In a move widely anticipated by market watchers, the Reserve Bank of India has chosen to maintain the repo rate at 5.5%, following a cumulative 100 bps reduction over the past three Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings. For the real estate sector, this pause reinforces a climate of stability, keeping home loan EMIs unchanged and encouraging end-user confidence.

With the festive season approaching and earlier rate cuts still transmitting into the system, developers look forward to seizing the opportunity to drive sales through flexible payment plans and festive incentives. A further cut in the coming quarters, if macroeconomic conditions permit, could act as an additional trigger for housing demand.

RBI Holds Repo Rate Steady at 5.5%

Mr Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group, says, “This status quo reflects a prudent and laudable step by the RBI, especially in light of current international dynamics, including the impact of the Trump Tariff. With inflation significantly below the RBI’s target, the decision will definitely boost the economy and impart positive sentiment to the real estate sector, particularly at the onset of the festive season, a critical period for housing demand. We believe this consistency in policy will help strengthen buyer confidence and stimulate activity across the real estate landscape. It also enables developers to plan ahead with greater clarity, especially for integrated and long-term projects.”

Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, says, “The two successive rate cuts resulting in a total reduction of 100 bps over the last six months, the RBIs stance to keep the repo rate steady at 5.5% is as per the realty sectors expectations. The move aligns with the central bank’s cautious stance against the backdrop of global economic volatility. It is also noteworthy that the previous rate cuts significantly bolstered housing demand, with Tier-I cities recording residential sales worth Rs. 3.6 lakh crore in just the first half of 2025. Even though a slight reduction could have further fueled this growth, particularly benefiting affordable and mid-segment homebuyers. We look forward to a possible rate cut in the festive season as this would provide a timely push to housing demand, especially for first-time buyers and budget-conscious investors.”

Adish Oswal, Chairman, Oswal Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate steady at 5.5% reinforces economic stability while continuing to support the housing sector. The cumulative 1% reduction since February has already improved liquidity, enabling developers to fast-track launches and project deliveries. Meanwhile, the firm reductions in home loan rates are gradually boosting affordability, especially for first-time buyers. Together, these factors are expected to fuel fresh momentum in the real estate market and pave the way for sustained growth in the months ahead.”

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder and Chairman, Landmark Group, says, “The RBI sustaining the status quo marks a strong pro-growth signal and undoubtedly benefits the real estate sector. With home loan rates likely to fall further, affordability will improve, especially for first-time homebuyers. This move is expected to reignite demand, sustain buyer interest, and create a favorable environment for continued growth across the housing market.”

Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, says, “The announcement by the RBI to hit the pause button after a 100-bps rate cut in the last 6 months will bring cheers to the sector. At 5.50% the home loan continues to be affordable, and given the fact that the festive season is merely two months away, it will boost the markets prospects and lead to the real estate sectors growth.”

Mr. Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, says, “As anticipated, the RBI’s decision to maintain the status quo and keep the stance neutral signals continued confidence in India’s economic growth story. This decisive move is set to unlock greater capital inflows, especially into high-impact sectors like real estate. Notably, the commercial segment is seeing renewed traction. This would allow ongoing projects to proceed without repricing risks. For occupiers and developers, predictability in the financial environment signifies stability and is always welcome.”

Pankaj Jain, Founder & CMD, SPJ Group, says, “In the midst of global economic uncertainties and recent tariff escalations, the RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.5% signals a measured and prudent approach to sustaining economic momentum. While a rate cut would have further boosted home loan affordability, the current stability still bodes well for the real estate sector-especially luxury housing, where demand remains robust. With borrowing costs steady, both end-users and investors can plan confidently, and developers are likely to continue exploring untapped micro-markets. This move reinforces policy consistency and supports ongoing recovery across the sector while contributing to broader macroeconomic resilience.”

Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, says the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% injects optimism amid economic uncertainty. Setting a positive tone for the real estate sector, this will continue to ease the homebuying process, enhancing home loan affordability and supporting demand across the segments. We see this announcement as a positive push toward a broader recovery in real estate and the economy at large.

