Category Archives: Business

MasterChef India Tamil Finalist Chef Preethi Raghunandan Brings the Flavours of Tamil Nadu to Hyderabad

Mazzo at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad invites guests to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant kitchens of Tamil Nadu with a special Tamil Food Pop-up, curated by MasterChef India Tamil finalist Chef Preethi Raghunandan.

Born and raised in Erode, Tamil Nadu, Chef Preethi’s culinary journey began in the warm kitchens of her grandparents, where every meal was prepared with love, tradition and generosity. These early experiences shaped her belief that food is far more than nourishment; it is a way to comfort, connect and create lasting memories.

Over the past 15 years, Chef Preethi has catered for VIPs and celebrities, launched successful cloud kitchen concepts, and hosted acclaimed pop-up dining experiences across Chennai and Malaysia. Her passion for innovation has also led her to develop signature sauces and flavour profiles that celebrate the essence of South Indian cuisine while embracing contemporary techniques. Her creativity and bold approach earned her a place among the finalists of MasterChef India.

At this exclusive week-long pop-up, guests can indulge in an authentic taste of Tamil Nadu through a thoughtfully curated menu that brings together time-honoured recipes, regional spices and seasonal ingredients, elevated with Chef Preethi’s contemporary flair. From the crisp and flavourful Mutton Kola Urundai and the pepper-forward Milagu Meen Varuval to the comforting Neer Kari Kolambu, each dish tells a story of Tamil Nadu’s diverse culinary traditions. Complemented by a selection of regional favourites, the festival offers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the depth, warmth and authenticity of the state’s cuisine.

Whether you’re rediscovering familiar flavours or exploring Tamil cuisine for the first time, this limited-time festival promises an unforgettable celebration of one of India’s most diverse and soulful culinary traditions.

Dates: 3rd to 9th August, 2026 
Venue: Mazzo, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad
Time: 7.00 PM

GWI report shows wellness as new baseline for Dubai luxury real estate

Keturah founder says industry needs to work together to catch up with government vision, market momentum

Dubai, UAE, Aug 3: Dubai’s luxury real estate developers are being urged to treat wellness as the new baseline for how homes are designed and built, as global demand grows for healthier living environments.

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says the industry’s next phase is the normalization of health-supportive design as a standard expectation rather than a luxury feature.

It believes the greatest opportunity now lies in closer collaboration between planners, architects, public health leaders and wellness professionals to create homes and communities that proactively support long-term health.

Dubai Luxury developer Keturah has backed the GWI’s findings, saying the shift towards health-focused design presents an opportunity for the wider industry to work together in raising standards, and reinforcing city’s position as a global leader in wellness real estate.

“The next phase for the industry is collaboration rather than competition,” said Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of Keturah. “We need planners, architects, public health leaders and wellness professionals working together, not developers acting alone. Dubai has the government vision and the market momentum to lead this globally, and now the wider industry needs to catch up.”

The GWI’s latest Initiative Trends report projects the global wellness real estate sector will exceed $1 trillion by 2029, reflecting a transition from wellness as a luxury aspiration to evidence-based infrastructure.

Earlier this year, the GWI identified the UAE as one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness real estate markets. It said wellness real estate now represents more than 12% of all construction in the UAE, with the market having grown from $3.3 billion to $14.6 billion between 2017 and 2025.

It also reported that more than 555,000 wellness-focused residential units were in the pipeline at developments across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In Dubai, these include Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, and the Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort beside Dubai Creek, set to become the region’s first wellness-certified waterfront community.

The four main wellness in real estate trends highlighted by the GWI include primal architecture, which uses softer lighting, natural materials and intuitive wayfinding to help shift occupants from stress to calm. Another is neuroarchitecture, which applies neuroscience to understand how light, acoustics and spatial design influence mood, cognition and long-term health.

The GWI also identifies a growing move towards designing out microplastics by replacing synthetic finishes with more natural materials such as wool, stone and solid wood, recognising the built environment as an important part of preventive healthcare.

