/* ----- RESET & BASE (merged, single version) ----- */
    * {
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
      box-sizing: border-box;
    }
    body {
      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
      background: #f8fafd;
      color: #0B1F3A;
      min-height: 100vh;
      padding-top: 95px;      /* fixed navbar height */
    }

    /* ----- FIXED WHITE NAVBAR (unchanged, solid) ----- */
    .navbar {
      position: fixed;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      width: 100%;
      background: #ffffff;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 30px -8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1), 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02);
      z-index: 1000;
      padding: 0.7rem 2rem;
    }
    .navbar-container {
      max-width: 1400px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: space-between;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }
    .logo img {
      display: block;
      max-height: 90px;
      width: auto;
      object-fit: contain;
      /* background: #e0e5ec; */
      border-radius: 8px;
      padding: 4px 8px;
    }
    .nav-links {
      display: flex;
      gap: 2.5rem;
      margin: 0 1.5rem;
    }
    .nav-links a {
      text-decoration: none;
      font-weight: 500;
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      color: #0B1F3A;
      transition: color 0.2s;
      position: relative;
    }
    .nav-links a:hover {
      color: #FF7A00;
    }
    .nav-links a::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      width: 0;
      height: 2px;
      bottom: -6px;
      left: 0;
      background: #FF7A00;
      transition: width 0.25s ease;
    }
    .nav-links a:hover::after {
      width: 100%;
    }
    .right-group {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 2rem;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      justify-content: flex-end;
    }
    .contact-info {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 1.5rem;
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      font-weight: 500;
    }
    .contact-item {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 0.5rem;
      white-space: nowrap;
      text-decoration: none;
      color: #0B1F3A;
    }
    .contact-item i {
      color: #FF7A00;
      font-size: 1.1rem;
    }
    .contact-item:hover span {
      color: #FF7A00;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }
    .nav-ctas {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 1rem;
    }
    .btn {
      display: inline-block;
      padding: 0.65rem 1.8rem;
      border-radius: 50px;
      font-weight: 600;
      font-size: 1rem;
      text-decoration: none;
      transition: all 0.25s ease;
      border: 2px solid transparent;
      text-align: center;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }
    .btn-outline {
      background: transparent;
      border: 2px solid #FF7A00;
      color: #0B1F3A;
    }
    .btn-outline:hover {
      background: #FF7A00;
      color: #ffffff;
      transform: scale(1.05);
      box-shadow: 0 8px 18px rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.25);
    }
    .btn-primary {
      background: #FF7A00;
      border: 2px solid #FF7A00;
      color: #ffffff;
    }
    .btn-primary:hover {
      background: #e56e00;
      border-color: #e56e00;
      transform: scale(1.05);
      box-shadow: 0 8px 18px rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.35);
    }
    .hamburger {
      display: none;
      background: transparent;
      border: none;
      color: #0B1F3A;
      font-size: 2.4rem;
      line-height: 1;
      cursor: pointer;
      margin-left: 1rem;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }
    .hamburger:hover {
      color: #FF7A00;
    }
    .mobile-menu {
      display: none;
      flex-direction: column;
      background: #ffffff;
      padding: 1.5rem 2rem;
      margin-top: 1rem;
      border-radius: 24px;
      box-shadow: 0 20px 30px -10px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
      border: 1px solid #eaeef5;
      width: 100%;
    }
    .mobile-menu a {
      color: #0B1F3A;
      text-decoration: none;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      padding: 0.9rem 0;
      border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e7f0;
    }
    .mobile-menu a:hover {
      color: #FF7A00;
    }
    .mobile-contact {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 1rem;
      margin-top: 1rem;
      padding-top: 1rem;
      border-top: 2px solid #FF7A0020;
    }
    .mobile-contact .contact-item {
      color: #0B1F3A;
    }
    .mobile-menu.open {
      display: flex;
    }

    /* ----- HERO SLIDESHOW (with dark overlay & enhanced text) ----- */
    .hero-slideshow {
      position: relative;
      min-height: 85vh;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      text-align: center;
      color: white;
      overflow: hidden;
      margin-bottom: 4rem;
    }

    /* slides container */
    .slides-container {
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      z-index: 0;
    }
    .slide {
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      background-size: cover;
      background-position: center 30%;
      background-repeat: no-repeat;
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 1.5s ease-in-out;
    }
    .slide.active {
      opacity: 1;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    /* dark overlay (applied over slides) */
    .hero-overlay {
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      background: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.47); /* darker overlay for better text contrast */
      z-index: 2;
    }

