The 6-hour workshop on Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) will provide participants with a hands-on learning experience of Stop Motion animation besides gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of animation and VFX from a seasoned professional. They will also delve into the remarkable VF X campaigns that brought the film Pathaan to life. The workshop scheduled for Wednesday, 31 May 2023, will be held at the Lexicon Institute of Media & Advertising, Wagholi, Pune.

Covering animation fundamentals as an introduction to animation, the workshop will explore diverse animation types, and discusses the significance of animation and VFX in 2023, while analyzing their pros and cons.

The workshop also focuses on teaching the basic techniques of Stop Motion animation thus empowering participants to harness the storytelling potential of this technique. Attendees will learn to create captivating storylines, characters, and plots while effectively managing the planning and organization process. Participants will learn about paying attention to detail and technical proficiency in cameras, lighting, and equipment during the story creation process.

This workshop is specifically designed for individuals who have a passion for creativity and a keen interest in the world of animation and VFX. Students, undergraduate students, graphic designers, character designers, environment artists, VFX artists, and anyone enthusiastic about learning about animation and VFX tools are encouraged to attend. This workshop serves as an opportunity to expand knowledge, acquire new skills, and network with professionals in the industry.

The workshop which covers the captivating realms of animation and VFX is aligned with the 3-Year Program in Animation & Media Studies being offered by the Lexicon Institute of Media and Advertising. The course covers animation, game design, and graphics over 6 semesters. The Institute also offers journalism studies covering print news, broadcast, social media, digital media, mass communications, advertising, and marketing as part of its 2 Year Program in Media Studies. The program which is divided into 4 semesters also has a capstone project to ensure students get experience solving real-world work issues. The Institute also offers a plethora of short certification courses that help learners monetize the host of new professions that have proliferated in the wake of the social media boom.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a complimentary testing session by taking the Agile Neuro Aptitude Test that assesses their multiple intelligence quotient parameters. This evaluation will provide valuable insights into their learning style and innate personality traits, enabling them to make informed career choices aligned with their unique potential.

Participants will also have the opportunity to receive a special coupon code, providing free access to the Lexicon Institute of Media & Advertising Scholarship Exam—a chance to unlock further educational opportunities. Participants need to register at https://lexiconima.com/animationwave/

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CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA: Crunchyroll Games, the interactive division of the global leader in anime, has launched The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden on Windows PC, letting an all-new audience experience the anime RPG based on the hit-light novel and anime, The Eminence in Shadow. Across three platforms, players can dive into the Seven Shadow Chronicles for game-exclusive official story content, build the ideal team and take on the Cult of Diablos. The game is downloadable worldwide on the Official Website and features cross-platform play and progression with Apple Store and Google Play. (*) The game will be available to Indian fans of anime.

Alongside the PC Launch of The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden, the anime RPG will celebrate six months of mastermind players battling wicked cults in the shadows. All-new characters and rewards are available right now! 

• Fashionable and Fatale, Fan-favorite characters Alpha and Gamma are joining the fight sporting an all-new look—Chinese dresses.

• Bolster your team! Each player gets 6000 free Phantasm Gems, which can be used to pull up to 20 characters.

• Experience bonuses for new and returning players! Level up long-time party members or get newcomers up to speed faster than ever.

Game Details:

Title:                The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden

Publisher:      Crunchyroll Games

Developer:    Aiming

Genre:            Japanese RPG

Platforms:     Mobile iOS, Android, Windows PC

Price:              Free (In-App Purchases)

The Eminence in Shadow Series Synopsis

“My name is Shadow. I lurk in the shadow, and hunt the shadow…”

A boy gets reincarnated as the noble house scion Cid Kagenou in a new world. He is neither a protagonist nor a last boss. He hides his powers to blend in with the mob and manipulates the narrative from the shadows. As the self-proclaimed “The eminence in the shadow”, Cid and his secret organization, “Shadow Garden,” work behind the scenes to defeat the dark Cult of Diabolos, which he totally made up. But it turns out that the cult actually exists…!

