19, Feb 2026
INSHUR Appoints Christopher Aragon as Head of US Sales and Operations to Drive Growth and Expand Mobility Insurance Footprint
Executive from Turo and Outdoorsy will oversee the company’s revenue engine and sales operations, supporting commercial growth across the car share and mobility insurance industry
(New York, NY, February 19, 2026) – INSHUR, the leader in insurance solutions for the on-demand economy, announced today the appointment of Christopher Aragon as Head of US Sales and Operations. In this role, Aragon will be responsible for overseeing the company’s revenue engine and commercial operations, with a focus on scaling profitable growth, strengthening execution across sales functions, and ensuring tight coordination between commercial strategy and execution as INSHUR continues to expand globally.
Aragon joins INSHUR with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and mobility industry, having held senior leadership roles at Tint, Outdoorsy/Roamly, Turo, and Progressive. His background spans sales, underwriting, claims, risk management, and automation, with a focus on designing and scaling data-driven insurance programs for shared economy, fleet, and gig-driver ecosystems, aligning closely with INSHUR’s mission to build insurance infrastructure designed for how mobility actually works today.
“Christopher brings a strong blend of expertise and insights thanks to his successes in building data-driven insurance programs across the on-demand mobility economy,” said Dan Bratshpis, CEO and co-founder of INSHUR. “His experience at leading mobility and insurance companies gives us valuable perspective on where the market is headed and where we can push it forward. As we scale our first-to-market Off-rental (Period X™) and On-rental (Period Z) car share products, his expertise in this category will be invaluable. His deep understanding of the on-demand economy allows him to translate complex regulatory and operational constraints into innovative products and scalable commercial systems that customers actually need.”
“I was drawn to INSHUR by the environment they’ve created at the intersection of deep insurance knowledge and modern mobility needs,” said Aragon. “The company’s focus on building durable and cohesive systems is a flywheel where revenue growth, operational integrity, and customer outcomes are constantly reinforcing each other. It’s a rare combination, and I believe it’s the foundation for carrying on the future of mobility insurance in both a responsible and sustainable manner.”
With over 40 million people in the US involved in gig economy work, rideshare and delivery drivers are the backbone of the on-demand economy, powering one of the biggest economic shifts in decades. INSHUR supports this workforce by simplifying commercial insurance for rideshare, carshare, and last mile delivery, aligning coverage with real driving activity to build trust between drivers, platforms, and insurers. Through embedded, flexible commercial auto insurance, INSHUR enables coverage that fits how people actually work today.
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- By Neel Achary
19, Feb 2026
Next-generation OLEDs rely on finetuned microcavities
Researchers have developed a unified theory of microcavity OLEDs, guiding the design of more efficient and sustainable devices. The work reveals a surprising trade-off: squeezing light too tightly inside OLEDs can actually reduce performance, and maximum efficiency is achieved through a delicate balance of material and cavity parameters. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) offer several attractive advantages over traditional LED technology: they are lightweight, flexible, and more environmentally friendly to manufacture and recycle. However, heavy-metal-free OLEDs can be rather inefficient, with up to 75% of the injected electrical current converting into heat.
OLED efficiency can be enhanced by placing the device inside an optical microcavity. Squeezing the electromagnetic field forces light to escape more rapidly instead of wasting energy as heat.
“It is basically like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube,” explains Associate Professor Konstantinos Daskalakis from the University of Turku in Finland.
After a certain squeezing threshold, the original energy levels of the emitting material and the electromagnetic field hybridize. These mixed light–matter states are known as polaritons.
While the static energy levels of polariton OLEDs are well understood, much less is known about how the squeezing affects transitions between these states. As a result, the development of polariton OLEDs has largely relied on trial and error.
Now, a research group at the University of Turku has developed the first theoretical model that explains how these transition mechanisms change as the squeezing increases. Surprisingly, the model predicts that efficiencies decrease once polaritons are formed. This reduction arises from two distinct effects.
“Although polaritons emit light very quickly, they are shared states of typically hundreds of thousands of molecules, which dilutes the processes populating them,” explains Postdoctoral Researcher Olli Siltanen. “These population mechanisms can be further weakened if the polariton energies lie too far from the original molecular energy levels.”
According to the model, maximum efficiency in microcavity OLEDs is achieved through a delicate balance of material and cavity parameters. While the model finds polaritons with many molecules disadvantageous, all hope is not lost.
