Urbanization Vs. Nature – Is a Symbiosis Possible

by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Before urbanization took off earnestly in India, humans and nature coexisted admirably. Unfortunately, rampant real estate development has steadily reduced Indians’ access to nature. From the increasing demand for integrated townships with abundant greenery, we can see that urban dwellers today are looking to reconnect with nature.

The Cost of Urbanization

Our cities’ development agendas have taken a huge toll. Parks and forested regions have been replaced with high-rise skyscrapers. It’s tempting to blame municipal authorities and real estate developers for this loss, but there is no denying that our cities, which have limited space, must adapt to the constantly rising demand for housing, office buildings and the other real estate manifestations of modern-day life.

Supply follows demand, and developers cater to an ever-increasing demand. But there is a price to pay for this demand-supply interplay – nature has been relegated to the sidelines and, in some cities, wiped out altogether. There is a common belief today that greenery has become a luxury that only the rich can afford.

Pune’s Development Trajectory

Let’s take Pune as an example. This city’s geographic limits were previously much narrower, and there was little motivation to expand them. Pune was the quintessential retirement city and was even called Pensioner’s Paradise. Another claim to fame was its educational institutions, earning it the additional tag of ‘Oxford of the East’. The city and its economic activity coexisted amicably with farming activities, even in the core areas.

Going back a little further, the British viewed Pune (then Poona) as a region of political turmoil and resistance to their rule. Pune did not begin to expand geographically or demographically till India gained independence in 1947.

Then the technological revolution in Pune started. It grew from a tiny city to a full-fledged metropolis because of its rapidly expanding employment opportunities, first in manufacturing, then in software technology and information technology-enabled services (ITeS), attracting a massive influx of people.

The city’s population began to rise significantly in the 1990s because of the country’s economic liberalization, which allowed for foreign investment and boosted industrial expansion. Pune’s salubrious climate, along with its robust education infrastructure, began to draw more and more skilled workforce. Infosys and Wipro established bases here, resulting in the creation of the Hinjewadi IT Park.

This resulted in a cascade effect, attracting other tech enterprises and MNCs. Its proximity to Mumbai, India’s financial capital, added to its appeal to firms looking to cut costs. Rapid urbanization resulted in massive infrastructure development, including upgraded road networks, residential complexes, and commercial malls.

As Pune evolved into an IT powerhouse, more and more real estate development was required to accommodate people and the businesses they work in. As of 2024, the estimated population of Pune is 4.44 million within the city limits and 7.35 million in the metropolitan area.

There was minimal impact on Pune’s once-famous natural wealth when it was still relatively small and unspoiled by the rampant urbanization we see today. It is painfully obvious how much of its originally bountiful supply of green open spaces has been depleted by low and high-rise housing constructions, landfills, commercial structures, and shopping malls.

A Steady Disconnect From Nature

This development approach creates a disconnect between city dwellers and the natural environment. The desire to restore a healthy environment and healthier cities is once again staging a resurgence, but most real estate development today revolves around amenities and facilities. The little vegetation available is mostly ornamental.

Our cities are increasingly turning gray rather than green. Any attempts to reconnect people with the environment must be cross-disciplinary and integrated.

A city needs structures, deforestation is inescapable, and buildings will last as long as humanity. But can we restore nature to our cities?

An attempt in Singapore to reintroduce a natural ecosystem into the urban fabric is yielding incredible benefits. What such a vision of urbanization in the future may accomplish is fascinating. Concrete CAN coexist with a large amount of greenery, and one should not rule out the other.

However, it requires an extremely progressive town-planning vision, strong political resolve, and unwavering backing from the city’s population.

To conclude

Let’s face it – most of the housing demand in India in recent years is mostly for concrete structures with modern amenities, with a little bit of token vegetation. However, we are seeing a resurgence in demand for nature-rich housing in our cities.

Today’s young homebuyers come from a place of increased environmental conscience, and also concerns about their own and their children’s health and wellness. The rise in demand for homes in integrated townships, which guarantee abundant green, open spaces which will not be violated by further development, is testimony to this fact.

It takes time for a city to lose its ‘green’ reputation; for Bangalore and Pune, it took decades. It will take a few more decades to restore it, but it is achievable if all parties, from town planners and municipal officials to real estate developers and buyers, agree it is worthwhile and must be done.

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

66% of Shoppers Want a Unified Shopping Experience From Brands, Locus.sh and Coresight Research Report

New Delhi, September 19, 2024: Consumers are no longer sticking to just one platform–they are browsing, researching, and purchasing across multiple channels—be it online stores, in-store, or via mobile apps, states Locus and Coresight Research in a new research report titled “From Omnichannel to Unified Commerce: Elevating Cross-Channel Customer Experience to the Next Level”. 65.8% of consumers are increasingly combining these touchpoints to enhance convenience and choice

In India, many trends mirror this shift. A growing number of young Indian shoppers, particularly those aged 18-44, are leveraging both online and offline platforms. With 75% of online shoppers in India falling within this age group, brands are witnessing a rising demand for integrated, multi-channel shopping experiences.