    /* floating badges (stay above overlay) */
    .floating-element {
      position: absolute;
      z-index: 4;
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.15);
      backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
      padding: 0.7rem 1.5rem;
      border-radius: 60px;
      color: white;
      font-weight: 500;
      font-size: 1rem;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
      box-shadow: 0 15px 25px -10px black;
      animation: float 5s infinite alternate;
    }
    .floating-1 { top: 20%; left: 5%; animation-delay: 0s; }
    .floating-2 { bottom: 25%; right: 8%; animation-delay: 1s; }
    .floating-3 { top: 30%; right: 15%; animation-delay: 2s; }

    /* hero content (above overlay) */
    .hero-content-slide {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 5;
      max-width: 900px;
      padding: 2rem;
    }

    .hero-content-slide h1 {
      font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 8vw, 5rem);
      font-weight: 800;
      line-height: 1.2;
      color: white;
      margin-bottom: 1rem;
      text-shadow: 0 5px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.7); /* stronger shadow for readability */
    }

    .hero-content-slide h1 span {
      color: #FF7A00;
      position: relative;
      display: inline-block;
      text-shadow: 0 2px 15px rgba(255,122,0,0.5);
    }
    .hero-content-slide h1 span::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      left: 0;
      bottom: 10px;
      width: 100%;
      height: 12px;
      background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.4);
      z-index: -1;
      border-radius: 6px;
      /* box-shadow: 0 0 15px #FF7A00; */
    }

    .banner-subhead {
      font-size: 1.6rem;
      margin: 1.5rem auto 2.5rem;
      max-width: 700px;
      color: rgba(255,255,255,0.95);
      font-weight: 400;
      text-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.7);
      letter-spacing: 0.5px;
    }

    .hero-buttons {
      display: flex;
      gap: 1.8rem;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .hero-btn-primary {
      background: #FF7A00;
      color: white;
      padding: 1rem 2.8rem;
      border-radius: 60px;
      text-decoration: none;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      border: 2px solid #FF7A00;
      transition: all 0.3s ease;
      box-shadow: 0 15px 25px -8px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
    }
    .hero-btn-primary:hover {
      background: #e56e00;
      border-color: #e56e00;
      transform: translateY(-5px);
      box-shadow: 0 25px 35px -10px #FF7A00;
    }

    .hero-btn-secondary {
      background: transparent;
      color: white;
      padding: 1rem 2.8rem;
      border-radius: 60px;
      text-decoration: none;
      font-weight: 600;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      border: 2px solid white;
      transition: all 0.3s ease;
      backdrop-filter: blur(5px);
      box-shadow: 0 15px 25px -8px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
    }
    .hero-btn-secondary:hover {
      background: white;
      color: #0B1F3A;
      transform: translateY(-5px);
      border-color: white;
      box-shadow: 0 20px 30px -8px rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
    }

    /* slideshow navigation dots (optional) */
    .slide-nav {
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 20px;
      left: 50%;
      transform: translateX(-50%);
      z-index: 6;
      display: flex;
      gap: 12px;
    }
    .dot {
      width: 14px;
      height: 14px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
      cursor: pointer;
      transition: all 0.3s;
      border: 2px solid transparent;
    }
    .dot.active {
      background: #FF7A00;
      transform: scale(1.3);
      border-color: white;
    }
    .dot:hover {
      background: #FF7A00;
    }

    @keyframes float {
      0% { transform: translateY(0px); }
      100% { transform: translateY(-20px) rotate(2deg); }
    }

