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Working Women Show Improved Retirement Preparedness but Remain Concerned About Loneliness: Axis Max Life India Retirement Index 5.0

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd. (“Axis Max Life”), formerly Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., released new insights on working women cohort from the fifth edition of its flagship India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 5.0). The study evaluates urban India’s retirement preparedness across three key indices, Financial, Health and Emotional Preparedness, measured on a scale of 0 to 100.

 

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Working Women Record Uptick in Retirement Preparedness, Though Emotional Concerns about loneliness Persist, says Axis Max Life’s India Retirement Index Study 5.0


The Retirement Index score for women stands at 49 (out of 100) in 2025, close to the national score of 48. Notably, the index has risen from 44 in 2022 to 49 in 2025, marking a five-point increase, which is slightly above than the overall national growth over the same period from 44 in 2022 to 48 in 2025.


Sumit Madan, CEO and Managing Director, Axis Max Life Insurance, said, “The ‘Health-Wealth’ focus is no longer theoretical; it’s becoming the new standard for retirement preparedness. While women are leading the charge in overall readiness, we recognize that their health preparedness is also growing year-on-year. As life insurers we have also made it our priority to refine our retirement solutions by embedding proactive health and lifestyle features that help our policyholders maintain their vitality throughout their silver years.”


Key Findings of the Women Cohort

  • Health Preparedness: The study, conducted in partnership with Kantar, women’s Health Preparedness Index rose from 40 (2022) to 47 (2025), marginally outperforming the national growth rate (41 (2022) to 46 (2025).

  • The Emotive Index: Despite health-wise uptick, psychological preparedness is unsteady. The Emotional Preparedness Index for women dropped from 60 to 58 over the same period. This dip was slightly sharper than their male counterpart which remained stable at 59. 

  • The Loneliness Factor: The fear of loneliness has increased among women—from 69% to 74%— at a time when the all-India level has remained unchanged, indicating a growing emotional sensitivity within this cohort.

 

In line with gains in the Health Index, the share of women undergoing regular or occasional health check-ups has risen from 57 percent in 2022 to 60 percent in 2025, ahead of the national average of 55 percent. Nearly 43 percent of women report engaging in daily physical workouts, in line with all India average.


Confidence about future well-being has also strengthened. The proportion of women who believe they will remain fit and healthy during their retirement years has increased marginally from 79 percent in 2022 to 82 percent in 2025, moving ahead of the broader national sentiment, which has largely plateaued.


That said, formal risk protection continues to evolve. Health insurance adoption among women has grown from 42 percent in 2022 to 48 percent in 2025, though the pace trails the national growth rate from 43 percent to 50 percent.


Emotional Preparedness Reflects Emerging Sensitivities
Despite the uptick in health index, emotional anxieties continue to influence retirement perceptions among women.


Concerns around financial and environmental security remain largely stable among women. Around 73 percent worry about financial dependence on children, and 79 percent remain concerned about the impact of changing environmental conditions on their retirement years, suggesting persistent but not escalating anxieties.


The proportion of women who feel totally secure about receiving familial support in retirement has increased directionally from 49 percent in 2022 to 53 percent in 2025, in line with the national growth rate from 51 percent to 55 percent.


Read more about the India Retirement Index Study: www.axismaxlife.com/iris-india-retirement-study-index 


About India Retirement Index Study 
India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Axis Max Life conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The study evaluates India’s readiness for a healthy, peaceful, and financially secure retirement across three indices Financial, Health, and Emotional Preparedness each measured on a scale of 0 to 100. The fifth edition surveyed 2,242 respondents across 28 cities, including new segments such as gig workers.


About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)
Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.


IRDAI Registration. No – 104
Company Information Number – U74899PB2000PLC045626


About Kantar 
Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. To know more, visit www.kantar.com 

M3M Foundation's Resolve on the Eve of International Women's Day: Women of the Nation Will Be Empowered Through Skills, Entrepreneurship and Opportunities – Dr. Payal Kanodia

On the eve of International Women’s Day, M3M Foundation reiterated its commitment to the social and economic empowerment of women across the country, stating that the true strength of India’s development lies in its women. Empowering women through education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities forms the foundation of sustainable social transformation.

 

Dr. Payal Kanodia exchanges the MoU with Rekha, Founder of Mahila Swarojgar Samiti in the presence of MLC Hansraj Vishwakarma, Smt. Poonam Maurya, and Prashant Ji (VHP) in Varanasi


Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, was speaking during the launch of the “Weaving Change – Weaving of Heritage” campaign in Kashi (Varanasi), the parliamentary constituency of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Although the campaign has been launched from Varanasi, its objective is to connect 40,000 women across the country with skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable rural livelihoods through traditional Indian arts and crafts. Through this initiative, the traditional skills of rural women will be linked with modern markets, design innovation, and digital platforms to realize the vision of “Rural to Global.”


