Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Hyatt India Launches Exclusive Member Day Offer For World Of Hyatt Loyalty Program Members Exclusive 18% Savings


Hyatt announced today the launch of its highly anticipated Member Day offer in India and Southwest Asia, an exclusive benefit for World of Hyatt loyalty program members. This limited-time offer delivers exceptional savings and Bonus Points while members enjoy a premium travel experience with Hyatt — making every journey more rewarding. 

Starting July 18, 2025, through December 18, 2025, World of Hyatt members can enjoy an exclusive 18% off when they book on the 18th of any month at participating Hyatt hotels across India and Southwest Asia, for stays completed within 30 days of booking. Members will also be rewarded with double Bonus Points and complimentary breakfast for two.

 

"Everything we do is rooted in caring for our members. This exclusive offer allows members to save on trips while enjoying unforgettable stays and enriching experiences at our properties across India and Southwest Asia." said Kadmbini Mittal, RVP – Commercial, India & Southwest Asia at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

 

The Member Day offer is part of Hyatt's ongoing efforts to provide members with more value, flexibility, and personalized experiences.

 

To take advantage of the Member Day offer, World of Hyatt members can book their stay on hyatt.com or through the World of Hyatt app. Non-members can join the World of Hyatt loyalty program for free and start enjoying exclusive benefits, including the Member Day offer.

 

For more information on the Member Day offer and to book your stay, please visit hyatt.com/swamembersday  

 

About World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt is Hyatt’s award-winning guest loyalty program uniting participating locations in Hyatt’s Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, and me and all hotels; the Inclusive Portfolio, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Lifestyle Portfolio brands The Standard®, The StandardX and Bunkhouse® Hotels will participate in World of Hyatt in the future. Members who book directly through Hyatt channels can enjoy personalized care and access to distinct benefits including Guest of Honor, confirmed suite upgrades at time of booking, diverse wellbeing offerings, digital key, and exclusive member rates. With 56 million members and counting, World of Hyatt offers a variety of ways to earn and redeem points for hotel stays, dining and spa services, wellbeing focused experiences through the FIND platform; as well as the benefits of Hyatt’s strategic loyalty collaboration with American Airlines AAdvantage®. Travelers can enroll for free at hyatt.com, download the World of Hyatt app for android and IOS devices and connect with World of Hyatt on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

  

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2025, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com

 

Manipal Hosts Fourth Edition of Manipal Dental Conference- MDC 4.0 – 2025


Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be-University, Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), successfully hosted the fourth edition of the Manipal Dental Conference (MDC 4.0) — an undergraduate scientific meet that has steadily gained prominence since its inception. The two-day event, held on July 14 and 15 at the MCODS, Manipal campus, saw the enthusiastic participation of budding dental professionals from across the country.

Welcoming over 350 delegates from 25 dental colleges across six states, the conference reinforced its reputation as a student-led initiative that seamlessly blends academic excellence with hands-on learning. Despite heavy monsoon showers, participants arrived in Manipal eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant scientific and educational atmosphere.


The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries. Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE (Mangalore campus), presided over the event, while Dr. Shivsharan Shetty, Karnataka State Representative to the Dental Council of India, attended as the Chief Guest. The conference began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a soulful invocation.


Dr. Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan, Dean, MCODS, Manipal, extended a warm welcome to the gathering, followed by an overview of the conference presented by Dr. Shashi Rashmi Acharya, Associate Dean. In his address, Dr. Shivsharan Shetty emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and continued education in dentistry. Dr. Dilip G. Naik, in his remarks, highlighted MAHE’s strong commitment to fostering a culture of continuous academic growth and innovation.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Nihal Shetty, President of Student’s council, MCODS, Manipal.


The scientific program at MDC 4.0 included seven engaging lectures delivered by renowned experts, covering contemporary topics. Complementing the lectures were a series of academic competitions and five hands-on workshops, which offered practical training in various aspects of Dentistry. A dynamic dental quiz added a competitive edge to the conference, testing students’ theoretical knowledge and critical thinking.


The resounding success of MDC 4.0 reaffirms its place as one of the most awaited student-driven dental conferences in the region. By encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and exposure to cutting-edge advancements, the conference continues to play a vital role in shaping the academic and clinical acumen of undergraduate dental students.


About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Taj Bangalore welcomes Chef R. Deva Kumar as Executive Chef


Taj Bangalore has appointed Chef R. Deva Kumar as its new Executive Chef, marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s culinary journey. With over two decades of experience at renowned hotels, Chef Deva brings global inspiration, deep expertise in regional Indian fare, and a flair for contemporary European cuisine.

Chef Deva Kumar is recognised for shaping distinctive culinary identities and leading the evolution of dining experiences across luxury hotels. He has successfully repositioned restaurants, introduced thoughtfully crafted menus, and led concepts that reflect a strong sense of place. An alumnus of Madras Institute of Hotel Management and City & Guilds London His journey has been marked by industry accolades such as the Times Food Awards and features in The Hindu and Economic Times.

