Barracuda Unveils Entra ID Backup Premium to Safeguard Identity Data
India, 09th July 2025 — Barracuda Networks, Inc., a leading cybersecurity company providing complete protection against complex threats for all sized businesses, today announced the launch of Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium – a comprehensive, cost-effective solution to safeguard Microsoft Entra ID environments from accidental and malicious data loss. With fast, reliable recovery of vital identity data, the new offering strengthens cyber resilience and helps ensure secure, uninterrupted access to business applications and services.
Seamlessly integrated with the BarracudaONE platform, Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium provides users with centralized visibility into backup status, data health and storage insights through a unified dashboard. It is built to support both single and multi-tenant environments, making it an ideal solution for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) looking to simplify and scale identity protection management.
“Identity is the control plane of today’s digital business – any disruption can halt operations and expose organizations to security risks,” said Neal Bradbury, chief product officer at Barracuda. “With Entra ID Backup Premium, we are closing a critical gap in the identity protection lifecycle by adding fast, reliable recovery to our proven detection and response capabilities. Unlike point solutions that focus only on backup or monitoring, Barracuda delivers a unified, end-to-end approach that makes Entra ID protection simpler, stronger and more resilient so organizations can stay secure, compliant and operational.”
Closing the Identity Protection Gap
As organizations increasingly rely on Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management platform, the risk of identity data loss – from cyberattacks or human error – continues to grow. Microsoft retains Entra ID data for only 30 days and recommends third-party backups. Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium addresses this gap with long-term, scalable data preservation, empowering organizations to recover data well beyond Microsoft’s default limits.
Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium protects the 13 most essential identity components needed to maintain a secure and resilient Microsoft Entra ID environment. This includes users, groups, roles, administrative units, app registrations, audit logs, authentication and access policies, BitLocker keys, device management configurations, and more.
“As a trusted MSP, we understand how essential Microsoft 365 is to our customers’ operations – which makes protecting and restoring Entra ID security components absolutely mission-critical,” said John Quatto, channel partner manager at Zobrio. “Ransomware attacks can cripple access to users, groups and core systems. With Barracuda Entra ID Backup Premium, Barracuda has closed a gap in identity and access protection. Its integration into the BarracudaONE platform delivers a comprehensive, unified cybersecurity solution that’s simple to deploy, easy to manage and built to scale – giving our customers the confidence to recover quickly and stay resilient against evolving threats.”
Easy to Deploy, Effortless to Use
The cloud-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is built for simplicity and speed – no installation, configuration or manual patching is required. Customers connect their Microsoft 365 tenant and start backing up Entra ID data in just minutes. Advanced search, real-time monitoring, detailed audit logs, and five levels of role-based access control (RBAC) provide the visibility and control needed to manage identity protection efficiently and securely.
Covasant Merges with konaAI and DCube to Advance Agentic AI in Risk Management
India, 9th July 2025: In a landmark move set to redefine the enterprise AI landscape, Covasant Technologies Private Limited, a pioneer in Agentic AI solutions based in Hyderabad, India, has announced its merger with two prominent US-based companies: konaAI, based in Texas, and DCube Data Sciences Corporation, based in California. This strategic fusion, driven by proven industry leaders, positions Covasant at the forefront of global innovation in intelligent compliance, cybersecurity, risk management, and data engineering for enterprises.
By integrating konaAI’s best-in-industry, AI-led compliance expertise and DCube’s coveted cybersecurity and eDiscovery strengths, Covasant is poised to significantly expand its services portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to delivering robust, end-to-end, AI-led enterprise governance solutions to its global clientele.
Powering the Next Wave of Enterprise AI
Covasant’s AI-led Services-as-Software delivery model integrates proprietary Agentic AI systems, predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and seamless data orchestration to empower enterprises to unlock value from data, make real-time decisions with confidence, and drive continuous innovation.
The company is helmed by C.V. Subramanyam, a serial entrepreneur renowned for his proven leadership and impeccable execution. Before founding Covasant, Subramanyam built Cigniti Technologies from the ground up, transforming it into a global powerhouse in digital assurance with over $250 million in revenue, a $500 million market capitalization, and a 5,000-strong workforce serving Fortune 500 clients globally. His proven track record of converting bold vision into high-growth reality sets the stage for Covasant’s ambitious future.
