Mumbai, 19 September 2024: New research from Colliers has found that the Asia Pacific region was home to four of the top ten global cross-border capital sources in the first half of 2024 – Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and China. When it came to global capital, targeting standing assets, Japan and China were in the top five destinations globally with Australia too representing the APAC region within the top ten list, according to Colliers’ Global Capital Flows Report | H1 2024.

India notably features prominently at the third place in the list of Global cross-border capital destinations for land/development sites in the report.

The office sector was the most sought after in terms of investment activity in APAC in the first half of 2024, followed by industrial sector. In India too, investments in industrial & warehousing and office assets remained strong in the first half of the year. Investments in Industrial assets especially, were 5X times, compared to same period last year. Amidst rising demand for superior quality Grade A assets and evolving supply-chain models, global investor confidence in the sector is improving significantly.

“Foreign investment in India’s industrial & warehousing sector has been gaining significant traction in recent times. In H1 2024, nearly 70% of the total foreign inflows in India’s real estate sector were directed towards industrial & warehousing assets. Investor affinity is being driven by rising demand from 3PL & E-commerce players and strengthening of manufacturing capabilities across key industrial corridors of the country. In fact, the growing appeal of India as a key destination for industrial investments reinforces long-term confidence in the sector,” said Piyush Gupta, Managing Director, Capital Markets & Investment Services at Colliers India

With USD 3.5 billion of inflows in H1 2024, institutional investor interest in Indian real estate has remained firm. While 70% of investments during H1 2024 were focused on ready assets, India’s fast-paced growth and infrastructure development will continue to offer numerous opportunities in developmental assets over the coming years.

“Backed by robust domestic demand, healthy GDP growth and likely easing of monetary policy in the next few quarters, investments in Indian real estate sector will remain steady. Evident from a 73% share during H1 2024, foreign inflows will continue to dominate institutional investments in the near-term. Although North America and EMEA will lead the foreign inflow of funds, we can witness increasing traction from investors in the wider APAC region,” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.

“APAC is a powerhouse of economic activity, offering diverse investment opportunities across traditional sectors such as residential, commercial and industrial & logistics as well as growing specialized sectors like data centers and cold storage. Improving fundamentals are set to create new investment opportunities in the months ahead, with global rate cuts signaling positivity for real estate markets.” said Chris Pilgrim, Colliers’ Managing Director of Global Capital Markets, Asia Pacific.

by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Before urbanization took off earnestly in India, humans and nature coexisted admirably. Unfortunately, rampant real estate development has steadily reduced Indians’ access to nature. From the increasing demand for integrated townships with abundant greenery, we can see that urban dwellers today are looking to reconnect with nature.

 

The Cost of Urbanization

Our cities’ development agendas have taken a huge toll. Parks and forested regions have been replaced with high-rise skyscrapers. It’s tempting to blame municipal authorities and real estate developers for this loss, but there is no denying that our cities, which have limited space, must adapt to the constantly rising demand for housing, office buildings and the other real estate manifestations of modern-day life.

Supply follows demand, and developers cater to an ever-increasing demand. But there is a price to pay for this demand-supply interplay – nature has been relegated to the sidelines and, in some cities, wiped out altogether. There is a common belief today that greenery has become a luxury that only the rich can afford.

Pune’s Development Trajectory

Let’s take Pune as an example. This city’s geographic limits were previously much narrower, and there was little motivation to expand them. Pune was the quintessential retirement city and was even called Pensioner’s Paradise. Another claim to fame was its educational institutions, earning it the additional tag of ‘Oxford of the East’. The city and its economic activity coexisted amicably with farming activities, even in the core areas.

Going back a little further, the British viewed Pune (then Poona) as a region of political turmoil and resistance to their rule. Pune did not begin to expand geographically or demographically till India gained independence in 1947.

Then the technological revolution in Pune started. It grew from a tiny city to a full-fledged metropolis because of its rapidly expanding employment opportunities, first in manufacturing, then in software technology and information technology-enabled services (ITeS), attracting a massive influx of people.

The city’s population began to rise significantly in the 1990s because of the country’s economic liberalization, which allowed for foreign investment and boosted industrial expansion. Pune’s salubrious climate, along with its robust education infrastructure, began to draw more and more skilled workforce. Infosys and Wipro established bases here, resulting in the creation of the Hinjewadi IT Park.