It’s a triple combo of the strongest hero, an excessive case of eighth-grader syndrome, and a seriocomedy of misunderstanding!

The Eminence in Shadow started as a web novel by Daisuke Aizawa and has gained popularity as a novel currently being published by the Enterbrain brand of KADOKAWA.

(*) The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden is available worldwide ex East Asia, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA: “The 41st Annual AAPI Convention & Scientific Assembly scheduled to be held from July 6th to 9th, 2023 will feature world-renowned leaders in healthcare and academia, who are well known and are sought after around the world for their expertise and knowledge,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).  “The multidisciplinary Continuing Medical Education (CME) during the convention allows specialists and primary care physicians to interact in an academic forum. The speakers at the CME will lead discussions on gaps between the current and best practices on wide-ranging topics,” he added.  

It’s a well-known fact that physicians of Indian origin excel in their respective areas of work and continue to play key roles in patient care, administration, academics, and medical research. In order to cater to its diversity of medical specialties, AAPI continues to use a multi-disciplinary conference format. “The essence of AAPI is educational,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, while describing the purpose of CME said. 

 “The 41st annual AAPI Convention in Philadelphia will provide physicians of Indian origin an opportunity to come together in an atmosphere of collegiality, enabling them to retrace and appreciate their common roots, culture, and bond that unites them as members of this large professional community,” said Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of AAPI BOT.   

According to Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI, “This mission of AAPI translates into numerous CME and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields. CME will provide comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost-effective quality care outcomes. At the end of the activity, it is expected that attendees will gain an understanding of the causation, diagnosis, and best clinical practices for the management of the diverse group of diseases discussed during this program.” 

Led by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, AAPI CME Chair, and Dr. Brahma Sharma, AAPI Convention CME Chair, the CME Committee has Drs. Gunjan Shukla, Sunder Rao, and SACHIN MEHTA as members.  

 “As the Chair of the AAPI CME Committee, I am proud to announce that our program will be providing the highest level talks for AAPI delegates,” said Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. “Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a lineup of speakers and presentations that will provide valuable insights and information to our attendees. We understand the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and best practices in healthcare and beyond, which is why we have chosen speakers who are experts in their fields and who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with our delegates. We hope that our program will inspire and empower our attendees to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”

According to Dr. Brahma Sharma, Chair of AAPI Convention CME Chair, “CME has been a major highlight of AAPI conventions.  This year, our teams’ approach has been holistic and balanced, with sessions focusing on both old and new: bedside and bench side and usual care, in addition to a personalized approach to chronic diseases which have become our nemesis today. The goal is not just to educate about current concepts of chronic disease management but also inform about emerging concepts like Genomics, Gene-editing, and Artificial Intelligence, which play a critical role in managing chronic conditions. AAPI has been fortunate to be able to tap into some of the world’s leading physician-scientists in these areas of Medicine.”

In addition, there is the popular parallel track for Lifestyle Medicine, which touches Mind-Bodyside, making it a wholesome CME session, giving everyone something that they would love. I thank Dr. Ravi Kolli for giving me the opportunity to work with him and his team during the convention. I hope all these will be informative as well as enlightening CME sessions, Dr. Sharma added.

The inaugural CME session on July 6th is being led by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Clinical Professor of Medicine and a Board Certified Hematologist and Oncologist, who will  address the delegates on “Rise of Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer.” Dr. Sujeeth R Punnam, an Interventional, Structural Cardiologist & Certified Cardiac Device Specialist in Stockton, CA will present on: “Update and Long term outcomes on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements.” 

Dr. Prasad Chalasani, an Interventional Cardiologist at the Florida Heart Center and the Chief of Cardiology at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute; Clinical Associate Professor at Florida State University School of Medicine and at Florida, Atlantic University School of Medicine will share insights on “Role of LAA Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation.”  

“Advancing Access to Care through Licensure Portability and Telemedicine” will be the topic addressed by Dr. Humayun Chaudhary, President and CEO of FSMB.  Dr. Vikas Khurana, Program Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education will share his expertise on: “Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South Asian Patients.” 