Speaking about the strategic merger, C.V. Subramanyam, Chairman and MD, Covasant Technologies, said, “We at Covasant are leading the charge in enterprise intelligence with Agentic AI. It’s about moving far beyond automation to embed AI into the very core of our clients’ business, delivering real and measurable business impact. This journey is massively accelerated by joining forces with konaAI and DCube. Their world-class expertise and Fortune 500 customer base is a perfect strategic fit, and we are excited to leverage these combined strengths to offer clients an unmatched suite of solutions for end-to-end Agentic AI adoption, significantly lowering their risk and improving business performance. This merger is a critical step in realizing our vision to become the definitive leader in Agentic AI-led Services-as-Software.”
Anil Kona, now the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director at Covasant, brings a rare, cross-disciplinary perspective to the new entity. A serial entrepreneur and technology leader, his journey began with over a decade in law enforcement’s elite Special Intelligence Branch (SIB). He later translated this investigative mindset into pivotal roles at Deloitte and EY, leading high-impact teams in forensic analytics and fraud investigations. As the founder of konaAI and DCube, he has a distinguished history of delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity and legal tech solutions to a global clientele.
Anil Kona, Founder of konaAI and DCube, said, “At konaAIand DCube, our focus has always been on empowering global clients with a holistic approach to Enterprise Risk Management, enabling them to detect compliance anomalies, uncover fraud, waste and abuse across financial transaction ecosystems, and strengthening their cybersecurity posture. Joining forces with Covasant enhances our ability to harness advanced AI to deliver real-time, preventive compliance and risk solutions that drive stronger business outcomes.”
Navigating the Agentic AI Paradox: A Market at a Crossroads
This merger arrives at a pivotal moment for the global tech landscape. The Agentic AI market in India is poised for explosive growth, projected by Grand View Research to soar to USD $1,730.5 million by 2030 at a staggering 53.9% CAGR. However, this immense opportunity presents a critical paradox: as enterprises rush to adopt AI, they simultaneously open themselves up to new, complex risk vectors and significant implementation hurdles.
Industry analysts like Forrester have noted that a majority of enterprises will face setbacks in their agentic AI efforts due to a lack of clear strategy, data complexity, and robust governance. The very power that makes Agentic AI transformative, also makes secure and effective deployment a high-stakes challenge.
It is precisely this challenge that the Covasant merger is designed to solve. By fusing Covasant’s AI engineering prowess with konaAI’s intelligent compliance and DCube’s cybersecuritystrengths, the new entity directly confronts these adoption barriers with practical, highly scalable and easy-to-use solutions. It provides a unified platform and deep domain expertise that enable clients to harness the power of Agentic AI strategically and securely, maximizing business value while minimizing risk.
Hello Kids Revolutionizes Early Education with India’s Largest ‘No Royalty’ Preschool Chain
Bengaluru, India|July 9, 2025: Hello Kids, India’s pioneering early childhood education brand, has disrupted the preschool sector by becoming the country’s largest ‘No Royalty’ preschool chain. With over 1030 centers across 25+ states, the brand is making early education more accessible and affordable for both parents and aspiring edupreneurs.
At the heart of Hello Kids’ success lies its revolutionary zero-royalty franchise model, which enables individuals to start and operate preschools without the burden of ongoing royalty fees. This model has empowered hundreds of passionate educators and first-time entrepreneurs to launch preschools with minimal investment, significantly lowering the entry barrier in the education sector.
“Our mission has always been to democratize early childhood education in India,” said Mr. Pritam Kumar Agrawal, Founder and Director of Hello Kids. “Through the ‘No Royalty’ model, we are not only reducing the cost of entry for our partners, but also enabling a new generation of educators to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
Hello Kids was established with the vision to blend global teaching practices with Indian values. Its child-centric curriculum combines the strengths of Montessori, Playway, and Gurukul methodologies, offering a well-rounded learning experience for children aged 1.5 to 6 years. The curriculum emphasizes not just academics, but also life skills, creative expression, and cultural grounding.
In addition to academic excellence, Hello Kids provides extensive support to its partners—from center setup and teacher training to branding, marketing, and digital resources. The curriculum is fully aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring relevance and future-readiness.
The model has been especially impactful in Tier II and Tier III cities, where access to quality early education is often limited. By enabling preschools in smaller towns and semi-urban areas, Hello Kids is bridging a crucial gap in India’s educational landscape.
