Mapic India Shopping Centre Summit 2025 – Maha Kumbh of Retail Set to Showcase the Next Chapter in India’s Retail Revolution
New Delhi, April 14, 2025: As India’s retail market is expected to reach USD 2 trillion by 2035 (Source: Kearney Global Retail Development Index), Mapic India Shopping Centre Summit – Maha Kumbh of Retail will unite the leaders in retail, real estate, and technology on April 15, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi. The event will encapsulate the theme “Next-Gen Retail: Navigating Disruption, Seizing Opportunities,” leveraging the advantage of an exclusive value proposition, intertwining human experience, advanced technology, and customer confidence to garner interest in today’s fast-moving world of immediate satisfaction. A friendly T20 cricket match between India’s top Retailers and Developers will kick off the event on April 16th.
With a booming consumption economy, the problem is not demand but differentiation in the midst of a deluge of new brands, malls and store formats that are fast fragmenting the marketplace. The pie needs to focus on the most recent strategies for innovation, digital transformation and sustainable growth, with insightful inputs to steer through the fast-changing Indian retail environment. With the shopping habits shifting rapidly, technology and ease of use are now the prime drivers. AI and new-age technologies are revolutionizing experiences, while the “real Bharat”—Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—proves to be a goldmine of opportunity, where there lies massive, untapped potential for growth.
Key Speakers who will be sharing their insights in the event include Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director and Business Head, DLF Retail; Bijit Nair, Senior Director – Direct to Consumer (DTC), Adidas; Arjun Singh Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group; Shibu Philips, Director, Shopping Malls LULU Group; Pramod Arora, CEO, PVR INOX Limited; Harsh Bansal, Co-Founder, Unity Group and Vegas Mall; Dr Ananta Singh Raghuvanshi, Founder & Chairperson, NAREDCO Mahi (Under the aegis of Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs); Samim Sekh, Deputy Chief Architect, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC); Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO, Timezone India; Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Malls and more.
As the retail industry is being transformed at a breakneck pace by new technologies, changing consumer tastes, and sustainability needs, Mapic India Shopping Centre Event will seek to address the urgent forces remaking the industry’s future. This year’s agenda will delve into the redefinition of retail environments, with a focus on blended environments that enrich customer experiences through next-gen malls, omnichannel retailing models, and customer engagement enabled by AI. Particular focus will be placed on the increasing importance of sustainability in retail real estate, with debate on how green building techniques, energy efficiency, and sustainable development are becoming the focal point of the industry’s transformation.
Mr. Umang Gupta, RX India Country General Manager, stated, “With the fast-changing dynamics of Indian Retail & Real estate sectors, the only way to flourish and capture the mind of the Indian consumer is to grasp the ‘New Retail Code’ .
Mapic India Shopping Centre Event 2025 is the industry’s forum to address key opportunities, trends and transformations offering solutions to exponentially grow your business investments. With increased international participation from prominent global retail and technology brands, this year’s event is focused on Indian startups and D2C innovators. ‘Differentiation’ in a highly competitive market like India is the only survival code.
Mapic India Shopping Centre Event 2025 continues to be the flagship forum and the ‘Mahakumbh’ or melting pot of Retail industry players, with the opportunity to build networks, forge business ideas & innovations that will shape the future of retail and build global retail brands coming from India.”
Speaking about the event, Ashna Gemini Sharan, Portfolio Director, RX India said “In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, characterized by the rise of e-commerce, shifting consumer behaviours and technological advancements, there exists an unprecedented opportunity for retailers in the coming decade. Anyone looking to tap into India’s immense retail potential and contribute to a future driven by innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth should consider attending this event. The Mapic India Shopping Centre Summit and Awards will serve as a platform for participants to explore the critical strategies and innovative approaches required to unlock this immense potential and thrive in the dynamic retail environment of the future.”
