Axis Finance launches Disha Home Loans for EWS and LIG homebuyers
Chandigarh, April 29, 2025: Axis Finance Limited (AFL), one of India’s fastest-growing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), today announced the launch of Axis Finance Disha Home Loans on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The product is aimed at catering to the needs of aspiring homebuyers from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-income Group (LIG) segments.
Disha Home Loans aim to provide customized home loan solutions across various geographies, with a seamless experience throughout the loan lifecycle – backed by best-in-class talent and agile systems to ensure speed in execution and responsiveness to customer needs
This product caters to a diverse range of employment types, covering the entire spectrum of salaried (resident & NRI) and self-employed customers. It addresses the needs of individuals who have formal, semi-formal or informal income documents and are looking for financial assistance. The loan can be availed for the purchase of ready / under-construction / resale property, plot + construction, self-construction, home renovation / extension and more.
Speaking on the launch, Sai Giridhar, MD & CEO, Axis Finance, said, “The launch of ‘Axis Finance Disha Home Loans’ on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya reflects our commitment to making home ownership more accessible. This product aims to empower individuals from economically weaker sections by bridging the financial gap and in making their dream of owning a home a reality. This is in line with the government’s relentless efforts to enhance access to housing finance in this segment. Disha Home Loans provide a wide range of customised solutions to meet the diverse needs of customers across geographies.”
He further added, “We aim to provide solutions that customers are looking for, along with superior service and transparency in our dealings. Technology and data science will be our backbone as we enter different markets across the country. Providing easy access to housing finance with a seamless experience will be our focus.”
Axis Finance has a long and successful presence in secured mortgage products with existing systems, processes, technology, talent, underwriting capabilities and a strong distribution.
Bhartiya Urban to Expand Nikoo Homes with 5,000 New Units in Bangalore
Bangalore, April 29, 2025: After the phenomenal success of Nikoo Homes within Bhartiya City, Bhartiya Urban, one of India’s leading real estate developers, is all set to take its much-loved residential brand across Bangalore’s most vibrant and fast-growing neighborhoods. Over the next 15 months, the company plans to launch multiple new Nikoo Homes projects across North, South, and Central Bangalore, delivering more than 9 million square feet of thoughtfully designed living spaces and over 5,000 new homes.
This ambitious expansion reflects the rising demand for homes that combine contemporary design, community living, and modern luxury — the very ethos that Nikoo Homes has come to represent. The new expansion will offer luxurious and environmentally friendly houses designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty, creating an environment that is both exclusive and inviting. Residents will enjoy access to premium facilities, including a grand clubhouse ‘The Black Swan Club’, swimming pool, fitness center, and much more, all designed to offer a fulfilling lifestyle.
“Nikoo Homes is more than just a residential concept—it’s a way of life, thoughtfully designed around the five pillars of family, community, culture, health, and learning. Our goal has always been to offer homes that bring together functionality, aesthetics, and a strong sense of community,” said Mr. Snehdeep Aggarwal, Chairman of Bhartiya Group. He further added, “With this expansion, we’re excited to extend that experience to more people in Bangalore, adapting to the evolving aspirations of modern urban dwellers.”
Nikoo Homes began as a bold vision within Bhartiya City — Bhartiya Urban’s flagship 125-acre integrated township near Hebbal. Designed to be a city with the warmth of a village, Bhartiya City is home to residences, tech parks, a shopping mall, The Leela Bhartiya City, and a world-class school. With nearly 17 million sq. ft. of built-up space, it is one of the largest integrated urban developments in India.
Within this ecosystem, over 6,600 families have chosen to live in Nikoo Homes — from smartly designed studios and lofts to spacious 4-bedroom homes. These homes offer a blend of style, function, and smart living — with parks in the sky, walk-to-work environments, and public spaces designed to bring people together.
By expanding Nikoo Homes as a distinct and independent brand, Bhartiya Urban is doubling down on its vision to make high-quality urban living more widely available across Bangalore’s key growth hubs.
