New Delhi, January 28th, 2025: FUJIFILM India, a leader in cutting-edge imaging and healthcare technology, proudly announces the launch of its second brand film “Maa’s fight through my eyes” under the series “Stories of More Smiles”. The brand film is based on a real-life success story of FUJIFILM India’s Medical Systems Division’s social campaign on breast cancer awareness called “Find It Early, Fight It Early”. This social initiative is a comprehensive social campaign with strategically integrating multiple touchpoints to amplify the message of breast cancer awareness. The campaign begins with “Find It Early Fight It Early” on ground activity to engage with communities, followed by spreading awareness of self-examination and mammography in symptomatic cases. The detection of breast cancer in a patient in Berhampore followed by treatment support by FUJIFILM India’s CSR initiative was a story that demonstrates the resilience of cancer and acted as a motivation for the script.

Conceptualized by FUJIFILM India Corporate Communications & CSR team, the Ad film is written and directed by Ranvir Kumar Suman and produced by Seaface films. The brand film was shot on Fujifilm Fujinon Premista Cine lenses and involved a massive effort of having a crew of over 80 people in the ad film. The story is a testimonial set against the hustling and vibrant backdrop of Berhampore, West Bengal, narrating the first-hand account of a breast cancer survivor, through the perspective of her daughter. The journey of the cancer survivor’s family from despair to hope unfolds through the tireless efforts of two compassionate medical professionals, Paromita and Ipsita, who incorporate the spirit of dedication and care.

The narrative emphasizes the pivotal role of Fujifilm’s advanced mammography technology in transforming breast cancer survivor’s life, enabling early detection and precise treatment. Through close glimpses into the world of the daughter of a cancer survivor, the film portrays the emotional highs and lows of dealing with cancer while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. The Ad film concludes on a positive and heartfelt note where the cancer survivor wins the battle against breast cancer and her life takes a meaningful turn as she advocates and dedicates herself to spread awareness by distributing pamphlets and educating women to take charge of their lives.

Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India stated, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group Purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. This brand film reflects our commitment to creating awareness about early detection and showcasing how our innovative solutions can make a real difference. Fujifilm’s advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, combined with the dedication of healthcare professionals, continue to redefine patient care across the country. This brand film aims to inspire millions, shedding light on the importance of empathy, expertise, and innovation in the fight against breast cancer.”

Mr. Abhi Shekhar Singh – Vertical Head, Corporate Communications & CSR – FUJIFILM India, expresses his excitement – “At FUJIFILM India, our actions are in line with our Group Purpose of “Giving Our World More Smiles.” This is the second ad film under “Stories of More Smiles” which continues to tell the stories that should matter for the society for a social good. Shot over a span of 3 days across 7 locations, the film navigates the truth of the story and every aspect of what happened in the journey from diagnosis to post-recovery in the family of a breast cancer survivor. The film reflects the real ethos of FUJIFILM India as a healthcare brand which revolves around empathy and service to the society.”

Staying true to its Group Purpose of “Giving Our World More Smiles,” FUJIFILM India not only leads in innovation in healthcare but more importantly, embodies efforts that turns reluctance into resilience.

Bengaluru INDIA, January 28, 2025: One of the most iconic and the largest congregation of student chefs from 50 countries will gather for a week, in different cities, to celebrate power of food to build bridges of solidarity and bring people and countries together.

The 11th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad, will be held under the aegis of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London. The Young Chef Olympians- student chefs from 50 nations will undertake two rounds of culinary challenges, to attempt to win, the coveted YCO 2025 Golden Toque.

Speaking to journalists across India on a video conference before this global event, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder YCO, and Chairman IIHM said “Through the course of 11 years, the Young Chef Olympiad has grown from strength to strength and has taken on many worthy causes starting from unity in diversity to the UN Sustainability Development Goals and to the promotion of Millets. This year we will secure the future of hospitality & hospitality education to make AI which we call Advanced Intelligence) help tourism and hospitality do more for people with enhanced human touch. The immersive experience of the Olympiad, will dismantle barriers and cultivate an environment where dialogue flourishes and friendship blossoms.”

