Chandigarh, April 16, 2025: NSDC International delegations visit Germany and held deliberation with various stakeholders about the strategic and cross-border skill partnerships to equip the global workforce with relevant, future-oriented capabilities in the context of rapidly evolving industry landscapes.

The delegate also participated in the prestigious OAV Conference held in Hamburg, Germany wherein 100 delegates from various countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, Indonesia and others participated to discuss the critical role of international cooperation in shaping a future-ready and globally competitive workforce.

NSDC International, wholly owned subsidiary of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) emphasized the importance of fostering new-age skills to meet the demands of rapidly evolving industries and global job markets.

As part of a high-level panel discussion, NSDC International focussed on bridging the gap between industry requirements and education providers across the globe, with a particular emphasis on Germany’s leadership in international workforce development. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for strategic, cross-border skill partnerships to equip the global workforce with relevant, future-oriented capabilities in the context of rapidly evolving industry landscapes.

During his address, Shri Alok Kumar, CEO, NSDC International mentioned, “As we navigate the complexities of global workforce demands, NSDC International is committed to fostering robust partnerships that bridge skill gaps and enhance employability worldwide. Our collaboration with German industries exemplifies this commitment, empowering Indian talent to excel globally while addressing workforce shortages. By aligning training with international industry needs, we ensure seamless transitions into global job markets. Our partnership is forward-looking, poised to strengthen economic ties and foster sustainable growth.”

NSDC International is at the forefront of enabling global mobility by preparing Indian candidates for international careers. This is being achieved through comprehensive language training in German and other foreign languages, coupled with domain-specific skills and cultural orientation. These programs are designed to ensure candidates are not only professionally competent but also socially adaptable, confident, and well-integrated into their destination countries.

During the visit, the NSDC International delegation participated in two key roundtable conferences. The first, hosted by iMove, enabled impactful discussions with leading German language and cultural training providers. The exchanges focused on collaborative models and best practices that could further strengthen India’s skilling ecosystem, while also enhancing the global employability of Indian youth. The second roundtable brought NSDC International together with German employers to gain deeper insights into skill gap, hiring expectations, industry requirements and integration strategies. These impactful discussions delved deep into India’s skilling and training frameworks to align more closely with actual job market demands in Germany and beyond.

In addition to these engagements, the NSDC International delegation visited a leading railway infrastructure academy in Germany to observe and learn from their practical, industry-aligned training methodologies. The visit reinforced the importance of hands-on training and institutional collaboration in workforce development. With over 98,000 vacancies reported in Germany’s railway sector as of November 2024, and projections indicating a shortage of up to five million skilled professionals by 2030 due to demographic shifts, the need for international cooperation in this sector has become more urgent than ever.

NSDC International’s participation at these conferences and its engagements in Germany reflect its broader commitment to fostering strategic global partnerships, enhancing the quality of skill development in India, and supporting the country’s vision of becoming a leading hub for skilled talent worldwide. Through its continued efforts to bridge skill gaps and nurture global competencies, NSDC International is empowering individuals to pursue successful international careers and contribute meaningfully to the global workforce.

Bengaluru, April 16: Gunjur, an important micro-market in Bengaluru’s residential market, has seen a sharp price appreciation of nearly 2.5 times since 2020 due to strong demand for premium homes.

Gunjur , located in east of, Bengaluru, enjoys the benefit of being located in close proximity of major office hubs including Whitefield, Brookefield and Bellandur.

According to NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity, the average housing prices in Gunjur has risen to Rs 11,850 per square feet in 2024 from Rs 4,800 per sq. ft. in 2020, up 146 per cent or nearly 2.5 times.

Overall, Bengaluru is leading the office market in the country.

The IT city hosts many Global Capability Centers (GCCs), thanks to the availabilities of tech workforce and premium workspace at around USD 1 per square feet per month rental.

The city is also known as a startup hub.