Further announcements regarding project locations, launch timelines, and home configurations will be made in the coming months.
India’s job market stays strong, eyes freshers and tech for FY26
Bangalore, 29th April 2025: India’s job market is ending the financial year on a high note. Despite global headwinds, employers in India are doubling down on hiring, especially tech talent and freshers. According to Indeed’s latest ‘Hiring Tracker’, 82% of employers actively hired between January and March 2025, and increased overall hiring by 3% compared to October and December 2024.
“The job market is evolving, and employers are moving ahead with cautious optimism. While fresher hiring remains steady and tech roles continue to grow, especially in areas like software development, data analytics, and AI, there’s also a clear need to bridge the skills gap. As we enter FY26, companies are being more deliberate about who they hire and how they build future-ready teams,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India
Freshers take the spotlight as FY26 planning kicks off
As companies locked in budgets and future-facing teams, fresh graduates emerged as the most in-demand talent, accounting for 53% of new hires last quarter. The top roles driving this demand were Software Developers (29%), Data Analysts and Scientists (26%), and Sales Executives (23%).
Employers are increasingly seeking freshers trained in Data Analytics, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, and Software Development — indicating that India’s hiring momentum is closely tied to the tech and AI boom. From AI developers to Cybersecurity specialists, employers are building teams that can future-proof their business, and freshers are leading the charge.
The skills gap challenge: Fresh talent, but not job-ready
Despite a strong interest in fresher hiring, many employers are grappling with a persistent skills gap. 38% of employers cited this as their top concern. While fresh graduates bring enthusiasm and adaptability, many lack the hands-on, practical experience that’s essential in today’s fast-evolving workplace.
Beyond technical skills, employers are also finding that new hires often fall short of workplace readiness. From communication to collaboration and time management, 27% of employers report that freshers need more support to adjust to professional environments. On top of that, 25% struggle with bridging the gap between candidate expectations and what companies can realistically offer, especially when it comes to compensation.
Yet, most companies still view freshers as long-term investments. What’s clear is that employers are becoming more discerning. They’re looking for candidates who not only have the right technical know-how in areas like AI, software development, and data analytics but also demonstrate flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn on the job.
Freshers’ viewpoint: High hopes, tough competition
On the other side of the table, freshers are navigating their own set of challenges. While many are eager to upskill and prove themselves, competitive pay remains a sticking point. A large share of job seekers say they’re unwilling to settle for low compensation, and employers are taking notice. In fact, 72% of employers say fresher salaries have increased year-on-year. However, nearly 60% admit that the hike has been modest, capped at 5%.
Adding to the pressure, 39% of freshers say the sheer volume of competition makes it hard to get noticed.
“For every job today, there are six freshers vying for the role, and in tech, seven freshers compete for one role. That’s a sign of a young, ambitious workforce ready to work. Now, it’s time for the ecosystem to rise to the challenge. With the right push from new-age tech companies and innovation-led sectors like AI and cybersecurity, we have a real opportunity to turn this energy into impact,” added Mr Kumar.
Employers came close to meeting the salary expectations of the class of 2025 this quarter, offering an average starting salary of ₹3,50,000 LPA against freshers’ hopes of ₹3,80,000 LPA. Around 58% of employers offered packages in the ₹300,000 – 500,000 LPA range, aligning closely with the expectations of 67%. However, despite this near-match, 72% of freshers said they would not compromise on their salary demands, even if attractive learning or growth opportunities were available, underlining once again that pay remains their top priority.
This disconnect between employer expectations and job seeker needs is shaping how talent engages with opportunities. In fact, 62% of job seekers say they are more likely to apply to roles that clearly outline compensation, responsibilities, and work culture.. For employers looking to attract top talent, greater transparency and well-defined expectations may be key to building a stronger talent pipeline in FY26.
Outlook for FY26
The outlook for FY26 is cautiously optimistic. Over 34% of employers surveyed for Indeed Hiring Tracker Q4 FY’25 said they plan to hire freshers in the coming April-June 2025 quarter. Demand remains strong for fresh graduates and tech talent, especially in areas like AI, data, and cybersecurity.