The competition rounds will start, at the IIHM campus kitchens, from Feb 3, in Goa, and from Feb 4 in Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The top 10 Young Chef Olympians as per the scores of the two rounds, will compete in the Grand Finale of YCO 2025 in Kolkata on February 8, 2025.However there is also the plate trophy and the Dr Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge prize up for grabs. Each trophy, in this global platform, is bound to embellish the careers of young chefs and validate their skills.

But each of the Young Chef Olympians, along with their mentors, the judges, and the YCO organising team and student volunteers will be- quite literally, on the same plate of friendship, as each of them will go home a winner, in the cause of cementing friendships and unity through food.

There will be another winner in this year’s YCO. This winner will not compete but be the catalyst for phenomenal change in global hospitality education- A.I.

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), has adopted a comprehensive framework to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into global hospitality education. This initiative prioritizes inclusivity, human-centric values, and sustainability, reflecting the industry’s evolving needs while preserving its essence.

Bengaluru round on Feb. 4th 2025:

On Feb 4, 2025. Bengaluru will host students from Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, Namibia, Maldives, Bhutan, Equatorial Guinea, Switzerland, Northern Islands and Iran.

Judges in Bengaluru will be Chef Shaun Kenworthy, Chef/food concept consultant and strategist; Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef at The Dorchester, London; Chef Enzo Oliveri, Celebrity Chef, Cavaliere OSI, President of Italian Chefs Federation UK, Director International Hospitality Council, Senior Judge Young Chef Olympiad, Hospitality Educator, Food promoter, Events/Exhibition Organiser.

The Chief Adjudicator will be Chef Paul Jervis – head of school Westminster capital city of college. The Bengaluru event will be sponsored by Ariane Porcelain, Brigade Hospitality, Mc Cain Foods, Incredible India- Ministry of Tourism & Yuva Tourism Bangalore Chapter and Delphis.

“This year an additional elimination round was the Young Chef India round which saw participation from students from hotel management institutes across the country. We are proud that the winner of the YCI 2025 is Aliakbar Rampurawala from Bengaluru,” apprised Ms Sanchari Chowdhury, FIIHM, Director- IIHM Hotel School, Bangalore, Head- South India & Co-Director- IndiSmart Learning, while addressing the media.

“Showcasing the multicultural culinary diversity of different countries, YCO 2025 will also bring together the student chefs and chef mentors for the “United World of Young Chefs”. There will be World Cuisine display by the 10 participating countries at Bangalore & Karnataka Food festival organized by IIHM Bangalore in partnership with Venue Partner Brigade Hospitality on 3rd February 2025. We are expecting a foot fall of 500 – 700 pax to be present within the age demographic of 18-25 in the student crowd and a mixture of 25-60 in the form of parents, mentors and chefs from abroad,” added Ms Chowdhury.

A book by Dr Suborno Bose on the A to Z of AI in tourism and hospitality will be launched during the opening of the YCO in Goa. This is aptly called Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism and Hospitality

“With YCO and AI Suborno Bose has changed the realm of hospitality education”, said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor for YCO 2025

Intelligent hospitality, therefore will be a goal and a way of life of the Young Chef Olympians as they cook, compete, collaborate, but most importantly cement ties, in the largest grandstanding of culinary diplomacy in the world, achieved by young chefs. This impact will be felt beyond the kitchens in IIHM campuses, in the cities where two rounds of the Young Chef Olympiad will be held, culminating in the grand finale where the winner will be chosen.

As in previous years Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is the Principal Judge and Mentor for YCO 2025 while Prof David Foskett OBE, the legendary hospitality educator and author is Chairman of the Jury. The judging panel includes internationally acclaimed celebrity chef judges including Chief Judge Chef John Wood, a Michelin Star Chef and Founder of KitchenCUT .

