Archives February 2026

New Delhi, Feb 5: As cloud adoption accelerates across industries, many businesses continue to grapple with fundamental questions around cloud computing—what it really is, how secure it can be, and whether it truly delivers on cost and flexibility promises. Addressing this growing need for clarity, Whitespider, a cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure management company, has released a practical explainer addressing the most common cloud-related questions faced by organisations today.

Despite its widespread use, cloud computing is often misunderstood. Terms are used interchangeably, responsibilities are blurred, and misconceptions around cost, control, and security persist. Through this initiative, Whitespider aims to cut through jargon and offer clear, actionable insights to help organisations better understand how cloud environments work, where responsibilities lie, and how risks and opportunities should be managed.

At its core, Whitespider explains that cloud computing is not a “place” but a delivery model—one that enables businesses to access computing resources such as servers, storage, and applications over the internet without owning physical infrastructure. This model allows organisations to scale rapidly, improve flexibility, and reduce heavy upfront investments, while still requiring strong IT governance and oversight.

Addressing security concerns, the company notes that cloud platforms can be highly secure—often more so than traditional on-premises environments—provided they are properly configured and managed. While major cloud providers invest heavily in enterprise-grade security controls, most cloud-related breaches result from misconfiguration, weak access controls, or poor visibility, rather than flaws in the technology itself.

Whitespider also highlights that cloud cost efficiency depends on active management. While consumption-based pricing can be highly effective, poor governance and unused resources can quickly inflate expenses. The cloud, the company notes, rewards disciplined management and exposes inefficiencies faster than traditional IT models.

Other key areas covered include the differences between public, private, and hybrid cloud models; the shared responsibility model for cloud security; common risks associated with cloud migration; and the importance of strong backup and data protection strategies. For small and mid-sized businesses, Whitespider emphasises that cloud adoption can be transformative—offering access to enterprise-grade capabilities—but only when complexity is controlled and aligned with business objectives.

Summarising its perspective, Whitespider reiterates that cloud computing is not a shortcut or a cure-all. It offers flexibility, scalability, and choice, but demands informed decision-making, planning, and accountability. Organisations that succeed in the cloud are those that take time to understand the model, challenge assumptions, and design strategies rooted in real operational needs.

As cloud continues to reshape the digital landscape, Whitespider believes that clarity—not speed—will be the defining factor in successful cloud adoption.

Hyderabad, Feb 05: BioAsia 2026, Asia’s premier life sciences and healthcare forum, will bring together an exceptional assembly of global scientific pioneers, artificial intelligence leaders, industry CEOs, and policymakers at a defining inflection point for healthcare innovation. With the theme “TechBio Unleashed: AI, Automation & the Biology Revolution”, the two-day conference on February 17–18, 2026, will examine how AI, advanced biology, and intelligent manufacturing are converging to fundamentally transform how therapies are discovered, developed, and delivered worldwide.

As biology becomes increasingly programmable and AI rapidly compresses R&D and manufacturing timelines, the TechBio paradigm is moving from experimentation to execution. BioAsia 2026 is positioned squarely at this moment—convening leaders who are actively shaping AI-driven discovery platforms, next-generation biologics, and digitally integrated operating models across global healthcare.

Leadership Commitment and Telangana’s Global Vision

The conference will open with inaugural addresses by Shri A. Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, and Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries and Commerce
Government of Telangana is reaffirming Telangana’s long-term commitment to positioning Hyderabad among the world’s top five life sciences hubs. A dedicated session on Telangana Rising Vision 2047 will outline the state’s roadmap for innovation-led growth across advanced modalities, AI-enabled R&D, and next-generation biomanufacturing.

Global Science and AI Leaders at the Forefront of TechBio

BioAsia 2026 will feature a distinguished lineup of global leaders whose work has materially advanced modern biopharma, AI-driven science, and digital healthcare.

