MUMBAI, India–April 21st, 2025:  Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service has dropped the new episodes of its dance reality series Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, where things took a wild turn! This high-stakes competition hit a whole new level of drama as guest judge Punit J Pathak came in as a guest judge and made a surprise entry, not with challenges, but with challengers. In what’s being hailed as the most unexpected twist in the show’s history, he shook things up with surprise face-offs that left contestants scrambling to hold their ground. The energy hit an all-time high, proving that just when you think the show can’t top itself—it absolutely does.

Punit J Pathak

In the latest episodes of Realme Hip Hop India, Punit J Pathak introduced a fresh wave of new talents straight from the underground hip hop world. These raw and unfiltered performers went head-to-head with the current contestants, turning every battle into a high-voltage showdown. Challengers included Lil Pool, Sammy, DUO – Aman & Kunal, Hitesh, Gyalpo, Deva Sambhara, and Norbu, who  each picked their opponent from the main stage and delivered fierce performances that shifted the leaderboard dynamics.  It was DUO – Aman & Kunal, Rules Breakerz, Ranjeet, and Norbu who dominated with scores that sent shockwaves across the arena. But the real jaw-dropper came with the announcement of Chitrakshi, Deva Sambhara, and Sammy as they were sent home in one of the most ruthless episodes to date.  And just when the dust seemed to settle, another twist was revealed: Rules Breakerz, who had received an advantage from the previous week, cashed in big. With a reward of ₹1 lakh with every round they hit at or below their benchmark, they walked away with a staggering ₹6 lakh! This episode was nothing short of an absolute game-changer.

Punit J Pathak emoted his experience as a guest judge, he shared, “Being a guest judge on Realme Hip Hop India S2 was an electrifying experience —it is a platform where raw energy and pure passion come together. Seeing these artists go head-to-head made me fall in love with hip hop all over again. I wish them all the very best, and may the deserving one win.”

With the battle lines redrawn and the stakes sky-high, the real game begins now. Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

Pune, April 21, 2025 — Marvel Realtors is proud to introduce Basilo — an ultra-luxury high-rise in Lane 5, Koregaon Park, one of India’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. With expansive residences, refined design, and a thoughtfully curated amenity experience, Basilo sets a new benchmark for elegant city living. This rare and private address brings together space, calm, and quiet sophistication with a natural sense of elegance.

Vishwajeet Jhavar, Founder and CEO at Marvel Realtors

Speaking about the launch, Vishwajeet Jhavar, MD and CEO of Marvel Realtors, said, “This development is rooted in a simple belief that luxury is not just about finishes and amenities, but how a space makes you feel every single day. Koregaon Park has long been Pune’s crown jewel, and Lane 5 in particular carries an iconic identity. With Basilo, we see this as more than real estate; it’s an opportunity to create homes that offer privacy, greenery, openness, sophistication, and unmatched comfort in the middle of the city. With rising demand and limited supply in prime areas, we believe this project will become a defining address for Pune’s new generation of homeowners and global investors. It is being thoughtfully built to offer an experience that goes beyond what Pune has seen so far—a quieter, more refined, state-of-the-art kind of luxury that gets everything right.”

 Basilo will feature ultra-spacious 3, 3.5, and 4.5 BHK residences ranging from a carpet of 1,525 to 4,500 sq. ft., crafted to bring home the feel of a five-star hotel—only more personal and ultra luxurious. The design pairs calm elegance with quiet luxury—marble floors throughout, and warm engineered wood in one bedroom. Master bathrooms come with marble finishes. Kitchens are thoughtfully equipped with a modular design and premium built-in appliances—hob, chimney, dishwasher, microwave, and oven. Each home also includes a complete VRV/VRF air-conditioning system for silent, steady comfort.

 The amenities are second to none, designed to make everyday living feel extraordinary. With a team of world-class architects, lighting experts, and interior and landscape designers behind it, Basilo is set to be truly one of a kind. Possession is expected in just 20 months.