Sundaram Finance Limited Revises Deposit Interest Rates Effective 1st May 2025
Chennai/April 29, 2025 — Sundaram Finance Ltd., one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, is revising Deposit Interest Rates effective 1st May 2025, in line with the RBI’s repo rate revision announced recently. Revised rates for Senior Citizens are 7.70% for 12 months and 8% for 24 and 36 months. Similarly, for others, 7.20% for 12 months and 7.50% for 24 and 36 months.
The adjustments reflect Sundaram Finance Ltd.’s measured response to broader economic conditions and market dynamics and are a part of their financial strategy to align with current economic trends.
Recently, the company introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer, and more accessible than ever. Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal.
ABOUT SUNDARAM FINANCE
Sundaram Finance was established in 1954, and the company has today grown into one of the most trusted and diversified financial services groups in India providing financing for commercial vehicles, cars & utility vehicles, tractors and farm equipment, construction equipment, SME finance and a range of working capital products for financing diesel, tyres, insurance.
Through its subsidiaries and group companies, the company offers home finance, loans against property, mutual funds and investment management solutions and the full range of general insurance products and services. It has a nationwide presence of over 700 branches, over 1.1 lakh depositors and over 4.75 lakh lending customers.
Sundaram Finance’s vision is to be the most respected NBFC in the country and its mission is to deliver the Sundaram experience to all customers, big and small, in keeping with the ethos of the Company. Sundaram Finance embraces a philosophy that balances Growth with Quality and Profitability and remains rooted in its ideal of protecting and enhancing shareholder value. The founding philosophy of the company is that everything begins with the customer. Our founder, Late Sri T S Santhanam, enshrined in the company its core values – The Sundaram Way – that have been the company’s guiding light over the decades. The company is deeply rooted in its values and proud of its heritage, also constantly innovating in terms of technology and processes to deliver the unique Sundaram experience to its customers and stakeholders.
Digital Gold Shines Bright This Akshay Tritiya with Amazon Pay Offers
As festive occasions like Akshay Tritiya continue to inspire traditional investments, more customers are turning to digital gold for its convenience, security, and flexibility. Amazon Pay has seen a significant rise in digital gold purchases, with demand during auspicious periods like Akshay Tritiya increasing by 2-3 times in the past year.
In response to this growing trend, Amazon Pay is offering up to ₹1,000 cashback on digital gold purchases this Akshay Tritiya 2025. Customers can also enjoy special deals on gift cards from top jewellery brands like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers, available through April 30.
Industry sources reveal that with recent gold price hikes, 5–7 lakh customers have opted for digital gold via platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay in the last three months.
Amazon Pay remains committed to delivering trusted and rewarding festive experiences to millions across India, making investing in gold easier and smarter than ever.
Thin Essence: A New Chapter in Minimalist Bathroom Design
There’s something captivating about restraint in design. When every line is intentional, every curve speaks, and nothing feels excessive: that’s when you know that you have something extraordinary around you. Thin Essence, SOMANY’s latest wall-hung collection, captures that feeling beautifully.
Inspired by the elegance and discipline of ballet, Thin Essence is about lightness – both in form and feel. It doesn’t seek attention. It earns it. The design is refined, measured, and strikingly minimal, making it an effortless addition to spaces that value quiet sophistication.
The ultra-slim rim profile is Thin Essence’ s USP. With a rim thickness of just 13 to 15 mm, it is dramatically slimmer than the conventional 45 to 60 mm designs seen in standard ceramic ware. This subtle detail shifts the entire aesthetic. Bathrooms feel more open. Lines appear cleaner. And the overall space takes on a far more contemporary character.
But Thin Essence isn’t only limited to aesthetics. It’s also deeply functional. Its pure rimless design ensures thorough flushing and high standards of hygiene. The thoughtful contours are easy to clean and maintain, reducing areas where dust and bacteria typically accumulate. It is ‘design with intention’ where every feature supports the way we live today.