Unsold Affordable Housing Down 19% in Top 7 Cities in Q1 2025, Luxury Stock Up 24%
Mumbai, 14 April 2025: Affordable housing took a major hit post-pandemic as buyers in this segment adopted a cautious approach, with new supply and sales plummeting in recent years. But latest ANAROCK research highlights a promising trend – unsold inventory in the affordable housing segment (<INR 40 lakh) fell by 19% across the top 7 cities in the past year, from 1.40 lakh units (Q1 2024-end) to 1.13 lakh units (Q1 2025-end).
Meanwhile, luxury housing (>INR 1.5 Cr) saw a 24% surge in unsold stock, rising from 91,125 units (Q1 2024-end) to over 1.13 lakh units (Q1 2025-end), fuelled by robust demand and new supply.
City-wise, Bengaluru led the affordable category recovery with a sharp 51% drop in unsold stock, followed by Chennai’s 44% decline. Hyderabad was the only city to witness a 9% surge in its affordable housing stock in the period – to approx. 1,815 units by Q1 2025-end.
Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “Affordable housing faced the sharpest pandemic fallout, with sales and new launches shrinking in the top 7 cities. ANAROCK data shows that affordable housing sales share plummeted from 38% in 2019 to 18% in 2024, while its supply share dropped from 40% to 16% in the same period. However, a 19% dip in unsold stock hints at sustained demand led by end-users.”
“In contrast, luxury housing soared, with its sales share rising from 7% in 2019 to 26% in 2024, and new supply share doubling from 11% to 26%,” says Puri. “Nevertheless, the segment saw unsold inventory pile up due to increased supply and cautious investor sentiment amid the ongoing global economic uncertainty. Our data shows that unsold stock of luxury housing – units priced over INR 1.5 Cr – rose 24% annually from about 91,125 units by Q1 2024-end to over 1.13 lakh units by Q1 2025-end.”
Among the top 7 cities, Chennai and Pune were the only cities to see their unsold luxury stock decline in the period, by 4% and 11%, respectively. While Chennai’s current unsold luxury stock is at 2,453 units, Pune’s is at 3,668 units. NCR, MMR, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru also saw their unsold luxury stock rise.
“The build-up of stock in luxury housing, which has been the top-performing segment in the past 2-3 years, is largely due to significant supply additions in the last one to two years,” says Puri.
Unsold Stock Across Top 7 Cities | |||
Budget Categories | Stock as of Q1 2025-end (Units) | Stock as of Q1 2024-end (Units) | % Change |
<INR 40 lakh | 1,12,744 | 1,39,905 | -19% |
INR 40 lakh – INR 80 Lakh | 1,57,741 | 1,74,572 | -10% |
INR 80 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr | 1,76,130 | 1,75,293 | 0% |
>INR 1.5 Cr | 1,13,193 | 91,125 | 24% |
Total | 5,59,808 | 5,80,895 | -4% |
City-wise Dynamics
Unsold Affordable Stock Across Top 7 Cities (<INR 40 Lakh) | |||
City | Q1 2025-end | Q1 2024-end | % Change |
NCR | 25,105 | 32,189 | -22% |
MMR | 53,942 | 60,783 | -11% |
Bangalore | 3,323 | 6,736 | -51% |
Pune | 14,686 | 20,522 | -28% |
Hyderabad | 1,815 | 1,660 | 9% |
Chennai | 1,090 | 1,946 | -44% |
Kolkata | 12,783 | 16,069 | -20% |
Total | 1,12,744 | 1,39,905 | -19% |
As of Q1 2025-end, a cumulative total of approx. 5,59,808 units are unsold across the top 7 cities. Of this, approx. 1,12,744 units fall in the affordable housing category; the luxury segment has approx. 1,13,193 unsold units. Together, each of these two segments account for almost 20% of the total unsold stock.