    /* ----- WHY CHOOSE HERO (second, unchanged) ----- */
    .hero {
      max-width: 1300px;
      margin: 0 auto 5rem;
      padding: 1.5rem 2rem 2.5rem;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 4rem;
      min-height: calc(90vh - 95px);
    }
    .hero-content {
      flex: 1.2;
    }
    .hero-content h1 {
      font-size: 3.2rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      line-height: 1.2;
      color: #0B1F3A;
      margin-bottom: 1rem;
    }
    .hero-content h1 span {
      color: #FF7A00;
      position: relative;
      display: inline-block;
    }
    .hero-content h1 span::after {
      content: '';
      position: absolute;
      left: 0;
      bottom: 8px;
      width: 100%;
      height: 10px;
      background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.15);
      z-index: -1;
    }
    .hero-subhead {
      font-size: 1.3rem;
      color: #1f3a5f;
      margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
      font-weight: 400;
      max-width: 550px;
      border-left: 3px solid #FF7A00;
      padding-left: 1.5rem;
    }
    .feature-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 2rem 2.5rem;
      margin-bottom: 3rem;
    }
    .feature-item {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 1rem;
    }
    .feature-icon {
      background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.1);
      width: 60px;
      height: 60px;
      border-radius: 30px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      font-size: 1.8rem;
      color: #FF7A00;
      transition: 0.25s;
    }
    .feature-item:hover .feature-icon {
      background: #FF7A00;
      color: white;
      transform: scale(1.08) rotate(2deg);
      box-shadow: 0 12px 20px -10px #FF7A00;
    }
    .feature-text h3 {
      font-size: 1.25rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #0B1F3A;
      margin-bottom: 0.2rem;
    }
    .feature-text p {
      color: #4a5f7a;
      font-weight: 400;
      font-size: 0.95rem;
    }
    .hero-cta {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 1rem;
      background: #FF7A00;
      color: white;
      text-decoration: none;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      padding: 1rem 2.8rem;
      border-radius: 50px;
      box-shadow: 0 18px 30px -12px #FF7A00;
      transition: all 0.3s ease;
      border: 2px solid #FF7A00;
      margin-top: 0.5rem;
    }
    .hero-cta i {
      transition: transform 0.3s;
    }
    .hero-cta:hover {
      background: #e56e00;
      border-color: #e56e00;
      box-shadow: 0 25px 35px -12px #e56e00;
      transform: translateY(-4px);
    }
    .hero-cta:hover i {
      transform: translateX(6px);
    }
    .hero-visual {
      flex: 1;
      position: relative;
      min-height: 400px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
    }
    .shape-bg {
      position: absolute;
      width: 380px;
      height: 380px;
      background: linear-gradient(145deg, #FF7A00 0%, #ffa655 100%);
      border-radius: 50%;
      opacity: 0.1;
      z-index: 0;
      top: 20%;
      right: 10%;
    }
    .shape-bg2 {
      position: absolute;
      width: 280px;
      height: 280px;
      background: #0B1F3A;
      border-radius: 40% 60% 70% 30% / 40% 50% 60% 50%;
      opacity: 0.04;
      bottom: 0;
      left: 0;
      z-index: 0;
    }
    .icon-cluster {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
      gap: 2rem;
      width: 100%;
      max-width: 400px;
      transform: rotate(2deg);
    }
    .icon-card {
      background: white;
      backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
      padding: 2rem 1rem;
      border-radius: 35px;
      box-shadow: 0 30px 40px -25px rgba(0,0,0,0.25), 0 0 0 1px rgba(255,122,0,0.2);
      text-align: center;
      transition: all 0.3s;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
    }
    .icon-card:nth-child(odd) {
      transform: translateY(20px);
    }
    .icon-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-10px) scale(1.02);
      box-shadow: 0 40px 50px -20px #FF7A00;
      border-color: #FF7A00;
    }
    .icon-card i {
      font-size: 2.8rem;
      color: #FF7A00;
      margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
    }
    .icon-card h4 {
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      color: #0B1F3A;
    }
    .floating-badge {
      position: absolute;
      background: white;
      padding: 0.6rem 1.4rem;
      border-radius: 60px;
      font-weight: 600;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      box-shadow: 0 15px 25px -10px rgba(11,31,58,0.2);
      border-left: 4px solid #FF7A00;
      z-index: 3;
    }
    .badge-1 {
      top: 10%;
      left: -10%;
      animation: float 4s infinite;
    }
    .badge-2 {
      bottom: 15%;
      right: -5%;
      animation: float 5s infinite reverse;
    }

    /* ----- RESPONSIVE (unified) ----- */
    @media screen and (max-width: 1200px) {
      .right-group { gap: 1.5rem; }
      .contact-info { gap: 1rem; font-size: 0.9rem; }
      .btn { padding: 0.6rem 1.5rem; font-size: 0.95rem; }
    }
    @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) {
      .navbar { padding: 0.7rem 1.5rem; }
      .nav-links { gap: 1.8rem; }
    }
    @media screen and (max-width: 920px) {
      .nav-links { display: none; }
      .hamburger { display: inline-block; }
      .contact-info { gap: 0.8rem; }
    }
    @media screen and (max-width: 720px) {
      .contact-info { display: none; }
      .nav-ctas { gap: 0.5rem; }
      .btn { padding: 0.5rem 1rem; font-size: 0.85rem; }
      .logo img { max-height: 50px; }
    }
    @media screen and (max-width: 600px) {
      .hero { flex-direction: column; text-align: center; gap: 2rem; padding: 1rem; }
      .hero-content h1 { font-size: 2.2rem; }
      .hero-subhead { border-left: none; border-top: 5px solid #FF7A00; padding-left: 0; padding-top: 1rem; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }
      .feature-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.2rem; }
      .feature-item { justify-content: center; }
      .hero-cta { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; }
      .hero-visual { width: 100%; }
      .badge-1 { left: 5%; }
      .badge-2 { right: 5%; }
    }
    @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {
      .navbar { padding: 0.5rem 1rem; }
      .btn-outline span.full-text { display: none; }
      .btn-outline:before { content: "Book"; font-weight: 600; }
      .btn-primary { padding: 0.5rem 1rem; font-size: 0.85rem; }
    }