There are two form options to choose from: Round and Square. The Round model (360x520x360 mm) brings a softness that complements fluid, organic interiors. The Square model (365x520x350 mm) offers a more structured presence: modern, bold, and architectural. Both versions come in a polished white finish that reflects light beautifully and works effortlessly with a wide range of interior palettes.
Each wall-hung is paired with a UF Ezee Close Seat Cover, known for its comfort and smooth close mechanism. The blind installation system further enhances the seamless look, eliminating visual clutter and allowing the product to almost float against the wall. The result is a bathroom that feels open, uncluttered, and distinctly modern.
Thin Essence is not trying to be loud. It doesn’t rely on flourish or exaggeration. Instead, it quietly raises the bar for what a well-designed wall-hung closet can be. It’s a collection that understands the nuances of contemporary living where aesthetics and utility are not separate ideas but part of the same conversation.
For homeowners, designers, and architects seeking a timeless statement in ceramic design, Thin Essence offers the perfect balance of elegance and practicality. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully built, and effortlessly modern: THIN ESSENCE from SOMANY is a celebration of form, precision, and simplicity.
Ace Blend, Organic Tattva & More Get YCL Nod from Luke Coutinho
28th April 2025, Mumbai: Select products from Ace Blend, Organic Tattva, and Wellbeing Nutrition, among others, receive the ‘Pink Tiger’ stamp of approval for ingredient transparency and clean-label integrity. These brands have been verified by Luke Coutinho’s You Care Lifestyle (YCL), which independently assesses products through third-party lab testing for ingredient quality and clean formulation.
YCL is a platform founded by Luke Coutinho, an integrative and lifestyle medicine expert who aims to build a clean food chain. The Pink Tiger stamp is a mark of assurance and integrity for clean, trustworthy ingredients aligned with the Indian food ethos and conscious lifestyle choices. Furthermore, recipients of the Pink Tiger stamp include Orange Health Labs and products from Naturaltein, Sarthak Satvik, Cosmix, Pod Nutrition, Protuff, Trexgenics, and Aevo, reinforcing a growing shift towards transparency in the wellness and nutrition space.
To meet rising consumer demand for authenticity, YCL independently verifies through rigorous third-party lab testing to assure quality, ethical formulation, and full ingredient transparency. The testing process involves random batch evaluations, ingredient analysis, and label accuracy. Each verified product carries a scannable QR code, allowing consumers to access lab results and ingredient transparency in real-time for full transparency at the point of purchase. The stringent quality testing parameters of YCL’s Pink Tiger Stamp benchmark a product for its authenticity and transparency to aid an informed choice.
Backed by a recent $1 million investment from the founders, YCL plans to test up to 100 brands by 2025, with a continued focus on ingredient integrity, ethical sourcing, and accurate labelling. YCL has tested over 50 products, out of which 33 have successfully passed third-party lab tests and are now available on the company’s website. YCL provides a scalable framework for wellness products and brands to establish a global presence. This is achieved through robust verification and HealthTech integration.
Luke Coutinho, Founder of YCL, commented, “In today’s cluttered wellness market, consumers are overwhelmed with choices and claims. Our goal with YCL is simple. It is to bring clarity and trust back to the shelf. By validating products through independent testing, we are helping consumers make better choices and giving truly clean brands the recognition they deserve.”
38.64% of Equity MFs Beat Benchmarks in March ’25: PL Wealth
Mumbai, April, 28th, 2025: PL Wealth Management, PL Capital’s Wealth Management arm, in its latest study on mutual fund performance analysis, cited that the AUM (assets under management) of equity mutual funds—excluding Sectoral/Thematic Funds— witnessed a modest growth of 7.68% from INR 23,12,571 crore in February 2025 to INR 24,90,218 crore in March 2025. The study, which analysed 298 open-ended equity diversified funds, found that 38.64% of these funds outperformed their respective benchmarks over the past month, ending March 31, 2025. In total, 114 funds recorded outperformance during this period.
