V-GREEN and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) announced collaboration partnership towards jointly setting up EVCS at HPCL fuel stations in different markets. V-GREEN will leverage HPCL’s fuel station network to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, thereby enhancing EV users’ experience, accelerating the electrification of transportation in India, and establishing a solid foundation for the long-term development of VinFast and HP e-Charge brands in this market.

Mr. Nguyen Nam Tien, CEO of V-GREEN India (left), and Mr. Kushal Kumar Banerjee, CGM – Retail Strategy & BD, HPCL, at the signing ceremony

HPCL is one of India’s largest state-owned oil and gas corporations, operating over 24,400 Retail Outlets nationwide and running over 5,300 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations under HP e-Charge brand.

The agreement holds strategic significance as India accelerates its transition toward green transportation. HPvinfaCL’s existing Retail Outlet footprint provides a strong platform for accelerated EV charging infrastructure deployment and seamless nationwide expansion.

V-GREEN Global Charging Station Development Company, Vietnam was founded by VinFast founder, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, with the goal of investing in and developing charging infrastructure systems to provide support for VinFast’s rapid global expansion, with India as one of its key markets. In Vietnam, V-GREEN has established its pioneering position and capabilities by operating approximately 150,000 charging ports nationwide and continuously partnering with multiple collaborators to expand its network.

The cooperation with HPCL represents the next step in the collective efforts of V-GREEN, VinFast and their partners in India to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, and battery recycling. This is regarded as an important foundation for realizing the goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption and promoting sustainable transportation in the world’s third largest automotive market.

About V-GREEN

V-GREEN, the Global EV Charging Station Development Company, was established by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, the founder of VinFast. The company is focused on building an extensive charging network for VinFast electric vehicles with more than 150,000 charging ports across Vietnam. V-GREEN has also established a presence in Indonesia and the Philippines, and is actively pursuing expansion into other promising international markets.

Guided by the mission “For a Green Future for Everyone,” V-GREEN envisions becoming a global pioneer in green infrastructure, offering smart, convenient, and flexible charging solutions.

Learn more at vgreen.net

About Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. It is engaged in the refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and operates an extensive network of refineries, terminals, pipelines and over 24,400 retail outlets across India. HPCL is committed to innovation, sustainability and customer service, and is actively expanding its footprint in emerging sectors such as electric mobility and renewable energy.

As part of its energy transition strategy and capability to pivot as per Market demand and support cleaner form of energy, HPCL is actively diversifying into alternate energy sources with a strong focus on electric mobility. The company is expanding its EV charging infrastructure across the country, including highway corridors and urban centres. HPCL aims to support India’s shift towards cleaner transportation while enhancing customer convenience and sustainability. HPCL currently has a network of over 5,300 EV Charging Stations under HP e-Charge brand and more than 150 Battery Swapping Stations across the country.

UniAcoustic has been awarded the “Most Innovative Products” honour at FOAID Mumbai 2025, India’s foremost Festival of Architecture and Interior Design. This recognition marks the brand’s second consecutive industry accolade in 2025, following its win at ORGATEC India earlier this year, underscoring UniAcoustic’s growing influence on the future of acoustic design in India.

Team UniAcoustic receiving the Most Innovative Products Award at FOAID 2025

The FOAID recognition reflects direct appreciation from the architecture and interior design community. UniAcoustic’s showcase drew strong engagement from leading architects, designers, consultants, and industry stalwarts — many of whom personally visited the booth to experience the products, material innovations, and design language firsthand.

What set UniAcoustic apart was not just performance, but the introduction of acoustic designs the industry has not seen before — solutions that challenge the traditional perception of acoustics as purely functional elements. The brand’s systems were widely appreciated for their ability to seamlessly integrate into architectural narratives, offering visual richness, depth, and material expression without revealing their acoustic core.

A central reason for this distinction lies in UniAcoustic’s patented Virtual Material Technology (VMT), which enables hyper-realistic, lifelike surface expressions on high-performance acoustic substrates. VMT allows designers to achieve the visual richness of natural and architectural materials while eliminating the instability, maintenance challenges, and environmental impact associated with conventional finishes — making it a sustainable alternative to material-heavy design approaches.