Bengaluru-based real estate developer Sanjeevini Group Chairman and Founder, Umesh Gowda H.A said Gunjur is a very strategic micro-market that provides a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural tranquillity.

“Gunjur provides easy access to major business corridors like Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, ORR, and Electronic City. It is located at an accessible distance to the education, healthcare and leisure centres. This makes it an ideal destination for homebuyers. To add to this, the 2.5X growth in prices in the last five years and the limitless possibilities that this micromarket present in the future make it worthwhile for investors and homebuyers to stay invested for the long-run.”

Sanjeevini Group is coming up with a residential group housing project in Gunjur and is currently awaiting RERA approval. In the past, the company has delivered high-end residential projects in East Bengaluru.

The micromarket has seen 29 per cent average annual growth in prices indicating strong demand from investors and homebuyers.

The large-scale infrastructure development like 150 ft. CDP Road, which seamlessly connects to the Outer Ring Road and Varthur–Sarjapur/Chennai Highway; and Peripheral Ring Road will be game-changers for the real estate market in Gunjur.

Experts say homes priced in Rs 1-2 crore category of 3BHK configuration is the major demand driver in Gunjur. The rise in new launches in the past years indicate strong demand. The PropEquity reports stated that 22 projects were launched adding 8558 units between 2020-24, a sharp increase from 2015-19 when only 13 projects were launched supplying 3421 units; an increase of 150 per cent.

Between 2020-24, 7745 units were absorbed as compared to 3804 units in 2015-19, an increase of 103 per cent. In the last 5 years, 12 projects comprising 3172 units have been delivered indicating growing habitation.

Rapid Infrastructure development driving real estate

The city is witnessing major infrastructure development, the benefits of which will be reaped by Gunjur. Among them are the proposed Bengaluru Business Corridor (earlier named Peripheral Ring Road), a 73-kilometer long and 100-meter-wide six-lane expressway and service roads on both sides that will add to Gunjur’s connectivity and more importantly reduce travel time to Kempegowda International Airport.

The Gunjur Palya Road connects it to Bellandur while the Varthur-Sarjapur road connects it to Whitefield and Brookefield.

Gunjur provides easy access to reputed schools like Basil Woods International School and The International School Bangalore, healthcare facilities like Manipal Hospital and Sri Lakshmi Multi-Speciality Hospital, shopping and leisure facilities like Nexus Whitefield Mall and Centro Mall and premium hotels like Courtyard by Marriot and Double Tree by Hilton.

It is located just 3 km from the upcoming suburban railway station that will enhance quick access to the city. Also, it is a part of the proposed metro expansion. The construction of State Highway 35 will further propel its liveability factor.

“Rapid infrastructure development, upcoming transport links, and increasing demand make Gunjur a hotspot for real estate investment,” Gowda added.

The Bengaluru real estate market is witnessing a growth never seen before. The PropEquity report states that in January-March of 2025, the city recorded 10% growth in absorption at 18,508 units while supply grew 17% to 20,227 units.

According to Colliers, the Bengaluru office market witnessed 21.7 million sq. ft. of office leasing in 2024, up 39 per cent from 15.6 million sq. ft. in 2023 with its share rising to 33 per cent in 2024 from 27 per cent in 2023.

Gunjur boasts of beautifully planned neighbourhoods with abundant greenery, lakes and natural tranquillity. This along with seamless mix of convenience, connectivity and amenities makes it an appealing residential destination for living today and smart investment for tomorrow.

Supported by Dubai Sports Council, the Middle East’s Oldest International Road Race to Welcome Runners from Over 140 Countries

The 2026 Dubai Marathon – the 25th staging of the Middle East’s oldest international marathon – will be held on February 1.

Dubai, UAE – The organising committee of the Dubai Marathon has officially opened registration for the 25th edition of the iconic race, set to take place on February 1, 2026.