This resulted in a cascade effect, attracting other tech enterprises and MNCs. Its proximity to Mumbai, India’s financial capital, added to its appeal to firms looking to cut costs. Rapid urbanization resulted in massive infrastructure development, including upgraded road networks, residential complexes, and commercial malls.

As Pune evolved into an IT powerhouse, more and more real estate development was required to accommodate people and the businesses they work in. As of 2024, the estimated population of Pune is 4.44 million within the city limits and 7.35 million in the metropolitan area.

There was minimal impact on Pune’s once-famous natural wealth when it was still relatively small and unspoiled by the rampant urbanization we see today. It is painfully obvious how much of its originally bountiful supply of green open spaces has been depleted by low and high-rise housing constructions, landfills, commercial structures, and shopping malls.

A Steady Disconnect From Nature

This development approach creates a disconnect between city dwellers and the natural environment. The desire to restore a healthy environment and healthier cities is once again staging a resurgence, but most real estate development today revolves around amenities and facilities. The little vegetation available is mostly ornamental.

Our cities are increasingly turning gray rather than green. Any attempts to reconnect people with the environment must be cross-disciplinary and integrated.

A city needs structures, deforestation is inescapable, and buildings will last as long as humanity. But can we restore nature to our cities?

An attempt in Singapore to reintroduce a natural ecosystem into the urban fabric is yielding incredible benefits. What such a vision of urbanization in the future may accomplish is fascinating. Concrete CAN coexist with a large amount of greenery, and one should not rule out the other.

However, it requires an extremely progressive town-planning vision, strong political resolve, and unwavering backing from the city’s population.

To conclude

Let’s face it – most of the housing demand in India in recent years is mostly for concrete structures with modern amenities, with a little bit of token vegetation. However, we are seeing a resurgence in demand for nature-rich housing in our cities.

Today’s young homebuyers come from a place of increased environmental conscience, and also concerns about their own and their children’s health and wellness. The rise in demand for homes in integrated townships, which guarantee abundant green, open spaces which will not be violated by further development, is testimony to this fact.

It takes time for a city to lose its ‘green’ reputation; for Bangalore and Pune, it took decades. It will take a few more decades to restore it, but it is achievable if all parties, from town planners and municipal officials to real estate developers and buyers, agree it is worthwhile and must be done.

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

NCR’s two urban expressways, namely Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and Dwarka Expressway, have been leading the realty boom in the region. The weighted average price of newly launched projects has risen by upto 165% along the two expressways between July 2021 and July 2024.

According to the NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity, the weighted average price of newly launched projects along Dwarka Expressway rose to Rs 17,357 psf in July 2024 from Rs 8630 psf in July 2021, a rise of 101%. Similarly, the weighted average price of newly launched projects along Noida-Greater Noida expressway rose to Rs 17,428 psf in July 2024 from Rs 6568 psf in July 2021, a rise of 165%.

Among the many micro markets in Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway has seen a rise of 30% in the weighted average price of new launches between July 2023 and July 2024 alone. The supply has increased from 4329 to 5012 units during this period. This rise can be attributed to the inauguration of the expressway in March 2024.

Mr. Sanjoo, MD, 4S Developers said, “Dwarka Expressway has emerged as a prominent micro market in NCR. With its operationalisation, a major shift in population is being witnessed especially from the South-west part of Delhi owing to its new-age amenities and world-class infrastructure which includes connectivity to the International Airport, Delhi-Mumbai expressway and to the industrial and employment hubs in Gurugram. We look forward to this micro market for our future expansion in view of its excellent connectivity and liveability.”

Real estate brokers in south-west Delhi say that apartments in this part of the city have outlived their usefulness as today’s youth working in multi-national companies in Gurugram desire of a lifestyle that is free of chaos and daily hassles.

Vijay Harsh Jha, Founder and CEO of property brokerage firm VS Realtors, says, “The availability of open and green spaces, low-density living, safety, club with indoor games and swimming pool are among the amenities that today’s youth want, and these are important factors for rise in demand, price and habitation in Dwarka Expressway.”