    .next-section {
      max-width: 1300px;
      margin: 4rem auto;
      padding: 3rem 2rem;
      background: #ffffffd0;
      border-radius: 40px;
      box-shadow: 0 15px 30px -10px rgba(11,31,58,0.1);
      text-align: center;
      color: #0B1F3A;
    }
    .next-section h2 {
      font-size: 2rem;
      font-weight: 600;
    }
 
  /* benefits image cards – self-contained, uses existing design tokens */
  .benefits-image-section {
    max-width: 1300px;
    margin: 5rem auto;
    padding: 3rem 2rem;
    /* background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff 0%, #f9fcff 100%); */
    border-radius: 60px;
    /* box-shadow: 0 30px 50px -20px rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.15); */
    /* border: 1px solid rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.1); */
    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
  }

  .benefits-image-header {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 750px;
    margin: 0 auto 3rem;
  }

  .benefits-image-header h2 {
    font-size: 2.8rem;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    line-height: 1.2;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  .benefits-image-header h2 span {
    color: #FF7A00;
    position: relative;
    display: inline-block;
  }

  .benefits-image-header h2 span::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    left: 0;
    bottom: 8px;
    width: 100%;
    height: 10px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.15);
    z-index: -1;
    border-radius: 10px;
  }

  .benefits-image-subhead {
    font-size: 1.3rem;
    color: #1f3a5f;
    font-weight: 400;
    border-left: 5px solid #FF7A00;
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 650px;
    text-align: left;
  }

  /* card grid */
  .image-card-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr);
    gap: 1.8rem;
    margin: 3rem 0 2rem;
  }

  .image-card {
    background: white;
    border-radius: 32px;
    overflow: hidden;
    box-shadow: 0 20px 30px -10px rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.1);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.2);
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
  }

  .image-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-12px);
    box-shadow: 0 30px 40px -12px #FF7A00;
    border-color: #FF7A00;
  }

  .card-img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 180px;
    overflow: hidden;
    position: relative;
  }

  .card-img img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    transition: transform 0.5s ease;
    display: block;
  }

  .image-card:hover .card-img img {
    transform: scale(1.1);
  }

  .card-content {
    padding: 1.5rem 1.2rem 1.8rem;
    background: white;
    flex: 1;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
  }

  .card-content h3 {
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
    line-height: 1.3;
  }

  .card-content p {
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    color: #4a5f7a;
    line-height: 1.5;
    font-weight: 400;
    margin-bottom: 0;
    flex: 1;
  }

  /* small accent */
  .card-accent {
    width: 40px;
    height: 4px;
    background: #FF7A00;
    margin: 1rem 0 0;
    border-radius: 4px;
    transition: width 0.3s;
  }

  .image-card:hover .card-accent {
    width: 60px;
  }

  /* footer */
  .benefits-image-footer {
    margin-top: 3rem;
    text-align: center;
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.05);
    padding: 1.5rem 2rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    border: 1px dashed #FF7A00;
  }

  .benefits-image-footer i {
    color: #FF7A00;
    margin-right: 0.75rem;
  }

  .benefits-image-footer strong {
    color: #FF7A00;
    font-weight: 700;
  }

  /* responsive */
  @media screen and (max-width: 1100px) {
    .image-card-grid {
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    }
  }

  @media screen and (max-width: 800px) {
    .image-card-grid {
      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    }
    .benefits-image-header h2 {
      font-size: 2.2rem;
    }
  }

  @media screen and (max-width: 500px) {
    .image-card-grid {
      grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    }
    .benefits-image-section {
      padding: 2rem 1rem;
    }
    .benefits-image-subhead {
      border-left: none;
      border-top: 5px solid #FF7A00;
      padding-left: 0;
      padding-top: 1rem;
      text-align: center;
    }
  }

  .program-section {
    max-width: 1300px;
    margin: 5rem auto;
    padding: 3rem 2rem;
    background: #ffffff; /* white base */
    border-radius: 60px;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 50px -20px rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.2);
    border: 1px solid #FF7A00; /* blue border */
    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }

  /* decorative background elements (blue & orange tones) */
  .program-section::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -50px;
    right: -50px;
    width: 250px;
    height: 250px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,122,0,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .program-section::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -30px;
    left: -30px;
    width: 200px;
    height: 200px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(11,31,58,0.05) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .program-header {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 750px;
    margin: 0 auto 3rem;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .program-header h2 {
    font-size: 2.8rem;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #000000; /* black */
    line-height: 1.2;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  .program-header h2 span {
    color: #FF7A00; /* orange */
    position: relative;
    display: inline-block;
  }

