Category Archives: News

Lower Repo Rates Expected to Fuel Continued Growth in Residential Market

By-Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

In terms of the impact on the housing sector of the RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rates by 25 bps, this piggybacks on the recent taxation benefits announced in the Union Budget. As such, it is undeniably a major boost to the homebuyers, particularly for affordable housing buyers. Many first-time homebuyers who had been hesitating to take the plunge are likely to make their move now as home loan rates will reduce – as long as banks pass on the key benefits to buyers.

This dovetails well with recent trends in the housing market, which continues to see strong momentum. Reduced home loan rates can help the overall positive consumer sentiment. Given that housing prices have risen across the top 7 cities in the last one year, this breather is welcome and timely. As per ANAROCK Research, 2024 saw average housing prices rise by anywhere between 13-30% in the top 7 cities, with NCR recording the highest 30% jump. The average prices in top 7 cities collectively stood at approx. INR 7,080 per sq. ft. in 2023-end, while in 2024-end it increased to approx. INR 8,590 per sq. ft. – a collective increase of 21% annually.

Commercial real estate, especially office spaces, can also benefit from lower borrowing costs for businesses, and lower rates also make REITs more appealing since investors look for stable returns in a falling interest rate environment.

That said, the rate cut may be less effective by rising property prices if inflation remains as high as it is now. Also, it remains to be seen if banks pass on the full benefit to borrowers in a timely and seamless manner.

Howden India Earns Great Place to Work Certification for 2025, Celebrating Employee-Centric Culture

Mumbai, 7th Feb 2025: Howden is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the 2025 year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at the company. This year, 82% of employees said it’s a great place To Work.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be Great Place To Work-Certified™! At Howden India, making every day awesome for our employees is our top priority,” said Amit Agarwal, CEO & MD Howden (India). “Our ongoing success is all thanks to our rockstar team. A massive shoutout and heartfelt thanks to everyone for helping us snag this incredible recognition!”

At Howden India, we are all about creating an environment where you can thrive! We emphasize employee ownership and collaboration so you can truly own your work and collaborate with amazing teams. We offer career growth opportunities through continuous learning programs, mentorship, and clear progression paths. Our transparent work culture fosters trust and mutual respect, ensuring you’re always in the loop. Plus, our empathetic leadership prioritizes understanding and supporting your needs. Join us to be part of a dynamic, inclusive, and rewarding workplace!

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

ICAI Marks Convocation at 13 Locations Across India to Honor New Graduates

Kolkata, 7th February 2025: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organized a grand Convocation Ceremony simultaneously across multiple locations across India to confer certificates of membership to newly qualified Chartered Accountants and honor rank holders. The Convocation was conducted at 11 centers—New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ghaziabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Indore, and Jaipur—on February 6, while the events in Chandigarh and Ludhiana are scheduled for February 7. In this prestigious event, 19,075 newly enrolled Chartered Accountants received their certificates, marking the beginning of their professional journey.

The convocation commenced simultaneously across all locations and was addressedby Chief Guest,Shri (Dr.) C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor, West Bengal from Kolkatain the presence ofCA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI andCA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice President, ICAIwho joined in from New Delhi to inspire new graduates as they embark on a future of excellence and integrity.

Addressing young Chartered Accountants from Kolkata,Shri (Dr.) C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal,said, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets goingand I am addressing the toughest of the toughest in the professional services of this nation. Chartered Accountants are the sentinels of financial integrity, the architects of corporate governance and the driving force behind a transparent and resilient economy.Chartered Accountants are harbingers, custodians of truth as far as corporate governance are concerned.It is because of the vigilance of the Chartered Accountants that the nation’s financial health is nurtured.”

CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI congratulated the newly enrolled Chartered Accountants and said, “As young Chartered Accountants, you are the torchbearers of financial integrity, entrusted with fostering transparency, good governance and economic progress. With knowledge, integrity and dedication, you are the chosen ones to drive the financial landscape and strengthen the financial ecosystem of the country.”

CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President ICAI also administered Oath to the newly inducted members.

On this occasion, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal conferred the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence on ICAI in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the profession, ethical standards and Nation Building. This award is a testament to the Institute’s commitment to producing world-class professionals who uphold integrity, excellence and service to society. The award includes a citation, a trophy and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000.ICAI has become the first professional regulator in the country’s history to receive this esteemed recognition, marking a momentous achievement in its legacy of excellence.

