NAR-INDIA and NAREDCO Sign MoU to Boost Real Estate Skills
New Delhi, 24 March, 2025: The National Association of Realtors-India (NAR-INDIA) and the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework that promotes professional excellence, industry growth, and policy advocacy in the real estate sector.
The MoU aims to enhance industry standards, facilitate knowledge exchange, promote skill development and training, and strengthen networking and collaboration among real estate professionals. Both organizations will work together to promote ethical practices, transparency, and professionalism in the real estate sector by developing and implementing industry standards.
The partnership will also focus on promoting skill development and training in the real estate sector. NAR-INDIA will support NAREDCO’s National Institute of Real Estate Development (NIRED) by providing 100 candidates for training programs and workshops throughout the year.
Mr. G Hari Babu, National President, NAREDCO, said, “This MoU represents a significant step towards transforming India’s real estate industry into a globally competitive and professionally driven sector. By collaborating with NAR-INDIA, we aim to raise industry standards, bring in greater transparency, and advocate for policies that promote sustainable growth. This partnership will empower realtors and developers to align with global best practices, ultimately benefiting homebuyers and investors.”
Mr. Sumanth Reddy, Chairman, NAR-INDIA, added, “The real estate industry is evolving rapidly, and professionalism, ethics, and innovation are now more critical than ever. Through this MoU, we are creating a collaborative ecosystem where realtors and developers can exchange knowledge, enhance skills, and contribute to a more structured and efficient industry. Our goal is to uplift the standards of real estate transactions and ensure a better experience for customers.”
Under the MoU, NAR-INDIA and NAREDCO will jointly develop industry standards, exchange information on the latest developments in the real estate sector, and share key data, statistics, and research reports. They will also cross-promote relevant news, developments, and events on their respective websites and communication channels.
I wholeheartedly welcome the historic MoU between NAR-INDIA and NAREDCO, a significant milestone in India’s real estate sector. This partnership will undoubtedly elevate industry standards, promote transparency, and foster professionalism. As Chairman of the Association of Property Professionals Delhi NCR, I believe that this collaboration will have a far-reaching impact on the sector, benefiting not just realtors and developers but also homebuyers and investors, said Mr. Abhishek Jain, Chairman, Association of Property Professionals Delhi NCR.
This MoU marks a significant milestone in the efforts of NAR-INDIA and NAREDCO to promote professional excellence, industry growth, and policy advocacy in the real estate sector. With this partnership, both organizations aim to create a more collaborative and growth-oriented real estate ecosystem in India.
Samsung’s Bespoke AI Digital Appliances Drive Digitization with Festive Offers
March 24, 2025, Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is celebrating Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid with exciting offers on its AI-powered refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and microwaves. As families prepare to welcome prosperity and new beginnings, Samsung is making home upgrades more rewarding with exclusive deals on its latest innovations. Available only till March 31, 2025, these limited-period offers allow consumers to bring home smarter and more connected appliances at an unmatched value.
SSF Plastics files draft papers for Rs 550-cr IPO
Chandigarh, March 24, 2025: SSF Plastics India Ltd has filed preliminary papers with capital markets regulator SEBI to raise Rs 550 crore through an initial public offering (IPO).
The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 300 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 250 crore by promoters and promoter group entities, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on Thursday.
At present, promoters and promoter group entities hold 100 per cent stake in the company.
Proceeds from the fresh issue will be utilised for payment of debt, funding capital expenditure requirements for purchase of plant and machinery and for general corporate purposes.
SSF Plastics is a one-stop packaging solutions player providing end-to-end services from design to delivery across key product segments such as bottles and containers, caps/ closures and tubs, and engineering plastic components, among others.
The company caters to a wide range of end-user industries such as personal care, home care, food and beverages, consumer electronics, engine oil and lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.
On the financial front, SSF Plastics posted a profit of Rs 15.19 crore and a revenue from operations of Rs 397.41 crore for six months ended September 2024.
IIFL Capital Services Ltd and Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd are the book-running lead managers to the issue.