The report further highlights the financial impact of this behavior. 25% of shoppers spend more when they engage with retailers across multiple channels. This increase in spending stems from higher engagement, access to more options, and enhanced convenience. At the same time, 36.9% of these consumers are more likely to remain loyal to retailers offering a seamless, multi-channel experience. India is seeing a similar pattern, with 62% of online shoppers belonging to medium to high-income households. These shoppers are demanding personalized, frictionless experiences as they navigate between online platforms, direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites, and physical stores.

The report also points to the growing role of social commerce. In the US, consumers increasingly use social media as a key discovery tool. While 22.8% of shoppers have purchased directly through social media platforms, many more use them to discover products and research before buying. India is following this trend, with social commerce rising as a critical point of influence, especially in fashion and beauty categories, where shoppers rely heavily on social platforms for product recommendations.

“Shoppers in both the US and India are embracing a hybrid shopping approach, signaling a clear shift toward a more integrated purchasing experience. More than half of the US consumers are leading the way in merging these behaviors, and India is quickly catching up, with a younger, affluent demographic driving similar trends. The commonality across both markets is the demand for convenience, real-time access to product information, and seamless transitions between channels. Retailers that recognize and adapt to this will not only see increased spending but also greater loyalty,” commented Nishith Rastogi, Founder & CEO, Locus.sh

As the shopping landscape shifts, the path forward is unified commerce. Unlike traditional omnichannel approaches, unified commerce integrates the backend—logistics, inventory, and customer data—into a single system, enabling a truly seamless shopping experience across all channels. The report highlights the need for real-time inventory management powered by technologies like RFID and mobile-first shopping platforms is becoming essential to keeping customers engaged and satisfied in both markets.

Suyu announces the launch of India’s first Astaxanthin-infused Skincare Collection

India, 2024

SUYU- India’s first Superfoods Based Organic Skincare Brand, is proud to announce the launch of India’s first “Astaxanthin Skincare range”. Suyu’s new collection reflects its focus on clean, sustainable products made with nature’s best ingredients.

The key ingredient in this line is Astaxanthin, known as the “king of antioxidants.” It’s a powerful skincare ingredient sourced from micro-algae and is 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C. Its strong antioxidant effects make it great for improving skin health and vitality.

This new line addresses different skincare needs with effective and unique formulas. It includes products like the Astaxanthin Advanced Repair Day Serum, Antioxidant Night Face Elixir, and Illuminating Night Serum among others.

Each product uses the powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin, along with superfoods like Reishi, Shiitake, and Chaga, to refresh and restore the skin.

“Our Astaxanthin Range represents a significant milestone in our journey to deliver skincare that is both effective and aligned with our core values of sustainability and transparency,” said Ghrinesh, co-founder of SUYU. “We believe that our values will come through in our products, and we look forward to learning and growing in this space.”

12 million euros for cutting-edge research: Covestro to fund CAT Catalytic Centre until 2031

19th September 2024: The Catalysis Research Centre (CAT Catalytic Center Aachen) of Covestro and RWTH Aachen University is continuing its pioneering research into sustainable and recyclable materials. Until 2031, publicly funded research projects are to be continued and initiated, helping to strengthen Europe’s industry in the global competition for innovation leadership in the chemical sector. Covestro is contributing over €12 million to the research centre.

Founded in Aachen in 2007, the CAT Catalytic Centre has extensive expertise in the fields of catalysis, reaction technology, polymer chemistry and chemical recycling. All research projects are focused on contributing to climate targets and lead to a reduction of Scope 3 emissions along the value chain. The development of innovative polymers with a lower carbon footprint, recycling solutions for Covestro materials, and the use of alternative raw materials such as biomass further benefit climate action. An example is the EU-funded Circular Foam research project, where Covestro and RWTH Aachen University cooperated with the CAT Catalytic Centre and 22 other partners to close the material cycle for rigid polyurethane (PU) foams.

As an example of a successful partnership between industry and academia, the CAT Catalytic Centre contributes to a comprehensive EU strategy to promote the circular economy and the development of sustainable materials, such as bio-based plastics, recyclable composites and greener chemicals. In its latest Science, Research, and Innovation Performance1 (SRIP, June 2024) report, the European Commission once again emphasised the essential role of these areas in the European industrial agenda. Corresponding investments and the transfer of research results into marketable innovations by companies play a decisive role in this regard.