Category
|
Benchmark |
Number of Schemes |
Number of schemes that Outperformed |
Scheme Outperformance (%) |
|||||
Large Cap funds |
NIFTY 50 TRI |
33 |
23 |
71.88% |
|||||
Large & Mid Cap Funds |
NIFTY LargeMidcap 250 – TRI |
31 |
18 |
58.06% |
|||||
Multi Cap Funds |
Nifty500 Multicap 50:25:25 – TRI |
30 |
7 |
23.33% |
|||||
Flexi Cap Fund |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
39 |
14 |
35.90% |
|||||
Mid Cap Funds |
Nifty Midcap 150 – TRI |
30 |
15 |
51.72% |
|||||
Small Cap Funds |
Nifty Smallcap 250 – TRI |
30 |
3 |
10.00% |
|||||
Focused Funds |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
28 |
9 |
32.14% |
|||||
Value Contra Div. Yield Funds |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
34 |
9 |
27.27% |
|||||
Equity Linked Savings Schemes |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
43 |
16 |
37.21% |
|||||
Total |
|
298 |
114 |
38.64% |
Large Cap Funds was the best performing category where 71.88% of the schemes outperformed the benchmark. It was followed by Large & Mid Cap Funds and Mid Cap Funds which outperformed their respective benchmarks by 58.06% and 51.72% respectively during the month of March 2025.
Small Cap Funds were the least performing fund category with 10.00% of funds outperforming the benchmark.
ORRA Launches Akshaya Tritiya & Anniversary Festive Sale
India, April: Akshaya Tritiya is revered in Indian culture as an auspicious day to initiate new ventures and make timeless investments – especially in gold and jewellery. Marked by prosperity and fortune, this festival has deep-rooted cultural significance. Coupled with ORRA’s ongoing Anniversary Sale, the celebration becomes even more meaningful as the brand gives customers the perfect opportunity to honour age-old traditions while indulging in contemporary luxury with their Akshay Tritiya Collection. The fusion of these landmark celebrations gives jewellery enthusiasts across the country to embrace tradition, and shine in abundance.
Whether you’re marking Akshaya Tritiya with a cherished purchase or gifting a loved one, ORRA’s ongoing Anniversary Sale ensures there’s something special for everyone. With a seamless blend of diamond jewellery essentials and cultural elegance, each creation is more than just jewellery – it’s a celebration of timeless values, prosperity, and the promise of new beginnings that this auspicious festival brings.
Dipu Mehta, Managing Director, ORRA Fine Jewellery shares, “At ORRA, jewellery is not just an accessory, it’s an emotion, a legacy, and a celebration. We recognize that Akshaya Tritiya is a sacred occasion for many, and with the addition of our ongoing Anniversary Sale, we wanted to create a truly special experience for our customers. Our collections this season blend age-old symbolism with contemporary diamond jewellery designs, allowing everyone to celebrate in their own unique way.”
The new collection features necklace sets, earrings, pendants, rings, and chains – all drawing inspiration from nature and Indian motifs that will resonate with today’s woman. Each piece blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship, capturing the essence of new beginnings.
Visit your nearest ORRA Fine Jewellery store to avail additional exclusive discounts:
• 25% off on Diamond Value
• 0% Interest EMI Facility
• 0% Deduction on your old gold jewellery exchange
Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, selecting a festive gift, or choosing a timeless piece for yourself, ORRA’s designs offer something for every style and occasion. Aside from the Akshaya Tritiya and the Anniversary Sale, customers can also explore ORRA’s wide selection including the iconic Crown Star, a patented 73-facet diamond known for its unmatched brilliance – perfect for those seeking truly exceptional pieces. ORRA’s celebrated collections such as Aekta – The Wedding Collection, Solis, and Astra, that offer versatile designs that cater to every milestone, can also be explored.
