First-Time Co-Stars Ibrahim Ali Khan & Shanaya Kapoor Star in PUMA India’s Film on GenZ Street Culture
National, May 21, 2025: Bringing Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor together for the first time on screen, sports brand PUMA India has released a cinematic ride with a new campaign film for its iconic Palermo sneaker. The two budding young actors bring their natural chemistry to the screen with a side of India’s youthful chaos that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary.
The two-minute-long film is a heartfelt celebration of young India’s creativity and resourcefulness. The fresh pair of Bollywood is seen teaming up with their gang, adding fun to their everyday lives. Whether it’s Shanaya upcycling her old PUMA jacket into a trendy ensemble, Ibrahim hitchhiking to save a quick buck, or the gang transforming a humble bedsheet into a rooftop movie screen, the crew cruises through to find joy on a sidewalk budget. It is a playful take on how the country’s youth stay inventive, expressive, and always in motion — with Palermo as their go-to sneaker for every step.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, Actor & PUMA India ambassador, said, “The film is all heart, all hustle, and just so close to how I feel our generation rolls. PUMA has this unique way of turning everyday stories into something cool and real and it brought out that side of me too. Shooting with Shanaya was super chill, and I think our chemistry just shows. Everything was easy, spontaneous, and very us. The Palermo sneaker adds to the mood. It’s classic, stylish, and built for every kind of plan or no-plan kind of day in our lives. I am sure that my new film with PUMA will strike a chord with all in the country, can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions!”
Shanaya Kapoor, Actor & PUMA India Ambassador, added, “What I love most about this film is how it keeps things real — it’s not about perfection, it’s about personality. We had a blast bringing that mood to life, and it really felt like one big hangout. The Palermo fitted right in. It’s easy, effortless, and full of character, just like the moments we’ve captured. Shooting it with Ibrahim was all masti, no pressure, and it all comes through on screen.”
Rooted in the legacy of football terrace culture, known for its classic T-toe construction and gum sole, the Palermo sneaker has long been a symbol of style, community and self-expression. With this new campaign film, PUMA yet again puts India’s cool youth culture at the forefront, where creativity, jugaad, and street-smart innovation rule. As a sports brand deeply invested in sport and style, PUMA continues to tell iconic stories that effortlessly bridges its global legacy to India’s truly local voice.
Commenting on the occasion, Shreya Sachdev, Director-Marketing at PUMA India, said, “As a global brand, PUMA has always successfully existed at the forefront of local culture. We believe in telling stories that feel fresh, yet familiar and full of heart. Celebrating the spirit of resourcefulness that India thrives on — finding joy in chaos and creativity, and ensuring that your circumstances don’t hold you back from living life to the fullest — is what PUMA Palermo is all about. This is why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts and wardrobes of India’s youth.”
The film’s feel-good energy builds on the massive success and nostalgic warmth of PUMA’s first Palermo film released in 2024— a vibrant ride through Mumbai, Kolkata and Shillong that celebrated friendship and city culture. Palermo 2.0 dials it up with newer energy. While the heart of the story remains the same — capturing how today’s youth do more with less — this time the film layers in bolder visuals, cooler hacks and moments that feel straight out of your own camera roll.
This year also sees the iconic Palermo sneaker in newer avatars. Besides fresh colourways, the new drop will soon introduce Palermo Premiums — a refined, all-leather silhouette with luxe finishings and signature trimmings.
IREDA Bags ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE, Ranked Among Best 4 CPSEs and No. 1 in Power & NBFC Sector
Mumbai, May 21, 2025: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), the largest pure-play green financing NBFC in the country, has been recognized as the top performer among Power and NBFC sector CPSEs by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for the annual performance MoU signed by the company for FY 2023-24.
According to the list issued by DPE for FY 2023-24, which includes ratings for 84 CPSEs, IREDA is among the top 4 CPSEs in the country, achieving a score of 98 and above. IREDA received the MoU ‘Excellent‘ rating on 7th January 2025 for the fourth consecutive year for FY 2023-24. The consolidated list of 84 CPSEs has now been issued by DPE.