Arati Kadav’s Mrs. Masterclass Inspires Aspiring Filmmakers
Mumbai, March 2024 – Whistling Woods International (WWI), India’s premier institute for film, communication, and creative arts, hosted an exclusive masterclass featuring the creative team behind Mrs. The session offered students an in-depth exploration of adaptation, creative reinterpretation, and the technical intricacies of filmmaking.
The masterclass examined the evolution of storytelling across cultural and cinematic landscapes. The distinguished panel included industry experts such as Arati Kadav (Director & WWI Alumna), Prerna Saigal (Editor), Sarit Sekhar Chatterjee (Sound Designer), Harman Baweja (Producer), Nishant Dahiya (Lead Actor), Shray Gupta (Assistant Director & WWI Alumnus), Neeraj Pandey (Lyricist), and Jayesh Ughade (Zee5 Content Head & WWI Alumnus).
A central theme of the discussion was the art of adaptation in storytelling. Producer Harman Baweja emphasised that while every adaptation must preserve the essence of its source material, it should also resonate with contemporary audiences. “What truly makes a difference isn’t just a great idea or script—it’s about having a great team through and through,” he noted, underscoring the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
For Director Arati Kadav, the protagonist’s journey was paramount. She encouraged students to delve into character psychology, stating, “I must enter the story through her eyes and see the world as she does,” reinforcing the significance of emotional depth and relatability in storytelling.
Lead actor Nishant Dahiya spoke about the complexities of character portrayal, urging students to establish a personal connection with their roles. “Finding that connection is crucial for an authentic performance,” he advised. Editor Prerna Saigal highlighted the impact of pacing and perspective on audience perception, while Sound Designer Sarit Sekhar Chatterjee emphasised the power of silence, describing it as a character in its own right.
Adding another dimension, Lyricist Neeraj Pandey discussed how music enhances emotional depth in storytelling, encouraging students to see it as an integral narrative tool.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, offering students direct interaction with the panel and deeper insights into the filmmaking craft. The masterclass reaffirmed WWI’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, equipping students with invaluable real-world learning experiences from accomplished professionals.
With its insightful discussions, industry expertise, and immersive learning experience, the Mrs masterclass left a lasting impact on WWI students, inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
Gear Up! Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan Brings 100 Prizes Every TATA IPL Clash
New Delhi, 24 March, 2025: With the TATA IPL 2025 season less than 24 hours away, JioStar today announced the return of its popular predict-and-win fan engagement contest Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan (JDDD) and My11Circle as the title sponsor for the second consecutive season. Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan is a Free-To-Play contest on JioHotstar, where viewers can participate and win prizes, brand coupons while watching TATA IPL live with real-time prediction based and trivia questions, making the viewing experience more exciting and rewarding.
JioStar will give away exciting SUVs to viewers playing Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan during the opening weekend and the Final of TATA IPL 2025. Viewers can hold the phone in portrait mode while watching the game and go to the dedicated ‘Jeeto’ tab on the app where the question appears before every over along with four options. Every single match of the 18th season will see 100 prizes given away including Smart TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens among others to viewers who give the most correct answers.
With an intent to make Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan a second-screen engagement experience, this season viewers on Star Sports will seamlessly experience unprecedented levels of engagement during live matches through a QR code or URL jeeto.jiohotstar.com.
“The excitement and joy among our winners has been overwhelming. Seeing people across India win life-changing prizes — whether it’s a brand-new TV, a bike, or a car — is what makes Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan truly special. This is about more than just prizes; it’s about reinventing the live sports experience for fans across anywhere in the country. We want to ensure that everyone—regardless of their level of cricket knowledge, the platform they watch on — feels part of the excitement,” said JioStar – Sports Spokesperson.
This marks a pivotal shift in how India consumes sports on Linear TV as Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan turns it into an active, lean-in experience. By building a bridge between Linear TV and Digital, this initiative is setting a new benchmark in sports engagement, making TATA IPL not just a spectacle but an immersive, interactive event.
Winners of Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan across last two seasons of TATA IPL have come from lengths and breadths of the country which is also a reflection of how deep and wide TATA IPL has percolated.
With impressive and growing participation year on year, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan now has three times bigger prize pool than the last season. The last season of TATA IPL saw 269 Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan winners, while the recently-concluded ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 had 16 winners taking away gold vouchers of INR 1 lakh and a grand SUV from playing the contest. Whether it is a casual viewer or a dedicated cricket fan, the excitement of winning is now more accessible and rewarding than ever before.
