:root {
    --base-color: #004A8B;
    --brand-dark: #004A8B;
    --brand-blue: #3C86C7;
    --brand-bright: #0280ED;
    --brand-grey: #797979;
    --brand-light-grey: #C7C7C7;
    --brand-white: #FFFFFF;

    /* Derived / Supporting */
    --brand-light: #E8F2FB;
    --brand-lighter: #F0F7FF;
    --brand-accent: #0280ED;
    --brand-gradient-start: #004A8B;
    --brand-gradient-end: #0280ED;

    /* Override Framework variables */
    --dark-gray: #232323;
    --medium-gray: #797979;
    --extra-medium-gray: #C7C7C7;
    --light-gray: #a8a8a8;
    --very-light-gray: #F5F8FC;
    --light-medium-gray: #E8F2FB;
    --charcoal-blue: #003A6E;
    --slate-blue: #002D55;
    --cornflower-blue: #3C86C7;
    --solitude-blue: #F0F7FF;
    --golden-yellow: #0280ED;
    --orange: #0280ED;
    --majorelle-blue: #004A8B;
    --light-majorelle-blue: #E8F2FB;
    --spring-wood: #F8FAFD;

    /* Typography */
    --alt-font: "Plus Jakarta Sans", sans-serif;
    --primary-font: "Inter", sans-serif;

    /* Spacing / Radius */
    --radius-sm: 6px;
    --radius-md: 10px;
    --radius-lg: 16px;
    --radius-xl: 24px;
    --radius-full: 100px;

    /* Shadows */
    --shadow-sm: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.08);
    --shadow-md: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.12);
    --shadow-lg: 0 8px 40px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.16);
    --shadow-xl: 0 16px 60px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.20);
    --shadow-glow: 0 0 30px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.25);
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   BASE RESETS & UTILITIES
   —————————————————————————— */
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }

body {
font-family: var(--primary-font);
font-size: 16px;
line-height: 1.75;
color: var(--dark-gray);
-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
-moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
word-break: break-word;
}

img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s ease; }

h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    line-height: 1.2;
    font-weight: 700;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   SECTION UTILITIES
   —————————————————————————— */
.section-padding { padding: 80px 0; }
.section-padding-sm { padding: 50px 0; }
.section-padding-lg { padding: 100px 0; }

.bg-brand-dark { background-color: var(--brand-dark); }
.bg-brand-light { background-color: var(--brand-light); }
.bg-brand-lighter { background-color: var(--brand-lighter); }
.bg-very-light-gray { background-color: var(--very-light-gray); }
.bg-white { background-color: var(--brand-white); }

.text-brand-dark { color: var(--brand-dark); }
.text-brand-blue { color: var(--brand-blue); }
.text-brand-bright { color: var(--brand-bright); }
.text-brand-grey { color: var(--brand-grey); }
.text-white { color: var(--brand-white); }

/* ——————————————————————————
   BADGE / EYEBROW
   —————————————————————————— */
.section-label {
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 8px;
background: var(--brand-light);
color: var(--brand-dark);
font-family: var(--alt-font);
font-size: 12px;
font-weight: 700;
letter-spacing: 0.08em;
text-transform: uppercase;
padding: 8px 18px;
border-radius: var(--radius-full);
margin-bottom: 20px;
border: 1px solid rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.12);
white-space: nowrap;
}

.section-label i { flex-shrink: 0; }

.section-label--white {
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
color: var(--brand-white);
border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
white-space: normal;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   HEADING STYLES
   —————————————————————————— */
.heading-xl {
    font-size: clamp(32px, 4vw, 52px);
    font-weight: 800;
    line-height: 1.1;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.heading-lg {
    font-size: clamp(26px, 3vw, 40px);
    font-weight: 800;
    line-height: 1.15;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.heading-md {
    font-size: clamp(20px, 2.5vw, 28px);
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.2;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.heading-sm {
    font-size: 18px;
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.3;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.heading-xs {
    font-size: 15px;
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.4;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.text-highlight { color: var(--brand-bright); font-style: normal; }

