Category Archives: Business

RBI’s 25bps Cut Boosts Luxury Homebuyer Confidence, Mumbai Market Gains: CCI Projects

By:-  Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director, CCI Projects pvt. ltd on RBI MPC repo rate cut announcement. 

“The steady increase in demand for luxury homes indicates clearly the buyer’s preference for the premium category, as a sizeable portion of sales is concentrated in the ₹1 crore-and-above price category. The 25 bps cut in the repo rate by the MPC to 5.25% comes at a very opportune time and will add to buyer confidence-especially for the luxury and upper-mid categories. This sentiment  is also reinforced by India’s robust economic growth, which reached a six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2. Integrated townships are attracting greater interest as homebuyers look increasingly toward self-sufficient, amenity forward communities assuring convenience, lifestyle upgradations, and long-term value. In Mumbai, this trend is growing exponentially, and with easier lending norms, this momentum in the premium and township-led housing market of the city is sure to gain further steam.”

Rate Easing in Line With Projections; One Final 25 bps Cut Still Possible

By – Mr. Vikram Chhabra, Senior Economist, 360 ONE Asset

The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps is broadly in line with our expectations. Inflation has consistently printed below the RBI’s projections, indicating that there was adequate room for policy easing. Although GDP growth has been higher than the RBI’s forecasts, it is expected to moderate to 6.5-7 per cent in the coming quarters. This still leaves room for pursuing a higher and, as the Governor has previously described, more aspirational growth trajectory.

That said, we believe the rate-cut cycle is now nearing its end. If the growth and inflation dynamics remain supportive, there may still be room for one more 25 bps cut in this cycle, but that would likely mark the end of this cycle. In addition, we expect the RBI to maintain a comfortable liquidity surplus to ensure swift transmission to the deposit and credit markets, and to deploy further OMO purchase auctions or FX swaps if required.

RBI’s 25 bps Rate Cut Strengthens Liquidity for NBFCs, Boosts Microfinance Access & Credit Expansion

By,Mr. Rohit Garg, CEO, Olyv

Kaya Strengthens Its Presence in Tamil Nadu with the Launch of Its Second Clinic in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, Dec 05: Kaya, India’s most trusted dermatologist-led clinic chain, announces the opening of its second clinic in Coimbatore, further cementing its presence in “Manchester of the South.” Following the success of its first clinic at Skanda Square, Kaya’s new space on DB Road is a testament to the city’s growing demand for advanced, science-backed skincare.

The expansion is driven by Coimbatore’s rising business community, influx from nearby cities, and a discerning clientele that values skincare and expert-led personal care. DB Road, renowned for its accessibility and vibrant retail landscape, offers Kaya the ideal setting to serve clients seeking premium, customised dermatology solutions.

Designed as a high-tech, calming sanctuary, the new clinic offers Kaya’s full range of advanced services, including pigmentation correction, acne and scar reduction, laser hair reduction, anti-ageing treatments, hair restoration, and medi-facials, all led by board-certified dermatologists. The clinic’s approach is tailored to address Coimbatore’s unique environmental challenges, such as dust and sun exposure, ensuring every client receives personalised, science-backed care.

Dr Saranya B, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Advisor, Kaya Limited, said, “With the launch of our new DB Road clinic, we’re making advanced dermatology more accessible to the people of Coimbatore and nearby cities. Residents often face skin issues exacerbated by local environmental factors. At the DB Road clinic, we’ve developed targeted solutions to help all age groups achieve healthier and more resilient skin.”

Coimbatore’s blend of tradition and progress makes it a standout market for premium dermatology. Our expansion here reflects our commitment to serving high-growth cities that value expert-led, science-based skincare. With our second clinic, we’re deepening our connection with a city that embodies confidence, progress, and self-care,

Kaya’s growing footprint in Tamil Nadu underscores its mission to make trusted dermatology accessible across India’s new centres of growth. The Coimbatore DB Road clinic marks a milestone in both expansion and empathy, bringing expert care, innovation, and genuine connection to every skin story.

HONGQI Unveils HONGQI GUOYA at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Gala

HONGQI Debuts its HONGQI GUOYA at an Exclusive Press Gala Celebrating Its Partnership with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Season Grand Final

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Dec 04: HONGQI, China’s leading ultra luxury automotive marque since 1958 and a global symbol of Oriental premium craftsmanship, unveiled its latest Golden Sunflower flagship, the HONGQI GUOYA, during an exclusive gala event in Abu Dhabi. As the Official Luxury Automotive Partner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, HONGQI marked this prestigious collaboration with a dedicated press gala attended by regional and international media.