Birla Opus Paints Teams Up with JioHotstar for Indian Colours League IPL 2025
India, 24 March, Mumbai: Cricket is more than just a game; it’s an emotion that unites millions, especially in India. After the massive celebrations following the ICC Champions Trophy victory, the excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has taken over the nation. Birla Opus Paints, part of Grasim Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, announced its partnership with JioHotstar, adding its own vibrant touch to the tournament. The much-loved paint brand in India is a key partner of TATA IPL 2025.
In a unique strategy to engage IPL enthusiasts across the globe, Birla Opus Paints is introducing the Indian Colours League, a campaign that captures the true spirit of the IPL while bringing to life the brand’s philosophy of Duniya Ko Rang Do. This initiative showcases that even in rivalry, there is camaraderie, unity, and the potential to craft a legacy.
Every IPL match sees two franchise teams go head-to-head, but this time, the iconic colours that define these teams will do more than just represent them. Inspired by the idea that colours, like cricket, have the power to tell stories, Birla Opus Paints has created the Indian Colours League, where the colours of the two competing teams will dynamically fuse to form a new and exclusive shade. This new shade will not only embody the essence of their clash but also reflect their history, intensity, energy, and camaraderie. Before every match the players from opposing IPL teams will talk about what their team’s colours mean to them and as they speak, their team colours will blend dynamically to become a new, one-of-a-kind Birla Opus Paints’ shade that represents the essence of their match.
Talking about the association, Inderpreet Singh, Head – Marketing, Birla Opus Paints said, “At Birla Opus Paints, we believe in the transformative power of colours. This IPL season, through the Indian Colours League, we’re blending the colours of the rival teams in each match to celebrate camaraderie and legacy. This IPL season, we invite fans to witness the magic that happens when colours fuse – because both in cricket and in life, every interaction has the power to create something truly unforgettable.”
Ishan Chatterjee, Chief Business Officer, Sports Revenue, SMB & Creator, JioStar said, “At JioHotstar, we are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of fan engagement, and the Indian Colours League does just that. Cricket and colours both have a deep emotional connection with people, and this campaign beautifully brings them together. By blending the worlds of cricket and colour, we are offering fans an experience that goes beyond the game, turning every match into a visual spectacle. We are excited to partner with Birla Opus Paints to make IPL 2025 more immersive and unforgettable for millions of cricket lovers.”
Sachin Kamble, Chief Creative Officer, Leo – South Asia, said, “Cricket isn’t just a game – it’s a canvas of passion, sportsmanship, emotion, camaraderie just like the colours that represents each team and their winning spirit. Indian Colours League leverages this aspect of IPL. Just how competitiveness blends with friendship resulting in a good game, two colours come together to create another beautiful shade, the colour that stands for unity bringing the country together.”
Indian Colours League has been co-conceptualised by Birla Opus Paints, Leo India and Wavemaker India in partnership with JioHotstar.
Every unique shade born from these high-energy matchups is more than just a blend, it is a carefully crafted identity that reflects the spirit of its origin, paying tribute to the teams, cities, and cultures they represent. Just as every match is a unique battle, every clash of colours results in something new and exciting—a shade that represents not just competition, but also the deep respect and shared love for the game. Through this thoughtful approach, every match leaves behind a colour-coded legacy, a unique shade that fans will associate with that specific clash forever.
REHAU Drives Housing Sustainability with 2.1 Million Litres of Water Recycled Every Year
March 24,2025:Celebrating World Water Day, REHAU India stands as a beacon of sustainability, turning the tide on water scarcity with its ground-breaking conservation efforts. By recycling an impressive 2,098,000 litres of water annually—enough to sustain 25 families in Vadodara—REHAU is not just preserving a vital resource but also reinforcing its commitment to a greener, more resilient future. This initiative reflects the company’s vision of harmonizing industrial growth with environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for sustainable water management in India.