/* ——————————————————————————
   BUTTONS (Bootstrap overrides + custom)
   —————————————————————————— */
.btn {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-weight: 600;
    font-size: 15px;
    padding: 14px 28px;
    border-radius: var(--radius-md);
    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
    border: 2px solid transparent;
    cursor: pointer;
}

.btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); }

.btn-primary-brand {
    background: var(--brand-bright);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    border-color: var(--brand-bright);
    box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.35);
}

.btn-primary-brand:hover {
    background: var(--brand-dark);
    border-color: var(--brand-dark);
    box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.45);
    color: var(--brand-white);
}

.btn-outline-brand {
    background: transparent;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    border-color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.btn-outline-brand:hover {
    background: var(--brand-dark);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.btn-outline-white {
    background: transparent;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
}

.btn-outline-white:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
    color: var(--brand-white);
}

.btn-dark-brand {
    background: var(--brand-dark);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    border-color: var(--brand-dark);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.btn-dark-brand:hover {
    background: var(--brand-blue);
    border-color: var(--brand-blue);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
    color: var(--brand-white);
}

.btn-arrow::after {
content: '';
display: inline-block;
width: 18px;
height: 18px;
background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='18' height='18' fill='%23ffffff' viewBox='0 0 16 16'%3E%3Cpath fill-rule='evenodd' d='M1 8a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h11.793l-3.147-3.146a.5.5 0 0 1 .708-.708l4 4a.5.5 0 0 1 0 .708l-4 4a.5.5 0 0 1-.708-.708L13.293 8.5H1.5A.5.5 0 0 1 1 8z'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
background-size: contain;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
transition: transform 0.3s ease;
}

.btn-arrow:hover::after { transform: translateX(4px); }

.btn-lg { padding: 16px 36px; font-size: 16px; }
.btn-sm { padding: 10px 20px; font-size: 13px; }

/* ——————————————————————————
   HERO SECTION
   —————————————————————————— */
.hero-section-malappuram {
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #003A6E 0%, #004A8B 40%, #0280ED 100%);
padding: 180px 0 80px;
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}

.hero-section-malappuram::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background:
        radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 80% at 80% 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 0%, transparent 70%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 10% 80%, rgba(60, 134, 199, 0.2) 0%, transparent 50%);
    pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-section-malappuram::after {
content: '';
position: absolute;
bottom: 0;
left: 0;
right: 0;
height: 100px;
background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(0,74,139,0.6), transparent);
pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-content { position: relative; z-index: 2; }

.hero-title {
    font-size: clamp(32px, 4.5vw, 56px);
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    line-height: 1.1;
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.hero-title em {
    color: #6BB8FF;
    font-style: normal;
}

.hero-subtitle {
    font-size: 18px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
    line-height: 1.7;
    margin-bottom: 36px;
    max-width: 540px;
}

.hero-trust-row {
display: flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 10px;
margin-top: 32px;
flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.hero-trust-item {
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 8px;
color: var(--brand-white);
font-size: 14px;
font-weight: 600;
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
border-radius: var(--radius-full);
padding: 8px 16px;
backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
transition: all 0.3s ease;
white-space: nowrap;
}

.hero-trust-item:hover {
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.35);
}

.hero-trust-item i { color: #6BB8FF; font-size: 14px; }

.hero-trust-dot { display: none; }

/* Hero Form Card */
.hero-form-card {
    background: var(--brand-white);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 40px 32px;
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-xl);
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
    animation: slideUp 0.7s ease both 0.3s;
}

.hero-form-card h3 {
    font-size: 22px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.hero-form-card p {
font-size: 14px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.hero-form-card .contact-form-style-02 { margin: 0; }
.hero-form-card .contact-form-style-02 [class*="col-"] { padding: 0; margin-bottom: 16px; }
.hero-form-card .contact-form-style-02 .mb-30px { margin-bottom: 16px !important; }

.hero-form-card .form-control {
border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey) !important;
border-radius: var(--radius-sm) !important;
padding: 12px 16px;
font-family: var(--primary-font);
font-size: 14px;
color: var(--brand-dark);
background: var(--brand-white);
transition: all 0.25s ease;
height: auto;
}