“We’re not just opening schools, we’re building a national movement that puts affordable, quality early education within reach for every child,” added Mr. Agrawal. “Our approach proves that education can be both impactful and inclusive.” With its innovative business model and unwavering focus on quality, Hello Kids continues to transform India’s preschool ecosystem empowering edupreneurs, delighting parents, and inspiring young learners across the country.
Major Developers Expands into RAK Central with Strategic Land Acquisition
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 9 July 2025: Major Developers announced the acquisition of a prime land parcel in RAK Central, Ras Al Khaimah’s new commercial and administrative hub.
The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy and underscores its commitment to supporting the emirate’s infrastructure-driven ambitions under RAK Vision 2030, Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic framework to achieve sustainable, diversified, and globally competitive growth.
“With RAK Central, we’ve created a mega-development that is structurally aligned with regional growth, global investment patterns, and national diversification goals. Major Developers’ decision to invest in this multi-use destination is a testament to Ras Al Khaimah’s growing clout as a durable economic engine driving further progress. We welcome their participation in the evolution of RAK Central and look forward to a landmark addition to its evolving identity,” said Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan.
“RAK Central represents a high-potential economic zone, and we see it as a natural extension of our growth strategy,” said Andrei Charapenak, CEO, Major Developers. “Every square foot we develop is driven by precision, performance, and investor confidence. This project enables us to deploy our design-led construction, financial foresight, and value-oriented execution in a district that reflects these very principles. Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure-first vision aligns seamlessly with our commitment to long-term capital appreciation, global partnerships, and regionally impactful development.”
Building on the success of its flagship Manta Bay development at Al Marjan Island, Major Developers is now extending its hallmark approach to RAK Central. This strategic acquisition further deepens the company’s alignment with the emirate’s long-term economic transformation and reflects a growing partnership with Ras Al Khaimah.
RAK Central stands out as a high-potential investment zone, offering 100% foreign ownership, low corporate taxation, and a future-ready master plan. Anchored in a ‘Work–Live–Play’ philosophy, the district is designed to attract regional headquarters, business expansions, and commercial operations through its integrated infrastructure and investor-friendly ecosystem.
The RAK Central master plan includes:
• Three million sq. ft. of rentable office space
• 4,000 residential apartments
• Four hotels offering 1,000+ keys
• Extensive parks, green spaces, and pedestrian zones
• Retail and entertainment precincts
• Over 1,000 visitor parking spaces across interconnected buildings
Development is already underway on RAK Central HQ, which will serve as the district’s primary business complex and anchor the wider commercial offering.
Major Developers identifies RAK Central as a focal point for investors seeking credible returns within a stable, growth-oriented ecosystem. The district’s diverse master plan positions it as a magnet for regional headquarters, business expansions, and commercial activity.
All aspects of Major Developers’ upcoming project in RAK Central will be guided by its founding principles: uncompromising quality, data-informed execution, and outcomes measured by long-term asset performance. From architectural identity to operational delivery, the project aims to raise the standard for real estate in the emirate.
With construction already underway at RAK Central HQ, Major Developers’ entry is set to accelerate RAK Central’s emergence as the emirate’s premier destination for business, investment, and high-performance real estate.
DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune Launches One-Stop Centre for Pancreatic Diseases
Pune , 9th July 2025: DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune is proud to launch a modern, all-in-one centre dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases. This marks an important step in improving management of pancreatic diseases in India. It continues to lead the way with its focus on innovation and patient-first care. The new centre offers complete and well-coordinated treatment for serious conditions like acute & chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cystic lesions.
Established under the hospital’s Integrated Centre for Pancreatic Diseases (ICPD), the new unit under the Department of Gastroenterology is designed to deliver early diagnosis, advanced treatment and holistic care for complex conditions such as acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cysts.
The centre is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic tools including Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), Extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), as well as high-resolution imaging and precision laboratory testing. What sets this initiative apart, is its fully integrated approach bringing together expert gastroenterologists, pancreatic surgeons, solid organ transplant team, interventional radiologists and endocrinologists to provide coordinated, patient-centric care.
Beyond treatment, the unit will also host specialist consultations, multidisciplinary board meetings to arrive at a consensus to manage complex pancreatic disorders. The team will also conduct educational programs for patients and families, ensuring that every individual receives informed, personalized attention at every step.
With this launch, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune reinforces its commitment to raising the bar in super-specialty care, combining clinical excellence with compassionate service all under one roof.