Saurabh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, says, “The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate steady supports buyer confidence and keeps home loan EMIs stable. In Gurugram, demand remains strong, particularly in the mid and premium segments. While the recently proposed circle rate hikes may impact pricing in select pockets, overall market sentiment is upbeat and growth momentum continues. Stable rates will further drive residential demand and encourage developers to bring new projects aligned with evolving buyer preferences.”

Ajay Tyagi, Chief Sales Officer, Better Choice Realtors, says, “Given global economic uncertainties, the RBI keeping the repo rate at 5.5% sends a strong message of authorities being considerate towards real estate. This move will encourage borrowing, prompting more individuals to invest in property purchases and driving demand in the housing sector, especially amid the recently imposed U.S. tariffs.”

With rising cases of chronic liver disease across India, experts at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital urge early intervention and clarify that not all patients require a transplant. The hospital also reassures the public about the safety of modern liver transplants, including living donor procedures, offering hope and clarity to affected families.

Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore

Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is often a silent and progressive condition that affects millions of people across the country. What begins as mild liver damage can slowly evolve into cirrhosis or even liver failure if not identified and managed early. At Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, one of Tamil Nadu’s leading centres for liver care and transplant, liver specialists are calling attention to the importance of early treatment, misconceptions about transplantation, and ensuring donor safety in living liver donations.

Don’t Wait for the Symptoms to Worsen: When to Start Treatment for Chronic Liver Disease
According to Hepatologists in Coimbatore, the biggest mistake many patients make is waiting for symptoms to become severe before seeking help. Chronic liver disease doesnt often show signs in the early stages. Many patients come to us only after they develop jaundice, fluid buildup in the abdomen, or confusion-all signs of advanced disease.

CLD is a slow-burning condition caused by long-term damage to the liver from reasons such as alcohol use, viral hepatitis (B or C), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune disorders, or certain medications.

The key to managing CLD is to start treatment as soon as it’s diagnosed-even if symptoms are mild or absent. Early-stage treatment involves addressing the cause, monitoring liver function, making lifestyle changes, and sometimes using medications to slow or halt progression.

Does Every Chronic Liver Disease Patient Need a Liver Transplant
A question many people ask liver doctors is, “Does every patient really need a liver transplant” The answer is not always.

Only a small percentage of patients with CLD actually require a transplant. Many can lead long, healthy lives with medical management, regular follow-ups, and timely interventions.

A transplant is usually considered only when the liver can no longer perform its essential functions-processing toxins, producing proteins, or regulating blood clotting. Signs of liver failure include repeated fluid accumulation (ascites), gastrointestinal bleeding, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), or dangerously elevated bilirubin levels.

The decision for transplant is never rushed. Our Liver Transplant team at SRH use international scoring systems like MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) to assess how sick the liver is, and whether the patient will benefit from a transplant in the short and long term.

Liver Transplantation – How Safe Is It Today
Liver transplantation has come a long way in terms of safety and success rates. At Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, the liver transplant team follows global standards and a highly streamlined approach to maximise success and minimise risks.

With better surgical techniques, critical care, and post-operative support, liver transplants today are safer than ever before. At Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, the success rates match global benchmarks, and the patients receive round-the-clock monitoring by a multidisciplinary team.

Transplant surgeries typically last 8 to 12 hours and are followed by intensive care monitoring for the first few days. Most patients are discharged within 2 weeks and go on to lead a normal, active life with regular follow-up and immunosuppressive medications.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT): What About Donor Safety
Due to the shortage of cadaver (deceased donor) livers, Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT) has become a vital option in India. In LDLT, a healthy person-usually a close relative-donates a portion of their liver, which then regenerates in both the donor and the recipient within weeks.

While many families express concern about the donor’s safety, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital ensures that donor care is the top priority.

A stringent evaluation is conducted before accepting a donor. Advanced imaging, cardiac testing, and psychological assessments are performed to ensure complete safety by the Liver Transplant experts in Coimbatore.

The donor undergoes surgery to remove about 30-60% of their liver, depending on the recipient’s needs. The liver begins to regenerate almost immediately, and most donors return to their routine within 4 to 6 weeks.