The reveal represents an important milestone in HONGQI’s expanding global luxury strategy, further strengthening the brand’s presence in international markets. Abu Dhabi’s status as a world class destination for innovation, culture and luxury mobility continues to position it as a strategic market for HONGQI’s global growth.

The event brought together regional and international media for an immersive brand experience, beginning with a dedicated press conference followed by a gala dinner. Attendees gained exclusive insights from Giles Taylor, Chief Designer and Vice President of Global Design at China FAW, and were among the first in the Middle East to experience the HONGQI GUOYA in person.

“HONGQI GUOYA represents a new chapter in Oriental ultra luxury. It carries the depth of Chinese cultural heritage while embracing a forward looking global design spirit,” said Giles Taylor, Chief Designer and Vice President of Global Design, China FAW. “It is especially meaningful to unveil this model in Abu Dhabi, a city that has rapidly become a global capital for luxury, design and high-performance experiences. The Emirate provides an exceptional stage for HONGQI to connect with discerning customers who appreciate artistry that lives beyond trends.”

A New Expression of Oriental Ultra-Luxury: The HONGQI GUOYA

HONGQI GUOYA is the latest flagship under the brand’s renowned Golden Sunflower ultra-luxury line, embodying HONGQI’s vision of ‘New Oriental Luxury for the World’. The model blends profound Chinese cultural heritage with contemporary global design standards, presenting a sedan crafted for distinguished users who seek identity, artistry, and refinement in every detail.

Drawing inspiration from the architectural symmetry of Beijing’s central axis and the timeless grandeur of the Forbidden City, GUOYA features a proud, sculptural exterior marked by:

• A front fascia reflecting the proportions of the Hall of Supreme Harmony
• A 23.5° hood ornament symbolizing cosmic balance
• Rear design elements inspired by Tian’anmen’s skyline and traditional palace lanterns

Inside, the cabin transforms Chinese artistry into modern luxury through lacquerwork, cloisonné enamel, gold-and-silver filigree, and classical embroidery all presented through HONGQI’s new global design language.

Performance, Serenity, and Intelligent Craftsmanship

Powered by a self-developed V8 platform refined over 67 years, the GUOYA delivers 430 kW, 800 N·m of torque, and rapid responsiveness via a mid-mounted HOT-V twin-turbocharger architecture. Its lightweight structure and advanced NVH solutions ensure a quiet, graceful drive worthy of its ultra-luxury stature.

The interior experience is elevated through:

• S-Nappa leather with enhanced softness and breathability
• 24-way front and 22-way rear seat adjustments with massage, ventilation, and heating
• 4D seat-audio interaction, translating music into tactile sensations

HyFun Foods Champions Sustainable, Soil-Driven Farming on World Soil Day

Mumbai, Dec 04: HyFun Foods is one of India’s leading frozen food manufacturers, built on a robust seed-to-shelf model that ensures quality, consistency, and traceability. As the country’s largest processor of processing-grade potatoes, HyFun combines advanced agronomy, efficient value chains, and world-class manufacturing to deliver premium frozen snacks to consumers in India and across global markets.

Supporting this engine is HyFarm, HyFun’s dedicated Agri Business unit and farmer connect brand, which works directly with over 8000 farmers through scientific crop planning, precision agronomy, and technology-led advisory systems. With initiatives like Paathshala, VigyaanShala, and soil-health programs, HyFarm strengthens farm productivity while promoting sustainable, soil-smart practices, making HyFun and HyFarm naturally aligned with the mission of World Soil Day, which emphasises that strong food systems begin with healthy, well-nurtured soil.

Underlining the foundational role of soil in HyFun’s agri ecosystem, Haresh Karamchandani, MD & Group CEO, HyFun Foods, stated: “World Soil Day is a reminder that the strength of India’s food system begins long before the end product reaches the shelves of a supermarket. It’s rooted in the strength of our soil. At HyFun Foods, we work closely with farming communities to promote soil-smart practices.

