Noida: AAFT Noida, a premier media and arts institution in India, hosted the much-awaited AAFT Orientation 2024 from August 22nd to 31st at its Noida campus. The program, filled with inspiration, learning, and empowerment, featured distinguished speakers and veterans from various fields who shared their journeys, insights, and valuable advice. The event left a lasting impact on the aspiring creative professionals in attendance. From the importance of resilience to the fusion of art and technology, this year’s speakers offered a comprehensive outlook for the future leaders of creative industries.

The orientation kicked off on August 22, with the first three days dedicated to the School of Animation, Data Science, Fine Arts, and Digital Marketing. Opening the program, motivational speaker Simerjeet Singh addressed the incoming students, emphasizing the importance of resilience and creativity. His keynote set the tone for the following days, where students learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Renowned artist and animator Charuvi P. Agrawal delved into the fusion of traditional art with modern technology. She highlighted the role of storytelling in animation, explaining how blending artistic techniques with digital tools can create compelling visual narratives that leave a lasting impact.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder & President of AAFT Pvt Ltd., delivered a powerful message on leadership and personal growth. He encouraged students to embrace failures as part of their journey, urging them to learn from challenges rather than shy away from them. His address resonated with the institution’s ethos of fostering growth through experiential learning.

Renowned artist Nawal Kishore shared his deep understanding of artistic expression, using color as a metaphor for self-discovery and individuality. He urged students to embrace their artistic voices, underscoring that every stroke of paint tells a story. AI expert Dipanjan Sarkar guided students from Data Science and Digital Marketing through the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. By introducing tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, Sarkar demonstrated how AI is revolutionizing industries and creating new pathways for creativity.

From August 27 to 29, the spotlight shifted to the School of Cinema, Music, Still Photography, Journalism and Mass Communication, Advertising, PR, and Events. Acclaimed music director, guitarist, and musician Ehsaan Noorani shared his experiences composing for cinema, illuminating the intricate relationship between music and storytelling in films. Meanwhile, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and best-selling author Ankur Warikoo shared his insights on personal development and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the significance of understanding and learning from failures, providing a practical perspective on building a successful career.

Best-selling author Ravinder Singh, known for his romantic novels like I Too Had a Love Story, captivated the 2024 batch with an insightful session on the art of storytelling. Sharing his own journey from IT professional to literary star, he encouraged students to transform personal experiences into narratives that resonate with others. He highlighted the therapeutic and transformative power of writing, leaving students with the belief that their unique stories can forge meaningful connections.

The final leg of the orientation, from August 29 to 31, focused on the School of Fashion Design, Interior Design, Hospitality and Tourism, and Health and Wellness. Celebrated chef and Guinness World Record holder Varun Inamdar, also known as ‘The Bombay Chef’, added a flavorful twist to the discussions by drawing parallels between culinary arts and storytelling. Like all art forms, he demonstrated how food can evoke emotions and tell a story. Actress and certified life coach Tannaz Irani brought a deeply personal touch to the program, speaking about the power of overcoming challenges. Her stories of navigating professional and personal hardships resonated with students, inspiring them to use adversity as a tool for growth and success.

The AAFT Orientation 2024 stood as a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and empowering students to achieve their full potential. The diverse range of speakers and their insightful sessions provided students with a well-rounded perspective on the creative industries and the skills required to thrive in them. As a leading media and arts education institution, AAFT continues to inspire and equip aspiring creative professionals to turn their passion into a thriving profession.

Breast Cancer, unlike assumed by many, is not the disease of the old women any longer. Even younger women are becoming victims of it, say experts

Hyderabad, October 2, 2024: FLO (FICCI Ladies Organisation) organised a Cancer Awareness Walk in October month observed as Cancer Awareness Month. The walk was organised from the Botanical Garden to KIMS Kondapur on Wednesday morning. It was organised in partnership with KIMS Kondapur.

A hundred FLO members with their family members walked 5 km holding placards creating awareness about cancer, early detection, etc.

As the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population. Awareness and early detection are the only way forward said Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO.

Everyone who is diagnosed with cancer will witness fear, uncertainty, and agony. This walk was aimed to assure such people that there is hope in terms of advanced treatment, caregivers, and support groups. It is not CANCER, but it is CanTogether, she said. Good health is the foundation for quality life she added

The walk concluded at KIMS Kondapur, where Torn Curtains Theatre Group, one of the oldest theatre groups in Hyderabad led by Mala Pasha, performed a play, ‘Half Cup Full’ on cancer awareness. The play was about Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Support Group and the inspiring journey of hope and determination.