It also highlights the role of healthier, more walkable communities in supporting mobility, independence and ageing well, with better designed surroundings helping people maintain wellbeing throughout their lives.

Darsh Labs and Research Earns NABL Accreditation, Reinforcing Commitment to Quality and Scientific Excellence

Bhubaneswar, August 2, 2026: Darsh Labs and Research Pvt. Ltd. has reached a major milestone by securing National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation, a prestigious recognition that reflects the laboratory’s commitment to quality, precision, and technical competence in testing services.

The accreditation demonstrates that the laboratory operates under a robust quality management system and follows internationally accepted testing standards, ensuring reliable and accurate results for customers across industries.

This achievement marks a new chapter for Darsh Labs and Research as it continues to expand its portfolio of laboratory services while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and customer confidence.

Commenting on the accomplishment, Neelakantha Achary, MD of Darsh Labs and Research, said:

“NABL accreditation is more than a certification—it is a reflection of our commitment to excellence, accuracy, and continuous improvement. We are grateful to our dedicated team whose expertise and hard work made this achievement possible. This recognition strengthens our resolve to deliver dependable laboratory services that industries, government agencies, and individuals can trust.”

Over the years, Darsh Labs and Research has invested significantly in advanced analytical instruments, modern laboratory infrastructure, quality assurance systems, and skilled technical professionals. The NABL accreditation validates these efforts and positions the laboratory among India’s trusted testing facilities.

The laboratory provides a wide range of scientific testing services, including:

• Water Testing
• Drinking Water Quality Analysis
• Wastewater Testing
• Environmental Monitoring
• Air Quality Testing
• Soil Testing
• Food Testing
• Coal and Mineral Analysis
• Material Testing
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Industrial and Regulatory Compliance Testing

With the accreditation, clients can expect testing services that meet stringent quality benchmarks, offering greater confidence in analytical reports used for regulatory compliance, industrial processes, environmental management, research, and public health initiatives.

Darsh Labs and Research aims to support industries, government departments, infrastructure projects, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and businesses by delivering scientifically accurate and timely testing solutions.

The company also plans to broaden its testing capabilities and strengthen its research initiatives, contributing to safer industries, cleaner environments, and improved quality standards across sectors.

About Darsh Labs and Research Pvt. Ltd.

Darsh Labs and Research Pvt. Ltd. is one of the best water testing laboratory based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Darsh Labsoffers comprehensive water testing, inspection, and research services across environmental, industrial, water, food, material, and mineral sectors. Driven by scientific excellence, technological innovation, and customer-centric service, the company is committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory solutions that help organizations make informed decisions and meet regulatory requirements.

R|Elan Circular Design Challenge In Partnership With The United Nations in India Completes Global Jury Rounds; India Finalists Join International Cohort Stepping Into Next Phase Of The Challenge

EMBARGOED UNTIL: August 01: 2:00 PM IST – The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge (RCDC), India’s leading global platform for circular innovation in fashion and textiles, presented by Reliance Industries Limited’s R|Elan™, the United Nations in India, and Lakmé Fashion Week, has concluded its global jury rounds with the announcement of the India Finalists, completing this year’s international cohort of innovators redefining the future of circular fashion.

Following a rigorous evaluation by the India Jury, Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath, pioneering next-generation bio-sequins to replace plastic waste in high fashion; Saloni Jhaveri by Saloni Jhaveri, transforming discarded textiles into innovative design; Duja by Ustat Kharbanda, upcycling post-consumer textile waste into one-of-a-kind apparel; and Margn by Saurabh Maurya, creating contemporary fashion rooted in craftsmanship and circular design, have been selected as the India Finalists of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge.

The India Jury brought together an exceptional panel of industry leaders, including Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Editorial Director, ELLE India & ELLE Gourmet; Shaleena Nathani, Celebrity Stylist & Fashion Consultant; Karishma Shahani Khan, Creative Director, Ka-Sha; Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited; and Darshana Gajare, Head of Sustainability, Lakmé Fashion Week. Together, the jury represented a powerful convergence of creative excellence, business acumen and sustainability leadership, evaluating breakthrough ideas capable of accelerating the transition towards a circular fashion ecosystem.

