, Ba Na’s vibrant castles, cool weather and tranquil atmosphere also leave a lasting impression.
The number of Indian visitors to Sun World Ba Na Hills by the end of July 2024 reached 132,000, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of Indian tourists visiting Viet Nam in the first seven months of the year.
Cuisine is one of the top factors influencing Indian tourists’ decision to choose a destination also. For Indian travellers, where each community has its own dietary preferences and religious practices – some even bringing their own chefs for the trip. Ba Na Hills boasts a Halal-certified buffet restaurant, allowing Indian visitors to enjoy authentic flavours of their homeland.
Da Nang also has the globally recognised My Khe Beach, the spectacle of Dragon Bridge’s weekend water and fire shows and the untouched natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula.
Phu Quoc: a paradise for luxury weddings and MICE
Recently, Indian couples have been showing a strong preference for hosting weddings in Viet Nam, drawn by its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts and high-end hotels at reasonable costs. While Da Nang has long been a familiar destination for Indian tourists, supported by an increasing number of direct flights, Phu Quoc has emerged as a new paradise. The island attracts both mid-range and affluent travellers from South Asia. In fact, billionaire Indian couples frequently choose Phu Quoc as the perfect venue to host their dream weddings.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has successfully outshone a host of global competitors to become the venue of choice for billionaire Rushang Shah’s wedding in 2019 and another grand Indian billionaire wedding in early 2024.
Phu Quoc has been referred as a new MICE destination in Viet Nam. The Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in the south of the island, with exciting attractions such as art shows, nightly fireworks, the world’s longest three-rope cable car, the Kiss Bridge and beachfront resorts at Kem Beach, along with large conference rooms at Sun Signature Gallery and Sun Tropical Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, fully meet the needs of Indian tourists.
Phu Quoc recently unveiled the world-class 18-hole Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Course, offering a breathtaking view of the island’s sunset, adding yet another reason for travellers to visit this tropical haven.
With direct flights from Da Nang to Phu Quoc and the upcoming addition of more direct flights from other cities, the journey to explore Vietnam will become increasingly complete and easier for tourists.
Infusion Therapy Excellence Recognized in Mastermind Quiz 2024
6th January 2025 New Delhi, Delhi, India To promote excellence and innovation in infusion therapy, BD India in association with The Infusion Nurses Society (INS), successfully concluded the BD INS Mastermind Quiz 2024 during the 12th Annual INS National Conference 2024. Mastermind Quiz is a national annual quiz event that serves as a platform to recognize the exceptional expertise of nursing professionals, enhance knowledge-sharing, and inspire advancements in infusion practices across India.
Mr. Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia, said, “Our Mastermind Quiz 2024 is an annual event that we organize in partnership with INS to bring the focus on the critical role that infusion nurses play in advancing patient care. Our continued collaboration with INS over the years, underscores the shared commitment to improving clinical standards, fostering professional development, and ensuring the highest levels of patient safety. This is aligned with our purpose of working with like-minded partners to advance the world of health.”
Regional Rounds: Identifying the Brightest Minds Across India
Around 15000+ nurses registered from more than 1000 hospitals across 400+ cities of the country for the BD INS Mastermind Quiz preliminary round. The quiz competition began with rigorous regional rounds among the preliminary round top scorers, held in the North, South Plain, South Coastal East, and West zones of the country. These rounds witnessed enthusiastic participation from leading hospitals, with teams demonstrating their expertise in clinical infusion practices, patient safety and healthcare worker safety practices and technologies.
The winners of the regional rounds were:
- North Zone: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi
- South Plain Zone: AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad
- South Coastal Zone: Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital, Chennai
- East Zone: Medica Super Specialty Hospital, Kolkata
- West Zone: Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai
- Grand Finale: A Battle of Excellence
The grand finale, held recently in Yashoda Hospital, Hitech City, Hyderabad during the 12th Annual INS Conference 2024, brought together the best teams from the regional rounds. The event featured four rounds of challenging questions through MCQs, Rapid Fires, Buzzer and Accelerator rounds. After an intense and engaging competition, three out of five teams emerged as the winners of BD INS Mastermind Quiz 2024:
- First Place: Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital, Chennai
- Second Place: Medica Super Specialty Hospital, Kolkata
- Third Place: AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad
The 12th Annual INS Pre-conference workshop – Skillathon focused on hands-on skill development on the best practices in IV Therapy. The workshops garnered great praise for their impactful sessions, engagement and enthusiasm from the participants, hospital management, key opinion leaders and nursing leaders.
Parimatch’s Holiday Gaming Extravaganza: Fire Boom and Coin Train Editions Now Live
6th January 2025 New Delhi, Delhi, India As the New Year approaches, Parimatch is thrilled to introduce an exclusive addition to its gaming lineup. The all-new instant game Fire Boom is here to ignite your gaming passion with explosive action and generous rewards, while the beloved Coin Train gets a festive winter-themed upgrade for the holiday season. Currently, both games are available on the Parimatch platform only.
Coin Train Holiday Edition
The beloved instant game Coin Train is ready to celebrate the New Year and Christmas with a cheerful holiday makeover!
Here’s a quick refresher on the game rules. Before the round begins, players place their stakes, with the option to wager up to ₹21,000 per stake. Unlike most instant games, which typically allow up to two simultaneous stakes, Coin Train stands out by allowing PC users to place up to three stakes at once. Mobile players can still enjoy the excitement with up to two simultaneous stakes, ensuring a thrilling experience for everyone.
As the train moves, the excitement builds with the multiplier increasing steadily, potentially reaching 1000x. This means players have the chance to win up to an impressive ₹63 million in a single round!
What makes Coin Train truly unique is its Safe Zone feature. This exclusive addition activates randomly during a round, guaranteeing a risk-free multiplier for a specified period. The Safe Zone duration is displayed on the screen, giving players a moment of security to enjoy multiplier growth. However, beware—once the Safe Zone ends, the train could crash at any moment, even in the very next second! It’s up to you to decide whether to claim your winnings or continue the ride for even bigger rewards.
Looking for a holiday mood boost while chasing big wins? Hopping aboard this festive train is just what you need! With its bright red carriages and gifts piled high, it spreads joy as it rolls through a snowy winter wonderland.
Hurry up, Coin Train Holiday Edition is available only until January 15!
Fire Boom Game: Your Spark to Instant Wins
Another exciting addition to the Parimatch lineup is Fire Boom, the exclusive instant game that’s sure to boost your mood and your wallet!
In Fire Boom, the journey begins when you place your stake and set off the firework. PC players can enjoy the advantage of placing up to three stakes simultaneously, while mobile users can place up to two. With a maximum stake amount of ₹21,000, the potential rewards are just as high-offering winnings of up to an incredible ₹63 million as the multiplier climbs higher into the sky. The challenge is simple yet thrilling: claim your winnings before the firework explodes.
FireBoom also features the Safe Zone, giving players moments of guaranteed safety where your multiplier increases risk-free. The challenge lies in claiming winnings before the Safe Zone ends or the firework explodes.
With its vibrant energy, dynamic gameplay, and the constant tension of risk versus reward, FireBoom promises an electrifying gaming experience like no other. Are you ready to light the spark and aim for instant wins?
Why Parimatch’s New Games Are a Must-Try
Both Fire Boom and Coin Train Holiday Edition bring thrilling gameplay, festive cheer, and huge winning opportunities, making them perfect for the holiday season. With the exclusive Safe Zone feature, multiple options, and the chance to win up to ₹63 million, these games are designed to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Celebrate the New Year with Parimatch-dive into exclusive new games where holiday magic meets generous rewards!