 Celebrating its silver jubilee, the Dubai Marathon – the Middle East’s oldest international road race – will mark a significant milestone in its illustrious history with special activities and elite-level competition. Supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the race offers a flat, fast course, attracting participants from around the world. With participation expected from over 140 countries, the event remains a cornerstone on Dubai’s sports calendar and a key fixture in the global marathon circuit.

Recognised as the first race in the region to earn the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label, the Dubai Marathon has become synonymous with record-breaking performances and world-class participation. Legendary athletes have tackled the route, including Haile Gebrselassie who famously recorded the second-fastest marathon time in history during his first appearance in Dubai in 2008, a feat that solidified the race’s global standing.

Dubai Sports Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the event, highlighting its contribution to the city’s international sports profile and its significant economic impact, particularly through tourism and hospitality. Over the past 25 years, the Dubai Marathon has grown into one of the top ten marathons in the world, drawing top-tier athletes and thousands of amateur runners each year.

Alongside the full 42.195km marathon, the 2026 edition will feature a 10km road race and a 4km fun run, offering an inclusive experience for participants of all fitness levels. Registration is now open via the official website dubaimarathon.org Race Director Peter Connerton said: “In coordination with the Dubai Sports Council and other government partners, we are delighted to announce the opening of registration for the 25th Dubai Marathon. To mark the silver jubilee, we are preparing a year-long series of special events leading up to race day.

“Since the inaugural edition, the Dubai Marathon has steadily risen to the top tier of global road racing. Highlights such as the 2008 race featuring Haile Gebrselassie and the ground-breaking 2018 event where seven runners clocked sub-2:05 times for the first time in marathon history have cemented its place among the world’s most prestigious marathons.”

Recent editions have seen rising stars make their mark. In 2017, current Olympic champion Tamirat Tola took victory, while in 2019 reigning world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich made her marathon debut with a win in Dubai. Earlier this year, Ethiopian runner Bute Gemechu clinched the men’s title on his debut appearance with a time of 2:04:51, while compatriot Berdatu Hirpa secured the women’s title in 2:18:27, surpassing her personal best after a thrilling duel with 2023 winner Dera Dida.

Ahmed Al Kamali, General Coordinator of the Dubai Marathon, emphasised the city’s unmatched infrastructure and readiness to host global sporting events. “Dubai offers world-class facilities, a highly advanced transportation network, and diverse accommodation options, making it an ideal destination for international events,” he said.

“The marathon plays a major role in promoting Dubai as a leading tourist and sports hub. We look forward to welcoming runners from around the world as we celebrate the silver jubilee of the Dubai Marathon, the first international marathon in the Middle East.”

Workspace design is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about precision, speed, and immersive experiences. Today, a new generation of design startups is transforming how commercial interiors are envisioned and executed, using advanced technologies like virtual reality, automation, and cloud-based project management to bridge the gap between concept and completion.

These companies are enabling businesses to virtually walk through their future offices before a single physical change is made, ensuring alignment on design, layout, and functionality from the very beginning. With tools that offer real-time collaboration, 3D visualization, layout customization, and automated progress tracking, these tech-led solutions are minimizing delays, reducing cost overruns, and increasing transparency across the project lifecycle.

By combining creative design expertise with in-house technological innovation, these startups are addressing long-standing challenges in the fit-out process—be it communication breakdowns, design revisions, or unforeseen budget escalations. The result is a seamless, client-centric approach to building workspaces that are as functional as they are visually compelling.

In this listicle, we spotlight five innovative startups that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in workspace design—bringing futuristic tools to a traditionally manual industry and setting new standards for how commercial spaces come to life.