- In MMR, unsold affordable housing stock declined 11% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, while luxury stock rose by 6% in the period
- NCR saw a 22% decline in its unsold affordable stock, while luxury stock swelled by over 78%
- Bengaluru saw its affordable stock decline by 51% and its luxury stock rise by 57% in the period
- Chennai saw an over 44% yearly decline in unsold affordable stock and a 4% reduction in luxury stock
- Pune saw an almost 28% annual dip in its unsold affordable stock, and a 11% decline in luxury stock
- In Kolkata, unsold affordable housing stock declined by 20%, while luxury stock rose by 96%
- Hyderabad was the only city to see its unsold affordable stock jump by 9%, while its luxury stock increased by 6%
Hexnode Launches UEM MSP for Managed Service Providers
San Francisco, CA, 14th April 2025: Hexnode, the enterprise software division of Mitsogo Inc., announces the release of Hexnode UEM MSP, a dedicated solution designed to empower Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with advanced device management capabilities across multi-tenant environments. This valuable addition to the Hexnode MSP partner program reaffirms Hexnode’s ongoing commitment to supporting MSPs and enhancing their ability to manage client devices effectively.
As MSPs strive to remotely manage IT infrastructure and end-user systems for multiple clients, the complexity of their tasks increases due to their reliance on numerous specialized tools. Balancing multiple client accounts while navigating intricate, multi-layered structures often presents significant operational challenges.
Hexnode UEM MSP brings a simple yet efficient key to this fragmented complexity- a single, comprehensive platform that simplifies multi-tenant management. This centralized interface allows MSPs to oversee multiple client accounts effortlessly, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality service. The solution provides a range of functionalities tailored for the MSP ecosystem, including:
– Polycentric Dashboard: Access and manage all customer accounts through a single, intuitive portal.
– License Management: Allocate and manage licenses efficiently across client devices with integrated billing capabilities to streamline payments.
– Role Assignments: Define technician roles such as Admin, Billing Manager, Apps and Reports Manager, and Reports Manager, to ensure clear work boundaries and eliminate overlaps.
Hexnode UEM MSP complements the MSP program’s portfolio of endpoint management offerings, including remote monitoring and management, patch management, kiosk management, and other multi-platform capabilities. These offerings empower MSPs to scale their client ecosystems while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Hexnode’s rapid advancements in MSP-focused technologies will play a pivotal role in transforming how businesses manage multi-tenant environments,” said Rachana Vijayan, Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Sales & Partnership at Hexnode. “This launch reflects our continued dedication to building our MSP partner program, adding a vital new dimension that empowers partners to scale their client management.”
The extensive client base in the MSP sector frequently leaves admins cramped with heavy workload to sift through. Hexnode UEM MSP is designed to scale effortlessly with growing client bases, eliminating the hassle of juggling through multiple portals. Moreover, with the Hexnode MSP partnership program, MSPs can further strengthen their endpoint management portfolio and expand service offerings, reinforcing their position as reliable IT service providers.
With a growing network of partnerships in the MSP sector, Hexnode is committed to addressing the emerging challenges faced by its partners. The company continues to seek strategic collaborations to expand its footprint in the MSP ecosystem.
Cyient & Deutsche Aircraft Expand Partnership for D328eco® Cabin Tech
Hyderabad / Wessling, 14 April 2025 – Cyient DLM, a key player in design-led manufacturing, has expanded its strategic partnership with Deutsche Aircraft, a prominent German regional aircraft manufacturer. Through this collaboration, Cyient DLM will undertake the design, development and manufacturing of the Cabin Management System (CMS) for the D328eco, a next-generation 40-seater regional turboprop. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it will be one of Deutsche Aircraft’s first electronics programmes designed and manufactured entirely in India, in support of the “Make in India” initiative.
The CMS chosen by Deutsche Aircraft boasts a user-friendly touchscreen interface, allowing crew members and passengers to effortlessly control various functions, including cabin lighting, passenger signs and lavatory operations. With a focus on enhancing passenger well-being, the CMS enables the easy adjustment of lighting intensity, tailored to activities such as working in-flight or encouraging rest and relaxation.
Leveraging their extensive aerospace expertise, Cyient DLM and Cyient aim to deliver a unique CMS solution for this class of aircraft. The system integrates multiple sensors and utilities to ensure ease of operation, safety and an improved user experience. This upcoming project is also a significant achievement for the Indian aerospace ecosystem, demonstrating its capability to develop and certify advanced products. The CMS will be constructed with a scalable and modular architecture, utilising the latest technology in displays and control electronics.