Chronic Disease: Non-Communicable Diseases is the theme for the CME session on July 7th. Dr. Pradeep Natarajan, Director, of Preventive Cardiology MGH,  Associate Professor Harvard Medical School will lead the day’s sessions by focusing his address on: “Subclinical Atherosclerosis in South Asians: Early Detection and Management.” This will be followed by a session led by Dr. Sunder Rao, Senior Consultant at the Butler Health System MARS PA on: “Role of SGLT2 in Preventing Heart Failure.”  

“Contemporary Approach in Prevention and Management of CKD” is the theme addressed by Dr. Wilcox Christopher, Chief Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Georgetown. Dr. Rajnish Mago, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania will speak about: “Current Concepts in Management of Bipolar Depression.”  

Dr. Surender Neravetla, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, in Ohio, will provide education on the “Role of Diet/Salt in Pathogenesis of Chronic Disease.”

Dr. Indranill Basu Ray, MD Founder and President of the American Academy of Yoga in Medicine will share his insights on: “Yoga/Meditation in Chronic Disease Management.”  

Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Sleep Medicine at UPenn will speak about: “Sleep and Public Health Policy,” while the concluding session for the day will be led by Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy, Adjunct Faculty at the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, Illinois, who will address the delegates on: “Update on Sudden Cardiac Arrests during COVID-19 Pandemic & Cardiac Arrest Registries, with Focus on India.”  

The final day of the convention, July 9th will have “Frontier of Medicine” as the main theme. Dr. Sek Kathieresan, Director of Preventive Cardiology MGH, and Associate Professor, at Harvard Medical School will lead an insightful session on: “Genomics and Gene Editing in Cardiovascular Disease.” Dr. Partho Sengupta, Professor of CV Medicine at the Robertwood Johnson Medical School Rutgers University will share with the delegates: “AI and Cardiovascular Imaging.”  

“Percutaneous Mechanical Support in High-Risk PCI/ Cardiogenic Shock” is the theme addressed by Dr. Jon George, Director of Complex PCI at UPenn Hospital. Dr. BK Kishore, Academician, Innovator, and Entrepreneur, University of Utah Health and ePurines, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah will lead the session on: “Impact of AI on Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy.”  

Lifestyle Medicine Track will be the theme during the concurrent session on July 9th morning. Dr. Nina Vasan at the Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University will inaugurate the Track with her address on: “Mental Health and Social Media.” Dr. Natrajan Rangnathan, Founder and Lead Scientist will share his insights on: “Gut Biome/Dysbiosis and Chronic Inflammation.”  

“Personalized Diabetes Care and Glucose Device Monitoring” is the topic addressed by Dr. Bantwal Baliga, Chief Endocrinology Clinics, Georgia, and the concluding session will be led by Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu, Chair Oncology, NY Presbyterian Hospital, and will focus on: “Prevention and Precision in Cancer.”  

“Giving them a platform to celebrate their accomplishments, the annual convention to be attended by nearly 1,500 physicians of Indian origin, will also provide a forum to renew their professional commitment through continuing medical education activities,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Convenor of AAPI Convention. 

“Physician leaders who will be part of this convention have excelled in different specialties and subspecialties and occupy high positions as faculty members of medical schools, heads of departments, and executives of hospital staff. The AAPI Convention offers an opportunity to meet directly with these physicians who are leaders in their fields and play an integral part in the decision-making process regarding new products and services,” Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, CEO of the Convention said.  

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) represents more than 100,000  Indian American Physicians and reflects the range of physician specialties seen in the physician community at large with 61% in Primary Care, 33% in Medical sub-specialties and 6% in surgical sub-specialties. Medical specialty representation includes pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesiology/pain management, cardiology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, gastroenterology pathology, endocrinology, nephrology, rheumatology along with many other fields. 

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India is introducing the NEXT examination, which is the licensing examination similar to USML in the US, while the UKMLE is starting in the UK in 2024 in the place of PLAB examination.

