Latest news with #VarunJain
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Oyo to expand to 300 cities by FY26, eyes doubling booking revenue
IPO-bound global travel tech platform Oyo on Friday said it plans to accelerate company-serviced hotel expansion in FY26. It expects to double the booking revenue from its company-serviced properties from 22 to 44 per cent in this period, while also increasing its presence from 124 cities to over 300 cities across India. Currently, the platform has more than 1,300 company-serviced hotels in the country, including Townhouse, Capital O, Palette and Townhouse Oak-branded hotels, the popular mid-segment brands for the company. It is eyeing 1,800 company-serviced hotels by FY26, compared to around 900 in FY25. Oyo is focusing on leisure cities, pilgrimage destinations and business corridors, where demand remains strong for expansion. A few cities in the pipeline include Mohali, Faridabad and Jalandhar in the north; Cuttack, Asansol and Darjeeling in the east; Mangalore, Kollam, Port Blair and Kasaragod in the south; and Bhilwara, Vapi, Junagarh and Jalgaon in the west, the company added. Speaking on the expansion plan, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer of the company, said: 'The programme is in line with Oyo's strategic focus for 2025 for the India market, which aims to drive profitability by enhancing the overall guest experience. These hotels record a higher customer rating of 4.6, compared to the overall average of 4.0. The occupancy rate of these hotels is also 2.7 times higher than other hotels. Their consistent focus on quality service also drives a repeat customer rate that is 1.3 times higher than the rest. The superior ratings reflect better service standards, well-maintained facilities and a seamless guest experience, which results in stronger guest loyalty and repeat stays in our hotels.' Oyo initially introduced company-serviced hotels in FY23. During that period, they contributed less than 2 per cent of its booking revenue.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Woman power leads peaceful eviction of forest encroachment
Raipur: Frontline women forest and police personnel have led an operation to clear nearly 60.7 hectares of encroached forest land in the Indagaon buffer range of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR). Joint teams from USTR, Gariaband and Dhamtari forest divisions and Gariaband police carried out the mission as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal settlements from wildlife protected areas. Preliminary offence reports (POR) were registered in 2021 and 2023 under Wild Life (Protection) Act and Indian Forest Act. Showcause notices were issued to the encroachers in June 2023, asking them to provide proof of possession of the forest land. The encroachers failed to submit any valid proof, and their claims for forest rights were rejected by the Forest Rights Committee. Investigations of the PORs, supported by satellite imagery from ISRO revealed that the encroachments occurred after 2008, as clearly indicated by changes in forest canopy cover. The entire eviction process was peaceful. Local villagers from Pipalkhunta and Kandsar also extended their support. Encroachers were permitted to take their personal belongings. Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain said that over the past three years, the reserve team has removed 750 hectares of encroachments from core and buffer zones, creating inviolate spaces for wildlife. He added that these anti-poaching and anti-encroachment operations have contributed to a reduction in man-animal conflict within the reserve, facilitating coexistence between the 110 villages in the area & its wildlife population. Jain also mentioned that Supreme Court, in the case of TN Godavarman vs Union of India had issued directions to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary (as it was then known) to remove encroachments from wildlife habitats and strive to reduce human-wildlife conflicts to ensure wildlife protection. Frontline staff present during the operation included rangers Pratibha Meshram and Ramshila Dhruw, forest guards Rinki Joshi, Gunja Dhruw, Tikeshwari Sahu, Manisha Netam, Jankibai, Banita Yadav, Indumati Chauhan, Saraswati Sahu and Bhumika Sahu, along with members of the forest management committee from Pipalkhunta village. Raipur: Frontline women forest and police personnel have led an operation to clear nearly 60.7 hectares of encroached forest land in the Indagaon buffer range of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR). Joint teams from USTR, Gariaband and Dhamtari forest divisions and Gariaband police carried out the mission as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal settlements from wildlife protected areas. Preliminary offence reports (POR) were registered in 2021 and 2023 under Wild Life (Protection) Act and Indian Forest Act. Showcause notices were issued to the encroachers in June 2023, asking them to provide proof of possession of the forest land. The encroachers failed to submit any valid proof, and their claims for forest rights were rejected by the Forest Rights Committee. Investigations of the PORs, supported by satellite imagery from ISRO revealed that the encroachments occurred after 2008, as clearly indicated by changes in forest canopy cover. The entire eviction process was peaceful. Local villagers from Pipalkhunta and Kandsar also extended their support. Encroachers were permitted to take their personal belongings. Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain said that over the past three years, the reserve team has removed 750 hectares of encroachments from core and buffer zones, creating inviolate spaces for wildlife. He added that these anti-poaching and anti-encroachment operations have contributed to a reduction in man-animal conflict within the reserve, facilitating coexistence between the 110 villages in the area & its wildlife population. Jain also mentioned that Supreme Court, in the case of TN Godavarman vs Union of India had issued directions to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary (as it was then known) to remove encroachments from wildlife habitats and strive to reduce human-wildlife conflicts to ensure wildlife protection. Frontline staff present during the operation included rangers Pratibha Meshram and Ramshila Dhruw, forest guards Rinki Joshi, Gunja Dhruw, Tikeshwari Sahu, Manisha Netam, Jankibai, Banita Yadav, Indumati Chauhan, Saraswati Sahu and Bhumika Sahu, along with members of the forest management committee from Pipalkhunta village.
