SVERVE – The Future of Curated Luxury Prêt in India

Sverve is reshaping the luxury prêt marketplace in India with a highly curated approach to fashion. Launched on May 27, 2022, by Gayatri Reddy Bhatia and Shikha Kajaria, the idea took shape over a lunch conversation where two fashion enthusiasts recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, homegrown western wear. Their vision was to create a marketplace that combines exclusivity with accessibility, bringing together the best of Indian and South Asian designers while offering competitive pricing and express delivery.

The brand debuted with none other than Pernia Qureshi, India’s luxury e-commerce pioneer, championing “luxe for less”, making designer fashion more accessible to the modern Indian woman. In 2024, Sonaal Munjal came on board as a partner, amplifying Sverve’s presence and leading its successive phase of growth. Meanwhile, Garima Kochhar, Creative Director, ensures that the brand’s overall mission, curation, and aesthetic set us apart in a crowded market right from its inception.

Sverve began with just 10 designers, but today, it proudly represents 170. Unlike mass-market platforms, Sverve is highly selective in its curation, ensuring every piece aligns with its signature aesthetic. Quality over quantity is the ethos, so when customers browse, they know they’re only seeing the finest.

Beyond design, Sverve advocates inclusivity, offering diverse sizes and styles that cater to an expansive spectrum of modern women, from professionals to socialites, fashion aficionados, and luxury shoppers. Whether it’s a power-dressing co-ord set, an effortlessly chic dress, or an elegant statement shirt, Sverve delivers a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly across occasions.

Sverve is also known for its exclusive partnerships, including the first-ever prêt collection by Jayanti Reddy, which is available only on the platform. While details remain under wraps, the upcoming Spring/Summer edit vows fresh collections and potential exclusive brand launches, setting new bars for contemporary luxury fashion in India.

While Sverve operates as a marketplace, sustainability is incorporated into its DNA. The brand prioritizes eco-friendly packaging with biodegradable and recyclable materials. It also proudly features sustainable labels like Origani, Khara Kapas, Ahmev, and MATI, to name a few guaranteeing that style and responsibility go hand in hand.

Sverve goes beyond selling fashion; it curates experiences. Personal styling is a crux offering, with in-house experts providing customized wardrobe recommendations based on each client’s preferences, lifestyle, and body type. It’s a service that mirrors international luxury norms, ensuring that every Sverve client invests in pieces that feel personal, timeless, and right for them.

With pricing starting at ₹2,000, Sverve competes with global fast-fashion giants like Zara and Massimo Dutti, but with an essential difference: exclusivity. In a world where mass-market brands mean running into someone in the same outfit, Sverve offers one-of-a-kind, carefully curated fashion that sets you apart.

Customers can explore Sverve’s collections and experience its pop-ups and exhibitions, held periodically for an immersive, high-touch shopping experience.

Shikha Kajaria, Co-Founder, sums up Sverve’s philosophy, “In an already cluttered market, brands today need more than just a store – they need experiences that keep customers coming back. That’s where we come in. We understand the challenges MBOs face online, from User-centricity to fostering a culture of innovation to commerce, Sverve exists to turn those challenges into opportunities.”

Garima Kochhar, Creative Director, adds, “Our vision is to build an online community that’s consciously transitioning from inclusive fashion to exclusive style, further led by a curated, personalized shopping experience which ensures the customer’s money is spent right, for the money which will be spent anyways.”

For women who value tasteful fashion, effortless luxury, and a wardrobe that feels truly theirs, Sverve is the future of curated prêt.

7 Simple Breathing Exercises to Strengthen Your Lungs

Dr. Srivatsa

Dr. Srivatsa Lokeshwaran, Lead Consultant and Head of Department – Interventional Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

In our hectic lives, we often overlook the simple act of breathing—a process so fundamental that it sustains our very existence. The quality of an individual’s breath directly affects his/her overall well-being, energy and mental clarity. Regular breathing exercises not only expand the lung capacity but also result in relaxation, reduced stress and enhanced concentration. By dedicating few minutes a day to mindful breathing, you can gain many benefits that reflect throughout your life.