Expressing his delight on this significant accomplishment, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA, said: “We are immensely happy to be recognized as the best performing CPSE in the NBFC and Power sector, and to be among the top 4 CPSEs in the country with a score of 98 and above. This achievement reflects our team’s collective dedication and strategic vision to accelerate India’s renewable energy growth. This rating reaffirms IREDA‘s leadership in green financing and our commitment to nation-building by supporting innovative and sustainable energy solutions”.
CMD congratulated Team IREDA for their stellar performance and expressed his gratitude to Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution; Shri Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE; other senior officials of the ministry; and the Board of Directors for their support and invaluable guidance.
The Chocolate That Melts Like Magic – And It’s Not From Switzerland
Vadodara, 2025: BAR – short for Baker’s Artisanal Recipes – is rewriting the rules of chocolate in India with a homegrown couverture that rivals the world’s finest. Designed especially for bakers and confectioners, BAR is a sensorial celebration of texture, technique, and taste. What makes it truly stand apart is its signature melt-in-your-mouth quality, achieved through the precision of phase V crystal tempering – a rare and meticulous process that delivers the perfect glossy finish, clean snap, and a slow, luxurious melt.
Crafted with the needs of bakers at its core, BAR was born out of a desire to make premium-quality couverture chocolate both accessible and practical. Every detail – from the carefully sourced cocoa butter to the thoughtfully designed 100-gram break lines – is tailored to simplify the baking experience without compromising on quality. BAR’s resealable pouches eliminate the need for extra storage, while the clean, easy-to-handle mould ensures less mess and more joy in the kitchen.
From the creamy sweetness of 33% Pure White couverture to the bold richness of 99.5% Dark couverture, BAR offers something for every taste profile, including keto and diabetic-friendly options. If you’re a home baker or enjoy baking as a hobby, you can try out the handy BAR nickels featuring easy-to-melt chocolate callets. Moreover, a B2C collection called ‘The BAR Collective’ conceptualized on Bean to Bar chocolates also made its foray recently in Bangalore.
But BAR is more than just chocolate. It is a brand built on three foundational principles: Baker’s Utility, Artisanal Quality, and Recipe Possibility. In pursuit of true artisanal excellence, BAR focuses solely on couverture chocolate, made with handpicked cocoa butter and powder, tempered with scientific precision to unlock its full potential. No shortcuts, no substitutes – just pure, premium chocolate created in small batches for maximum freshness and flavour.
Health-conscious and quality-obsessed bakers will appreciate BAR’s refusal to compromise. Unlike compound chocolates that rely on hydrogenated vegetable fats, BAR couverture contains genuine cocoa butter – a natural fat known to support heart health, regulate cholesterol, and enhance overall wellness. The difference is not just in taste, but in the integrity of the ingredient list. With BAR, bakers are not only choosing superior performance but also a chocolate that aligns with clean-label values.
Community is at the heart of everything BAR does. Through initiatives like BARofChoc Diaries and BARofChoc Post-Its, the brand showcases recipes from a diverse range of bakers – from professionals to passionate home chefs – fostering a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and inspiration. Whether vegan, sugar-free, or simply adventurous in flavour, BAR welcomes all palates and preferences under one shared passion: baking the world a better place.
With a product born of science, a process grounded in craftsmanship, and a purpose that uplifts the baking community, BAR is proudly raising the standard of Indian chocolate. It may not come from Switzerland, but it melts with the same magic – and it’s made with even more heart.
Pearl Global Industries delivers highest ever revenue Rs. 4,506 Crores in FY25
New Delhi, 21th May 2025: Pearl Global Industries Limited (PGIL) , a global fashion and lifestyle company specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of apparel, has announced its audited financial results for the quarter and year ended 31st March 2025.