The Noida and Dwarka Expressway was inaugurated and conceptualised respectively in the early 2000s. Both these expressways have made commuting from Delhi breezy. The world-class condominiums with new-age amenities, malls and offices, social infrastructure like schools and hospitals, connectivity etc. have added to the liveability quotient along these expressways.

Shiwang Suraj, Founder & Director of Gurugram-based property consulting firm InfraMantra said, “The Dwarka and Noida Expressways have become the lifeline for commuters. The sharp jump in realty prices point to the rising demand along these expressways. Owing to their strategic importance in terms of their access to the international airports, Delhi-Mumbai expressway and a comprehensive development of social infrastructure, residential projects here are undergoing premiumization. The elevated price points of new launches and their quick sale paint a very positive outlook for the real estate sector in NCR.”

Noida expressway provides easy connectivity to Agra, Lucknow and Eastern UP via Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow expressway and Purvanchal expressway. It also connects with Delhi-Mumbai expressway and to the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar.

Between 2020 and 2023, 10 million sqft office space has been leased out in Noida. Currently, the office rentals range between Rs 40-80 psft which in the near future will rise further. Share of leasing along the Noida expressway has increased.

Mumbai, September 18, 2024: 1 Finance, a financial services institution focused on the personal finance space in India, recently acquired the US psychology patent for their scientific assessment framework, MoneySign®. 1 Finance is the only financial institution to receive the patent for India and the US both for its framework.

The MoneySign® assessment framework has been developed with the help of global psychology experts and behavioural scientists to solve the age-old problem of investor risk appetite analysis. It uses the most extensive framework in psychology called The Big 5 or O-C-E-A-N model, to assess an individual’s risk appetite. The team of financial experts at 1 Finance qualified and related the significance of different traits and biases to individual financial behaviour. This was then modelled across different animal archetypes with the closest human DNA level match from Darwin’s theory of evolution to assign specific MoneySign® to individuals.

Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the US patent, Mr. Keval Bhanushali, Co-founder and CEO at 1 Finance said, “Understanding what our customers need and providing them with a holistic financial solution and not just investment ideas has been our key priority at 1 Finance. MoneySign®has played a vital role in this and been a testament in understanding the crucial emotional aspects of an individual for effective financial planning. So far in India, we have accomplished trusted psychological ecosystem for our valued customers and intend to reach a wider group of individuals globally with the grant received in the United States.”

Sharing his contentment regarding the patent received, Mr. Animesh Hardia, SVP, Quantitative Research at 1 Finance expressed, “At 1 Finance, we’ve always believed that understanding human psychology is the key to effective financial planning. Seeing the profound impact our approach has had on the lives of our customers in India has been incredibly rewarding and has only strengthened our resolve. Our patent grant in the United States for the MoneySign® assessment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who have poured their expertise in financial research and behavioural psychology into creating a truly personalized financial planning solution. Our mission now is to bring the power of MoneySign® to people across the globe, empowering them to make financial decisions that align with their unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations.”

The MoneySign® assessment framework is available for free on the 1 Finance app. Since its launch in December 2022, approximately 100K users have completed MoneySign® assessment on the 1 Finance app. The company recently crossed 1 billion dollars of AUA with average net worth of 2.5 crore per RIA customer.

Mumbai, 18 September 2024: The buy vs. rent debate rages on as more and more Indians migrate to urban centres and evaluate their options. While there are sound arguments for and against both options, the question itself is also geography centric. ANAROCK Research data shows that rental values in key micro-markets of the top 7 cities have gone up to a significant 72% between 2021-end and H1 2024, while capital values saw lower growth.

Dr. Prashant Thakur, Regional Director & Head, Research – ANAROCK Group, says, “Data analysis of key micro-markets in the top 7 cities shows that in cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai, average residential rental values rose more than the capital values between 2021-end to H1 2024. However, areas in NCR, MMR and Hyderabad saw the reverse trend – capital values appreciated more than the rental values.

Such data can be a key parameter – though by no means the only one – used to determine whether it is more advantageous to buy a property or opt for renting.”

