Gender Diversity Transformation at Swaraj Tractors: Udaiti Foundation Report

Mohali, 28 February 2025: The Udaiti Foundation has released a study showcasing the remarkable strides made by Mahindra’s Swaraj Division and Swaraj Engines Limited (Swaraj) in fostering gender diversity on shop floors.

The study highlights the efforts of Swaraj in increasing women representation – growing from just 1.5% in 2013 to over 10% in 2024, thereby setting a benchmark for India’s tractor manufacturing sector.  Women employees have lower absenteeism and higher retention rates, contributing to enhanced productivity and operational efficiency, hence making a strong case for their inclusion in the manufacturing sector.

Despite challenges such as limited enrolment in technical trades, cultural resistance, and safety concerns, Swaraj has implemented targeted initiatives to overcome these barriers.

One notable achievement is the integration of women into their foundry facilities, a traditionally male-dominated area requiring physical endurance and technical precision.

Key reasons for this transformation

  • Workplace redesigns have played a pivotal role in making manufacturing roles more inclusive. Ergonomic adjustments, including robotics, raised platforms, and gravity mechanisms, have minimized physical strain while improving efficiency.
  • Collaborations with 15 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), 5 polytechnics, and Advanced Technical Institutes have helped create a robust talent pipeline.
  • Tailored training programs such as dexterity modules and on-the-job training have equipped women with the skills needed to excel.
  • Safety measures such as GPS-enabled transport, buddy systems, and women security guards ensure a secure and supportive environment.

Swaraj has also actively engaged with communities by conducting parental counseling and organizing shop floor visits, addressing cultural concerns, and encouraging women to explore careers in manufacturing. Pooja Goyal, Founding CEO of The Udaiti Foundation, commended the efforts, saying, “Swaraj’s journey underscores the transformative impact of investing in skills, infrastructure, and community engagement. It offers a replicable model for the manufacturing sector to drive women’s economic empowerment and significantly contribute to India’s growth story.”

Despite these successes, challenges persist. Women remain under-represented in technical education, with only 400 out of 17,000 students in Punjab’s ITIs enrolled in trades like diesel mechanics and machinists. Furthermore, the reliance on contractual roles limits long-term career growth for women in the sector. Addressing these gaps will require sustained efforts and systemic changes.

Swaraj’s achievements demonstrate that prioritizing gender diversity strengthens workforce resilience and drives operational excellence. This progress serves as an inspiration for companies across industries to create equitable workplaces and unlock the potential of women in India’s economic landscape.

Porche Redefining Luxury Dining & Drinks in Gurgaon

 Gurgaon, February 28, 2025: The G Town’s dining and nightlife landscape reached new heights with the launch of Porche, a multi-level luxury destination that blends gastronomy, fresh German beer, mixology, and entertainment under one roof. The brainchild of brothers Sanjay Kumar Singh and Sandu Kumar Singh, Porche offers an unparalleled experience across its three distinct levels: a vibrant, high-energy bar, a refined dining space with a high-energy bar, and an open-air rooftop lounge with panoramic city views.

Porche embodies the essence of its name: a grand entrance or an opulent gathering space that sets the stage for something truly extraordinary. Designed with timeless elegance, the space is a masterpiece of Mediterranean-meets-colonial luxury, featuring exquisitely hand-painted interiors, plush bespoke furnishings, and an ambiance that seamlessly marries grandeur with comfort. Every detail, from the ornate architectural accents to the rich textures and soft ambient lighting, has been meticulously curated to craft an experience that is as indulgent as it is unforgettable.

The three floors at Porche cater to varied moods and experiences: The High-Energy Bar on the second floor is designed for electrifying nightlife, craft cocktails, and live music performances, creating a dynamic space for an unforgettable night out while the elegant dining space the first floor provide a sophisticated setting where patrons can indulge in a world-class menu and a curated selection of drinks offering an upscale dining affair. The Rooftop Sky Lounge is an oasis above the city, offering an intimate escape with artisanal pizzas, pastas, sushi, and handcrafted drinks, all set against Gurgaon’s mesmerising skyline.

 

Sanjay Kumar Singh, Founder of Porche, shared his vision, “Porche isn’t just a restaurant , a bar or a brewery it’s a complete lifestyle destination. Whether you seek high-energy entertainment, a refined dining affair, or an intimate rooftop escape, Porche offers a curated experience for every moment and mood. With our fully integrated German brewery system, we are setting new standards for craft beer in Gurgaon.”

Curated by Chefs with years of luxury culinary experience spanning Oberoi, Taj, and Leela, Porche is a premier multi-cuisine destination redefining global dining. The menu features

succulent grilled lobsters, premium New Zealand lamb chops, and exquisite Mediterranean flavors, alongside the finest Pan-Asian cuisine. It also includes timeless classics like delicate gnocchi and flambéed Crêpe Suzette. Ideal for business-class lunches and corporate gatherings, Porche offers an elevated experience with artisanal sushi, handcrafted dim sum, and rich Thai curries—each dish meticulously crafted to blend sophistication with indulgence.