Below listed are seven simple breathing exercises to stimulate your lungs:

  1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing): This exercise is done to stimulate the diaphragm, resulting in full oxygen exchange and strengthening the diaphragmatic muscle. Sit or lie comfortably, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to rise but your chest not to move. Exhale slowly through pursed lips, observing your belly fall. Practice this daily to enhance the lung’s efficiency and fight stress.
  2.  Pursed-Lip Breathing: This exercise keeps your airways open longer and helps to eliminate stasis air from the lungs by slowing down the breath rate. Breathe in slowly through the nose for two seconds, pucker your lips as if you are about to whistle and then exhale slowly through your lips for four seconds. This is particularly beneficial for patients with respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma.
  3. Rib Stretch: The rib stretch exercise stretches the chest and opens the lungs to their maximum capacity by increasing the flexibility of the spine. Stand upright and breathe out all the air from your lungs. Slowly inhale, filling your lungs to capacity while straightening your arms to get the maximum stretch. Hold your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds before slowly exhaling. Do this exercise several times to achieve maximum lung expansion.
  4.  Box Breathing (Four-Square Breathing): It is a simple yet efficient technique utilized to increase lung capacity and reduce stress. Inhale for four seconds through your nose. Hold the breath for four seconds. Slowly exhale through your mouth for four seconds, then hold your breath for four seconds before the next inhalation. Imagine a square while exercising, focusing your mind on the rhythmic speed involved in the activity.
  5.  Alternate Nostril Breathing: This exercise balances the respiratory system as well as creates a sense of relaxation. Sit comfortably with a straight back. Close the right nostril with the right thumb. Slowly and deeply inhale through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger and release the thumb to allow air to pass through the right nostril. Exhale slowly through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close with the thumb, and exhale through the left nostril. Alternate in this manner for a few minutes to enhance lung efficiency and create a balance.
  6. 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise: This exercise helps in relaxing the nervous system and benefiting the lungs. Start by completely breathing out through your mouth, then inhale slowly through your nose to a count of four. Hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale through your mouth for a count of eight, allowing for a whooshing sound. Repeat this three to four times. This exercise builds lung capacity, stabilizes breathing patterns and calms down one’s anxiety.
  7.  Humming Breath: Humming breath exercise is practiced by making a humming noise during exhaling, which helps to relax the mind and increase the function of lungs. Sit down comfortably, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and then breathe out with a humming noise. This not only increases the capacity of the lungs but also makes one relax and lessens stress.

Adding these exercises to your daily routine can result in significant improvements in your respiratory health and overall well-being. Consistency is the key; try practicing these exercises for a few minutes every day, increasing the time as you get more comfortable. Be sure to listen to your body and consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions before beginning new exercises. By taking the time to practice breathing, you not only strengthen your lungs but also your mind. This integrated approach promotes resistance to respiratory issues and improves your overall quality of life.

JW Marriott Pune Celebrates Women’s Day with Culinary Showcase by Renowned Home Chefs

Andhra Temple Food

Pune, March, 2025: This Women’s Day, womanhood celebrations at JW Marriott Pune speak of tradition rooted in modernity as Spice Kitchen gears up for a Women’s Day Celebration with Home Chefs from Chefs-Pin. Taking place from 7th to 9th March 2025, this three-day unique dining experience offers the rich and diverse culture of India by three acclaimed home chefs.

In collaboration with Chefs-Pin, an acclaimed platform for culinary artisans, JW Marriott Pune’s immersive experience will highlight regional delicacies crafted with authenticity, skill, and deep-rooted passion. Hailing from different regions of India, these home chefs invite you to embark on a journey of flavors, culture,e, and legacy through an exclusive gastronomic showcase. These women, each a torchbearer of regional Indian flavors, will transform the dining landscape with their time-honored recipes, passed down through generations and reimagined for the modern gourmand.

Chef Sumitra Kalapatapu, hailing from Visakhapatnam, bagged the title of ‘Best Homechef’ in 2018, turning her passion for food into a business with Sumi’s Kitchen, hosting pop-ups and making various pickles inspired by authentic vegetarian Andhra cuisine. Renowned for serving rare Andhra Brahmin food from the West Godavari district, Sumitra will tantalize your taste buds with signature dishes like Punugulu, Drumstick Gojju, Ghongura Pulliara, and Carrot Payasam. Chef Prasanna Gokhale, carrying forward the lineage of the Pathare Prabhu community of Maharashtra, will delight guests with signature dishes like Methi Prawn Bhajji, Suranchya Wadya, Solache Tisrya and Dashmya. Having learned the secrets and art of mouthwatering Parsi cuisine from her grandparents who were banquet caterers for Parsi functions, Chef Daugdo Ragina successfully converted her passion for Parsi cooking into a home-based business. Relish heirloom dishes like Chicken Farcha, Chutney paneer Pattice, Jardaloo Gosht, Paneer Patra, Moringa Patio, and Lagan Nu Custard by Chef Ragina.