The inauguration programme was organized in Bairwan Panchayat of Arajiline Block in Varanasi district in collaboration with Mahila Swarojgar Samiti, where more than 500 women from nearby villages participated. According to Dr. Kanodia, when women are provided with opportunities, skills, and resources, they not only empower their families but also strengthen the entire society. She further stated that through various programmes of the Foundation, efforts are being made across several states to make women self-reliant by connecting them with skill training, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities.


Through M3M Foundation’s ‘Kaushal Sambal’ programme and other community initiatives, thousands of women are being provided with skill development training, entrepreneurship guidance, and livelihood opportunities, enabling them to play a significant role in strengthening their families economically.


On this occasion, several dignitaries and social representatives were present, including Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee of M3M Foundation; Praveen Singh Gautam (BJP District General Secretary); Arvind Singh (BJP Vice President); Prashant Ji (Vishwa Hindu Parishad); Vaishali Tai Joshi and Anant Prabha Ji (Vishwa Mangalya Sabha).


In the presence of MLC Shri Hansraj Vishwakarma from Varanasi Rural and District Panchayat President of Varanasi, Smt. Poonam Maurya, an MoU for the project was exchanged between Dr. Payal Kanodia and Rekha Chauhan, Founder of Mahila Swarojgar Samiti.


Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia emphasized that rural women play an extremely significant role in preserving India’s traditional arts and crafts. She stated that “Weaving  Change – Weaving of Heritage” is not just a project but a movement aimed at connecting the skills of rural women with entrepreneurship while taking India’s heritage from “Rural to Global” on the world stage.


She also highlighted that M3M Foundation’s work in Varanasi is not limited to livelihoods and women’s empowerment, but also extends to the preservation of religious and cultural heritage. As part of the development of Eknath Bhavan located at the historic Durga Ghat in Kashi, the Foundation has reconstructed the sanctum (garbhagriha) and assembly hall of the Vitthal Temple, developed an Annakshetra, and built a dharamshala for pilgrims and spiritual seekers. In addition, a community hall for social and cultural activities has also been developed.


This initiative is a significant step toward realizing the vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Virasat se Vikas” championed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Through this campaign, efforts will be made not only to provide a new identity to the skills of rural women but also to bring India’s rich artistic traditions to the global platform.


Rekha Chauhan, Founder of Mahila Swarojgar Samiti, said that this partnership will provide thousands of women from Varanasi and surrounding rural areas an opportunity to transform their traditional skills into enterprises, enabling them to become self-reliant.


On the occasion of International Women’s Day, M3M Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen women’s participation in the nation’s development by promoting their skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship.


Skill in every hand, dignity in every home — this is the true direction of women’s empowerment.

 

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is a leading social development organization working extensively in the areas of education, skill development, healthcare, environmental conservation, sports, and community development. Through its various programmes-Kaushal Sambal, iMpower, Sankalp, Sarvoday, Lakshya, and VanJeevan-the foundation is empowering the lives of lakhs of people across several states in India. The foundation aims to build self-reliant communities, connect women and youth with skills and entrepreneurship, and contribute to India’s social and economic progress through the vision of “Heritage to Development” and “Rural to Global.”

ProNutramax Unveils Two Distinct Brands – 'Pro Nutra Kidz: For Active Mind and Body' and 'ANI: Traditional Masalas'

Chennai-based ProNutramax launched its two distinct brands — ‘Pro Nutra Kidz: For Active Mind and Body’, a nutraceutical range focused on supporting active minds and growing bodies, and ‘ANI – Authentic • Natural • Indian – Traditional Masalas’, dedicated to delivering authentic, time-tested flavours — at a launch event held at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Chennai in the presence of Guests of Honour & dignitaries: Dr J. Radhakrishnan – IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of TNPDCL; Kalaimamani Actor Chinni Jayanth, Mr. Pawan Kumar, IRS(Delhi); Wing commander (Retd.), Mr. Ramesh Pulapaka, CEO-ABCL; Ms. Apsara Reddy, India’s first trans politician, Social activist & Journalist; Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO, Space Kidz India; Mr Viswanathan Natarajan, Vice Chairman, Gojan Educational Institutions; Mrs. ILA Prabhu, General Manager-ITC.

 

ProNutramax Unveils Two Distinct Brands – ‘Pro Nutra Kidz’ and ‘ANI – Traditional Masalas’

 

With this dual launch, ProNutramax aims to bridge the gap between convenience and tradition. By combining nutraceutical science with traditional masala excellence, the company seeks to support modern families with products that promote both health and heritage cooking.

 

Speaking at the launch conference, Ms. Latha Dubay, Founder & CEO of ProNutramax, said, “As modern life becomes faster and more demanding, the home kitchen has turned into a place of compromise.Today’s new-generation parents often struggle to balance their children’s busy academic schedules with proper nutrition, while also trying to preserve the authentic flavours of traditional home cooking.