• Dr Stefan Miltenyi, Founder and President, Miltenyi Biotec (Germany), whose innovations have been foundational to cell therapy research, translational science, and manufacturing platforms globally, will address the evolution of next-generation biologics from discovery to clinical proof and scalable CMC.
• Dr Howard Y. Chang, Chief Scientific Officer, Amgen (USA), a globally recognised authority in functional genomics, epigenetics, and RNA biology, will share how AI-powered biology is transforming target discovery, disease understanding, and precision medicine at scale within one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies.
• Mr Pushmeet Kohli, Vice President of Science, Google DeepMind, one of the world’s foremost AI research organisations, will bring perspectives from the frontier of artificial intelligence—highlighting how foundational models, protein science breakthroughs, and advanced reinforcement learning are accelerating discovery across biology and medicine.
• Ms Madeleine Roach, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Operations, Sanofi (France), will deliver a plenary address on Day Two, reflecting on Sanofi’s AI-first transformation and the integration of digital, data, and advanced analytics across global R&D, manufacturing, and operations.
• Mr Anton Groom, Chief AI Officer, MSD (USA), will open the flagship session on innovation-first Global Capability Centres, drawing on his leadership in embedding AI across one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical R&D engines—driving smarter clinical development, predictive science, and digitally native workflows.
• Dr Despina Solomonidou, EVP & Global Head – Technical Research & Development, Novartis (Switzerland), leads end-to-end pharmaceutical and biologics development, playing a pivotal role in embedding digital, data-driven, and automation-led CMC models to accelerate global scale-up of innovation.
• Ms Rashmi Kumar, SVP & Chief Information Officer, Medtronic (USA), is driving large-scale digital and AI transformation across MedTech, integrating data platforms, software, and connected systems to enhance product innovation and patient outcomes.
• Mr Eamonn Warren, Group Vice President – Manufacturing (API & Dry Products), Eli Lilly (USA), oversees global manufacturing operations, advancing automation, digital quality systems, and resilient supply chains to translate innovation into reliable patient access at scale.
• Mr Badhri Srinivasan, Group CEO, Unilabs (Switzerland), is leading the AI-enabled transformation of diagnostics, leveraging automation and advanced analytics to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, and clinical decision-making across healthcare systems.

Global Industry Voices Shaping the Next Decade

Across nine high-impact sessions, BioAsia 2026 will host senior leaders from Amgen, Novartis, Lilly, Medtronic, Sanofi, Roche, AbbVie, BMS, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, Takeda, MSD, Lonza, Miltenyi Biotec, Google DeepMind, Thermo Fisher Scientific, alongside leading Indian innovators, including Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Bharat Biotech, Biocon Biologics, Zydus Lifesciences, Laurus Labs, Sai Life Sciences, Aragen, Piramal Pharma, Syngene, TCS, and Apollo Hospitals.

Key discussions will explore:

• What it truly takes to scale innovation across science, software and supply chains
• Growth drivers and structural headwinds for pharma and biotech (2026–2030)
• Next-generation biologics and advanced modalities, from discovery to clinical validation and manufacturing readiness
• AI as a force multiplier across CRDMO and biomanufacturing value chains

A marquee CEO Conclave will bring together global industry leaders for a candid dialogue on growth, geopolitics, resilience and innovation pathways as the sector looks toward 2030.

GCCs, India’s Innovation Moment and Global Impact

Day Two will spotlight the rapid evolution of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in life sciences—now emerging as strategic innovation engines rather than cost centres. Sessions will examine AI-enabled R&D, digital transformation and direct end-patient impact, alongside discussions on India’s innovation moment, financing TechBio and deep-tech manufacturing, and scaling breakthrough science from India to the world.

With participation from global pioneers, policymakers, investors and next-generation innovators, BioAsia 2026 will continue its legacy as a definitive platform for collaboration, insight and investment—while reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for life sciences, biotechnology and TechBio innovation.

Jaipur, Feb 05: Raffles Hotels & Resorts officially unveiled the Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 during an intimate and elegant ceremony held at Raffles Jaipur, marking the commencement of one of Jaipur’s most anticipated sporting highlights of the season. Hosted in association with the Rajasthan Polo Club, the evening paid tribute to the enduring legacy of polo, royal heritage, and sporting excellence.

