Archives 2025

The Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) today unveiled six landmark volumes of microstudies in Human Development. Launched under the Platform for Development Research and Communication (PDRC) initiative, these volumes are a part of the ongoing BIPP–Routledge series, ‘Innovations, Practice, and the Future of Public Policy in India’.

Speaking at the launch, Amarjeet Sinha, IAS (Retd.) and Senior Fellow, Centre for Social & Economic Progress, and one of the editors of the two volumes, said,

“The launch of the six volumes is the beginning of a journey of collaborative work to make a difference. The idea is to be able to develop a non- political coalition of academics, practitioners, civil society professionals, policy makers and activists to continue to make an evidence-based voice of reason and human well-being.”

Sharing his vision, Professor Ashwini Chhatre, Associate Professor and Executive Director, BIPP, ISB, and one of the three editors of the volume, ‘Pathways to Rural Prosperity: Livelihood Interventions and Transformation in India’, said,

“At Bharti Institute of Public Policy, we are committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice. The launch of these volumes bears testimony to our goal of empowering policymakers with evidence-based insights. In an era of widespread misinformation, rigorous peer-reviewed knowledge produced by blending experience and collaboration guides decision-makers across multiple sectors and regions. We are also committed to making this knowledge available through open-access platforms, enabling stakeholders across the spectrum to design interventions that solve real-world challenges.”

Professor Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor and Research Director, BIPP, ISB and one of the two editors of the volume, “Changing Tides: Climate Action and Justice in India”, highlighted the monumental scale of this initiative, specifically acknowledging the relentless efforts of the series editors, and the incredible collaborative spirit of the 192 authors who contributed their expertise to 102 chapters in these volumes. Emphasising the urgency of integrated research, he said, “These volumes collectively make visible the threads that link sectors together—revealing how livelihoods, climate vulnerability, and institutional strength intersect to shape India’s future.”

The launch also witnessed six thematic panel discussions delving deeper on these volumes along with two insightful, distinguished panel discussions featuring Jugal K Mohapatra, former secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India; Balveer Arora, chairperson, Centre for Multilevel Federalism, New Delhi; Sekhar Bonu, Senior Fellow, NITI Aayog; and Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Dr Aarushi Jain, Policy Director and Head of Government Affairs, BIPP, and one of the two editors of the volume, ‘Reimagining Institutions: Collaborative Pathways to Social Development in India’, said,

“These six volumes are more than just a repository of research. Through these six volumes, we have captured human development as it is lived and practised on the ground. These volumes provide a rigorous, multidimensional roadmap for the future of public policy in India.”

Over 250 guests, including researchers and academics from institutes across India, policymakers, and civil society activists, attended the day-long event.

Mumbai, Dec 23-  Reaffirming its commitment to corporate social responsibility and inclusive community development, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road conducted its annual ‘Be a Santa’ initiative during Christmas 2025. The initiative was aimed at supporting underprivileged children and senior citizens while reinforcing the organisation’s philosophy of care that extends beyond clinical services.

As part of the initiative, teams from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road reached out to Ankur Children’s Home  a home for the street and slum children, distributing snacks to approx. 30 children. The celebrations were designed to promote dignity, warmth, and emotional well-being, creating meaningful festive experiences for vulnerable communities.

The ‘Be a Santa’ initiative was implemented across Wockhardt Hospitals’ units in Mumbai Central, Mira Road, Nagpur, and Rajkot, ensuring wide-reaching community engagement and consistent CSR participation across regions. At each location, hospital teams actively participated in festive activities including cake cutting, interactive games, prayers, and community interactions, fostering a spirit of togetherness and compassion. In addition, the outreach programs also included basic health awareness sessions such as hand hygiene workshops and simple physiotherapy exercise training, aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and overall well-being among beneficiaries.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director, Wockhardt Hospitals, said;

 “Corporate social responsibility at Wockhardt Hospitals is deeply rooted in compassion and long-term community engagement. Through our ‘Be a Santa’ initiative, we aim to extend care, respect, and joy to those who need it most, reinforcing our belief that healthcare organisations must play a meaningful role in building inclusive communities.”

