Archives March 2025

Jorhat, March 25, 2025: Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity, yet many communities still struggle with it. Marking World Water Day, Cairn Oil & Gas is working towards improving clean water accessibility in rural Assam. The company has installed seven tubewells in Pas Chamua village of Naginijan, ensuring clean drinking water for hundreds of people in the area. In addition, Cairn has equipped two important local public offices with Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifiers to ensure clean drinking water for nearly 500 individuals who visit these offices to avail public services such as government schemes and legal matters. This initiative is part of Cairn’s broader commitment to community well-being in the regions where it operates.

Pas Chamua village had long faced challenges with its primary water source, an open pond. This source, while providing water for the community, was highly prone to contamination, leading to several health issues. The installation of the tubewells has improved access to clean drinking water, safeguarding the community’s health and well-being, transforming their daily lives.

“Earlier, getting access to clean drinking water was difficult as the only source of drinking water was an open pond, but now that we have these tubewells, it has become easier for us to get clean drinking water,” shared Ritumoni Chetia, a resident of Pas Chamua village.

The Village Development Committee has also expressed appreciation for Cairn’s efforts. “Cairn team took the time and effort to truly understand our challenges. They provided effective solutions such as installation of tubewells. This is just one of the many initiatives Cairn has planned to improve our area,” said Tultul Saikia, President of the Village Development Committee.

Cairn’s initiative on World Water Day reinforces its unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and ensuring that basic necessities like safe water reach those who need them the most. Through sustainable, community-driven solutions, Cairn continues to create a lasting impact in the regions where it operates.

New Delhi, March 25, 2025: The housing market continued its downward trend with housing sales in India’s top 9 cities falling by 23% while supply declining by a whopping 34% in Jan-March of 2025, said a report by NSE-listed data analytics firm PropEquity.

Housing sales in Q1 2025 stood at 1,05,791 units as compared to 1,36,702 units in the same period last year.

Except Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR, all 7 cities witnessed a decline in sales.

Housing supply, on the other hand, stood at 80,774 units in Q1 2025 as compared to 1,22,365 units in the same period last year, marking three consecutive quarters of under-1 lakh units launched.

Except Bengaluru, all 8 cities saw a decline in new supply in the first quarter.

Samir Jasuja, Founder & CEO, PropEquity said: “The housing market is witnessing some correction after three years (2021, 2022, 2023) of record supply because of which absorption/sales is also on a declining trend. Rise in home prices and caution on the part of investors due to geo-political developments and certain weaknesses in the Indian economy have resulted in drop in sales. However, the market has displayed strong demand as is evident from the healthy absorption to supply ratio, which stood at 131% in Q1 2025, 132% in Q4 2024 and 127% in Q3 2024.”

“The traditionally high supply markets – Hyderabad, Pune and Thane – continue to decline. These cities had the highest supply among all tier 1 cities for 2 years running 2022 and 2023 before touching a low in 2024. In this quarter, they cumulatively saw 28,227 units of lesser supply as compared to the same period last year. In fact, the share of the three cities to the total launches has come down from to 29% in Q1 2025 as compared to 38% in the same period last year.”

Housing sales increased by 10% to 18,508 units in Bengaluru in Q1 2025, with the city accounting for 17% of the total sales, rising from 12% in Q1 2024.

Sales rose 10% in Delhi-NCR to 11,221 units in Q1 2025 with the city accounting for 11% of the total sales, rising from 7% in Q1 2024.

Sales dropped the most in Hyderabad (47%), followed by Mumbai 36%, Pune 33%, Kolkata 28%, Thane 27%, Navi Mumbai 7% and Chennai 2%.

Housing supply rose by 17% in Bengaluru to 20,227 units in Q1 2025. The city accounted for 25% of the total launches in Q1 2025, rising from 14% in the same period last year.

It fell the most in Kolkata at 62% followed by 50% each in Mumbai and Thane, 48% in Pune, 46% in Chennai, 38% in Hyderabad, 24% in Navi Mumbai and 14% in Delhi-NCR.

New Delhi, 25 March 2025: Under the French Pavilion coordinated by Campus France, 35 French institutions and nearly 120 delegates, accompanied by five diplomatic representations in Asia, will take part in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) institutional conference, organized in New Delhi, from March 24 to 28 (Yashoboomi, Booth E15). As a major annual event for higher education institutions worldwide, this fair provides a unique opportunity to create and strengthen academic and mobility partnerships with institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, a priority country for France, which aims to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030.