The unveiling ceremony brought together an esteemed gathering of patrons, polo enthusiasts, and leaders from the world of luxury hospitality. The trophy was revealed by Maharaj Narendra Singh ji of Jaipur, alongside Th. Digvijay Singh, Honorary Secretary, Rajasthan Polo Club, and Kr Vikramaditya Singh Barkana, Joint Secretary, Rajasthan Polo Club. The occasion was further graced by the presence of the cup owners Mr. Ratan Kant Sharma and Mrs. Jui Sharma, and senior Raffles leadership including Mr. Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, and Mr. Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

Deeply rooted in royal patronage, polo has long been an intrinsic part of Rajasthan’s cultural and sporting identity. Established under the patronage of the Royal Family of Jaipur, the Rajasthan Polo Club continues to uphold this legacy by hosting premier tournaments that draw national and international attention. The Raffles Sirmour Cup, a prestigious 14-goal tournament scheduled from 9 to 15 February 2026, stands as a defining feature of the Jaipur Polo Season.

For Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the Sirmour Cup represents more than a sporting collaboration. It reflects a shared reverence for heritage, discipline, and craftsmanship—values central to the brand’s philosophy of gracious and thoughtful hospitality. Unveiling the trophy within the palace-inspired setting of Raffles Jaipur offered guests a glimpse into the quieter, reflective moments that precede great sporting occasions.

As the polo season unfolds, the Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 promises a week where tradition meets contemporary refinement, celebrating the spirit of the sport with understated elegance both on and off the field.

Commenting on the occasion, Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Jaipur, said,

“The Sirmour Cup holds a special place in Jaipur’s sporting calendar. Unveiling the trophy at Raffles Jaipur was our way of honouring the quiet moments that come before the game begins. It allows us to bring guests closer to the spirit of polo and the heritage that surrounds it, in a way that feels thoughtful and true to the city.”

Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, added,

“Our association with the Sirmour Cup is grounded in continuity and culture. Supporting a tournament nurtured over generations aligns naturally with the values of Raffles, where experiences are shaped by heritage and delivered with quiet confidence.”

Sharing his perspective, Th. Digvijay Singh, Honorary Secretary, Rajasthan Polo Club, said,

“The Rajasthan Polo Club has always stood for the preservation and promotion of the sport in its most authentic form. Our continued association with Raffles brings a shared sense of respect and values to the tournament, and we look forward to a season that celebrates skill, sportsmanship, and the enduring legacy of polo.”

The Raffles Sirmour Cup 2026 stands poised to reaffirm Jaipur’s position as a centre of polo excellence, blending heritage, hospitality, and high-calibre sport in a celebration of timeless tradition.

Mumbai, India, Feb 05: Valentine Week has evolved into more than a single-day celebration, becoming a series of moments defined by emotion, comfort, and meaningful connection. This season, Ultra Soft Toys, a trusted name in the Indian soft toy industry, curates a thoughtfully designed Valentine Week collection that reflects how love is increasingly expressed through warmth, companionship, and gifts that last well beyond February 14.

As consumers seek gifting options with emotional depth and longevity, plush toys continue to emerge as one of the most resonant categories during Valentine’s Week. Ultra Soft Toys’ Valentine Week range is designed to accompany every phase of the celebration, from Rose Day through Valentine’s Day, aligning with changing consumer behaviour that favours comfort-driven, sentimental gifting over fleeting trends.

The collection brings together a diverse selection of plush designs crafted to suit different expressions of love. Classic Be My Valentine and Love You teddy bears cater to Promise and Propose Day moments, offering timeless silhouettes paired with heartfelt messaging. For Hug Day and everyday comfort, lying and sitting teddy bears holding red hearts deliver soft, huggable reassurance. Adding a lighter touch, playful plush dogs and lion soft toys introduce charm and warmth, while compact options such as cap teddy bears and hanging white teddies function as keepsakes that blend easily into personal spaces. For those seeking an alternative to traditional designs, the plush elephant with a ‘Hug Me’ heart offers a distinctive expression of affection.

The Valentine Week focus also arrives at a significant moment for India’s toy industry, which is steadily positioning itself as a global manufacturing and design hub. Valued at close to USD 2 billion and projected to grow substantially over the next decade, the sector continues to see strong demand for plush toys, particularly during festive and occasioned retail cycles. Valentine Week remains one of the most sentiment-driven periods for the category, driven by consumers’ preference for gifts that feel personal, soothing, and enduring.