Our R&D initiative, VigyaanShala, strengthens this effort by bringing experts from across the world to study, test, and refine our agronomic practices – that in turn will over time improve soil health. The insights developed there are carefully evaluated and then shared with farmers through our Paathshala program, ensuring the knowledge is translated into clear, actionable practices that farmers can apply directly in their fields.

Further, our farmer-support app, FarmOji, ties this ecosystem together by giving growers real-time tracking, updates, and advisories to keep their crop health on point. For us, nurturing soil health isn’t a box to tick, it’s the foundation of stronger harvests, better quality, and a resilient Indian food ecosystem.”

Next revolution will be bio-driven; RDI Fund a unique step to power India’s deep-tech future: Dr Jitendra Singh

Dec 03: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the next major global revolution will be bio-driven, and that India is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation on the strength of its deep-tech capabilities, robust startup ecosystem and rising domestic institutional capital.

In an exclusive “FireChat” session organised by the “Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association” (IVCA) in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh described the recently announced ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund as “one of the most unique and forward-looking initiatives taken by the Government” to support high-risk, high-reward research in frontier technologies, and to catalyse a new era of partnership between Government, industry and investors. He said the Fund has been designed with a liberal and long-term mindset, with low-interest, patient capital and risk-sharing features that send a clear signal of the Government’s intent to crowd-in private investment rather than crowd it out.

The Minister highlighted that India is rapidly emerging as a deep-tech and science-led innovation power, backed by strong political will at the highest level. He said that, unlike in the past when India often lagged by a decade or more in adopting new technologies, the country is now among the first to frame dedicated biotechnology policies and to open strategic sectors such as space and atomic energy to private participation. He credited the leadership and vision Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for breaking long-standing taboos and bringing science, technology, and innovation to the centre of the national development agenda.

Elaborating on the structural change underway in India’s innovation landscape, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the last decade was defined by the digital revolution in areas such as IT, fintech, e-commerce and software, but the coming decade will be led by deep-tech India across sectors like space, bio-manufacturing, green hydrogen, quantum technologies, and advanced materials. He noted that these sectors are science-intensive, capital-intensive, and IP-intensive, and therefore demand a very different kind of risk-tolerant, patient capital than traditional manufacturing or infrastructure.

Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that the global success stories of advanced economies have been written through the active participation of the private sector, philanthropic investors, and domestic institutional capital. For many years, he observed, India’s mindset was to look up to the Government for everything, and even in sunrise sectors like space or nuclear, the private sector did not anticipate the scale or speed at which reforms would be undertaken. “Even the private sector was not prepared for the kind of proactive, liberal and decisive approach that this Government has brought in sectors like space, nuclear and biotechnology,” he said, adding that the RDI Fund is also intended to help the private sector overcome legacy hesitation and step into frontier areas with confidence.

Referring to India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, the Minister emphasised that innovation is no longer confined to the big metros. He informed that out of nearly 1.75–2 lakh startups that now place India as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, around 60,000 belong to Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. Calling it a myth that cutting-edge innovation happens only in Bengaluru, Mumbai, or Hyderabad, he said that many of the most determined and aspirational founders are emerging from small towns and government schools, driven by a strong desire to prove themselves and create value.

Sharing his interactions with young innovators in aspirational districts, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the aspiration and awareness levels among students in remote areas are now often higher than those in big cities, thanks to digital connectivity and focused schemes like Vigyan Jyoti. He cited the example of a schoolgirl from an aspirational district who was well-versed with national science schemes and was already demanding that eligibility be expanded to younger classes. “This illustrates how deeply the ecosystem has penetrated, and how the next generation is growing up with a completely different mindset,” he remarked.

The Minister said that, in addition to deep-tech, India has unique strengths in sectors such as the Himalayan ecosystem, the coastal and blue economy, agriculture, aroma and natural products, where thousands of successful startups have been built by founders who are sometimes not even graduates but possess passion, aptitude and an instinct for value creation. He highlighted the Aroma Mission as an example of how science-based interventions can create thousands of rural entrepreneurs, generate export-quality products, and attract international competition.

Dr Jitendra Singh stressed that India today stands at an inflection point, transitioning from being merely a fast-growing major economy to becoming a science-led, innovation-driven global leader. He said that India’s ambition to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires technological strength, economic resilience, and financial self-reliance, for which domestic institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, banks, sovereign-linked entities and family offices will play a critical role. He welcomed the growing participation of domestic Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs) and noted that India today hosts nearly 1,700 registered AIFs with commitments of over ₹15 lakh crore, reflecting deepening capital markets and investor confidence.