 

Understanding this challenge, we at ProNutramax have brought together science-backed nutrition and time-tested flavours under two distinct brands- Pro Nutra Kidz and ANI. Our mission is simple — to restore 100% parent-approved nutrition and the trusted taste of yesteryear to every family’s table.

 

Highlighting the brand’s strategic retail presence, growth plans, and commitment to consistent quality, the Mr. K Raman, Director, said, “Recognising that accessibility is as important as quality, ProNutra and ANI are backed by a strong strategic marketing plan to ensure high visibility across prominent retail outlets and high-footfall stores. Supported by a rapidly expanding dealer network, we are well-positioned to meet growing demand in urban and semi-urban markets. We identified a widening gap where families were often forced to choose between convenience and wholesome quality. Our goal is to bridge that gap by making premium nutrition and authentic traditional flavours easily accessible — without compromise.”

 

Both brands remain committed to authenticity in preparation and unwavering consistency in quality, whether in nutraceutical supplements or traditional masalas. We welcome distributors from Tamil Nadu to join us as we expand into key markets and build a strong industry presence,” he added.

 

Why ProNutra?

In a market filled with so-called “health drinks” that often contain hidden sugars, ProNutra stands out as a transparent and parent-friendly choice. Created especially for growing children—whose taste preferences may often lean toward fast food—ProNutra delivers balanced nutrition without compromise.

 

Pro Nutra Kidz: For Active Mind and Body delivers rich, enjoyable flavours like classic Vanilla and Rich Chocolate, while supporting overall growth and development. Formulated with essential vitamins and minerals, it helps promote strong bones, improved immunity, and sustained energy — supporting both active minds and growing bodies. Unlike many products that come pre-loaded with high amounts of sugar, ProNutra gives control back to parents—allowing them to decide how much sweetness to add.

 

Building on this foundation, ProNutramax will soon expand its portfolio with specially formulated products designed for women and elders, addressing their unique nutritional needs at every stage of life.

 

Why ANI?

While ProNutra focuses on the science of growth and nutrition, ANI celebrates the art of traditional cooking. The brand offers a carefully crafted range of spices and instant mixes that stay true to heritage flavours, with a strong emphasis on authentic taste and traditional preparation. Its Idli Podi stands out with a rich, granular texture, delivering a wholesome and satisfying experience. Moreover, absolutely the most apt and the latest aluminium foil packaging has been used to enhance shelf life, freshness and seal the aroma.

 

For staples such as Rasam, Sambar, Puliyotharai, and Rava Idli mixes, high-quality key ingredients are sourced from a single authentic source to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and true traditional flavour. This strong focus on ingredient integrity and uniform quality sets ANI apart in the market.

 

Going forward, ANI plans to expand its portfolio with popular traditional favourites, including Instant Payasam, Millet Dosa, and Special Maddur Vada, thus bringing more heritage recipes to modern kitchens.

 

For Further information please visit www.pronutramax.com / Contact: 95009 10040 / 98402 97720.

DRA Homes Launches Chennai's First Multi – Lingual Virtual Sales AI Assistant at CREDAI Fairpro

Chennai’s real estate sector marked a significant digital milestone as DRA Homes launched the city’s first multi-lingual Virtual Sales AI Assistant at the recently concluded CREDAI Chennai Fairpro exhibition. The innovation signals a decisive move towards technology-led sales transformation, positioning the company at the forefront of AI-driven customer engagement in the city.

 

DRA Homes Launches Multi-Lingual Virtual AI Sales Assistant

 

Designed to function as a digital sales assistant, the AI-powered tool enables prospective buyers to instantly access comprehensive project information, pricing details, configuration options and amenity specifications. It also facilitates site visit scheduling, helping buyers explore properties with greater convenience and clarity. At Fairpro, the assistant saw enthusiastic participation from visitors, many of whom appreciated the speed, ease and transparency it brought to the property exploration process.

 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director – DRA Homes, said, “Innovation in real estate is no longer optional – it is imperative. The launch of Chennai’s first Multi-lingual Virtual Sales AI Assistant reflects our commitment to building a future-ready organization that leverages technology to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. We believe AI will play a transformative role in redefining how homes are marketed, explored and purchased, and this is a significant step in that direction.”

 

Following its successful debut, the Virtual Sales AI Assistant will now be integrated in a few malls and airports, ensuring a consistent, intelligent and responsive engagement model across multiple customer touchpoints.

 

Adding to this, Mr. Manoj Vasudevan, Head- Sales, Marketing & CRM, DRA Homes, said, “Today’s homebuyer expects speed, transparency and personalized engagement at every stage of the buying journey. With this AI-powered assistant, we are able to provide instant, accurate information while meaningfully enhancing the customer experience. Our focus is on combining human expertise with intelligent automation, enabling our teams to deliver deeper advisory support while the technology streamlines information access.”