From ancestral techniques to secret spice blends, this culinary affair will transport diners through the diverse gastronomic landscapes of India, offering a feast of authentic, handcrafted delicacies infused with personal narratives and deep-rooted customs. Join us as we raise a toast to these remarkable home chefs and savor an experience where every bite is infused with tradition and an enduring passion for food.

Women’s Day Celebration at Spice Kitchen:

Dates: 7th to 9th March, 2025

Time: 7 pm onwards

JB Nagar Emerges as Andheri East’s New Luxury Residential Hotspot

JB Nagar Metro Station

Andheri East, one of Mumbai’s most dynamic real estate markets, has been experiencing steady growth in property prices and infrastructure development. According to data from 99acres.com, property prices in Andheri East have witnessed consistent appreciation, driven by its commercial significance and expanding infrastructure. Over the past year, property values in the area have increased by 3.3%, while in the last decade, they have surged by 16.4%.

Within this prime property market, JB Nagar has emerged as one of the most sought-after addresses for luxury residential properties. JB Nagar’s transformation into a desirable residential location reflects the growing trend of urban development and the shifting preferences of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who now seek premium living options in proximity to business districts.

As a micro market, JB Nagar benefits from its proximity to business hubs along with the domestic & international airports. The proximity of JB Nagar to key commercial hubs such as SEEPZ, MIDC, and the Andheri-Kurla Road, has made it an attractive option for professionals and entrepreneurs working in the vicinity. Additionally, its strategic location along the Western Express Highway, close to the airport, and well-connected to the Andheri Railway Station, makes it an ideal base for those who want both convenience and exclusivity.

Over the last few years, several top-tier developers have seen potential in the area, focusing on high-end residential projects aimed at affluent buyers.

According to a spokesperson from Chandak Group, “JB Nagar’s transformation into a premium residential area is a clear reflection of the evolving real estate dynamics in Mumbai. As professionals look for residences that offer a perfect balance between convenience and luxury, JB Nagar provides exactly what they need; proximity to workspaces, excellent connectivity, and an elevated lifestyle. We see a tremendous opportunity in this locality, and we are excited about the prospects.”

As per Housing.com, property prices in JB Nagar range between ₹23,529 and ₹25,174 per sq. ft., with the average price standing at ₹24,567 per sq. ft.

The demand for luxurious homes has surged due to the increasing number of professionals and business leaders who want to live closer to work but in an upscale, serene environment. Unlike other parts of Mumbai, where space comes at a premium, JB Nagar offers a rare combination of centrality and expansive plots, making it an attractive option for luxury living.

The trend has also been fueled by the significant development in infrastructure, including the Metro Line 7, which has further enhanced connectivity between JB Nagar and other key parts of the city.

One of the key factors behind JB Nagar’s emergence as a hotspot for luxury living is the availability of premium amenities such as sprawling parks, world-class schools, shopping malls, fine dining establishments, and spas. These features offer an unmatched lifestyle, making the area even more attractive to potential homeowners who value comfort and exclusivity.

As more developments take shape, JB Nagar is steadily becoming a cornerstone of luxury living in Andheri East. With its evolving infrastructure, prime location, and high-end offerings, it’s no surprise that this micro market is now attracting the attention of affluent buyers looking for a comfortable yet connected lifestyle in one of Mumbai’s busiest areas. Supported by solid financial data and a growing demand for premium real estate, JB Nagar is well on its way to establishing itself as one of Mumbai’s most desirable luxury residential neighborhoods.

GoFloaters and MyBranch Release a Report on the Growth of Coworking Spaces and Commercial

India, 28 Feb 2025: Together, GoFloaters and MyBranch have published extensive research that details the remarkable expansion of coworking spaces and commercial real estate in Tamil Nadu. According to the research, the state contributes 8.8% of India’s GDP and has over 45,000 manufacturing facilities in industries including electronics, automotive, IT, and textiles. Tamil Nadu has been a popular destination for foreign investors and multinational corporations due to the state’s robust infrastructure, which includes Chennai’s sizable port and international airport.