In his new role, Chef Deva will oversee all culinary operations across Taj Bangalore’s signature restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining, with a mission to elevate the guest experience through innovation, consistency, and authenticity.

Mohit Gurnani, General Manager – Taj Bangalore, said: “We are truly excited to welcome Chef Deva Kumar to the Taj Bangalore team. His remarkable talent, leadership, and passion for blending tradition with innovation make him a perfect fit for our culinary vision. We look forward to the fresh and engaging gastronomic experiences he will bring to our guests.”

Chef Deva’s appointment reinforces Taj Bangalore’s dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences and cements its position as a top culinary destination in the region.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

NABARD Celebrates its 44th Foundation Day in Bengaluru


National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 44th Foundation Day on 15th July 2025 at NABARD Tower, Bengaluru. Commemorating over four decades of dedicated service to rural Karnataka. The event was themed “Building Resilient Rural Economies through Youth and Women-led Enterprises in Karnataka,” reflecting NABARD’s focus on empowering youth and women entrepreneurs through inclusive, innovative and sustainable rural development.

The function was graced by the presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Smt. Sonali Sen Gupta, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director, Canara Bank, and other senior officials from State Government,  Chairman, Karnataka Grameen Bank, senior officials from SBI, UBI, PNB, Apex Bank, KSCARDB, SLBC, banking institutions, representatives of SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, and other development stakeholders.

The event commenced with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing a wide array of products from Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, and GI clusters across Karnataka. The exhibits highlighted the entrepreneurial talents of rural women and youth with the support provided by NABARD pursuing its organisational goal to promote local crafts, agro-products, and rural enterprises. The ceremonial proceedings included an invocation, lighting of the traditional lamp, and a welcome address by Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, General Manager, NABARD.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary commended NABARD for its multifaceted developmental interventions in the State. She appreciated NABARD’s contribution to rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and its proactive role in promoting value addition. She highlighted some of the important schemes of Govt. of Karnataka in strengthening women-led enterprises viz., Gruhalakshmi scheme and Shakthi scheme. Stressing the importance of innovation and collaboration, she expressed confidence that NABARD would continue to be a vital partner in Karnataka’s efforts to promote agri-tech start-ups, carbon credit ecosystems, and digital agriculture. She reaffirmed the Government of Karnataka’s support for all current and future initiatives of NABARD aimed at strengthening the rural economy.

Dr. Surendra Babu, Chief General Manager, Karnataka Regional Office, outlined the journey of NABARD since its inception. He briefed the significant achievements of NABARD, Karnataka Regional Office during the financial year 2024–25. He informed that the total business operations in the State reached an all-time high of ₹27,846 crore, which included ₹21,442 crore in refinance assistance to banks and cooperative institutions, ₹4,974 crore in infrastructure finance to the State Government, and ₹1,431 crore in direct refinance to District Central Cooperative Banks. He further announced that NABARD had projected a credit potential of ₹4.46 lakh crore for Karnataka for the financial year 2025–26, aligning closely with SLBC’s Annual Credit Plan of ₹4.38 lakh crore.

He elaborated on the contributions of NABARD to rural infrastructure through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA). Since inception, 41,489 projects have been completed under RIDF in Karnataka, resulting in the creation of irrigation potential for 4.10 lakh hectares, construction of 44,405 kilometres of rural roads, 55,502 meters of bridges, support for 13,480 rural educational institutions, 338 health facilities, and over 800 rural markets, along with several other critical infrastructure components. In 2024–25 alone, over ₹2,408 crore was sanctioned under RIDF and ₹2,516 crore under NIDA.

A major project sanctioned this year was ₹4,500 crore to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for developing industrial parks in the State which are expected to generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for nearly 60,000 rural youth and women.

NABARD’s digital outreach and financial inclusion efforts were also spotlighted. More than 4,200 micro-ATMs were deployed to enhance last-mile banking access. ₹3.08 crore was sanctioned to Karnataka Gramin Bank for connectivity infrastructure in underserved areas. Over 600 Financial and Digital Literacy (FIDGI) programs were conducted to educate rural populations on banking, digital payments, and responsible borrowing. Under the PACS Computerization Project, 2036 out of 5,491 PACS in Karnataka have gone live on a common ERP platform, significantly enhancing operational transparency and service delivery.

A significant moment during the celebrations was the release of a booklet titled “Success Stories of FPOs in Karnataka,” which documents the inspiring journeys of Farmer Producer Organizations across the State. The booklet showcases how small and marginal farmers have successfully come together to access markets, add value to their produce, embrace digital platforms, and establish inclusive and resilient business models.