  .program-header h2 span::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    left: 0;
    bottom: 8px;
    width: 100%;
    height: 10px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.15); /* light orange */
    z-index: -1;
    border-radius: 10px;
  }

  .program-subhead {
    font-size: 1.3rem;
    color: #0B1F3A; /* blue */
    font-weight: 400;
    border-left: 5px solid #FF7A00; /* orange */
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 650px;
    text-align: left;
  }

  /* timeline grid */
  .timeline-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 2rem;
    margin: 3rem 0 2rem;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  /* connecting line (hidden on mobile) – orange to blue gradient */
  .timeline-grid::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 25%;
    left: 15%;
    width: 70%;
    height: 4px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #FF7A00 0%, #0B1F3A 100%);
    border-radius: 4px;
    opacity: 0.3;
    z-index: 0;
    transform: translateY(-50%);
    pointer-events: none;
  }

  .timeline-card {
    background: #ffffff; /* white */
    border-radius: 40px;
    padding: 2rem 1.8rem 2.5rem;
    box-shadow: 0 25px 40px -18px rgba(64, 64, 64, 0.2);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    border: 2px solid rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.2); /* blue border */
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
  }

  .timeline-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-12px);
    box-shadow: 0 35px 50px -20px #0B1F3A;
    border-color: #FF7A00; /* orange on hover */
  }

  /* month badge – orange background, white text */
  .month-badge {
    display: inline-block;
    background: #FF7A00; /* orange */
    color: #ffffff; /* white */
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    padding: 0.5rem 1.5rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    margin-bottom: 1.8rem;
    align-self: flex-start;
    box-shadow: 0 8px 15px -5px rgba(255,122,0,0.4);
    letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  }

  .timeline-icon {
    font-size: 3rem;
    color: #0B1F3A; /* blue */
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
    background: rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.05); /* light blue tint */
    width: 80px;
    height: 80px;
    border-radius: 30px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    transition: 0.25s;
    border: 1px solid #FF7A00; /* orange border */
  }

  .timeline-card:hover .timeline-icon {
    background: #FF7A00; /* orange */
    color: #ffffff; /* white */
    transform: scale(1.05) rotate(3deg);
    border-color: #0B1F3A; /* blue */
  }

  .timeline-card h4 {
    font-size: 1.5rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000; /* black */
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
    line-height: 1.2;
  }

  .feature-list {
    list-style: none;
    padding: 0;
    margin: 1rem 0 0;
    flex: 1;
  }

  .feature-list li {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.7rem;
    font-size: 1rem;
    color: #0B1F3A; /* blue */
    margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
    font-weight: 400;
  }

  .feature-list li i {
    color: #FF7A00; /* orange */
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    width: 1.5rem;
  }

  /* milestone tag – black border, subtle */
  .milestone-tag {
    margin-top: 1.8rem;
    background: rgba(0,0,0,0.02); /* near white */
    border-radius: 60px;
    padding: 0.6rem 1.2rem;
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    font-weight: 500;
    color: #000000; /* black */
    border: 1px dashed #0B1F3A; /* blue dash */
    text-align: center;
  }

  .milestone-tag i {
    color: #FF7A00; /* orange */
    margin-right: 0.5rem;
  }

  /* footer CTA – orange with blue hover */
  .program-footer {
    margin-top: 3.5rem;
    text-align: center;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .program-cta {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 1rem;
    background: #FF7A00; /* orange */
    color: #ffffff; /* white */
    text-decoration: none;
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    padding: 1rem 3rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    box-shadow: 0 20px 30px -12px rgba(255,122,0,0.4);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    border: 2px solid #FF7A00;
  }

  .program-cta i {
    transition: transform 0.3s;
  }

  .program-cta:hover {
    background: #0B1F3A; /* blue */
    border-color: #0B1F3A;
    box-shadow: 0 28px 40px -15px #0B1F3A;
    transform: translateY(-4px);
  }

  .program-cta:hover i {
    transform: translateX(6px);
  }

  /* responsive */
  @media screen and (max-width: 1000px) {
    .timeline-grid {
      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    }
    .timeline-grid::before {
      display: none; /* hide connecting line on tablet/mobile */
    }
  }

  @media screen and (max-width: 700px) {
    .timeline-grid {
      grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    }
    .program-header h2 {
      font-size: 2.2rem;
    }
    .program-subhead {
      border-left: none;
      border-top: 5px solid #FF7A00;
      padding-left: 0;
      padding-top: 1rem;
      text-align: center;
    }
    .month-badge {
      align-self: center;
    }
    .timeline-card {
      text-align: center;
      align-items: center;
    }
    .feature-list li {
      justify-content: center;
    }
  }

