Category Archives: Business

Usha Financial launches its retail financing solutions; aims to empower retail businesses

New Delhi, 20th June 2025 – Usha Financial, one of India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), has diversified its portfolio with the launch of its retail financing solution that aims to empower retail businesses. The company expands the horizon of retail financing loans across the country.

As part of its broader push into retail financing, Usha Financial has introduced Invoice Discounting, a solution tailored to support the cash flow needs of small and mid-sized businesses. By enabling enterprises to raise funds against their outstanding invoices, the offering ensures quicker access to working capital without waiting for payment cycles to close. This initiative not only helps streamline day-to-day operations but also strengthens the financial flexibility of MSMEs, positioning them for steady and sustainable growth.

The product is designed with flexibility at its core, with ticket sizes for invoice financing starting at INR 50 Lakh, making it ideal for small and mid-sized enterprises in need of swift, reliable financial support.

“Financial empowerment is the foundation of sustainable business growth. With our strategic push into solutions like financing loans to SMEs and MSME invoice discounting, we aim to be more than just a lender,” said Mrs. Geeta Goswami, CEO of Usha Financial. “Our vision is to become a true growth partner for MSMEs—helping them bridge liquidity gaps with speed, simplicity, and trust. We’re enabling entrepreneurs to unlock their potential, strengthen cash flow, and grow without financial friction.”

To complement its on-ground expansion, Usha Financial is in the process of advancing its digital ecosystem. This includes the creation of a dedicated mobile application designed to offer customers easy access to financial services, loan management, and credit products furthering the company’s vision of delivering a seamless, digital-first retail financing experience.

These developments mark a significant milestone in Usha Financial’s mission to drive innovation and financial empowerment across India’s emerging business landscape.

Price of Independent Floors in South Delhi rises upto 105% in 3 years: Golden Growth Fund

New Delhi, June 20, 2025: The price of luxury independent floors in South Delhi has risen between 64-105% in the last three years, according to a report by Golden Growth Fund (GGF), a Category-II real estate focussed Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).

According to the report, in Category-A colonies, between June 2022-June 2025, the average price for a 2500 sq. ft. floor has risen by approximately 100% from Rs 8 to 11 crore to Rs 16 to 22 crore while for a 6000 sq. ft. floor, the price has risen by 105% from Rs 18 to 22 crore to Rs 36 to 45 crore.

In Category-B colonies, between June 2022-June 2025, the average price for a 2500 sq. ft. floor has risen by approximately 70% from Rs 5 to 6.5 crore to Rs 8.5 to 11crore while for a 3200 sq. ft. floor, the price has risen by approximately 64% from Rs 8 to 11 crore to Rs 13 to 18 crore.

Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund said: “South Delhi is today the most premium real estate market with per sq. ft. rate in a Cat-A colony ranging between Rs 60,000-Rs 90,000 and in Cat-B colony between Rs 36,000-Rs 56,000 depending upon floor and colony. With growing interest from startup founders and businessmen, South Delhi has emerged as an end-user destination with privacy and customised space as primary needs of these ultra-rich habitants. Its connectivity to the office hubs in Gurugram and Noida; and the airport adds to its appeal. The excellent return on investment is another factor that has added to the growing interest.”

*Price range is to indicate floor-wise and colony-wise pricing

In an earlier report, GGF said the redevelopment potential of South Delhi is worth Rs 5.65 lakh crore across 42 MCD Regulated colonies with plots (occupied and vacant) in Category A & B colonies alone accounting for over Rs 5.35 lakh crore.

“The real estate market in the last three years has been bullish. However, what separates South Delhi from the rest is the consistent demand, reliable and safe investment and substantial returns. Besides, it also boasts of safety of the asset against depreciation of capital,” Ankur Jalan said.

Some of the Category-A and B colonies are Mayfair Garden, Panchsheel Park N Block, Panchsheel Park S & E Blocks, Sadhana Enclave, Anand Niketan, Vasant Vihar, Shanti Niketan, Westend, Chankyapuri, Golf Links, JorBagh, Sundar Nagar, Maharani Bagh, Chirag Enclave, GK, Green Park, Gulmohar Park, Niti Bagh etc.

“HNIs, NRIs and family offices, who earlier invested in local properties without the cushion of compliance and safety, are making investments in AIFs that invest in these colonies. With returns as high as 18-20% without the hassle of maintenance, AIFs have opened a new avenue for these investors, Jalan further added.