 Top markets where rental value growth outpaced capital value appreciation – 2021-end to H1 2024-end

• Bengaluru’s Sarjapur Road saw average monthly rental values increase by 67%, while capital values increased by 54%. At Thannisandra Main Road, avg. rental values rose 56% while capital values appreciated 52%.
• Pune’s Hinjewadi saw rental values appreciate by 52%, while capital values rose just 31%. In Wagholi, rental values growth was 60% while capital values rose by just 30%.
• In Kolkata’s EM Bypass, rental value appreciation was 46%, while capital values growth was just 15%. In Rajarhat, rental value growth was 30% while capital appreciation was 23%.
• Chennai’s Pallavaram recorded rental value growth of 40%, while capital values rose by 18%. At Perambur, rental value growth was 33% while capital appreciation was 18%.

Avg. Monthly Rentals Growth
Cities	Micro Markets	2021-end	Q2 2024	% Change
Bengaluru	Sarjapur Rd	21,000	35,000	67%
	Thannisandra Main Rd	20,500	32,000	56%
Hyderabad	HITECH City	23,000	33,500	46%
	Gachibowli	22,000	33,000	50%
Pune	Hinjewadi	17,800	27,000	52%
	Wagholi	14,200	22,700	60%
NCR	Sohna Road	25,000	35,000	40%
	Sector-150 (Noida)	16,000	25,000	56%
MMR	Chembur	46,000	63,500	38%
	Mulund	39,500	49,700	26%
Kolkata	EM Bypass	19,000	27,800	46%
	Rajarhat	15,000	19,500	30%
Chennai	Perambur	16,200	21,600	33%
	Pallavaram	14,900	20,800	40%

Top markets where capital value appreciation outpaced rental value appreciation – 2021-end to H1 2024-end

Key micro-markets in NCR, MMR and Hyderabad witnessed this trend. For instance:

• NCR’s Sohna Road saw rental values rise 40% in the period, while capital values jumped by 54%. Likewise, Sector-150 in Noida saw rental value growth of 56%, while capital values appreciated by a whopping 126%.
• In MMR’s Chembur, rental growth was 38% while capital appreciation stood at 39%. In Mulund, rental values appreciated by 26% while capital prices rose 36%.
• Hyderabad’s HITECH City and Gachibowli also saw capital appreciation outpace rental values. In HITECH City, rental value growth was 46% and capital appreciation was 59%, while Gachibowli saw rental values rise 50% and capital values by 70%.

Avg. Capital Values
Cities	Micro Markets	2021-end	Q2 2024	% Change
Bengaluru	Sarjapur Rd	6,050	9,300	54%
	Thannisandra Main Rd	5,345	8,100	52%
Hyderabad	HITECH City	5,800	9,200	59%
	Gachibowli	5,010	8,500	70%
Pune	Hinjewadi	5,710	7,500	31%
	Wagholi	4,951	6,450	30%
NCR	Sohna Road	6,800	10,500	54%
	Sector-150 (Noida)	5,500	12,500	127%
MMR	Chembur	18,735	26,000	39%
	Mulund	16,917	23,000	36%
Kolkata	EM Bypass	7,055	8,100	15%
	Rajarhat	4,472	5,500	23%
Chennai	Perambur	6,381	7,550	18%
	Pallavaram	5,700	6,700	18%

Back to the Debate

This data is pertinent but is just one of many factors that guide a rent versus buy decision. Not every individual who migrates to a certain city for job opportunities intends to put down permanent roots there. Others may be drawn to the city’s urban ethos and decide to make it their home, while yet others may perceive value in investing in a property there regardless of whether they will settle down there or not.

Other factors that drive such a decision are financial wherewithal, job growth prospects, stage of life, size of family, and personal preferences.

An individual in Bengaluru with a stable job who is paying a monthly rent of INR 50,000 for a standard 2 BHK worth INR 1.2 Cr may grapple with the rent or buy dilemma.

If the individual decides to stay on rent, then:

• One-year payable rent for the individual is INR 50,000 x 12 = INR 6,00000/-
• For next 10 years the total rental outgo + 7% annual rental escalation = approx. INR 83 lakh
• This rental outgo is almost 69% of the total cost of this property – and this is just an expense with no investment value accrued.

“If the individual opts to buy the property via a home loan, has the financial wherewithal to make a 20% down payment and borrows the remaining amount over a 10-year tenure at 9.5% interest rate, such a purchase if definitely profitable,” says Dr. Thakur. “Instead of spending a huge amount on rent, the individual can pay monthly EMIs and ultimately own the physical asset after a ten-year period.”