Chronic Liver Disease doesn’t have to be life threatening. Early detection, timely treatment, and the right medical team can change outcomes dramatically. The liver is one of the only organs in the human body that can regrow or regenerate. The earlier the damage is addressed, the higher the chance of recovery.

Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore is a leading centre in South India for treating liver diseases and performing liver transplants. With a multidisciplinary team of experts, cutting-edge surgical facilities, and a deeply compassionate approach to care, the hospital is committed to guiding patients and their families through every stage of their liver health journey. Whether it’s early intervention for chronic liver disease or advanced transplant care, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital ensures that every patient receives personalised, safe, and life-restoring treatment.

Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore provides care for Liver transplant patients at highest quality matching global standards, which is affordable to the people of this region who come and experience the safe. affordable and empathetic liver case by our highly trained transplant team at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital.

As the country prepares to celebrate National Handloom Day, Taneira, a Tata product, reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the nations unparalleled textile heritage with the introduction of GI tagging on their offerings. Among the early adopters in the industry, Taneira becomes one of the first few Indian saree brands to present GI-certified handloom sarees, in key clusters like Banarasis, Chanderi and Maheshwari to start with. This initiative strengthens the brand’s commitment to the hands behind the loom, the geographies that have shaped their craft over generations, and the traditions woven into every piece of fabric. At its core, this step underscores Taneira’s dedication to authenticity and ethical craftsmanship, aiming to create a deeper connection between consumers and the communities that keep India’s rich weaving legacy alive. Authenticity has been at the heart of Taneira’s ethos from the beginning. From the Handloom Mark to Silk and Zari certifications, each product reflects this commitment. The introduction of GI tagging further strengthens customer trust enhancing the brand’s vision of bringing the best of India under one roof, backed by provenance and purpose.

Taneira Handloom Day

As part of this initiative, Taneira works closely with vendor partners and artisan clusters to facilitate GI certification, providing documentation support, legal guidance and on-ground enablement. In a design landscape increasingly shaped by mechanized production and diminishing recognition of the craftsperson, this effort reflects the brand’s deep-rooted intent to preserve and progress the quiet elegance and enduring beauty of handwoven traditions.

Taneira Handloom Day

Taneira is championing a certified and transparent approach to handloom retail. The offerings carry a suite of trusted authenticity markers such as the Handloom Mark, Silk Mark, Zari Certification, Khadi Certificate and Pashmina Certification. With the addition of GI tagging, this suite of certifications now also verifies that each weave originates from its rightful region and the artisans who have upheld it across generations.

On this milestone, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said, “On the occasion of National Handloom Day, we at Taneira are proud to take another meaningful step in our journey to safeguard India’s weaving traditions and support our artisan communities. By partnering with craft clusters and offering certified weaves, including GI-tagged products, we aim to build a transparent supply chain that not only empowers artisans but also helps customers make informed, conscious choices. Through this initiative, we continue our endeavour to offer sarees that go beyond aesthetics, pieces that embody authenticity, carry the responsibility of heritage and reflect the cultural richness of India to the world at large.“

By actively partnering with weaving clusters, the brand seeks to preserve the traditional knowledge systems that define Indian textiles while ensuring that weaving communities receive rightful recognition. Owning a GI-tagged saree is to own a tangible piece of India’s cultural geography, history and craftsmanship. These sarees are not just keepers of tradition, but by the very nature of how they are made, handloom sarees are breathable, durable and crafted to last many generations, while combining comfort with timeless elegance.

Taneira is working towards expanding its portfolio of GI-tagged clusters, with weaves from close to 10 other regions currently in progress. With each new addition, the brand moves closer to its vision of making authenticated, region-specific handlooms accessible to the modern Indian woman, while uplifting the ecosystem at every step. This National Handloom Day, Taneira invites customers to discover the stories, soil and soul woven into every thread.

About Taneira

Taneira, the womens ethnic wear brand from Titan, the TATA group company, offers differentiated design sarees, blouses, and ready-to-wear kurta sets made from pure and natural fabrics from over 100+ weaving clusters of India and brings the best of India under one roof. Instilled with TATA trust, Taneira aims to provide rooted yet progressive Indian women with diverse craftsmanship and exclusive crafts and designs. The products cater to everyday fashion and all occasions a woman would want to adorn herself for – festivals, weddings, and special occasions.