  /* who-can-apply section – orange, blue, black, white */
  .apply-section {
    max-width: 1300px;
    margin: 5rem auto;
    padding: 3rem 2rem;
    /* background: #ffffff; */
    border-radius: 60px;
    /* box-shadow: 0 30px 50px -20px rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.2); */
    /* border: 1px solid #0B1F3A; */
    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }

  /* decorative background (subtle orange & blue circles) */
  .apply-section::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -80px;
    right: -80px;
    width: 300px;
    height: 300px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,122,0,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .apply-section::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -60px;
    left: -60px;
    width: 250px;
    height: 250px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(11,31,58,0.04) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .apply-header {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 700px;
    margin: 0 auto 3rem;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .apply-header h2 {
    font-size: 2.8rem;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #000000;
    line-height: 1.2;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  .apply-header h2 span {
    color: #FF7A00;
    position: relative;
    display: inline-block;
  }

  .apply-header h2 span::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    left: 0;
    bottom: 8px;
    width: 100%;
    height: 10px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.15);
    z-index: -1;
    border-radius: 10px;
  }

  .apply-subhead {
    font-size: 1.3rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    font-weight: 400;
    border-left: 5px solid #FF7A00;
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 600px;
    text-align: left;
  }

  /* card grid */
  .apply-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 2rem;
    margin: 3rem 0;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .apply-card {
    background: #ffffff;
    border-radius: 40px;
    overflow: hidden;
    box-shadow: 0 25px 40px -18px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    border: 2px solid #0B1F3A;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
  }

  .apply-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-12px);
    box-shadow: 0 35px 50px -20px #0B1F3A;
    border-color: #FF7A00;
  }

  .card-img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 240px;
    overflow: hidden;
    position: relative;
  }

  .card-img img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    transition: transform 0.5s ease;
    display: block;
  }

  .apply-card:hover .card-img img {
    transform: scale(1.1);
  }

  .card-content {
    padding: 2rem 1.5rem 2.2rem;
    background: #ffffff;
    flex: 1;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    text-align: center;
  }

  .card-icon {
    width: 70px;
    height: 70px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.1);
    border-radius: 30px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
    font-size: 2.2rem;
    color: #FF7A00;
    border: 1px solid #0B1F3A;
    transition: 0.25s;
  }

  .apply-card:hover .card-icon {
    background: #FF7A00;
    color: #ffffff;
    border-color: #ffffff;
    transform: scale(1.05) rotate(3deg);
  }

  .card-content h3 {
    font-size: 1.8rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000;
    margin-bottom: 0.8rem;
  }

  .card-content p {
    font-size: 1rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    line-height: 1.5;
    font-weight: 400;
    max-width: 250px;
    margin: 0 auto;
  }

  /* extra note for CEO – inclusivity statement */
  .apply-footer {
    margin-top: 2.5rem;
    text-align: center;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
    background: rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.02);
    padding: 1.5rem 2rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    border: 1px dashed #FF7A00;
  }

  .apply-footer p {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    color: #000000;
    font-weight: 500;
  }

  .apply-footer i {
    color: #FF7A00;
    margin: 0 0.5rem;
  }

  .apply-footer strong {
    color: #FF7A00;
    font-weight: 700;
  }

  /* responsive */
  @media screen and (max-width: 1000px) {
    .apply-grid {
      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    }
  }

  @media screen and (max-width: 700px) {
    .apply-grid {
      grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    }
    .apply-header h2 {
      font-size: 2.2rem;
    }
    .apply-subhead {
      border-left: none;
      border-top: 5px solid #FF7A00;
      padding-left: 0;
      padding-top: 1rem;
      text-align: center;
    }
  }

  /* form section – limited seats, dual CTA, orange/blue/black/white */
  .form-section {
    max-width: 1300px;
    margin: 5rem auto;
    padding: 3rem 2rem;
    background: #ffffff;
    border-radius: 60px;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 50px -20px rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.2);
    border: 1px solid #0B1F3A;
    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }

  /* decorative background (orange & blue accents) */
  .form-section::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -80px;
    right: -80px;
    width: 300px;
    height: 300px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,122,0,0.05) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .form-section::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -60px;
    left: -60px;
    width: 250px;
    height: 250px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(11,31,58,0.05) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .form-container {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 3rem;
    align-items: stretch;
  }

  /* left side – urgency & benefits */
  .form-left {
    flex: 1.2;
    padding-right: 1rem;
  }