This is just one of innumerable situations individuals find themselves in, and investment merit alone does not always play such a big role while weighing the pros and cons of renting versus buying a home.

However, current trends indicate that the security of owning a physical asset cannot be discounted. This trend came strongly to the fore during the coronavirus pandemic, when more Indians – including rent-favouring millennials – took a hard look at what they could fall back on when things go south.

Interestingly, it has not abated since then. Amid a rising aversion to high-risk investments, an increasing number of tenants see rent as an expense, and EMIs as SIPs towards a non-volatile asset.

The sentiment favouring homeownership is also supported by relatively cheaper home loan interest rates currently averaging between 8.75% and 9.5%.

Also, homebuyers can avail of:

• Deduction on principal repayment and stamp duty & registration charges
• Deduction on repayment of interest charges
• A further deduction of INR 50,000 for first-home buyers
• Various additional tax benefits for women

“There is a lot to unpack when deciding whether to buy or rent a home, and investment rationale alone will not guide all such decisions,” says Dr. Thakur. “If and when the quandary arises, it makes sense to be sure of one’s personal preferences and prerogatives – and the performance of the market one is considering.”

Mumbai, 18th September 2024 – Nazara Technologies Limited (BSE: 543280 NSE: NAZARA), India’s leading diversified gaming and sports media company, today announced its largest fund raise to boost its growth trajectory. The company’s board has approved a preferential equity issue to raise INR 900 crores, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. This capital infusion will fuel strategic acquisitions, fund business expansion, and enhance the company’s ability to seize new growth opportunities.

The preferential equity issue amounting to INR 900 crores will be placed with marquee investors such as SBI Mutual Fund, Junomoneta Finsol (an associate of Plutus Wealth), Think Investments, Discovery Investments, Mithun and Siddharth Sacheti, Cohesion Investments, Chartered Finance and Leasing, Ratnabali Investments and Aamara Capital, further strengthening Nazara’s financial foundation for long-term expansion. These shares will be subject to SEBI regulations and lock-in requirements as per Chapter V of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2018.

In a parallel development, Nazara also acquired an additional 19.35% stake in Absolute Sports Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Sportskeeda, for INR 145.5 crores, with 50% of the consideration paid in cash and the remaining amount in stock. With this, Nazara now holds a 91% ownership stake in Absolute Sports, solidifying its leadership position in the sports media domain.

Sportskeeda, Absolute Sports’ flagship brand, reaches millions of sports fans globally each month, with significant traction in India and the U.S., where it ranks among the top sports platforms. In addition, Absolute Sports has recently expanded by acquiring Pro Football Network (PFN), SoapCentral, and Deltia’s Gaming, further diversifying its sports and entertainment portfolio.

Nitish Mittersain, CEO & Jt MD of Nazara Technologies Limited remarked “Nazara has demonstrated its ability to attract top-tier investors who believe in our long-term vision of establishing India’s first globally respected gaming powerhouse. This INR 900 crores fundraise will be instrumental in accelerating our growth across key segments. Additionally, increasing our stake to 91% in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda) reinforces our leadership in the sports media landscape. The growth of Absolute Sports, from its early days as a startup to becoming a global media player, underscores our commitment to supporting innovative teams that consistently deliver transformational growth.

Mumbai, 18 September 2024: RSWM Limited, the flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, strengthened its commitment to the sustainability journey by launching its comprehensive Sustainability Report at the 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit, hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The report was unveiled by Mr. Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Govt. of India, and Mr. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, showcasing RSWM’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable textile production.

Smt. Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner of India, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, was also present at the summit, along with other dignitaries and industry leaders who commended RSWM’s proactive approach to sustainability. The newly launched report highlights the company’s key initiatives in circular economy practices, carbon footprint reduction, and innovations in green textile manufacturing. Guided by the philosophy of giving back to nature, RSWM’s approach centers on the principle of reducing, reusing, recycling, and replenishing natural resources, reflecting its long-standing leadership in sustainable practices.