 Beyond the homes, Basilo elevates everyday living with hotel-grade lobbies, elegant visitor lounges, and an unmatched suite of lifestyle and utility-driven amenities:

·       Landscaped gardens, a grand gated entrance, and a swimming pool

·       Fully equipped gym, steam, sauna, jacuzzi, salon, and yoga studio

·       Entertainment lounge with open-air video screening, bar, kitchen

·       Private theatre, game zones, poker room

·       Business centre with boardrooms, meeting lounges, and coworking spaces

·       Multipurpose Playcourts, squash court, walking tracks

·       Dedicated areas for staff and drivers, including lounges, bunk beds, showers, and a car wash station

·       Thoughtfully planned children’s play area

 Strategically located, Basilo combines the quiet charm of Koregaon Park with close proximity to Pune’s top schools, restaurants, boutique cafes, clubs, airport and hospitals and business districts. As large-format luxury apartments in central Pune become increasingly rare, Basilo fills a crucial gap in the market for those who value both space and stature.

 With Basilo, Marvel Realtors goes beyond building homes; it curates a way of life. This project sets a new benchmark for what it means to live luxuriously in the heart of Pune, and is poised to become one of the city’s most aspirational addresses.

MUMBAI, India–April 21, 2025: The Battleground House witnessed another week of intense drama and fierce competition, streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service. With Shikhar Dhawan as the Supermentor and team leaders Asim Riaz, Rajat Dalal, Rubina Dilaik, and Abhishek Malhan in charge, the heat inside the Battleground House has reached an all-time high! Over the past week, the competition intensified like never before, and fans were served a potent mix of drama, determination, and the unexpected.

The week kicked off with the introduction of masked wildcards, handpicked by Supermentor Shikhar Dhawan. These newcomers engaged in one-on-one battles to steal credits and secure their spots, notably shaking up the trio of Mehak, Dev, and Shiva. The captaincy playoffs saw Haryana Bulls clinch victory, earning the right to steal credits, while Mumbai Strikers also gained an advantage. Tensions flared with confrontations between Rathi and Shiva, and Rounak and Nisha over stolen credits. A brutal team powerplay led to injuries for Namrata and Rekha, Raja’s disqualification after a clash with Parth, and Rounak’s redemption with a win over Aashika, propelling Delhi Dominators over Haryana Bulls. Shiva’s triumph against Adnan secured UP Dabang’s win over Mumbai Strikers.

The drama intensified with an Acro yoga powerplay, where contestants paired up, leaving Mehak unchosen by both Shiva and Parth, leading her to team with Rathi. The Campus Beats cast: Shantanu Maheshwari, Shruti Sinha and Tanvi Gadkari, paid a surprise visit and added flair with a flirty game of Knife, Kiss, and Dil. Mehak offered her ‘dil’ to Shiva, but he chose Rounak, deepening Mehak’s disappointment. Acro yoga performances highlighted the episode, with Bhawish and Nisha impressing both judges and the Campus Beats cast. Ishaan and Rihanna’s display of chemistry during their routine stood out. In another explosive Fight Club episode, Mehak faced off against Dev and Rounak in high-stakes jackpot fights. A trio match among Adnan, Dev, and Parth ended with Parth injured. Among the girls, Anjali felt sidelined as Asim Riaz supported Chandni, leading to a verbal duel with Abhishek Malhan, aka Fukra Insaan. The week concluded emotionally as injuries forced Namrata and Rekha to exit the show.

As rivalries escalate, alliances shift, and mentors clash, one thing is certain, the storm has only just begun. Battleground is now streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.