The research also emphasizes how coworking spaces have grown rapidly throughout the region as a result of freelancers, startups, and established businesses seeking flexible office solutions. According to GoFloaters’ Co-Founder – Mr Shyam Sundar Nagarajan, “Customized workspace solutions are driving business expansion in Tamil Nadu, marking a vibrant change in conventional work patterns.” Prominent business districts such as Anna Salai, Mount Road, and Chennai’s Central Business District have become hubs for leading financial institutions and multinational enterprises. Since the IT sector occupies more than 60% of Chennai’s commercial real estate, the existence of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and IT parks, such as TIDEL Park and Ramanujan IT City, satisfies the demands of multinational IT corporations.

Mr SHYAM SUNDAR NAGARAJAN, CO-FOUNDER, GoFloaters

Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor and Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor strategic plans have enhanced trade, industrialization, and urbanization by benefitting industries like IT, electronics, and the automobile sector. The startup ecosystem in the state has also gained momentum, having over 8,500 startups registered in 2024 and growing at the rate of 22% annually. Facilities like StartupTN and the support of more than 120 incubators have honed Tamil Nadu’s prominence as a startup ecosystem. Focused on strategic infrastructure development, technological advancement, and business-friendly policies, Tamil Nadu is on its way to formalizing its economy into a $1 trillion economy by the year 2030. The collaborative report from GoFloaters and MyBranch gives an in-depth run of the commercial real estate dynamics within the state, a growing coworking sector that presents great opportunities for both businesses and investors.

GoFloaters:

Founded in 2017, GoFloaters is a Chennai-based platform offering on-demand coworking spaces, meeting rooms, coworking/managed offices, and virtual offices across India. With a network spanning over 2,000 locations in 45 cities, we provide flexible, pay-per-use solutions tailored to startups and enterprises. Our services include hourly meeting room bookings, short-term offices, managed/coworking offices for SMEs, and virtual office addresses for company registration. Committed to fostering productivity and collaboration, GoFloaters enables businesses to operate seamlessly without long-term commitments.

MyBranch:

Established in 2016 by Mr. Narayan Bhargava, MyBranch is a leading provider of flexible office space solutions across India. With a presence in over 70 cities and 80+ locations, including all northeastern states, we offer managed and shared office spaces, virtual offices, and meeting rooms. Our mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to expand seamlessly by providing fully compliant, tech-enabled, and sustainable workspaces tailored to their unique needs. As a one-stop solution, we handle everything from location scouting to daily administration, ensuring operational efficiency and fostering community-driven growth.

PwC India’s Report on Retail Reinvention Paradigm

Mumbai, Thursday, 28 February, 2025 – PwC India has launched a report titled, “The Retail Reinvention Paradigm: How brands could up their game,” at the Retailers Association of India’s (RAI) Retail Leadership Summit in Mumbai today. According to the report, 60% of brick-and-mortar retailers surveyed believe that improved access to technology can empower them to enhance their competitiveness in this evolving market. The report emphasises the use of AI-driven analytics for personalised experiences, mobile apps for consumer engagement, and modern POS (Point of Sale) systems for efficiency.

The influence of e-commerce and quick commerce is increasingly reshaping Indian retail, with 34% of traditional retailers surveyed reporting negative impacts from online shopping. Traditional retailers are adapting to such a transformational market change by offering credit options, free home delivery and personalised services, while also looking at omnichannel strategies to stay competitive.

However, our research shows that consumers want the best of both worlds—seamless digital convenience and the in-store experience. While online shopping dominates in personal product categories like apparel and beauty (preferred by over 50% of consumers), in-store purchases remain strong for family-related products such as fresh produce and home furnishings (preferred by 36%), highlighting the need for tactile engagement.

In the light of these findings, the report introduces a comprehensive retail reinvention framework, guiding retailers to blend traditional and modern approaches. By embracing technology and focusing on experiential retail, retailers can create immersive consumer experiences that drive sustained growth. The framework emphasises the integration of AI-driven analytics and mobile applications to enhance customer interactions and provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour. Additionally, it encourages retailers to leverage geographic nuances and consumer utility profiles to tailor their strategies effectively. By aligning channel actions with consumer preferences, retailers can optimise resource allocation and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving market landscape. This strategic approach not only enhances competitiveness but also fosters long-term customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Ravi Kapoor, Partner and Leader – Retail and Consumer, PwC India, emphasised the importance of integrating innovation with localised strategies. “Indian retailers need to navigate the complexities of e-commerce—balancing online and offline channels, optimising supply chains, and enhancing customer experience. The future of retail belongs to those who seamlessly integrate innovation with localised strategies, leveraging data analytics and consumer insights to tailor offerings and drive sustainable growth in a competitive market.”