 

As digital adoption accelerates across sectors, the introduction of this Virtual Sales AI Assistant marks a pivotal shift for Chennai’s real estate ecosystem – setting a new benchmark for innovation, responsiveness and customer-centricity in property sales.

 

About DRA

DRA, with an impressive legacy of 40 years, has become a trusted name in the real estate industry, delivering world-class projects across Chennai. With more than 12,000 satisfied customers DRA is synonymous with trust, transparency, and timely delivery. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, DRA goes beyond just building apartments by offering its customers a ‘Home of Pride’ — thoughtfully designed living spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles and embody a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Innovations like the ‘Timeline Meter’ for project updates and the ‘Customer Delight Meter’ reflect their unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, while their online customer portal ensures hassle-free access to project details and documentation. Signature developments such as DRA Pristine Pavilion, Tuxedo, Ascot, Skylantis, Elite, Infinique and many others exemplify their commitment to blending modernity with value-driven investments. Recognized with awards like FICCI’s REISA and Times Business Awards, DRA holds the distinction of being Chennai’s first developer with CRISIL’s 7-star grading. Their social responsibility initiatives include pond restoration and nurturing young sporting talent, which highlight their dedication to the community. Upholding their motto “Timeless Home, Timely Delivery, DRA continues to inspire pride and trust in every home they create, turning dreams into lasting legacies.

 

Newton School Commits to Training 1 Lakh Women in Technology in 2026

As the global technology economy continues to expand, women remain significantly underrepresented in core technology roles such as data science, artificial intelligence, analytics, and emerging digital fields. Globally, women account for less than 25% of the technology workforce, with even lower representation in specialised areas like AI and advanced analytics.
 

Newton School Commits to Training 1 Lakh Women in Technology in 2026


India reflects a similar trend. While women constitute approximately 50% of university graduates, their participation in high-growth technology careers remains disproportionately low. Structural and societal factors continue to influence this gap — including limited access to specialised technical training, family expectations around career choices, relocation constraints, and career breaks related to caregiving responsibilities. These barriers are often more pronounced in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to industry-aligned technology education and mentorship opportunities can be limited.


Against this backdrop, Newton School, a technology education and career accelerator, has announced a national commitment to train 1,00,000 women across India in high-growth technology roles by 2026 through structured programs, financial support mechanisms, and employment-linked career pathways.


The commitment builds on momentum already created by the company. Over the past year, more than 60,000 women have accessed Newton School’s free and paid technology programs, ranging from foundational learning tracks to advanced career transition programs in data science and artificial intelligence.


Data from Newton School’s learner ecosystem reflects both the existing gender gap and the potential to close it. Currently, women represent approximately 25% of learners within the data science program. However, the performance outcomes across placements tell a more encouraging story.


The average salary for data science placements at Newton School remains the same for both genders, indicating that when access to structured learning pathways and career preparation is available, women perform on par with their peers in the technology workforce. In fact, the highest salary placement within Newton School’s data science program has been secured by a woman, highlighting the significant potential of women professionals when provided the right training environment and mentorship.


Learner insights from the platform also highlight evolving workplace priorities among women entering technology careers. A large proportion of women learners express a preference for remote or work-from-home opportunities, reflecting the importance of flexible work structures that allow professionals to balance career growth with personal and family responsibilities.


Newton School’s programs are designed to support this shift by preparing learners for distributed technology teams and remote-first roles, with curriculum aligned to collaborative digital workflows, global project environments, and modern technology stacks. By combining structured training, interview preparation, and exposure to companies that offer flexible work opportunities, the platform aims to help more women build sustainable technology careers without being constrained by geography or relocation barriers.


As part of the 2026 commitment, Newton School will offer multiple learning pathways designed to support women at different stages of their careers, including its mentor-led Data Science and AI program and new tracks focused on Agentic AI and emerging technologies. To significantly expand access, the initiative will also scale free learning resources through Launchpad, a library of self-paced technology courses and live masterclasses aimed at helping more women explore and enter tech careers before committing to full-time programs. Participants will also receive access to AI-powered career tools such as mock interviews and resume evaluators, along with a dedicated skill-based assessment window for women applicants, where top performers may receive scholarships to help reduce financial barriers to entry.


As part of the initiative, Newton School will open a structured assessment window exclusively for women applicants. Instead of relying on traditional academic filters, the assessment evaluates aptitude and applied problem-solving ability. Based on performance, eligible participants may receive scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers while rewarding demonstrated capability.


The commitment builds on several real career transitions already enabled through Newton School’s programs. Shishira M, now a Data Analyst at Meesho, transitioned into data science after discovering that traditional coding roles were not aligned with her strengths.
 

Tasneem, who faced a health setback that disrupted her career, retrained in data analytics and secured a remote Business Analyst role at ConvertCart, allowing her to rebuild her professional life while managing medical needs. Kirti Soni secured a new role at Yipit Data with a 200% salary increase after leveraging Newton School’s lifetime placement assistance following a layoff. Sonakshi Bhatt transitioned from patent research into data science and secured a role at Digit88 Technologies after structured interview preparation. Anjali Choudhary, coming from a biology background, successfully pivoted into the technology workforce after completing her training.