Sustainability remains a key pillar of UniAcoustic’s innovation philosophy. The brand’s products are engineered to reduce material waste, extend lifecycle performance, and support healthier indoor environments through low-emission surfaces. All systems comply with stringent global standards including EPD Certification, ISO 354, ISO 11654, EN 13501-1, ASTM E84, and E1/VOC, ensuring alignment with WELL, LEED, and IGBC frameworks.

The award also recognises UniAcoustic’s solutions-led approach, where acoustics are not treated as afterthoughts but as integral components of spatial design — whether for workplaces, hospitality environments, retail spaces, educational institutions, residential projects, or large public buildings. With sound absorption values reaching NRC 0.95, the brand delivers performance that is both measurable and experiential.

In India, UniAcoustic’s innovative acoustic systems have already been deployed across several landmark projects for leading organisations including HDFC, SwissRe, Avalara, IBM, Coco-Cola, AstraZeneca, Accenture, NPCI etc reflecting strong client confidence in the brand’s design-led and performance-driven approach.

“Receiving this recognition at FOAID — a platform defined by design leadership — is especially meaningful,” said Mr. Shabir Rajkotwala, Managing Director, UniAcoustic. “It reflects how the industry is responding to acoustic solutions that are expressive, responsible, and genuinely innovative. Our focus remains on empowering architects and designers with materials that expand creative freedom while meeting the highest performance and sustainability benchmarks.”

As part of a Great Place to Work®–certified organisation, UniAcoustic also reflects a culture rooted in people-centric values, long-term thinking, and continuous improvement — principles that directly influence how its products are conceived, engineered, and delivered.

With sustained recognition across two of India’s most influential design platforms, UniAcoustic continues to set new benchmarks for what acoustic products can be — visually, technically, and responsibly — shaping more human-centric, high-performing, and future-ready environments across India and beyond.

About UniAcoustic
UniAcoustic is shaping a new direction for acoustic design in India with its commitment to design-first thinking, sustainability, and patented next-generation technologies. Through its strategic collaboration with Vicoustic, the brand brings globally recognised expertise to introduce unique, never-seen-before acoustic solutions tailored for modern Indian spaces. With strong technical support, customisation capabilities, and a solutions-led approach, UniAcoustic delivers high-performance systems that enhance comfort, aesthetics, and overall spatial experience—offering architects and designers a refined balance of functional excellence and visual sophistication.

The 108th Annual Conference of the Indian Economic Association (IEA) concluded successfully at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, reaffirming the critical role of economists in shaping India’s growth trajectory amid evolving global and domestic challenges. Held from 27 to 29 December 2025, the three-day national conference brought together over 1,500 delegates from more than 400 higher education institutions across India, along with eminent economists, policymakers, and international scholars, making it one of the largest academic gatherings of economists in the country.

The 4th Kautilya Award of the Indian Economic Association was conferred upon Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman of the VELS Groups

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, and concluded with the valedictory address by Thiru R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Inaugural Session: Reform, Resilience and Growth
In his inaugural address, Prof. S. Mahendra Dev emphasised that investment and exports remain the key drivers of India’s economic growth, supported by structural reforms such as GST, income tax and customs reforms, and a flexible monetary policy framework. Highlighting the importance of women’s workforce participation, urbanisation, ease of doing business, and reducing inequalities in education and healthcare, he stated that India’s economy is resilient and well-positioned to significantly increase its share of global GDP in the coming decades.

During the inaugural session, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) conferred the Best Thesis Award on Prof. Nynika Dhugal of IIT Bombay for her research on Mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility, along with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Eminent Voices on India’s Economic Roadmap
The inaugural ceremony was graced by several distinguished economists and academic leaders, including Dr. C. Rangarajan, Former Chairman, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council; Dr. Kaushik Basu, Professor, Cornell University, USA; Dr. G. Viswanathan, Patron, IEA and Founder-Chancellor, VIT; Prof. A. D. N. Bajpai, President, IEA; Prof. Ravindra K. Bhrame, General Secretary, IEA; Prof. Jothi Murugan, Conference President, IEA and Pro-Chancellor, VISTAS; Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman, VELS Group of Institutions & Companies and Chief Patron, IEA; and Thiru C. V. Ganesan, Hon’ble Minister for Labour Welfare & Skill Development, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the gathering, Thiru C. V. Ganesan highlighted Tamil Nadu’s 11.9% growth rate, ranking first in industrial growth. He noted that private educational institutions such as VELS and VIT have contributed to the creation of nearly 2.97 lakh jobs, and that women’s workforce participation in Tamil Nadu stands at 43%, among the highest in India, underscoring the role of education and employment as engines of economic growth.