Study abroad is a life-changing experience, but one that is accompanied with a multitude of complications—applications, financing, accommodation, travel, and the challenge of adapting to a new culture. Fortunately, several digital platforms are simplifying the experience for Indian students to a great extent and with increased confidence. From financial services and accommodation assistance to application guidance and community networks, the platforms are thoughtfully designed to tackle the actual issues that students face when they are moving abroad. Here are the leading digital platforms that are truly making a difference:

1. Beacon: The All-in-One Super App for Students & Immigrants

Beacon is a purpose-built financial platform designed to simplify every step of the relocation journey for immigrants and students moving to Canada. From pre-arrival to post-settlement, Beacon acts as a comprehensive support system through its all-in-one Super App. Students can open and use a fully digital bank account up to six months before landing, get access to a global debit card, manage tuition payments, transfer money, and even pay Indian bills in CAD—all without hidden fees or credit checks. Beyond the financial services, Beacon also offers curated pre-arrival checklists, housing support with rent discounts, telecom services with cashback, and a real-time WhatsApp concierge to answer everyday questions about life in Canada. Whether it’s navigating your first winter, finding student-friendly areas to live, or budgeting for your expenses, Beacon is more than a fintech tool—it’s a trusted companion helping students transition from survival mode to long-term financial planning with clarity and confidence.

2. Leap Scholar – End-to-End Study Abroad Solution

Leap Scholar is among the most trusted study abroad preparation platforms that offers the full gamut of services from counselling to IELTS coaching, university application, and visa assistance. Leap is unique because its technology-facilitated, one-on-one counselling is designed to allow students to choose the right programs that match their academic profile, career aspirations, and financial constraints. The platform also curates great content—success stories, blogs, and webinars—to assist students at every step of the journey. Harnessing its expanding network of partner institutions and its commitment to accessibility, Leap Scholar has facilitated thousands of students to move abroad confidently for studies to countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.

3. UniCreds – Easier Education Loans for Indian Students

Financing studies abroad can be one of the biggest pain points for students and families. UniCreds is a one-stop shop for education loans with Indian banks, NBFCs, and international lenders, where you can compare and apply. With no-collateral loan options, competitive interest rates, and financial counselling, UniCreds is designed to make the mundane, complicated, and sometimes painful education loan process easy to navigate. Students can also receive advice about forex disbursement, insurance, and repayment terms—all according to their destination and course. It is just the tool they need to help with accessing capital, so they can concentrate on their academic journey, rather than merely the cost of it.

4. Yocket – A Community & Planning Tool

Yocket is more than a study abroad platform, it is an ecosystem and community where students planning to go abroad can meet, connect, cooperate, and share insights. Yocket has everything from university and course discovery, to a SOP writing tool, a visa tracking tool, and a document management tool. However, the standout feature of Yocket is the Yocket Connect community that allows students to connect with peers attending the same university or program. This peer-to-peer support makes a huge difference during the preparation phase and helps reduce uncertainty. Yocket also has a premium counseling service for more personalized support.

5. Amber Student – Your Hassle-Free Student Housing Partner Worldwide

Finding student housing in a foreign country is often the biggest worry for students. Amber Student is making it easier by offering verified student housing options, near the best universities in multiple countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, to name a few. With customer support, flexible leases, and no brokerage fees, Amber limits the guesswork of renting as a student. Students can view properties virtually, compare prices, and book their accommodation in advance, all while still in their home country. Even for first-time renters, Amber’s platform enables full security, convenience, and transparency.

Mumbai, 21 April 2025: The rise of Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) has significantly transformed real estate financing in India, offering a crucial lifeline to projects struggling with lack of funding and unlocking new opportunities for developers. AIFs – privately pooled funds that invest in non-traditional assets like private equity, hedge funds, and real estate – offer niche, high-risk, high-reward opportunities suited for experienced investors.

In its AIFs Research Report 2025, ANAROCK Research has compiled SEBI data which indicates that till 9M FY25, the real estate sector accounted for the largest share (15%) of cumulative net AIF investments, with INR 73,903 crore invested in real estate out of an all-sectors total of INR 5,06,196 crore. Other sectors benefiting from AIF investments include IT/ITeS, Financial Services, NBFCs, Banks, Pharma, FMCG, Retail, Renewable Energy, and others.