Commenting on the initiative, Nishant Chandra, Co-founder of Newton School, said, “India’s technology economy is expanding rapidly, but the real question is who gets to participate in that growth. Women represent one of the most underleveraged talent pools in the country. Our learner data shows that when women gain access to structured training and career pathways, their outcomes are equally strong. Last year alone, more than 60,000 women accessed our programs. In 2026, we are committing to scale that impact significantly. This initiative is about enabling measurable participation in India’s technology workforce.


The initiative will be open to women across India, with targeted outreach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where structured technology education opportunities remain limited. By combining financial support, structured learning pathways, and employment-linked preparation, Newton School aims to expand women’s participation in India’s rapidly growing digital and AI-driven economy at scale.


Women interested in exploring the programs or accessing the free learning resources can take a look here: tinyurl.com/NewtonSchoolWomensDay

Wellness Homes Redefine NCR's New Luxury Playbook

At a time when health is no longer an afterthought but the very reason families choose where to live, the idea of “wellness homes” is changing the housing narrative across NCR. In cities like Gurugram and Noida, homebuyers are no longer asking only about location and luxury; they are also inquiring about how a space breathes, how it reduces stress, and how it supports a healthier rhythm of life.
 

Wellness-centric luxury housing in NCR blends nature, open spaces, and mindful design to create healthier urban communities
 

The surge in demand for wellness homes across NCR is rooted in a decisive shift in buyer psychology. In the years following the pandemic, homebuyers have begun attaching greater value to health safeguards. Supported by changing lifestyle preferences, higher disposable incomes and a focus on health, the wellness homes market continues to grow stronger.
 

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, Founder and Managing Director, Aura World, said, “In Gurugram, wellness is steadily emerging as the defining pillar of ultra-luxury living. Families are moving beyond decorative opulence and instead prioritising homes that enable cleaner air, deeper relaxation and a more balanced lifestyle. As a result, expansive residences with private landscaped areas, quiet reflection zones, split-level planning and dedicated wellness rooms are setting new standards. The city’s globally exposed and cosmopolitan workforce naturally resonates with this evolution. Today’s buyers are seeking private sanctuaries that blend refined international aesthetics with spaces designed to restore and rejuvenate, underscoring how wellness-oriented living has become the most authentic marker of luxury.”
 

Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, added, “Over the last few years, we have seen a visible shift in what luxury means. Earlier, it was about scale and finishes. Today, it is about how a space makes you feel when you wake up in it every morning. In Gurugram, especially along premium corridors like Dwarka Expressway, buyers are seeking projects with cross-ventilation, green views, walkability, and noise insulation. Wellness is no longer an add-on clubhouse feature; it is being designed into the core blueprint of residences. Thus, the real transformation is psychological. For us, wellness living is about creating environments that reduce stress and quietly enhance everyday life.”
 

In real estate parlance, “wellness homes” are defined beyond just marble floors, high ceilings or premium finishes. These homes are engineered to support physical health, mental equilibrium and environmental well-being.
 

Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO, SS Group, said, “Buyers are far more informed today; they ask specific questions about ventilation standards, landscaped area ratios and material specifications. As developers, this requires us to think beyond aesthetics and incorporate design strategies that genuinely enhance comfort and well-being. From larger balconies and low-density layouts to integrated fitness and recreation infrastructure, the emphasis is on creating self-sustained communities. We believe that in Gurugram’s next growth cycle, projects that prioritise wellness fundamentals will command stronger buyer confidence and sustained demand.”
 

For buyers in NCR, where pollution and congestion are daily realities, wellness homes represent a fundamental rethinking of how a home contributes to quality of life. At their core are features that matter in everyday living: advanced air filtration systems that reduce indoor pollutants, design elements that maximise daylight and cross-ventilation, dedicated zones for fitness and relaxation, and landscaped open spaces that invite movement and calm.
 

Viren Mehta, Founder & Director, ElitePro says, “As urban life becomes increasingly demanding, buyers are seeking residences that allow them to breathe cleaner air, live more mindfully and maintain a healthier balance. In response, developers are moving beyond surface-level certifications to embed natural light, advanced air purification, biophilic elements, low-VOC materials and curated community wellness spaces into the design framework. While these homes may command a 10–30% premium, families view it as a long-term investment in health, reduced future costs and sustained property appreciation. Over the coming decade, wellness communities are set to transform housing from a transactional purchase into a more immersive living experience.”
 

The GWI report highlights that the wellness real estate has emerged as a significant global asset class with projections indicating a multi-trillion-dollar trajectory by 2035. This global momentum is increasingly finding a local expression in NCR’s emerging corridors. In Gurugram, stretches such as Golf Course Extension Road and the newer sectors along the Southern Peripheral Road are witnessing projects that foreground landscaped podiums, low-density planning and integrated green zones. Greater Noida West, with its relatively wider roads and township-style layouts, has become a fertile ground for wellness-led developments that combine affordability with breathing space.
 

