The RBI Monetary Policy announced today

Samir Jasuja, Founder and CEO of PropEquity

The RBI’s focus on maintaining stable inflation while promoting growth is a welcome move and in line with the efforts of the government. The 25bps cut in repo rate, along with the announcements in the Budget towards boosting consumption, will help increase economic activity and direct investments towards the real estate sector, especially in affordable and mid-income housing. Making borrowing cheaper will not only help homebuyers, both new and old but also provide liquidity to the developers.

According to PropEquity, the supply of homes in the affordable and mid-income category (priced Rs 1 crore and below) across the top 9 cities has dipped by 36% in the last two years and 30% in the last year in 2024 with Hyderabad and NCR witnessing drastic fall in supply in this category.

Mr. Garvit Tiwari, Director & Co-Founder, InfraMantra

The 25bps cut in repo rate will help reduce the EMI of home loan borrowers and make new loans cheaper. This is a welcome move because real estate has come under some pressure in the last few quarters. While the luxury real estate segment may not be impacted much, this move will immensely benefit affordable and mid-income housing. Declining urban consumption is a cause for concern and with this cut, some reversal is likely in the coming quarters.

Real Estate Sector- RBI MPC’s decision to Cut the Repo Rate

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

“The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate to 6.25%—its first reduction in nearly five years—signals a pro-growth shift aimed at sustaining India’s economic momentum. With GDP growth projected at 6.7% for FY26, this move will enhance liquidity, encourage investments, and stimulate demand across key sectors.

For real estate, a rate cut after such a long period is a significant boost. Lower borrowing costs will improve home affordability, strengthening buyer sentiment, particularly in the mid-income and premium housing segments. Historically, reduced interest rates have triggered an upswing in housing demand, benefiting both homebuyers and developers. Additionally, improved credit access will support developers in securing funding for project execution, ensuring steady supply and timely deliveries.

The real estate sector, contributing nearly 7% to India’s GDP and projected to reach 13% by 2030, will gain further momentum as urbanization accelerates and infrastructure investments expand. This move will also positively impact allied industries such as cement, steel, and construction materials, creating a multiplier effect on employment and overall economic activity. With a sustained focus on affordability and sustainable development, India’s housing market is well-positioned for long-term growth.”

Mr. Akash Khurana, President and CEO, Krisumi Corporation

The Central Bank’s unanimous decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25 percent is a welcome move that will enhance liquidity in the economy, making credit more accessible and boosting overall consumption. This follows the last MPC’s decision to reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points, which has already injected significant funds into the banking system. Lower interest rates are expected to stimulate housing demand by making home loans more affordable, strengthen market confidence, and provide much-needed momentum to the real estate sector, ultimately supporting economic growth.

Mr. Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group

We welcome the RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate. There were strong expectations for a modest 25 bps rate cut in today’s monetary policy meeting, and the RBI has delivered on those expectations. The decision was driven by the need to support GDP growth, inflation remaining within a comfortable range for the past few quarters, and prevailing tight liquidity conditions. Additionally, global trade dynamics and financial market trends further reinforced the case for a rate reduction.

The repo rate cut will not only improve liquidity but also boost consumption and purchasing power, ultimately driving economic growth. Lower borrowing costs are set to provide a significant push to the real estate sector, as reduced home loan interest rates make homeownership more accessible. This move is expected to encourage higher demand for housing, benefiting both end-users and investors alike.

Mr. Udit Jain, Director, OneGroup

The 25 basis point cut in the repo rate is a welcome move, particularly for homebuyers in the affordable and mid-segment categories. Given that these housing segments are highly cost-sensitive, a lower EMI burden will undoubtedly encourage more buyers to take the plunge into homeownership.

Additionally, the rate cut is expected to provide a strong boost to housing demand in Tier II and Tier III cities, where affordability plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions. Combined with other favorable factors—such as increased savings from revised tax slabs in Budget 2025-26 and the upcoming implementation of the 8th Pay Commission—this move sets the stage for sustained growth in the real estate sector. The combined impact of these measures will give a much-needed boost to industries linked to housing, enhance home loan eligibility, improve affordability, and drive higher demand for housing in the near future.

ACC Break Workplace Silos to Enhance Sustainability Reporting

Chandigarh, 7 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.’