Sundaram Finance expands Sundaram Wealth as a specialised service to serve High Net Worth and Affluent Clients

Chennai, Friday, June 20, 2025…– Sundaram Finance, one of India’s most respected financial institutions with over seven decades of exemplary customer obsession, today announced the expansion of Sundaram Wealth as a dedicated wealth management offering. This strategic initiative positions the company to better serve the sophisticated financial needs of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, High Net Worth Individuals (HNI) and affluent families across India.

The expanded offering builds upon the company’s existing franchise in wealth management and will provide comprehensive financial solutions including strategic financial planning, portfolio allocation and risk management through enhanced capabilities.

Strategic focus on affluent market segments

Sundaram Wealth will primarily target families and individuals who require sophisticated wealth management solutions beyond traditional investment products. Rooted in Sundaram Finance’s enduring customer relationships with self-employed and entrepreneurs, this offering is designed to serve those who have created significant wealth, as well as those who are thoughtfully and steadily building toward it.

“Our expansion of Sundaram Wealth represents the natural evolution of our client relationships and our commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions,” said Harsha Viji, Executive Vice Chairman of Sundaram Finance. “Over the decades, we have witnessed many clients progress significantly in their financial journey through disciplined investing and financial planning. This expansion allows us to serve our multigenerational relationships in addressing their increasingly complex wealth management needs with the same integrity and personalised service that has defined our customer centricity for over 70 years.”

Leveraging distribution excellence

Sundaram Wealth will leverage and expand Sundaram Direct, the company’s distribution business, which has been a cornerstone of Sundaram Finance’s financial products & services offerings for over two decades. Sundaram Direct deals with both SF Group and third-party financial products and has built a wealth and investments portfolio exceeding Rs. 7,000 crore of assets under management. This established distribution infrastructure provides Sundaram Wealth with extensive product access and proven operational capabilities to deliver differentiated wealth management solutions.

The wealth management expansion will tap into this distribution strength while simultaneously targeting new affluent clients across India’s growing wealth segments. The growth strategy will include both organic growth through existing customer relationships and targeted acquisition of new HNI and affluent clients seeking comprehensive wealth management services. The company aspires to achieve an AUM of 20,000 – 25,000 crore in the next 4 – 5 years.

“The formal expansion of Sundaram Wealth reflects our optimism about India’s march towards a middle-income economy and the country’s growing affluent population. We are keen to serve these customers, particularly the self-employed, and address their evolving financial needs in the Sundaram Way that has stood the test of time over the past over seven decades,” said Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director of Sundaram Finance. “We are uniquely positioned to serve this market through our combination of multi-generational client relationships combined with a “you first” approach to clients, comprehensive product suite, and unwavering commitment to prudent wealth management. Our goal is to be the trusted wealth partner to families and individuals who aspire to a long-term financial journey built on openness and discipline.”

Swamiraj Becomes ‘House of Swamiraj’, Announces INR 210 Cr Expansion

Swamiraj Constructions Rebrands as ‘House of Swamiraj’, Announces Rs 210 Cr Projects in Thane and Ambernath

Mumbai, 20th June 2025: In a defining moment that marks its evolution from a reputed builder to a future-focused lifestyle brand, Swamiraj Constructions has officially announced its rebranding as House of Swamiraj. With a legacy spanning two decades and over 1,700 satisfied homeowners across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the company is now stepping into a new era that fuses its time-tested values with a progressive approach to community-led, wellness-driven living.

The rebranding was officially launched through a digital campaign titled #BeyondDimensions. Rolled out in three phases: teaser, engagement, and launch, the campaign highlighted the company’s renewed focus on designing homes that are not only functional but also emotionally connected to the people who live in them.

At the heart of the rebranding lies a transformative vision: to go beyond the developer role and become a curator of experiences that foster belonging legacy, and lifestyle enrichment. The shift from “Swamiraj Constructions” to “House of Swamiraj” signifies more than a name change. It reflects a strategic repositioning that puts emotional intelligence, sustainable living, and design innovation at the core of every project.

“Changing our name to House of Swamiraj is not just about a new look. It’s about staying true to who we are while preparing for what’s next. For over 18 years, families have trusted us to build their homes, and that trust is the foundation we are building on. With this new chapter, we are focusing even more on thoughtful design, stronger communities, and meaningful living. The name may be new, but our purpose remains the same, and that is to create homes that truly improve lives,” said Jason Samuel, Director, House of Swamiraj.