Raghav Narsalay, Partner and Leader – Research and Insights, PwC India, added, “Our research shows how dynamic the Indian retail landscape is and how the forces of technology combined with evolving consumer preferences across metros, Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 markets are driving retailers to innovate to maintain their competitive advantage. This requires a proactive approach towards embracing digital tools and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.”

Key insights from the report:

  1. Omnichannel retail success is greater than the sum of its parts: Retailers are increasingly recognising the power of blending online and offline experiences, with 60% perceiving technology as a tool that can provide a key competitive edge. Despite this, 53% of retail stores are yet to adopt tech solutions. Nearly 45% consumers prefer a combination of both online and offline channels for shopping.
  2. Quick Commerce is more common in metros and Tier 1 cities than in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities: Quick commerce is reshaping retail dynamics in metros and Tier 1 cities, with 42% of metro and Tier 1 consumers prioritising rapid delivery for urgent needs. Over 65% of consumers in these areas rely on quick commerce for essentials like packaged foods. This trend has reduced foot traffic to physical stores by 28%, highlighting the shift towards convenience and immediacy.
  3. Offline retailers strategise to thrive in digital retail landscape: Traditional retailers face challenges from the digital shift, with 34% reporting negative impacts from online shopping. To stay competitive, 64% are self-funding marketing efforts, emphasising the need for a strategic roadmap. Fairer logistics policies are perceived as crucial for equitable operations, ensuring retailers can navigate the evolving digital landscape effectively.
  4. Offline retailers and consumers are reinventing themselves in different ways in the omnichannel evolution journey: In response to the evolving retail environment, 21% of retailers are exploring the concept of dark stores to streamline operations and cut costs, while 10% are already operating them. Consumers are increasingly prioritising flexible return policies (40%), efficient after-sales service (39%), and better payment options (39%). This is particularly important in Tier 2 and 3 cities, where 41% and 39% of consumers, respectively, emphasise the importance of robust after-sales support.

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.

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 IndiaAdditionally, 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.

Beyond Key CEO Piyush Goel Named 2025 Chicago Titan 100 for Leadership

New Delhi, 27th February 2025– Beyond Key, a leading global technology solutions provider, proudly announces the recognition of its Founder and CEO, Mr. Piyush Goel, as a distinguished honoree of the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 by Titan CEO. This prestigious accolade honored the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in Chicago, representing companies that collectively generate over $70 billion in revenue and employ more than 439,000 individuals across diverse industries.

The Titan 100 program, an internationally recognized initiative, celebrates CEOs and visionary executives who exemplify innovation, leadership, and industry impact. The program, led by Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO, acknowledges executives who are driving meaningful change and setting new standards for success. This year’s honorees were celebrated at an exclusive awards ceremony recently at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, where they joined an elite network of transformative leaders.

Piyush Goel, recognized as the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 for the second time in a row, recognizes his exceptional leadership and his instrumental role in Beyond Key’s global growth and innovation in AI, data analytics, and custom software development. Under his stewardship, Beyond Key has consistently been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology solutions, fostering a culture of inclusivity, continuous learning, and forward-thinking innovation.

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Piyush Goel, CEO and Founder of Beyond Key, stated: “Being recognized as a Titan 100 honoree is a tremendous honour and a testament to the relentless dedication of the entire Beyond Key team. Our focus has always been on delivering transformative solutions that empower businesses, and this milestone reaffirms our commitment to driving meaningful impact in the technology sector.”

Under Piyush Goel’s leadership, Beyond Key has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized as a “Great Place to Work” for six consecutive years, securing a spot among the Top 25 Organizations for Building Culture and Innovation for All, and ranking 35th in India’s Great Mid-Size Workplaces 2024 by Great Place to Work®. Additionally, Beyond Key was named an Inc. 2024 Power Partner Award Winner, reinforcing its industry leadership.

As a 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honoree, Piyush Goel remains dedicated to Beyond Key’s mission of fostering innovation, driving growth, and delivering impactful technology solutions. His continued leadership ensures Beyond Key remains at the forefront of industry advancements, making a lasting difference in the digital landscape.