Motherson & Sanko Japan Form JV for Sustainable Packaging in India & Europe

Mumbai, 07th February 2025 Motherson, a global engineering, manufacturing, and assembly conglomerate, announces a strategic partnership with Sanko Japan, a leader in material handling solutions such as sustainable packaging solutions. This collaboration is another step in line with Motherson’s vision of becoming a globally preferred sustainable solutions provider. By focusing on developing reusable and sustainable packaging solutions, this partnership integrates well with Motherson’s efforts toward decarbonization.

Sanko, founded in 1951, is Japan’s No.1 manufacturer of plastic material handling products and a leading company in sustainable packaging solution business. It serves its customers across a diverse range of industries. Sanko has strong engineering capabilities and an in-house technical center to develop products that are structurally and technically engineered for durability, reusability, and full recyclability.

The joint venture will contribute to greater efficiencies in material handling with cost reduction in overall logistics spending. By combining Sanko’s engineering expertise and decades of innovation with Motherson’s extensive presence across India C Europe, we aim to provide innovative, sustainable solutions for both automotive and non-automotive industries.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman Motherson, said,

“We are excited to announce that this partnership with Sanko is a strategic, synergistic diversification for our Group. We believe that reimagining packaging as an engineered solution versus a simple commodity can bring immense logistics, cost, and value efficiencies to supply chains. More importantly, we see this collaboration as another way to support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.”

Commenting on this development, Mr. Toshihiko Goto, President Sanko, said,

“We are delighted to create a strategic partnership with Motherson, which can contribute to our expanding business globally. We believe we can contribute more to Motherson’s and our valuable customers by combining Motherson’s strong global presence and our long experience and rich expertise in the sustainable packaging solution business.”

Gensol Engineering Wins Rs 967.98 Cr EPC Contract for 245 MW Solar Project in Gujarat

Mumbai, January 07, 2025: Gensol Engineering Limited (BSE: 542851, NSE: GENSOL), a leading player in the renewable energy sector, has further solidified its position as a key driver of India’s energy transition by securing a significant EPC contract. The company has been awarded a contract by a renowned public sector undertaking for the development of a 245 MW Solar PV Project at the prestigious Khavda RE Power Park in Gujarat. This contract, valued at approximately INR 967.98 Crores (inclusive of GST), includes three years of comprehensive O&M services.

This marks Gensol’s second major project win at the Khavda Solar Park within a short span, underscoring the company’s strong market presence and execution capabilities. Earlier this month, the company secured an EPC contract worth INR 1062.97 Crores for a 275 MW Solar PV Project – part of the larger 795 MW Solar PV Development Package – at the same location. With these two significant projects, Gensol will now be responsible for the cumulative development of 520 MW of Solar PV capacity at the Khavda Solar Park, a site poised to become the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park.

Anmol Singh Jaggi, MD and Chairman, of Gensol Engineering, shared, “These back-to-back orders at Khavda Solar Park are a testament to Gensol’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions. India is on a remarkable journey towards energy independence, and renewable energy is at the forefront of this transformation. Gensol is proud to be a key contributor to this national endeavor.”

Commenting on the win, Shilpa Urhekar, Chief Executive Officer, Solar EPC (India) in Gensol Engineering Ltd., stated, “We are deeply honored to have signed the contract with a leading public sector undertaking for this prestigious project. Securing two major projects at Khavda within a short timeframe reflects the trust and confidence placed in Gensol’s engineering expertise, and firm commitment to customer satisfaction. We are excited to contribute to the nation’s renewable energy goals and further strengthen our position as a leading EPC player in the Indian market.”

By leveraging its expertise in solar EPC services, Gensol remains committed to driving sustainable energy solutions that align with the nation’s vision for a greener and more energy-efficient future. By harnessing innovative technologies and fostering a culture of excellence, the company aims to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the nation’s energy landscape, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.

Tata Power & Bank of Baroda MOU to Finance Residential PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Mumbai, 7th February, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, and Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of residential rooftop solar power systems. The MoU will facilitate financing options for residential customers under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The collaboration will leverage on the wide branch network and financing capabilities of Bank of Baroda and the market leadership and dealer network of Tata Power Renewable Energy, enabling seamless sourcing and loan processing for customers. This strategic partnership is set to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing affordable and accessible financing, thereby supporting India’s transition to renewable energy.