To mark this remarkable transformation, House of Swamiraj is set to launch three significant residential developments. Two of these developments are located off Pokhran Road No. 1, Thane (West) — one being a thoughtfully designed affordable 2BHK lifestyle community, and the other offering a mix of 1BHK and 2BHK residences, with a combined investment of ₹160 crore.

The third is a premium residential tower in Ambernath (West), with a project value of ₹50 crore, aimed at redefining modern living in emerging locations.

Alongside these, a new development is planned in Vartak Nagar, Thane, aligning with the brand’s ambitious goal to achieve a turnover of Rs 2,000 crore while maintaining its commitment to affordability, innovation, and community-centric growth.

With its new identity, House of Swamiraj aims to transcend conventional construction by building homes that resonate emotionally and function intuitively. The long-term vision includes expanding into emerging urban hubs across Maharashtra, delivering over 12,000 homes, and achieving a sales milestone of Rs 10,000 crore. The brand aspires to establish itself among Maharashtra’s top five lifestyle-centric developers, championing future-ready living with wellness amenities, sustainability, and smart home innovations embedded into every project.

As House of Swamiraj ushers in this new chapter, it promises not just spaces to live in but places to thrive, reaffirming its belief that a house is not just built with walls but with purpose, emotion, and vision.

Allcargo Gati goes live on ONDC Network to empower India’s digital commerce with seamless, efficient logistics solutions

Mumbai, 18 June 2025: Allcargo Gati, one of India’s leading express distribution and supply chain companies, has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Network, a Government of India backed initiative aimed at democratizing and expanding digital commerce.

This strategic integration enhances the accessibility of reliable, tech-enabled logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes—helping them streamline deliveries, optimize supply chains, and boost operational efficiency.

By joining the ONDC Network, Allcargo Gati reinforces its commitment to driving digital commerce across India. Leveraging its vast logistics infrastructure, advanced warehousing, and AI-driven route optimization, the company offers seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions across 19,800 PIN codes in 735 districts—enabling faster and more efficient deliveries nationwide.

Businesses on the ONDC Network now gain access to Allcargo Gati’s full-spectrum logistics services, including express distribution, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. These services are tailored to suit the unique needs of industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and durable products.

Commenting on the development, Ketan Kulkarni, Managing Director and CEO – Gati Express and Supply Chain Limited, said, “By joining ONDC Network for B2B, we align with the government’s vision of fostering an open and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem. Our mission is to empower customers with seamless logistics solutions that strengthen their market competitiveness. Through our robust express distribution network, we enable businesses of all sizes to efficiently reach customers across every corner of the country.”

Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO at ONDC, added: “Allcargo Gati joining the ONDC Network marks a pivotal shift in how B2B logistics is delivered in India. With logistics costs estimated to be a considerable part of GDP, ONDC’s open, interoperable framework offers a pathway to greater efficiency, better capacity utilization, and reduced costs at scale. This move levels the playing field—empowering small and medium businesses with access to tech-enabled, enterprise-grade logistics infrastructure.”

With a sharp focus on digital transformation, Allcargo Gati continues to enhance its network capacity, optimize its hub-and-spoke model, and integrate advanced technologies to meet the evolving demands of e-commerce. Its presence on the ONDC Network ensures that all buyers and sellers within the ecosystem can easily leverage its services—solidifying Allcargo Gati’s position as a preferred logistics partner in India’s rapidly growing digital economy.

Amazon India celebrates MSME Day 2025 with the return of Karigar Mela featuring artisans from across India

Chandigarh, June 20, 2025: As part of its ongoing efforts to enable micro and small businesses, Amazon India will host the fourth edition of its Karigar Mela storefront on June 21 and 21, ahead of MSME Day 2025. Since its launch in 2021, Karigar Mela has become an online storefront for India’s artisans to showcase their handcrafted products, helping preserve traditional crafts while expanding their access to millions of customers through e-commerce.

Participation in Karigar Mela has grown threefold since its launch, with the 2025 edition set to feature over thousands of artisans from across India. The storefront will offer customers a curated selection of handcrafted products that highlight India’s cultural and creative diversity. Categories such as furniture, women’s ethnic wear, and home decor continue to see strong traction, driven by potentially growing demand for handmade and regionally sourced products. With increased participation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, this year’s edition further expands market access for local artisans and brings a broader range of regional crafts to customers nationwide.

