Category Archives: Business

From Peripheral Suburb to Growth Engine: How Vasai is Powering the next Housing Hub with Mumbai 4.0

By Jash Panchamia, Promoter, Suraksha Smart City

Vasai, long viewed as a peripheral suburb, is now gaining traction as a promising housing market. With its population projected to grow from 1.3 million in 2011, to over 2 million by 2030, Vasai is no longer a peripheral suburb-it is touted to become the epicentre of a new housing churn with Mumbai 4.0.

Vasai’s salient amenities like infrastructure expansion, policy incentives, and affordability gives it an edge over Mumbai, that faces chronic land shortage. Amidst the overpopulation and chaos of the state capital, the question is no longer whether Vasai will grow or not, but rather how quickly it will reshape the region’s urban future.

Historically, Vasai has been known for its fishing communities, heritage churches, and quiet coastal living. However, in the last few years, it has transitioned into a leading commuter belt, helping ease the pressure off Mumbai. Now, it is undergoing yet another transformation-this time as a redevelopment and housing hub.

Mumbai’s real estate landscape is dotted with premium developments that reflect its established urban character and commanding property values often exceeding Rs 50,000 per sq ft. Vasai has parallelly emerged as an attractive alternative, offering quality housing options in the range of Rs 8,000–12,000 per sq ft. With its competitive pricing, improved connectivity and infrastructure, Vasai is increasingly appealing to homebuyers looking toward integrated townships in the northern corridor.

Additionally, several land parcels are being unlocked through redevelopment initiatives, paving the way for a new wave of thoughtfully planned residential projects. This phase of development is also witnessing a growing shift towards integrated township formats, with projects being planned as self-sustained communities that combine residential living with social infrastructure, amenities, and open spaces.

This growth is further reinforced by market indicators. When it comes to mid-segment housing absorption, it has shown strong year-on-year growth, thus reflecting rising end-user demand. No longer a ‘fallback location’, Vasai is increasingly being actively chosen, not just for affordability, but also for improved quality of life, and long-term potential.

So, what has prompted such transformation of Vasai? This transition, that is not accidental, is powered through infrastructure and policy tailwinds, which include:

High-speed connectivity: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has key infrastructure planned around Vasai, that is set to vastly improve access to the region.

Metro expansion: Upcoming metro corridors will drastically reduce travel time (within a 30–45-minute commute), that will ease and alter daily commute.

Road and rail upgrades: Projects like the Virar-Alibaug Corridor and proposed sea links, will further merge Vasai with Mumbai’s economic core.

Rail network advantage: Dual connectivity via Western and Central railway lines already provides logistical, easy access to commuters. This is further strengthened by the upcoming Vasai-Diva-Panvel Railway Line Extension which will link Vasai Road to Panvel via Diva, slashing travel times to Navi Mumbai. Complementing this, the Vasai Outstation Terminal (under construction, 8 platforms) will handle long-distance trains, decongesting core terminals like CST and Lokmanya Tilak, while offering direct link to the northern suburbs and beyond

What is even more crucial is that these physical upgrades are being ably supported by policies as well. Peripheral growth nodes are a key focus of Maharashtra’s evolving housing frameworks, while redevelopment incentives help in completion of project timelines.

It is not just infrastructure; economic activity too, forms a core aspect of Vasai’s development. The region is attracting increased interest from commercial developments and industries, further bolstered by proximity to emerging hubs, and large-scale projects like the Vadhavan Port and a proposed airport. This is expected to drive a steady influx of both migrants and working professionals.

For homebuyers, it is a win-win deal. With both affordability and appreciation potential, Vasai offers a rare combination that will keep reaping dividends in the long-run. With property values expected to grow by 12–15% in the coming years, Vasai offers a strong return on investment alongside ease of living with its integrated township projects. Compared to Mumbai, where Rs 1–2 crore homes are increasingly out of reach, Vasai offers a realistic approach to ownership of one’s own home.

Vasai’s development, however, is not without considerable challenges. The rapid urbanisation has put pressure on amenities like water supply, transport infrastructure, and land management. Not only this, traffic congestion, and unplanned development risk are proving to be bottlenecks to an otherwise attractive market.

The good news is that solutions to these problems is already underway. Initiatives such as the Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme aim to resolve long-term water needs, while better transport planning and smart urban development, will lead to sustainable growth.

So, what lies ahead? To capitalise on Vasai’s massive potential, it is important that both policymakers and planners act decisively to make sure that infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand. This alignment will ensure that growth and capacity simultaneously contribute to Vasai’s development.

In the years to come, Vasai is set to grow exponentially. By 2035, the Vasai belt could account for a substantial share of new housing supply, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, as much as 40%.