France at APAIE: A Key Event for Attractiveness in the Asia-Pacific

Established in 2004 in Seoul (South Korea), APAIE has become the largest professional fair dedicated to higher education in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, more than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries are expected to participate.

The 2025 edition of the conference highlights the key role of higher education in shaping global citizens capable of addressing common challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Through research, academic collaboration, and the inclusion of diversity, higher education institutions play a fundamental role in building sustainable solutions for a shared future.

The strong presence and diversity of French institutions participating in APAIE 2025 illustrate France’s commitment to strengthening its ties with key higher education stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Olivier Chiche-Portiche, Director of Geographic Coordination at Campus France: “The Asia-Pacific region remains the main driver of student mobility growth worldwide. It is also a strategic area for scientific and technological research: the significant presence of French institutions, including universities, business schools, and engineering schools, will reflect this importance.”

There are over 400 active MOUs between French and Indian institutions, fostering academic exchanges, dual-degree programmes, and credit transfers. The Embassy of France in India, through its academic and scientific cooperation team, actively supports institutions from both countries by offering guidance and facilitating connections with relevant partners.

What Career Paths for Asia-Pacific Alumni Educated in France?

As part of the conference’s scientific program, Campus France will present a poster session on the career paths of Asia-Pacific alumni who studied in France. A survey conducted among 10,000 former students, including around 1,200 from the Asia-Pacific region (mainly India, China, and Vietnam), highlights the positive impact of their experience in France, particularly on their entry into the job market:

• 37% of Asia-Pacific alumni found their first job in France
• 64% secured employment within six months of graduation
• 93% recommend France for higher education studies
• 85% recommend France as a destination for work

The presentation will take place in the exhibition hall at Yashoboomi on Wednesday, March 26, from 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM at display point 6. The infographic will be displayed throughout the conference.

Mumbai, 25th March 2025: Winpe, a gender diversity-focused not-for-profit platform, successfully hosted the third edition of the Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards (WLSA) at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The event convened top private equity and venture capital (PE-VC) leaders to address the pressing need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the investment ecosystem and was followed by an awards ceremony recognising firms and individuals driving meaningful change in the industry.

The investment ecosystem continues to be a male-dominated space where the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles creates barriers to entry for women entrepreneurs, hindering their career advancement and limiting access to networking and mentorship opportunities. While gender diversity in India’s PE-VC sector has improved over the years, significant gaps persist, particularly in leadership roles.

Leading PE-VC firms such as Warburg Pincus, ChrysCapital, Multiples Alternate Asset Management, Everstone Capital, Gaja Capital, Peak XV Partners, Fireside Ventures, AZB & partners, British International Investment (BII), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, (CPPIB) have been actively collaborating with Winpe, supporting initiatives that drive greater gender diversity and inclusion in the investment ecosystem.

A 2020 survey across 25 Indian PE firms showcased that women constituted only 16% of the workforce, with merely 5% holding senior leadership positions. The ‘Mind the Gender Gap’ report by CFA Institute Research and Policy Center suggests that women constitute less than 20% of the overall workforce and hold only 10% of key managerial personnel (KMP) roles. This gap showcases a lack of representation at key decision-making levels.

Recognising these issues, Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe, said. “Despite growing evidence that diversity drives better returns, women hold less than 20% of roles in PE-VC and remain significantly underrepresented at leadership levels. In today’s climate, where DEI faces both momentum and backlash, silent support is not enough. Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 is a call to action—to move from intent to impact, from conversations to measurable change. The future of investing must be built on merit and inclusion, not outdated barriers.”

Featuring 65 speakers and around 400 attendees, WLSA 2025 served as a critical forum to address these gaps and drive solutions. Through expert-led panel discussions on fundraising strategies, mentorship, and leadership acceleration, along with masterclasses focused on pitching and entrepreneurial success, the summit reflected a legacy that stands strong since the WLSA’s inception in 2023. Notable attendees included Ashley Menezes, Partner and COO, ChrysCapital; Manish Kejriwal, Managing Partner and Founder, Kedaara Capital; Upasana Taku, Co-Founder and CFO, MobiKwik; Kanwaljit Singh, Founder and Managing Partner, Fireside Ventures; Anita George, Chief Executive Officer, ProsperETE; Renuka Ramnath, Founder, Managing Director, and CEO, Multiples Alternate Asset Management; Vikram Raju, Managing Director and Head of Climate Investing for Private Credit and Equity, Morgan Stanley; Anand Unnikrishnan, Managing Partner- Private Markets, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund; VT Bharadwaj, Co-Founder and General Partner, A91 Partners; Sunil Mishra, Partner – Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners; Ralitsa Rizvanolli, Partner and Head of Investments, Sarona Asset Management; Diane Jegam, Regional Director, South Asia, Proparco; Puja Sondhi, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Co; and Roshini Bakshi, Managing Director and Head of Impact, Everstone Capital Asia Pte, among others.