NMC applied for WFME Recognition status, which is mandatory to apply for the USMLE examination. 694 Medical schools in India with106,083 MBBs admissions a year selected from 2.1 million applicants through the UG NEET examination, one day across India in 3 hours. With the government policy of one medical college for every district to meet the Indian need, medical education has many challenges in the transfer of knowledge and quality.

NBEMS is responsible for NEET PG Entrance Test, which is taken up by more than 200,000 students once a year. India’s Health Minister Mandaviya has said that the government of India is working to equal the number of medical UG and PG seats in 4 years: Post-graduate seats have grown from 34,000 to 64,000 in the last 8 years, the Union Health Minister said in a conference. To overcome the shortage of teachers in medical colleges, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has increased the professor-student ratio from 1:2 to 1:3 for postgraduate (PG) courses in all Medical Colleges from the 2018-19 academic session.

In this context, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has led efforts to help streamline medical education in India to meet the global standards for medical practice around the world. 

AAPI took the lead last month to bring together the leaders of the National Board of Examination in Medical Science (NBEMS) India, the National Board of Examination in Medical Science (NBME) USA, and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) on April 27th at the NBME office in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

Dr. Lokesh Edara, BOT-Chair Elect, and Dr. Sumul N. Raval, current Treasurer of AAPI and Secretary-Elect represented AAPI at the meeting. 

NBME was represented by Dr. Peter Katsufrakis; Dr. Mike Jodoin, USMLE Program; Dr. Daniel Jurich, Growth and Innovation, Overview National Board of Examinations; and, Pamela Treves, Senior Vice President of NBME’s Growth and Innovation Division.

Dr. Abhijat Sheth represented NMBE – India. FSMB was represented by Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, President and CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards. 

“Overview National Board of Examinations” was the main theme discussed during the meeting. According to Dr. Lokesh Edara, Chair-Elect of the AAPI Board of Trustees, “AAPI hoped the excellence gained through long-term vision, insight and hard work with both organizations and exchange of ideas and challenges will benefit the medical education system in India and help tens of thousands of medical graduates coming from India to have recognition in the US.”

He urged Dr. Sheth to increase family medicine PG seats and nationalized formative assessment tests in theory part for all postgraduates and for post-graduate exit theory examination suggested computerized online test. Nationwide E-Learning Systems for higher transfer of Knowledge in Medical Education

Dr. Raval said, “In order for us to meet the unprecedented demand and to bring up the quality of education, the Indian medical education system is changing rapidly. The meeting today was a great beginning to facilitate collaborative efforts between India and the United States.”

Dr. Sheth presented the NBEMS mission and PG NEET examination, FMGE examination, and more than 50 specialties for postgraduate and super specialties courses they are conducting and graduating. He invited all the participants at the meeting to their office in New Delhi during their next visit to India. AAPI leaders invited the leadership of these regulatory groups to the AAPI annual convention in Philadelphia in July 2023 and to the AAPI Global Healthcare Summit meeting in New Delhi in January 2024.

Dr. Katsufrakis provided an update on the NBME history and current examination system.  Dr. Katsufrakis is a board-certified Family Physician, whose professional focus has been to improve the quality of care provided to patients through effective assessment of healthcare professionals, and is leading the NBME to grow as an ally in helping health professionals maximize their mastery and performance.

Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, President and CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), which was founded in 1912 and represents all 70 of the nation’s state and territorial medical licensing boards, represented FSMB at the meeting. FSMB operates the Federation Credentials Verification Service and co-manages the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) with the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Michael Jodoin is the Senior Vice President for Customer and Portfolio Management at NBME. In this role, he is accountable for the strategic and operational leadership of NBME’s portfolio of products and services and the customers and stakeholders that we serve.

Daniel Jurich serves as associate vice president for the USMLE® program. In this role, he leads and supports various validity, equity, and security initiatives that enhance the quality of USMLE for students, medical educators, clinicians, and licensing authority members.

Pamela Treves is the Senior Vice President of NBME’s Growth and Innovation Division. This division supports the organization’s strategic goals and vision by providing leadership to accelerate the pace of change and innovation for our products and services – in collaboration with medical education and health care to better support learners, advance assessment, and improve the care that patients receive.