Speaking on evolving gifting preferences, Ms. Brinda Agrawal, Head of Product Development at Ultra Soft Toys and Marketing Head at Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, shared,

“Valentine Week today is about meaningful connections rather than grand gestures. Plush toys offer emotional comfort and a sense of presence that people naturally relate to. When thoughtfully designed and made in India, they also represent care, trust, and craftsmanship, values that resonate strongly with today’s consumers.”

Ultra Soft Toys, part of the Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, reflects the growing strength of the Make in India movement within the toy sector. Designed and manufactured in India, the brand places strong emphasis on safe materials, soft textures, and thoughtful detailing, factors that have helped it build trust among consumers across age groups. Its Valentine Week collection underscores how locally made products can successfully combine quality, emotional relevance, and retail appeal.

Beyond its core plush portfolio, Ultra Soft Toys has also been actively developing custom and licensed plush solutions for leading brands across the hospitality and personal care segments, including Starbucks and Cetaphil. These collaborations highlight the brand’s expertise in quality manufacturing, compliance standards, and brand-aligned design, further strengthening its position as a reliable partner for premium, purpose-led plush creations.

The whispers of innovation return to the Maldives as THE OZEN COLLECTION announces the much-anticipated comeback of renowned culinary artist Chef Janice Wong. This April, the pristine shores of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will once again transform into a canvas for edible artistry as the resort hosts the exclusive ‘Chocolate Art & Serenity’ pop-up, from 27th to 29th April 2026.

Set against the resort’s iconic overwater backdrop, the immersive experience will unfold across its world-class dining destinations—CUVÉE, ORIGINꓱ and Vista del Mar—redefining indulgence through a harmonious blend of flavour, art and mindfulness.

Curated with meticulous attention, the ‘Chocolate Art & Serenity’ pop-up features a series of intimate and engaging experiences designed to captivate guests of all ages. Highlights include exclusive masterclasses for adults exploring the alchemy of chocolate, interactive guided cooking sessions for children, and a bespoke Cacao Bonfire Meditation Ceremony. Led by Chef Janice Wong, this unique ceremony blends sound healing, intention-setting rituals and a cacao-infused finale, offering a deeply restorative and sensory journey.

At the heart of the experience is Chef Janice Wong, widely celebrated as Asia’s “Queen of Desserts.” With an illustrious career spanning over 18 years, she has redefined patisserie by transforming desserts into multi-sensory art forms. Her iconic restaurant, 2am:dessertbar, achieved global acclaim and earned two consecutive spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, cementing her status as a pioneer in contemporary dessert artistry.

“My passion for culinary art has always been driven by a desire to test the limits of dessert making,” said Chef Janice Wong. “At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, chocolate becomes more than a confection—it becomes a medium where art meets design and mindfulness. Each creation is thoughtfully composed to encourage presence and curiosity, inviting guests to experience dessert as a moment of balance, creativity and wellbeing within this tranquil island environment.”

The collaboration further reinforces Atmosphere Core’s commitment to delivering exceptional gastronomic experiences. Anupam Banerjee, Vice President – Food & Beverage, Atmosphere Core, said, “Hosting a culinary artist of Janice’s calibre once again reflects our dedication to crafting unparalleled and memorable moments for our guests. This partnership embodies our belief that true gastronomy transcends indulgence—it becomes a ritual of wellness, seamlessly weaving artistry and nourishment into every experience. Her innovative philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision for OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI as a destination where health, joy and creativity are savoured in every bite.”

This highly anticipated 2026 edition builds upon the resort’s distinguished legacy of pioneering gastronomy, holistic wellness through ELE|NA Elements of Nature, and deeply immersive guest experiences. Since its inception, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has consistently curated moments where artistic expression and world-class hospitality converge—setting an enduring benchmark of excellence that defines the ethos of THE OZEN COLLECTION.

New Delhi, Feb 05: Nestlé India marked a significant milestone in the journey of one of the country’s most loved food brands with the launch of a commemorative postal stamp celebrating 50 years of MAGGI in India. The stamp was unveiled by Mr. Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, along with Mr. Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.