Consolidated Financial Highlights for FY25:
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Total Revenue reached Rs. 4,506 crores, a robust growth of 31.1% YoY. Company achieved sales value / volume growth across geographies
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Adjusted EBITDA (excl. ESOP expense) stood at Rs. 411 crores, a growth of 29.8% YoY. Adjusted EBITDA margins stood at 9.1% in FY25
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PAT after Minority Interest stood at Rs. 248 crores, up by 42.0% YoY
Consolidated Financial Highlights for Q4 FY25:
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Total Revenue stood at Rs. 1,229 crores, a growth of 40.1% YoY
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Adjusted EBITDA (excl. ESOP expense) came in at Rs. 119 crores, up by 41.7% YoY, with margin at 9.7%. Excluding for losses in operations at new facilities (Guatemala, Bihar etc.) adjusted EBITDA for Q4 FY25 stands at 10.5%
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PAT after Minority Interest stood at Rs. 68 crores, marking a growth of 32.9% YoY
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Successfully shipped 20+ million pieces in a single quarter
Standalone Financial Highlights for FY25:
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Total Revenue stood at Rs. 1,196 crores, a growth of 25.4% YoY. The increase in revenue is due to growth in wallet share with key customers
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Adjusted EBITDA (excl. ESOP expense) reached Rs. 66 crores, a growth of 34.9% YoY, with 5.6% margin
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PAT stood at Rs. 55 crores, a growth of 94.4% YoY
Standalone Financial Highlights for Q4 FY25:
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Total Revenue stood at Rs. 397 crores, reflecting a strong 24.2% YoY growth
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Adjusted EBITDA (excl. ESOP expense) stood at Rs. 40 crores, a robust growth of 96.0% YoY with margin growth of 380 bps YoY to 10.2% in Q4FY25
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PAT nearly doubled to Rs. 23 crores, marking 95.2% YoY increase
Balance Sheet Highlights:
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Networth as on 31st March 2025 stood at Rs. 1,146 crores compared to Rs. 817 crores as on 31st March 2024
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Cash and Bank Balance (excluding cash earmarked for LC payments) stood at Rs. 513 crores as on 31st March 2025 compared to Rs. 285 crores as on 31st March 2024
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Working Capital Days stood at 38 days as on 31st March 2025
Other Highlights – FY25:
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The Company shipped highest number of pieces, reaching 74.3 million in FY25, marking a significant increase from 56.9 million pieces shipped in FY24
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Credit Rating upgrade: Long-term rating stands at ICRA A and short-term rating stands at ICRA A1
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Enhanced Board Strength with the induction of two independent directors, Mr. Rahul Mehta Narendra and Ms. Jyoti Arora, reinforcing governance excellence and strategic oversight
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Declared a second interim dividend of Rs. 6.50 per equity share for FY 2024-25. The total FY25 dividend stands at Rs. 11.50 per equity share, With payout of 22.9%
By – Mr. Pulkit Seth, Vice-Chairman & Non-Executive Director, said:
“We are proud to report our best-ever consolidated performance for both Q4 and the full year of FY25, setting new records across all key financial indicators—revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and profit after tax. We have achieved Rs. 1,000 crore+ revenue for all quarters during the current financial year. Our Group turnover has crossed Rs. 4,500 crore and Group adjusted EBITDA has crossed Rs. 400 crore mark, reflecting sustained financial strength. We have also declared a second interim dividend of Rs. 6.50, taking the FY25 total to Rs. 11.50 per share, with a 22.9% payout ratio.
On the global front, despite early-year disruptions in Bangladesh, we maintained operational resilience, achieving our highest–ever shipment volumes without any delays. Our focus on execution, supply chain agility, and cost discipline has strengthened the core financial foundation of the company. With a healthy balance sheet, a diversified customer base across geographies, and our sustained commitment to creating operating efficiencies, we are well-positioned to deliver consistent earnings growth and long-term shareholder value.
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) further solidify our cost competitiveness in a high-margin market. Our multi-country manufacturing presence combined with stable cash flows gives us confidence in surpassing our FY28 vision—anchored on profitability, scalability, and value creation.
As we embark on a new financial year, we are poised to sustain our momentum, strengthened by a solid customer base and an extensive global footprint. With confidence in our strategy and execution, we are ready to accelerate our objectives for FY28 and beyond, driving transformative growth with purpose and vision.”
By – Mr. Pallab Banerjee, Managing Director said:
“We are delighted to share that FY25 has been a year of strong performance and continued growth momentum. Our India business, with existing capacities, now reflects an annualized revenue potential of over Rs. 1,600+ crore, well-positioned for accelerated expansion, supported by the UK FTA and other upcoming trade agreements.