Report Link: https://story.rswm.in/report/RSWM_Sustainability_Report_LR_2.pdf

Addressing the global plastic waste crisis, RSWM recycles approximately 1,830 million PET bottles each year, converting them into 51850 MT of recycled polyester fibre. This effort significantly reduces landfill waste and supports the creation of sustainable textile products. To further reduce fossil fuel consumption, RSWM consumes 8,818 metric tons of biofuel annually, derived from dry husks. This initiative highlights the company’s dedication to using sustainable alternatives in its manufacturing processes.

In addition to these key sustainability initiatives, the company also follows Zero Liquid Discharge strictly where they have implemented advanced multi-stage treatment plants in its facilities, resulting in the annual saving of approximately 23,36,792 kilolitres of water. In its quest to minimize reliance on traditional energy sources, RSWM has adopted solar and wind power, utilizing 76.5 million kilowatt-hours of green energy annually. This shift not only reduces dependency on local power grids but also contributes to national energy sustainability.

RSWM has achieved an annual reduction of 800,000 metric tons in CO2 emissions through various energy-efficient practices, showcasing the company’s proactive approach to mitigating climate change. Additionally, RSWM focuses on the upcycling of textile waste by incorporating 8,162 metric tons of recycled cotton into its production processes each year, promoting the sustainable use of resources in the textile industry. In its commitment to sustainable greenery, RSWM uses 72,357 kilograms of organic manure and fertilizers annually, enhancing soil health and reducing the environmental footprint of its agricultural inputs.

 

Mr. B.M. Sharma, Jt. Managing Director, RSWM Ltd. said, “Our approach to sustainability extends beyond merely meeting regulatory requirements; it represents our dedication to initiating significant change within the industry. Sustainability is not just a business mandate but a core part of our culture, deeply ingrained in our operations. From decisions on whether to discard or reuse, we strive to embed sustainability into every aspect of our business.

We believe that transparency is crucial, and we are committed to reporting our progress through various channels, including social media and internal reports. It is essential to maintain a balance sheet that reflects what we take from nature and what we give back. Allocating dedicated budgets for sustainability within our annual plans is a priority for us. We aim to make sustainability a central value, not only as a corporate responsibility but as a cultural principle that demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.”

 

RSWM’s sustainability journey is marked by continuous innovation. The company is expanding its use of sustainable fibers, including organic and recycled cotton, linen, hemp, jute, silk, and more. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to revolutionize the textile industry by integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

Mumbai, 18 September 2024: mPokket – one of India’s fastest-growing digital lending apps – today announced plans to expand its workforce by creating more than 5,000 new job opportunities during FY2024-25. This reflects the Company’s commitment to driving growth and empowering India’s youth via both financial services and career opportunities.

With a current workforce of more than 2,300 full-time employees, mPokket focuses on key areas such as technology, product development, data analytics and customer experience. The Company is actively seeking talent from the fintech, software products and NBFC sectors to support rapid growth and enhance its service offerings.

Elaborating on the recruitment plans, Mr Gaurav Jalan, Founder and CEO of mPokket, said, “We realise that today’s evolving economy demands more than just job creation; it requires crafting opportunities that align with the aspirations of our youth. We are dedicated to driving this transformation by creating an environment where talent and innovation converge. At mPokket, our goal is to provide every young Indian with secure financial opportunities and the tools to excel in the digital age. At the heart of our mission is youth empowerment and, as we grow, we look forward to welcoming new team members who share our vision and dedication. Together, this will contribute to both our success and India’s broader economic development.”

As part of its ongoing growth strategy, mPokket has introduced several HR initiatives to promote employee well-being and professional development, including flexible work schedules for caregivers, a Micro Masters Program for continuous learning and the SkillPokket Reimbursement Program, which subsidizes employees’ e-learning courses. Additionally, mPokket offers other development courses such as the First Time Manager Program for newly promoted managers and Workplace Safety (POSH) training.

mPokket’s recruitment spans various locations across India, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as IIT, NIT, BIBS and United World for internships and full-time roles. These efforts contribute to a diverse workforce, with female employees making up 48% of the team, reflecting a near-equal gender ratio.

This job creation initiative comes on the heels of mPokket’s recent INR 500 crore debt capital raise, which is meant to increase product development in career acceleration and insurance verticals. Having already disbursed more than $2 billion in loans, mPokket is positioned to strengthen its role as a leader in the digital lending space while contributing significantly to India’s fintech growth and youth empowerment.