  .urgency-badge {
    display: inline-block;
    background: #FF7A00;
    color: #ffffff;
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    padding: 0.4rem 1rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    letter-spacing: 0.5px;
    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
    box-shadow: 0 5px 10px rgba(255,122,0,0.3);
  }

  .form-left h2 {
    font-size: 2.8rem;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #000000;
    line-height: 1.2;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  .form-left h2 span {
    color: #FF7A00;
    position: relative;
    display: inline-block;
  }

  .form-left h2 span::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    left: 0;
    bottom: 8px;
    width: 100%;
    height: 10px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.15);
    z-index: -1;
    border-radius: 10px;
  }

  .form-left p {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    margin: 1rem 0 1.5rem;
    line-height: 1.5;
  }

  /* seat indicator */
  .seat-indicator {
    background: rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.03);
    border-radius: 30px;
    padding: 1rem 1.5rem;
    margin: 1.5rem 0;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255,122,0,0.3);
  }

  .seat-header {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    font-weight: 600;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
    color: #000000;
  }

  .seat-progress {
    width: 100%;
    height: 12px;
    background: #e0e7f0;
    border-radius: 20px;
    overflow: hidden;
  }

  .seat-progress-fill {
    width: 75%; /* 75% filled – only 25% seats left */
    height: 100%;
    background: #FF7A00;
    border-radius: 20px;
    position: relative;
    animation: fillBar 1s ease-out;
  }

  @keyframes fillBar {
    from { width: 0%; }
    to { width: 75%; }
  }

  .seat-text {
    margin-top: 0.5rem;
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    color: #FF7A00;
    font-weight: 600;
  }

  /* benefit list */
  .benefit-list {
    list-style: none;
    padding: 0;
    margin: 1.5rem 0;
  }
  .benefit-list li {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.8rem;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
    font-size: 1rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
  }
  .benefit-list li i {
    color: #FF7A00;
    font-size: 1.2rem;
    width: 1.5rem;
  }

  /* right side – form */
  .form-right {
    flex: 0.9;
    background: #ffffff;
    border-radius: 40px;
    padding: 2rem;
    box-shadow: 0 20px 35px -12px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
    border: 1px solid #0B1F3A;
    transition: all 0.3s;
  }
  .form-right:hover {
    border-color: #FF7A00;
    box-shadow: 0 25px 40px -15px rgba(255,122,0,0.2);
  }

  .form-right h3 {
    font-size: 1.8rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  }
  .form-right h3 span {
    color: #FF7A00;
  }

  .form-group {
    margin-bottom: 1.2rem;
  }
  .form-group label {
    display: block;
    font-weight: 500;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    margin-bottom: 0.4rem;
    font-size: 0.9rem;
  }
  .form-group input,
  .form-group select {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 0.9rem 1.2rem;
    border-radius: 30px;
    border: 1px solid #ccc;
    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
    font-size: 1rem;
    transition: all 0.3s;
    background: #ffffff;
  }
  .form-group input:focus,
  .form-group select:focus {
    outline: none;
    border-color: #FF7A00;
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(255,122,0,0.1);
  }

  .radio-group {
    display: flex;
    gap: 1.5rem;
    margin-top: 0.5rem;
  }
  .radio-group label {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.5rem;
    font-weight: 400;
    cursor: pointer;
  }
  .radio-group input {
    width: auto;
    margin: 0;
  }

  .btn-submit {
    width: 100%;
    background: #FF7A00;
    color: #ffffff;
    border: none;
    padding: 1rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: all 0.3s;
    margin-top: 1rem;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 0.8rem;
  }
  .btn-submit:hover {
    background: #0B1F3A;
    transform: translateY(-3px);
    box-shadow: 0 15px 25px -8px #0B1F3A;
  }

  .form-footer {
    text-align: center;
    font-size: 0.8rem;
    color: #6c7a8e;
    margin-top: 1.5rem;
  }

  /* responsive */
  @media screen and (max-width: 900px) {
    .form-container {
      flex-direction: column;
    }
    .form-left, .form-right {
      flex: auto;
    }
    .form-left {
      padding-right: 0;
      text-align: center;
    }
    .benefit-list li {
      justify-content: center;
    }
  }
  @media screen and (max-width: 600px) {
    .form-left h2 {
      font-size: 2rem;
    }
    .form-right {
      padding: 1.5rem;
    }
  }

  .programs-section {
    max-width: 1300px;
    margin: 5rem auto;
    padding: 3rem 2rem;
    background: #ffffff;
    border-radius: 60px;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 50px -20px rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.2);
    border: 1px solid #0B1F3A;
    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
  }