Earlier this year, Yoshita 1967 by Anil Padia was selected as the Europe Finalist by the European Jury in Paris. The jury comprised Pascale Mussard, Vice-President, Fondation Hermès and President, Villa Noailles; Katell Pouliquen, Editorial Director, Marie Claire France; Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani; Diane Pernet, Founder & Director, ASVOFF; Anne-Gaëlle Lamort, Sustainability Innovation Lead, Kering; and Serge Carreira, Director, Emerging Brands Initiative, Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.

In London, RWRK Studio by Farouk Braimoh was announced as the United Kingdom Finalist following evaluation by a distinguished jury comprising Matthew Needham Creative Director, Matthew Needham, Senior Lecturer, Central Saint Martins; Shailja Dubé Institute of Positive Fashion, British Council; Muchaneta ten Napel, Founder & CEO, Shape Innovate; Sevra Davis Director of Architecture, Design & Fashion, British Council and Radhika Kaul Batra Chief of Staff, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, India.

Representing the Asia Pacific & Beyond region, BYO by Tommy Tedji was named the regional finalist by a jury comprising Christina Dean, Founder, Redress; Hong Zheng, Founder, Greenext; Rina Singh, Founder & Designer, Eka; Jacinta FitzGerald, Chief Executive, Fashion & Textiles New Zealand; and Nicky Mac Callum, Venture Partner, Elaphurus Capital and Founding Member, M Impact Investment Fund.

This year’s edition received over 220+ global applications, with 23 semi-finalists shortlisted across Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific & Beyond, and India. Following the regional jury rounds, seven global finalists have been selected to advance to the Grand Jury at United Nations House in New Delhi, before presenting their collections at the finale showcase, which will be hosted at the Embassy of France in India during Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in October as part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, celebrating the shared commitment of both nations to advancing innovation, creativity, and sustainable design.

The Winner and Runner-Up of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge will be announced following the final showcase, marking the culmination of this global journey.

Nitya Amarnath, Founder, Botto Labs, said, “Becoming a finalist is surreal, and it’s still sinking in. I’m genuinely excited to get to know my fellow finalists and mentors, learn from their diverse experiences, explore ideas and be part of the CDC community that’s collectively reimagining the future of fashion.”

Saloni Jhaveri, Founder & Designer of Saloni Jhaveri, said, “When I heard them announce ‘Saloni Jhaveri’, it felt like I was living the dream. The 13 year old girl who dreamt of this moment, is elated and extremely humbled. And today, as a finalist, I feel one step closer towards fulfilling my purpose. I look forward to being a part of the community that is making a change. I am super excited to be working alongside the wonderful mentors, who I have always looked upto.”

Ustat Kharbanda, Founder, Duja, said, “We’re incredibly grateful and excited to be selected as finalists. It’s a meaningful validation of the work we’re doing at DUJA and reinforces our belief that great design and circularity can go hand in hand. We’re looking forward to learning from this journey and taking our impact to the next level.”

Saurabh Maurya, Founder, Margn said, “I’m very excited to be selected as a finalist for CDC 2026. This is also really important and special for us because we started our circular journey one year back, and getting selected has also given us the opportunity to be mentored by people whom we have been looking up to for a very long time. We have also improvised our processes, learned business strategy, and understood how to make these circular practices a core part of our system and the design practice that we’ve been doing for the last five years.”

