Category business

Dec 23: Bhima Gold, India’s iconic jewellery house and one of the country’s most trusted names in purity, today announced the launch of its “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival”, a seasonal retail initiative that coincides with the annual return of Non-Resident Indians  to India during the festive and holiday period. This campaign, now a bi-annual tradition at Bhima, is designed to position the brand as the most compelling destination for premium diamond jewellery purchases in December  a month that historically records significantly higher interest in diamond jewellery among visiting NRIs.

The campaign began on December 8, 2025, and will run across all Bhima stores till January 11, 2026. To mark the occasion, Bhima will unveil exclusive diamond collections, distinctive designs crafted for contemporary tastes, and exquisite solitaires that bring together global styling and deep Indian heritage influences. Alongside the curated product assortment, Bhima will introduce special December-only buying advantages. These will include compelling offers on select diamond ranges, attractive pricing structures, and purchase values specially tailored for international shoppers.

On Diamond Jewellery purchases 

 Get FREE 24-karat Gold Bar plus Rs. 10000 worth of jewellery, ON EVERY CARAT.

 Up to 100% OFF on making charges

Additional privileges for loyal diamond customers will also be unveiled, including –Get Rs 5000 extra per carat on exchange of your old Bhima Diamond jewellery, with a view to elevate the shopping experience for long-standing Bhima patrons and NRI families who have been loyal to the brand for multiple generations.

Bhima’s diamond credibility rests firmly on its hallmark purity practices, certified solitaires, transparent valuation standards, and ethical procurement methods. As the NRI-dominated diamond buying period arrives, the brand is reinforcing these assurances through enhanced documentation protocols, valuation transparency, and additional customer support for international buyers with International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), guaranteeing their authenticity and quality.

The brand remains equally committed to diamond design innovation. New collections – inspired by contemporary styling, wedding trends, fusion aesthetics, and modern heirloom concepts  will debut through the campaign. For international visitors looking to purchase for weddings, upcoming family ceremonies, or self-gifting, Bhima’s diamond lines offer both aspirational beauty and long-term value.

The December “Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival” reflects Bhima’s evolution as a category leader and its belief that diamonds are not merely ornaments, but emotional markers of identity, success, and personal storytelling. Reinforced by a century-long foundation of purity and trust, the campaign underscores Bhima’s intention to expand its diamond share and strengthen its relationship with the global Indian consumer.

This exclusive festive offer is available only from 8th December 2025 to 11th January 2026 at all Bhima stores.

 “This partnership with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar is more than an investment—it is a powerful validation of our values, governance, and long-term vision. His belief in Truzon Solar reinforces our commitment to building a trusted, scalable, and future-ready solar enterprise. Together, we aim to make clean energy a mainstream, responsible choice for homes, businesses, and industries across India.”

Mumbai, Dec 23:- India’s real estate sector is expected to reach an unprecedented milestone in 2025, with institutional investments soaring to an estimated USD 10.4 billion across 77 transactions, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking performance. This figure stands as the highest on record and represents a 17% increase from the previous year’s exceptional performance of USD 8.9 billion.

The sustained momentum demonstrates the resilience and attractiveness of India’s real estate market to institutional investors. This consecutive record-setting performance positions India’s real estate market as one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving investment landscapes in the Asia-Pacific region, signalling robust opportunities for continued institutional participation and market expansion.

Beyond immediate transactions, 2025 witnessed significant platform commitments totalling USD 11.43 billion, designed for gradual deployment over the next 3-7 years. Majority of the commitment amount USD 11 billion stems from a single platform deal established by Digital Connexion, a strategic joint venture comprising Reliance Industries Ltd., Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. and Digital Realty Trust Inc for data centres. The remaining commitments are allocated toward upcoming commercial and residential development projects.

“Institutional investment in real estate is poised to drive exceptional performance in 2025, with an estimated USD 10.4 billion in capital deployed across 77 transactions a historic achievement that builds on our record-breaking momentum from 2024. What makes this milestone particularly significant is the fundamental transformation we are witnessing in our capital markets ecosystem. For the first time since 2014, domestic institutional investors have captured a commanding 52% market share. Also, the two-fold increase in core asset acquisitions in 2025 demonstrates that investors are not just betting on India’s growth story, but are actively building long-term wealth through our stabilized, income-generating properties. This convergence of domestic institutional strength and sustained foreign confidence creates an unprecedented foundation for continued market expansion” said Lata Pillai, Senior Managing Director & Head of Capital Markets, India, JLL.

Domestic Capital Leads Historic Transformation in India’s Real Estate Investment Market

The investment landscape underwent a pivotal shift in 2025, with domestic institutional investors capturing a commanding 52% market share the first-time domestic capital has led since 2014. This marks a significant reversal from the 2015-2024 period when foreign institutional investors dominated, and contrasts with the post-GFC era (2010-2014) when opportunistic domestic funds initially drove market activity. Indian REITs and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) have emerged as the primary catalysts behind this transformation, deploying USD 2.5 billion representing 56% of core asset acquisitions. Indian private equity players have contributed additional momentum, accounting for 30% of total domestic capital deployment. This trend reflects the maturation of India’s REIT market and growing institutional comfort with sophisticated real estate investment vehicles.