Members of the public will also get an opportunity to participate. There will be an online voting opened to vote for the best dessert in round 1 of the main competition, and for the most popular national dish in the United World of Young Chefs competition.

As the chefs of 50 countries including India’s very own, Aliakbar Rampurawala from Bengaluru, return from YCO; the fire of solidarity of the Young Chef Olympiad movement will burn in hospitality college campuses and beyond in these countries, thus making the YCO, a truly global movement- curated and chiseled under the visionary leadership of Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman IIHM and Founder YCO.

India, January 28, 2025 – Cordelia Cruises, India’s premium cruise line, is proud to celebrate National Tourism Day by introducing an exclusive offer for the hospitality and tourism industry across the country. This exclusive year-long offer aims to honour the industry’s backbone—its people and introduce them to the unmatched joy of cruising.

As part of this initiative, limited staterooms will be reserved on every sailing, ensuring consistent availability for eligible professionals starting January 25, 2025. Designed to provide a luxurious yet accessible experience, these staterooms will be offered at a concessional fare, with detailed terms and conditions available on the Cordelia Cruises website. This offer extends to all individuals working with hotels, airlines, travel agencies, and related sectors, inviting them with their families or friends to experience the magic of cruising firsthand.

“The tourism and hospitality industry has been the backbone of India’s tourism growth. These individuals work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for others, and this initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and giving back to them. We hope this exclusive offer provides a well-earned opportunity for them to unwind and create cherished memories with their loved ones.” said Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises.

Cordelia Cruises’ year-long initiative invites professionals to enjoy the best of Indian hospitality, entertainment, and extraordinary cuisine. With over 100 sailings scheduled in the coming year, professionals and their families will have ample opportunities to take advantage of this exclusive offer. As India’s premium cruise line, Cordelia takes immense pride in showcasing the essence of Indian culture and excellence, offering an experience that is uniquely Indian at its core. By engaging the travel trade community, this initiative emphasizes Cordelia’s commitment to expanding India’s tourism ecosystem and positioning cruising as an accessible and aspirational vacation option for Indian travellers.

Bengaluru, January 28: SEBI registered weath- tech platform, Elever has announced the launch of its new Portfolio Management Services (PMS) to deliver consistent, long-term returns to investors. Elever uses a combination of data and technology to suggest systematic investments to its clients. Its quant-based investment approach is designed to help investors achieve significant alpha on invested amounts.

Elever’s rule-based models, factor investing strategies and tactical quant methods help not only to pick good quality stocks but also select the right investment weightage.This all-weather strategy aims to enhance portfolio performance by combining data-driven insights with a systematic approach ensuring superior risk-adjusted returns.

The launch of the PMS addresses a critical market gap, as traditional active money management strategies have increasingly struggled to outperform benchmarks. According to Elever’s analysis, over the past 18 years, most large-cap active funds underperformed their benchmarks in 13 years, while mid-cap funds faced similar challenges since the mid-2010s. This underperformance has fueled demand for advanced, data-driven investment solutions like Elever’s PMS, which delivers superior, consistent returns for investors.

This has created a strong demand for advanced, data-driven investment solutions like PMS that can deliver higher and more consistent returns for investors. To meet this growing demand, Elever’s PMS employs a sophisticated multi-factor model that analyzes over 500 factors across 17 years. The platform’s proprietary tactical risk-rotation models utilize machine learning algorithms to predict market signals with up to 90% accuracy for the next 6-12 months, allowing for dynamic portfolio adjustments in response to changing market conditions.

“Generating alpha consistently in today’s market is a significant challenge,” said Karan Aggarwal, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer at Elever PMS. “Our investment philosophy is built on three core pillars: rule-based investing, factor alpha, and tactical allocation. By eliminating human bias through our 100% rule-based approach and combining proprietary factor models with tactical risk rotation, we aim to navigate market cycles effectively and deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.” he said.