.hero-form-card .form-control:focus {
outline: none;
border-color: var(--brand-bright) !important;
box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.12);
}

.hero-form-card .form-control::placeholder { color: var(--brand-light-grey); }

.hero-form-card .contact-form-style-02 .select select {
border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey) !important;
border-radius: var(--radius-sm) !important;
padding: 12px 16px;
font-family: var(--primary-font);
font-size: 14px;
color: var(--brand-dark);
background: var(--brand-white);
transition: all 0.25s ease;
width: 100%;
height: auto;
}

.hero-form-card textarea.form-control { min-height: 80px; resize: vertical; }

.hero-form-card .contact-form-style-02 .enquiry-submit-btn {
background: var(--brand-bright) !important;
border-color: var(--brand-bright) !important;
color: var(--brand-white) !important;
font-family: var(--alt-font);
font-weight: 700;
font-size: 15px;
padding: 14px 32px;
border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.4);
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.hero-form-card .contact-form-style-02 .enquiry-submit-btn:hover {
background: var(--brand-dark) !important;
border-color: var(--brand-dark) !important;
transform: translateY(-2px);
box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.5);
}

.hero-form-card .terms-condition-box { margin-bottom: 16px !important; }
.hero-form-card .terms-condition-box .box { font-size: 13px !important; color: var(--dark-gray); }
.hero-form-card .terms-condition-box a { color: var(--brand-bright) !important; }

.hero-form-card .form-note {
text-align: center;
font-size: 12px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
margin-top: 14px;
margin-bottom: 0;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   FORM STYLES
   —————————————————————————— */
.form-field-group { margin-bottom: 18px; }

.form-label-brand {
    display: block;
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.form-input-brand,
.form-select-brand {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 12px 16px;
    border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
    border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
    font-family: var(--primary-font);
    font-size: 14px;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    background: var(--brand-white);
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

.form-input-brand:focus,
.form-select-brand:focus {
    outline: none;
    border-color: var(--brand-bright);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.12);
}

.form-input-brand::placeholder { color: var(--brand-light-grey); }

.form-submit-brand {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 14px;
    border: none;
    background: var(--brand-bright);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 15px;
    font-weight: 700;
    border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.4);
}

.form-submit-brand:hover {
    background: var(--brand-dark);
    transform: translateY(-2px);
    box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.5);
}

.form-note {
text-align: center;
font-size: 12px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
margin-top: 14px;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   STATS STRIP
   —————————————————————————— */
.stats-strip {
background: linear-gradient(180deg, #002D55 0%, #003A6E 50%, #004A8B 100%);
padding: 40px 0;
position: relative;
}

.stats-strip::before {
content: '';
position: absolute;
inset: 0;
background: radial-gradient(ellipse 80% 60% at 50% 50%, rgba(2,128,237,0.1) 0%, transparent 70%);
pointer-events: none;
}

.stats-row {
display: flex;
gap: 16px;
justify-content: center;
}

.stats-item {
flex: 1;
text-align: center;
padding: 24px 12px;
background: rgba(255,255,255,0.04);
border: 1px solid rgba(2,128,237,0.35);
border-radius: var(--radius-md);
backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
-webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(2,128,237,0.12), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
transition: all 0.35s ease;
}

.stats-item:hover {
background: rgba(255,255,255,0.08);
border-color: rgba(2,128,237,0.6);
box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(2,128,237,0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
transform: translateY(-3px);
}

.stats-number {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: clamp(28px, 3vw, 42px);
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    line-height: 1;
}

.stats-number span { color: var(--brand-bright); }

.stats-label {
font-size: 14px;
color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
margin-top: 8px;
font-weight: 500;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   SERVICE CARDS
   —————————————————————————— */
.service-card-brand {
background: var(--brand-white);
border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
padding: 36px 28px;
transition: all 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
height: 100%;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}

.service-card-brand::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 4px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--brand-dark), var(--brand-bright));
    transform: scaleX(0);
    transform-origin: left;
    transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}