The Imperative of Water Conservation in India
India is facing an escalating water crisis, with per capita water availability shrinking due to population growth and unsustainable groundwater extraction. The ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024’ offers a comprehensive state-wise overview, serving as a foundation for effective policies and management strategies. According to the latest report, the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction of 245.64 BCM. The report highlights increased recharge, mainly due to water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures, and shows improvements in groundwater conditions in 128 units compared to 2023.
Gujarat, with a per capita freshwater availability of just 1,137 cubic meters, is classified as a water-stressed state. Recent assessments have raised concerns about groundwater contamination in the state. Specifically, fluoride levels exceeding 1.5 mg/L have been recorded in several districts, including Vadodara, posing significant health risks.
Government Initiatives for Water Conservation
The Indian government has launched several programs to promote water conservation. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses on rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and intensive afforestation. In Gujarat, the Kalpasar Project aims to create a vast freshwater reservoir by constructing a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat, potentially storing 10 billion cubic meters of water. Additionally, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has initiated projects to enhance water storage capacity, such as deepening eight lakes to increase storage by approximately 32.94 crore liters, aiming to mitigate flooding and improve water availability.
REHAU’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
Amid these challenges, REHAU India has taken a proactive approach to water conservation at its Vadodara facility. The company recycles an impressive 2,098,000 litres of water annually, significantly reducing its environmental footprint while contributing to the local community’s water needs. This volume is sufficient to sustain 33 families in the region, demonstrating the tangible impact of corporate sustainability initiatives.
Mr. Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President of REHAU India, reaffirmed the company’s commitment: “At REHAU, we believe that sustainability must be embedded in every aspect of our operations. Our water recycling initiative in Vadodara reflects our responsibility toward resource conservation and community well-being. We remain dedicated to innovative solutions that support environmental and social progress.”
A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future
REHAU India’s water recycling initiative in Vadodara exemplifies how corporate entities can play a pivotal role in addressing water scarcity. By aligning their operations with sustainable practices, companies like REHAU contribute significantly to resource conservation and community well-being. As India continues to face water challenges, such collaborative efforts between the private sector and government are essential for ensuring a sustainable future.
Drinkprime Marks 9 Years of Impact on World Water Day 2025
Bangalore, March 24, 2025 – As the world observes World Water Day, DrinkPrime, India’s leading smart water purifier company, proudly announces remarkable growth momentum, having doubled its user base to 250,000 households in less than a year. This milestone coincides with the company completing 9 years in business and touching the lives of 1 million people across India. The achievement highlights the urgent need for sustainable and affordable water solutions amid growing water scarcity concerns in urban India.
With India’s per capita water availability dropping to 1,367 cubic meters by 2031, as per recent estimates, the nation faces an escalating crisis. Over 163 million people in India consume contaminated water, which leads to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. This exacerbates the already critical issue of clean water scarcity across the country.
DrinkPrime has established dominance in Bangalore with over 100,000 active households and is rapidly expanding in other metropolitan areas, including Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Pune. The company’s newest markets, Mumbai and Pune, have shown particularly strong adoption rates, currently growing at nearly 30% month-over-month.
“Our growth trajectory reflects urban India’s increasing awareness around safe, accessible drinking water without the financial burden of traditional purifiers,” said Manas Ranjan Hota, Co-founder of DrinkPrime. “World Water Day reminds us that water isn’t merely a resource, it’s a fundamental human right. The fact that only 7% of Indian households have water purifiers underscores the enormous gap between water availability and water safety—a gap we’re closing with our rental model.”
While traditional purifiers come with hefty upfront costs of over ₹15,000 and recurring annual maintenance expenses of ₹4,000-5,000, DrinkPrime’s subscription model offers access to safe drinking water at a cost lower than just the yearly maintenance of a conventional purifier. This approach has resonated strongly with consumers seeking alternatives to both expensive purifiers and plastic water cans that contaminate drinking water with microplastics.
To meet evolving customer needs, DrinkPrime has completely revamped its product portfolio over the past year. The company now offers three new models: DrinkPrime Copper as its flagship bestselling product with added health benefits, the premium DrinkPrime Alkaline for enhanced pH balance, and the more affordable RO+ option for price-conscious households.