The jury for this year’s Winpe Leadership Awards included eminent global leaders such as Debbi Sutuntivorakoon, Partner, Axiom Asia Private Capital; Pamela C. Fung, Partner, Morgan Stanley; Ralitsa Rizvanolli, Partner and Head of Investments, Sarona Asset Management; Sunil Mishra, Partner – Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners; and Thomas Kronsbein, Director, Private Equity, Global Markets, DEG.

The comprehensive list of winners:

• Firm of the Year: Private Equity – India Alternatives
• Firm of the Year: Venture Capital – Elevar Equity
• Deal of the Year: Private Equity – Multiples Alternate Asset Management for their investment in Svatantra Microfinance
• Deal of the Year: Venture Capital – Fireside Ventures for their investment in Moxie Beauty
• PE-Backed Company of the Year – Gynoveda and India Alternatives
• VC-Backed Company of the Year – Eloelo and WaterBridge Ventures
• Changemaker of the Year: Private Equity – Vishal Tulsyan from Motilal Oswal Alternates
• Changemaker of the Year: Venture Capital – Manish Kheterpal from WaterBridge Ventures
• PE Leader of the Year – Nithya Easwaran from Multiples Alternate Asset Management
• VC Leader of the Year – Richa Bajpai from Campus Fund
• Special Acknowledgement – Leadership – Shweta Jalan from Advent International

The representation of women in PE-VC and the broader corporate workforce remains a global challenge. The recent backlash against DEI has led companies to practice diversity quietly rather than champion it publicly. However, visibility is critical to driving real change. Winpe Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 brought these issues to the forefront, creating a platform where industry leaders not only discussed the barriers to diversity but also committed to driving measurable progress.

New Delhi, India – March 25, 2025 – In a pioneering move towards inclusive living, Paranjape Schemes has launched Swaniketan, India’s first dedicated residential community designed specifically for differently abled individuals and their families at the prestigious Purple Fest 2025, held in Delhi, an event focused on promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for persons with disabilities. The Project is located in Bhugaon, Pune. Swaniketan is set to redefine independent living by providing a secure, supportive, and empowering environment tailored to the unique needs of residents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.

 Swaniketan is more than just a residential development—it is a thoughtfully designed space to foster independence, skill development, and long-term care. The gated community comprises 240 apartments across two towers, offering 2 and 3 BHK homes, along with specialised facilities that cater to the well-being and growth of its residents. Every aspect of the project is aimed at providing a comfortable, accessible, and dignified living experience, ensuring that residents can lead independent lives while being part of a supportive and caring community.

 Key Features of Swaniketan:
•Skill Development & Vocational Training Centers – Empowering residents with hands-on learning through activities like crafts and therapeutic gardening, enabling them to contribute to society.
•Therapy & Wellness Centers – Offering specialised therapeutic environments to enhance the overall quality of life.
•Caregiver Support Facilities – Ensuring families and caregivers receive the necessary assistance and respite.
•Early Intervention & Development Center – Providing expert guidance to identify and address developmental needs at an early stage.
•Long-Term Care & Assisted Living Support – Offering continuous care and vocational training for young adults, ensuring sustained independence.

 “Swaniketan represents a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity and compassionate living. At Paranjape Schemes, our mission has always been to create homes that meet diverse needs. With Swaniketan, we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment that not only meet the physical accessibility needs of residents but also foster a sense of belonging and independence” said Shashank Paranjape, Managing Director of Paranjape Schemes.

 At the core of Swaniketan is a robust CARE ecosystem, designed to provide residents with expert supervision and specialised support. Paranjape Schemes has partnered with Forum for Autism and Saad to form Tarangan, an association that will oversee the management and operations of the community.

 Understanding the financial concerns of families with differently abled children, Swaniketan offers trust-based financial planning solutions. Parents can create trusts to secure their child’s future, ensuring that living, medical, and caretaker costs are covered even after their passing. Additionally, if a home is sold, proceeds can be directed into these trusts, guaranteeing long-term security.

Organized by TRUSTWELL Hospitals in association with AFPI and WONCA 2025

This past Sunday, March 23, 2025, our community came together for the inspiring 5K Walkathon, themed “Run for Family Health, One Stride at a Time.” The event, hosted by TRUSTWELL Hospitals in collaboration with AFPI and WONCA, witnessed an incredible turnout of families, fitness enthusiasts, and health advocates—all walking in support of physical activity and family well-being.