.service-card-brand:hover {
    border-color: var(--brand-blue);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
    transform: translateY(-6px);
}

.service-card-brand:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }

.service-icon-wrap {
width: 56px;
height: 56px;
border-radius: var(--radius-md);
background: var(--brand-light);
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
margin-bottom: 22px;
font-size: 26px;
color: var(--brand-dark);
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.service-card-brand:hover .service-icon-wrap {
background: var(--brand-dark);
color: var(--brand-white);
}

.service-card-brand h3 {
    font-size: 18px;
    font-weight: 700;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.service-card-brand p {
font-size: 16px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
line-height: 1.7;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.service-link-btn {
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 6px;
color: var(--brand-white);
background: var(--brand-bright);
font-size: 13px;
font-weight: 600;
padding: 8px 20px;
border-radius: var(--radius-full);
margin-top: auto;
align-self: flex-start;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
text-decoration: none;
white-space: nowrap;
border: 2px solid var(--brand-bright);
}

.service-link-btn:hover {
background: var(--brand-dark);
border-color: var(--brand-dark);
color: var(--brand-white);
transform: translateY(-2px);
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(2,128,237,0.3);
}

.service-link-btn i { transition: transform 0.3s ease; }
.service-link-btn:hover i { transform: translateX(4px); }

/* ——————————————————————————
   WHY US CARDS
   —————————————————————————— */
.why-grid-brand { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 24px; }

.why-card-brand {
background: var(--brand-white);
border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
padding: 36px 28px;
transition: all 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
height: 100%;
}

.why-card-brand::before {
content: '';
position: absolute;
top: 0;
left: 0;
width: 100%;
height: 4px;
background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--brand-dark), var(--brand-bright));
transform: scaleX(0);
transform-origin: left;
transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}

.why-card-brand { position: relative; overflow: hidden; }

.why-card-brand:hover {
box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
border-color: var(--brand-blue);
transform: translateY(-6px);
}

.why-card-brand:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }

.why-icon-wrap {
width: 56px;
height: 56px;
border-radius: var(--radius-md);
flex-shrink: 0;
background: var(--brand-light);
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
font-size: 26px;
color: var(--brand-dark);
transition: all 0.3s ease;
margin-bottom: 22px;
}

.why-card-brand:hover .why-icon-wrap {
background: var(--brand-dark);
color: var(--brand-white);
}

.why-card-header {
display: flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 12px;
margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.why-card-header h4 {
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 700;
margin-bottom: 0;
color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.why-card-body p {
font-size: 16px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
line-height: 1.7;
margin-bottom: 0;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   PROCESS STEPS
   —————————————————————————— */
.process-steps-brand {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr);
    gap: 0;
    position: relative;
    margin-top: 48px;
}

.process-steps-brand::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 36px;
    left: 10%;
    width: 80%;
    height: 2px;
    background: var(--brand-light-grey);
    z-index: 0;
}

.process-step-brand {
text-align: center;
padding: 0 10px;
position: relative;
z-index: 1;
}

.process-step-num {
    width: 72px;
    height: 72px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: var(--brand-white);
    border: 3px solid var(--brand-dark);
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 24px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    margin: 0 auto 20px;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.process-step-brand:hover .process-step-num {
    background: var(--brand-dark);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    transform: scale(1.05);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.process-step-brand h4 {
font-size: 17px;
font-weight: 700;
margin-bottom: 10px;
color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.process-step-brand p {
font-size: 15px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
line-height: 1.6;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   TESTIMONIAL CARDS
   —————————————————————————— */
.testimonial-card-brand {
    background: var(--brand-white);
    border: 1px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    padding: 32px 28px;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
    height: 100%;
}

.testimonial-card-brand:hover {
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
    border-color: var(--brand-blue);
}

.testimonial-stars {
    color: #F5A623;
    font-size: 16px;
    letter-spacing: 2px;
    margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.testimonial-card-brand blockquote {
    font-size: 15px;
    color: var(--brand-grey);
    line-height: 1.7;
    font-style: italic;
    margin-bottom: 24px;
    border-left: 3px solid var(--brand-bright);
    padding-left: 16px;
}