Hon’ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil, Pro Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “The strength of any healthcare institution lies in its ability to offer comprehensive, compassionate and timely care. With this all-in-one advanced centre for pancreatic diseases, we are taking a transformative step forward in early detection, integrated treatment and holistic patient support—all under one roof. This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare that prioritizes precision, accessibility and patient well-being.”
Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “We are proud to reach this important milestone, which reflects our commitment to cutting-edge healthcare and social responsibility. Pancreatic issues, particularly common in men as they age, require timely and coordinated care. With this advanced centre, we can offer seamless treatment under one roof for patients of all age groups. Our mission remains rooted in compassion and delivering the best care possible.”
Dr Debabrata Banerjee, Head of Department of Medical Gastroenterology at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune said, “We are happy to offer this advanced centre for pancreatic care, which is especially helpful for people coming from far-off places. With all services under one roof, we make it easier to detect issues early, provide the right treatment and offer complete support. We are committed to delivering quality healthcare that is accessible and focused on the well-being of every patient.”
Guttify in Advanced Talks to Raise INR 20 Crore to Accelerate Gut Health Innovation in India
New Delhi, July 8th, 2025 — Guttify, a premium gut health startup by Lifechart, has announced that the company is currently in advanced discussions with leading venture capital firms to raise INR 20 crore in its upcoming funding round.
The company is known for its “Diagnosis-First” approach to solving gut health issues from the core and has already gained early momentum in the wellness and consumer healthcare segments. Sources reveal that 60% of the round is expected to be closed with a well-known VC firm specialising in healthcare and consumer investments.
Adding to its credibility, Guttify recently onboarded Prashant Pitti (Founder, EaseMyTrip & Optimio) as a strategic advisor and investor. Backed by UNICHEM Laboratories’ family office and existing investors. The brand has recently raised $360,000 in extended seed funding in May 2025, taking its current total funding to over $1 million. The funds will be used for the expansion of its diagnosis-first, at-home gut wellness solutions across urban and semi-urban India.
“Our mission has always been to help people solve chronic gut health issues from the core using the power of science and diagnostics. The new funding will be used to scale product development, expand distribution, and invest in research to further enhance personalized gut care solutions,” said Mukul Shah, co-founder at Guttify.
As part of its next innovation cycle, Guttify is gearing up to launch India’s first-of-its-kind RNA gene-based DIY gut testing kits, designed to offer results within 24 hours. This affordable, at-home solution aims to democratise gut health testing and empower individuals to better understand and manage their digestive health without the need for invasive procedures or clinic visits.
How Voll Sante is Fighting India’s Chronic Illness Epidemic with Plant Oils
India today is facing a silent but widespread health crisis. Despite the advancement of modern medicine, chronic illnesses linked to poor diet and nutrition are rising fast. More Indians are catching these diseases at a much younger age now – with 50 percent of heart attacks in Indian men occurring before the age of 50. Nearly one in five deaths in the country is tied to diet-related factors. And while food availability has improved, many people remain overfed yet undernourished, lacking the essential micronutrients needed to sustain long-term health.
The signs are everywhere. Persistent fatigue and low energy have become part of daily life for millions – with over 80% of Indians waking up tired, and a majority of urban youth reporting chronic exhaustion. At the same time, lifestyle-linked risks are surging. Nearly 70% of India’s urban population is overweight, and about 30% of adults show signs of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that drastically increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Meanwhile, the lifetime risk of cancer is climbing too, with one in nine Indians likely to be affected.
Underlying all this is a deeper issue that conventional healthcare often overlooks: chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and widespread nutritional imbalances – not just symptoms, but root causes of modern disease. Addressing these factors calls for more than short-term treatment. It requires a shift toward long-term, preventive care. This is where the idea of “Food as Medicine” is gaining real momentum – and with it, one of the most promising tools in natural healthcare: plant-based functional oils.
These oils are rich in phytonutrients – naturally occurring bioactive compounds found in seeds, herbs, and spices. Unlike synthetic drugs that typically act on a single pathway, phytonutrients are pleiotropic – they work across multiple biological systems simultaneously. Research shows they help regulate inflammation, support mitochondrial function, repair DNA, strengthen immunity, and even aid in hormonal and metabolic balance. In other words, they don’t just suppress symptoms. They help the body restore itself at a deeper level.
But for these benefits to take effect, how they’re delivered matters. Many nutrients lose their potency through poor absorption or degradation. Plant oils offer a superior delivery system – they improve the absorption of fat-soluble compounds, shield sensitive bioactives from oxidation and moisture, and allow for sustained, targeted release within the body. This makes them not only potent but efficient and reliable carriers of nutrition, ideal for ongoing preventive care.