In India (Standalone business excl. Bihar), we reached a key milestone by delivering double-digit Adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.2% in Q4 FY25, in line with the guidance on leverage playing out with volume. Excluding initial costs associated with Guatemala and Bihar, our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margins for Q4 FY25 remained in the double-digit range, showcasing the underlying strength of our business. On the operations front, we shipped a record 74.3 million pieces in FY25 up from 56.9 million in FY24, reflecting deeper wallet share with existing clients and continued success in new client acquisitions.
The recently concluded India-UK FTA is a strategic breakthrough for us, eliminating earlier duty disadvantages of 10–12% and putting Indian manufacturers on equal footing with countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Turkey. We see the UK as a significant growth opportunity, with the potential to double or even triple its current ~5% contribution to our business within the next one to two years. Our established UK-based design and sales office, coupled with a strong customer base, further reinforces this trajectory. With our strategy to strengthen the order book for the full year and a strong focus on targeted operational efficiency, we remain optimistic about offsetting the impact of the tariff upcharge over the fiscal year. As competitiveness improves across geographies, we are confident in building a robust order book and accelerating our growth targets.”
Celebrating 65 Glorious Years: Chicken Inn, Delhi’s Culinary Landmark, Now Brings Its Legendary Flavours to Gurgaon
New Delhi, 21st May 2025 — It’s a landmark year for Chicken Inn, one of Delhi’s most cherished culinary institutions. Celebrating 65 glorious years, the restaurant that introduced generations to its legendary Butter Chicken and rich North Indian flavours is now writing its next chapter: a brand-new outpost in Gurgaon.
What began in 1960 as a modest kitchen on Pandara Road, founded by the visionary Shri Asanand Arora, has grown into a name that resonates far beyond the capital. Known for its hearty food, soulful recipes, and warm service, Chicken Inn has stood the test of time—welcoming everyone from celebrities and politicians to families who’ve made it part of their celebrations for decades.
Now, with the reins firmly in the hands of Aman and Ridhi Arora, the third-generation custodians of the brand, Chicken Inn continues to evolve while staying rooted in its core values. Aman, a third-generation entrepreneur, stepped into the business at 19 and has spent over a decade refining and expanding the menu—introducing beloved additions like Kakori and Galauti Kebabs, and establishing Chicken Inn as the first on Pandara Road to offer a full-service bar.
“The opening in Gurgaon feels deeply personal,” share Aman and Ridhi. “It’s more than a new location, it’s a way of passing our story forward. Chicken Inn is about comfort, authenticity, and a sense of belonging. We want people in Gurgaon to experience not just our food, but the heart behind it.”
The Gurgaon outlet stays true to its roots, offering the signature dishes that have defined the brand for decades, while infusing a modern energy—through an inviting new space, a Private Dining Room, an Organic Cocktail Bar, and curated packages for intimate gatherings, perfect for everything from cosy celebrations to special occasions. In addition to its iconic North Indian fare, Chicken Inn also serves a selection of Chinese dishes that have quietly become favourites among its regulars—rounding out a menu that is both classic and comfort-driven.
Whether you’re coming back for that familiar buttery richness or trying Chicken Inn for the first time, the new space promises an experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new—a celebration of legacy, reimagined for today.
Markets Slide for Third Straight Session; Sensex Falls 872 Points, Nifty Below 24,700
By – Mr. Vikram Kasat, Head – Advisory, PL Capital.
“Equity markets remained under pressure for a third straight session on Tuesday, with benchmark indices ending over 1% lower after a volatile start. The Sensex dropped 872 points to close at 81,186, while the Nifty slipped 261 points to settle at 24,683. Profit booking in heavyweights, weak cues from institutional flows, and caution ahead of key earnings contributed to the slide. Both FIIs and DIIs were net sellers, with foreign investors offloading ₹526 crore worth of shares.
Key highlights:
• Broader market action was mixed with 1,455 stocks advancing and 2,517 declining on the BSE.
• Over 80 stocks touched 52-week highs, while 192 hit lower circuits.
• IT stocks saw renewed interest, though large caps, especially those facing index exclusion risks, dragged indices lower.
Bottom line:
Despite a bright global backdrop and select stock-specific action, domestic benchmarks struggled under selling pressure, signalling near-term caution and consolidation.”