“Alternative device architectures allow us to reduce the number of molecules involved from hundreds of thousands to just a few,” says Daskalakis. “Such OLEDs have the potential to achieve record-breaking efficiencies.”
The results have been published in the journal Materials Horizons.
Read the research article: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/mh/d5mh01958c#!divAbstract
19, Feb 2026
Concept Medical Group Hosts Momentum 6.0 Conference
Surat, Feb 19 : Concept Medical Group successfully concluded Momentum 6.0, its sixth annual sports fest, held in Surat, India. The two-day celebration brought together employees from across the organization for high-energy competition, camaraderie and connection.
Momentum 6.0 featured tournament-style matches across Cricket, Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess and Carrom. The event opened with an Opening Ceremony and Team Flag March, setting the tone for two days of spirited participation and sportsmanship.
Evenings added a celebratory dimension through performances, employee recognition and Concept Got Talent showcase. The fest concluded with the recognition of winning teams and standout performers, including the Momentum 6.0 Champions.
Dr. Manish Doshi, Founder & Managing Director, Concept Medical Group, said,
“Momentum has evolved into more than a sports fest. It is a shared experience that strengthens bonds, deep-rooted camaraderie, nurtures leadership beyond the workplace, and reinforces the values that drive Concept Medical forward every day.”
Parth Doshi, Executive Director, Concept Medical Group, added,
“Momentum is about energy, unity and belief. What we witnessed over these two days was our people coming together with pride, passion and purpose. That spirit is what defines Concept Medical.”
Momentum 6.0 reflects Concept Medical’s commitment to building a people-first workplace grounded in trust, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging, demonstrating the organization continues to be recognized among the country’s top Great Place To Work year after year.
With support from volunteers, mentors and cross-functional teams, the event was delivered through structured coordination and a vibrant on-ground experience. Concept Medical will continue to invest in initiatives that promote wellbeing, collaboration and shared success.
19, Feb 2026
Is Humanity Sleepwalking Into a Digital Dark Age… Why Nearly All Knowledge Is Still at Risk…
PHOENIX, Ariz, Feb. 19— What if humanity’s greatest knowledge crisis isn’t in the past — but unfolding right now? In an age of cloud storage, artificial intelligence and instant information, global innovator and engineer Jack R. Bialik warns of the hidden risks of a fully digital society — and what history reveals about how knowledge is lost.
“A DVD or a CD … those only last 30 or 40 years,” Bialik said in a recent interview. “Thumb drives or USB drives or solid-state drives … how long do those last? How long does your computer last? Five or 10 years? We’re taking our information, putting it on denser things with no thought about how long it lasts.”
In his new book, Lost in Time: Our Forgotten and Vanishing Knowledge, Bialik reveals a startling reality: only 1.6 percent of our collective history has been preserved, and today’s preferred method of preservation — digital records — may be placing humanity’s memory on its most unstable footing yet.
Through bite-sized nuggets of wisdom, Lost in Time takes readers on a captivating exploration of humanity’s lost ingenuity and the forgotten knowledge that once shaped civilizations. Spanning centuries and continents, the book uncovers astonishing technologies, philosophies and cultural practices that have been buried under the sands of time — some of which are more advanced than what people use today. Bialik effortlessly confronts the assumption that only modern-day humans are capable of producing innovative feats of technology and brilliance.
With meticulous research that spanned over 10 years and compelling storytelling, Bialik highlights how these past innovations could still hold the potential to address modern challenges, from knowledge sustainability to societal resilience. Lost in Time unravels the intricate tapestry of human civilization, weaving together narratives of inventions of yesterday, overlooked pioneers and epoch-defining discoveries that have shaped the modern world.
Among the amazing facts readers will learn:
• Cataract surgery was being performed in India more than 2000 years ago.
• The first known fountain pen was created centuries before Europe “invented” it.
• Ancient civilizations debated waste disposal and sanitation solutions that rival or even surpass some modern systems.
Through thought-provoking analysis, Lost in Time examines the fragile nature of human knowledge and the forces — be they war, natural disasters or changing priorities — that contribute to its disappearance.
However, Lost in Time is more than an archive of historical losses. Bialik inspires readers to reconnect with the lessons of the past as a means of fostering a more informed and innovative future. He challenges readers to consider whether humanity is building a legacy of accessible wisdom — or an archive of forgotten lessons.
In Bialik’s own words: “We keep trying to save knowledge, and what we need to do is turn the knowledge into wisdom so that it can be saved from generation to generation.”