Dr. C. Rangarajan spoke on India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, with a targeted per capita income of USD 18,000, while Dr. Kaushik Basu called upon the IEA to proactively equip economists to respond to rapid technological transformations and global economic shifts.

Valedictory Address: Inclusive Growth and Social Capital
Delivering the valedictory address, Thiru R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, stated, “Senior citizens are not liabilities; they are valuable assets of the nation.”

Highlighting inclusive economic initiatives, he noted that the Mudra Scheme has benefited 52 lakh people, with Rs. 3.25 lakh crore disbursed in Tamil Nadu alone. He observed that India has been the fastest-growing major economy since 2021, has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty, and now ranks among the top three startup ecosystems globally, reflecting the strength of India’s inclusive development model.

Kautilya Award and Academic Leadership
At the valedictory session, the 4th Kautilya Award of the Indian Economic Association was conferred upon Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman, VELS Group of Institutions & Companies and Founder-Chancellor, VISTAS, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to education and nation-building. It was also announced that the Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh Endowment Lecture will be instituted from the next edition of the IEA Annual Conference.

Dr. G. Viswanathan emphasised that the Indian Economic Association should serve as an advisory body to governments, particularly in education and economic development, while Prof. A. D. N. Bajpai noted that with over 13,000 members, the IEA is among India’s oldest and most influential academic bodies.

India’s Global Economic Trajectory
Prof. Jothi Murugan observed that India is currently the fourth-largest economy in the world and is expected to overtake Germany by 2027–28, stressing the need to address agricultural distress, graduate skill gaps, MSME credit expansion, and innovation through incubation centres and effective policy implementation.

About VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, is a premier Deemed-to-be University and a proud constituent of the VELS Group of Institutions. Conferred Deemed University status by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, and supported by the VAELS Trust, VISTAS is committed to transforming students into competent professionals and responsible citizens by nurturing the right blend of Knowledge, Skills and Attitude (KSA), with a strong focus on nation-building and social responsibility.

Established in 2008, VISTAS offers 100+ undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes across disciplines including Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Commerce, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Education, Physiotherapy, Computer Science, Basic Sciences and Life Sciences. All programmes are recognised by UGC, AICTE, NMC, INC, PCI, BCI, DGS and NCTE.

With over 18,000 students and 1,000+ experienced faculty members, VISTAS holds NAAC A++ accreditation with Category I status, UGC 12(B) status, 11 NBA-accredited programmes, and is ranked in the 101–150 band in the NIRF 2024 Rankings, with its School of Pharmaceutical Sciences ranked 47th nationally. Known for its industry-relevant curriculum, strong placement record, and research-driven ecosystem, VELS University (VISTAS) continues to emerge as a leading centre of academic excellence and innovation in India.

For more details kindly visit www.vistas.ac.in

Limelight Diamonds, India’s no.1 lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, announces a major expansion into in-house diamond growing & manufacturing capabilities. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey and its commitment to building Limelight as the largest LGD jewellery brand from India to the world. This integration significantly reduces dependency on third-party suppliers, strengthens cost control, and enables faster product launches, exclusive collaborations, and consistent quality across all consumer touchpoints.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds store exterior and interior

The fresh capital will be deployed towards accelerating retail expansion, strengthening design possibilities and cementing Limelight’s leadership in the next phase of category growth.

Founded with the vision of fulfilling India’s diamond dream without compromising on design, quality, or values, Limelight has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s lab-grown diamond jewellery market. Today, it stands as the largest and most trusted brand in the segment, supported by a rapidly expanding exclusive retail network and growing consumer advocacy.

As interest in the lab-grown diamond sector increases and more players enter the category, Limelight’s early investments in supply-chain integration and brand-building initiatives place it in a strong position as one of the well-capitalised companies capable of scaling responsibly.

“This capital raise and vertical integration mark a defining moment in Limelight’s growth journey,” said Pooja Madhavan, Founder and MD, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds. “It enables an end-to-end control across the value chain offering enhanced transparency, traceability and technological innovations. This will strengthen our business, and equip us to scale responsibly while continuing to deliver superior quality and value to our customers. By providing a “rocks to retail” offering to consumers, we are not just growing the brand; we are building the foundation for the future of fine jewellery in India and globally.”