Porche’s cocktail menu is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and inspiration, drawing from the essence of the Eight Wonders of the World to create a truly unique mixology experience. Curated by a team with experience at ITC and The Oberoi Group of Hotels, each cocktail is a celebration of purity and innovation—crafted with botanical-based ingredients, no synthetics, no sugar, and no syrups. This commitment to natural flavors results in clean, sophisticated drinks that elevate the art of cocktail-making. At Porche, every sip is a journey across cultures, paying homage to iconic global landmarks while delivering an unmatched sensory experience.

The launch of Porche marks the beginning of a new era in Gurgaon’s nightlife and dining scene, bringing together a world-class culinary team, premium beverages, and an extraordinary space that guarantees a distinctive and immersive experience with every visit
Address: Porche, Golf Avenue 42, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon

Housing Sales in 2025: Pune Surpasses Major Cities, Says CREDAI & CRE Matrix

Pune, 24th February 2025 – CREDAI Pune Metro and CRE Matrix have released their much-anticipated Pune Housing Report – February 2025, highlighting Pune’s continued dominance in India’s real estate market. According to the report, Pune has once again emerged as the top city for real estate sales across India in CY2024, maintaining its leading position for the fourth consecutive year since 2021.

The Pune Housing Report – February 2025 was officially unveiled at the Ramkumar Rathi Hall, CREDAI Pune Metro office in Camp by President Ranjit Naiknavare, CRE Matrix CEO Abhishek Gupta, Public Relations Convenor Kapil Gandhi, Management Committee Members Abhishek Bhatewara and Punit Oswal, Data Analyst Rahul Ajmera, and Hiren Parmar. The event was attended by over 100 representatives from the real estate industry.

Key Highlights from the Report:

  1. India’s Real Estate Leader: Pune led the nation with nearly 90,000 housing units sold in CY2024, generating a total sales value of ₹65,000 crores. This marks a significant increase from ₹30,000 crores in 2019, reflecting a remarkable growth of over 116%.
  2. In Pune, real estate has emerged as the most preferred investment avenue, with 51% of individuals choosing property over other asset classes such as equities, gold, or fixed deposits.
  3. Affordability Drives Growth: Pune remains India’s most affordable metro city, attracting industries and migrants alike. With an average home price of ₹73 lakh, Pune remains the most affordable compared to metro cities like Bengaluru (₹1.35 crore) and Hyderabad (₹1.75 crore). Despite not being a capital city or having direct port connectivity, Pune continues to lead in housing sales thus bolstering its appeal as a residential hub. In Pune, homeownership is a common aspiration, with many residents able to purchase their own homes. In contrast, in other metro cities like Mumbai, high property prices often compel people to rent rather than buy.
  4. Rapid Market Growth: Over the past five years, Pune’s residential market has recorded an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22% in the total value of unit sales.
  5. Shifting Buyer Preferences: Homes priced below ₹70 lakhs contributed 60% of sales in CY2024—down from 85% in 2020—indicating a shift toward larger and more premium properties.
  6. Surging Luxury Demand: Sales of units priced above ₹1 crore have surged by 5X (5 times) in the last five years, reflecting growing demand for luxury and premium housing.
  7. Affordable Housing: Affordable homes priced below ₹45 lakhs now, contributes 30% of total sales, down from 55% in 2020, signalling a reduced supply in this segment.
  8. Geographic Sales Concentration: Over 75% of housing sales were concentrated in three key regions—Pune North West (around Hinjawadi – Mahalunge), Pune North East (around Kharadi – Wagholi), and Pune North (Pimpri Chinchwad).
  9. Significant Regional Growth: Pune South West (Kothrud-Bavdhan region) witnessed a remarkable 55% increase in the average value of units sold between CY2020 and CY2024.
  10. Value Appreciation: The average value of a home in Pune has risen by 44% over the last five years, fueled by increasing flat sizes and higher input costs.

Mr. Rahul Ajmera delivered a presentation on ‘Real Estate Trends & Analysis,’ while a Senior Inspector provided valuable insights on cybersecurity. During his address, Mr. Ajmera highlighted that new project launches and housing supply in Pune have declined by nearly 25%, primarily due to delays in approvals, challenges in land acquisition, and regulatory constraints. This reduction has not only limited options for homebuyers but has also heightened competition among channel partners.”

Mr. Ranjit Naiknavare, President of CREDAI Pune Metro, stated, “Over the past five years, we have witnessed an impressive 56% surge in sales volumes, solidifying Pune District as the most preferred and highest-selling real estate market in India. Additionally, the total sales value has doubled during this period, significantly boosting government revenues. The average home value now stands at ₹73 lakhs. Most notably, we have  seen a phenomenal 5 times(5X)  growth in homes priced above ₹1 crore, signaling Pune’s evolution into a more affluent city with growing demand for premium apartments. “

Mr. Abhishek Kiran Gupta, CEO of CRE Matrix, stated, “I am thrilled to unveil yet another groundbreaking research report by CRE Matrix in collaboration with CREDAI Pune. It is encouraging to see that units priced between ₹1 crore and ₹2 crore have experienced the highest growth in value, clearly indicating that Pune homebuyers are not only purchasing more homes but also opting for larger, more spacious properties.