The walkathon was officially inaugurated by Dr. Janhanvi Nilekani, Rapid Rashmi, Vaibhav N Rao, and Maanvitha Magesh, adding to the excitement and energy of the day. The event began with a dynamic warm-up session led by local fitness experts, ensuring that participants of all ages and fitness levels were ready for the challenge.

The 5-kilometer route was designed to be accessible and inclusive, welcoming everyone from toddlers to seniors. Along the way, participants enjoyed live music performances by local bands, creating a festive atmosphere. Hydration stations and dedicated volunteers offered support, ensuring everyone stayed energized and motivated throughout the walk.

The theme, “Run for Family Health, One Stride at a Time,” underscored the core message of the event: promoting health through shared experiences and small, consistent steps. The event also highlighted the importance of preventive health measures in a fun and engaging way.

Many participants shared their enthusiasm, expressing their intention to incorporate regular walks and runs into their family routines. The walkathon successfully reminded us all that when it comes to health, every step counts—especially when taken together as a family.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, volunteers, and organizers for making this event a grand success. Let’s continue to prioritize family health, one stride at a time!

India, Nationwide Press Note, March 24th, 2025 – A short video titled Dino Mukk has taken the internet by storm, surpassing 2.2 million organic views and counting. This groundbreaking AI-generated Malayalam fictional documentary (with English subtitle) reimagines a world where dinosaurs are farmed like livestock, blending stunning visuals with a satirical documentary tone. Set in Palakkad, Kerala’s agricultural capital, Dino Mukk fuses nostalgia with absurdity, leaving viewers both amused and amazed.

 The documentary was conceptualised by Storytellers Union, a collective founded by childhood friends with expertise in film, writing, and advertising. The group has previously collaborated with major OTT platforms like Netflix, and is now exploring AI as a revolutionary storytelling tool. The documentary was spearheaded by Director Gokul Pillai with an intensive two-month R&D process to develop a realistic AI-powered video generation workflow in in just 7–8 days, generating over 2,500 AI-crafted images seamlessly woven together with immersive documentary narration and Malayalam storytelling.

Dino Mukk is not just another viral meme or mashup—it is a pioneering effort in Indian filmmaking, showcasing AI’s potential in satirical, documentary-style fiction storytelling. This is the first time AI has been used in India for such a genre, pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Also it has received Global Recognition from AI studios from the US and UK in collaboration

Delhi, March 2025 – The H2OMovement, Walk for Water, Walk for Life, and Swab for Life continue their mission of sustainability, conservation, and social impact by redefining how celebrations can contribute to a better world.

This Phoolwali Holi, presented by Bel La Monde, Dr Gurmeet Singh offered a unique and eco-conscious way to celebrate the festival of colors. Championing water conservation and sustainability, this special event supported the H2OMovement, Walk for Water, and Walk for Life, promoting awareness and action toward protecting our water resources.

The initiative was proudly supported by Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Jasmine Singh & Family, Dr. Bart Fisher (Give Life Foundation), HE KL Ganju (President of the Honorary Consular Corps Diplomatique – India – HCCD-I), MD Desi Rockstar, Vindu Dara Singh, HE Bizunesh,Madam Wegayehu & Family, Francis Miranda (OMNIA UK), Payal Swami & the IHRA Team, and Bisleri, which reinforced its commitment to water conservation through its CSR initiatives. The event also saw participation from global diplomats who joined forces to promote sustainable and ethical celebrations.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Sanjanaa Jon, a global humanitarian and sustainability advocate, said:

“Holi is a festival of love, colors, and unity. What better way to celebrate than by respecting our planet and preserving our precious water resources. The H2OMovement is about creating a sustainable future, and through this event, we have proven that traditions can thrive without harming nature. With the support of global leaders, changemakers, and young voices, we are making a real impact.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Bart Fisher, Chairman of the Give Life Foundation, emphasized the global importance of water conservation:

“Water is essential to life, and we must protect it as a sacred resource. The H2OMovement is not just about one event it’s a call to action for sustainable living and conscious celebrations. By celebrating Holi responsibly, we ensure that future generations can enjoy both the festival and the natural resources we cherish today.”

As Holi symbolizes unity, joy, and renewal, Phoolwali Holi demonstrated that celebrations can be vibrant, joyful, and environmentally responsible. With a strong call to action, the H2OMovement and its partners continue to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide to embrace sustainability in all aspects of life.