So, what are you waiting for? This festive season, Dazzle in Diamonds, Celebrate with Blessings and Shine in Abundance.
Dr. Vikas Dhawan Unveils the secret of Career in Design and Visual Arts
There’s no denying that the entire field of design and visual arts is really interesting. It’s something that combines creativity with practical problem-solving. The industry provides numerous chances for those with an eye for aesthetics and innovation, ranging from designing interiors to manufacturing delicate jewellery to conceptualising digital experiences. However, pursuing a job demands a defined pathway. A well-rounded education can help bridge the gap between study and professional success. So, how does someone go from campus to corporate in this field? Prof. Dr. Vikas Dhawan,
Director General, Institute of Management Studies, Noida highlights the key points –
The increasing demand for designers
The creative business has expanded beyond fashion houses and art studios. Designers are in high demand in a variety of industries today, including technology, luxury, architecture, advertising, and healthcare. With rapid globalisation and digital transformation, businesses around the world are looking for experts who can combine creative thinking with functionality.
According to industry forecasts, India’s design business is predicted to grow at a 10% yearly rate, generating many chances for young designers. The need is considerably higher in worldwide markets, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and North America, where specific abilities in luxury product design, UI/UX, and animation are highly prized.
Choosing the Right Path in Design and Visual Arts
While the creative profession is wide, focusing on a single design specialism can assist create niche knowledge. There are numerous structured programs that follow global industry trends. These courses help students prepare for high-demand careers.
1. Jewellery Design
Understanding materials, craftsmanship, and changing consumer preferences are all important aspects of jewellery design. With bachelor degree courses ranging from gemology to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, students get the technical and artistic skills required to succeed in the luxury market. Jewellery designers, CAD professionals, and gem consultants can earn between ₹3.5 and ₹6 lakh annually.
2. Interior Design
Interior design is concerned with functionality, sustainability, and user experience. Interior design programs teach students about space planning, colour theory, and 3D visualisation tools such as AutoCAD and SketchUp. Graduates can pursue jobs in residential, commercial, and hospitality design, with starting salaries ranging from ₹4 to ₹7 lakh per year.
3. Textile Design
Textile designers form the foundation of the fashion, home decor, and industrial fabric industries. Textile design courses, which emphasise pattern making, digital printing, and sustainable materials, prepare students for professions in both traditional and technological textile manufacturing. Entry-level pay typically range from ₹3.5 to ₹5 lakh per year, with opportunities for rapid advancement in foreign markets.
4. Communication Design
From branding to filmmaking, communication design is essential for visual narrative. Specialisations in graphic design, animation, VFX, AR/VR, and game design provide students with the tools they need to produce engaging content for the media, advertising, and entertainment industries. Graduates in digital content can expect to earn from ₹4 to ₹8 lakh per year, with increased earnings potential in international employment.
5. Product Design (luxury)
Luxury product design is expanding in unimaginable ways as demand for luxury items are at an all-time high. Students in this stream, learn about high-end materials, user-centric design & market trends while creating unique products ranging from furniture to fashion accessories. Luxury companies are expanding in India and overseas, creating lucrative career prospects with starting salaries ranging from ₹5 to ₹9 lakh per year.
How Design Education prepares students for the real world?
Industry Exposure and Live Projects
A structured design program emphasises hands-on learning. A recommended design academy combines live projects, industry collaborations, and internships to provide students with real-world experience. Working with established companies or competing in global design contests helps you build a good portfolio, which is essential when entering the employment market.
Internships and Placements
Internships serve as an ideal bridge between campus and corporate life. These experiences, whether at a premium fashion brand, a digital agency, or an architecture firm, let students to apply what they’ve learnt in the classroom to real-world situations. major institutes arrange internships and placements with major organisations, ensuring that students make a smooth transition into their employment.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
The benefit of a design career is that it does not restrict you to typical jobs. Many graduates go into business, starting their own jewellery lines, home décor companies, or digital design studios. With the correct mentorship and industry networks, talented designers may build independent businesses that serve both home and international markets.