Furthermore, exceptional achievements of top three rank holders of this year, was also awarded Governor’s Award of Excellence,recognizing their hard work, dedication andpursuit of excellence that they have set a benchmark for others to follow.The award includes a citation, a trophy and a cash prize of ₹25,000.

On this occasion, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice President, ICAI addressing from New Delhi,congratulated the newly enrolled Chartered Accountants, emphasizing their vital role in shaping India’s financial future. He stated, “Today is a proud milestone as we welcome the next generation of Chartered Accountants—financial guardians of our nation. Since its establishment under an Act of Parliament in 1949, our profession has stood as a pillar of discipline, integrity, and technical excellence. Integrity and ethical conduct must remain your guiding principles in your professional journey.”

Padma Vibhushan Dr. R.A. Mashelkar Envisions “More from Less” for a Developed India by 2047

National, 07th February 2025: Orchestrating the reunion of familiar faces and the creation of new connections, IIHMR University hosted its much-awaited annual alumni meet “Ekatva 2025” at the Jaipur Campus. The meet was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, FRS, Reliance Innovation Leadership Centre & Former Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

 As the time came, all the eyes were glued to the stage to listen to Padma Vibhushan Awardee Dr. R. A. Mashelkar’s, keynote address on “Game-Changing Disruptive Innovation for NextGen Diagnostics”. Captivating the audience with his eye-opening address he shared, ”We are looking at the second quarter of this century and are talking about Viksit Bharat 2047. And it is you all young people who will achieve it. So, what is important is making more from less for more people. This means making high technology for poor people. India needs affordable excellence paradigm to solve healthcare challenges. I do not support ‘Jugaad’, instead, I’m taking about game-changing disruptive innovation. We as a nation need to focus on moving from ‘Best Practise’ to the ‘Next Practise’.”

 Welcoming all the dignitaries and the former students, Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University proudly shared, “It’s a great day for me and IIHMR University that we are celebrating the success of 40 years of IIHMR. We are all very proud of our alumni since they have made significant contributions to the health sector. In addition, our alumni always guide us regarding the type of research that is pertinent to the industry and for nation-building. Our institute has grown remarkably and I can confirm that in the coming years, we will evolve more.”

 The highlight of the event was the eye-opening examples of disruptive healthcare innovations including AI-powered diagnostic tools for respiratory health, patient monitoring, metabolic screening, and maternal health. Witnessing the transformative impact of these technologies sparked a drive to push the boundaries of innovation, encouraging them to explore new frontiers in healthcare solutions. The session instilled a vision of leveraging technology to bridge critical gaps in healthcare delivery, motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to develop cost-effective, scalable, and impactful solutions.

 The rendezvous witnessed a heavy footfall of 150+ Alumni, providing an opportunity for them to reconnect, relive their cherished memories, and celebrate the institution’s legacy of excellence in healthcare management education and research. The event also featured a group photograph session, symbolizing the unity and continued association of the university’s alumni.

 As the night unfolded, musical vibes echoed through the air and the stage came alive with cultural expressions, filling the gathering with soulful tunes that resonated with the spirit of the event. Transitioning seamlessly into the later hours, the dinner encapsulated the essence of a lively celebration, giving the students and alumni to network further on an inter-personal level.

Kala Ghoda Festival Explores the Intersection of Art and AI in a Powerful Discussion

Delhi, February 2025 – The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is one of Mumbai’s most iconic cultural events, celebrating diverse forms of art, literature, music, and heritage. It provides a platform for artists and intellectuals to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful dialogues. This spirit of exploration was vividly reflected in an electrifying panel discussion titled “Arts in the Age of AI,” which delved into questions like: Can AI be truly creative? Does technology enhance or threaten artistic expression? These thought-provoking topics took center stage, sparking engaging debates and leaving the audience both inspired and intrigued.

Moderated by Vibha Kagzi, Author, Founder & Chief Education Officer of ReachIvy.com, the panel featured renowned film producer Dheer Momaya, Indian author, journalist, and speaker Meghna Pant, celebrated sitar maestro Purbayan Chatterjee and Radio & Podcast Host and Producer Hrishi K. Together, they navigated the fascinating intersection of art and artificial intelligence, debating how AI is reshaping creativity across literature, music, filmmaking, and visual arts.