Mumbai, 24 March 2025: Tailwind Asset Management Company (Tailwind AMC), a specialist in model-driven investment strategies for high-net-worth individuals and family offices, has announced the launch of its flagship Alpha Edge Portfolio Management Service (PMS). This sophisticated investment solution, powered by proprietary quantitative models, debuts with Rs 50 crore in assets under management (AUM).

The launch of Alpha Edge PMS underscores Tailwind AMC’s commitment to innovation by integrating advanced technology with deep market expertise to generate consistent alpha for discerning investors.

“The strong initial response to our Alpha Edge PMS reflects investors’ growing preference for systematic, model-driven strategies that can deliver consistent returns,” said Vivek Goel, Founder and CIO of Tailwind AMC. “In today’s dynamic market, our systematic approach offers a compelling alternative to traditional bottom-up investment strategies.”

Alpha Edge PMS: Quantitative Excellence
The Alpha Edge PMS employs a sophisticated multi-layered investment approach:
• Strong Investment Pillars: Our core philosophy – Simple. Stable. Secure. aligns well with investors who are looking at sustainable growth over long term.
• Quantitative Factor Models: Proprietary algorithms analyze over 100 strategic, broad-based, and sectoral factors to identify investment avenues.
• Risk-Optimized Portfolio Construction: Focus on risk management to balance return potential with limiting downside in the long term.
• Continuous Model Evolution: Continuous learning capabilities allow strategies to adapt to changing market regimes

“Our Alpha Edge strategy has been extensively back-tested and has demonstrated resilience across diverse market environments,” added Goel. “Rather than pursuing high-risk, high-reward allocations, we prioritize systematic risk management to deliver sustained outperformance. The key to long-term success isn’t complexity—it’s structured excellence and measured wisdom. Our investment approach is designed to navigate markets while keeping investors’ financial security at the forefront.”

Investor-Centric Structure
Alpha Edge PMS upholds high standards of transparency and investor alignment. The performance-linked fee structure incorporates a high-water mark and sets the Nifty 50 TRI index as the hurdle rate, ensuring profit sharing only applies when returns exceed the benchmark.

India, 24th March, 2025 – GoSats, an Indian asset-based rewards company, today launched an innovative Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to streamline the digital gold investment process in India methodically. The SIP aligns closely with Indians’ emphasis on investing in Gold, helping GoSats users to adopt a streamlined way of investing in 24 Carat digital gold. The development comes on the back of the firm introducing GoSats AI, India’s first AI shopping companion to find the most economic deals to maximise rewards. Combining the two developments, the firm is aiming to transform the domestic asset-based rewards ecosystem, overcome the low entry barrier, increase engagement and user retention on its smartphone application and enhance its credibility.

Over 2 Crore Indians invest in digital gold in the country at present, undergoing a tedious process. The launch of this innovative SIP highlights GoSats’ long-term goal of aligning with customer requirements by enabling users to invest in 24 Carat digital gold for as little as INR 10 every day while mitigating the usual hassle associated with digital gold investments. The SIP offers instant liquidity prospects, helping users to sell their investments at any time — contributing to boosting the functionality of the investment plan.The plan will be made available with a special offer during launch, as one lucky user will receive 1 gram of digital gold given they begin their digital gold SIP with GoSats. The name of the winning user will be announced on April 2.

Mr. Mohammed Roshan Aslam, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats, shared the firm’s vision behind the launches, saying, “While Indians have historically been large investors of physical gold, the launch of digital gold has revolutionised the scope of investment for the country. At present, digital gold has become the preferred solution for millennials and GenZ investors, whose primary criteria behind investment is instant liquidity & low volatility. The introduction of this SIP enables users with this exact aspect, while also mitigating any circumstantial concerns and making micro investments a more lucrative option than ever before. Coupled with the GoSats AI, user benefits will go beyond receiving rewards, but establishing an innovative funnel for passive investments.”

Gold has emerged as one of the most viable investment options in recent years, however, affordability and accessibility remain key concerns for new investors. These aspects have made digital gold the preferred choice of GenZ earners in their 20s, whose investments prioritize good returns with reduced volatility. GoSats’ new SIP for digital gold addresses these challenges holistically, while also mitigating the scope of paying hidden charges, establishing a seamless and transparent digital gold investment ecosystem.

The preferential treatment of Indian GenZ customers on digital gold is further boosted by GoSats AI which helps customers in online shopping. Through GoSats AI, users can find the best deals and receive maximum rewards in digital gold and sats, offering a beneficial outlook to online spending. With GoSats AI’s passive investment aspects into digital gold and sats, the introduction of the SIP marks a new milestone for making alternative finance a reality in India.