Adidas and Arsenal Launch 2025–26 Home Kit
New Delhi, May 20th, 2025 – adidas and Arsenal today proudly unveil the Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt. The new shirt explores “The Heart of Arsenal”, using the human heart as a creative device to take supporters on a journey to the source of life behind the badge. Starring a host of players from both the men’s and women’s team, the launch film reveals the players’ internal monologues and is set to the sound of their real heartbeats, with a special musical composition. As the club celebrates Arsenal in the Community’s 40th anniversary this year, the film also features young participants from a number of Arsenal’s local community programmes, including Premier League Kicks, Primary Stars and Football Plus – all of which use the power of football to develop and educate children and young people.
Arsenal‘s Myles Lewis-Skelly said, “I love our new kit, it looks fresh – I’m excited to wear this in front of our incredible supporters. Their energy lifts us and when we step out in the shirt, we feel it more than ever.”
Arsenal‘s Kim Little said, “Supporters are at the heart of everything we do, and this new kit connects to that so deeply. We carry our supporters with us, and they carry us with them, no matter where they are. They push us forward.”
Arsenal’s men’s, women’s and youth teams will take to the pitch in a kit that fuses cutting-edge performance materials and apparel technology alongside an emblem representing Arsenal’s past, with one of the most iconic crests in club history being integrated into the design. Taken from the ‘Victoria Concordia Crescit’ crest, first seen on match day programmes in the 1949/50 season, the ‘A’ of ‘Arsenal’ is rendered in a Gothic font and features as a repeating print throughout the shirt. The gothic ‘A’ has grown to be synonymous with Arsenal’s identity, notably featuring on the classic 1990-91 league-winning home shirt worn at Highbury and is reimagined again today through the 2025–26 home kit.
Each authentic Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt uses adidas HEAT.RDY technology for improved comfort, fit and moisture management, including the incorporation of structured mesh fabric material in key areas and 3D engineered fabric in the nape to provide consistent ventilation. Supporters will also be able to enjoy the same design on the AEROREADY version of the Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt, which includes the incorporation of recycled materials.
The Arsenal 2025–26 home shirt is complemented by all-white home shorts with red detailing, and red socks featuring the same gothic ‘A’ as the shirt, completed with the adidas signature Three stripes. Arsenal’s men’s team will wear the new 2025–26 shirt for the first time in their final game of the domestic league season against Newcastle United on May 18 at Emirates Stadium.
Ice Make FY25 Revenue Hits INR 480 Cr with 64% Q4 Surge
Mumbai/Ahmedabad, May 19, 2025: Ice Make Refrigeration Limited , a leading manufacturer of 50 plus commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment, has reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended March 31, 2025.
Financial Highlights
For the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q4 FY25), the company reported consolidated revenue from operations of ₹180.82 crore, marking a robust 26.76% year-on-year increase from ₹140.14 crore in Q4 FY24. This is a 29.02% quarter on-quarter sequential growth. EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹21.85 crore, compared to ₹20.93 crore in the same period last year.
However, EBITDA margin softened to 12.08% from 14.93% on account of higher input costs. Profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter was ₹11.66 crore, down from ₹14.27 crore in Q4 FY24, while earnings per share (EPS) stood at ₹7.42 versus ₹9.06 in the previous year’s corresponding quarter.
For the full financial year ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), Ice Make achieved consolidated revenue from operations of ₹480.42 crore, an increase of 26.76% year-on-year compared to ₹379.00 crore in FY24. The company reported EBITDA of ₹43.44 crore in FY25, up from ₹41.39 crore in FY24, although the EBITDA margin slightly declined to 09.04% from 10.92%. The full-year PAT stood at ₹22.90 crore as against ₹26.14 crore in FY24, with a corresponding EPS of ₹14.65 compared to ₹16.64 a year earlier.
The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of ₹2.25 per equity share (22.5% of face value ₹10), subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM.