“Industry and the chemical sector in particular are increasingly being called upon to develop alternative sources of raw materials and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Together with RWTH Aachen University, we are continuing to lead the way as pioneers in this area, even in an economically challenging environment,” says Covestro CEO Markus Steilemann. “Long-standing partnerships like our cooperation with RWTH Aachen University help to conserve resources and realise the circular

Reducing CO2: Bio-based aniline developed from sustainable sources

Several projects involving the CAT Catalytic Centre have already taken major steps towards market maturity. One example is bio-based aniline, which can be produced entirely from sustainable sources instead of crude oil using an innovative process. The world’s first pilot plant for bio-based aniline was inaugurated in Leverkusen at the beginning of the year. The raw material is used in the plastics industry, in particular for the production of MDI for rigid polyurethane foam. The use of bio-based aniline can help to promote the circular economy in the future and to reduce the CO2 footprint in buildings through energy-efficient insulating foam.

“A technology transfer between research and industry is a decisive factor for progress in catalysis and an important step in chemical process development towards sustainable chemistry. The collaboration with Covestro enables us to further intensify our expertise in the fundamental field of catalysis,” says Prof. Dr Ulrich Rüdiger, Rector of RWTH Aachen University.

At the joint research centre in Aachen, headed by Professor Jürgen Klankermayer from the Chair of Translational Molecular Catalysis, scientists work after completing their doctorates. Projects benefit from the latest innovations of scientific research coupled with findings from industry and modern laboratories with an adjoining technical centre on the university campus.

Curriculum Associates Expands Capacity with a New Office in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India, September 19, 2024

Curriculum Associates, an edtech company headquartered in North Billerica, Massachusetts (MA), today announced the opening of its first Global Capability Center (GCC) in India, with the new office in Bengaluru. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates along with Rajeev Kapoor, Vice President, Curriculum Associates – India.

Curriculum Associates develops both print and digital assessments, diagnostic and instructional materials that serve more than 13 million students in the United States. Over the past 55 years, Curriculum Associates has grown from its beginnings in North Billerica, MA, to a global presence with five offices across the United States, one in Dublin, Ireland, and now, Bengaluru. With a dedicated team of more than 2,500 employees spanning various cultures and continents, the company remains committed to enriching a culture of innovation and service.

“Curriculum Associates has always prioritized hiring the best talent to ensure our ability to serve teachers and students,” said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. “Opening this office is a pivotal moment in our growth journey. This expansion is part of our commitment to hire top talent worldwide and help us achieve our mission of making classrooms better places.”

Wondrlab Announces Sixth Acquisition with OPA

Mumbai, September 19, 2024: Wondrlab, the platform-first martech network, proudly welcomes OPA, one of India’s largest influencer marketing platforms, into its family. This marks Wondrlab’s second strategic acquisition in the influencer marketing space and its sixth overall. The move reinforces the Network’s commitment to enhancing its platform offerings while expanding its footprint in the fast-evolving creator economy.

OPA, one of India’s largest influencer marketing platforms, collaborates with over 300,000 influencers and 500+ brands including Nykaa, Vero Moda, Purplle, Sugar, Plum, etc. OPA does 40,000 collaborations a month powered by an advanced tech stack and seamless user interface that simplifies the traditionally complex process, ensuring effortless collaboration and building trust with influencers for large-scale campaign success.

With the combined strength of OPA and Opportune, Wondrlab solidifies its position as a key player in the influencer marketing space and becomes one of the largest and most comprehensive offerings in India.

Saurabh Varma, Founder & CEO of Wondrlab Network, commenting on the acquisition said, “We are super excited to welcome OPA to the Wondrlab family. With Rupansh and Chandan, we hope to supercharge our influencer offering. We remain extremely bullish about the creator economy and believe that mid-funnel and driving engagement will be critical for every brand.”

Rupansh Goyal, Co-Founder of OPA, expressed his excitement, stating, “Wondrlab is a team of heavy hitters in the marketing landscape. We are incredibly excited to join forces with them. Their unparalleled expertise in scaling businesses and our technology create an ideal partnership. We’re confident that we’ll unlock new opportunities for brands and influencers, driving even more impactful collaborations. This collaboration truly feels like a perfect match, and we’re eager to see where it will take us.”

Chandan Routray, Co-Founder of OPA, added, “OPA has only just scratched the surface of the creator economy with branded collaborations. There is a vast opportunity to help brands leverage creators’ influence. With Wondrlab’s 360-degree marketing expertise and deep industry knowledge, we are excited to begin this new chapter. Together, we can bring innovative solutions that benefit brands and empower creators.”

Saurabh further added, “At Wondrlab, we have always believed in backing extraordinary founders and helping them scale their dreams. Rupansh and Chandan, both IITians, as Co-Founders of OPA have created a remarkable platform. I truly believe that we are at an inflection point in the creator economy space and with the two of them at the helm, I am confident in Wondrlab having the best shot in finding, creating and executing the next moonshot.”