Describing the RDI Fund as a cornerstone of this new architecture, the Minister said it will support frontier R&D in areas such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy, biotech, advanced materials, defence-tech, and space-tech, and help India “invent in India, not just Make in India”. He underlined that the Fund is designed to strengthen the entire innovation pipeline from discovery to deployment, and to bring together industry, academia, startups, investors, and public institutions in a unified national innovation framework.

Dr Jitendra Singh also highlighted the complementary role of institutions such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), sectoral interfaces like IN-SPACe in space and BIRAC in biotechnology, and industry bodies like IVCA. He said these platforms serve as scientific and financial interfaces to structure collaborations, determine optimal partnership models and match investors to appropriate opportunities, avoiding ad-hoc or random engagement and ensuring that each player fits into the most suitable slot within the ecosystem.

Responding to suggestions from fund managers during an interactive conversation, the Minister acknowledged the importance of crowding-in corporate and philanthropic capital for earlier-stage research, including work at lower Technology Readiness Levels. He noted that international philanthropic investments have already begun flowing into India’s science and innovation ecosystem in significant volumes and said this is creating positive examples for domestic philanthropists and corporates to emulate. He emphasised that the Government envisages a “wholesome combination of collaboration” spanning Government, private sector, corporates, philanthropists, and NGOs rather than limiting the innovation partnership to any single segment.

On questions related to interest rates and operationalisation of the RDI Fund, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Government is approaching the initiative with an open and learning mindset. He indicated that the margins could be calibrated based on the first calls and the response pattern, and emphasised that both Government and investors must be willing to learn from each other’s constraints, strengths, and inputs. “This has to be built in a spirit of very close mutual understanding and trust, not as a contest where one side tries to appear better than the other,” he said.

The Minister said that a major, and often under-appreciated, change is the shift in mindset among Indian youth and professionals. He observed that while earlier generations going abroad often had no clear timeline to return, a growing number of young Indians today are planning their return journeys in advance because they see comparable opportunities at home in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that more than half of Indian residents working in advanced research ecosystems abroad today are of Indian origin who were born, educated, and trained in India, which demonstrates that the domestic ecosystem is now capable of nurturing world-class talent end-to-end.

Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India will increasingly be defined by its capacity to leapfrog traditional development stages, just as it moved directly from landlines to mobile telephony and emerged as a global IT leader. He mentioned the Deep Ocean Mission, the long coastline, the Himalayan range, and India’s biodiversity as strategic assets that will open up new frontiers in deep-sea mining, fisheries, climate technologies and regenerative solutions, creating fresh opportunities for investors and innovators alike.

Reiterating that no reform or revolution in science and technology can happen in isolation, the Minister called upon fund managers, domestic institutional investors and entrepreneurs present at the Forum to view the coming decades as a “once-in-a-generation moment” to shape the global innovation landscape from India. He said that as the world gradually shifts from a purely manufacturing-centric paradigm to one centred on regeneration, recycling, genetics and bio-driven solutions, India must position itself as a solutions provider for the world, powered by its own capital, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Dr Jitendra Singh assured the investor community that the Government is committed to providing a predictable, enabling, and forward-looking policy environment and invited them to partner with Government institutions to identify the most suitable areas and models of collaboration. “We are now part of the global scenario, and this is the right time for venture capitalists, domestic institutions, and innovators to invest in India’s new frontiers. Together, we must ensure that India does not only participate in the technologies of the future, but leads them,” he said.

New General Manager at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

     The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur Appoints Mr. Arjun Belliappa as General Manager

Udaipur, Dec 02: The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Arjun Belliappa as its new General Manager. Bringing over 20 years of diverse hospitality experience, Mr. Belliappa has established a distinguished reputation for elevating guest satisfaction, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving business growth.

Mr. Belliappa began his career as a Hotel Operational Management Trainee with JW Marriott, Juhu, before taking on roles at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai. His career further flourished during his seven-year tenure with The Oberoi Group, where he contributed to operations at The Oberoi Mumbai, Trident Nariman Point, and Trident Gurgaon, eventually rising to Assistant Front Office Manager.