Salil Kumar, Director- Marketing and Business Management, CRC Group, says, “In markets like Noida and Greater Noida, the wellness housing narrative is closely linked to planning and openness. These micro-markets offer the advantage of wider roads, lower-density pockets, and integrated township development, which makes wellness-led planning more scalable. Buyers here are aspirational but also practical; they want long-term value. Wellness features such as air purification systems, green landscaping, and dedicated fitness infrastructure are increasingly influencing buying decisions. Investors are also recognising that healthier environments translate into stronger, more resilient demand cycles. We believe wellness will soon move from being a premium differentiator to becoming a baseline expectation in NCR housing.”
 

Goldi Arora, Co-founder & Managing Director of Property Master, says, “Across NCR, we are witnessing wellness shift from being a niche luxury proposition to a serious decision-making parameter. Buyers today evaluate projects not only on price appreciation potential but also on liveability metrics. What is particularly interesting is that this demand cuts across segments, from upper mid-income to premium. Investors, too, are recognising that healthier environments create stronger tenant retention and long-term value stability.”
 

Therefore, the question is no longer whether wellness will influence NCR’s housing market, but how deeply it will become embedded in its baseline standards. Over time, policy frameworks, municipal guidelines and even housing finance models could begin incentivising healthier building practices.

Labels Were Never Her Size – Campus Activewear Celebrates Zeenat Aman This Women's Day

This Women’s Day, Campus Activewear presents a powerful new campaign featuring cultural icon Zeenat Aman, celebrating the freedom for women to move on their own terms as an extension of You Go Girl Campaign.

 

Zeenat Aman, The OG of unapologetic self-expression encourages every woman to: move freely, move boldly, move her way

 

Conceptualized as a cinematic narrative, the film transcends conventional markers of success, such as wealth, fame, or nostalgia. Instead, it explores what truly drives women forward: choice. Through a series of striking visual moments, Zeenat Aman rejects the glitter, the noise, and the past, ultimately embracing Freedom. The freedom to walk forward without permission, to tell her story her way, and to define success for herself. As she navigates different spaces, her journey becomes a metaphor for every woman who continues to evolve, lead, and inspire others along the way.

 

For us, empowering women goes far beyond a campaign or a single day of celebration. It begins with creating an environment where women feel confident, supported, and free to pursue their ambitions without hesitation. At Campus, we focus on understanding their everyday movements and designing products that genuinely make day-to-day lives easier, whether that means comfort through long days, reliability through changing roles, or style that reflects individuality. We believe progress happens when women feel heard, when their feedback shapes what we build, and when small barriers are removed consistently. When women are given the right support system, they do not just move ahead personally. They create momentum for everyone around them.” said as Prerna Agarwal, Chief Innovation Officer, Campus Activewear.

 

“I have spent a lifetime being told what I should look like, what I should wear, and what I should represent. And for a lifetime, I have walked my own way regardless. That is not rebellion that is simply knowing who you are. When Campus approached me with this campaign, I said yes immediately, because the message is not about me. It is about every woman who has been handed a label and decided to wear it as a badge of honour instead. You go girl — move your way.” Zeenat Aman, Actor, Icon, and You Go Girl Ambassador


Link- www.instagram.com/reels/DVirtevDBY7/

 

The campaign is a bold extension of Campus’s You Go Girl initiative, which encourages women to embrace their choices and move through life with self-belief and authenticity. With Zeenat Aman as its voice and symbol, the message becomes even more resonant: freedom is not permission granted, it is power claimed.

 

This Women’s Day, Campus encourages women to move freely, move forward, and move her way.

 

About Campus Activewear Ltd.

Campus is one of India’s largest sports and athleisure footwear brands in terms of value and volume in Fiscal 2021. In 2005, Mr. Hari Krishan Agarwal, with his acumen, skill, and innovative thinking, started a never-to-end revolution in the footwear industry with Campus Activewear. Today, the flagship brand ‘Campus’ has emerged as one of India’s biggest domestic sports and athleisure lifestyle brands, offering a diverse product portfolio for the entire family. With the changing market dynamics, Campus has sustained its focus on product design and innovation by facilitating access to the latest global trends and styles through a fashion-forward approach. With over 23,000 retail touchpoints, 297 company exclusive outlets, a website (campusshoes.com), and being one of the top brands available on e-commerce portals, Campus has secured its pan India presence while capturing the imagination of millions of people across Omni-channel platforms. The brand offers multiple choices across styles, colour palettes, price points, and an attractive product value proposition making Campus, an aspirational brand, especially for young adults, everyday performers, and fashionistas. Strengthening the brand’s leadership position in India, Campus was listed on NSE and BSE on 9th of May 2022.