Management Commentary
“We are pleased to report a strong close to the year, with a 64% sequential revenue growth in Q4 FY25, demonstrating the strength of our underlying business and recovery in order execution. While we delivered robust revenue growth during FY2025, reaching nearly ₹480 crore, we narrowly missed our internal milestone of ₹500 crore due to delayed execution of certain product order in the 1st 9 months of FY25. These delays, along with the timing mismatch of input costs already accounted for, impacted full-year profitability. Despite these headwinds, our operations remained resilient, supported by our strategic investments in innovation, capacity expansion, and a customer-centric approach. We also saw continued momentum in our commercial and industrial refrigeration verticals, including ammonia refrigeration and cold chain solutions. The Board’s recommendation of a final dividend reflects our unwavering commitment to long-term shareholder value and sustainable growth.”— Mr. Chandrakant Patel, Chairman & Managing Director
Q1 2025 Real Estate Sentiment Index Shows Cautious Outlook: Knight Frank-NAREDCO
Mumbai, May 19, 2025: The 44th edition of the Knight Frank – NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index Q1 2025 (January–March 2025) report reflects a cautiously optimistic mood among real estate stakeholders. The Current Sentiment Score in Q1 2025 dipped slightly to 54 from 59 in Q4 2024, down from 59 in Q4 2024, while the Future Sentiment Score eased to 56, compared to 59 in the previous quarter. Though both scores, remain in the optimistic zone, signal growing stakeholder caution amid global trade tensions, economic recalibration, and regional volatility. Despite this, positive momentum in commercial real estate and sustained activity in high-value residential segments continue to support sentiment resilience. According to the survey findings, residential outlook leans toward stability amid cautious launch plans. In Q1 2025, 93% of stakeholders expect residential prices to remain stable or improve, while 67% anticipate stability or growth in new launches. Residential sales sentiment, however, has moderated with only 50% expecting it to either improve or stay the same compared to 88% in Q1 2024.
The office segment remains a bright spot, supported by robust leasing activity and stable rental growth. In Q1 2025, 82% of stakeholders anticipate office leasing volumes to either hold steady or increase, while 91% expect office rents to remain stable or rise—signalling sustained occupier confidence and healthy demand.
The quarterly Knight Frank-NAREDCO Real Estate Sentiment Index report captures the current and future sentiments towards the real estate sector, as well as economic conditions and funding availability as perceived by the supply-side stakeholders and financial institutions. A score of 50 represents a neutral view or status quo; a score above 50 demonstrates a positive sentiment; and a score below 50 indicates a negative sentiment.
Sentiments of Developers and Non-Developers
The Developer Future Sentiment Score dropped to 53 in Q1 2025 from 58 in Q4 2024, as developers recalibrate supply strategies amid slowing low to mid ticket size segment demand in the residential sector and rising costs.
The Non-Developer Future Sentiment Score (including banks, financial institutions, and PE funds) moderated to 57 from 60, reflecting a wait-and-watch approach on capital deployment, while remaining optimistic on office and high-ticket size residential segments.
Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said, “Q1 2025 marks a phase of strategic recalibration for the real estate sector, shaped by evolving global trade dynamics, softening consumption, and heightened geopolitical sensitivity. Despite these shifts, India’s office market remains resilient, and the continued strength of the premium residential segment affirms the sector’s underlying robustness. As macroeconomic indicators adjust, real estate is displaying its capacity to adapt with stability and long-term potential.”
“Residential market outlook
The residential sentiment in Q1 2025 reflected a clear shift toward stability and cautious optimism. While overall enthusiasm has moderated compared to the highs of 2023 and early 2024, the market continues to show resilience, particularly in higher ticket size segments. Only 22% of stakeholders expect residential sales to increase, marking a notable decline from 73% in the same period in last year. This softening is driven by moderation in demand within the mid and lower ticket-size segments, where affordability concerns and truncated supply led to demand deceleration.
Launch activity has also moderated, with 28% of stakeholders anticipating an increase and 39% expecting stability. Price sentiment remains largely positive, with 93% of stakeholders expect prices to either rise or stay stable. The share of those anticipating a price increase stands at 50%, compared to 82% in Q1 2024, suggesting a shift away from aggressive price growth toward a more measured and sustainable pricing environment.
Hari Babu, President-NAREDCO, said, “While the Knight Frank Q1 2025 Sentiment Index shows a marginal decline in both current and future sentiment scores compared to Q4, this slight dip amidst global uncertainties reflects the strength and adaptability of India’s real estate sector. The industry continues to move forward with optimism and long-term conviction.
