Anu Malik & Wife Sell Mumbai Property for Rs14.49 Cr

Indian music composer and singer Anu Malik, along with his wife, Anju Malik, has sold two apartments located in the same residential project and on the same floor in Santacruz West, Mumbai, for a total of Rs. 14.49 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards on the website of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) The transaction was registered in February 2025.

Santacruz West is a strategically located suburban neighbourhood in Mumbai’s western region, characterized by excellent connectivity and robust infrastructure. The area is well-served by major roads and a railway station and is situated near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This, along with its proximity to Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai’s key commercial hub, adds to its appeal.

As per the IGR property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, the two apartments sold by the couple are located in Khushi Belmondo on the same floor. The total built-up area of these apartments is 233.64 sq. m. (~2,515 sq. ft.), and the agreement also includes a total of two car parking spaces. The transaction incurred a total stamp duty payment of Rs. 86.91 lakh and registration charges of Rs. 30,000.

Khushi Belmondo is a ready-to-move-in residential project developed by Khushi World Developers. According to Square Yards’ Project Data Intelligence, one transaction amounting to a gross transaction value of Rs. 19 crore was registered with the IGR in Khushi Belmondo between January 2024 and December 2024.

Anu Malik is a renowned Indian music composer and singer known for his versatility and contributions to Bollywood music. With a career spanning over four decades, he has composed music for numerous hit films, earning widespread acclaim for his distinctive style. He won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for Refugee (2001) and multiple Filmfare Awards, including Best Music Director for Baazigar and Main Hoon Na. His work in movies like Border, Judwaa, Ishq, and Mohra remains iconic. Anu Malik has also been a prominent judge on reality shows like Indian Idol, further cementing his legacy in the Indian music industry.

Global Trends Shaping the Indian Chemical Sector in 2025

By – Prathamesh Masdekar, Research Analyst, StoxBox

The chemical sector saw agony in recent quarters across all segments, severely impacted by supply chain disruptions, pricing pressure, and changing market conditions in the broader industrial landscape. We expect 2025 to be better than the previous year and expect production levels to continue to rise as the destocking cycle worries fade and demand rises across most products. We hope various headwinds, such as volatile crude oil prices, higher logistic costs, and demand-supply dynamics for specialty chemicals, will normalize in 2025 and expect chemical companies to perform better. Many chemical players are witnessing demand recovery from various end-user industries and utilization levels of most chemical companies have increased. We expect changing industry dynamics and prudent operational management to start reflecting in their financial performance from 2025 onwards. Given the changing landscape and growing reliance on India by international customers, we anticipate a rapid 8-10% growth in the chemical sector over the coming period as conditions stabilize.

The Indian government recognizes the chemical industry as a key growth element and is forecast to increase its share of the chemical sector to ~25% of the GDP in the manufacturing sector by 2025. The government has started various initiatives such as mandating BIS-like certification for imported chemicals to prevent dumping of cheap and substandard chemicals into the country. PLI schemes have been introduced to promote Bulk Drug Parks, with a budget of Rs. 1,629 crores. The Indian chemical industry has numerous opportunities considering the supply chain disruption in China and the trade conflict between the US, Europe, and China. Anti-pollution measures in China will also create opportunities for the Indian chemical industry in specific segments.

Indian chemical firms are actively enhancing their research and development (R&D) capabilities, adopting new chemistries, and expanding their product offerings. These initiatives align with a global trend toward supply chain diversification, presenting significant growth opportunities for Indian companies that emerge as a hub for exports. With contracts secured from various global innovators, the industry is increasing capacity and improving technical skills, process innovations, and cost optimization strategies to strengthen its competitive moat. China’s recent push toward producing value-added chemical products for sectors like EV batteries, solar cells, and semiconductors could Intensify the competitive landscape, posing risks to players in the generics segment. However, Indian companies could benefit from their niche offerings and backward-integrated operations, allowing them to capture market share from China and Europe through higher volumes, process innovations, and new product introductions.