“Our expanded partnership with Deutsche Aircraft is a testament to the strength of our collaboration and shared commitment to driving aerospace innovation,” says Anthony Montalbano, CEO of Cyient DLM. “We are excited to bring our end-to-end design and manufacturing expertise to the D328eco programme—a next-generation aircraft that will set new standards for regional aviation.”
Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, adds, “We are very pleased to start this partnership with Cyient DLM on the CMS, further strengthening the relationship between Deutsche Aircraft and the Cyient Group. Cyient has been a valuable partner in multiple areas of design and support, which has been crucial in our endeavour to bring the most modern and efficient aircraft in this class into service.”
“This partnership for the D328eco will enable Deutsche Aircraft to provide a modern CMS, a first for this class of aircraft. Cyient DLM’s proven capabilities make them an ideal partner in the design, development and series production of the CMS,” he concluded.
InspirUs 2024–25 Goes Beyond Annual Day to Inspire Changemakers
Mumbai, 14th April 2025: JBCN International School successfully concluded InspirUs 2024-25 across its Borivali, Oshiwara, Parel, and Chembur campuses, enabling learners to explore, innovate, and redefine their own potential. InspirUs shattered the traditional notion of annual day celebrations, proving that when learning is experiential, it transforms into something far greater: a launchpad for fearless thinkers, creators, and Changemakers.
With over 450 curated events spanning Artistic Me, Athletic Me, Cerebral Me, and Expressive Me, InspirUs blurred the lines between competition and growth. More than 3,500 learners took the stage – whether in mind-bending debates, high-stakes sporting challenges, or electrifying artistic showcases – each moment designed to push them beyond their comfort zones. 550 judges and industry leaders witnessed this powerful convergence of talent and vision, reaffirming JBCN’s belief that education is most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom.
Distinguished guests across campuses added depth and inspiration to the experience. At Oshiwara, Alina Kisina, CEO of Borzo, captivated young minds with insights on resilience and success in an ever-evolving world. At Chembur, Malini Agarwal (Miss Malini) and Malishka Mendonsa (RJ Malishka) ignited conversations on self-expression and breaking barriers, showing learners that their voices hold power. These moments weren’t just motivational, but defining experiences, shaping the way JBCN learners see themselves and their futures.
Mr Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, JBCN Education said, “InspirUs was born from a vision to inspire learners to step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and show true perseverance. Each year, they amaze us with their energy, determination, and passion to excel—and InspirUs 2024 was no exception. Thanks to our incredible teachers, learners, parents, and staff, this year’s event was a vibrant celebration of talent and teamwork. We’re grateful to have brought it to life on ground and we can’t wait to take it to new heights in the next academic year.”
Glow Up This Summer with Quench’s Korean Glass Skin Ritual
Summer just got cooler and glowier! Quench, the go-to destination for Korean skincare in India, unveils its ultimate guide to achieving the coveted Korean glass skin—a look that’s fresh, hydrated and radiant, even in the summer heat. With a powerful line-up of Korean-made skincare heroes, Quench makes it easier than ever to glow like never before.
Step into the glow with Quench’s top summer essentials:
- Quench Gentle Exfoliation Cream Face Wash
This nourishing, cream-based cleanser deeply cleanses and exfoliates using gentle rice powder. Enriched with rice water, aloe vera, olive extracts and vitamin E, it hydrates while sloughing off impurities—making it perfect for dry, dull or sensitive skin.
Product Link: https://www.quenchbotanics.com/products/gentle-exfoliation-cream-face-wash-with-rice-water-minerals-100-ml
- Quench96% Snail Mucin Collagen Boost Serum
An ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free serum packed with 96% snail mucin, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It delivers 72 hours of hydration while refining pores, fading dark spots, and giving skin a smooth, plump and youthful finish.