Meghna Pant reflected on AI’s role in literature, stating, “AI is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, we should embrace its potential and learn to coexist. It can enhance storytelling, but it’s no replacement for human creativity. AI can’t replicate the depth and emotional resonance that come from lived experiences.’

Dheer Momaya shared his insights on filmmaking, noting, “AI operates within predictable structures and patterns, making it easy to identify AI-generated content. Authentic storytelling transcends algorithms; it thrives on human nuance, emotion, and the subtle imperfections that make stories real and relatable.”

The session sparked intense discussions on AI’s role as a collaborator rather than a competitor in the creative world. Vibha Kagzi remarked, ‘AI is not here to replace human creativity but to challenge and expand it. It pushes us to think differently, to innovate, and to redefine what it means to be an artist in the digital age. The key is to harness AI’s potential while staying rooted in our unique human experiences.’

Addressing the impact on music, Purbayan Chatterjee commented, “The key with technology is to make it work for you, not the other way around. When artists understand how to harness AI effectively, it can enhance their creativity rather than hinder it. True artistry comes from the soul, and as long as musicians stay true to that, AI remains a valuable tool, not a substitute.”

Adding to this, Hrishi K,Radio & Podcast Host and Producer remarked, “‘AI can replicate voices, scripts, and even generate content, but it can never capture the authenticity that makes human conversations truly engaging. The magic of radio and podcasts lies in the unscripted moments—the laughter, the pauses, the raw emotions that connect with audiences on a personal level. AI can be a tool, the ability to resonate with listeners comes from genuine human experience.”

With her signature charm and intellectual depth, Vibha Kagzi steered the discussion towards real-world implications, engaging both panelists and the audience in a dynamic conversation. The energy in the room was appreciable, as attendees—ranging from art lovers and AI researchers to students and industry professionals—eagerly exchanged ideas, opinions, and even a few concerns about the future of creativity in a tech-driven world.

The Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 Are Open for Entries: Make Your Mark Today

Mumbai, 06th February 2025 – The Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 (KCA25) are now open for entries, inviting India’s creative community to step forward and #LeaveYourMark.

Entrants have till 17 April 2025 to submit entries.

Judging is scheduled to begin 24 April 2025, and the awards will culminate at the 2025 Kyoorius Creative Awards Night on 23 May 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, in BKC, Mumbai.

Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder and CEO of Kyoorius, shared his vision for KCA25: “Since 2014, the Kyoorius Creative Awards have celebrated impactful creativity. With #LeaveYourMark, we aim to recognise work that sets new benchmarks, resonates deeply with the audience and delivers results.”

Kyoorius has also rolled out strategic updates designed to simplify and enhance the entrant experience. The awards are now streamlined into eight tracks: Advertising, Regional Advertising, Craft, Experience and Engagement, Entertainment, Sector Specific, Creativity for Good, and the ZEE Equality Award.

The ZEE Equality Award continues to be presented by Indian Creative Women (ICW).

Additions to the 2025 awards include the debut of the B2B discipline, celebrating exceptional business-to-business creativity, and a Humour sub-category across multiple disciplines, recognising the need to encourage the craft of wit in storytelling. The Use of AI category has also been updated to reflect its growing significance in creative work.

Adani Family Supports Newly Married Divyang Women

Ahead of the wedding of Jeet Adani, the younger son of billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, the Adani family has announced ‘Mangal Seva’, a program to support newly married women with disabilities. To begin with, every year, 500 such women will be provided financial assistance of INR 10 lakh each.

At his home, just two days before his own wedding, Jeet Adani met 21 newly married divyang women and their husbands to launch this initiative. Jeet is set to tie the knot with Diva Shah on 7 February 2025 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

In line with his social philosophy Service is meditation, service is prayer, and service is the Supreme Divine, Gautam Adani took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his joy that his son Jeet and daughter-in-law Diva are starting the first chapter of their journey with a virtuous resolution. He said that Jeet and Diva have pledged to ‘Mangal Seva’ by providing financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to 500 newly married women with disabilities.

He added that through this sacred initiative, the lives of many disabled daughters and their families will be uplifted with happiness and dignity. He blessed Jeet and Diva to continue moving forward on this path of service.