Overall, the collective sector capex of Rs. 116 billion in the FY2022-FY24 period on multiple projects is on track and expected to be operational in the upcoming years. Despite the near-term headwinds, the chemical companies have delayed but not toned down their capex plans, which signifies long-term growth visibility for the sector. Indian chemical companies have been expanding their production facilities in a well-planned manner, investing heavily in R&D and securing contracts to make supply chains safer. Indian market is poised to grow substantially as global supply chains continue to diversify away from China. This put them in a good position to benefit from the global shift towards outsourcing. With high cost in Europe and companies to reduce dependence on China, Indian firms are stepping in to fill the gap.

Stocks to likely perform better in 2025: Aarti Industries Ltd., Archean Chemical Industries Ltd., Clean Science and Technology Ltd., Navin Fluorine International Ltd., SRF, and Tata Chemicals Ltd.

Sharkz Offers a Unique Spin on ‘Shark Tank’ to Spotlight South India’s Entrepreneurial Scene

India, 6th February 2025: The business era is transforming rapidly, and so should the opportunity for entrepreneurs. SHARKZ is here to break barriers and create fair and safe opportunity space for innovations. SHARKZ offers a level playing field where dedication, passion, creativity, and talent are the only things that matter.

Entrepreneurs around India can now have access to expert guidance, funding, and global networking opportunities, regardless of their background or the language they speak, without limits. SHARKZ makes sure that every aspiring entrepreneur gets the equal support that they deserve, making it easier for them to launch and expand their business.

“Great purposes don’t have any language, and neither should opportunities,” says Mr. Arun Kumar, co-founder of SHARKZ. “Our goal is to build a business space where success is committed by passion, vision, innovation, and hard work—not by the language you speak.

”SHARKZ is more than just an investment stage—it is a complete habitat for aspiring business leaders. On SHARKZ, startups will not only receive financial support but will also earn access to top industry mentors, business development tools, and strategically planned guidance. The platform will connect entrepreneurs with knowledgeable, experienced investors and business leaders from across the industry, ensuring that they receive proper guidance and support to expand their business successfully.

By excluding language barriers. SHARKZ allows entrepreneurs to present their business ideas confidently, whether they are from small towns or big cities. The platform promotes collaborations, allowing founders to learn from each other and grow in supportive environments and have healthy competition.

As SHARKZ continues to scale, it remains committed to a healthy environment, fairness, inclusivity, and empowering entrepreneurs to grow in a global marketplace. Success will no longer be scaled by language but by determination, innovation, and the craze to create and achieve the extraordinary.

Real Estate Prices Skyrocket in Northeastern Greece

6th Feb 2025: The cost of property in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace surged by 11.6% over the course of 2024, making it the fastest growing region of Greece.

The research comes from eXp Realty Greece, which looked at which of the 12 Greek regions are driving house price performance across the nation based on growth over the last year.

Even after the price increases seen across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the region remains relatively affordable, with properties costing €1,242 per square metre.

The second fastest growing region is Western Greece, with an increase of 10.2% to €1,330, followed by Peloponnese, by 9.4% to €1,460.

Central Greece lags behind

The only region to see a decline in house prices was Central Greece, where prices fell by -2.5% to €1,207 per square metre.

The geographical centre of Greece tends to have a small population, limiting the upward potential of house prices due to limited demand versus supply.

There were also only minor house price gains in Epirus (2.9%) and Thessaly (3.7%).

Prime areas

The area with the highest price was the South Aegean, at €2,791 per square metre, following a 4.2% increase in 2024. The islands attract strong tourist demand and there’s limited space, making it difficult for supply to meet demand.

The second and third most expensive regions were Attica (€2,449), which encompasses the historic city Athens, followed by the Ionian Islands (€2,423), which similarly attract a number of tourists to locations like Corfu.

ACCA Emphasizes Collaboration Across Departments to Strengthen Sustainability Reporting

Mumbai, 06 February 2025: The latest instalment of ACCA’s sustainability reporting series is Sustainability Reporting: Risk and Materiality, which takes a practical approach to helping businesses determine material information for sustainability reporting.