Adding to this, Dr. Sushil Kumar, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said;

 “By engaging with communities across multiple locations during the festive season, we continue to strengthen our commitment to social responsibility and make a positive difference beyond hospital walls.”

Through initiatives such as ‘Be a Santa’, Wockhardt Hospitals continues to embed social responsibility into its organisational ethos, strengthening community trust and contributing to long-term social well-being.

Bengaluru, Dec 23: V-Guard Industries Limited, India’s leading consumer electrical and electronics brand, has won three prestigious recognitions at the CII Design Excellence Awards 2025, an event endorsed by the World Design Organization (WDO). The awards were presented at the 25th CII Global Design Summit & Exposition 2025, held on 26–27 November at The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, celebrating India’s most impactful design and innovation stories.

V-Guard secured wins across both communication and product design categories, underscoring its belief that meaningful design blends functionality, emotion, and everyday relevance. Its 2025 summer campaign, Hum, Tum Aur V-Guard, earned the Communication Design Award for its storytelling finesse and its ability to build a warm, relatable connection with today’s modern Indian homeowners.

In Product Design, two of V-Guard’s flagship innovations stood out for their thoughtful engineering and people-first design approach. The Luxecube Water Heater was recognized for elevating a daily-use category through a premium design language and purposeful features tailored for modern homes. The AirWiz BLDC Fan series was awarded for its energy-efficient performance and consumer-centric usability, reflecting V-Guard’s continuous push toward smart, sustainable home comfort solutions.

The award-winning products reflect V-Guard’s focus on solving real consumer problems through design and innovation. The Luxecube Water Heater combines luxury, performance, and smart engineering with features like Advanced Thermocline Technology for consistent hot water, a titanium-infused enamel-coated tank for durability, and an Incoloy 800 heating element to handle high pressure and hard water. It comes in 10L, 15L, and 25L capacities, is BEE 5-star rated, and offers an extensive warranty package, making it a long-lasting, premium solution for every home.

Meanwhile, the AirWiz BLDC Fan series, designed for the modern connoisseur with a refined mix of matte and glossy finishes, crafted to elevate contemporary interiors with style and sophistication. The flagship AirWiz Light features an integrated under-light that brings together illumination and air comfort to transform living spaces. AirWiz Prime follows closely, boasting a distinctive UI LED indicator that subtly displays the fan’s speed level. Available in 19 vibrant colours including an appealing wood finish, which compliments the interior décor as per the discerning taste of the ever-evolving consumer.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director of V-Guard Industries Ltd, said,

“These recognitions reaffirm our view that design is not merely visual appeal, but the ability to create experiences that connect with people. Our summer campaign, Hum, Tum Aur V-Guard, exemplifies this through its authentic narrative and emotional resonance. At the same time, products like Luxecube and AirWiz showcase how we translate this philosophy into tangible, user-focused innovation for the home.”

The wins at the CII Design Excellence Awards 2025 further strengthen V-Guard’s position as a brand shaping the future of India’s home solutions landscape through innovation-led design, cultural insight, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer aspirations.

With a legacy spanning over four decades, V-Guard continues to push the boundaries of design and technology, creating products and campaigns that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging, enriching the lives of millions of households across India.

Dubai / Bangalore, Dec 23: JMR Infotech, a global leader in digital transformation and banking technology solutions, today announced its membership in the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) as a Service Member, reaffirming its long-term commitment to supporting the digital evolution of banks and financial institutions across the Caribbean. With a regional delivery center in Bogotá and support and delivery centers in St. Kitts and Jamaica, JMR Infotech continues to strengthen its presence and capabilities to serve the region with agility and deep domain expertise.

“Our association with CAB is an important milestone in our mission to empower Caribbean financial institutions with future-ready digital solutions,” said Jayafar Moidu, Founder & CEO, JMR Infotech. “We are committed to partnering closely with banks and financial institutions across the region to help them accelerate growth, enhance resilience, and adapt breakthrough innovations that drive long-term competitiveness.”