This is not just a real estate story, but rather a benchmark of urban growth-one that creates new avenues of opportunity, while staying clear of the congestion that is synonymous to Mumbai. With the seamless convergence of infrastructure, policy, and market forces, Vasai will no longer be an ‘alternate option’, it will be a cornerstone of fast-paced development.

Hence Mumbai’s future as we know, is set to be redefined, and Vasai might just be the starting point.

Flipkart Opens Ekart Logistics Network to India’s MSMEs and D2C Brands

Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh Honoured with ET Industry Leaders Award

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh  July 29: Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, the Chairman of the Noida International University (NIU) and the NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, has been awarded the ET Industry Leaders North 2026 award for his great contribution to the Education & Healthcare sector. This award is granted annually to the esteemed leaders who are contributing in transforming the Indian economy.

The award was announced at the ET Industry Leaders North 2026 event themed “Celebrating the Growth Story, Powering India”, by the prominent film star and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty.

Noida International University has flourished under the brilliant influence of Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, transforming into one of the leading multidisciplinary institutions in India with a proven track record of excellence in education and innovation. In parallel with this development, NIIMS Medical College & Hospital has also established itself as a reputable institution in the field of medical science and healthcare education, offering superior patient care, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and research services. This recognition is a tribute to the determination of Dr. Singh, who has been committed to creating institutions, enabling a link between education and health.

Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, Chairman, Noida International University and NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, said: “I am privileged and grateful to receive the ET Industry Leaders North 2026 Award for Exceptional Contribution to Education & Healthcare. This honour signifies not only my personal achievement but also the commitment, passion, and efforts of the entire Noida International University and NIIMS Medical College team. We have strongly believed that education and healthcare are the two most important pillars of nation building, based upon our goal of building institutions that make people knowledgeable, innovative, kind, and provided with opportunities. I would like to thank the ET industry leaders once again for this honour and dedicate this award to our students, faculty, doctors, personnel, partners, and everyone who made our achievement possible.”

Officials from Noida International University remarked during the occasion that this award is a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and overall social contribution. The university has been expanding its academic ecosystem in conjunction with its commitment to industry ties, international affiliations, and proven research capabilities, together with the provision of ample opportunities for practical learning.

MyAssetPoint Launches Cross-Border Real Estate Collaboration Platform in India and UAE

New Delhi, India, July 28: Real estate technology company MyAssetPoint has announced the launch of its agent collaboration platform in India and the United Arab Emirates, introducing a network designed to enable real estate professionals to collaborate on property transactions across multiple markets through a commission-sharing model at https://myassetpoint.com/r/pp6hvhhs.

The platform seeks to address one of the industry’s longstanding challenges—limited collaboration between independent brokers operating in different cities and countries. Instead of working independently, registered agents can share property listings, exchange buyer leads and participate in transactions together while the listing agent manages site visits, negotiations and documentation.

Talking about the launch, company spokesperson said, “Real estate remains a highly fragmented industry where professionals often work within limited geographical boundaries. Our objective is to create a collaborative ecosystem where agents can access opportunities beyond their local markets while maintaining transparency in lead management and commission sharing.”

According to the company, every registered agent receives a dedicated personal website connected to the platform’s inventory, allowing properties listed by participating agents to be showcased across the network. The company says this approach is intended to increase property visibility and expand business opportunities without requiring agents to establish offices in multiple locations.

The platform is currently operational in India and the UAE. MyAssetPoint plans to expand its network to seven to eight additional international markets over the next three to four months as part of its global growth strategy.

The company believes the model could particularly benefit independent brokers and small agencies by providing access to a wider inventory of properties and potential buyers without requiring significant investment in technology or physical expansion.

Industry observers note that technology-driven collaboration platforms are increasingly gaining attention as real estate markets become more interconnected and cross-border property transactions continue to grow.

As part of its launch offer, MyAssetPoint is providing free onboarding for a limited period and a complimentary personal website to all new agents joining the platform. While the free onboarding offer is available only for a limited time, the personal website will continue to be provided to every new agent.

Pine Labs Sees Q1 Profit Slump, Continues Focus on Growth Plans

New Delhi, July 28: Digital payments and fintech company Pine Labs reported a 67% sequential decline in its first-quarter net profit, reflecting pressure on earnings during the period.

The company’s financial performance was impacted by various business factors, even as it continued to expand its merchant payments ecosystem and strengthen its digital solutions portfolio.

Pine Labs has been focusing on improving operational efficiency, enhancing technology capabilities, and expanding its range of payment and financial services to support future growth.

The fintech firm continues to operate in a rapidly evolving digital payments market, where increasing competition and changing customer expectations are shaping business strategies.

The company said its long-term focus remains on innovation, scaling its platform, and creating sustainable growth opportunities across the markets it serves.

India’s Export Growth Gains Momentum as FTAs Open New Global Markets

New Delhi, July 28: India’s trade performance recorded strong growth in FY26, with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) helping exporters access new international markets and expand business opportunities.