On this occasion, Mr. Gaurav Bhatnagar, Director, Sales, Amazon India, said, “Karigar Mela reflects our continued efforts to enable small businesses and artisans across India to participate in and benefit from e-commerce. By supporting the revival of traditional crafts and improving access to markets, we are providing an opportunity to artisans scale their businesses sustainably. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem and creating long-term value for customers and sellers alike.”

Launched in 2017, the Amazon Karigar program enables small businesses and specialized micro-entrepreneurs like weavers, artisans, and artisans to benefit from e-commerce, grow their businesses, and, in many cases, revive some dying art forms from the country. Today, Amazon Karigar impacts over 1.8 MM (18 lakh) artisans with a selection of over 200K (2 lakh) unique handmade products across handloom, handicraft, hand-processed beauty & gourmet products, including 470+ unique arts and crafts from across the country.

Bajaj Markets Joins ONDC network; Brings 16 million+ Traffic to the network

Mumbai/Pune, June 19, 2025: Bajaj Markets, one of India’s largest digital marketplaces for financial products and services, and a part of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., today announced its integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), making the network accessible to its customers on Bajaj Markets App and Web.

This integration makes Bajaj Markets a buyer network participant on ONDC Network. Customers on Bajaj Markets App and Web can now seamlessly shop for electronics and appliances on ONDC Network, in addition to financial products and services on the Bajaj Markets platform.

Ashish Panchal, Managing Director and CEO, Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited, said, “With 90+ partners and 140+ financial products and services available on our platform, Bajaj Markets continues to witness steady growth in app and website traffic. This integration connects consumers of Bajaj Markets with sellers on the ONDC network. It allows our 16 million+ traffic to access ONDC’s decentralized network, offering a wide selection of premium electronics and appliances, along with flexible financing options. This integration marks a significant step in leveraging India’s Digital Public Infrastructure to accelerate digital commerce and transform customer experience.”

Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO, ONDC, said, “Bajaj Markets joining the ONDC Network marks a significant step in redefining how financial services and commerce intersect. As a front-runner in the financial sector, Bajaj Markets is poised to unlock new opportunities by combining deep credit expertise with seamless digital commerce – empowering consumers to make smarter purchases, access flexible financing, and build stronger financial journeys. This integration reflects the transformative potential of open networks in enabling businesses to engage, learn, and co-create value.”

Bajaj Markets started with an aim to bring consumers of financial services and providers on a single platform, making it not only convenient for customers to compare, choose and buy, but also transact digitally. It has today grown to become one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial products and services from leading banks and NBFCs.

The integration with ONDC Network enables Bajaj Markets to seamlessly offer over 1.5 lakh SKUs of premium electronics and appliances at comparable prices.

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square reintroduces concept of celebrating India’s culinary diversity

New Delhi: DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is thrilled to announce the return of the dining concept, ‘Chefs of Hilton’ – a culinary journey that brings to life the long-lost recipe that evokes nostalgia. This celebration of regional dishes has been created to transport guests through the country’s most iconic culinary heritage.

Themed “Curated with Care, Timeless Flavours Rediscovered,” the concept features 18 specially created dishes, plated and presented in a thali format. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, Chefs of Hilton brings together India’s most beloved regional dishes.

Executive Chef Bishan Negi leads this initiative with passion and creativity, drawing on his extensive experience with global hospitality brands. Under his guidance, chefs of DoubleTree By Hilton Baani Square are presenting dishes that are native, original and flavourful.

“At DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, we see our kitchen as more than a space for cooking, it is an arena of artistry, where our chefs are not just culinarians but creators too. Chefs of Hilton is a concept designed to celebrate our culinary artists and give our guests a chance to experience Indian culture through cuisine,” said Chef Bishan Negi.

Some of the vegetarians delicacies being offered include Dalma with Masala Puri – a wholesome lentil-vegetable stew from Odisha, elevated by the golden magic of masala puris; Ghugni with Luchi – a Kolkata street-side classic – spicy yellow peas bubbling with flavour, paired with soft, puffed luchis that melt in your mouth; Besan ke Gatte with Khoba Roti – Rajasthan’s gram flour dumplings in tangy curry, served with hand-pinched Khoba roti that looks as royal as it tastes and Bombay Tawa Pulao with Kheera Pudina Raita – spiced rice seared on a hot tawa, cooled down with a chilled cucumber-mint raita that’s pure refreshment.