One company working to bring this science into everyday health solutions is Voll Sante Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals, founded in 2017 by Prof. Satya Dev Tiwari. After two decades in the pharmaceutical industry and a stint in academia at NMIMS, Satya became a firm believer in nutritional medicine. He saw the limitations of drug-based approaches to chronic illness and committed instead to developing natural, plant-based interventions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.
Voll Sante’s range of functional oil-filled HPMC capsules is an example of this vision in action. Instead of relying on conventional gelatin capsules – often derived from animal collagen and laced with preservatives, plasticizers, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals – Voll Sante uses a cleaner, safer alternative: plant-based hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). These vegetarian capsules are free from plasticizers, preservatives, allergens, starch, and gluten, and are suitable for those following vegetarian or vegan lifestyles.
What goes into the capsules is equally deliberate. While most supplements are made from powdered leaves or extracts, this format often results in lower concentration of bioactives, inconsistent dosing, and poor absorption – especially for fat-soluble compounds. Powders are also more prone to degradation from moisture, air, and light, and typically require synthetic excipients or binders to aid in controlled release.
In contrast, Voll Sante has formulated its supplements using plant-based functional oils – a medium that not only provides higher bioactive density, but also protects delicate compounds from oxidation and environmental damage. Oils enable better absorption of fat-soluble nutrients and ensure a slower, more targeted release in the body. This translates into more consistent, bioavailable dosing – a key advantage when dealing with chronic health conditions that require long-term, systemic support.
Each of their capsules contain a powerful blend of oils such as Black seed, Pumpkin seed, Moringa, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, and Hing – each known for its unique therapeutic properties. These oils are rich in phytonutrients like flavonoids, phytosterols, and saponins that work across multiple systems, helping to regulate inflammation, support hormonal balance, boost immunity, and reduce oxidative stress. They also play a role in improving heart health, joint mobility, digestion, skin health, and cognitive function, making the formulation both broad-spectrum and targeted.
Among these, Black seed oil, in particular, has shown promising clinical outcomes. A 2021 study involving participants with high blood pressure found that those taking black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks saw significant improvements in blood pressure, lipid profile, blood sugar, and oxidative stress markers – all closely linked to metabolic syndrome. The same study also observed an increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and Glutathione Reductase, an important antioxidant enzyme. These results support the use of black seed oil not just as a supplement, but as a valuable adjunct to conventional treatment for lifestyle-related disorders.
As India faces the twin burdens of rising chronic illness and unsustainable healthcare costs, Voll Sante is offering an alternative – one that’s grounded in nature, supported by science, and designed for everyday use. Through its functional oil capsules, the brand is making plant-based nutrition not just acceptable, but essential.
Almost 2,900 Acres of Land Transacted Across India in H1 2025, 1.15x of Entire 2024 Volume
Mumbai, 8 July 2025: The real estate market’s unprecedented post-pandemic growth across sectors has seen large and listed developers, as well as other entities, hectically snapping up land for various developments. Besides residential real estate, commercial, retail, industrial & logistics, and warehousing are also driving prime land deals in key locations across India.
This land buying spree continued unabated in the first half of 2025, breaking all previous records and defying the overall sombre sentiment brought on by ongoing geopolitical tensions in other industries.
Over 2,898 acres of land were transacted in 76 deals across India in H1 2025, finds the latest ANAROCK report titled ‘Land as Capital: Decoding India’s Land Transaction Patterns and Investment Flows’. The total volume of the land transacted so far in 2025 is already 1.15 times the deals volume seen in the whole of 2024, which saw about 133 deals for 2,515 acres concluded.
The total value of the land transacted in H1 2025 was INR 30,885 Cr, with a revenue potential of approx. INR 1.47 lakh Cr and a total development potential of over 233 Mn sq. ft.
The report further highlights that of the total land deals closed in H1 2025, over 67 for approx. 991 acres took place in the top 7 cities alone. The remaining 9 deals for 1,907+ acres were in tier 2 and 3 cities like Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Coimbatore, Indore, Mysuru, and Panipat.
Among the top 7 cities, land-scarce MMR saw the most action with 24 land deals for 433+ acres, followed by Bengaluru with 15 land deals for approx. 182 acres, and Pune with 13 deals for over 214 acres.