Khaleej Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE educators voice concern as Trump visa ban threatens future of foreign students
The move by US President Donald Trump's administration to halt new visa interviews for students has triggered widespread concern within academic communities worldwide, with educators in the UAE leading calls to uphold academic freedom and promote international collaboration in education. According to reports, the US has instructed its embassies to suspend scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. The State Department is also preparing to expand social media vetting of foreign students. Earlier, the Trump administration also barred Harvard University from enrolling international students — a policy that potentially threatens the dreams and futures of thousands of aspiring scholars worldwide. Meanwhile, numerous students and professors at Harvard University came out in support of foreign students and protested Trump's attempts to withdraw funding from the university. Undermining intellectually rich environment Many regional academicians and education consultants emphasised the damaging consequences of such policies — not just for students, but for institutions, local and global academia as a whole. Highlighting the economic and academic value international students bring to US campuses, Varun Jain, CEO, UniHawk said, 'Harvard is home to over 10,000 international students who contribute significantly to the university's revenue and academic diversity. A ban on admitting international students would not only affect financial stability but also undermine the competitive and intellectually rich environment that they help foster. "The core mission of academia and university collaborations has always been to enhance the education system and promote global outreach by providing access to all. Such a restriction contradicts the very ideology of 'education without borders' putting at risk the progress made in building inclusive and globally connected learning communities.' Others note a shift in student mindset — as learners explore broader opportunities beyond the traditional Ivy League route. Rema Menon Vellat, Director at Counselling Point Training and Development, said, "Students are now looking at other options, not just the Ivy leagues. Many are also exploring other education destinations. I am disheartened by this move because many students have worked really hard to attain places in such selective institutions." School leaders across the UAE echoed concerns over the politicisation of academic access, reinforcing the need for openness and diversity in education. Simon Crane, Head Master at Brighton College Dubai, said, 'Policies that restrict access to education based on nationality are deeply concerning. They undermine the very essence of academia, which thrives on openness, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas. The global academic community is interconnected — when opportunities are closed off in one part of the world, it weakens the whole system.' Crane further underlined the UAE's strong positioning as an international education hub, rich in diversity and ambition. "In our school and across many schools in the UAE, we value and celebrate the diversity that defines our communities — our school alone brings together 77 nationalities. The UAE has positioned itself as a forward-thinking hub for international education, and we're proud to be part of that.' 'We can continue to strengthen partnerships with universities and schools around the world, promoting exchange programmes, collaborative research, and shared curriculum development. Our Sixth Form and Upper Sixth pupils benefit from comprehensive university guidance that supports applications to top institutions globally, including Ivy League US universities such as Harvard, Yale and Brown,' he added. Industry professionals believe the UAE is well-placed to benefit from these global shifts, provided there is continued investment in academic support systems. 'As indicated by KHDA stats, there is already a 20 per cent increase in students studying here (at universities). We will know the exact figures after September. Furthermore, with the government's initiative of granting golden visas for high academic performance, will also help retain talented minds,' added Menon. Beyond policies and permissions, many also credit the UAE's reputation for safety and stability as key factors drawing international students. Chris Goodbourn, Director, GEMS for Life, said, 'We recognise the importance of global academic collaboration and the pivotal role international study plays in shaping well-rounded, future-ready graduates. We are proud that our students have successfully progressed to leading universities around the world, including Ivy League institutions, which continue to represent academic excellence for many families.' Educators also observe a diversification in students' global preferences, with more graduates now setting their sights on Europe, other parts of Asia, and the UAE itself. Goodbourn added, 'This shift reflects a growing emphasis among students and families on long-term stability, value for investment, and the ability to make flexible, well-informed decisions about their future. Over the past few years, approximately 11 per cent of GEMS Education graduates have gone on to study in the United States, drawn by the country's renowned institutions and broad academic offerings. While interest remains, students are increasingly exploring a wider range of global options and keeping pathways open until they feel confident in the overall value and clarity of the post-study experience.'