Dr. Abhijat Sheth, President, of the National Board of Examinations, since 2016 completed his post-graduation in Cardiothoracic Surgery from Sheth KM School of Postgraduate Medicine and Research, Ahmedabad. He extensively worked as an academician at various medical colleges in India.  He worked in SMT NHL Medical College while in the UK, worked in four NHS Trust Hospitals, and was the Director of Medical Services at Apollo Hospitals International LTD, Ahmedabad in India.

Dr. Lokesh Edara, board certified in Allergy and immunology in Private practice since 1990, is a former President of the Michigan Allergy Asthma Society and former President of Calhoun County Medical Society. He serves as the President of the Association of Allergists and Immunologists from India 2001-2003. He is the Chairmen of AAPI Global Medical Education and Chairmen-Elect of AAPI Board of Trustees 2023-2024. 

A board-certified neurologist and authority on brain tumors, Dr. Sumul N. Raval is one of the few neuro-oncologists in private practice in the United States. Dr. Raval is the founder and director of the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center – New Jersey’s first and most comprehensive facility specializing in brain tumors. He was recently elected as the Secretary of AAPI for the year, 2023-2024.

Expressing appreciation for Dr. Edara and Dr. Raval for taking the lead in facilitating interaction and dialogue between the Medical Education Boards of India and the United States, Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI said, “Since its inception over four decades ago, AAPI has been in the forefront advocating for medical school education reform and for the medical graduates from India to be treated on par with their counterparts in India. India is already leading the global pharmaceutical industry, and rebooting medical education will help India enter the league of leaders in healthcare around the world. The meeting today was a great start, and I look forward to AAPI continuing to lead such efforts in the coming years benefitting the medical fraternity.”

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NEW DELHI: BI WORLDWIDE, a global leader in loyalty and engagement solutions, conducted the first-of-its-kind research, in association with KANTAR, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company, to analyze what inspires, engages, and motivates channel partners in India. The aim was to leverage insights from the research to create robust and reliable tools for brands to understand, measure, and strengthen their channel partner relationships.

BI WORLDWIDE and KANTAR unveiled this unique and in-depth research at a virtual launch, along with inspiring loyalty and engagement domain leaders, market research consultants, and industry stalwarts. The research focuses on channel partners’ perspectives to highlight key drivers of engagement, the impact of rewards, a research-based framework to measure engagement, and the new-age communication preferences of channel partners.

Speaking about the research, Mr. Siddharth Reddy, Managing Director, BI WORLDWIDE India stated, “BI WORLDWIDE India commissioned KANTAR to pioneer a first-ever, in-depth research in the loyalty marketing industry, conducted at this scale. The research brings focus to a holistic relationship between brands and channel partners. Together, we endeavored to identify the factors that affect channel partner engagement and developed a framework that enables brands to measure and optimize engagement.”

Likewise, Mr. Biswapriya Bhattacharjee, Director, B2B & Technology, Insights Division, KANTAR India stated, “The research is truly one-of-its-kind and delves deep into channel partners’ mindset to understand what inspires and motivates them to give their best. Brands can design results-oriented channel loyalty programs when informed by insights from methodical and scientific research. KANTAR is delighted to have partnered with BI WORLDWIDE India to bring together a plethora of such data-backed insights and perspectives on secrets to win over channel partners.”

Research Approach

Through in-depth interactions and scientific processes, the research analyzed the behavioral patterns of 700+ channel partners across six prominent industries in India – Agriculture, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, FMCG, Oil & Gas, and Building & Construction. Around 69% of these channel partners were distributors and retailers, while 31% were influencers, including skilled workers, such as electricians, plumbers, painters, mechanics, and daily wagers.