Karan, the CIO of Elever is a CFA and brings over 15 years of experience in developing equity and fixed income products and has previously managed investment strategies totaling more than USD 5 billion at Indxx Capital. His expertise spans serving AMCs, ETF sponsors, hedge funds, and pension funds, with a specialized focus on factor investing and quantitative research.

The launch aligns with significant growth in India’s wealth management sector. According to a recent Deloitte report, the unmet demand for wealth management services in FY24 was estimated at US$0.4 trillion, with target customer segment wealth expected to rise from US$1.1 trillion in FY24 to US$2.3 trillion by FY29. PMS AUM in India has nearly tripled growing from US$149 billion in FY17 to US$405 billion in FY24. Higher awareness about PMS as an investment vehicle and stock market returns post-COVID are the key drivers of this growth.

“At Elever, we are pioneering factor investing in PMS because it offers a systematic and transparent approach to delivering consistent value,” said Anshul Sharan, Co-founder and CEO of Elever. “By tailoring strategies to market conditions and leveraging proprietary factor combinations that outperform in varying scenarios, we empower investors with adaptive portfolios that optimize risk-adjusted returns across bull, bear, and consolidation phases.With this launch, we aim to cater to India’s new-age affluent, including HNIs, founders, entrepreneurs, and CXOs across various industries, while also expanding our reach to global investors keen to be part of India’s remarkable growth story,” he said.

Anshul brings extensive leadership experience across strategy, product management, and risk management. During his tenure as Head of Strategy at Credit Access Grameen, he played a pivotal role in leading the company to a successful IPO in 2018 and subsequently became the Chief Risk Officer of the listed entity.

As part of its PMS offerings, Elever has launched 4 unique schemes, each tailored to meet diverse investment needs and risk profiles: the flagship FactorAlpha PMS for all-weather performance, FactorAlpha SmallCap PMS for capturing small-size potential, FactorShields PMS for risk-conscious investors seeking stability, and FactorIncome PMS for those seeking steady income & inflation-beating returns. This comprehensive suite reflects a deep understanding of diverse investor needs in today’s complex market environment.

Bengaluru, January 26, 2025: The Principal Scientist of CSIR-NAL-Mr. C.Veera Sesha Kumar graced the annual day celebrations as Chief Guest at the Orchids The International School, Whitefield campus, accompanied by Guest of Honour-Mr. Som Singh, Chairman, Pragathi Group of Educational Institutions. The theme for this year’s Orchids annual celebrations was called Estilo, which was a mixture of creativity, talent, uniqueness, and vibrancy. The event offered a rhythmic tapestry, giving parents a glimpse into Karnataka’s vibrant folk culture, the nine navarasa, and the evolution of humankind. Orchids students showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage through their mesmerising performances, leaving the audience spellbound.

Ms. Geetha Lakshmi, Principal, Orchids The International School, Whitefield campus, said, “The annual day celebrations at Orchids The International School, Whitefield Campus, is a proud moment for all of us. It reflects the hard work, creativity, and spirit of our students, teachers, and parents who have come together to make this event a grand success. At Orchids, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but also the artistic, athletic, and social skills of every child. This platform allows our students to showcase their diverse talents and build the confidence they need to face the world.”

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest-Principal Scientist, Mr. C. Veera Sesha Kumar said, “In today’s rapidly evolving world, fostering curiosity and innovation in young minds is the key to building a better tomorrow. Orchids, with its emphasis on holistic education, not only imparts knowledge but also encourages students to dream big, think critically, and strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives. I commend the school for creating an environment where every student is encouraged to shine and contribute meaningfully to the world.”