Of the total land deals in H1 2025:
At least 54 separate deals for over 1,200 acres are proposed for residential developments – apartments, villas, plotted development & township projects
At least 8 deals for approx. 48.41 acres are proposed for commercial projects, and 6 deals for approx. 1,034 acres are proposed for mixed-use development
Over 537 acres in 3 separate deals proposed for Industrial & Logistics parks
One deal each for data centres and semiconductor equipment manufacturing, with approx. 2.39 acres and 25 acres, respectively
AI-generated content may be incorrect.Mayank Saksena, MD & CEO – Land Services, ANAROCK Group, says, “The post-pandemic years from 2021 onwards have seen a relentless spate of land deals. Between 2021 and H1 2025, over 11,858 acres have been transacted in 423 deals across the country for various developments. The scale and sophistication of these deals, which account for a combined development potential of 841 Mn sq. ft., underscore the real estate market’s maturation – and the strategic importance of land as a cornerstone resource.”
“The emergence of tier II/III cities as significant contributors to the national land transaction ecosystem is also noteworthy,” adds Saksena. “These markets, once considered peripheral to mainstream real estate activity, now represent an inalienable component of the Indian real estate growth horizon – challenging the historical metro-centric model and inducing a healthier geographic distribution of economic opportunity.”
The top developers who bought land parcels for various developments in H1 2025 included Godrej Properties, Puravankara Limited, Signature Global, M3M Group, Brigade Group, Macrotech Developers (Lodha), Prestige Group, Kolte Patil Developers, Mahindra Lifespaces, and Adani Realty, among others.
Other Major Report Highlights
Between 2021 and 2024, NCR witnessed the highest number of land deals (92) in the country, as well as the largest value of land transactions – approx. INR 26,100 Cr
MMR saw the highest-valued land transaction of INR 5,200 Cr in 2023, and the largest size of land transactions with 1,745 acres
Hyderabad saw one largest land transaction of 600 acres in this period
The Rise of JDAs – The increasing prevalence of Joint Development Agreements, with a remarkable 150% year-on-year growth in 2024, reflects the industry’s strategic evolution toward collaborative risk management and capital optimization. The report highlights this trend which, combined with infrastructure-driven development patterns along economic corridors, suggests an increasingly sophisticated and interconnected approach to real estate development emerging.
Pune Office Leasing Hits 6.8 MSF in H1 2025, Eyes Record 10 MSF
Pune’s Office Sector Records Highest Gross Leasing Volume with 6.8 Million Square Feet in H1 2025, Poised to Cross Historic 10 MSF Mark This Year: Cushman & Wakefield
Pune, 8th July 2025 — Pune’s office market is on track to set a new leasing benchmark in 2025, having recorded its highest-ever gross leasing volume (GLV) for a half-year period at 6.8 million square feet (msf), in H1 2025 (Jan-June), a 67% year-on-year increase and a 54% rise over H2 2024, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Q2 Office MarketBeat Report. GLV factors in all leasing activity in the market, including fresh take-up, renewal of contracted terms by corporates as well as pre-leasing, and is an indication of overall market activity. The city contributed 16% (6.8 msf) to the pan-India GLV of 42 msf in H1 2025, ranking among the top 4 markets alongside Bengaluru (9.9 msf), Mumbai (8.2 msf) and Delhi NCR ( 7.4 MSF).
This strong momentum was driven by robust demand from sectors such as Engineering & Manufacturing, IT-BPM and Flexible workspaces, which together, accounted for ~4.6 msf (close to 70% share) in H1 2025. A total of ~2.7 msf of GCC transactions recorded in H1 2025, of which BFSI, Engineering and Manufacturing and IT-BPM were the top contributors to the GCC with a share of 36%, 51% and 10% respectively.
Flexible Workspaces also continued their upward trajectory, further cementing Pune’s position as the second-largest flex market after Bengaluru. Over the past three years, Flexible Workspaces in Pune have maintained an average annual footprint of 1.56 msf, accounting for around 19% of the city’s overall GLV.
Supply Pipeline continues to remain strong
On the supply side, Pune saw a healthy infusion of new office space in the second quarter, with nearly 8 MSF of new supply added in H1 2025, comprising primarily 90% Grade A and A+ office space. This increase in supply has resulted in a marginal rise in vacancy levels to 12–13%, a shift that is being viewed positively by market participants. After several years of vacancy rates staying below 10%, this evolution toward a more balanced market environment is facilitating swifter deal closures and offering greater options to occupiers seeking large contiguous spaces.