As a Service Member of CAB, JMR Infotech will bring its global banking expertise to the region by supporting institutions in modernizing their core systems through agile, cloud-ready platforms; enabling AI-powered innovation with smart automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent decisioning; strengthening regulatory and risk compliance in line with evolving regional and international standards; and driving digital-first customer experience transformation to ensure seamless onboarding, faster product launches, and superior service delivery.

Backed by robust delivery capabilities and about two decades of experience across more than 75 countries, JMR Infotech aims to work collaboratively with CAB member institutions to co-create scalable, cost-efficient, and innovation-led transformation journeys tailored to the Caribbean’s unique operational and regulatory landscape.

“We look forward to contributing meaningfully to the CAB ecosystem and supporting its members in embracing the next era of digital banking,” added Jayafar.

Ardee Industries Limited has been certified as a Great Place to Work® by Great Place To Work® India, following an independent and comprehensive assessment of its workplace culture and employee experience. The certification has been awarded in the Mid-Size Organizations category.

The recognition reflects Ardee Industries’ emphasis on building a skilled, safety-focused and performance-driven workforce alongside the scaling of its manufacturing operations. As of March 31, 2025, the company employed 207 personnel, up from 127 employees in FY24 and 74 employees in FY23, highlighting the steady expansion of its operational and technical teams in line with business growth.

Ardee Industries is significantly dependent on its technically skilled workforce for timely and quality-oriented manufacturing operations. To maintain and enhance workforce capabilities, the company conducts regular training and development programmes, including workshops, seminars and on-the-job training. These programmes focus on safety practices, environmental compliance, quality standards, equipment handling and raw material management. Employees are also provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety during manufacturing processes.

In addition, the company undertakes partner-led training programmes on ISO standards and continuous improvement initiatives, aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening quality systems and supporting workforce retention. These initiatives are designed to keep employees aligned with evolving industry practices and technological advancements in the lead recycling sector.

Great Place To Work® certification is globally recognised and is based on confidential employee feedback and rigorous people analytics, evaluating trust, pride and workplace practices across organisations. The certification underscores Ardee Industries Limited’s commitment to fostering a high-trust, inclusive and capability-led workplace culture.

The certification comes at a time when Ardee Industries has been scaling its operations across India and international markets. As of March 31, 2025, the company exported products to customers across seven international markets, including the Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Japan, Switzerland, South Korea and the UAE, while maintaining a strong domestic presence across 10 Indian States. The company serves over 50 customers and its product portfolio comprises of pure lead and lead alloys such as lead calcium alloys, lead antimony alloys, lead tin alloys, lead silver alloys and lead cadmium alloys which find applications in critical industries such as energy storage, e-mobility, automotive and chemicals.

Ardee Industries operates an integrated, environmentally responsible manufacturing facility spread across 7.61 acres in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, with an installed capacity of 104,025 MTPA, supported by advanced machinery for recycling and pollution-control systems. Over the last three fiscal years, the company has significantly expanded capacity while strengthening operational processes and workforce capabilities.

Overall, the certification reinforces Ardee Industries Limited’s focus on building a high-trust, performance-driven organisation aligned with long-term growth and sustainability objectives.

Dec 22:- Gyaananda School, Sector 109, Dwarka Expressway commemorated their Annual Day- ‘SRIJAN 2025: Evoking your Ikigai’ with grandeur and elegance, held at Yashobhoomi International Convention Centre graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest, Mr. Vijendra Gupta, Honorable 7th Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Ms. Manjari Chaturvedi, an eminent artist whose work bridges tradition and contemporary narrative graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. Shri. Ashok Gupta, Chairman, Gyaananda School and Shri Nakul Gupta, CEO, Gyaananda School magnified the day with their valuable presence. The occasion was a magnificent reflection of the institution’s pursuit of excellence, culture, and values, leaving an indelible impression on all present.