Limelight’s growth strategy remains firmly rooted in responsible luxury with an aggressive growth plan of reaching 200 stores by 2027. By combining science, design innovation, and ethical practices, the brand continues to appeal to a new generation of consumers seeking transparency, sustainability, and fulfilling their design aspiration.

About Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

Headquartered in Mumbai, Limelight Diamonds is India’s largest and most trusted lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, specialising in pure CVD lab-grown diamonds. Limelight has been a pioneer in building the lab-grown diamond category in India, offering consumers exceptional brilliance, purity and contemporary design.

Over the past few years, the brand has witnessed rapid nationwide expansion and today boasts the widest retail footprint for lab-grown diamond jewellery in India, with 50+ exclusive brand outlets and 40+ shop-in-shop formats across 45+ cities. Limelight’s collections span solitaires, everyday fine jewellery and statement pieces, catering to modern Indian consumers. With a strong focus on retail excellence, design innovation and consumer education, Limelight continues to lead the growth of the lab-grown diamond jewellery segment in India.

For more information, visit www.limelightdiamonds.com.

Housing emerged as the defining force behind NCR’s real estate recovery in 2025, setting the tone for a more measured and grounded market cycle. The year marked a clear shift towards end-user–driven demand, with homebuyers prioritising delivery certainty, livability and long-term value over speculative gains.

NCR 2025: Connecting Luxury Living to Corporate Growth

Gurugram remained NCR’s housing anchor in 2025, driven by sustained end-user demand in the luxury and upper-mid segments. In H1 2025, Delhi-NCR recorded over 5,100 luxury home sales, with Gurugram contributing the bulk of premium transactions, underscoring its dominance at the top end. Demand stayed concentrated along infrastructure-led corridors such as the Dwarka Expressway, SPR, and Golf Course Road, as buyers favoured larger, amenity-rich and lower-density homes.

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group, says, “2025 has been a remarkable year for the real estate sector, registering impressive growth numbers across the residential and commercial markets in key cities. Within NCR, Gurugram led the growth, particularly in the luxury housing and Grade-A office segments, benefiting from corridor-led developments along Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension Road, Dwarka Expressway, and SPR. The city witnessed a steep hike in price appreciation alongside healthy leasing activity for Grade A office space, primarily led by GCCs. The coming year outlook remains positive for the market with sustained demand expected in well-planned micro-markets, continued institutional interest, and infrastructure-led expansion.”

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, Founder and Managing Director, Aura World, adds, “In 2025, demand in Gurugram stayed strong without feeling overheated. Further, the RBI’s total 125 basis points repo rate cut eased affordability pressures for buyers. More importantly, luxury homes today are being bought with a long-term mindset and not short-term gains. As we look toward 2026, that trend becomes even more relevant. With India’s economy expected to grow steadily, luxury housing will benefit from sustained wealth creation rather than cyclical spikes.”

Ashwinder R Singh, Chair, CII Real Estate; Vice Chair, BCD Group; Advisor, NAR-India, says, “2025 was less about cyclical movement and more about structural transformation. It was not the peak of a cycle but a pivot — from volume to value, speculation to purpose-driven development, and metro-led growth to regional diversification. Premiumisation overtook mass housing as aspirations reshaped demand and supply. Institutional capital remained committed but increasingly selective and disciplined. India’s real estate canvas diversified, with warehousing, data centres, senior housing, and integrated townships moving into the mainstream. The sector demonstrated resilience despite global headwinds such as interest-rate pressures and supply-chain disruptions. Finally, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities began asserting themselves as the next growth frontiers. Based on 2025 trends and macro indicators, 2026 is likely to be defined by value-driven growth rather than sheer volume. Residential launches may slow in absolute numbers, but average ticket sizes are expected to rise as premium housing dominates supply. Affordable housing could remain under pressure unless supported by targeted policy interventions. Warehousing and industrial real estate are poised to remain the strongest growth engines, driven by manufacturing, logistics expansion, and infrastructure development across new corridors. The office sector is expected to stay in consolidation mode, with occupiers favouring high-quality Grade-A spaces over speculative supply.  If guided by quality, clarity, and discipline, real estate can emerge as one of the foundational pillars of India’s growth story, leading up to 2030.“

Sauarbh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, says, “The demand for luxury housing reached a new peak across NCR, making 2025 an exceptional year for the real estate sector. Improved infrastructure visibility and better access to Delhi played a critical role in this confidence, and corridors like Dwarka Expressway clearly benefited from that shift. The quality of enquiries also improved markedly this year. Heading into 2026, with wealth creation continuing and social infrastructure maturing, we expect these well-connected luxury corridors to remain stable, resilient and strongly preferred.”