By providing access to affordable, hassle-free financing options, Bank of Baroda and Tata Power Renewable Energy will enable Indian households to adopt sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Under the MoU, applicants can avail loan amounts up to ₹6 lakh at an attractive interest rate starting at 7% p.a., with both fixed and floating rate of interest options available.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, customers installing residential rooftop solar systems with capacities of up to 3 kW can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh with no income documentation required. The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and offers an attractive interest rate of 7% p.a. The loans are collateral-free and come with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years, making solar installations affordable for households.

For larger installations ranging from above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, customers can avail loans of up to ₹6 lakh under the regular scheme. These loans require a margin money contribution of 20%. Bank of Baroda’s Home Loan customers will enjoy special concessional interest rates ranging from 9.15% to 11% p.a. For non-Home Loan customers, interest rates will range from 10.15% to 12% p.a. The loans are collateral-free with a maximum repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers installing rooftop solar systems are eligible for government subsidies, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installation. For solar systems up to 2 kW, customers can avail a subsidy covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost, while for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, the subsidy covers 40% of the benchmark cost. Installations above 3 kW receive a fixed subsidy for the first 3 kW, with additional capacity receiving support as per scheme guidelines. These subsidies, combined with affordable financing options, make rooftop solar more accessible, helping households lower electricity bills while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL said, “This strategic collaboration with Bank of Baroda marks a significant step forward in our mission to make clean energy solutions accessible to every household in India. By offering affordable and convenient financing options, we are enabling residential customers to embrace rooftop solar technology with ease. This initiative not only empowers individuals to reduce their energy costs but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar energy accounting for almost 100 GW. This significant growth is driven by robust policy support, enhanced competitiveness, and rising investor confidence. At Bank of Baroda, we are strongly committed to expand our engagement in the renewable energy sector, in line with the government’s vision to maximise power generation through sustainable sources. We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Power Renewable, a key leader in India’s renewable energy landscape.”

TPREL, recognised as India’s No. 1 solar rooftop company, leads the market with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 10.9 GW (PPA capacity is 8.9 GW) including 5.5 GW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, which includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind.

L&T Dispatches Third Steam Generator for Kaiga Atomic Power Station

Chandigarh, February 07, 2025: The Heavy Engineering arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has achieved yet another milestone by despatching the third Steam Generator (SG), ahead of schedule, for the indigenously developed 10 x 700 Megawatt-electric (MWe) Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) fleet programme.

The despatch ceremony took place at L&T’s A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex at Hazira, Gujarat, in the presence of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) Director Technical Mr Rajesh V and his team.

The SG is for the Karnataka-based Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAIGA) Units 5 & 6. L&T had achieved a global benchmark by delivering the first SG in just 33 months.

Mr Anil V Parab, Whole-time Director & Senior Executive Vice President of L&T Heavy Engineering & L&T Valves, appreciated both L&T and NPCIL teams for consistent fast-track deliveries, in line with the Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) target to install 22 GWe nuclear power by 2032 and Viksit Bharat vision of 100 GWe by 2047. L&T is committed to deliver 6-8 nos 700 MWe Steam Generators every year and for the success of 220 MWe Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) programme to ensure net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

The globally benchmarked, state-of-the-art, fully integrated and digitally-enabled A M Naik Heavy Engineering Manufacturing Complex at Hazira continues to produce critical equipment with worldclass quality and speed.

L&T, with its six-decade-long association with NPCIL and the DAE, is committed to contributing to India’s nuclear power capacity in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Step Into Sobé Decor: Bangalore’s New Luxury Home Decor Destination

Bangalore store

Mumbai, February 2025: Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, has always been a city of contrasts, blending tradition with modernity. Now, the city’s discerning residents have a new destination to indulge their passion for luxury home decor. Sobé Decor, the renowned name in the world of exquisite home decor and tableware, has opened its doors to a stunning new store in the heart of Indiranagar, Bangalore.

Located in the iconic Falaknuma Building, the neighborhood known for its upscale lifestyle and discerning clientele, makes it easily accessible to those who appreciate the finer things in life. The new store boasts a curated selection of premium brands, including the latest collections from Gloss from Norway, Shabby Chic, Copacabana, and Christina Oliver. Each collection is a masterpiece, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, elevating your living space tenfold.