Commenting on the distinctive research, Mr. Sukesh Jain, CEO, of BI WORLDWIDE India stated, “We manage channel loyalty programs for some of the leading global and Indian multi-national trade brands and provide them with proven and results-oriented solutions. BI WORLDWIDE’s channel partner engagement research not only provides insights on strengthening brand-channel partner relationships but also helps clients and other brands measure engagement through a research-based model and solution framework. We believe in turning inspiration into real business results, and the outcomes of this in-depth research help cultivate meaningful, profitable, and lasting channel partner relationships, driving larger market share and in turn, consistent revenue growth for brands.”

Key Research Takeaways – Agriculture Industry

The research analyzed behavioral patterns of 105 channel partners from the Agriculture industry in India, out of a total sample size of 700+ channel partners. It uncovers key statistics and insights that Agriculture brands should consider when designing and implementing their channel loyalty and engagement programs to drive better ROI:

• A staggering 78% of channel partners in the Agriculture industry are not engaged. Out of this, 69% of the channel partners are ‘Trapped’, 2% are ‘Vulnerable’ and 7% are ‘Unattached’.
• Operational Excellence, Rewards & Incentives, and Learning are the top drivers of engagement for the Agriculture industry. The other influential drivers are Recognition, Affinity towards the Brand, Communication, Well-being, and Events. However, focusing holistically on all 8 drivers will help Agriculture brands foster strong and profitable channel partner relationships.
• Agriculture brands can maximize channel partner engagement using BI WORLDWIDE and KANTAR’s jointly developed, IBC (Invest, Build, and Consider) solution framework.
• 50% of channel partners in the Agriculture industry prefer receiving business communication through app-based messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp and 46% use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Overall Research Findings

• A whopping 78% of channel partners in India are not engaged.
• Brands can measure the strength of channel partner engagement, leveraging BI WORLDWIDE’s unique model, developed in consultation with KANTAR, called the Affection Matrix.
• 68% of channel partners are extremely satisfied with travel-based rewards, followed closely by luxury rewards at 66%, and business infrastructure-related rewards at 64%.
• A brand’s best bet is to invest in a strategic mix of rewards that covers the entire efficacy scale – transactional, functional, and aspirational – to amplify channel partners’ loyalty.
• Voice, Messengers, and Apps are the mediums to consider while developing channel partners’ communication strategies.

The research deep dives into channel partners’ expectations and equips brands with models to optimize their channel loyalty programs in a complex and layered market like India.

The post A staggering 78% of channel partners in the Agriculture industry in India are not engaged as per BI WORLDWIDE and KANTAR’s Channel Partner Engagement Research 2023 appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Gera Developments, pioneers of the real estate business and the award-winning creators of premium residential and commercial projects in Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, and California, has announced the appointment of Gulzar Malhotra, as its Chief Executive Officer. For the first time in its 52 years of operations, Gera Developments has hired a professional CEO to improve the drive of the company’s operations with a continued focus on a customer-centric approach. This is a big move considering that the company is at an inflection point of witnessing exponential growth in the Pune realty market and transformational changes within the organization. Gulzar Malhotra will report to Rohit Gera, Managing Director, Gera Developments.  

Commenting on the CEO appointment, Mr. Rohit Gera, Managing Director of Gera Developments, said, “We are excited to welcome Gulzar Malhotra as our first CEO. Mr. Malhotra brings with him a wealth of experience in the real estate industry, having previously held leadership positions in several prestigious companies. Gulzar’s comprehensive understanding of the development value chain, from project feasibility to construction management and sales, real estate advisory & valuation positions him well to steer Gera Development to scale greater heights. It is a milestone for any family business when the mantle is handed over to a non-family member to take the business to greater heights. I am confident that his strategic approach, coupled with his ability to motivate and communicate, will contribute significantly to our continued growth and success. I wish him all the best as he embarks on this journey of steering the company to create a sustainable business with sales and profit growth and value for all stakeholders in the coming decade.”