.testimonial-author {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
}

.testimonial-avatar {
    width: 48px;
    height: 48px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brand-dark), var(--brand-blue));
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    font-size: 16px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.testimonial-name { font-weight: 600; font-size: 14px; color: var(--brand-dark); }
.testimonial-role { font-size: 12px; color: var(--dark-gray); }

/* ——————————————————————————
   VIDEO TESTIMONIAL CARDS
   —————————————————————————— */
.video-card-brand {
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    overflow: hidden;
    border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
    background: var(--brand-white);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.video-card-brand:hover {
    transform: translateY(-4px);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
    border-color: var(--brand-blue);
}

.video-embed-wrap {
    position: relative;
    width: 100%;
    /*padding-bottom: 56.25%;*/
    background: #000;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.video-embed-wrap lite-youtube {
    width: 100%;
    border-radius: inherit;
}

.video-embed-wrap iframe {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0; left: 0;
    width: 100%; height: 100%;
    border: none;
}

.video-card-brand--short .video-embed-wrap {
    padding-bottom: 0;
    height: 400px;
}

.video-card-meta {
    padding: 20px 22px;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   FAQ ACCORDION
   —————————————————————————— */
.faq-item-brand {
    border: 1px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
    border-radius: var(--radius-md);
    overflow: hidden;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
    background: var(--brand-white);
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.faq-item-brand:hover { border-color: var(--brand-blue); }

.faq-question-brand {
    width: 100%;
    text-align: left;
    background: var(--brand-white);
    padding: 22px 28px;
    border: none;
    cursor: pointer;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 16px;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

.faq-question-brand:hover { background: var(--brand-lighter); }

.faq-question-brand .faq-arrow {
    font-size: 22px;
    color: var(--brand-bright);
    transition: transform 0.35s ease;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    font-weight: 300;
}

.faq-question-brand.open .faq-arrow { transform: rotate(45deg); }

.faq-answer-brand {
    max-height: 0;
    overflow: hidden;
    transition: max-height 0.4s ease, padding 0.4s ease;
    background: var(--brand-lighter);
}

.faq-answer-brand.open {
    max-height: 500px;
    padding: 4px 28px 24px;
}

.faq-answer-brand p {
font-size: 15px;
color: var(--dark-gray);
line-height: 1.7;
margin: 0;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   AI SEO SECTION (Dark)
   —————————————————————————— */
.ai-seo-section-brand {
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, #002D55 0%, #004A8B 100%);
    padding: 90px 0;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.ai-seo-section-brand::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background:
        radial-gradient(ellipse 50% 60% at 70% 40%, rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.12) 0%, transparent 70%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 20% 80%, rgba(60, 134, 199, 0.15) 0%, transparent 50%);
    pointer-events: none;
}

.ai-card-brand {
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
padding: 32px 26px;
transition: all 0.35s ease;
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
height: 100%;
text-align: center;
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
align-items: center;
}

.ai-card-brand::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
    height: 3px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--brand-bright), #6BB8FF);
    transform: scaleX(0);
    transform-origin: left;
    transition: transform 0.4s ease;
}

.ai-card-brand:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
    border-color: rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.4);
    transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.ai-card-brand:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }

.ai-tag-brand {
display: inline-block;
background: rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.18);
color: #6BB8FF;
font-size: 10px;
font-weight: 700;
letter-spacing: 0.1em;
text-transform: uppercase;
padding: 4px 12px;
border-radius: var(--radius-full);
border: 1px solid rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.3);
margin-bottom: 14px;
text-align: center;
}

.ai-card-brand h3 {
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 700;
color: var(--brand-white);
margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.ai-card-brand p {
font-size: 16px;
color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
line-height: 1.7;
margin-bottom: 0;
}

.ai-icon-brand {
font-size: 26px;
margin-bottom: 16px;
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
width: 56px;
height: 56px;
border-radius: var(--radius-md);
background: rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.15);
color: #6BB8FF;
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.ai-card-brand:hover .ai-icon-brand {
background: rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.3);
color: var(--brand-white);
}