The commemorative stamp honours MAGGI’s five-decade-long journey in India—one defined by constant evolution, category leadership, and an enduring emotional connection with consumers across generations. Titled “50 Years of Togetherness”, the stamp captures the warmth, comfort, and shared moments that MAGGI has brought to Indian households since its introduction.

Over the past 50 years, MAGGI has become a staple in Indian kitchens in many forms, including noodles, masalas, sauces, soups, and ready-to-cook offerings. From quick solo meals to family gatherings, hostel kitchens to celebratory get-togethers, MAGGI has been part of countless everyday food moments, earning its place as a trusted and beloved brand across the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, said,

“India’s processed food sector has evolved significantly over the decades, building trust among households nationwide. Pioneering brands have played a vital role in shaping new categories and strengthening the food ecosystem. I congratulate MAGGI on completing 50 years as part of this remarkable journey.”

Mr. Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, added,

“Completing five decades in a country as vibrant and diverse as India is a truly special milestone for MAGGI. This journey reflects the trust, affection, and everyday love that millions of consumers have showered on the brand. The commemorative stamp celebrates a legacy built on shared moments, evolving tastes, and a bond that has grown stronger—year after year, generation after generation.”

As MAGGI celebrates this golden milestone, Nestlé India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its connection with consumers and continuing to contribute to everyday moments that bring warmth, comfort, and togetherness to tables across India.

New Delhi, Feb 05: TravClan, a leading travel technology platform powering modern travel businesses, today announced that several fast-growing Indian travel startups including Rimigo, 30 Sundays, The Tarzan Way, and Jeto Vacations have adopted its Volt API as their core backend infrastructure. The adoption enables faster go-to-market, improved operational efficiency, and accelerated scale, and reflects a growing shift among new-age travel companies toward shared technology platforms.

Traditionally, travel startups have spent months developing backend systems such as supplier integrations, booking engines, pricing logic, and reconciliation workflows before launching customer-facing products. This approach has often delayed market entry and constrained innovation. By leveraging Volt’s shared infrastructure, startups are significantly reducing time-to-market while maintaining reliability, pricing accuracy, and service continuity.

Rimigo, an AI-powered vacation planning platform, adopted Volt early in its journey, raised $550,000 from Japan-based Reazon Capital within four months of launch, and has since curated over 500 personalised international vacations.

“The strongest travel companies win by staying focused on what truly matters to the customer,” said Sahil Sharma, Co-founder and CEO, Rimigo. “Volt has allowed us to scale efficiently while we continue to invest deeply in personalisation and experience design.”

Personalised travel brand 30 Sundays, which focuses on curated journeys for couples, has reported up to a five-fold improvement in operational efficiency and multifold growth over the past year.

“Personalisation and scale rarely coexist in travel,” said Kshitij Chaudhary, Co-founder, 30 Sundays. “With AI on the front end and Volt on the backend, we are now able to deliver both.”

Experiential travel company The Tarzan Way has recorded 300 percent year-on-year revenue growth, enabled by access to stable backend infrastructure that allows rapid experimentation with new travel formats while maintaining operational stability.

Commenting on the industry shift, Arun Bagaria, Co-founder and CEO, TravClan, said, “Every great travel company begins with a strong idea. Volt removes the infrastructure burden so founders can focus on building products customers value and return to. We are building the rails that allow specialised travel companies to scale efficiently.”

Jeto Vacations, a Delhi-based experiential travel company, highlighted the importance of real-time inventory and structured pricing data in driving growth. “Volt has been instrumental in our rapid growth over the past year by enabling faster planning and operational consistency,” said Debayan Ghosh, Director, Jeto Vacations.

Through the Volt Hotel API, partner businesses gain access to TravClan’s directly contracted properties, advanced content solutions that eliminate duplicate listings, and seamless integration across more than 40 global suppliers through a single API. Volt also enables the integration of accommodations with experiences, simplifying travel planning and delivering a connected, end-to-end customer journey.

Chennai, Feb 05: Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited, a leading Housing Finance Company has declared its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025.