‘I am beating cancer’ said one of the characters in the play.

Dr Shilpi Reddy of KIMS Hospital said breast cancer is assumed to be a disease of older women but it is not so. The average age of people who are suffering from breast cancer is 35 years. Even men can also get breast cancer, she added

Early detection is the key to cure, observed many doctors who spoke on the occasion

Mumbai, 02 October 2024: Sustained confidence in the Indian economy continued to drive institutional investments into the real estate sector, reaching USD 4.7 billion during the first three quarters of 2024, almost at par with the corresponding period in 2023. Following significant inflows in the first two quarters, Q3 2024 also registered a healthy investment inflow of about USD 1.1 billion, reflecting a 45% YoY growth. The office segment accounted for 54% of the total investments during the quarter, followed by residential, with a 33% share. Residential inflows during Q3 2024 were particularly driven by domestic capital. Overall domestic investments remained robust at USD 0.5 billion, driving 44% of the total inflows during the quarter.

“Institutional flows in Indian realty remain consistent, indicating sustained investor confidence. The investors are well diversified between global and domestic capital. While office assets remain a key focus, industrial & warehousing and residential segments are gaining significant momentum. The newer emerging themes like fractional ownership in office & warehousing, residential platforms with developers, flexible credit, and hospitality are driving opportunities for investors. Of the total USD 4.7 billion institutional inflows during the first nine months of 2024 (Jan-Sept), over 60% were directed towards industrial & warehousing and residential assets. With continued momentum, 2024 is expected to end on a higher note, likely surpassing 2023 volumes,” said Piyush Gupta, Managing Director, Capital Markets & Investment Services at Colliers India.

In addition to continued traction in domestic capital, foreign investors also maintained a sizeable and healthy appetite for Indian real estate. At USD 0.6 billion inflows in Q3 2024, foreign investments have more than doubled compared to the investments witnessed in Q3 2023.

Investment inflows (USD million) Q3 2024–

*Note: Alternate assets include data centers, life sciences, senior housing, holiday homes, student housing, schools etc. (Investment inflows in alternate assets were limited in both Q2 and Q3 2024)

**Investment inflows in Retail were limited in Q3 2023, Q2 2024 & Q3 2024

Source: Colliers

Investment inflows (USD million) YTD 2024 –

*Note: Alternate assets include data centers, life sciences, senior housing, holiday homes, student housing, schools etc.

**Investment inflows in Retail were in YTD 2023 and YTD 2024

Source: Colliers

Quarterly investments in the Office segment surged by 6.8X times over Q3 2023

After witnessing subdued activity in the previous quarter, investments in the office segment doubled on a QoQ basis, at USD 0.6 billion inflows. At the same time, investments also rose by 6.8X times as compared to the same period last year. Foreign investments accounted for 88% of the total inflows into the segment during Q3 2024. Going forward, robust demand and supply momentum in Grade A office spaces across the top markets will keep the investor confidence buoyant.

Apart from office assets, residential assets too witnessed notable inflows during the quarter at USD 0.4 billion, witnessing a substantial surge of 40% on a YoY basis.

“Private equity investments in the residential segment are on the rise, fuelled by home-ownership trends and growing interest from domestic as well as foreign institutional investors. In the first nine months of 2024, investments in the segment crossed USD 1 billion, marking a significant 46% year-on-year increase. Q3 2024 alone saw USD 0.4 billion in residential investments, accounting for one-third of the total investments in the quarter. Most of these investments were directed towards developmental assets, as institutional investors continue to partner with reputed developers in marquee residential projects. With a conducive domestic environment, ongoing festive season and a much-anticipated reduction in interest rates, investor confidence in India’s residential real estate market is poised to remain intact,” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.

Chennai & Mumbai together drove about 57% of the quarterly inflows

Chennai and Mumbai together accounted for about 57% of the total inflows during Q3 2024 backed by key acquisitions in office segment. Almost 70% of the inflows in Chennai during the quarter were driven by foreign investments. Mumbai and Delhi NCR cumulatively witnessed about 44% of the total quarterly investments in the residential segment. Furthermore, multi-city investments corresponded to 30% of the overall inflows during Q3 2024 and were predominantly directed towards office and residential asset classes.

City-wise investment inflows in Q3 2024 –

Source: Colliers

Note: * Investment inflows in Hyderabad were limited in both quarters

Mumbai, India – September 30, 2024 – Capacit’e Infraprojects, a leader in high-end residential, commercial, and institutional construction projects, is excited to announce the launch of its newly revamped website. With a sleek modern design and improved user-friendly navigation, the website aims to enhance the browsing experience for clients, partners, and aspiring talent alike. The redesigned platform highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, transparency, and accessibility, offering an engaging digital space that reflects Capacit’e’s vision and expertise.