The programme commenced with a heartfelt welcome of dignitaries, extending warm greetings to the honored guests and audience. This was followed by a soul-stirring performance by the school choir. The harmonious voices of the students resonated through the auditorium, filling it with melody, grace and unity earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The atmosphere then took on a spiritual aura with the presentation of the auspicious renaissance Ganesh Vadana, performed with devotion and poise, the dance invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles, marking an auspicious and inspiring beginning to the festivities. The Annual School Report 2024-25 left an indomitable mark on the audience as the School’s Director Principal, Dr. Deepika Rathi walked everyone through a transparent, compelling, informative and insightful presentation of the preceding year. The programme continued with inspiring addresses by the Chairman and the Guest of Honor, who lauded the students’ efforts and the faculty’s guidance, while motivating the young minds to uphold integrity, discipline and social responsibility. The scholars and proficient achievers were recognized in the much- awaited award ceremony, a moment of pride and recognition for the entire Gyaananda Family. Students who excelled in academics, sports and co-curricular pursuits were honored with awards and certificates. Their dedication, perseverance and exemplary achievements were celebrated, inspiring the entire gathering.

The celebration reached its crescendo with a compelling play by the Theatre Society on pollution, titled “Be the Change.” The play unfolded like a powerful story on stage. Through striking visuals, emotive performances, and a blend of Gujarati, Rajasthani and Punjabi dances, it delivered a stirring message about pollution and inspired the audience to act. The event culminated with a Grand Finale roaring the voices of young leaders louder than ever, marking yet another spectacular success by Gyaananda School.

Mumbai, Dec 22:- In just six years, India’s Real Estate Investment Trust sector has evolved from a policy experiment into a mainstream asset class commanding a gross asset value of ~INR 2.3 lakh crore. According to report ‘India REITs  Taking a Stride” by ANAROCK Capital, the sector’s equity market capitalisation reached ~INR 1.66 lakh crore as of September 30, 2025  a scale that now exceeds the Hong Kong REIT market, despite only ~32% of India’s REIT-worthy stock currently being listed.

With the recent listing of Knowledge Realty Trust in August 2025, five listed trusts now control ~176 million sq ft of Grade-A office and retail space alongside a 2,000 plus-key hospitality platform.

From Niche to Mainstream

Vishal Singh, MD – Investment Banking, ANAROCK Capital, says, “Since the first listing in 2019, the sector has expanded rapidly with Embassy, Mindspace, Brookfield India, Nexus, and now Knowledge Realty Trust  India’s largest office REIT by GAV and NOI. These platforms span Bengaluru, NCR, MMR, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and key tier-II hubs, offering investors diversified exposure to India’s technology, BFSI, consulting, and retail corridors. Alongside, REIT distributions are tax efficient through a mix of dividend, interest and return of capital, with current distributions offering upwards of 65% tax-exempt income in the hands of unitholders.”

The mandatory distribution of at least 90% of net distributable cash flows has successfully transformed these trusts into efficient yield vehicles, democratizing access to Grade-A commercial real estate for HNIs and retail investors without the opacity or illiquidity of direct property ownership.

ROI: Dual-Engine of Income and Growth

“The Q2 FY26 scorecard underscores a powerful total-return proposition that has proven remarkably resilient to rate hikes and market volatility,” says Shobhit Agarwal, CEO – ANAROCK Capital. “Since listing, unit prices for the initial four REITs have surged between 25% and 61%, while the newly listed Knowledge REIT has already gained approximately 12%. This capital appreciation is complemented by steady income generation, with trailing 12-month distribution yields holding firm in an attractive 5.1 6.0% band. In the second quarter of FY26 alone, the five REITs distributed over INR 2,331 crore  a massive ~70% year-on-year growth driven by occupancy upticks, new asset additions and listing of Knowledge REIT.”

Crucially, Indian REITs indices have delivered a five-year annualised price return of roughly 8.9%, significantly outperforming peers in Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong, many of which have languished with negative or low-single-digit returns during the same period.