Originally established as an exclusive Noritake showroom, the space has been rebranded as Sobé Decor to include a curated selection of other premium brands, tapping into the city’s evolving tastes for global luxury. The new store offers the widest range of Noritake collections in India under one roof, along with other renowned brands. Its premium setup reflects Sobé Decor’s ethos of providing an unparalleled luxury shopping experience, making it a standout destination for home and tableware enthusiasts. The prime location and the store’s elegant ambiance create an immersive shopping experience that is both luxurious and inspiring. Bangalore, known for its cosmopolitan culture and discerning taste, was a natural choice for Sobé Decor’s expansion.

“Bangalore, a city of dreams and aspirations, has always captivated us with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. We are thrilled to bring the world of luxury home decor to the discerning people of Bangalore. Our new store is more than just a retail space; it’s a destination where elegance meets functionality. Our goal is to elevate the home decor experience, offering a curated collection of exquisite pieces that resonate with the city’s discerning taste. We’re confident that our new store will inspire homeowners to create spaces that are not just beautiful, but also deeply personal.” said Nivedita Jegadeesh, Founder of Sobe Decor.

Cookin’ Up Chemistry with Tramontina

Finding the perfect partner is about discovering qualities that complement your life—just like Tramontina’s All-in-One Pan complements your kitchen. This Valentine’s Day, surprise your loved one with a gift that’s as dependable, stylish, and full of charm as they are.

Like a partner who checks all the right boxes, this pan is your all-in-one kitchen hero—perfect for baking cakes, simmering Thai curry, or serving right at the table with its chic design. The non-toxic ceramic-coated interior is like finally saying goodbye to that toxic boyfriend—no bad stuff sticking around, just healthier meals and effortless cleanup that make life so much better.

Ever feel like your partner is also your parent—fun but always watches out for you? This pan is just that, ready to easily handle every kitchen adventure with an aluminum lid, steamer insert, and easy-pour spouts. Induction-ready, dishwasher-friendly, and bursting with vibrant colors—this pan is here to steal the show, it is designed to impress.

From whipping up a romantic dinner for two to crafting everyday favorites, the All-in-One Pan is as dependable as true love. This Valentine’s Day, gift the ultimate cookware companion—a symbol of love that lasts.

NSE Academy & NISM Launch Joint Certificate Program

Chandigarh, February 7, 2025: NSE Academy Limited (NAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) have entered into a strategic partnership to provide joint certificate program designed to improve the skills and knowledge of both students and professionals in the securities and financial markets.

This collaboration between two industry leaders seeks to address the growing demand for quality education for capacity building in BFSI sector in India, equipping individuals and businesses with the necessary tools and expertise to thrive in the dynamic financial ecosystem. The joint certificate program will be designed to cater to a wide spectrum of learners, from beginners seeking foundational knowledge to experienced professionals looking to upgrade their skills. PG Certificate program in Fintech, a weekend program with campus immersion and capstone projects is the first joint program being offered under this collaboration. NAL and NISM will further offer other programs in areas such as Capital Markets, Risk Management, Financial Analysis, and Regulatory Frameworks, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Director NISM Shri Sashi Krishnan said: “We are delighted to collaborate with NSE Academy to launch the PG Certificate Program in Fintech, a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in the financial sector. This program, carefully curated with specialized modules such as AI, Block chain, Cybersecurity, Generative AI, and Data Analytics, provides a robust foundation for understanding and applying emerging technologies in finance. At NISM, we remain committed to excellence in financial education, and this collaboration marks a transformative milestone in preparing future-ready talent for the financial markets.”

Speaking on the occasion, Registrar NISM Shri Sunil Kadam said: “We are proud to collaborate with NSE Academy to launch the PG Certificate Program in Fintech. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation and building a future-ready workforce for the financial sector. By combining cutting-edge technologies like AI, Block chain, and Cybersecurity with hands-on learning and real-world applications, this program equips participants with the skills needed to excel in the dynamic fintech ecosystem. Together, we aim to empower professionals to lead the transformative changes shaping India’s financial markets.”

Speaking on the occasion, CEO NSE Academy Ltd. Shri Abhilash Misra said: “NSE Academy and NISM have a shared vision of building future ready talent, and this partnership represents a significant advancement in fostering a more knowledgeable and proficient workforce within India’s rapidly evolving BFSI sector. It is a privilege to collaborate with NISM, nation’s premier institution to provide these specialized programs, which will address the skill gap in the markets.”