Whether visitors are keen to explore Capacit’e’s latest projects or gain insight into its strategic goals for the future, the enhanced website makes every detail just a click away. From the landing page to project portfolios, each section is thoughtfully curated to provide an immersive journey through the company’s achievements and ambitions. The site’s fresh look is built to engage both industry professionals and those new to the construction space, making it easier to learn about Capacit’e’s robust portfolio, ranging from iconic commercial landmarks to transformative residential complexes.

One of the most exciting additions to the revamped website is the new dedicated Careers page. This feature is designed to attract top talent and provide a direct, simple pathway for job seekers to explore exciting opportunities within the Capacit’e team. With detailed job listings, insights into company culture, and a streamlined application process, the Careers section is perfect for individuals passionate about the construction industry and eager to make their mark. From engineers and project managers to IT specialists and administrative roles, Capacit’e welcomes a diverse range of skills and talents to help drive its vision forward.

“Our newly redesigned website is a reflection of who we are as a company—forward-thinking, innovative, and committed to delivering excellence at every touchpoint,” said Mr. Rohit Katyal, Chairman, Capacit’e Infraprojects. “We wanted to ensure that our digital platform matches the quality of the work we do on the ground, and we believe this new design achieves that. The addition of the Careers page is especially exciting as it allows us to connect with potential team members in a more meaningful and efficient way.”

The revamp is not just about aesthetics—functionality is at the forefront. The intuitive design ensures users can easily navigate through different sections, whether they’re browsing Capacit’e’s project portfolio, reading the latest news updates, or learning more about the company’s future vision. The revamped website is optimized for all devices, ensuring a seamless experience whether accessed via desktop, tablet, or mobile.

Capacit’e Infraprojects invites everyone to explore the new website and provide feedback. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we’re eager to hear what visitors think about the new look and feel,” the spokesperson added.

Kolkata, 30th September 2024: EIILM-Kolkata, a leading Indian business school, officially launched its Centre for Leadership & Ethics (EKCLE) on Friday, 27th September 2024, at HHI, Kolkata. The launch represents a key milestone in the institute’s efforts to offer globally focused management education. The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEGi University, Malaysia, and included discussions on EKCLE’s vision and upcoming international collaborations. Agreements have already been inked with AICPA & CIMA, upGrad and the University of South Florida, USA for diverse course programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These courses were launched at the event as well. Prominent dignitaries, including Ms. Stella Lau Kah Wai, Managing Director–Group Operations, Globalisation & Digitalisation of SEGi University, Malaysia; Prof. (Dr.) Srikumar Chakravarthi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) & Head of Innovation & New Revenues, SEGi University, Malaysia; Ajay Lalwani, Country Manager of AICPA & CIMA, India; Ms. Tasneem Kapasi, National Manager, Markets, AICPA & CIMA, India; Mr. Sumit Sharma, Director, upGrad; Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, EIILM-Kolkata and Mr. S.K. Dutt, Principal Advisor & Mentor, EIILM-Kolkata attended the ceremony, highlighting the centre’s emphasis on building global partnerships.

EIILM-Kolkata’s Chairman and Director, Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, an edupreneur, senior academician and leader of Vedic wisdom, envisioned EIILM-Kolkata Centre for Leadership & Ethics as not just a seat of management studies but more importantly, a place where the sharpest young minds of our society would learn to harmonise the intrinsic principles of life with the art and science of management.

The Centre for Leadership & Ethics (EKCLE) offers a range of programs in collaboration with top global institutions, including SEGi University, Malaysia, AICPA & CIMA, upGrad and the University of South Florida, USA. Located at the Infinity IT Lagoon in the Electronic Complex of Salt Lake, the centre combines traditional values with modern leadership skills, aiming to equip students with a global perspective while promoting ethical leadership. As part of its holistic educational approach, the centre introduces Mokshanandam: Centre for Blissful Life, focused on stress management. EKCLE offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Management Development Programs (MDPs), corporate training and global seminars, all with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and industry internships.

“It is said that leaders are born through heritage; the future leaders are going to be the prophet of the present and profit of the future, invariably embodying the past. EKCLE is poised to sensitise the intrinsic elements of leadership connecting that with the global past, focusing on the decades and centuries ahead”, said Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, EIILM-Kolkata.