  /* decorative backgrounds */
  .programs-section::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -80px;
    right: -80px;
    width: 300px;
    height: 300px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,122,0,0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .programs-section::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -60px;
    left: -60px;
    width: 250px;
    height: 250px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(11,31,58,0.04) 0%, transparent 70%);
    border-radius: 50%;
    z-index: 0;
  }

  .section-header {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 700px;
    margin: 0 auto 3rem;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .section-header h2 {
    font-size: 2.8rem;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #000000;
    line-height: 1.2;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  .section-header h2 span {
    color: #FF7A00;
    position: relative;
    display: inline-block;
  }

  .section-header h2 span::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    left: 0;
    bottom: 8px;
    width: 100%;
    height: 10px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.15);
    z-index: -1;
    border-radius: 10px;
  }

  .section-subhead {
    font-size: 1.3rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    font-weight: 400;
    border-left: 5px solid #FF7A00;
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 600px;
    text-align: left;
  }

  /* program tiers wrapper */
  .tiers-wrapper {
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 2rem;
    margin-bottom: 5rem;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .tier {
    flex: 1;
    min-width: 280px;
    background: #ffffff;
    border-radius: 48px;
    padding: 2rem 1.5rem 2rem 1.5rem;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    border: 2px solid #0B1F3A;
  }

  .tier:hover {
    transform: translateY(-8px);
    border-color: #FF7A00;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 45px -20px #0B1F3A;
  }

  .tier-badge {
    display: inline-block;
    background: #FF7A00;
    color: white;
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 0.8rem;
    padding: 0.3rem 1rem;
    border-radius: 60px;
    letter-spacing: 0.5px;
    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  }

  .tier h3 {
    font-size: 1.8rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  .tier-desc {
    font-size: 1rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
    line-height: 1.4;
  }

  /* course cards inside tier */
  .course-list {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 1rem;
  }

  .course-item {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 1rem;
    background: rgba(11, 31, 58, 0.02);
    border-radius: 30px;
    padding: 0.8rem;
    transition: all 0.2s;
  }

  .course-item:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.05);
    transform: translateX(5px);
  }

  .course-icon {
    width: 50px;
    height: 50px;
    background: rgba(255, 122, 0, 0.1);
    border-radius: 20px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 1.6rem;
    color: #FF7A00;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }

  .course-info h4 {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000;
    margin-bottom: 0.2rem;
  }

  .course-info p {
    font-size: 0.8rem;
    color: #4a5f7a;
  }

  .tier-footer {
    margin-top: 1.8rem;
    padding-top: 1rem;
    border-top: 1px dashed #FF7A00;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: #FF7A00;
  }

  /* career paths section */
  .career-paths {
    margin-top: 3rem;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
  }

  .career-paths h3 {
    font-size: 2rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000;
    text-align: center;
    margin-bottom: 2rem;
  }

  .career-paths h3 span {
    color: #FF7A00;
  }

  .paths-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 2rem;
  }

  .path-card {
    background: #ffffff;
    border-radius: 40px;
    overflow: hidden;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    border: 2px solid #0B1F3A;
    box-shadow: 0 20px 30px -12px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
  }

  .path-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-10px);
    border-color: #FF7A00;
    box-shadow: 0 30px 40px -18px #FF7A00;
  }

  .path-img {
    height: 180px;
    overflow: hidden;
  }
  .path-img img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    transition: transform 0.5s;
  }
  .path-card:hover .path-img img {
    transform: scale(1.08);
  }

  .path-content {
    padding: 1.5rem;
  }
  .path-content h4 {
    font-size: 1.5rem;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #000000;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  }
  .path-content p {
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
    line-height: 1.4;
  }
  .tech-stack {
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 0.5rem;
    margin: 1rem 0;
  }
  .tech-stack span {
    background: rgba(255,122,0,0.1);
    color: #FF7A00;
    padding: 0.2rem 0.8rem;
    border-radius: 30px;
    font-size: 0.7rem;
    font-weight: 600;
  }
  .path-btn {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.5rem;
    background: transparent;
    color: #FF7A00;
    text-decoration: none;
    font-weight: 600;
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    margin-top: 0.5rem;
    transition: gap 0.2s;
  }
  .path-btn i {
    font-size: 0.8rem;
  }
  .path-btn:hover {
    gap: 0.8rem;
    color: #0B1F3A;
  }

  /* responsive */
  @media screen and (max-width: 900px) {
    .tiers-wrapper {
      flex-direction: column;
    }
    .paths-grid {
      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    }
  }
  @media screen and (max-width: 600px) {
    .paths-grid {
      grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    }
    .section-header h2 {
      font-size: 2.2rem;
    }
    .section-subhead {
      border-left: none;
      border-top: 5px solid #FF7A00;
      padding-left: 0;
      padding-top: 1rem;
      text-align: center;
    }
  }