Fortis Hospital Kalyan Introduces Kalyan's First Next-gen Surgical Visualization System for Advanced Neuro & Spine Surgery

Strengthening its commitment to advanced surgical care, Fortis Hospital Kalyan has introduced the ZEISS PENTERO 800 S, a next-generation surgical visualization system designed to enhance precision in complex neurosurgical and neuro-spine procedures. This marks the first installation of the technology at Kalyan, and the inauguration was done by Dr Rakesh Lalla (Additional Director-Neurology), Dr Jayesh Sardhara (Director-MIS Brain & Spine Surgery), Dr Rushabh Chheda (Asso. Consultant-NeuroSurgery), Dr Hemal Chheda (Asso. Consultant-NeuroSurgery) & Dr Ashutosh Pandey (Facility Director), along with the nursing & administrative teams.
 

(R-L) Dr Rakesh Lalla, Dr Jayesh Sardhara, Dr Ashutosh Pandey and Dr Rushabh Chheda inaugurate Kalyan’s first next-gen surgical visualization system at Fortis Hospital Kalyan
 

The surgical visualization system combines advanced optics, intraoperative fluorescence imaging, Digital Hybrid Visualization, and integrated 4K 3D/2D recording capabilities to deliver enhanced surgical clarity and workflow efficiency. It enables surgeons to seamlessly switch between optical and digital 4K 3D visualization during procedures. Amongst other thing, this hybrid capability enhances and supports more confident maneuvering in deep and narrow anatomical areas.

 

A key innovation is the Depth+ mode, which increases depth of field at the click of a button, allowing surgeons to view multiple anatomical layers sharply without repeated focus adjustments. The integrated micro-inspection tool allows surgeons to visualize areas beyond the direct line of sight and effectively look around corners, reducing blind spots without increasing the surgical footprint.
 

Dr. Jayesh Sardhara, Director – Minimally Invasive Brain and Spine Surgery, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, said, “In neurosurgery and complex spine procedures, what we see makes all the difference. The surgical visualization system gives us a clearer, more detailed view of delicate nerves and blood vessels, helps us better define tumor margins during surgery, and allows us to work with greater confidence in deep and narrow spaces. With its advanced features reducing blind spots and improving accuracy, we’re able to operate more safely with one clear goal in mind – better outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.”

 

The system is used in highly specialized procedures including:

  • Cerebral Aneurysms

  • Arteriovenous Malformations (are abnormal tangles of blood vessels where arteries connect directly to veins)

  • Brain tumors

  • Spinal tumors

  • Carotid Endarterectomy (is a surgical procedure performed to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries)

  • Syringomyelia (is condition in which a fluid-filled cyst form within the spinal cord)

  • Complex spinal deformities

  • Microdiscectomy

  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MI-TLIF)

  • Aneurysm clipping surgery

  • Cervical Spine Corpectomy & Discectomy

  • Carpal tunnel surgery

 

The introduction of this surgical visualization system enhances surgical precision and intraoperative decision-making through:

  • Real-time fluorescence-guided imaging for assessment of tumor margins and blood flow

  • Improved visualization of critical microstructures

  • Reduced blind spots during procedures

  • Shorter surgery duration due to ergonomic and workflow efficiencies

  • Enhanced teaching and collaboration through shared 3D viewing

 

Dr. Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, said, “At Fortis Hospital Kalyan, we are committed to bringing world-class technology to our patients. The surgical visualization system, a first in Kalyan, is a part of this effort, helping our surgeons operate with greater precision, work more efficiently, and provide better care. With this advanced technology, we continue to strengthen our neuro and spine services, making Fortis Hospital Kalyan a trusted center for complex surgeries in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”

 

The system’s intuitive interface, auto-balance, auto-drape, autofocus, and zoom memory features further streamline operating room efficiency, potentially reducing setup and procedure times. The surgical visualization system also allows secure synchronization of surgical images and videos for documentation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The system also supports live-streaming of procedures for educational purposes, strengthening training and peer engagement.

 

With this installation, Fortis Hospital Kalyan reinforces its position as a center for advanced neurosurgical and spine care in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

L&T Finance Launches 'Spoorthi' to Empower Women Entrepreneurs with Specialised Home Loan and Loan Against Property Solutions

  • L&T Finance has launched ‘Spoorthi,’ a specialised program for women Home Loan and Loan Against Property (LAP) borrowers with relaxed eligibility and reduced interest rates

  • Targeted at key women decision-makers in major metropolitan hubs

 

On the occasion of Women’s Day, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, is proud to announce the launch of Spoorthi, a specialised program designed to empower women entrepreneurs by facilitating finance for the purchase of house property or providing Loan Against Property (LAP) for business expansion and working capital.