“I am delighted to join Gera Developments which has been at the forefront of driving innovation in the real estate industry for over five decades,” said Gulzar Malhotra, the company’s newly appointed CEO. “It’s an honor to get an opportunity to lead this exceptional team, which has augmented Mr. Rohit Gera’s vision over the years. I look forward to building upon Gera Developments’ brand philosophy of Let’s Outdo whilst embracing the company’s core value of always putting the customer first. Collectively, we shall continue to innovate, create and deliver quality with a focus on trust and transparency. Over the years, integration of technology across the development value chain has helped us in redefining real estate industry standards and we shall continue to improvise on the same to create bespoke spaces which enhance our customer’s living experience.”

With over two decades of experience across the entire real estate value chain from concept to delivery, Gulzar Malhotra brings a wealth of knowledge of development, finance, risk management & advisory across asset classes. As a part of the senior management of various national & multinational organizations, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills & business acumen. His understanding of real estate & methodical approach to development has aided in devising & implementing efficient organizational systems and processes which have optimized project evaluation, cash flow management, sales & marketing, construction planning, and resource management.

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Fans can look forward to an enchanting night as the Gipsy Kings bring their dynamic stage presence and unparalleled musical talent. This live performance promises to transport the audience into a realm of rhythm, passion, and joy, leaving them with an indelible experience.

Puneites get ready for an electrifying concert. Book your tickets now!

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Date: Wednesday, 31^st May

Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Pune

Time: 7:30 pm Onwards

Tickets available at – https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/gipsy-kings-live/ET00357437

The post Grammy award winners The Gipsy Kings to deliver electrifying live performance at Phoenix Marketcity Pune appeared first on NRI News.

Prepare to be dazzled by a lineup of talented clowns, each bringing their own distinctive style and skills to the stage. From mesmerizing juggling acts to hilarious slapstick comedy routines, the performances will showcase the artistry and versatility of these entertaining individuals. Filled with loads of fun, comedy, magic, and entertainment, the festival will be an exciting watch for children and families. The show is sure to wow the audience and promises to give an experience of the age-old art of jesting.

Brace yourself for a lifetime of comedy in one hour only at Phoenix Marketcity! So, have you booked your tickets yet?

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Date: Sunday, 28^th May

Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Pune

Time: 5:00 pm Onwards

Tickets available at – https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/phoenix-clown-fest-2-0/ET00359521

The post A clown show by Flubber and friends at Phoenix Marketcity Pune appeared first on NRI News.

Enjoy a night of melodies with a band concert with young artists from all over India who will be performing at this event which is conceptualized by Dr. Saleel Kulkarni. Tale of Melodies, with their distinctive sound and exceptional musicianship, will present the show in 3 phases. The 1st phase is the black & white era in which we present Elvis Presley, the Beatles to Hridyanathji Mangeskar, and Hemant Kumar. They will also present the 1980s to 1990’s Era in which we presented R·D Burman, Brad Adams upto the latest song of Taylor Swift and a few original songs of Shubhankar. The band is led by singer ShubhanKar Kulkarni who has been a popular singer for his songs for kids & has won the play award for Playback Singer.  He will be accompanied by Jay Suryavanshi on Piano, Arushi Pandkar on Base Guitar, Saransh Shukla on guitar & Ria Umrani on vocals and the show to be anchored by Suhani Dhadphale.

Join us at Phoenix Marketcity for an evening of captivating melodies and musical enchantment as Tale of Melodies showcases their extraordinary talent and leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

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Date: Saturday, 27^th May

Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Pune

Time: 7:30 pm Onwards

Entry Free

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He has rich experience in academia & Industry for more than three decades. He has served in the Indian Air Force for a decade and later transformed himself into a successful Corporate leader in ITES & Telecom sectors. He has been an academician for the last 15 years. His areas of teaching interest are Marketing, Retail, Customer Services, and Strategy. He follows, comments, and writes on International Relations, Geopolitics & Environment, Social, Governance, and Sustainability issues.

1. How Indian veteran diplomats can drive collaboration with India to put our nation in the global leadership avenue.

I would say that veteran diplomats are a powerhouse of knowledge about the countries they have served in. Their collective experience and wisdom can be exploited to usher India into strategic global leadership. They can be part of International regional think tanks and be ex-officio advisors to government agencies.