Mr. Rakesh Bali, Senior Vice President – PetChem, Reliance Industries Limited, said, “Heartfelt congratulations to Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath, Saloni Jhaveri the founder of Saloni Jhaveri, Duja by Ustat Kharbanda and Margn by Saurabh Maurya on being selected as the India Finalists of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. This year’s Indian cohort was truly exceptional, the creativity, boldness of ideas and commitment to sustainable innovation on display reaffirm India’s growing leadership in circular fashion. At Reliance, we have always believed that lasting change begins with backing innovators willing to challenge convention. Through the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, we remain committed to nurturing this next generation of talent by providing mentorship, visibility and material innovation to help transform bold circular ideas into scalable business solutions. We look forward to seeing them represent India on the global stage.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said, “Congratulations to Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath, Saloni Jhaveri the founder of Saloni Jhaveri, Duja by Ustat Kharbanda and Margn by Saurabh Maurya on being selected as the India Finalists of the eighth edition of the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge. Their work reflects the extraordinary calibre of entrepreneurs who are redefining fashion through innovation, craftsmanship and circular thinking. It is encouraging to witness emerging talent creating solutions that are not only creatively compelling but also commercially relevant. We are excited to see them progress to the Grand Jury and continue showcasing India’s growing leadership in circular fashion globally.”

Mr. Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, said, “I congratulate Botto Labs by Nitya Amarnath, Saloni Jhaveri the founder of Saloni Jhaveri, Duja by Ustat Kharbanda and Margn by Saurabh Maurya on being named the India Finalists. This year’s cohort reflects the growing momentum of innovators demonstrating that sustainability, creativity and entrepreneurship can come together to address some of fashion’s most pressing challenges. By bringing together designers, industry leaders and institutions, the Challenge continues to foster collaboration that advances circular solutions and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. We look forward to seeing the finalists continue their inspiring journeys and help shape a more sustainable future for fashion.”

Bringing together some of the world’s most influential voices across fashion, sustainability, and innovation, this year’s global jury process reflects the Challenge’s growing international stature and its commitment to nurturing scalable circular business solutions that are shaping the future of fashion.

Equirus Securities – GAIL 1QFY27 quick take: Blockbuster quarter, but cautious on sustainability

NPCI Encourages Digital Safety with Awareness on Text Message scams

FIA completes ‘deal of the century’ for FIA World and European Rally Championships

Dubai, UAE, Aug 01: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). It follows the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.

The biggest deal in the history of these championships, this agreement marks a new chapter for the WRC and ERC. Supporting the FIA’s vision under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, it will bring significant new investment into the sport, helping to strengthen and grow its world-class motor sport portfolio for years to come.

This deal has been designed for the rallying community and developed to deliver real benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers and the FIA’s Member Clubs. Through this agreement, rallying will become more accessible, more competitive, and more commercially successful. As the sport grows, the FIA will continue to focus on the strong governance and regulations that provide the foundations for rallying’s long-term success.

Alongside the FIA, the new promoter team of French automotive technology and services platform Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital share a commitment to growing the sport’s global audience and deepening fan engagement. The FIA will also benefit from significantly increased visibility of its brand across events and broadcasts around the world.

This is a pivotal moment for the WRC, which is preparing for a major regulatory overhaul. Next-generation technical regulations, due to take effect in 2027, have been designed to make the sport safer, more competitive and affordable at the highest level, while the establishment of a new FIA Growth Fund will support projects that drive the success and development of rallying worldwide. Through this fund, growth will be felt across motor sport, from the highest levels of the championships to entry-level grassroots participation.

Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have outlined ambitious plans to take the WRC and ERC to the next level, putting fans at the heart of the sport and making rallying more exciting, accessible, and engaging. Through stronger storytelling, enhanced distribution, and new multi-platform content, fans will be closer to the action than ever before.

To deliver this vision, the new promoter has built a team of experts, led by newly-appointed CEO Éric Boullier, a highly experienced motor sport executive with a track record at the highest levels of international motor sport.

President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “This is truly the deal of the century for rallying, and I am proud to announce this transformative step forward, and never before seen levels of investment.

“Not only will it deliver real benefits to fans, competitors and our member clubs worldwide, but this investment signifies confidence in the future of our sport as its global popularity continues to grow.

“The future of our championships is at the heart of every decision we make, and we have ensured that we not only secure the right partner for today, but one who shares our long-term vision. My thanks to FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson and his dedicated team for delivering this, and I am looking forward to working closely with our new promoter.

“Rallying is a huge part of my personal story, it has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future. This is an important moment for our sport and as we enter a new era I am proud that we have a new partner in place to help us drive forward the bright future of these championships.”

FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “I have spent my entire professional life in the FIA World Rally Championship, so I know exactly what this sport means to its competitors, its organisers, and above all its fans. In over 40 years in the sport, I have never seen investment on this scale into rallying – this deal really is that significant and I’m full of optimism for what it means for the fans, competitors and organisers.

“From the beginning, our focus has been on finding a partner that not only recognises the WRC’s enormous potential, but understands its character, heritage and the responsibility that comes with shaping its future.

“Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital share that ambition. With a new era approaching through the WRC27 regulations, and with the FIA establishing a groundbreaking growth fund to drive the sport’s development, this is a real opportunity to strengthen the championship, grow its global audience, and deliver the kind of future this sport and its fans deserve.”

MahaRERA 2.0 – Reforms Without Compromising Buyer Protection

– by Anil Pharande, Founder & Chairman – Pharande Spaces

MahaRERA was constituted with a view to making Maharashtra’s real estate market transparent, accountable and reliable. It must remain strongly committed to that goal and to protecting the interests of homebuyers. But nearly a decade later, it is becoming increasingly evident that MahaRERA needs a serious operational reset – one that protects homebuyers without turning legitimate project development into an open-ended compliance exercise.

While substantial progress has been made towards the objectives of the Act, serious modifications are now needed to accelerate that progress and make the system work better for all stakeholders. The first years of MahaRERA showed what was possible. The authority became functional in May 2017, with Gautam Chatterjee as its first chairman. Its original digital-first registration model helped Maharashtra take an early lead in RERA implementation.

The legal position is clear – a promoter cannot advertise or sell a real estate project without registration, and each phase of a phased development is treated as a separate real estate project for registration purposes. The crucial lesson from that period was not that oversight was unnecessary. Rather, it was that regulation could be fast, transparent and largely based on promoter disclosures, with clear consequences for incorrect or misleading declarations. The promoter was responsible for compliance, while the regulator ensured public visibility and enforcement.

This balance appears to have gradually broken down.

Shri Manoj Saunik is the current Chairman of MahaRERA. He took charge in September 2024 after the tenure of Shri Ajoy Mehta came to an end. Shri Mehta had taken the helm in February 2021, at a difficult time for the sector, when the aftermath of COVID-19 was still affecting construction, finances and dispute resolution.

The pressure on him and on the institution is tangible. MahaRERA’s 2023-24 annual report recorded 24,906 complaints, including 23,932 against registered projects.

Excessive Complexity Harms RE Industry

A strong regulator is necessary when dealing with such volumes. But volume alone does not justify a system in which every registration, correction, extension or amendment becomes slower, more document-heavy and reliant on intermediaries. A regulator should not become a parallel planning authority, a proxy for municipal bodies, or an additional procedural layer on top of an already crowded approval framework. We, Maharashtra’s developers, do not ask for less accountability. Rather, what we seek is clarity, proportionality and predictability in regulation. Buyers, too, benefit when viable projects are registered early, financed properly, constructed on time and delivered with fewer disputes.

Reinstating Declaration-Based Registration

The state government and MahaRERA need to revisit whether project registration has drifted too far from the declaration-based framework envisaged under RERA. Registration should focus on whether the required disclosures, approvals and professional certifications have been submitted in the prescribed form. Detailed verification and enforcement can then follow through risk-based audits, complaints, inspections and penalties for false disclosure.

This is especially relevant in relation to development potential and revisions to approved plans. In many large developments, plans evolve because of legitimate design changes, updated approvals, infrastructure conditions or implementation requirements. Where a project’s stated FSI position changes within the permissions allowed by the planning regime, the promoter should be able to update the registration through a defined, time-bound process rather than having to enter a correction cycle repeatedly.

MahaRERA should also issue a clear policy on phase-wise and vertical registration. The Act itself acknowledges that a phased project may be registered in stages. The ability to register a logically independent vertical or phase – with clear disclosure of common infrastructure, access, obligations and timelines – can lead to better funding discipline and greater buyer transparency in high-density urban markets such as Mumbai and Pune.