“The COVID-19 pandemic made one thing very clear—access to clean water isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Vijender Reddy Muthyala, Co-founder & CEO of DrinkPrime. “Our subscription model addresses the three core pain points of the water can user: affordability over traditional alternatives through monthly rentals, convenience by eliminating the logistics of replacements, and reliability with lifetime free maintenance and service response within 30 minutes on average.”
However, safe drinking water is just one part of the equation. Climate change has worsened India’s water crisis, with erratic monsoons and depleting groundwater levels severely affecting water quality. Recognizing this, DrinkPrime actively promotes water conservation by encouraging users to repurpose RO-reject water for non-drinking uses such as cleaning, gardening, and cooling systems.
The company’s water quality database, built from over 60,000 tests conducted annually, reveals concerning levels of contaminants in municipal water supplies across urban centers. This data drives continuous improvement of DrinkPrime’s purification technology to address local water conditions.
Customer referrals account for over a third of new sign-ups, reflecting strong consumer satisfaction. DrinkPrime’s IoT-enabled technology allows users to monitor water consumption, quality, and purifier performance in real-time, providing greater transparency and ease of use.
With continued investment in research and development, DrinkPrime is adapting its technology to suit varying local water conditions while expanding to more cities. As water security becomes an increasing concern in urban India, the company aims to contribute to long-term solutions that improve access to safe drinking water while promoting responsible water use.
BITS Law School Commends Legal Innovation on Its 2nd Foundation Day
24th March 2025 – BITS Law School, under the aegis of BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, celebrated its Foundation Day at its 63-acre Centre of Excellence, Mumbai Campus. The two-day event brought together legal professionals, academics, and media figures, including Hon’ble Justice Hima Kohli, Mr. Anubhav Sinha, Ms. Jayna Kothari, and others, to discuss key socio-legal issues.
The celebration commenced with an inaugural address by the Dean, followed by a lecture by Hon’ble Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, who spoke on the evolving role of women in the legal profession. She emphasised the importance of early court exposure, perseverance in litigation, and the increasing opportunities for women in law. She noted, “Women are now joining the judiciary at the first levels, not just at the higher judicial level, and in many states, they make up more than 50% of the judicial service. The legal profession today offers a broader spectrum of opportunities, but success in this field requires resilience, adaptability, and the right guidance. Aspiring practitioners must gain a well-rounded experience before choosing a specialisation, remain open to learning, embrace challenges, and build a strong foundation to thrive in this profession.”
Day 1 concluded with an ʻInaugural Lecture on Pillars of Democracy’ by Dr. M.R. Madhavan, President and Co-Founder, PRS Legislative Research, New Delhi. The session featured insightful discussions, encouraging dialogue on strengthening democratic principles and addressing contemporary challenges. Reflecting on the role of legal professionals and citizens in a democracy, Dr. Madhavan stated, “Parliament is where laws are made, but its true strength lies in accountability. The power of democracy does not rest with institutions alone, it depends on citizens who engage, question, and demand better. As future legal professionals, your role is not just to interpret laws but to ensure they serve the people, uphold justice, and strengthen democratic values. Governance is only as strong as the scrutiny it faces.”
On the second day, the event featured the 2nd Rule of Law Lecture by Ms. Jayna Kothari, Senior Advocate and Executive Director, Centre for Law & Policy Research, where she explored the evolving intersections of law, policy, and social justice in India. Followed by Law & Entertainment: A Fireside Chat Series, featuring a panel discussion on the Portrayal of Gender and Caste-Based Discrimination with award-winning director Anubhav Sinha (Article 15, Thappad, Mulk, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack), Ms. Mrunmayee Lagoo (writer of Thappad), and Mr. Gaurav Solanki (co-writer of Article 15). The discussion highlighted the power of storytelling in challenging deep-rooted societal biases and shaping public discourse around justice and equality.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bhardwaj, Founding Dean, BITS Law School added, “In law, as in life, true progress lies in our ability to question, adapt, and uphold justice with unwavering integrity. As we celebrate this day, let us remember that the pursuit of legal knowledge is not merely an academic endeavour but a profound responsibility to shape a more equitable and inclusive society. At BITSLAW, we are committed to fostering this vision through innovative legal education that prepares our students to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.”