.ai-pill-brand {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
    padding: 8px 16px;
    border-radius: var(--radius-full);
    font-size: 13px;
    --bs-text-opacity: 0.9;
    color: rgba(var(--bs-white-rgb), var(--bs-text-opacity)) !important;
    font-weight: 500;
    margin: 4px;
}

.ai-pill-brand span { color: #6BB8FF; font-size: 16px; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; }
.ai-pill-brand span i { font-size: 15px; }

/* ——————————————————————————
   AWARD BANNER
   —————————————————————————— */
.award-banner-brand {
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0a1628f0 0%, #003A6E 50%, #0a1628f0 100%);
/* border-top: 0.5px solid var(--brand-bright); */
border-bottom: 1px solid var(--brand-bright);
padding: 32px 0;
position: relative;
margin-top: 117px;
}

.award-banner-brand::before {
content: '';
position: absolute;
top: -120px;
left: 0;
right: 0;
height: 120px;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0a1628f0 0%, #003A6E 50%, #0a1628f0 100%);
z-index: -1;
}

.award-banner-inner {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 32px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.award-trophy-brand {
font-size: 52px;
line-height: 1;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #6BB8FF, #0280ED 55%, #004A8B);
-webkit-background-clip: text;
-webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
background-clip: text;
filter: drop-shadow(0 0 12px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.5));
animation: trophyGlow 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;
}

@keyframes trophyGlow {
    0%, 100% { filter: drop-shadow(0 0 8px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.4)); }
    50%      { filter: drop-shadow(0 0 20px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.8)); }
}

.award-seal-brand {
    width: 84px;
    height: 84px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: radial-gradient(circle at 35% 35%, #6BB8FF, #0280ED 60%, #004A8B);
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    flex-direction: column;
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.3), 0 0 0 8px rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.12);
}

.award-seal-brand span { font-size: 28px; color: var(--brand-white); }

.award-seal-brand p {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 9px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #002D55;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
    line-height: 1.2;
    text-align: center;
    margin: 0;
}

.award-eyebrow-brand {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.12em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #6BB8FF;
    margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.award-title-brand {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: clamp(18px, 2.5vw, 26px);
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    line-height: 1.2;
}

.award-title-brand span { color: var(--brand-bright); }

.award-sub-brand {
    font-size: 13px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);
    margin-top: 6px;
}

.award-verify-link {
    font-size: 12px;
    color: #6BB8FF;
    font-weight: 600;
    text-decoration: underline;
    text-underline-offset: 2px;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   AWARDS SECTION
   —————————————————————————— */
.awards-section-brand {
    background: var(--brand-lighter);
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.08);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 74, 139, 0.08);
}

.award-main-card-brand {
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #003A6E 0%, #004A8B 100%);
    border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
    padding: 48px;
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: auto 1fr auto;
    gap: 36px;
    align-items: center;
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
    border: 1px solid rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.25);
}

.award-credential-card {
    background: var(--brand-white);
    border: 1.5px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
    border-radius: var(--radius-md);
    padding: 28px 24px;
    text-align: center;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.award-credential-card:hover {
    border-color: var(--brand-blue);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.award-credential-icon {
font-size: 36px;
margin-bottom: 12px;
display: block;
color: var(--brand-bright);
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   CTA BANNER
   —————————————————————————— */
.cta-banner-brand {
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #003A6E, #004A8B);
    padding: 80px 0;
    text-align: center;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.cta-banner-brand::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 100% at 50% 120%, rgba(2, 128, 237, 0.25) 0%, transparent 60%);
    pointer-events: none;
}

.cta-banner-brand h2 {
    font-size: clamp(28px, 4vw, 44px);
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    margin-bottom: 16px;
    position: relative;
}

.cta-banner-brand p {
    font-size: 18px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
    margin-bottom: 36px;
    position: relative;
}

.cta-buttons-brand {
    display: flex;
    gap: 16px;
    justify-content: center;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    position: relative;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   LOCAL SEO AREA
   —————————————————————————— */
.local-area-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 40px;
    align-items: center;
}