Mr. Som Singh, Chairman, Pragathi Group of Educational Institutions, said, “The annual day celebration at Orchids The International School is a momentous occasion that reflects the collective vision, perseverance, and achievements of students, educators, and parents alike. It is a time to honour the talents and dedication of the students who are shaping themselves into well-rounded individuals, equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Orchids’ commitment to excellence in education and its focus on fostering creativity, discipline, and leadership make it a beacon of inspiration for the community. As we celebrate this day, we are reminded that these young minds are the architects of tomorrow, and it is our shared responsibility to nurture their dreams and aspirations. ”

The students performed a series of vibrant dance performances that highlighted Karnataka’s cultural diversity and artistic expression, leaving the audience mesmerised. Also, melodious renditions by the school choir and individual instrumental performances added a soulful touch to the evening. Parents, faculty, and invited guests were enthralled by the high-energy performances and appreciated the school’s efforts in providing a platform for students to exhibit their talents.

The annual day celebrations at Orchids The International School, Whitefield campus, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a spirit of excellence in academics and extracurricular pursuits.

Mumbai, January 28, 2025: Max Level, a leading PR and marketing agency specialising in the gaming and esports space, has been appointed as the official PR and communications partner for Specter, India’s pioneering backend platform developed by Dirtcube Interactive. This collaboration aims to enhance Specter’s brand presence, solutions offering, and engagement in the gaming industry while expanding to other areas.

Specter is a comprehensive backend solution designed to streamline game development processes. It integrates essential services such as player progression, game economy management, automated achievements, leaderboards, LiveOps, and other features into a unified platform, enabling developers and marketers to create immersive and scalable gaming experiences efficiently.

Dirtcube Interactive, based in Navi Mumbai, has been at the forefront of game development and technology innovation. Their portfolio includes hyper-casual games, game development and art services, and innovative products like Capshot, a social platform for sharing memes with friends and GameStarz, an open-world mobile gaming arena filled with a multitude of social and competitive experiences. The launch of Specter marks a significant milestone in their commitment to empowering the gaming ecosystem.

Pravan Parikh, Co-Founder & Product Lead at Dirtcube Interactive, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Max Level as our PR and communications partner. Their deep understanding of the gaming industry and strategic approach will be instrumental in amplifying Specter’s reach and impact. Together, we aim to bridge gaps in the game development ecosystem and make game development more accessible, efficient, and rewarding.”

Max Level will leverage its expertise to craft and execute strategic PR campaigns that highlight Specter’s unique offerings and its potential to revolutionise game development in India and beyond. The agency’s role will encompass media relations, content creation, and strategic communications to position Specter prominently within the industry.

Siddharth Nayyar, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Max Level, commented on the new mandate, “Partnering with Dirtcube Interactive for Specter is an exciting opportunity for us. Specter is set to transform the backend infrastructure of game development, and we are committed to showcasing its innovative capabilities to the broader gaming community. Our goal is to enhance Specter’s visibility and establish it as the go-to solution for developers seeking a comprehensive and scalable backend platform.”

Apart from PR services, Max Level provides gaming and esports brands with an array of services including campaign management, IP building, production, video editing, consultancy, social media marketing, influencer programs, and more.

The addition of Specter to its already diverse portfolio of brands underscores Max Level’s growing market share in the Indian gaming, esports, and tech market. With a portfolio spanning brands like NODWIN Gaming, S8UL, 88 Games, CyberPowerPC India, KRAFTON, Saudi Esports Federation, ESL Faceit Group, The Esports World Cup, ASUS ROG, Jio Games, TVS, and HyperX, Max Level continues to grow its client base while maintaining a focus on delivering tailored PR and marketing services that resonate with gaming and esports audiences.

Mumbai, January 28, 2025 – HDFC securities, a leading stock broking company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank, announced a strategic partnership with KFin Technologies Limited (KFintech), one of the largest Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) in the country, to enhance the accessibility and adoption of National Pension System (NPS) amongst its subscribers. HDFC Securities has an extensive network of over 3.5 lakh subscribers and over 2700 corporate clients.