The government said improved market access through trade partnerships has supported Indian industries and strengthened the country’s position in global commerce.

FTAs have enabled exporters to explore new destinations, enhance competitiveness, and increase participation in international supply chains.

Officials said continued focus on trade expansion, manufacturing growth, and global partnerships will help further boost India’s export potential.

The government is working to create a more favourable environment for exporters and strengthen India’s role in global trade.

The Science Behind Erling Haaland’s Sleep Routine: Do You Really Need These Sleep Hacks

Football star Erling Haaland calls sleep his biggest performance tool. But do blue-light glasses, mouth taping and other sleep hacks really work? Experts explain what science supports, what to avoid, and the sleep habits that matter most.

Elite footballers spend countless hours perfecting their game, but one of the biggest factors behind peak performance happens away from the training ground. Erling Haaland, one of the world’s most prolific footballers, has repeatedly spoken about prioritising sleep as a cornerstone of his recovery routine. The 25-year-old Norwegian striker’s performance at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 has been incredible, and at least part of it is reportedly thanks to his sleep habits. Reports of him wearing blue-light-blocking glasses, limiting screen time, taping his mouth shut and maintaining a disciplined sleep schedule have sparked curiosity about whether these habits are worth adopting.

While social media often promotes “sleep hacks” as shortcuts to better health and athletic performance, sleep medicine experts say the real benefits come from consistency rather than quick fixes. Good-quality sleep is essential not just for professional athletes but also for anyone looking to improve physical health, mental sharpness and overall wellbeing.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night for optimal health, while athletes may benefit from even longer sleep durations depending on training intensity. Research also shows that adequate sleep improves reaction time, memory, immune function and emotional regulation, while chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

So, which parts of Haaland’s sleep routine are backed by science, and which should be approached with caution?

Why Sleep Is A Performance Enhancer

“When top-level footballers like Erling Haaland say sleep is their biggest performance tool, it sort of lines up with what sports medicine has been saying for years,” says Dr. Subrata Das, Lead Consultant and HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital.

He explains that although training creates physical stress, “recovery, adaptation and the actual performance gains tend to show up mostly during sleep.”

During deep sleep, the body undergoes several vital recovery processes. “In deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone, repairs muscle fibres, tops up glycogen reserves, balances inflammation, and ‘locks in’ motor skills picked up during training. That’s one of the reasons athletes who consistently prioritise sleep often bounce back quicker and hold onto peak performance through those exhausting, packed seasons,” says Dr. Das.

This aligns with evidence from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which recognises sleep as one of the most important components of athletic recovery and injury prevention.

Do Blue-Light Glasses Really Help?

One habit associated with Haaland is wearing blue-light-blocking glasses before bedtime. According to Dr. Das, “A few of Haaland’s reported sleep routines also match up with research. Using blue-light-blocking glasses before bed and cutting down on screen time can help protect natural melatonin rhythms, so sleep onset becomes easier.”

Blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets and laptops suppresses melatonin-the hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Reducing evening screen exposure may therefore help people fall asleep more easily.

He adds, “Keeping the bedroom clear of phones and notifications reduces mental arousal and avoids those little wake-ups, so the result is better sleep quality, not only more hours.” Experts also recommend avoiding electronic devices before bedtime as part of good sleep hygiene.

What About Mouth Taping?

One of the more controversial wellness trends gaining popularity online is mouth taping during sleep. Despite widespread claims, experts urge caution. “That one habit which deserves some caution is mouth taping. While nasal breathing has recognised benefits, there is not quite enough top-tier evidence to nudge people to use mouth taping routinely, healthy individuals or athletes included,” says Dr. Das.

He further warns: “It should not be used by anyone who has nasal blockage, allergies or undiagnosed sleep apnoa without getting medical advice first.” Current scientific evidence remains limited, and sleep specialists caution against treating viral wellness trends as proven medical practices.

The Sleep Habits That Actually Matter

Rather than focusing on viral hacks, experts recommend building sustainable sleep habits. “The bigger lesson from athletes like Haaland is not really that some single sleep hack magically builds elite performance. It is more that the recovery routine stays consistent, day after day, no matter what,” says Dr. Das.

“High-performing athletes treat sleep as a segment of training, not as leftover downtime.”

For most people, he recommends:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Limiting screen exposure before bedtime
• Exercising regularly
• Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night

“For most people, keeping a regular sleep schedule, reducing screen exposure in the evening, moving your body often, and aiming for seven to nine hours of proper sleep can still make real differences for physical health, mental sharpness and long-term wellbeing. This holds true even if you are not training like a professional footballer,” he says.

When Poor Sleep Needs Medical Attention

Not every sleep problem can be solved with better habits. Dr. Das advises that anyone experiencing loud snoring, daytime fatigue or feeling unrefreshed despite adequate sleep should seek medical evaluation.