Sustained Foreign Investment Confidence Despite Shifting Dynamics

While foreign institutional investment declined as a percentage of total activity, absolute foreign capital deployment increased 18% year-over-year, demonstrating continued confidence in Indian real estate fundamentals. Americas-based investors showed particularly robust commitment, increasing their investment from USD 1.6 billion in 2024 to USD 2.6 billion in 2025—a substantial 63% year-over-year growth.

Equity investments continue to dominate institutional capital deployment strategies, commanding 83% of total investment volume. This overwhelming preference for equity structures reflects mature institutional investment approaches focused on long-term wealth creation rather than leveraged return enhancement, positioning investors to capitalize on India’s real estate growth trajectory while maintaining conservative risk profiles.

Market Dynamics Reveal Strategic Investment Preferences and Geographic Focus

India’s institutional real estate investment market demonstrates sophisticated capital allocation strategies, with equity investments commanding a substantial 83% share of total investment volume. This overwhelming preference for equity structures reflects mature institutional investment approaches focused on long-term wealth creation rather than leveraged return enhancement, positioning investors to capitalize on India’s real estate growth trajectory while maintaining conservative risk profiles.

The office sector has reasserted its dominance in institutional investments, capturing a commanding 58% market share in 2025. This represents a significant recovery from 2024, when the residential sector led with 45% share, followed by office at 28%. As the market matures, investment horizons are expanding beyond traditional sectors, with emerging asset classes including data centers, student housing, life sciences, and healthcare gaining traction, reflecting investors’ appetite for diversification and alignment with evolving market dynamics.

Bengaluru emerges as dominant investment destination. The institutional investment landscape demonstrates clear geographic preferences, with Bengaluru capturing 29% of total institutional deployment in 2025. This leadership position reflects the city’s status as India’s technology capital and its robust commercial real estate fundamentals. Mumbai-MMR, the financial capital, maintains strong institutional appeal, driven by corporate headquarters concentration and premium commercial assets. Notably, Tier 2 cities received USD 175 million in deployment, representing 2% of total investments. While modest, this signals institutional willingness to explore emerging markets for value-add opportunities and portfolio diversification, indicating the broadening scope of India’s institutional real estate investment landscape.

“2025 marked a pivotal transformation in India’s real estate investment landscape, with office properties reclaiming their position as the institutional capital magnet, attracting USD 6 billion through strategic investments that more than doubled from the previous year. Notably, two-thirds of these investments were concentrated in prime core office properties, demonstrating institutional preference for stabilized, income-generating assets in established commercial markets. Simultaneously, we observed a strategic recalibration in the residential sector, where international confidence was reinforced by a major global investor’s strategic partnership with a leading domestic developer, signalling a maturation toward equity-centric investment approaches across both sectors. This shift reflects institutional investors’ growing confidence in India’s commercial real estate fundamentals and marks the emergence of a more sophisticated, equity-driven investment ecosystem.” said Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL.

As the real estate market matures, investment horizons are expanding beyond traditional sectors. Emerging asset classes such as, data centers, student housing, life sciences and healthcare are gaining traction, reflecting investors’ appetite for diversification and alignment with evolving market dynamics. The largest platform commitment of 2025 was established through a USD 11.3 bn joint venture comprising Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., and Digital Realty Trust Inc for data centres., highlighting the significant investment activity in the digital infrastructure sector.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Indian real estate market is poised for further growth and diversification

The consecutive record-breaking performance over 2024-2025 demonstrates the market’s capacity to maintain upward momentum while evolving structurally. This trajectory positions India as a premier destination for institutional capital in the Asia-Pacific region.

The fundamental shift toward domestic capital leadership, signals a permanent transformation rather than a cyclical trend. The maturation from opportunistic post-GFC strategies to sophisticated, long-term wealth creation approaches through REITs and InvITs indicates that India’s real estate capital markets have reached institutional-grade sophistication. This evolution is expected to accelerate as the REIT ecosystem expands and institutional investors develop greater familiarity with real estate investment vehicles. The sustained foreign interest, combined with domestic capital leadership, creates a balanced and resilient investment ecosystem.

India’s institutional real estate investment market is positioned for continued expansion, supported by economic resilience, market transparency improvements, and sophisticated capital allocation strategies. The foundation established in 2024-2025 creates a platform for India to emerge as one of the world’s most attractive institutional real estate investment markets over the next investment cycle. The institutional investment outlook in the Indian real estate sector has displayed encouraging trends in recent years and is anticipated to maintain its strength in the foreseeable future.

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.

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.