Flipspaces

Flipspaces is a Global Real Estate Expansion Management venture with End-to-end solutions for CUSTOMISED DESIGN and BUILD for Commercial Spaces. They have developed an in-house proprietary technology for VR-supported video walkthroughs (Link), a first in the industry and a proven game changer. It is instrumental in not only letting businesses visualize their site in advance but also critical for minimum variation in the estimated budget and timelines during the fit-out period. Apart from this, they also share the Client Application with your username and password to check all the updates of your projects, be it your customized layouts, 3D Renders, Project Updates, and more. For nearly a decade, they have successfully executed 700+ projects, covering more than 7 million sq. ft. of space. Their cutting-edge technology, in-house manufacturing capabilities, and tech-enabled project management & execution, coupled with a huge team of qualified vendors, differentiate them from other competitors – as we deliver all services with supreme quality, quick turnaround time, and cost benefits.

Trezi

Provider of SaaS-based VR-based visualization solutions. Its platform provides users with features that include immersive design presentations, real-time design communication, collaborative design reviews, and VR-enabled coordination meetings.

SmartvizX

Provider of VR-based solutions for multiple businesses. It facilitates creating an interactive virtual environment to stimulate potential users into experiencing arenas and spaces that haven’t even been physically built like buildings, office desks.

PropVR

Provider of a cloud-driven virtual tour software for real estate professionals. It enables users to build VR tours using drag-and-drop tools and allows clients to visit multiple projects remotely. The company also provides 360 photography services, 3D floor plans, and virtual tour development services.

Gurugram, 16^th April 2025 – India’s retail real estate sector is undergoing a structural transformation, driven by a new wave of premiumisation. With rising consumer aspirations, increased discretionary spending, and a significant shift in brand and developer strategies, the country is witnessing the emergence of a more sophisticated, experience-driven retail ecosystem.

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest research report, “Premiumisation of India’s Retail Sector – Upscaling, Upgrading and Evolving”, launched at MAPIC India Shopping Centre Summit & Awards 2025, over 70% of the 12.3 million sq. ft. (msf) of new Grade A mall supply expected over the next two years will be Superior Grade (Grade A+). This marks a significant upgrade in quality and experience across India’s upcoming retail infrastructure.

Of the 12.3 million sq. ft. of new Grade A mall supply projected across 2025 and 2026, 8.6 million sq. ft. will be Superior Grade—underscoring the sector’s shift from scale to quality. The superior-grade malls typically owned and operated by reputed developers or institutional investors are characterized by their high occupancy rates (more than 85%), upscale tenant mix, and service-rich environments.

India’s total Grade A mall stock stood at 61.5 million sq. ft. in 2024, with Superior Grade malls already comprising 63% (38.9 million sq. ft.) of the total. These malls are outperforming their peers, with stock-weighted average rents rising by 29% since 2019, currently averaging INR 315 per sq. ft. per month.

Metro cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune lead the Grade-A mall stock, with Delhi NCR alone accounting for 21.75 MSF. Superior grade assets within these metros are witnessing strong investor and retailer interest, driving rental growth and low vacancy rates of around 3-4%.

Evolving Lifestyles Fuel Demand for Premium Retail Spaces

The report attributes this shift to the rise of India’s affluent and aspirational middle class. With the country’s median age under 30, younger consumers are embracing lifestyle upgrades and experiential consumption. As digital-first premium brands transition to offline formats, they are increasingly choosing Grade-A malls or prominent high streets to establish physical footprints. This premiumisation has also impacted the mall leasing landscape as value brands are gradually losing share in superior malls, while lifestyle, premium, and luxury categories are gaining prominence.

Changing Retail Mix: Beauty, Athleisure and F&B Take Centre Stage

Premiumisation is also reshaping the brand mix and category spread within malls. The share of traditional anchors such as hypermarkets and cinemas is declining, while fashion, beauty, wellness, and experiential dining are emerging as key drivers of footfall and spend. Beauty & wellness, food & beverage (F&B), and athleisure have seen significant growth in mall footprints, driven by high trading densities and increased consumer engagement. The beauty and wellness segment has caught up well with premiumisation trend, having attracted immense patronage from consumers in the last 5-6 years. Today, it commands an average trading density in the range of INR 8,000 to 12,000 per month, making it a discerning segment for most mall managers. F&B, in particular, has evolved into the new anchor category, often driving footfall more effectively than traditional departmental stores. The report also notes a modest yet promising rise in jewellery and Consumer Durables Information Technology (CDIT) categories, reflecting India’s expanding appetite for premium experiences. Meanwhile, traditional anchors like hypermarkets and cinemas are witnessing reduced footprints as their value proposition evolves.