Both a cautionary tale and a celebration of resilience, this book illuminates the enduring power of human curiosity and determination. Readers will contemplate how much of humanity’s ingenuity has been left behind, urging them to consider the steps needed to safeguard knowledge for generations to come.
From history enthusiasts to curious thinkers to those passionate about reclaiming lost wisdom, this book offers a fascinating lens through which to view humanity’s enduring quest for progress. This book is appropriate for grade school children all the way to adults of all ages.
18, Feb 2026
Aetna Donates $50,000 to Child Care Aware of Missouri
Contribution will strengthen infrastructure for the nonprofit’s new child care cost-sharing program.
(St. Louis, Mo., February 18, 2026) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently received a $50,000 donation from Aetna to support Child Care Works, the newest initiative administered by CCAMO designed to increase family access to affordable, high-quality child care through locally coordinated cost-sharing exchanges.
The support from Aetna is important at a time when many Missouri families are struggling to balance the rising cost of child care with work and other basic needs. Aetna’s contribution will directly support Child Care Works in making child care more affordable, providing families with quality child care options, which can lead to greater employment opportunities, improved quality of life and overall health benefits. Child Care Works launched in late 2025 as Missouri’s first statewide child care cost-sharing initiative.
Modeled after the Tri-Share approach, Child Care Works divides the cost of child care among employers, families and either state government or a philanthropic partner, making it easier for working parents to find and afford reliable care while helping employers retain a stable workforce.
“Access to reliable, high-quality child care is directly tied to a family’s health and stability,” said Dr. Michelle Bucknor, Chief Medical Officer, Aetna Better Health. “When parents know their children are safe and supported, it is easier to stay employed, keep medical appointments and manage chronic conditions. Our support for Child Care Works reflects our commitment to addressing the real-life barriers that affect health, far beyond the walls of a clinic or hospital.”
“Child Care Works was created to make quality child care a realistic option for more Missouri families who don’t qualify for state child care subsidy,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “Aetna’s investment strengthens this new program by helping employers, families, and community partners share costs, stabilize the child care workforce, and keep parents connected to the jobs that power our state’s economy.”
Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include resource and referral, workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org .
18, Feb 2026
Xitus Names INTX as Core Insurance Operating System Supporting Global Portfolio and Captive Operations
AUSTIN, Texas– INTX Insurance Software, a complete Insurance Operating System for specialty P&C insurers, MGAs, reinsurers and captives, today announced that Xitus has selected INTX as its core insurance operating system to support and scale global run-off, LPT, IBT and captive (re)insurance- operations across its subsidiaries, Xitus Bermuda, Xitus UK, Xitus Europe including its latest acquisition of Chevron Captive, Insco.
Xitus expanded its use of the INTX platform for capital visibility across long-tail portfolios and faster execution of LPTs and acquisitions. INTX supports this work by enabling enhanced portfolio monitoring, reporting, and coordination tied to acquisitions and loss portfolio transfers.
“As an early adopter, we are growing the relationship with INTX because the platform gives us the control to manage our business at scale and as our transaction volume and geographic footprint expand, INTX is the core system we can rely on to operate with confidence and control,” said Benjamin Dovey, Head of Commercial & Operations at Xitus. “INTX brings structure to historically fragmented and manual processes and gives our team confidence to move quickly as we take on more transactions.”
Unlike general-purpose core systems, INTX is designed for the operational and financial realities of legacy and captive insurance. As transaction activity increases and management of reinsurance treaties becomes more complex, by implementing the INTX platform Xitus puts the operational structure in place to manage that evolution with a modern approach, combining specialized expertise with a unified technology designed to scale.
“Runoff and captive portfolios demand a level of financial control and the ability to utilize Predictive AI Actuarial modelling that legacy systems were never designed to deliver. INTX gives organizations like Xitus real-time visibility and governance across complex, multi-entity portfolios as they scale globally,” said Rob Lewis, CEO of INTX Insurance Software. “Our platform gives leadership real-time visibility into reinsurance and claims activity that provides clean data for their predictive AI Models and regulatory oversight.”
18, Feb 2026
Indian Potash Limited Honored at Kandla & Vizag Ports on International Customs Day 2026
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Fertilizer major Indian Potash Limited has been recognised for its outstanding import performance at Kandla Port and Visakhapatnam Port on the occasion of International Customs Day 2026.