By the end of 2025, with continued quality additions to stock, vacancy is projected to rise to 15–16%, making it a more balanced market. The city is expected to cross 15 MSF in new office supply by year-end, marking a historic high for the Pune office market.
Commenting on the performance, Moinuddin Patel, Managing Director- Pune, Cushman & Wakefield said: “Pune’s office market is poised to achieve a historic milestone in 2025, with gross leasing volumes projected to exceed 10 million square feet for the first time. This anticipated record is underpinned by sustained demand across key sectors. The continued momentum in the flexible workspace segment, the resilience demonstrated by engineering and manufacturing occupiers, and the steady expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) collectively underscore Pune’s growing strategic importance within India’s commercial real estate landscape. Supported by a healthy pipeline of high-quality supply and a more balanced, occupier-friendly environment, the city is well-positioned to cater to the evolving space requirements of both domestic and global enterprises.”
KVN Properties, Assetz Group Launch INR 1,000 Cr Project in North Bengaluru
Bengaluru, July 08, 2025: KVN Properties LLP, the institutionally backed real estate investment platform led by industry veteran Venkat K Narayana, has announced a strategic Development Management Agreement (DMA) with Assetz Group to develop a premium residential project in North Bengaluru. The milestone partnership encompasses close to 1 million square feet of development with an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of INR1,000 crore, marking a significant expansion of KVN’s residential portfolio.
This agreement elevates KVN’s cumulative tied-up residential development in FY 2025–26 to approximately 4.4 million square feet, following the company’s May 2025 announcement of a 3.4 million square feet joint development with Puravankara Group. The partnership with Assetz Group reinforces KVN’s ambitious target of developing 10 million square feet of residential real estate within the current fiscal year.
Under this strategic DMA model, KVN Properties will undertake the project’s development costs, including land procurement and all construction expenses. Assetz Group, renowned for its premium design-led development and deep micro-market expertise, will serve as the Development Manager, contributing its brand equity, market reputation, and execution capabilities.
“Our DMA with Assetz is a strong statement of our capital strength and commitment to delivering high-quality urban communities. This is a high-conviction investment backed entirely by KVN Properties where we are not only aggregating land but building a portfolio of end-to-end residential developments that combine intelligent planning, financial discipline, and customer-centricity. As we scale to 10 million square feet this fiscal, our goal remains clear: create exceptional living spaces in high-growth corridors with the right partners and a disciplined investment approach,” says Venkat K Narayana, Promoter, KVN Property LLP.
“North Bangalore is a high-growth corridor with a discerning buyer base. This partnership allows us to co-create a landmark project that reflects KVN’s commitment to community-focused development and our passion for design-driven living. The DMA ensures both creativity and discipline, enabling agility without compromising quality. We see strong long-term alignment between Assetz and KVN Property Holdings, given our shared institutional and professional approach to real estate. This marks the beginning of what we believe will be a successful, multi-project collaboration across Bengaluru. The 5.6-acre parcel in North Bengaluru aligns well with our strategy to deliver quality residential apartment development in high-growth markets backed by strong economic drivers.” says Sunil Pareek, Executive Director, Assetz Pvt Ltd
The project is structured as a single-phase development over 3-4 years, commencing post-approval of all development permissions including RERA registration. Leveraging both partners’ deep institutional knowledge of North Bengaluru’s evolving real estate landscape, the residential configurations are being meticulously tailored to meet local demand trends. The DMA includes detailed guidelines on unit types, sizes, and amenity planning, ensuring the final product responds to buyer expectations while maintaining brand differentiation.
KVN Properties is rapidly building a high-quality portfolio anchored in land aggregation, risk-managed development, and curated partnerships. The platform continues pursuing strategic opportunities in Bangalore while actively exploring expansion into Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
KVN’s aggressive expansion occurs against the backdrop of a buoyant Bangalore residential market, which posted 14% year-on-year price growth in H1 2025, highest in India alongside NCR. Fueled by the city’s thriving tech and startup sectors, rising income levels, and infrastructure upgrades, demand for premium housing continues outpacing supply. North Bangalore is emerging as the most dynamic sub-market, supported by connectivity initiatives like the Peripheral Ring Road and proximity to Kempegowda International Airport. Buyer preferences are shifting toward well-amenitized, design-forward homes, trends that KVN and Assetz aim to capture in this landmark development.