 

 L&T Finance accelerating the rise of emerging women-led businesses

 

This initiative recognises the critical role women play in the economy and aims to support those who are solely or jointly running a business or profession. Under the Spoorthi program, LTF offers a range of specific relaxations and benefits, including extended loan tenors of up to 25 years for Home Loans and LAP for specific profiles. Furthermore, Industrial LAP tenors are offered for up to 12 years, and the program introduces enhanced eligibility norms such as higher debt-to-income ratios to provide greater financial flexibility.

 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “Our Company is deeply committed to supporting women borrowers because they consistently demonstrate a disciplined and strong repayment history, which makes them ideal borrowers. By launching Spoorthi, the firm aims to harness this reliability while providing women with the necessary capital to scale their enterprises and secure their personal assets, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem.”

 

The program is initially rolling out in major metropolitan hubs, including Mumbai MMR, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. To be eligible, the woman borrower must be a key person managing the business with at least a 50% stake in non-individual entities, and her income must constitute at least 50% of the total appraised income when clubbing with other borrowers. Additionally, the business must show an annual cash profit of at least Rs. 5 Lakhs as per the latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and must not have incurred a net loss in the last two years.

 

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products, LTF, said, “Spoorthi is built upon a foundation of relaxed eligibility criteria and better pricing specifically tailored for women. The program offers lower interest rates to ensure that financial barriers are minimised. By reducing the business vintage (i.e., age of a company) requirement to just two years for loans up to Rs. 75 Lakhs, LTF is making it easier for emerging women-led businesses to access the high-value credit they need to thrive.”

 

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF’s Home Loan and LAP segment recorded disbursements of Rs. 2,879 Crore, reflecting a 16% Year-on-Year and 6% Quarter-on-Quarter increase. The total book size grew to Rs. 28,682 Crore, a rise of 22% Year-on-Year and 5% Quarter-on-Quarter, driven by robust distribution networks and new partnerships.

 

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

 

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Huawei, Meralco, and SANXING Ningbo Launch Intelligent Distribution Solution and Lighthouse Initiative

During MWC2026, Huawei hosted a forum themed “Advancing All Intelligence, Empowering the Future Power System.” Together with Meralco (Philippines) and SANXING Ningbo, Huawei launched the Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) and announced a joint lighthouse initiative to advance power system development.
 

From left: Simon Zhou (General Manager of Overseas Marketing, SANXING Ningbo), David Sun (CEO, Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU), Roque D. Bacani (Chief Information Officer, Meralco), and Perry Yang (Vice President, Huawei Optical Business Product Line) launching Huawei IDS


Communication, digitalization, and AI: Emerging cornerstones of future power systems that will accelerate the intelligent evolution of distribution networks

David Sun, CEO of Huawei’s Electric Power Digitalization BU, highlighted four drivers for energy transition: green energy and diversity, resilient grids, transparent distribution, and load electrification. He called for policy changes toward dispatch-market coordination. He also emphasized that communication, digitalization, and AI are becoming core production systems, requiring stronger capabilities in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and sustainable development.

At the forum, Mr. Sun unveiled the White Paper on Communication Target Networks for the Future Power System, introducing a pioneering architecture that features an intelligent and robust main network, integrated medium-voltage and transparent low-voltage networks, high-speed secure connectivity, and space-ground integration. The paper also outlines key tech trends, from optical and wireless to carrier and satellite communications, and underscores their transformative value.

Huawei highlighted its focus on intelligence and digitalization, working with industry players to drive power transformation. Global industry leaders also shared their insights: Al’Louise van Deventer (Technology and Engineering General Manager, Eskom) on future-ready digital practices; Momar Awa Sall (Transmission Grid Director, Senelec) on private wireless networks accelerating power modernization; Deniz COSKUN (Deputy General Manager, TEİAŞ) on restructuring communication networks for grid resilience; and Andy Liu (Overseas Solutions and Marketing Director, SANXING Ningbo) on the application of Huawei IDS.

Global industry leaders and partners join to explore the future of power systems

Power distribution networks are evolving from mechanized to automated and intelligent systems, driving technological and business model innovation. Despite creating new challenges for O&M, they have unlocked further opportunities for improving grid reliability and resource allocation.

At the forum, Huawei, Meralco, and SANXING Ningbo, unveiled the IDS that delivers four core capabilities—reliable communication, edge computing, cloud-edge collaboration, and low-voltage transparency—based on a cloud-pipe-edge-pipe-device architecture. It enables an intelligent low-voltage (400 V) distribution network with controllable line loss, visualized distribution rooms, and manageable renewables, transforming fragmented digital silos into open, integrated digital systems. The three companies also announced a lighthouse showcase initiative, sharing replicable and scalable digital transformation best practices.

Advancing digital and intelligent integration for a greener, more reliable grid

Communication, digitalization, and AI are at the heart of future power systems. Huawei will deepen R&D in digital, intelligent technologies, integrating advanced intelligence into power production. Together with global partners, Huawei is committed to developing with the power industry toward greater reliability, stronger security, and a low-carbon future.