A poignant film “The NABARD’s Touch – A Lifelong Journey” was released during the event showcased the transformative journey of NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in Karnataka. NABARD has sanctioned over ₹23,000 crore in Karnataka for more than 44,000 projects under RIDF, empowering rural communities through vital infrastructure. The video presented a sweeping visual narrative across the State—from bridges in Joida to modern hospitals in Hassan, check dams in Davanagere to smart classrooms in Dharwad—illustrating how each initiative strengthened livelihoods, connectivity, health, and education.

Shri Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director of Canara Bank, lauded NABARD's commendable efforts in fostering rural development, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure enhancement. He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for NABARD's consistent guidance to banking institutions and affirmed his confidence in its initiatives, which he believes play a vital role in empowering and strengthening rural communities.

In her address, Smt. Sonali Sen Gupta, Regional Director, RBI, applauded NABARD for its focus on inclusive finance, climate resilience, and cooperative banking reforms. She noted the importance of integrating NABARD’s credit planning frameworks with district and state-level strategies to ensure efficient credit delivery.

As part of the celebrations, six exemplary Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from across Karnataka were felicitated for outstanding achievements in turnover, growth, innovation, and grassroots impact.

Best Performing PACS of Karnataka in terms of both business and governance/ compliance viz. Boragoan, Belgavi PACS, Hulgol, North Kanara PACS were felicitated. Further best performing DCCBs, viz. Bellary DCCB, Hassan DCCB & Mandya DCCB were also felicitated on the occasion.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shri P. C. Dash, General Manager, NABARD. NABARD reaffirmed its commitment to work in close partnership with the Government of Karnataka, financial institutions, grassroots organizations, and civil society to realize the vision of a resilient and prosperous rural Karnataka. As the institution enters its 45th year of service, NABARD remains steadfast in its mission to empower rural communities, promote entrepreneurship, and foster inclusive economic transformation across the State.

Jobs and talent are booming in 10 emerging Indian cities outside metros: LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025


  • Vishakhapatnam (#1), Ranchi (#2), Vijayawada (#3), Nashik (#4), Raipur (#5) are this year’s top 5 emerging career hubs 

  • Companies across technology, healthcare, financial services are hiring for engineering, business development roles across these tier-2 and tier-3 cities

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has launched its inaugural Cities on the Rise list, spotlighting the top 10 cities in India where job market momentum and economic opportunity are growing. The list identifies Visakhapatnam (#1), Ranchi (#2), Vijayawada (#3), Nashik (#4), and Raipur (#5) as the fastest growing non-metro hubs where professional opportunity is accelerating. 

Cities on the Rise is LinkedIn’s first location-based ranking powered by exclusive LinkedIn data that captures growth in hiring, job creation, and talent inflows across India.

With over 4 out 5 Indian professionals looking to switch jobs this year, Cities on the Rise offers direction into regions beyond traditional major cities where economic investments are generating employment opportunities. The list highlights emerging tier-2 and tier-3 growth pockets for professionals looking to relocate, tap into new industries, or grow their careers locally. 

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor says, “Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are at the heart of India’s economic transformation. The influx of GCC investments, the local MSME boom, and the government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat are collectively turning smaller cities into serious career hubs. This means, for many Indians, meaningful career progress no longer demands moving to a big city. Because these 10 rising cities offer real opportunities across industries, functions, and roles — right where they are.”

With Tech, Pharma, and Finance companies moving in, tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities are becoming talent magnets

Amidst the boom in data and AI, tech companies like Miracle Software Systems, Inc (Vishakhapatnam), HCLTech (Vijayawada, Madurai), Infosys (Vijayawada), Datamatics (Nashik), Bull IT Services (Madurai), among others are setting up shop across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, fueling local talent activity. Healthcare & pharma companies like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Laurus Labs Limited, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharma are creating opportunities in Vishakhapatnam and Vadodara; while HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank are accelerating the growth of financial services in Raipur, Agra, and Jodhpur.

Business Development and Engineering functions lead hiring surge in emerging cities

Business Development roles are the top hiring drivers in 6 out of 10 Cities on the Rise, including Nashik, Raipur, Rajkot, Agra, Vadodara, and Jodhpur. For professionals in Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Madurai, most job opportunities are emerging in the Engineering function. Sales, Operations, and Education are other key functions where professionals in tier-2 and tier-3 cities can look for jobs.

The government is building smarter cities to turn hometowns into career hotspots

The Central and state governments’ push to local development is playing a crucial role in the rise of emerging cities, especially for Ranchi (#2) where smart city initiatives are making the capital a go-to for Jharkhand’s professionals, and Rajkot (#6) where urban planning to improve road connectivity is fueling economic growth. Chhattisgarh government’s ambition of ‘Naya Raipur’ is also ramping up investments in the city’s infrastructure. 

Here’s the full list of LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise 2025 for India: 

  1. Visakhapatnam 

  2. Ranchi 

  3. Vijayawada

  4. Nashik 

  5. Raipur

  6. Rajkot 

  7. Agra

  8. Madurai

  9. Vadodara

  10. Jodhpur 

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com.

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