.local-map-placeholder-brand {
    background: var(--brand-light);
    border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
    min-height: 360px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 14px;
    border: 2px dashed var(--brand-blue);
}

.local-area-item {
display: inline-flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 8px;
font-size: 13px;
font-weight: 600;
color: var(--brand-dark);
padding: 8px 16px;
background: var(--brand-white);
border: 1px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
border-radius: var(--radius-full);
transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.local-area-item:hover {
border-color: var(--brand-bright);
background: var(--brand-lighter);
box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(2,128,237,0.12);
}

.local-area-item i { color: var(--brand-bright); font-size: 14px; }

/* ——————————————————————————
   FOOTER
   —————————————————————————— */
.footer-brand {
    background: #002D55;
    padding: 56px 0 28px;
}

.footer-grid-brand {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 40px;
    margin-bottom: 44px;
}

.footer-brand h3 {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 20px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    margin-bottom: 14px;
}

.footer-brand h3 span { color: var(--brand-bright); }

.footer-brand p {
    font-size: 14px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
    line-height: 1.7;
}

.footer-col-brand h4 {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--brand-white);
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.footer-col-brand a {
    display: block;
    font-size: 14px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
    margin-bottom: 10px;
    transition: color 0.25s ease;
}

.footer-col-brand a:hover { color: var(--brand-white); }

.footer-bottom-brand {
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
    padding-top: 24px;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    font-size: 13px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   NAVIGATION
   —————————————————————————— */
.nav-brand {
    position: sticky;
    top: 0;
    z-index: 1000;
    background: var(--brand-white);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--brand-light-grey);
    box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.nav-inner-brand {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    padding: 14px 24px;
    max-width: 1200px;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

.nav-logo-brand {
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-size: 22px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--brand-dark);
}

.nav-logo-brand span { color: var(--brand-bright); }

.nav-cta-brand {
    background: var(--brand-bright);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    padding: 10px 24px;
    border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
    font-family: var(--alt-font);
    font-weight: 600;
    font-size: 14px;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.nav-cta-brand:hover {
    background: var(--brand-dark);
    color: var(--brand-white);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   ANIMATIONS
   —————————————————————————— */
@keyframes slideUp {
    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(30px); }
    to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}

@keyframes fadeIn {
    from { opacity: 0; }
    to   { opacity: 1; }
}

@keyframes pulse {
    0%, 100% { transform: scale(1); }
    50% { transform: scale(1.05); }
}

.animate-slide-up {
    animation: slideUp 0.7s ease both;
}

.animate-fade-in {
    animation: fadeIn 0.6s ease both;
}

/* ——————————————————————————
   RESPONSIVE
   —————————————————————————— */
@media (max-width: 991px) {
.hero-section-malappuram { padding: 160px 0 60px; }
.local-area-grid,
.award-main-card-brand { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.process-steps-brand { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 24px; }
.process-steps-brand::before { display: none; }
.why-grid-brand { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
.footer-grid-brand { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
.stats-row { flex-wrap: wrap; }
.stats-item { flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 8px); }
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
.hero-section-malappuram { padding: 140px 0 50px; }
.section-padding { padding: 56px 0; }
.section-padding-lg { padding: 70px 0; }
.process-steps-brand { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.why-grid-brand { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.footer-grid-brand { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.footer-bottom-brand { flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; text-align: center; }
.cta-buttons-brand { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; }
.award-main-card-brand { padding: 32px 24px; }
.hero-trust-row { gap: 8px; }
.hero-trust-item { font-size: 13px; padding: 6px 12px; }
.btn { padding: 12px 22px; font-size: 14px; }
.stats-row { flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; }
.stats-item { flex: 1 1 100%; }
}

@media (max-width: 575px) {
.hero-title { font-size: 28px; }
.heading-lg { font-size: 24px; }
.service-card-brand { padding: 28px 22px; }
.why-card-brand { padding: 28px 22px; }
.hero-form-card { padding: 28px 22px; }
.video-card-brand--short .video-embed-wrap { height: 320px; }
.process-step-brand { padding: 0 6px; }
}