Author Aaron Saw, head of corporate reporting insights – financial, at ACCA said: ‘Many organisations have siloed management and reporting of financial and sustainability-related matters. As a result, they don’t realise they already have access to insights they need for reporting. To streamline cost and effort and to produce connected information, it makes sense to leverage existing risk-management processes to identify and manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities.’

The article sets out three steps to determine material information to be disclosed:

  1. Identify the organisation’s sustainability-related risks and opportunities (SRROs)
  2. Assess whether SRROs could affect the organisation’s prospects
  3. Determine material information for disclosure

Each step is supplemented with illustrative, anonymised real-life examples to inspire our community of accountants, finance and business professionals to learn, adapt and improve their approaches to identifying and communicating risks and opportunities.

Given the severe operational disruptions that weather-related events are causing many businesses, the examples featured are biased towards climate-related risk. Small and medium sized entities (SMEs) also feature in the examples to demonstrate how smaller organisations approach reporting.

The article emphasises the importance for organisations to take a holistic approach in creating and communicating material information about their SRROs and recommends all organisations to:

  • allocate resources to start identifying SRROs arising from the resources and relationships in the value chains on which they depend and those that their activities would affect
  • provide the most relevant sustainability-related information they can and continue to improve the reporting process over future reporting cycles
  • use knowledge and expertise gained in determining material information in one reporting cycle to improve the communication of material information in the following cycle.

Aaron Saw concludes: ‘We encourage everyone to work collaboratively with peers in the same industry, or within the same value chain. In this way we can further refine the approach to identifying SRROs, manage the risks or realise identified opportunities, and measure the relevant metrics and provide better information to support decision-making.’

FlowerAura Launches Playful and Touching Video for Valentine’s Day Campaign

New Delhi, 6th February 2025: As FlowerAura marks 14 years of spreading love, the brand is set to redefine Valentine’s Day celebrations with its latest digital video campaign (DVC). The brand film is a playful yet heartfelt reminder that love doesn’t always need grand gestures; sometimes, the simplest acts, like gifting flowers, make the deepest impact. With a blend of humour, fun and sentiment, FlowerAura encourages men to embrace thoughtful expression, proving that flowers remain the most timeless way to convey love.

The brand film captures everyday moments where men find it challenging to express their feelings, showcasing how a simple bouquet can turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Whether it’s bringing a smile to a loved one’s face or adding a spark to relationships, FlowerAura ensures that love is celebrated and beautifully delivered.

Speaking about the brand film, Shrey Sehgal, Co-founder, FlowerAura, said, “At FlowerAura, we believe that love is best expressed through meaningful gestures. Our Ad film is a way of encouraging men to embrace the beauty of small yet impactful expressions of love. Flowers have an innate charm that words sometimes cannot capture, and through this campaign, we aim to help you earn some extra aura points this Valentine’s Day and make it truly special.”

As India’s leading online gifting brand, FlowerAura continues to bring out campaigns with which the younger audience can relate and resonate, reinforcing its promise of making gifting more meaningful. This Valentine’s Day, FlowerAura invites everyone to celebrate love in its simplest yet most profound form—one flower at a time.

Rediscover the Charm of Romance at Patnitop’s Breathtaking Mountain Harbour

On the day of love this year, make it truly meaningful and exciting with your Valentine! Choose a destination where you both can immerse yourselves in nature’s purest beauty , bond over adventures, indulge in premium hospitality and find your own rhythm in an enchanting world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Skyview by Empyrean, a 22-acre mountain harbour located in Jammu’s Patnitop-Sanget valley is the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway offering all this and much more against the backdrop of the most romantic setting!

Here’s why you need to surprise your partner with a stay at this premium property:

Views To Take Your Breath Away
Imagine waking up to the sight of mist-kissed Pir Panjal mountains and lush, verdant valleys- all from the comfort and warmth of your elegantly designed yet cosy suite! Skyview by Empyrean offers the perfect blend of luxurious opulence and nature’s simplicity. Snuggle up, unwind, and let the magic of the hills take over.