His professional journey includes senior leadership roles across prominent hospitality and service organizations such as Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru, Mantri Square Mall, Lemon Tree Premier, Sunbird Trust, and Betta Living Resorts, giving him extensive exposure to luxury hotels, large-scale operations, and mission-driven projects.

Most recently, Mr. Belliappa served as General Manager at Hotel Lakend, Udaipur, where he successfully leveraged his deep market understanding to strengthen service standards and business performance.

Speaking about his new role, Mr. Arjun Belliappa said, “It is an honour to join The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur, a landmark property that captures the splendour of Rajasthan and a bygone era. I look forward to working with the team to create memorable guest experiences that uphold the brand’s legacy of warmth, luxury, and inclusion.”

Welcoming him to the organisation, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, stated, “We are delighted to have Mr. Arjun Belliappa join The LaLiT family. His leadership, expertise, and dedication to excellence will further strengthen our commitment to offering unparalleled guest experiences at The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur.”

Devam partners with Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-powered micro devotional content series on historic temples

This collaboration brings unknown temple stories to Indians through AI, starting with Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur

New Delhi, Dec 2: Devam has partnered with leading FMCG brand Madhusudan to launch India’s first AI-generated temple micro-series, marking a pioneering moment in brand-led spiritual content creation. The partnership debuts with a Hindi-language series on Shakumbari Devi Temple, Saharanpur.

This launch comes as India’s spiritual tech sector experiences unprecedented growth. The devotional products market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2035, while micro-content consumption has surged 300% year-over-year.

“This partnership represents a new era where AI meets ancient wisdom to preserve India’s spiritual heritage. Young Indians are curious and seeking authentic storytelling. Through devam, we want to bring these temple stories to every Indian. This can have a huge impact.” said Nihal Rustgi, Cofounder, Devam.

The series uses advanced AI to create 60-second episodes featuring photorealistic temple visuals, authentic hindi narration, and interactive elements that let viewers virtually participate in temple rituals.

“Madhusudan has been part of Indian households’ spiritual rituals for generations. This partnership allows us to evolve that connection for the digital age. We’re not just advertising – we’re investing in cultural preservation through technology,” said Amit Aggarwal, Director, Madhusudan.

The 10-episode series will premiere on the devam platform, with daily episodes on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Following the Hindi launch, the partnership will expand to Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali in Q1 2026, with more significant temples in the pipeline.

This marks the first time a major FMCG brand has invested in AI-generated devotional micro-content, setting new standards for brand partnerships in spiritual tech and demonstrating AI’s potential in cultural preservation.

JMR Infotech Showcases AI-Powered Banking Platform at CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025

Bogotá / Dubai / Bangalore – Dec 2: JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions, and a service member of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), participated in the CAB Annual General Meeting & Conference 2025, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from October 28 to November 1, 2025. The event brought together banking and financial industry leaders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, innovation, and the future of financial services in the Caribbean.

JMR Infotech was represented by CEO Jayafar Moidu, who engaged with senior representatives from banks and financial institutions across the Caribbean. Discussions focused on how AI-driven Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS) models can help institutions accelerate modernisation, improve compliance, and enhance customer experience.

At the conference, JMR Infotech highlighted its Banking Platform as a Service (BPaaS), a complete, API-first, cloud-enabled, and AI-powered technology stack built on Oracle banking product processor to deliver next-generation, immersive, and intelligent banking experiences. The platform integrates automation, predictive analytics, and composable architecture to help banks achieve operational agility, risk resilience, and scalability.

Jayafar Moidu, CEO, JMR Infotech, emphasised that the Caribbean’s banking ecosystem is at a pivotal stage, where innovation and inclusion will define the next decade of growth. He noted that the region’s collaborative spirit and willingness to adopt digital-first strategies position it well for transformation driven by AI and cloud technologies.

“Across the Caribbean, banks are ready to embrace technology that empowers efficiency, compliance, and customer-centricity. Our AI-powered BPaaS model offers a secure and scalable pathway to modernisation, enabling financial institutions to move from manual processes to intelligent, self-optimising operations,” said Jayafar.

JMR Infotech’s presence at the conference reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s financial sector with flexible, future-ready technology solutions. With a regional delivery center in Bogotá and support and delivery centers in St. Kitts and Jamaica, the company continues to strengthen its footprint across the Caribbean and Latin America, combining local presence with global delivery excellence.