IPL has been awarded ‘Top Importer’ for fiscal 2025-26 at Kandla port, Gujarat.
It has also been awarded Appreciation Certificate for one of the highest performers under ‘Importer (PSU)’ for 2025 at Visakhapatnam port, Andhra Pradesh, by the Customs Department, Government of India.
‘Top Importer’ award was presented to IPL on 15 February 2026 at the IFFCO Auditorium, Gandhidham. The award was presented by Shri Nitin Saini, Commissioner of Customs, Kandla, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Narayan Joshi, Padma Shri Awardee, Kutch.
On behalf of IPL, Mr. Jatin Shah, Sales Officer, Kutch, IPL Gujarat, received the award.
IPL received Appreciation Certificate at Visakhapatnam, which acknowledges the organisation as one of the highest importers in the PSU sector. The award ceremony took place on 16 February 2026 at the Sagarmala Convention Hall, Salagramapuram.
The certificate was presented by the Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi, IPS, Police Commissioner, Visakhapatnam, and was received by Ms. Aptakama Sarangi, Deputy Manager, Port Operations, on behalf of Indian Potash Limited.
These recognitions underscore IPL’s sustained commitment to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and transparent trade practices. The awards reflect the organisation’s capability to manage large-scale import operations while adhering to the highest standards of governance and process discipline.
The twin honours further reinforce IPL’s position as a responsible and performance-driven organisation, contributing significantly to India’s agricultural supply chain and trade ecosystem.
Commenting on the recognition, Dr. P S Gahlaut, MD, Indian Potash Limited said:
“These recognitions reflect Indian Potash Limited’s strong focus on operational excellence, compliance, and reliability across our import operations. They are a testament to the dedication of our team working at ports and logistics touchpoints across the country. We remain committed to strengthening transparent trade practices and supporting India’s agricultural supply chain.”
18, Feb 2026
Get Pre-Holi Ready with KIKO Milano’s Glow-Perfecting Essentials
KIKO Milano Pure Clean Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover Balm For Face and Eyes
This Pre-Holi, prep and protect your skin with KIKO Milano’s Pure Clean Cleansing Balm a luxurious balm-to-oil formula that effortlessly melts away even waterproof makeup while keeping your skin soft and hydrated. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, this non-greasy cleanser deeply purifies, leaving your skin feeling refreshed, pampered and celebration-ready.
KIKO Milano Hydrating And Perfecting Face Base Primer – Blue
This Pre-Holi, create the perfect canvas with KIKO Milano Hydrating & Perfecting Face Base Primer – Blue, a 2-in-1 formula infused with aloe vera and shea butter for an instant boost of hydration and freshness. Lightweight and seamlessly blending, it smooths texture, blurs imperfections and delivers a natural, flawless finish without weighing the skin down.
KIKO Milano Radiance Boost Serum Face Base – Peach
Glow bright this Pre-Holi with KIKO Milano Radiance Boost Serum Face Base – Peach, a skin-perfecting formula enriched with maca root extract that camouflages imperfections while nourishing the skin. With its fresh gel-serum texture and subtle pink hue that melts into a luminous finish, it leaves behind a refined, sophisticated glow.
KIKO Milano New Drop Lip Balm
This Pre-Holi, keep your pout soft and celebration-ready with KIKO Milano New Drop Lip Balm, enriched with shea butter, jojoba and almond oils for long-lasting nourishment. Its creamy, lightweight formula glides on effortlessly without greasiness, while the adorable tear-drop design ensures smooth, even application every time.
18, Feb 2026
Mumbai To Host The Earthshot Prize 2026
MUMBAI, India, Feb 18: Mumbai was announced as the host city for The Earthshot Prize 2026 – the world’s most prestigious and impactful environmental award.
The announcement was made during the city’s inaugural Climate Action Week, underscoring India’s growing role as a global leader in climate and nature solutions. An evening event gathered leaders from science, business, politics and the arts to hear from previous Earthshot Prize Finalists from India on how they are scaling solutions to repair and restore the planet.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, said:
“The Earthshot Prize is the world’s most prestigious environmental award and I’m proud to announce that it will be hosted in Mumbai in November. Sustainability and climate action remain top priorities for Maharashtra, and The Earthshot Prize will create global attention for India’s leadership and commitment to turning our goals into meaningful action on the ground.”