Retail Giants Reshape Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Curve

The report also outlines how large, listed retailers such as Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop, and Tata Trent are adapting to this wave of premiumisation. Initiatives include the launch of premium private labels, omnichannel retailing strategies, digital-first store formats, and targeted expansion into Tier-II and Tier-III cities where rising incomes are fuelling lifestyle upgrades.

As the premiumisation trend matures, the role of mall management is expected to evolve significantly. Future-ready malls will not only focus on tenant curation but also integrate digital infrastructure, community engagement, sustainability, and design flexibility to stay relevant. The report underscores the need for developers and brands to align their strategies to tap into India’s evolving consumer landscape.

Premiumisation Across High Streets

Owing to limited space availability in superior grade malls, many brands choose to locate their stores in prominent highstreets across the top 8 cities over the last few years. Prominent highstreets include locations such as the Linking Road in Mumbai, Khan Market and Connaught Place in Delhi, M.G. Road in Bengaluru among others. Though these are considered unorganized supply in many ways, the prominent highstreets offer brands the benefit of direct visibility to passing shoppers. Over the years, prominent highstreets have seen their rentals surpass pre-COVID peak of 2019 and have been moving upwards gradually ever since, acting as testimony to the high demand for such spaces from premium retail brands.

Saurabh Shatdal, Executive Managing Director, Capital Markets & Head, Retail India, Cushman & Wakefield, said at the launch, “India’s retail landscape is evolving rapidly, and so are consumer aspirations. The rise of Superior Grade malls reflects a clear pivot from just scale to quality and experience. Today’s consumers are seeking curated, design-led environments where the brand experience is as important as the product itself. Categories like beauty, wellness, F&B, and athleisure—known for high engagement and trading density—are shaping this next phase of retail. The response from developers and brands shows a deep shift in strategy: toward sophisticated, digitally integrated, and future-ready retail formats that truly resonate with the country’s aspirational consumers.”

Moscow, 15th April 2025– On April 13, an official ceremony was held at the premises of FSUE Atomflot (a Rosatom enterprise) to celebrate the arrival of the third serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker, Yakutia, to its home port of Murmansk. The night before, the ship moored at the Atomflot base. Her voyage from St. Petersburg took six days.

“The Yakutia universal nuclear-powered icebreaker is ready to operate in the waters of the Northern Sea Route,” said Yakov Antonov, Acting Director General of FSUE Atomflot. “We plan to launch the ship on her first regular voyage on April 15. The icebreaker crew will work in the Yenisei region of the Kara Sea. The period of ice growth is now coming to an end in the water area of the Northern Sea Route. The Yakutia nuclear-powered icebreaker will have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate all its main technical advantages: power, maneuverability and dual-draft functionality.”

During the voyage from St. Petersburg to her home port Murmansk, the Yakutia universal nuclear-powered icebreaker passed through the Baltic, North, Norwegian and Barents Seas. The vessel traveled 2,470 nautical miles at an average speed of 16 knots.

“This is my first regular voyage as a captain,” said Dmitry Nikitin, Captain of the Yakutia SUNPI. “Of course, we are a bit nervous about how the icebreaker will perform in the ice. There comes an important stage in the ship operation. But I have confidence in my crew. The mechanics know their business excellently and the navigators have successful experience of working in open sea ice and in estuaries. We are a team, which means we will nail it.”

Once the vessel is prepared for the voyage and all the supplies are furnished, the Yakutia serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker will set a course in the direction of the Yenisei region of the Kara Sea.