Currently, Jeet Adani is Director of Adani Airport Holdings – India’s largest airport infrastructure company with eight airports in its management and development portfolio. Apart from the airports business, he oversees the Adani Group’s defence, petrochemicals and copper businesses. He is also in charge of the Group’s digital transformation.

Inspired by Dr Priti Adani, his mother, who evolved the Adani Foundation from a small rural project in Mundra, Gujarat, into a global force for change, Jeet is keenly interested in philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on supporting people with disabilities.

Swami Mukundananda Inspires with Message: Conquer the Mind to Conquer the World

Hyderabad, February 6, 2025……Swami Mukundananda, the world-renowned spiritual guru addressed FICCI Ladies Organization Members on ‘Mind Management for a Peaceful Life” at AIG Hospital Auditorium in Gachibowli in the city on Wednesday.

Director and Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr .GV Rao of AIG Hospitals and many doctors and hospital staff were among the attendees.

Giving her opening remarks, Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad said, in today’s world, where life moves at an unrelenting pace, our greatest challenge is not the external chaos but the inner turbulence it creates. Our thoughts, emotions, and reactions shape our reality, yet we rarely take the time to manage them consciously.

Speaking further she added that mind management helps us cultivate awareness, resilience, and clarity amid life’s inevitable ups and downs. A peaceful life is one where the mind remains steady, focused, and in harmony with our inner values.

Addressing the 200-strong audience, Swami Mukundananda, an authority on Mind Management said that the theme was extremely relevant to the present day lifestyle. All of us irrespective of our professions strive hard to enhance our competence. In that race, we compromise our inner peace, he said.

We get disturbed very easily because of the behaviour of the people around us without seeing the world from their perspective. Over the 78 years since our independence, our median income has increased by 700 per cent. Our comforts increased manifold. But our misery, troubles, unhappiness, crime rate, and divorce rate also increased several times. If you see traffic from the airport to this venue, it is no longer a Cyberabad, but it is a ‘Trafficabad (obviously he was referring to the traffic of the city and how chaotic it is yet times), he said.

The very definition or understanding of success itself is not right. We wrongly define our success as being ahead of others. Being ahead of peers is not true success, he said, but being the best version of ourselves is.

Extraneous things do not bring happiness. To be happy and have a peaceful mind, you need nothing from outside. All that matters is what is in you, Swami Mukundananda explained. Try to be yourself, don’t compare yourself with others. When you do your best at work, your brain produces Serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps regulate many bodily functions.

The secret of happiness is not in having more. Swami Mukundananda gave a three-phrase mantra — Do Good, Be Good and Feel Good.

Your happiness is determined by what you have within you, that is your mind. “Conquer your mind, you will conquer the world” Adi Shankaracharya, the world-renowned spiritual leader once said. So, learn to conquer your mind, he added.

The Bhagavad Gita, the most respected ancient scripture says, your controlled mind is your best friend, he informed.

Recalling what a bariatrician once told him about solving Obesity issues, Swami Mukundananda said, Obesity can be solved if people are a little more tolerant of their hunger-pangs. Unwilling to bear even that little discomfort, they invite trouble. To achieve anything worthwhile in life you need to be self-disciplined, he said. So, grow muscle control, he stated.

Swami gave many examples of self-control and secrets for happiness in life.

90% of our subconscious mind impacts our behaviour. If you want to make your subconscious mind your friend, then you need to be mindful of your self-talk. Your self-talk is your belief. Your beliefs are directing your life. Vedas tell us to create good beliefs. How do you create beliefs he asked. You can do so based on sound knowledge. He gave many practical examples to highlight his point.

Deloitte India Announces Jury for Prestigious Enterprise Growth Awards 2025

National, 6th February 2025: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (Deloitte India) has announced the jury panel for the Enterprise Growth Awards 2025. This initiative recognises the contributions of exceptional family-owned businesses, unicorns and soonicorns across India. The awards celebrate companies demonstrating leadership, vision and growth while contributing to their communities and expanding beyond regional boundaries to achieve national impact.