Product Link: https://www.quenchbotanics.com/products/96-snail-mucin-collagen-boost-serum
- QuenchMon Cherry Ultra Light Gel Moisturizer
A gel-to-water formula that instantly cools and hydrates with cherry blossom, grapefruit, moringa seed oil and 2% niacinamide. It’s non-greasy, non-sticky and leaves skin bright, soft and glow-ready.
Product Link: https://www.quenchbotanics.com/products/ultra-light-gel-moisturizer-with-2-niacinamide-hyaluronic-acid-50-ml
- QuenchUltra Light SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen
Say goodbye to greasy sunscreens. This broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ formula protects from UVA/UVB rays, infrared waves, and pollution with a featherlight, non-sticky finish. Infused with antioxidant-rich pomegranate, avocado oil and fermented rice water, it defends and hydrates in one step
ORRA Celebrates Tamil New Year with Sparkling Diamond Collection
The Tamil New Year, known as Puthandu, is a time of renewal, prosperity, and celebration for Tamilians across the globe. To mark the occasion, ORRA Fine Jewellery – the India’s Leading Diamond Destination – paid homage by blending traditional Tamil artistry with contemporary design, resulting in timeless pieces that resonate with modern choices. This stunning new line of diamond jewellery features meticulously designed multilayered diamond necklaces with vibrant coloured gemstones, and intricate designs.
The highlight of the collection is the “Tamil Heritage Haram,” a breathtaking multilayered diamond necklace that embodies the grandeur of Tamil culture. Inspired by the intricate architecture of ancient Tamil temples and traditional motifs, this masterpiece showcases the layers of studded diamonds arranged in captivating patterns. The Haram is further enhanced with carefully selected coloured gemstones including rubies and emeralds, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Diamond jewellery, with its enduring beauty and value, is always a wise investment, a timeless heirloom to be cherished for generations, and this statement necklace set paired with traditional silk sarees in vibrant colours of Kanjeevaram will definitely elevate your look for the new year celebrations for years to come.
Mr. Dipu Mehta, Managing Director of ORRA Fine Jewellery, stated, “Festive collections are always special for us, as they allow us to celebrate the deep-rooted traditions and cultural richness of our country. Our Tamil New Year collection is a celebration of Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. We have poured our heart and soul into creating designs that capture the essence of Puthandu and resonate with the spirit of the Tamil people.”
Beyond their festive offerings, ORRA is also offering ‘Aekta’ – The Wedding Collection – alongside their celebrated Astra Collection and the patented Crown Star Solitaire Collection to consumers in line with their demand and choices. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, ORRA is also bringing a dazzling array of statement pieces, from opulent diamond necklaces adorned with coloured stones to meticulously curated jewellery box sets, each designed to make every moment truly unforgettable during this new year.
Dushyant Bhatt Unveils New Book ‘Game of Skills’
India, April 14, 2025: Award-winning technology leader & innovator Dushyant Bhatt announces the release of his new book, Game of Skills: From Curiosity to Mastery, published by Notion Press. This insightful guide provides a powerful roadmap for mastering essential skills necessary for personal and professional growth in today’s rapidly evolving world. With over 13 years of experience in technology leadership, Bhatt has spearheaded tech products, led high-performing teams, and earned prestigious accolades such as CTO of the Year, Best Engineering Leader of the Year, and Innovative Tech Leader. In Game of Skills, he translates his expertise into actionable strategies designed to help readers excel in the competitive global landscape.
“Success is no longer just about what you know—it’s about how effectively you apply it,” says Bhatt. “This book is a practical guide for developing crucial skills like curiosity, accountability, communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience, empowering readers to achieve lasting success.” The book takes readers on a journey of continuous improvement, helping them cultivate a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning, develop resilience in the face of challenges, foster accountability for sustained success, build strong relationships through emotional intelligence, and stay curious and innovative in an ever-changing world. Designed for aspiring leaders, professionals seeking career advancement, and recent graduates, Game of Skills provides real-world examples, inspiring insights, and hands-on advice. With less than 100 pages of transformative wisdom, this book serves as a concise yet impactful guide to achieving excellence in a fast-paced world.