CRAs are crucial to the NPS ecosystem, providing centralized management of subscriber records, ensuring transparency, and streamlining account management. It enables subscribers to track contributions, monitor investments, and make changes easily. KFintech’s CRA platform offers several innovative features designed to enhance user experience and security, with subscribers benefiting from flexible transaction statement downloads across any date range, and real-time SMS notifications for all contribution modes. The platform combines enhanced security features like dual-factor authentication through password and SMS OTP with dedicated portals for subscribers, complemented by WhatsApp services and a missed call facility for easier access.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC securities, said, “We’re excited to partner with KFintech to enhance our service offerings. This collaboration will enable us to provide our subscribers and corporate clients with a superior technological platform for NPS management. The timing couldn’t have been better, as we’re seeing increased interest in Corporate NPS following the enhanced tax benefits, and typically, these are the initial months of the year.”

“KFintech has demonstrated its technological leadership in the industry by contributing to 47% of new registrations growth, the highest among CRAs. This partnership will leverage the technological advantage to streamline the onboarding process and enhance the user experience for our new subscribers and corporate clients. Together with KFintech, we’re well-positioned to drive greater pension penetration in the corporate sector.” added, Mr. Relli.

Sreekanth Nadella, MD & CEO at KFin Technologies, said, “The rapid digitization of financial services has created a unique opportunity to reshape the pension landscape in India. As part of our commitment to democratizing pension coverage across the country, this partnership with HDFC securities marks a transformative step forward. By leveraging our comprehensive digital solutions, combined with HDFC securities’ robust corporate network, we aim to create a powerful synergy that will significantly enhance access to NPS across the country.”

The partnership comes at an opportune time as the Government of India has recently enhanced tax benefits under corporate NPS from 10% to 14% of basic income, driving increased interest in the corporate NPS market. Currently, with only 18,700 corporations registered under Corporate NPS and 21.6 lakh subscribers, there is substantial growth potential in this segment.

Kochi, 28th January, 2025: V-Marc India Limited, a leading manufacturer of wires and cables in India, announces its expansion plans in Kerala. Known for its embrace of technology and innovation, Kerala is a key market for V-Marc to introduce its latest range of advanced wire and cable solutions. The launch of new products Flexi-TUF eB-HFFR Wires and eB+ Power Cables, developed through extensive research and powered by electron beam (eBeam) technology, was also held in the launch conference in Kochi.

“V-Marc is the fastest-growing wire and cable company in India. As a public-listed company, our goal is to deliver the best results for our customers and stakeholders while expanding our product portfolio by creating new business verticals. Our expansion into Kerala and the launch of our latest eBeam technology-based products aligns with India’s growing focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said Mr. Deepak Tikle, Executive Director, V-Marc India Ltd.

The Flexi-TUF eB-HFFR Wires and eB+ Power Cables feature a unique insulation material, developed by V-Marc, that replaces hazardous PVC with XLPO-based polymer. These innovative solutions offer 80% higher current-carrying capacity, a service life exceeding 60 years, the ability to withstand working temperatures up to 150°C, and robust protection against short circuits. This eco-friendly insulation prevents chlorine emissions during fire incidents, significantly reducing the risk of suffocation. The advanced technology used in these products is already well-established in Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia.

“The company believes in partnering with dealers and distributors as a core strategy to drive its business growth across India, said Mr. A. N. Ramesh Kumar, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, V-Marc India Ltd.

V-Marc’s comprehensive product range caters to various sectors, including residential, commercial, healthcare, industrial, and infrastructure projects. V-Marc is involved in and growing exponentially across various business verticals, including MVCC (Medium Voltage Covered Conductor) and accessories, instrumentation and control cables, automotive wires and harnesses, switches, MCBs, and appliances such as fans and geysers.

New Delhi, January 28, 2025: India’s top nine cities, where majority of Indians migrate for jobs, is staring at a housing crisis. As developers shift focus to luxury housing, the supply of homes in the affordable and mid-income category (priced Rs 1 crore and below) has dipped by 36% in the last two years, from 3,10,216 units in 2022 to 1,98,926 units in 2024 with NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad as worst performers, said a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.

The housing supply in the affordable and mid-income category stood at 2,83,323 units in 2023, a drop of 30% in one year.