90% Plus Occupancy & Blue-Chip Stability

Portfolios are running near optimal capacity with committed occupancies ranging from 90–96%. The sector accounted for over 20% of all pan-India gross office leasing in Q2 FY26, with Embassy and Knowledge alone leasing ~2.5 million sq ft.

Robust Growth Outlook

• Re-leasing Spreads: Strong spreads of 20–36%.
• Mark-to-Market Upside: An estimated ~15–24% upside on in-place rents, securing visible Net Operating Income (NOI) growth for the next 3–4 years.
• Fortress Balance Sheets with AAA Ratings: The sector is underpinned by prudent financial management. All five REITs maintain AAA credit ratings from CRISIL and operate with conservative leverage (loan-to-value) of 18–31%.
• Low Debt Costs: Average debt cost stands at ~7.4–7.5%.
• Healthy Coverage: Interest-coverage ratios range between 2.2x and 4.0x.
• Long Maturity: With only ~38% of debt maturing over the next 4 years, bulk of the borrowings is backed by long term repayment tenures.

ESG Global Top Decile Performance

Indian REITs have established themselves as global sustainability leaders. All five entities hold GRESB 5-Star ratings, with scores in the low-to-mid 90s.

• Renewable Energy: Currently powers 38–74% of portfolio consumption.
• Net-Zero: Commitments range from 2030 (Nexus) to the early 2040s.

Equity Reclassification a Game-Changer

A pivotal regulatory shift will unlock the next wave of capital. In November 2025, SEBI reclassified REIT units as ‘equity-related instruments effective January 1, 2026. This shifts REIT exposure from debt/hybrid sleeves to mainstream equity buckets, enables index inclusion starting mid-2026, and allows higher allocation limits for mutual funds, significantly broadening the domestic capital base.

As 2026 approaches, the Indian REIT landscape stands on the brink of a quantum leap.

“With SEBI’s pivotal reclassification taking effect in January, these trusts are poised to graduate from high-yield alternatives to essential equity portfolio staples,” says Vishal Singh. “Fuelled by impending index inclusion and deepening domestic participation, the sector is on track to breach a USD 20 billion market cap in the near term.”

This evolution marks more than just a real estate recovery  it signals the rise of a structural powerhouse that will define the next decade of India’s capital markets, offering investors a rare blend of stability, sustainability, and soaring growth.

Dec 22:Following its entry into the mutual fund space with the launch of the Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund, Abakkus Mutual Fund has unveiled its new social media campaign, “Believe in the Basics,” highlighting the brand’s core investment philosophy.

The campaign draws inspiration from the squirrel, the Abakkus Group’s mascot, which listens carefully to signals from its environment and acts with purpose rather than impulse. Season by season, the squirrel plans ahead, stays composed during uncertainty, and thrives not through luck but through discipline, learning, and adaptation. It symbolizes agility, balance, and steady accumulation qualities that mirror the Abakkus Group’s legacy and its approach to mutual fund investing.

The name Abakkus, derived from the abacus, reinforces this philosophy. Just as the abacus provides a simple yet enduring tool to learn counting, Abakkus emphasizes fundamentals that withstand market cycles and form the foundation of long-term value creation.

Vaiibhavv Chugh, CEO, Abakkus Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd said;

“Much like our brand mascot, the squirrel, we aim to remain patient, adaptable, and purpose-driven preparing for market cycles rather than attempting to predict them. Our ‘Believe in the Basics’ philosophy is embedded in our in-house MEETS investment framework, which evaluates Management pedigree and track record, Earnings quality, Events/Trends affecting operations, Timing of investment, and Structural aspects such as market opportunity and competitive positioning. While these parameters may seem simple, even ‘boring,’ we firmly believe that focusing on the basics creates long-term value.”

The New Fund Offer  for the Abakkus Flexi Cap Fund opened on 8 December 2025 and closes on 22 December 2025. Over the coming year, Abakkus Mutual Fund plans to expand its product suite across core segments, offering investors diverse opportunities across multiple schemes and categories.