The Indian real estate sector is showcasing robust performance in the commercial segment, driven by the demand from Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and tech-enabled enterprises — reaffirming India’s growing stature as a global business hub. On the residential front, developers are adopting a more mature, demand-led approach by focusing on high-ticket projects while rebalancing supply in the mid and affordable segments.
This is a sign of steady evolution. We see this as a phase of mindful progress, where Indian real estate is not just expanding, but doing so with greater purpose and prudence. Government-led infrastructure development and the expansion of real estate in Tier 2 and 3 cities will continue to support the sector. Additionally, the recent repo rate cut by the RBI has boosted liquidity and improved buyer sentiment, giving further momentum to the industry. We remain confident in the sector’s potential and its pivotal role in India’s economic journey.”
Office market outlook
The office sector continued to display strength in Q1 2025, backed by robust occupier demand and rental resilience. 82% of stakeholders expect leasing activity to either increase or remain stable, driven by sustained expansion from Global Capability Centres, third party IT services firms, and flex space operators. While only 24% foresee an increase in new office supply, 41% anticipate stability, reflecting developers’ calibrated approach amid high office space absorption. Rents remain on a firm footing, with 91% of respondents expecting them to stay stable or rise.
In Q1 2025, 55% of stakeholders expect economic momentum to either improve or remain stable, down from 91% in the same period in last year. The moderation reflects concerns over global trade volatility, and recent cross-border developments. However, the Reserve Bank of India’s consecutive repo rate cuts in February and April are expected to support consumption and investment, providing a foundation for economic recovery in the months ahead.
Funding sentiment remains steady, with 79% of stakeholders expecting availability to either improve or remain unchanged. While 35% foresee improved access, slightly lower than the previous quarter, the recent rate cuts have enhanced liquidity and reduced borrowing costs.
Vietjet to Deploy 50 Boeing Aircraft to Thailand in Regional Expansion Drive
Mumbai, May 19, 2025: Vietnam’s leading new-age airline Vietjet and Boeing have announced an agreement to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand—marking a strategic initiative to strengthen aviation and tourism connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, as well as other countries in the region. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the latter’s first official visit to Vietnam.
Under the agreement, Vietjet will allocate 50 aircraft from its existing order of 200 Boeing 737s to Vietjet Thailand. The first deliveries are scheduled for October 2025. This move will significantly expand Vietjet Thailand’s domestic and international flight network, particularly enhancing connections between Vietnam and Thailand.
“We are pleased to partner with Vietjet and Vietjet Thailand to expand Boeing 737 operations in Vietnam and Thailand,” said Penny Burtt, President of Boeing Southeast Asia. “Together, we aim to connect communities and drive economic development, paving the way for a prosperous future in Vietnam and the dynamic growth region that is Southeast Asia.”
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, stated at the event: “The transfer of 50 modern and efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation development in the region. We are determined to implement the ‘Three Connects’ Strategy between the two countries – encompassing supply chains, businesses, and localities.”
As part of the agreement, Boeing will also provide Vietjet Thailand with comprehensive technical support, including pilot, maintenance and engineer training, and product services—ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the new fleet in Thailand.
This new agreement marks a new milestone in the robust and effective cooperation between Vietnamese, Thai, and U.S. enterprises, with shared priorities in digital transformation, sustainable development, and narrowing development gaps among member states.
Vietjet currently operates 10 India-Vietnam routes, offering a total of 78 flights per week—making it the airline with the most extensive flight network between the two countries. These routes connect New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru with Vietnam’s key destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
Vietjet Thailand, established in 2014, is a new-age joint venture airline of Vietjet in Thailand, symbolizing the success of ASEAN aviation economic cooperation. Over more than a decade of development, Vietjet Thailand has continuously expanded its fleet and flight network, becoming one of the most dynamic airlines in the Thai market—highly regarded by both local passengers and international travelers in the Land of Smiles.
Headquartered at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Vietjet Thailand currently operates 33 domestic and international routes, connecting Thailand’s economic and tourism hubs with Vietnam, Japan, China, India, Cambodia, and other destinations across the region. The airline has served more than 30 million passengers, making significant contributions to tourism, trade, and ASEAN regional cooperation, particularly between Vietnam and Thailand.