The top nine cities are Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kolkata and NCR.

According to the report, in the last two years, the supply of homes priced Rs 1 crore and below have fallen by 69% to 13238 units in Hyderabad. During the same period, the supply of homes priced Rs 1 crore and below has dipped by 60% to 6062 units in Mumbai and by 45% to 2672 units in NCR.

NCR followed by Mumbai supplied the least number of homes in this category. The total supply in NCR stood at 45503 units with only 2672 units supplied in Rs 1 crore and below category while total supply in Mumbai stood at 40,963 units with only 6062 units supplied in this category.

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO, PropEquity said, “Today, 8% of India’s population live in tier 1 cities and this number is expected to grow exponentially in the next five years as more people move to these cities for employment opportunities. The lack of supply in this category, if not attended to in time by the Government, will lead to a housing crisis akin to Australia and Canada.”

“In view of rising migration and growing number of nuclear families, it is estimated that 1.5 cr homes would be required in these cities in the next five years.

“To address this problem, the Government must not just incentivise developers through tax cuts and subsidies in order to make affordable and mid-income housing a viable option but also provide benefits to homebuyers in the form of home loan rebates, stamp duty cuts etc.”

	2022 (Units)	2023 (Units)	2024 (Units)	% change (2024vs2023)	% change (2024vs2022)
Bengaluru	37252	28206	25012	-11%	-33%
Chennai	14575	13852	12743	-8%	-13%
Hyderabad	42747	31645	13238	-58%	-69%
Kolkata	10082	18406	10785	-41%	7%
Mumbai	15042	8763	6062	-31%	-60%
Navi Mumbai	22675	23584	21290	-10%	-6%
Thane	89687	78885	57029	-28%	-36%
Pune	73289	75256	50095	-33%	-32%
NCR	4867	4726	2672	-43%	-45%
Total	310216	283323	198926	-30%	-36%

City-wise performance (Supply of homes in Rs 1 crore and below category):

Bengaluru: Housing supply stood at 25012 units in 2024, decline of 33% in two years and 11% in one year.

Chennai: Housing supply stood 12743 units in 2024, a decline of 13% in two years and 8% in one year.

Hyderabad: Housing supply stood at 13238 units in 2024, a decline of 69% in two years and 58% in one year.

Kolkata: Housing supply stood at 10785 units in 2024, a rise of 7% in two years and decline of 41% in one year.

Mumbai: At 6062 units in 2024, the city saw the second least number of units supplied, registering a decline of 60% in two years and 31% in one year.

Navi Mumbai: Housing supply stood at 21290 units in 2024, a decline of 6% in two years and 10% in one year.

Thane: At 57029 units in 2024, the city witnessed the highest supply amongst top nine cities. However, this is a decline of 36% in two years and 28% in one year.

Pune: At 50095 units in 2024, the city saw the second highest supply amongst top nine cities. However, this is a decline of 32% in two years and 33% in one year.

NCR: At 2672 units in 2024, NCR witnessed the least number of units supplied amongst top nine cities; registering a decline of 45% in two years and 43% in one year.

In contrast, the supply of homes priced Rs 1 crore and above have risen by 48% in the last two years in top nine cities with Bengaluru rising by 187%, Chennai by 127%, Kolkata 58%, Navi Mumbai 70%, Thane 53%, Pune 52% and Delhi-NCR 192%. However, Hyderabad and Mumbai saw a decline of 11% and 14% respectively in the last two years.

Manila, Philippines | January 2025 – As fintech adoption continues to rise in the Philippines, financial services increasingly serve a role in addressing vulnerabilities and safeguarding information in the evolving digital landscape.

Data breaches, fraud, and identity theft are amongst these  significant challenges, especially in a digital environment where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role in the digital ecosystem. Amid this rapid digital advancement, there is a rising concern on data protection and application of security measures. Survey data released by Statista in 2024 revealed that 50% of respondents reported being targeted by phishing attacks, while 42% encountered smishing, a type of fraud scheme carried out through text messages.