Non vegetarians can relish Bihar’s best-kept secret – Champaran Mutton with Moti Roti (slow-cooked mutton sealed with mustard oil and spice, paired with thick roti to scoop up every last drop of that magic); Katla Macher Jhol with Garam Bhaat (a homely Bengali fish curry where big river fish meets mustard and magic and served with hot steamed rice) and Andhra Royyala Vepudu with Malabar Parantha (bold, spiced prawns stir-fried served with flaky charm of a South Indian paratha).

The thalis have been thoughtfully priced with vegetarian offerings as well.

SEBI Reforms Boost Flexibility and Attractiveness of REITs and InvITs

By-Mr. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE

“SEBI’s latest announcements will provide the impetus needed to make REITs and InvITs more attractive, transparent, and operationally efficient. A relaxation of the earlier provision, making it mandatory to onward distribute 100% inflows from SPV to Holdco, will allow more operational flexibility and improved cash flow management for REITs and InvITs, potentially optimising distributions and making the structures more attractive to sponsors and managers. Additionally, SEBI has aligned the timeline for submitting various reports with the schedule for financial results. This streamlines compliance and reduces redundant delays for REITs and InvITs. These amendments will make REITs and InvITs more accessible, trusted, and future ready. We anticipate a surge of domestic and global capital into the sector, which is essential for funding India’s vast real estate and infrastructure development needs.”

Increase Industry and manufacturing contribution to GDP our top priority: Hemant Sharma

Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Edition of the Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, organized by the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Council, successfully commenced today at a city hotel. This year’s conclave, themed “AI-Driven Manufacturing: Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology pioneers, and academia to discuss Odisha’s roadmap for becoming a future-ready manufacturing hub.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industry, Govt of Odisha, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted that Manufacturing currently contributes 36% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the combined contribution of industry and manufacturing stands at 53%. He emphasized that there is significant potential to further enhance this share, and this remains a top priority for the state government. “Our policies have been strategically designed to drive this growth, and we are witnessing a rapid inflow of investments. Many investment proposals have not only been received but have also been successfully grounded,” he said.

Reflecting on Odisha’s industrial transformation over the past few decades, Sharma noted the role of technological advancements in optimizing resource use. “For instance, the land required for establishing aluminium plants with double the production capacity has now been reduced to almost half, thanks to improved technology,” he explained. He further added that the state government is actively supporting industries with a steady supply of skilled manpower and comprehensive infrastructure to help them flourish.

Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha unveiled ASSOCHAM study paper in partnership with Primus Partners

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM, who lauded the Government’s visionary approach and called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enable smart and sustainable manufacturing in Odisha.

“AI is no longer an emerging trend; it is now a defining catalyst of modern manufacturing. Odisha must now transition from being resource-rich to becoming data-rich and digitally intelligent,” said Mr. Mohanty.

The conclave also witnessed the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report, providing critical insights on AI adoption and manufacturing best practices.

Mr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India remarked, “India and the UK share a rich history of industrialisation and innovation. We now stand at the cusp of a new era, shaped by digital transformation, green technologies, resilient supply chains and the rising importance of critical minerals. With Odisha aspiring to become a major manufacturing hub, it naturally aligns as a strategic partner for the UK. Together, we can drive industrial innovation while upholding the principles of sustainability. Today, the UK is at the forefront of smart factory automation, advanced industrial engineering, and sustainable supply chain practices all underpinned by the latest advances in AI”.

Two key plenary sessions held. On Enabling a Competitive Manufacturing Ecosystem – Policy & Tech Integration session, Eminent speakers discussed how Odisha can leverage policy frameworks and cutting-edge technologies to build a future-ready manufacturing sector. Similarly, AI for Sustainable Manufacturing – Innovations & Best Practices session,
Industry experts explored how artificial intelligence can foster sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities across sectors. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to make Odisha a national leader in AI-powered, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing.

The event was attended by senior officials, industry stalwarts, technology leaders, international representatives. Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director – East & Northeast, ASSOCHAM proposed vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries spoke at the event were Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha, Shri. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Manufacturing Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Mining & Steel Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr Prashant Hota, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha CSR & Sustainability Council & Mr. Bharat Dureja, Senior Adviser, Primus Partners India.