Performance Highlights 

• AUM as of Dec’25 was at ₹12,330 Cr, growth of 21% Y-o-Y.
• Disbursements in Q3 FY26 were at ₹1,030 Cr, growth of 11%. 9M FY26 disbursements were at ₹2,768 Cr, growth of 9% Y-o-Y.
• Total Income for Q3 FY26 was at ₹569 Cr, growth of 22%. 9M FY26 total Income was at ₹1,652 Cr, growth of 27% Y-o-Y.
• Net Profit* for Q3 FY26 was at ₹239 Cr, growth of 26%. 9M FY26 Net Profit* was at ₹685 Cr, growth of 26% Y-o-Y.
• The RoA/RoE for Q3 FY26 was at 7.9%/20.2%. The RoA/RoE for 9M FY26 was at 7.9%/20.0%, amongst the best in the industry. 

* Excluding additional cost on account of new labour code, past service cost of ₹3.85 Cr (₹2.99 Cr Net of tax).

Key Performance Metrics(₹ Cr)

*Excluding additional cost on account of new labour code, past service cost of ₹3.85 Cr (₹2.99 Cr Net of tax)

Commenting on the results, Mr. P. Balaji, Managing Director, said, “Q3 FY26 sustained the sequential momentum, aided by stable business growth and prudent portfolio management. AUM grew 21% YoY to ₹12,330 Cr in Q3 FY26, driven by disbursements growth of 11% to ₹1,030 Cr.

We expanded our network to 335 branches, adding 37 new locations during the calendar year. Going forward, our branch expansion will be focused on new states, deepening presence in select under-penetrated pockets within existing states.

On the asset quality front, Gross NPA and Net NPA remained flat sequentially at 1.56% and 1.18%, respectively. 30+ DPD saw a slight uptick to 6.48%, due to seasonal volatility in collections (including around festive periods).

On the profitability side, the total income grew 27% YoY to ₹1,652 Cr, in 9M FY26. Our spreads for 9M FY26 improved to 8.9%, driven by decline in cost of funds to 8.4%. The Opex ratio remained largely flattish in 9M FY26 to 2.7%, leading to an operating profit growth of 28% YoY to ₹933 Cr. The credit cost for the 9M FY26 remained at 50 bps, within our guided range.

The net profit* for the quarter came in at ₹239 Cr, growth of 26% YoY. The RoA RoE for the quarter came in at 7.9%/20.2% respectively. The net profit* for the 9M FY26 came in at ₹685 Cr, growth of 26% YoY, translating to an RoA/RoE of 7.9%/20.0% respectively, among the best in the industry. This performance is underpinned by a well-diversified product portfolio and a broad customer base across income segments, which together provide balance and resilience across market cycles.

Technology and data-led decisioning remain key enablers of our growth and risk discipline, helping us scale reliably across geographies. We continue to stay ahead on digitization, with over 92% of agreements executed digitally and more than 94% of collections routed through digital channels. Increased adoption of account aggregator data and credit bureau insights is sharpening our underwriting, improving portfolio quality, and supporting growth in higher-ticket, stronger customer cohorts.

Over the past couple of quarters, we have been indicating our intent to move towards a higher-ticket segment to build a higher-quality customer base. In line with this, we discontinued sanctions below ₹7 lakh, which has led to some moderation in disbursements this year. Despite this, we expect to close the current year at 20-21% AUM growth. Looking ahead, we expect to deliver sustainable AUM growth of 22–24%, driven by new branch additions, channel augmentation, higher ATS, calibrated lending rate on incremental home loans without compromising on NIMs & improved productivity”

Shishir Baijal, International Partner, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.

“We saw a growth-oriented Union Budget with limited direct measures for the housing sector, and in this context, we believe the RBI has room to consider a calibrated 25-basis point repo rate cut in the upcoming MPC meeting. While rate reductions are often associated with currency pressures, the current macro environment, marked by moderating inflation, comfortable forex reserves, and improving India-US trade dynamics, provides adequate space for such a move without materially unsettling the rupee.

A rate cut would be particularly supportive for homebuyers in income segments whose purchasing capacity is closely aligned with lower-value housing, where affordability remains highly sensitive to borrowing costs. Effective transmission of any rate cut into home loan rates would meaningfully improve borrowing capacity and help restore housing affordability for end-users.”