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Tiger spotted in Chhattisgarh's Udanti Sitanadi Reserve
RAIPUR: A tiger was spotted in trap cameras on 24 May in Chhattisgarh's Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) during the ongoing wildlife census. The team had been tracking the tiger's movement since April, when its pugmarks were first sighted in the Reserve. USTR Deputy Director Varun Jain stated that the tiger's pictures will be sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Tiger Cell. This is to establish the tiger's identity by matching its unique stripe pattern with the national database of tigers. Earlier in October 2022, a tiger captured in USTR camera traps was identified as having travelled from Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana. 'We will get the details about the tiger from the NTCA's Tiger Cell after matching its stripe pattern, which is unique to each individual,' Jain said. Jain added that current census data and trap camera images show a significant increase in the Reserve's herbivore population. He also noted that the construction of new ponds and soil-moisture conservation efforts in the Reserve might be reasons for the tiger remaining there during summer. The tracking team is working to identify the tiger's territory through sign surveys and GIS mapping. The USTR team is also alerting villagers and securing the Reserve to ensure a safe habitat for the tiger. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Separately, the Anti-Poaching Squad intercepted and arrested an accused for poaching a monitor lizard on the morning of 24 May. A thermal drone has been deployed for night surveillance. The team is monitoring the tiger's movement to prevent human-animal conflict and is fast-tracking compensation cases for cattle loss. The team is also tracking three elephant herds, comprising around 30 elephants, and alerting villagers about their movement.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Camera trap images show flourishing wildlife: USTR amid conservation push
Raipur: Recent camera trap images from Chhattisgarh's Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) have captured a promising resurgence in wildlife activity, showing extensive use of the forest by carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores alike. USTR administration said that despite the existence of over 100 villages in its core and buffer zones, the reserve is emerging as a conservation success story, with focused efforts on habitat restoration, anti-poaching operations, and community engagement. Spanning 1,852 square kilometres across Dhamtari and Gariaband districts, USTR is not only an ecological haven but also the origin of the Mahanadi, Sitanadi, and Udanti rivers, which are vital to Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Its dense forests act as a natural sponge, storing rainwater and supporting both wildlife and agriculture. USTR also serves as a crucial tiger corridor linking Maharashtra's Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh's Indravati Tiger Reserve with Odisha's Sunabeda Sanctuary. USTR deputy director Varun Jain said the reserve, once plagued by poaching, encroachment, and illegal logging, saw a significant transformation. Recent images and surveys show increased sightings of tigers, leopards, elephants, and sloth bears—indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Anti-poaching efforts intensified with support from the Cyber Cells of Gariaband and Dhamtari police, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and CRPF patrols, especially in areas affected by Maoism. These efforts enhanced protection across state borders, particularly in corridors connecting Odisha and Maharashtra. Community involvement played a pivotal role. Through 'Charwaha Sammelans' and the granting of community forest resource rights, the administration said that it is building trust with local villagers, many of whom are now active partners in preventing illegal logging, poaching, and forest fires. The 'Elephant Alert App', developed to warn locals and track elephant movements, has been instrumental in reducing conflict, officials said, especially as two herds from Odisha—comprising about 40 elephants—now spend 70% of their time within USTR boundaries. This shift is said to have reduced crop raids in neighbouring districts such as Gariaband, Dhamtari, and Kanker. Sloth bears and leopards also thrive in the mountainous terrain, with its abundance of caves and seasonal food sources like termite mounds, tendu fruits, and beehives. "These protection measures also attracted a tiger from the corridor, which we are currently tracking through pugmarks. Earlier in 2018, the chital and Nilgai density was around 1 per sq km per species, which is expected to rise to 4-5 per sq km. Census is ongoing. Moreover, spotting of barking deer and gaurs has also increased," Jain said.