In its endeavour to provide authentic weaves that are handcrafted with love, Taneira works with weaver communities all over India. It has also launched the Weavershala initiative to modernize the weaving techniques and, at the same time, preserve traditional procedures of hand weaving for future generations. In addition, the brand has introduced frame looms and all essential workspace facilities for the weavers in collaboration with localized weaver-led organizations. Currently, there are 18 Weavershalas operational across the country.

Launched in 2017, Taneira offers a unique and relaxed browsing experience with knowledgeable staff to provide quality service through a strong network of 80+ stores across 41 cities. The brand is present across all prominent metro hubs and is building to strengthen its presence across key Tier I and Tier II cities. Taneira is also available online with global delivery at www.taneira.com.

In a significant push for sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment, The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST) signed two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL). The signings took place in the presence of Shri Ashish Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, marking a transformative step toward reviving India’s traditional agricultural strengths with modern scale and strategy.

Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust signing MoU with National Cooperative Organics Limited

These partnerships aim to build end-to-end value chains in indigenous seed preservation and natural produce marketing, bridging the gap between grassroots farmers and national markets.

The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust and Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited exchanging MoU

MoU 1: AOL-SSIASTBBSSL – Reviving Indigenous Seeds, Strengthening Sovereignty

This agreement focuses on the preservation, multiplication and promotion of indigenous seeds, vital for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and food sovereignty.

Key focus areas include:

• Establishing community-based seed banks and seed keepers

• Joint seed research and farmer training programs

• Organizing seed festivals and awareness campaigns

• Implementing blockchain-based traceability for seed authenticity

• Supporting the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

MoU 2: AOL-SSIASTNCOL – Scaling Organic Produce from Soil to Shelf

The second MoU with NCOL aims to streamline the aggregation, certification and marketing of organic produce cultivated by the AOL-SSIAST trained farmers across India.

Highlights include:

• Procurement and marketing support from NCOL’s cooperative network

• Organic certification through PGS and NPOP systems

• Training and mobilisation of organic farmers

• Logistics and post-harvest support

• Strengthening of the organic cooperative movement

With the AOL-SSIAST’s presence across climate-sensitive regions and NCOL’s national infrastructure, this partnership is poised to make organic and natural produce accessible, traceable and scalable, domestically and internationally.

Marking his gracious presence at the signing, Shri Ashish Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, remarked, “These collaborations reflect the spirit of cooperative strength and grassroots innovation. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern systems, we are building a sustainable and inclusive agricultural model for India.”

Adding to this, Shri Prasana Prabhu, Chairman, The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST), shared,“Natural Farming begins with natural seeds. When we restore our native seed wealth, we restore health to our soil, strength to our farmers, and hope to future generations. Honouring the hands that grow our food is not just a commitment to agriculture, it is a commitment to nourish the nation in the right direction.”

Join the Movement for a Sustainable India

AOL-SSIAST invites corporates, philanthropic institutions and community stakeholders to partner in this national mission for sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. Together, let us scale natural farming, revive indigenous seed systems, and ensure that every farmer becomes a steward of soil, health, and prosperity.

Click to Contribute: ssiast.artofliving.org/donate

About the AOL-SSIAST

Founded in 2009 under the vision of spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust ( AOL-SSIAST) is at the forefront of India’s sustainable agriculture transformation.

Impact so far:

• Trained over 3 million farmers across 23 Indian states in Natural Farming practices

• Empowered 1.15 lakh farmers in suicide-prone districts

• Developed a nationwide network of 2,300+ certified trainers

• Converted 56,157 acres of farmland into climate-resilient, chemical-free zones

• 100 million trees planted across 36 countries and 26 Indian states

• 38.7 lakh Lakshmi Taru saplings planted, known for their medicinal value in cancer treatment research

• 2.5 lakh seed balls created and dispersed as part of global reforestation efforts, earning recognition in the World Book of Records.

AOL-SSIAST works through grassroots training, seed banks, Goshalas and sustainable agri-models to build a future-ready India.

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