Game of Skills: From Curiosity to Mastery is available and was officially launched on January 20, 2025. Dushyant Bhatt is a seasoned technology leader known for driving digital transformation and building innovative products across industries. Passionate about mentoring, he continues to inspire professionals through his books and leadership insights.
Shark Tank Judge Azhar Iqubal Chooses Ofis Square Overview
Noida, 14th April 2025 – Ofis Square, India’s leading next-gen coworking space, is thrilled to announce that Azhar Iqubal, Co-founder of Inshorts and a celebrated judge on Shark Tank India, has joined its vibrant community by setting up office at its Sector 3, Noida centre for his latest venture, Fenado.
Known for his sharp business acumen and pivotal role in nurturing young Indian entrepreneurs on national television, Azhar Iqubal’s decision is a powerful endorsement of Ofis Square as a preferred launchpad for high-growth startups and ambitious ventures.
Fenado is an innovative AI-powered platform designed to help entrepreneurs build mobile apps and websites without the need for coding or a tech team. With the tagline “No coding, no dev team—just bring your ideas,” Fenado empowers business owners and creators to bring their visions to life quickly and efficiently.
While full details of Fenado remain under wraps, the venture reflects Azhar’s commitment to solving real-world challenges through technology-driven solutions. Choosing Ofis Square as its base highlights the need for dynamic, collaborative workspaces that foster innovation.
Mrs. Saroj Mittal, Founder of Ofis Square, shared her excitement:“We are honoured to welcome Azhar Iqubal and his new venture Fenado to the Ofis Square family. This collaboration reaffirms our mission to offer thoughtfully designed workspaces that don’t just accommodate teams, but actively inspire them. Ofis Square is about building communities where ideas grow, evolve, and take flight.”
With centres across Delhi-NCR, Ofis Square offers flexible office solutions tailored for modern professionals—ranging from freelancers and D2C startups to fast-scaling tech companies. The Sector 3, Noida centre is spacious, well-connected, and equipped with high-speed internet, private meeting rooms, event spaces, breakout zones, and all the essentials for a thriving work culture.
Further elevating the brand’s appeal, actor Shraddha Kapoor recently joined Ofis Square as its official Brand Ambassador, bringing youthful energy and star power that resonates with India’s bold and ambitious entrepreneurial spirit.
With trailblazers like Azhar Iqubal choosing Ofis Square to launch transformative ideas like Fenado, the brand continues to cement its position at the forefront of India’s evolving work culture.
UPES Launches India’s First AR/VR Legal Simulation Lab
Delhi, April 14, 2025: In a pioneering step towards transforming legal education in India and potentially across the globe, the School of Law, UPES, has launched the country’s first Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Legal Simulation Lab. This state-of-the-art facility was officially inaugurated on April 10, 2025, by Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Former Minister of Law & Justice, India and a distinguished economist, jurist, and public intellectual.
The AR/VR Legal Simulation Lab at UPES is a first-of-its-kind initiative not just in India, but arguably in legal academia worldwide. Designed to revolutionize traditional legal pedagogy, the lab will offer immersive simulations for law students, helping them hone essential soft skills, develop courtroom acumen, and engage in high-impact experiential learning through realistic moot court and litigation simulations.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor (Dr.) Abhishek Sinha, Dean, School of Law, UPES, said: “The legal profession demands not just theoretical knowledge but practical readiness, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. With the launch of the AR/VR Legal Simulation Lab, we are pushing the boundaries of legal education and embracing a future-forward, technology-integrated approach to learning. Our students will now experience legal practice in a near-real environment, preparing them more holistically for the profession. This lab also reflects UPES School of Law’s commitment to leading innovation in legal academia.”
Apart from student training, the lab will also serve as a platform for faculty development programs (FDPs), particularly in areas like communication, negotiation, counselling, and other soft skills crucial for effective legal practice and teaching.
Dr. Subramanian Swamy said: “It’s a technology which I had no idea about and to see it at this stage amongst you people, I am very impressed. My generation was better than my father’s generation and so the next generation is bound to be better than me. It took me by surprise. I congratulate your institution to be able to encourage people to do these things.“