“If someone is having snoring, daytime lethargy or a feeling of incomplete sleep, they should meet a doctor and get evaluated for sleep apnea through a sleep study,” he says. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common yet underdiagnosed condition that repeatedly interrupts breathing during sleep and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke if left untreated.

He also recommends avoiding caffeine-containing beverages, including coffee, tea and soda, for around eight hours before bedtime, as caffeine can significantly reduce sleep quality and delay sleep onset.

Erling Haaland’s commitment to sleep highlights an important truth: there is no substitute for consistent, restorative sleep. While habits like reducing evening screen exposure have scientific support, trendy practices such as mouth taping still require stronger evidence before they can be recommended widely.

Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone juggling everyday responsibilities, prioritising regular sleep, limiting caffeine late in the day and seeking medical advice for persistent sleep problems are likely to have a far greater impact than chasing the latest viral sleep hack. Ultimately, better sleep isn’t about perfection, it’s about making recovery a daily priority.

VST Tillers Tractors Takes Innovation Forward with Groundbreaking of Global Tech Center in Hosur

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. commences journey into the future with groundbreaking ceremony for setting up Global Tech Center (GTC) with an initial investment of ₹100 Cr.+ in Hosur

New state of the art R&D facility to accelerate innovation, development of new technologies & products in farm mechanization space while establishing strong capabilities in design, calibration, simulation analysis, lab and field testing for the new generation of farm mechanization equipment powered by both ICE and EV technologies. 

Hosur, July 28: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. (VTTL), one of India’s leading farm equipment manufacturers, today conducted the Bhoomi pooja and groundbreaking ceremony for its new Global Tech Centre in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Being established with an investment of ₹100 crore, the state-of-the-art facility will significantly strengthen the company’s research and development capabilities and serve as its primary global hub for advanced engineering and innovation.

The new Global Tech Centre has been envisioned to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies, with a strong focus on tractors, tillers, farm mechanization equipment,  intelligent farm machinery for sustainable agricultural solutions using both ICE and EV drive trains. The facility will play a pivotal role in fast-tracking innovation, developing proprietary technologies, enhancing testing and validation capabilities, and fostering collaborations with global technology partners and research institutions.

The Global Tech Centre will also significantly enhance VST’s product development ecosystem by strengthening testing infrastructure, accelerate the development and address customer requirements across different continents. The investment underscores VST’s long-term commitment to delivering innovative, efficient and sustainable mechanization solutions for Indian and global agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, V. T. Ravindra Managing Director of the Company, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., said, “The foundation of our Global Tech Centre marks a significant milestone in VST’s journey of innovation and technology leadership. As agriculture rapidly embraces electrification, automation and digital technologies, this facility will become the cornerstone of our future R&D initiatives. It will enable us to accelerate innovation, develop proprietary technologies and create world-class products that empower farmers with smarter, more sustainable mechanization solutions.”

He further added, “The new centre will substantially strengthen our engineering, testing and validation capabilities while fostering collaborations with leading global technology partners and research institutions. By investing in advanced R&D infrastructure today, we are preparing VST to lead the next generation of farm machinery  and deliver products that meet the evolving needs of customers across domestic and international markets.”

The establishment of the Global Tech Centre reflects VST’s strategic vision of building indigenous technology capabilities while driving sustainable innovation in farm mechanization. With this forward-looking investment, the company reinforces its commitment to engineering excellence, product innovation and industry leadership in the rapidly evolving landscape of smart and sustainable agriculture.

India’s Industrial Output Grows 7.3 pc in June, Manufacturing Drives Expansion

New Delhi, July 28: India’s industrial sector recorded strong growth in June, with overall output rising 7.3%, supported by better performance in manufacturing, electricity, and gas sectors.

The growth reflects continued momentum in industrial activity and highlights the resilience of India’s economy amid changing global conditions.

The manufacturing sector remained a key contributor to the rise, while increased electricity and gas production further supported overall industrial expansion.

Experts said the improvement in industrial output indicates stronger production activity and growing confidence across key sectors.

The latest performance is expected to support economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities.

The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, industrial expansion, and investment promotion is helping drive growth across the country’s industrial landscape.

Sensex, Nifty Slip as Weak Asian Markets Weigh on Sentiment

Mumbai, July 28: Indian benchmark indices ended the trading session slightly lower as weakness across Asian markets affected investor sentiment and led to cautious activity in domestic equities.

The Sensex and Nifty witnessed a subdued session, with investors tracking global market movements and assessing economic developments.

Market experts said profit booking in select sectors and uncertainty in overseas markets contributed to the decline.

Investors remained focused on corporate earnings, economic indicators, and global trends for further market direction.

The domestic market outlook is expected to remain influenced by international developments and investor sentiment in the coming sessions.