Bangalore, 7th February 2024: Vahan.ai, India’s leading AI-powered hiring platform for blue-collar workers, has secured investment from Persol Group, a prominent HR services provider in the Asia-Pacific region based in Tokyo, Japan. This strategic partnership aligns with Persol Group’s foc on expanding its footprint in the Indian market, which is witnessing significant growth in its economy.

India’s gig economy is at an inflection point, with demand for gig workers surging by 25–30% in 202 primarily driven by the quick commerce sector. According to industry experts, gig hiring in this sector is projected to grow by a staggering 60% in 2025, fueled by the rapid expansion of dark stores, increased investments, and penetration into Tier II and III cities. The Niti Aayog projects that India’s gig workforce, currently at 9–10 million, could reach 23.5 million by 2029–30, showcasing the sector’s immense long-term potential.

With this investment, Vahan.ai aims to scale its operations, focusing on emerging sectors like manufacturing and retail, and continue enhancing its cutting-edge AI technology to meet the evolving needs of employers and workers alike. Earlier in September 2024, Vahan.ai raised $10 million in its Series B funding round led by Khosla Ventures, along with Y Combinator, US-based VC firm Gaingel, and Indian tech entrepreneur Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder of Paytm, amongst others.

Manufacturing, a key pillar of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, is projected to grow from 15% of India’s GDP to over 25%, adding USD 320 billion in gross value added (GVA). Meanwhile, the retail sector is expected to expand from USD 779 billion in 2019 to over USD 2 trillion by 2032, with e-commerce alone growing at an annual rate of 11.45% to reach USD 91 billion by 2029, and the FMCG sector expected to be worth approximately USD 616 billion by 2027.

To capitalize on these growth trends, Vahan.ai will also invest in advancing its AI technology. Currently, Vahan’s AI Recruiter conducts interviews in English and Hindi, with plans to support eight major Indian languages and numerous dialects within the next year, making the platform even more accessible and inclusive.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Madhav Krishna, CEO and Founder, of Vahan.ai stated, “India’s gig economy is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, with smaller cities and emerging sectors driving a surge in demand for gig workers. Quick commerce alone is expected to double its workforce needs in these regions, creating opportunities for millions of individuals to access jobs and improve their livelihoods. By combining our AI-driven solutions with Persol’s deep expertise in workforce management, we aim to scale our technology, expand into new sectors, and create a more inclusive and efficient employment ecosystem. This collaboration positions us to transform hiring practices and empower both workers and employers as we work together to build Bharat.”

In 2024, Vahan.ai achieved remarkable milestones, solidifying its position as India’s largest recruitment platform for the quick commerce industry. The platform facilitated 2.6 lakh job placements across 920 cities, with leading companies such as Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, Zepto, Blinkit, Amazon, Rapido, and Uber. Through its AI recruiter, Vahan.ai saved over 20,000 hours of human recruiter effort, significantly improving hiring efficiency for employers. With the current invest

Vahan.ai plans to expand its reach further and focus on developing technologies that enhance the gig hiring ecosystem in India.

Shingo Ishida, Partner and Head of APAC Investment at Persol Group said,

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Vahan.ai, whose innovative technology and advanced business operations, driven by deep market insights, align perfectly with our broader strategy in India. Vahan’s Master Agency Platform is designed to revolutionize talent acquisition and workforce management by leveraging AI-driven solutions. Through this partnership, the PERSOL Group will support the expansion of Vahan’s reach, helping businesses in India access skilled talent more efficiently.”

As the Indian gig economy continues to grow, investments in innovative platforms like Vahan.ai are key to shaping its future and ensuring inclusive growth across sectors and regions.

Nikunj Agarwal, Head – Fund Raise, Finance, Alliances, Propelld.

“We welcome the repo rate cut by 25 bps to 6.25% which will benefit non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). Reduced rates will increase the profit margins of NBFCs and drive more participation in the market. At Propelld, we have been managing assets and liabilities prudently by keeping NPAs at the lowest level.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.