Culinary Excellence at the Banana Leaf
What is romance without food for the soul? After all, a heart full of love needs fuel, right? At the in-house Banana Leaf restaurant, you’ll be treated to a feast you won’t forget.. Enjoy the lovingly curated menu featuring exquisite regional and global flavours Let the ambiance, flavours, and warmth of hospitality create the perfect setting for your special moments, turning your dining experience into a cherished memory that lasts forever.

A Special Package, Packed with Love
Want to sweep your partner off their feet? The luxurious property’s exclusive Valentine’s Day package offers everything you can dream of, for an unforgettable celebration! Enjoy a 1-night stay in a room of your choice on 14th and 15th February 25, wake up to a delightful breakfast for two, indulge in a private barbecue dinner under the stars. A decadent cake and a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage add a touch of sweetness to your evening, while heart-shaped balloon decorations create the perfect romantic ambiance. Complete your experience with a scenic return Gondola ride – all starting at just ₹12,999! Did your heart just skip a beat?

Adventures For the Daring Duo
For fun-loving, adventurous couples who crave excitement, the mountain harbour offers an adrenaline-packed lineup of activities to choose from! Race each other in archery challenges , speed through thrilling ATV rides, glide down the magic carpet, or take on Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline. Elevate your experience with India’s highest Gondola ride (in terms of ground clearance). Ramp up the thrill factor with each activity you tick off and create memories that will last a lifetime!

A Local touch
Who doesn’t love receiving gifts, especially something handmade with love ? Treat your partner to a shopping spree at Hands of Gold, Skyview’s very own artisanal boutique store where you’ll find beautifully handcrafted souvenirs. From exquisite pashmina shawls and Kashmiri saffron to organic Himalayan honey, there’s plenty to explore and take home for your loved ones too!

This Valentine’s, leave a piece of your heart at Skyview and carry back priceless memories of your time spent amidst the charm and beauty of the mountains!

Residential Projects Near NCR’s Employment Hubs Increase, Magicbricks Reports

New Delhi, February 6, 2025: Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform, has revealed significant growth in residential demand and supply across key areas in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly in locations near IT parks, industrial zones, and commercial hubs. These strategically located regions, benefiting from superior connectivity and infrastructure development, are attracting homebuyers and investors alike.

According to the latest insights, Techzone 4, Greater Noida has recorded a remarkable 449% Year-on-year (YoY) increase in supply, while Sector 89, New Gurugram has reported a 300% YoY growth in residential supply during Q4 2024 (October–December 2024). Other promising investment destinations include Yamuna Expressway (Noida), Sector 68 (Gurugram), and Sector 1 (Greater Noida West), all of which are gaining traction due to their proximity to employment hubs.

Modern homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing projects that reduce commute times and enhance work-life balance. This preference has driven demand in areas such as Sector 93 (Gurugram), Sector 79 (New Gurugram), and Sector 150 (Noida-Greater Noida Expressway), which have witnessed a 10% rise in residential demand over the past year. Similarly, Techzone 4 (Greater Noida) and Yamuna Expressway (Noida) have experienced a 9% increase in demand during the same period.

These areas are also a promising destination for investments as they are experiencing capital appreciation. In the past one year, residential prices in Yamuna Expressway (Noida) have increased by 50%, while Sector 79 (New Gurugram) has observed capital appreciation of 43%. Sector 37C and Sector 68 (Gurugram) have also experienced 39% and 36% capital appreciation respectively in the past one year.

In terms of specific projects, Ashiana Amarah has emerged as the most searched project in Sector 93, Gurugram on Magicbricks platform due to its proximity to Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, and Golf Course Extension Road. Around Yamuna Expressway, Oasis Grandstand is most searched, largely due to its strategic location near upcoming IT and industrial zones. Similarly, CRC Joyous (Techzone 4, Greater Noida) and ACE Parkway (Sector 150, Noida) are most searched in their respective areas due to their connectivity with Noida’s IT hubs.