Sugatsune, a global leader in metal hardware manufacturing, is distinguished by its Japanese heritage and engineering excellence. Founded in 1930 in Japan, Sugatsune brings precision, durability, and innovation that are hallmarks of Japanese craftsmanship. With nearly a century of experience, the brand has set a high standard for quality across various sectors, including homes, offices, architecture, and industrial applications. Sugatsune’s products are celebrated for their longevity, minimal maintenance requirements, and outstanding performance, reflecting the advanced technology and careful engineering of Japanese manufacturing.

In India, Sugatsune is committed to enhancing spaces by making them more convenient, safe, and unique. Each year, the company introduces new products to align with the latest design trends and technological advancements. With over 20,000 products spanning various categories, including hinges, pocket door systems, handles, locks, drawer slides, and hooks, Sugatsune’s hardware is renowned for its precision and reliability.

Sugatsune is excited to expand its presence in India, offering advanced hardware solutions to a growing customer base. As the company continues to strengthen its foothold in the country, more architects, interior designers, and industrial manufacturers are choosing Sugatsune’s innovative products to enhance homes, offices, and industrial spaces.

Mr. Anil Rana, Managing Director, Sugatsune India, states, “We are excited to expand our presence in India by opening more experience centers, where consumers can engage with our products directly. Currently, we have centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Pune, with plans for new locations in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Our network includes distributors and dealers in 23 cities across India. We are dedicated to strengthening these relationships and maintaining Sugatsune’s reputation as a leader in innovative hardware solutions, focusing on enhancing efficiency, safety, and design in response to the evolving needs of the market.”

The brand’s reputation for delivering high-quality, durable solutions is building trust among professionals, who rely on Sugatsune to meet their project needs. With each passing year, footfall in India increases, reflecting the confidence customers place in the brand.

One of Sugatsune’s most popular products in India is the patented Lapcon technology. This cutting-edge feature ensures smooth and silent closing for doors, drawers, and flaps, preventing slamming and minimizing accidents. It is an ideal solution for Indian homes and workplaces where safety and silence are important.

Sugatsune provides expert support through its trained sales teams and technician specialists, ensuring that Indian customers receive tailored advice for their projects. Whether clients are involved in home renovations, office setups, or industrial designs, Sugatsune’s team is equipped to offer detailed guidance across their extensive product range. The company’s commitment to customer education and technical assistance underscores its core competency in delivering personalized, expert solutions that help clients make informed decisions and achieve their project goals effectively.

Sugatsune takes pride in offering products that work quietly in the background, yet play a vital role in improving daily life—whether at home, work, or in an industrial setting. As the company expands in India, it looks forward to introducing even more innovative solutions that make life easier, safer, and more comfortable for Indian customers.

Inspired by India’s Ayurvedic heritage, Dusky India’s journey has been fueled by a desire to make Ayurveda accessible to everyone. The brand celebrates the natural tone and texture of Indian skin, which is beautifully distinct from other parts of the world.

Rooted in Ayurvedic principles, Dusky India’s products are designed to meet the modern demands of a fast-paced lifestyle. The brand has recently launched two face washes – for acne prone skin and one for all skin types.

Delay Ageing Face Wash With Gotukola

This is a perfect option for those looking to delay signs of ageing. A power house of good for skin ingredients like Gotu Kola Powder, Rose Water, Bakuchi Powder, Lactic Acid, Aloe Vera Extracts and Dahlia Oil; it helps rejuvenate skin and brings back youthful radiance with firm and younger looking skin.

Its key ingredients help boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes skin cell renewal, reduces pigmentation and helps fight signs of aging. The formula gently exfoliates dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and smoother complexion while improving skin texture. It also helps keep the skin hydrated and deeply moisturized while soothing the skin and calming any skin irritations.

Experience soft supple skin with a radiant glow, even toned skin, reduced fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.

Suitable for all skin types, including dry, combination, and mature skin. The formulation is 100% Ayurvedic with no harmful chemicals or artificial substances. Is Paraben Free, Sulphate Free, Cruelty Free and Dermatologically tested. Can be used in the AM and PM routine. Follow up with a moisturizer.