The jury for the Enterprise Growth Awards 2025 includes S. D. Shibulal, Former Managing Director, Infosys, and the chairperson of the jury panel; Dr. Brinda Jaghirdar, Former Chief Economist of the State Bank of India and Independent Director; M. D. Ranganath, Chairman, Catamaran Ventures and Board Member of HDFC; and Manoj Kohli, Senior Advisor, Deloitte. These individuals will bring unparalleled expertise and insight to the awards, ensuring a robust and transparent evaluation process to celebrate exemplary businesses nationwide.

“The jury for the Enterprise Growth Awards 2025 has been meticulously curated to bring together some of the most accomplished leaders and visionaries from across industries. Each jury member brings a wealth of experience, deep industry knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the factors that drive business success in India. By drawing attention to businesses that have successfully evolved from local enterprises into national leaders, the jury ensures a comprehensive evaluation process highlighting transformation, leadership, and innovation. This exceptional panel reflects the high standards and credibility the awards aim to uphold, making it a true celebration of excellence in India’s private sector,” said K. R. Sekar, Partner and Leader – Deloitte Private, Deloitte India.

“The response to the inaugural Enterprise Growth Awards 2025 has been truly overwhelming, with companies from all over the nation enthusiastically coming forward to participate. This enthusiastic engagement underscores the awards’ mission to highlight exceptional entrepreneurial journeys, especially those beyond metropolitan hubs. Businesses see this as an opportunity to celebrate their growth stories and demonstrate how they have used local roots to achieve national prominence. We are proud to provide a platform that honours the spirit of the private sector and its remarkable contribution to growth and excellence,” said Dhiraj Bhandary, Partner, Deloitte India.

EIILM-Kolkata’s Prof. Rama Prosad Banerjee Introduces Two Insightful Books on Vedic Knowledge at Kolkata Book Fair

Kolkata, 6th February 2025: Two books authored by Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata (EIILM-Kolkata), titled “The VEDAS – Wisdom and Truth for Human Emergence” and Vedasnana: Satyarthir Brahmagyana Sadhan Vedapathae, launched on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025 at SBI Auditorium, Boimela Prangan. These books provide an in-depth exploration of Vedic wisdom, its role in shaping civilisations and its continued relevance in modern science, technology and human transcendence.

The launch event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including, Prof. (Dr.) Mark H. Taylor, PhD CPA, Director, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida, USA, Past-President, American Accounting Association (AAA); Mr. Kusal Chowdhury, Trustee of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Founder & Convenor, Lokmata Rani Rashmoni Foundation, Editor, Matrishakti Patrika; Ms. Rozann R. Taylor, eminent author, USA; Mr. Rupak Barua, Managing Director & CEO, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital Ltd; Mr. Abir Chatterjee, Actor; Ms. Lucky Kulkarni, Director & Group Head-HR, Member of Management Board, Jeena & Company; Shri Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, President, Publishers & Booksellers Guild, 48th International Book Fair, 2025; Mr. S. K. Dutt, Head HR- GI Infotech (Macalvins Group- UK), Sr. Advisor- United Nations UNCTAD Empretec India; and Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata (EIILM-Kolkata).

The Vedas: Wisdom and Truth for Human Emergence published by Routledge presents the Vedas as the bedrock of human wisdom, shaping civilisations and influencing the evolution of science and technology. It provides insights into the Vedic origins of rational thinking and empirical analysis, showing how the ancient scriptures continue to inspire the modern world. The book serves as a guide to attaining spiritual enlightenment and intellectual liberation through the timeless knowledge of the Vedas.

Vedasnana: Satyarthir Brahmagyana Sadhan Vedapathae published by Dakshineswar Mandir Trust explores the fundamental truths of the Vedas from their origin, offering a path for human emergence through knowledge, wisdom and scientific advancement. It highlights the Vedic principles of Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desires) and Moksha (liberation) as the foundation of life. The book illustrates how integrating Vedic wisdom with modern technological advancements can lead to a holistic and superior human civilisation.

Speaking at the launch event, Prof. (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman & Director, Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata (EIILM-Kolkata), expressed, “The modern mind needs the taste of poise and bliss in the midst of the flow of works, thoughts and transactions of the world. Also a modern person can position herself/himself in the field of thoughts, activities and the creative functions one may undertake, requires a thorough realisation of the true self within. The spirit of Vedas attempts to sensitise the presence of this true self not only in the intrinsics of the persons but in the empirical works, transactions and overall living of the person transcending the barriers of time, space and personal identities.”