These trends underscore NCR’s evolving real estate landscape, with developers focusing on strategic locations that combine lifestyle convenience with robust infrastructure, ensuring strong returns for both end-users and investors.

Marriott and Accenture Launch Skill Development Program for Youth in Hospitality

National, February 6th, 2025: Marriott International and Accenture in India, have come together to launch a robust initiative aimed at empowering youth by providing them with the skills and resources needed to succeed in the hospitality sector and beyond.

As part of the four-month program, selected participants will receive training in hospitality and basic life skills for two months from non-profit partners funded by Accenture. Additionally, they will get mentorship and soft skills training through employee engagement activities. Marriott International will then offer paid internships to eligible candidates from the training program across its 155 properties in India for the remaining two months. By fostering an inclusive environment, Marriott International and Accenture in India aim to create pathways to better job prospects, bridging the gap between untapped talent and employment opportunities in the dynamic hospitality sector.

In a world where securing a job is a cornerstone for stability and growth, having the right skillset can make all the difference in achieving one’s dream career. However, not everyone can pursue higher education and additional skill-building that can enhance their professional prospects. Recognising this gap, Marriott International and Accenture in India are focusing on skill development in key areas. This collaborative project is designed to prepare participants for entry-level jobs in the industry and will give young individuals a chance to gain hands-on experience while earning a livelihood.

Talking about this new initiative, Ms. Ranju Alex, Area Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, says: “The core values of this organisation are deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities. Unfortunately, barriers often prevent many talented individuals from pursuing their aspirations. To address this, we are proud to offer a two-month paid internship programme following the completion of the skill development process. This initiative not only provides young talent with hands-on experience but also ensures financial support for every participant, empowering them to take confident steps towards building rewarding careers in the hospitality sector. By investing in their growth, we aim to cultivate a more inclusive and skilled workforce.”

Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director at Accenture in India commented, “We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International on this project. The initiative furthers our objective of creating impact at scale and reflects our commitment to providing our youth with the resources and opportunities needed to be employment ready in today’s competitive environment. We are not only investing in their future but also investing in building a sustainable future for the communities we live and operate in.”

The project is dedicated to empowering the next generation by breaking down economic and social barriers that hinder professional growth. Together, both brands aspire to spark a larger movement towards impactful corporate social responsibility, setting a benchmark for industry-wide initiatives.

Housing Boom Spreads Beyond Delhi and Mumbai in India

6th Feb 2025: People are moving just outside India’s two major population centres of Delhi and Mumbai, pushing up house prices upwards in the process.

The research comes from eXp Realty India, which analysed annual property growth across 50 regions of India, and found that in five regions prices have risen by double digits since the start of last year.

Gurugram near Delhi was the fastest growing region of India in 2024, where prices increased by a staggering 16.5% since Q1 of last year. They far outstripped price growth in Delhi itself, which stood at just 1.1% over the same period.

It’s similar to Navi Mumbai, a planned city next to Mumbai, which is the second fastest growing city in all of India, at 14.7%. Mumbai itself has only seen prices rise by 2.0%.

Prices filter out from Mumbai

Prices in Mumbai are roughly double its Navi Mumbai counterpart, at 26,364 rupees per square feet versus 13,808, so it’s more affordable for people to buy in the latter area.

The cost of property broadly reduces as you venture further from Mumbai, as the second highest price in India is in nearby Thane (18,008), followed by Navi Mumbai (13,808).

Other regions close to Mumbai, like Mira Bhayander (13,753), Panvel (12,591) and Kalyan Dombivali (10,042) also have far lower house prices than Mumbai.

Gurugram pricier than Delhi

The situation is different when it comes to Delhi, as the neighbouring Gurugram is more expensive, at 13,808 rupees per square feet, compared to 10,187 in Delhi.

Gurugram is oustripping Delhi due to its growing status as a major corporate and financial hub, attracting a large number of multinational companies as well as high-income earners.