 By the end of 9M FY25, AIF investments in real estate rose from INR 68,540 Cr by FY 2024-end to INR 73,903 Cr – an appreciable 8% growth in first three quarters of fiscal year 2025. This pace is expected to sustain and pick up.

Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head – Research, ANAROCK Group, says, “Amidst increasing constraints on traditional funding sources, AIFs are an agile and innovative financing mechanism to address capital gaps at various stages of real estate development. Since they pool capital from domestic and foreign investors, AIFs are a sustainable and scalable funding ecosystem. Going forward, the adoption of blended finance models, AI-driven risk assessments, and streamlined regulatory frameworks maximize the impact of AIFs further.“

Commitments Surge

The number of AIF active in the market has grown 36-fold over the past decade – from 42 by 31st March 2013 to a 1,524 AIFs as of 5th March 2025, with commitment raised increasing five-fold since 2019. Between FY2013 and FY2025, the commitment raised in AIFs has seen an impressive 83.4% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). This is a strong testimony to their growing importance in the broader investment landscape.

This surge in commitments is mainly fuelled by Category II AIF, which is contributing almost 80% over the last five fiscal years. Domestic investors continue to hold the majority share in AIF fundraising activities; however, Category II AIFs exhibit a notable balance with foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) having an almost equal participation.

Investment into the real estate sector play a significant role in growth of category II AIFs. Regulatory reforms, a surge in startups, and a greater influx of seasoned investors are key growth drivers.

SWAMIH Sets the Pace

“The SWAMIH Fund, India’s flagship AIF and arguably the most prominent, has helped revive numerous stalled projects with liquidity infusions of over INR 35,000 crore to date,” says Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group. “By facilitating the completion of many thousands of housing units, SWAMIH Fund has been an unmitigated boon for homebuyers across the country and helped bring considerable stability to the real estate market. That said, the SWAMIH Fund fights a constant uphill battle against various impediments.”

SWAMIH – The Challenges:

• Though substantial, the INR 15,000 crore corpus through SWAMIH II is not enough to revive India’s close to 2,000 stalled projects
• Regulatory hurdles, including insolvency cases under NCLT, further complicate the projects revival process
• Existing lenders often resist ceding the first charge on stressed assets, delaying financing
• Approval bottlenecks, such as expired RERA registrations and environmental clearances, add to implementation delays
• Homebuyer litigations and withheld payments due to past delays create cash flow constraints, making execution more complex

“The SWAMIH Fund’s encumbered journey underscores that addressing India’s stalled housing crisis requires more than just capital — it demands systemic reform,” says Puri. “Overcoming entrenched bottlenecks like regulatory delays, lender resistance, and cash flow constraints is key to unlocking its full potential. If these challenges are tackled head-on, the Fund can truly bridge the gap between promise and execution on its mission to rescue homebuyers who have no other recourse.”

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pune skyline, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad is proud to announce the grand reopening of Level 12, a sophisticated rooftop restaurant that brings a fresh, contemporary twist to the traditional flavours of North-Western Frontier cuisine. With a strong focus on inclusivity, Level 12 features a thoughtfully curated menu offering gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options—ensuring every guest finds something to savour.

Perched atop DoubleTree by Hilton Pune – Chinchwad, this chic, tropical-themed rooftop destination invites guests to unwind in a stylish yet relaxed setting, elevated by breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. Blending timeless culinary heritage with modern elegance, Level 12 delivers an unforgettable dining experience right in the heart of the city.

The culinary team at Level 12 showcases the best of North-Western Frontier cuisine—renowned for its robust flavours, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked delicacies.

Khizer Khan, the hotel manager, shared his excitement about the relaunch of Level 12, saying, “Level 12 has always been a favorite, but with this relaunch, we’re taking things to a whole new level. While staying true to the rich flavors of North Western Frontier cuisine, we’ve added innovative twists to every dish. Our vibrant beverages, creative presentations, and reimagined ambiance create a fresh, stylish experience without losing the essence of what makes Level 12 special. And, of course, Hilton’s renowned hospitality remains at the core of everything we do, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience every time.”