Strategically, they can be facilitators in driving economic, trade & political collaborations, especially if they have recently retired. Tactically, they know the tricks of the trade and the right levers in the power structure of those countries.

I know a few veteran diplomats through LinkedIn who are Fellows of different foundations and publish their articles on different geopolitical issues and incidents. I have observed that their geopolitical perspectives are very crisp and clear (as most of them write about the countries they have served before). Also, because they have dealt with the who’s who of those nation-states, the veteran diplomats may be still effective to get the support that India might need. Additionally, veteran diplomats can train and equip budding IFS cadre in handling strategic and tactical geopolitical issues as trainers/mentors.

2. Opportunities that come to India with the G20 Presidentship.

With 20 member countries on one platform, from the USA in the west to Japan in the far east, India is served with opportunities abound to position itself as a global leader. For ease of understanding, the G20 members are the US, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, China, Germany, Britain, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Italy, France, and Russia. & European Union (EU).

Additionally, agencies like International Monetary Fund, World Bank, the International Monetary and Financial Committee, and the Development Committee, would also be present.

G20 Presidentship is very opportune from the context of rapidly changing global order and power structure. The current rate of a spat between countries has kept the power pot boiling, with involved countries trying to exert and assert power.

To the world, India is more neutral than being aligned with any power, thus practicing its own independent foreign policy. This enhances the chance of India as G20 President to be heard & taken seriously, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war and the global efforts to diffuse it. India can act as a bridge between West & East by exercising its influence and capabilities.

The good thing is that India understands this and has lapped up this opportunity. India has organized 200+ G20-related meetings in 56 different locations across India. This is a smart tactic to change the perception of India (being an underdeveloped nation and country of snake charmers). By doing so, entire India has showcased to the world its development with regards to people, demography, society, culture, diversity, economy, infrastructure, technology & political maturity as a democratic nation.

India can lead the initiatives and speak to WTO and IMF for low-income groups of nations regarding fair deals in terms of financial assistance, technology support, and lowering of tariffs. This should ideally involve liquidity and relief packages for underdeveloped nations in adopting Sustainable Development Goals.

The world knows how effectively India has led the world in handling COVID-19. India can lead the world by providing seamless technology integration with healthcare systems. This will reinforce India’s leadership.

3. Indo-American collaboration a legacy snapshot and why it is emerging ahead

India’s relations with the US have been tumults, stretching from World War II till now. Of course, it has been primarily governed by the situations and respective national interests. As a reward to India by providing its land for the main American air base to the US in fighting Japan, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, proposed for India’s independence which Churchill rejected. That was in 1945. This decade was marked by the US administration wanting to have India on its side, mainly to counter growing Communist China, but Nehru’s policy of non-Alignment was taken negatively by the US. Despite American advice not to recognize communism in China, India rejected it.

During the Presidency of John F. Kennedy in 1961–63, India was considered a strategic partner to counter the rise of Communism in China. Kennedy felt that if India did not develop and grew faster, it would be construed that the only road to development was the communist way. That’s the reason the US supported India in the India-China War of 1962.

India – US relations took a beating after the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese, which the US condemned but India did not care. Nixon administration brought in a tectonic shift towards Pakistan to counter India – USSR relationship. So much so, that the US sent its warship to support Pakistan during India Pakistan war of 1971.

During Vajpayee’s tenure, the US imposed sanctions on India for conducting a nuclear test. But between 2004 to 2014 India – US relations strengthened. In fact, the George W. Bush administration is known as the most pro-India.

Since 2014, India–US relations have significantly improved during the Prime Ministership of Narendra Modi, with a focus on cultural, strategic, military, and economic relationships. Both countries have identified areas of collaboration like healthcare, people-to-people contact, climate change, emerging technologies, space, defense, earth and ocean science, critical minerals, smart agriculture, bioeconomy, and 6G technologies.

In the current geopolitical context, India has emerged as a formidable strategic partner to the US. India is a part of the Quad Force and leading the way towards a new global order, with the common objective of containing the growing hegemony of China with its neighbors and in the South China Sea.

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