Considering this, and as the global business landscape commemorates Data Privacy Day on January 28, a heightened awareness to combat these challenges and a recurring prompt highlighting the importance of taking proactive measures in safeguarding personal data are necessary

Moreover, financial services are the bearer of not only offering secure platforms, but also educating consumers on how to manage good financial hygiene. UnaCash takes a proactive approach by integrating both. The focus is to empower consumers to actively seek steps on understanding digital risks and become vigilant against potential threats, all the while learning how to choose a platform that demonstrates a commitment to security.

Here are detailed recommendations from UnaCash to support Filipino consumers on the best practices for safeguarding personal data.

Use strong and unique passwords.  One of the most effective ways to protect online accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. Ensure that the corresponding accounts per platform uses a different password to guarantee that they are individually protected.

Enable two-factor authentication. Make sure to enable the two-factor authentication (2FA) on your financial apps and online accounts to add an extra layer of security. The second verification step, such as a one-time password (OTP) sent to your mobile device or email, helps reduce the chances of unauthorized access for the account.

Learn to identify and beware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are one of the most common ways where personal information is obtained illegally. These can appear as emails, social media posts, or SMS messages from seemingly legitimate companies. Always double-check the source of any communication and avoid clicking unfamiliar links. Upon receiving one, you can immediately visit the official website of the company or inform their customer service to verify its authenticity.

Make regular updates on your software and apps. Updates ensure that security vulnerabilities are mitigated against potential hacking attempts. These updates often contain important security patches that can help you protect your data against emerging threats and keep your digital environment secure.

Always monitor personal transactions. Track transaction histories for any unusual activity or discrepancies. For unauthorized changes, immediately report to the service provider to ensure that the account remains protected from fraud.

“We have witnessed the digital landscape rapidly evolve in recent years. Financial solutions like us advocate consistently on educating consumers on how to practice good financial hygiene, and of course, navigate the digital space safely,” said Sean Plantado, channel manager of UnaCash. “We want our customers to be better equipped to safeguard their personal information, regardless of what platform they are using.”

The Commitment to Secure Data by UnaCash

Consumers belonging in the GenZ bracket are increasingly entering the marketplace, highlighting the need for robust data protection since this generation is a significant player in the retail space. Statista indicates that vulnerabilities can impact individuals as early as 18 years of age, matching the analysis from UnaCash where 23 million working-age individuals in Southeast Asia will be poised as primary contributors in the digital economy by 2030. With this emerging consumer base, the financial services reinforces its mission to provide a secure and informed financial platform for its client-base.

Below is a list of simple practices of UnaCash to promote data privacy protection:

• Advanced security features. Integration of encryption, a multi-layer authentication, and a dedicated fraud detection team to ensure that user data remains protected against cyber threats. 

• Continuous consumer education. The data source and storage is found only in the UnaCash app, which consumers are responsible when it comes to and encourages users to generate a pin to open their account apart from the one-time password (OTP) authentication process.

• Responsive support. A dedicated customer support team ensures that users have access to timely assistance, be it in the physical store or through the UnaCash communication channels. This applies to suspicious activity or even resolving account concerns, a swift and effective support is being prioritized.

• Compliance on data privacy security measures. UnaCash is compliant with the NPC, adhering to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and is continuously implementing data protection protocols. There are consistent security assessments to uphold the transparency and accountability in handling every customer’s data. Alongside this, UnaCash never stores application details physically or digitally through any other platform aside from its app to protect its overall storage location.

“It is important to highlight that awareness on financial security goes hand-in-hand with the broader goal of protecting personal data. A financially literate consumer is most likely to use secure platforms, easily identify risks, and take proactive steps to protect their respective data. UnaCash remains committed to fostering a culture of security and trust, ensuring that Filipino customers are confident with their financial journey without compromising their personal information in the digital space,” Plantado concluded.