The question is not whether this should be permitted without safeguards. It should not. The question is whether those safeguards can be standardised rather than determined afresh in every application.

Cut Down Unnecessary Complexity

MahaRERA’s circulars and orders are useful when they clarify the law. Public records from the authority show that circulars have addressed matters ranging from approvals and complaint hearings to project grading, quality assurance, bank accounts and stakeholder training for the MahaCRITI software system.

But every new requirement should pass a simple test: Is it clearly supported by the Act or rules? Is it necessary to protect buyers? And can it be complied with through the portal without leaving room for subjective interpretation?

If the answer is no, the requirement should be reviewed or withdrawn. Compliance through circulars cannot quietly grow into a second set of rules. Frequent changes to forms, IT processes and documentation requirements create uncertainty for everyone involved – developers, homebuyers, lenders, architects, lawyers and project consultants.

The government should commission an independent audit of MahaRERA’s registration processes, technology contracts, staffing levels, response times and user experience. This audit should examine vendor performance, transparency, procurement compliance, data security and measurable delivery outcomes.

It should not be directed at any specific company unless a proper investigation establishes a specific concern. Claims about individual contractors, including claims of blacklisting elsewhere, cannot be treated as conclusive without official records and should not, by themselves, drive policy decisions.

Technology can reduce delay and discretion. A well-designed portal can flag missing documents, identify inconsistent disclosures, track approvals, provide standardised amendment pathways and publish application-stage timelines. The state may consider engaging specialised technology and process-management firms through transparent procurement, while regulatory decisions remain with MahaRERA.

In today’s world, such processes should be the norm, leaving little scope for discretion at junior levels. Excessive discretion can create inconsistent interpretations, avoidable subjectivity and, at times, coercive practices. The goal should be a lean and accountable institution – not an office where applicants must navigate multiple desks, departments and consultants simply to understand what is required of them.

Recognise Genuine Delays

Another important issue that must be addressed is delays beyond the promoter’s control. Planning authorities, utilities and other public agencies can cause administrative delays that stall projects even when construction is substantially complete.

Delays in MHADA processes can be especially damaging in redevelopment and social-housing projects, where occupation certificates and possession may depend on actions outside the developer’s control. MHADA has acknowledged issues relating to occupation certificates in certain redeveloped colonies and introduced a six-month amnesty arrangement for specified cases in 2024.

Regulatory responses to external supply-chain disruptions also need to be more realistic. Recent reports have highlighted how trade and energy disruptions in the Middle East have placed pressure on tiles, sanitaryware, marble, steel and cement. Gas constraints, for instance, can affect manufacturing and supply timelines.

These events should not automatically excuse delay, nor should they be used as a blanket defence. But MahaRERA should establish a transparent framework for assessing force majeure and government-related delays – one that distinguishes between avoidable project mismanagement and events genuinely beyond a project’s control.

If a public authority fails to fulfil an obligation linked to an OC or social-housing requirement, an automatic compensation order against the promoter may be financially unfair and, in the longer run, may harm buyers as well. The answer is not to deny buyers relief. It is to establish a process that correctly identifies responsibility, clearly records the delay and, where necessary, brings the responsible public agency into the process.

A Time-Bound Reform Plan

We therefore urge the Maharashtra government to constitute a 30-day reform committee comprising former MahaRERA leaders, consumer representatives, planners, legal experts, lenders, technology specialists and developer bodies.

Its mandate should be practical: simplify registration, set timelines for amendments, standardise phase-wise and vertical-registration rules, rationalise circulars, improve portal accountability, and establish a fair mechanism to address delays caused by government agencies or force majeure events.

MahaRERA remains one of Maharashtra’s most important institutions. It has processed more than 52,000 project registrations and over 25,000 complaint orders, demonstrating both its scale and public importance. If the objective of the Act is to regulate and support the industry while protecting homebuyers, accountability must extend beyond developers alone. Planning authorities and other public agencies are integral stakeholders in the real estate-development process. Bringing their actions, timelines and delays within a suitable RERA-led accountability framework would significantly improve time-bound project delivery in the interests of homebuyers.