Mumbai, Dec 22: Plum, one of India’s most admired new-age beauty and personal care brands, has introduced Plum TrueSPF™, a proprietary assurance system aimed at raising the bar on sunscreen transparency, testing, and trust for Indian consumers. Over the past year, sunscreens have faced increased scrutiny, with independent tests and online conversations prompting questions around the reliability of SPF claims. At Plum, sun protection is considered one of the most essential steps in any skincare routine, making clarity and consistency in SPF claims critical. TrueSPF™ reinforces the brand’s commitment to honest, science-led sun protection.

Plum TrueSPF™ is a rigorous verification framework designed to validate real SPF performance beyond basic regulatory compliance. Built as a seal of proven protection, it combines multiple layers of testing, quality control, and transparent reporting to ensure sunscreens perform as promised in real-world conditions.

Speaking about the launch, Shankar Prasad, Founder & CEO, Plum, said, “Sun protection is an essential part of any skincare routine, and it’s important that consumers feel confident about the protection they are using. Over time, we noticed increasing conversations and questions around SPF claims, which prompted us to look more closely at how we test and communicate our sunscreens. With TrueSPF™, we are reinforcing our focus on science-led formulation, robust testing, and greater transparency. Our aim is simple: when we say SPF 50, consumers should feel assured about the protection they are choosing.”

At the core of TrueSPF™ are five stringent checks, including in-vivo testing on human volunteers and in-vitro laboratory testing to validate real-world SPF performance. For its hero product, the Plum Rice Water & 2% Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, the brand also conducts batch-level testing to ensure consistent SPF 50 protection. TrueSPF formulations use globally accepted, high-performance UV filters selected for safety, photostability, and suitability for Indian skin and climate, alongside 360-degree quality checks covering SPF and UVA consistency and formula stability.

Transparency remains central to TrueSPF™. Plum will publish test reports verifying SPF 50 PA++++ performance for its Rice Water & 2% Niacinamide Sunscreen, accessible via a QR code on the packaging. While the TrueSPF™ assurance currently applies to this product, the TrueSPF™ logo will begin appearing on the front of pack across Plum’s sunscreen portfolio. With TrueSPF™, Plum reaffirms its belief that trust in sun protection is built through science and openness. By publishing test reports and strengthening quality checks, the brand ensures consumers can rely on what’s stated on the label. Plum brings together chemistry and transparency to back every protection claim it makes.

Hyderabad, Dec 22: Buddy Mobility Care, a venture by BeSure Buddy Pvt. Ltd. and India’s leading inclusive mobility service provider, has achieved a historic milestone by securing a social impact driven partnership with GMR Hyderabad International Airport. This marks the launch of the nation’s first dedicated wheelchair-accessible transportation service at any Indian airport.

This groundbreaking initiative establishes Hyderabad Airport as a pioneer in truly inclusive travel. Redefining Accessible Travel, Buddy Mobility Care provides a complete, end-to-end assisted travel solution, which includes:

1. Accessible Vehicles: Custom-designed, wheelchair-accessible transportation.
2. Trained Mobility Caregivers: Professional personnel who provide dedicated assistance.
3. Dignified Travel: Safe, dependable, and supportive mobility for all passengers.

This service is specifically designed for persons with reduced mobility (PRM), senior citizens, and travelers requiring special support, ensuring their journey begins and ends with comfort and dignity. Mrs. Sartaj Lamba, Founder & CEO of Buddy Mobility Care (tradename of BeSure Buddy Pvt. Ltd.), said:

“GMR Hyderabad International Airport has set a new benchmark for inclusive travel in India with this vital social impact initiative. Buddy Mobility Care exists to ensure that every traveler regardless of their mobility needs—can move with dignity and independence. This permanent partnership is a major leap forward in our mission to revolutionize accessible transportation across the country. This achievement was made possible with the invaluable guidance of Mrs. Ratna Prabha, former IAS officer founder of Ubuntu consortium and the entire GMR team.

With this significant milestone, Buddy Mobility Care reaffirms its commitment to expanding this crucial ecosystem and setting the standard for accessible transportation throughout India.

By:– Mr. Mukundan Menon, Managing Director, Voltas Ltd

“India is at the cusp of a sustained growth journey, with our economy being one of the fastest growing major economies of the world. India’s economic growth, combined with low residential AC penetration (below 8%) and ongoing infrastructure development like metro rail, airports, manufacturing facilities, offices, healthcare, and hospitality, presents significant opportunities for our industry. Tier II & Tier III cities in India are also driving growth due to rapid urbanization & rising middle class incomes. Indian HVAC market is expected to reach $30 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 15-16%.

The Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative & PLI schemes are also driving, India’s HVAC equipment manufacturing story. This, in turn will create a pathway for us to export these products to a larger global audience and is a step towards our eventual global leadership in this space. India is also leading its way in terms of Standards for energy efficiency and sustainability which are the important themes when it comes to the Global stage.”