Founded by HRH Prince William, The Earthshot Prize exists to inspire a decade of urgent optimism and environmental action. The celebration in Mumbai will bring together environmental and business leaders, investors and philanthropists who are spearheading change. The Awards Night will culminate in five Earthshot leaders each winning £1 million to accelerate the impact of their innovative solutions.
Founder and President of The Earthshot Prize, HRH Prince William, said:
’’We must continue to look to the future with urgency and optimism, which is why I am delighted that Mumbai will host The Earthshot Prize 2026. India is one of the world’s most important forces for climate and nature. What succeeds in India at scale has the power to inspire progress everywhere.’’
“With the largest population of young people in the world, there is a real sense of momentum – to not only imagine a better future, but to inspire change and make it a reality. Together we can rise to meet our greatest challenge, to repair and restore our planet by 2030.”
Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize, said:
“We cannot wait to celebrate India’s climate leadership with the world this November. Earthshot 2026 Mumbai is going to be the biggest and most impactful in our history.”
Event speaker and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and sustainability advocate Dia Mirza Rekhi said:
“What drew me to The Earthshot Prize is its focus on solutions that are already creating real impact, not just conversations about the future. India is demonstrating that climate action can be practical, inclusive, and scalable and this moment is about recognising that leadership and taking it further.”
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 ‘Moonshot’ to land a man on the moon within a decade, The Earthshot Prize was founded by HRH Prince William in 2020 to spark the same spirit of collective ambition and action for our planet.
This year’s Prize will shine a global spotlight on 15 groundbreaking environmental solutions, under five categories developed in collaboration with leading environmental experts: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix our Climate.
Five years into the Earthshot decade, the Prize has identified over 5,600 emerging environmental innovations from 156 countries – over 2,400 in 2025 alone, recognised and supported 75 Finalists and awarded £25 million to Prize Winners to help scale their solutions. Earthshot Prize Finalists have already:
- Protected and restored over 1 million square kilometres of land and oceans – an area nearly twice the size of France.
- Stopped 250,000 tonnes of waste reaching landfill – the same as 22,000 school buses.
- Captured 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of taking 1.2 million cars off the road for an entire year.
Earthshot Prize Finalists have collectively secured more US$500m in investment and philanthropy, setting the stage for unprecedented acceleration in solutions to repair our planet over the next five years.
Mumbai joins previous Earthshot host cities Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Singapore, Boston and London in being a launchpad for environmental action.
As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, India represents both the scale of climate challenge and the opportunity to deliver solutions that work in dense cities, agricultural systems and complex supply chains.
What succeeds in India at scale has the potential to shape global climate progress. The multi-day celebration of environmental leaders who are delivering bold solutions to repair our planet will come to India for the first time in November 2026.
India is home to more Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists than any other country, with seven Finalists to date, including four winners, reflecting the country’s depth of innovation and execution across clean energy, regenerative agriculture, waste management and air quality. They are:
- The State of Gujarat (2025 Finalist – Clean Our Air) The State of Gujarat in India has pioneered the world’s first trading scheme for particulate emissions, that lets businesses keep growing while providing clean, healthier air for its citizens.
- S4S Technologies (2023 Winner – Build a Waste-free World) S4S Technologies’ solar-powered dryers and processing equipment combats food waste – enabling smallholder farmers to preserve crops and turn produce, that might otherwise go to waste, into valuable products.
- Boomitra (2023 Winner – Fix Our Climate) Inspired by an event in India, and with multiple projects there (including the URVARA Project, Boomitra’s first and largest project in India involving over 12,000 smallholder farmers across nearly 50,000 acres) Boomitra is removing emissions and boosting farmer profits by incentivising soil restoration and the adoption of regenerative agriculture through a verified carbon-credit marketplace.
- Kheyti (2022 Winner – Protect and Restore Nature) Eight in ten of the world’s farmers are smallholders. Beset by climate-affected harvests, Kheyti’s Greenhouse-in-a-Box is helping them reduce climate risk and increase yields.
- Fleather (2022 Finalist – Build a Waste-free World) Flowers cast into the Ganges River contain highly toxic pesticides. Phool used this floral waste to make a sustainable alternative to leather.
- Takachar (2021 Winner – Clean Our Air) – Globally, we generate US$120 billion of agricultural waste every year, which is often burnt. Takachar’s technology massively reduces these emissions.
- Vinisha Umashankar (2021 Finalist – Clean Our Air) Its solar-powered ironing cart is a clean alternative to the charcoal powered street irons that press clothes for millions of Indians each day.