It is time for RERA 2.0 – an approach that makes meaningful procedural changes, enables real estate to deliver better outcomes for customers, and allows the sector to function as a stronger economic engine for Maharashtra. Reforming the way MahaRERA functions is not an argument against regulation. It is an argument for faster, clearer and more credible regulation. After all, the housing market cannot adequately serve buyers if compliant projects become unviable before they are completed.

Anil Pharande is Chairman of Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company. Established in 1994, the company has built a substantial footprint over three decades by transitioning from standalone bungalows to premium gated communities and massive integrated townships and high-grade commercial office and retail projects. Pharande Spaces is are widely recognized for its focus on systematic town planning, green living concepts, and high-quality construction .

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. References to organisations, authorities, data and regulatory matters are based on information available at the time of writing and are intended for discussion and commentary. The article does not constitute an allegation of wrongdoing or liability against any organisation or authority.

Mumbai Real Estate Gets Fresh Boost as Property Registrations Rise Over 8 pc

Mumbai, July 31: Mumbai’s real estate sector is showing renewed momentum, with property registrations rising by over 8 per cent in July, reflecting improved buyer confidence and steady demand in one of India’s most important property markets.

The growth in registrations highlights the resilience of Mumbai’s housing sector, supported by factors such as infrastructure development, improved connectivity, changing lifestyle preferences, and continued demand for residential properties.

Experts said the city’s expanding transport network, including metro projects and improved road connectivity, has increased the attractiveness of several residential locations. Better accessibility has encouraged buyers to explore properties beyond traditional hubs, creating new growth centres across the Mumbai metropolitan region.

The demand for quality housing has also contributed to market growth, with buyers increasingly looking for homes offering modern amenities, better facilities, and improved living standards. Redevelopment projects in established areas have further supported the availability of upgraded housing options.

Mumbai’s limited land availability, strong employment opportunities, and position as a financial hub continue to make real estate a preferred choice for both end-users and investors.

The growth of the property sector is also benefiting allied industries, including construction, infrastructure, finance, and building materials, contributing to broader economic activity.

Industry experts believe that continued infrastructure expansion, stable demand, and evolving consumer preferences will remain key factors supporting Mumbai’s real estate growth in the coming years.

The latest rise in property registrations reflects growing confidence in the market and reinforces Mumbai’s position as one of India’s leading real estate destinations.

Toing’s ‘Pizza Squad Challenge’ Campaign Turns Friendship Day Into a Game of Pizza and Perks

July 31: This Friendship Day, affordable food delivery app Toing is transforming the everyday act of ordering food into a highly interactive experience. With the launch of the four-day in-app ‘Pizza Squad Challenge, Toing is celebrating a simple truth: food just tastes better with your squad. Live July 30 to August 2, 2026, the campaign is supplemented by ‘Squad Steals’, a weekend of unbeatable deals designed for groups to enjoy together over the Friendship Day weekend.

In the Pizza Squad Challenge, users are tasked with completing a virtual 12-slice pizza. By sharing an invite link, users can rally their friends to join the fun. Each time a friend accepts the invitation, both users unlock a slice and instantly receive ₹5 in Free Cash. The challenge continues until the entire pizza is in place. As squads hit key milestones along the way, they unlock bonus rewards and earn up to ₹100 in total Free Cash.

Through this initiative, Toing aims to connect with the true essence of Friendship Day for Gen Z and Millennials. The campaign celebrates the “squad culture”, reinforcing that it is those small, recurring everyday moments spent with friends that make all the difference. Whether it is building a virtual pizza together or planning a weekend feast with your squad, Toing ensures no group is left out of the celebration. 

To make the Friendship Day weekend more special, Toing will also be rolling out Squad Steals, live on August 1 and 2 across all Toing cities. With deals starting at ₹29 on pizzas, burgers and rolls, this initiative is perfectly tailored for the casual, low-stakes hangouts that friends genuinely enjoy, whether that means roommates ordering in on a Saturday night or college study groups meeting up over the weekend.