The Pune Housing Report presents accurate and reliable information, as all data and statistics are sourced directly from authoritative government bodies, including the Registration and Stamps Department and the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA). “

NIIT Launches 4th Edition of the ‘EdTech Growth Summit’

New Delhi, 28 February 2025: NIIT Ltd., a leading skills & talent development corporation, proudly announces the 4th edition of the ‘EdTech Growth Summit’, which will be held virtually on March 4, 2025. This year’s summit focuses on leveraging AI for sustainable growth, offering EdTech founders’ valuable insights from top investors and industry leaders.

This edition of the summit promises an engaging lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, designed to foster networking and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. With AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of education, the summit will spotlight innovative strategies and solutions to accelerate growth and impact in the EdTech space.

This year’s summit gets a major boost with Google Cloud coming on board as a Technology Partner, alongside the Microsoft Founders’ Hub. This partnership opens exciting opportunities for startups to scale through advanced cloud-based solutions, providing access to cutting-edge AI tools, expert mentorship, and potential funding avenues to drive innovation and long-term growth.

Rajendra S Pawar, Chairman & Co-founder, NIIT Group, said, “The 4th edition of EdTech Growth Summit is centered on harnessing AI to drive sustainable growth in the EdTech sector. By bringing together industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, the summit aims to inspire innovation and empower emerging founders with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and excel in this dynamic landscape.”

The virtual summit will once again present high-impact sessions led by prominent EdTech founders and industry leaders, including Rajan Anandan, MD – PeakXV Partners, Ex-MD – Sequoia Capital, Ex-MD – Google across India & South East Asia; Mayank Kumar, Co-Founder – upGrad & Co-Founder – BorderPlus; Chaitanya Kalipatnapu, Co-Founder, Emeritus; alongside the Founders of NIIT and the Vice Chancellor & President of NIIT University, among others.

Select start-ups will also participate in the Founders’ Growthcamp 2025 in the month of April at NIIT University (NU) campus in Neemrana.

Previous editions of the Growthcamp saw participating founders of EdTech startups who received a total of INR 7.8 Crore worth of benefits from Microsoft Founders Hub, NIIT EdTech Growth program’s Technology Partner.

Hybrid Model Businesses More Optimistic About 2025 Growth CEO Study Finds

New Delhi, 28 February 2025: In a challenging economic environment, businesses operating in the hybrid model have reported that they are significantly more optimistic about growth in the year ahead than more traditionally- focused businesses that require their teams to commute daily. They are also recognising that hybrid working allows them to operate with lower business costs, boost employee productivity and attract the best talent – all of which support this optimism.

A study of more than 1000 CEOs and senior business leaders by International Workplace Group (IWG), found that three quarters (75%) of businesses offering hybrid working had a positive outlook for 2025 compared to 58% of non-hybrid companies.

Flexible working has allowed many businesses to cut overheads by reducing office space and taking advantage of short-term workspace solutions. More than three quarters (79%) of flexible businesses reported cost savings and a similar amount (75%) say hybrid working is incredibly helpful in mitigating upcoming economic pressures like rising taxes, increased tariffs and market trends.

The research, conducted by IWG, the world’s leading provider of flexible workspace, with brands including Regus and Spaces, indicates that as business confidence across the world is under increased scrutiny, businesses prioritising flexibility are significantly more optimistic. 63% of hybrid businesses reported feeling more positive about the economy than they did a year ago, compared to just 44% of non-flexible businesses.

Workforce productivity key to brighter outlook

Flexible working models are also driving productivity and talent retention. 72% of flexible businesses report improved productivity in their workforces, and a similar percentage (71%) believe their policies have enhanced their ability to attract and retain top talent.

This is supported by Stanford academic Professor Nicholas Bloom’s recently published study** which found that hybrid working improved job satisfaction and reduced quit rates by one-third (33%), without damaging productivity.

Higher confidence in growth and workforce expansion

Flexible businesses are also more confident in their growth and workforce expansion. Over two-thirds (67%) of hybrid businesses are confident their business will grow in 2025, and nearly a half 48% are confident in expanding their workforce, compared to only 51% and 38% of non-hybrid companies, respectively.

Hybrid leaders cited wide-ranging benefits including increased employee satisfaction (53%), retention (43%), and productivity (46%).

Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, commented: “In these challenging times, CEOs and business leaders are contemplating the path ahead. Businesses that are aiming for peak profitability understand that the key to success lies in retaining and attracting the best talent – their greatest intellectual capital. This strategic focus is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving world.

“By embracing hybrid working, businesses are reducing costs and enhancing their team’s happiness and productivity. It’s no surprise that businesses adopting this model are the ones looking to the year ahead with optimism.”

Harsh Lambah, Country Manager, India added “The findings of this study reinforce what we have been witnessing in India—businesses that embrace hybrid working are not only more resilient but also significantly more optimistic about their future. By offering greater flexibility, companies can attract top talent, drive productivity, and reduce operational costs, all of which are critical for sustainable growth. At IWG, we are committed to empowering businesses with our expansive network of flexible workspaces across India, enabling them to navigate economic uncertainties while fostering a more agile and efficient work environment.”