12, Feb 2026
Housing Sales in 15 Tier-2 Cities Dip 10 Percent in 2025; Launches Decline 6 percent : PropEquity
Feb 12: Housing sales across the top 15 tier-2 cities declined 10% year-on-year (YoY) in 2025 to 1,56,181 units, even as the overall sales value remained flat at ₹1.48 lakh crore, according to NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.
The moderation in volumes reflects rising housing prices and increasing premiumisation across tier-2 markets. Except for Mohali and Lucknow, which recorded growth of 34% and 6% YoY respectively, the remaining 13 cities witnessed declines of up to 38%, with Visakhapatnam registering the steepest fall.
A clear shift toward high-ticket housing was observed during the year. Sales of homes priced under ₹1 crore declined 15% YoY in 2025, with their share dropping to 72% from 77% in 2024. In contrast, homes priced above ₹1 crore saw a 9% increase in sales, with their share rising to 28% from 23% a year earlier.
In absolute terms, the four Gujarat cities—Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and Surat—accounted for 63% of total sales across the top 15 tier-2 cities. Ahmedabad alone contributed 33% of total sales, with 51,148 units sold in 2025. Beginning 2026, Ahmedabad can be regarded as a tier-1 city, having surpassed several established tier-1 markets in both housing launches and absorption, reflecting its scale of development and depth of demand.
City-wise, Ahmedabad saw sales decline 8% to 51,148 units in 2025 from 55,315 units in 2024. Surat fell 15% to 19,835 units, while Vadodara dropped 19% to 13,798 units. Gandhinagar witnessed a marginal 1% decline to 13,710 units. Nashik recorded a 10% drop to 11,188 units, Jaipur declined 5% to 9,758 units, and Nagpur fell 18% to 6,260 units. Bhubaneshwar registered a 25% decline to 4,885 units, while Visakhapatnam saw the sharpest fall of 38% to 2,406 units. Kochi declined 17% to 2,214 units, Coimbatore fell 4% to 3,702 units, and Bhopal dropped 5% to 3,599 units. Goa remained largely stable at 3,507 units.
Commenting on the findings, Samir Jasuja, Founder & CEO of PropEquity, said,
“The slowdown in housing sales over the past two years is largely due to a shrinking supply of homes priced below ₹1 crore—a segment that has traditionally driven demand in tier-2 cities. Rising land and construction costs, along with changing buyer aspirations, are pushing new launches into higher price brackets. As a result, tier-2 markets are increasingly mirroring tier-1 cities, where volumes are declining even as prices continue to rise.”
He added, “Government focus on tier-2 cities—through enhanced urban development, improved connectivity, and the creation of industrial corridors and manufacturing hubs—has driven sustained price appreciation. This has pushed even average housing units in many tier-2 markets beyond the ₹1 crore mark, leading to slower absorption. Going forward, this trend could be a cause for concern, as affordability pressures begin to impact not just premium segments but also affordable and mid-income housing in these cities.”
New Supply Declines 6% in 2025
New supply across the top 15 tier-2 cities declined 6% YoY to 1,36,243 units in 2025, down from 1,45,139 units in 2024. The contraction was visible across price segments, with supply of homes priced under ₹1 crore declining 5%, and those above ₹1 crore falling 8%.
Ahmedabad recorded a 3% rise in launches to 48,646 units, while Jaipur saw a 2% increase to 8,803 units. Mohali posted a sharp 108% jump to 8,606 units, and Bhopal registered a 66% rise to 3,312 units.
However, most other cities saw declines. Surat and Gandhinagar both fell 13% to 17,256 units and 12,829 units, respectively, while Vadodara declined 25% to 8,367 units. Nashik dropped 4% to 8,222 units and Nagpur fell 10% to 5,485 units. Lucknow witnessed a 43% decline to 2,884 units, Bhubaneshwar recorded the steepest fall of 57% to 2,840 units, and Visakhapatnam declined 53% to 1,155 units. Goa saw a marginal 2% dip to 2,749 units, Kochi fell 5% to 1,838 units, and Coimbatore declined 12% to 3,251 units.
The four Gujarat cities together accounted for 64% of total launches in 2025.
PropEquity noted that while tier-2 cities continue to benefit from infrastructure development and industrial expansion, moderation in both sales and supply signals a recalibration phase, with affordability and premiumisation emerging as key themes shaping demand dynamics in 2026.