Whether you’re craving a hearty feast or a nourishing meal, Level 12 promises an exceptional and satisfying culinary journey for every kind of diner.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Level 12 is a destination for all the senses. The space comes alive with live instrumental performances and gigs, adding a vibrant yet elegant energy to the evenings.

Bengaluru, April 21^st, 2025: In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Taj West End, Bengaluru and Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield have transitioned to 100% renewable energy, sourced from solar and wind power. This milestone marks a major advancement in the hotels’ ongoing commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting responsible tourism.

Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Operations, said, “This transition marks a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey and is aligned with our ESG+ framework, Paathya. It reinforces our long-term goal of sourcing 50% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030, while strengthening our commitment to responsible business practices across operations.”

Taj West End, Bengaluru, a 135-year-old heritage landmark set amidst 20 acres of greenery, has introduced an in-house water bottling plant, significantly reducing single-use plastic and advancing circular practices. The hotel has earned the EarthCheck Platinum Master Certification, recognizing over 15 years of consistent environmental performance. Its in-house laundry facility has also retained Platinum status for 14 consecutive years.

The contemporary 199-key Vivanta Bengaluru Whitefield has been awarded the EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years. With a strong focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible waste management, the hotel continues to set benchmarks in sustainable urban hospitality.

New Delhi, 21st April 2025:  SGF India (Spice Grill Flame), India’s most trusted pure vegetarian food chain, successfully hosted its grand Soya Food Festival 2025 – India’s first and largest celebration of soya-based cuisine on 19th April 2025 at their outlet in Rohini, Sector 15, New Delhi. The festival drew an enthusiastic crowd of food lovers, influencers, and notable dignitaries, celebrating health, innovation, and the future of plant-based eating.

The event was officially inaugurated by Shri. Vijender Gupta, Honorable Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, alongside Smt. Smita Kaushik, Municipal Councillor of Rohini Ward 54-D. Their esteemed presence infused the event with great pride and energy, underscoring the importance of promoting cleaner, healthier vegetarian diets, anchored by the incredible versatility of soya.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Kewal Ahuja, Founder and Director, SGF India, said, “The Soya Food Festival is not just a feast – it’s a food revolution. We are building a community around mindful eating. With the growing interest in plant-based lifestyles, this festival sets the tone for the future of food in India.”

The event is the first of its kind in the country, which aims to spotlight the versatility and health benefits of soya-based dishes, particularly soya chaap, a favorite among vegetarians. In a market flooded with low-quality, maida-blended soya products, SGF has stepped up with a mission to spread awareness about pure, hygienic, and nutritious soya chaap by offering 100% pure soya chaap, made with no maida, no gluten, and packed with high-protein goodness.

This festival became an ideal platform to introduce SGF Green – a new range dedicated to plant-based, gluten-free, and maida-free soya innovations. SGF Green offers a game-changing alternative for health-conscious food lovers, packed with high protein and delicious flavours, without compromising on purity or nutrition.

Festival Highlights

• Exclusive Launch of SGF Green:
  A new range of 100% plant-based dishes was unveiled, featuring crowd favorites like Chick-less Leg Piece, Meatless Rogan Josh, and Veggie Fish Nuggets.
• Influencer Engagement:
  Leading food influencers and bloggers captured the festival’s lively spirit through social media, amplifying the message of “Pure Soya, Pure Health” to a wider audience through reels, stories, and live coverage.
• Community & Culture:
  Guests of all ages and backgrounds came together to explore SGF’s diverse soya offerings, blending authentic taste with modern plant-based innovation.
  

The Soya Food Festival in Rohini is part of SGF’s month-long nationwide celebration from 1st to 30th April 2025, with similar events and curated plant-based menus taking place in key cities such as Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Bahadurgarh.

This milestone event not only reflects SGF’s unwavering commitment to health and sustainability but also kickstarts a larger plant-forward revolution in India, encouraging people to embrace a lifestyle rooted in health, flavor, and consciousness.