Tier-II cities also emerge as aspirational housing destinations, supported by affordability and improving connectivity. Mohali, Chandigarh, Dehradun and Jaipur witnessed steady residential traction for lifestyle housing and plotted developments.  Anarock data shows land transactions in H1 2025 has surpassed full-year 2024 levels, and Tier-II and Tier-III cities accounting for a larger share of overall land deals than Tier-I markets.

Piyush Kansal, Executive Director of Royale Estate Group, says, “In 2025, the Punjab real estate market demonstrated both resilience and maturity. Strong infrastructure momentum from enhanced connectivity around Mohali to expanding urbanisation in Tier-2 cities has underpinned steady residential and commercial demand, particularly in well-planned townships and mixed-use zones. NRI investments in cities like Amritsar surged significantly, reflecting growing confidence in premium and lifestyle properties. Although selective price corrections, such as those seen in Mohali’s industrial land auctions, indicate a more calibrated investment landscape, overall fundamentals remain solid.”

Preksha Singh, CEO of Agrasheel Infratech, says, “One of the most important shifts in 2025 was how Tier-II cities began writing their own housing growth stories, rather than borrowing momentum from metros. Lucknow is a strong example. The city defies the trend with a 25% jump in the sale of residential units, led by the end-users, local businessmen, and professionals moving back to the city owing to the better quality of life on offer. This has ensured a balanced and healthy real estate cycle. Going into 2026, Tier-II cities are set for more growth, due to the economic stability, better connectivity, and the need for lifestyle-driven living options, away from the muddled traffic conditions of the metro cities.”

While Gurugram’s housing-led momentum set the residential tone for NCR in 2025, the region’s commercial confidence found its strongest expression in Noida–Greater Noida with sustained demand from IT services, GCCs, data centres and manufacturing-linked occupiers.

Viren Mehta, Founder & Director- Elite PRO Infra, says, “In 2025, Indian real estate shifted from reactive moves to a more structured and strategic approach. Buyers and occupiers became increasingly selective, focusing on location, long-term value, and operational efficiency. This shift led to certain micro-markets and asset classes outperforming others. Overall, the sector is showing signs of maturity, with greater stability and clearer opportunities for sustainable growth moving into 2026. Demand is now driven by quality and practicality rather than speculation, and stakeholders are making decisions with a long-term perspective. This evolution points to a healthier market where informed choices shape outcomes across segments.”

Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said, “2025 marks a clear inflection points for retail growth in the Noida–Greater Noida region. We saw strong interest from both global and domestic brands across well-performing and emerging retail destinations, with many actively establishing and expanding their presence—particularly along the Noida Expressway. The upcoming Noida International Airport is acting as a significant catalyst, reshaping brand perspectives on catchment strength, connectivity, and long-term footfall potential. Consequently, we are seeing rising demand for strategically located, high-quality retail developments.”

As NCR moves ahead, 2025 stands out as a year that marked the region’s transition into a more mature and clearly defined real estate phase. With housing-led stability anchored by end-user demand and commercial-led confidence reinforced by quality leasing, volatility across markets remained contained. Clearer role definition across Gurugram, Noida–Greater Noida and emerging Tier-II cities will continue bringing greater depth and resilience to the region’s property cycle.

Kauvery Hospital today announced the launch of its one-tap ‘SOS’ emergency feature on the Kauvery KARE app, designed to simplify and accelerate access to emergency medical care. The feature enables users to receive immediate medical support with just a single tap, and without the need to remember emergency numbers or explain their location during critical moments.

L – R: Mr Sandeep, Dr Ashok, Dr Mahesh, Dr Iyappan Ponnuswamy, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Mr Suresh Sambandam, Dr Meena KKR, Dr Preetha, Mr Aravind Ganesan, during the launch of Kauvery SOS on Kauvery KARE App

In emergency situations, panic, confusion, or unfamiliar surroundings often make it difficult for patients or bystanders to communicate essential details to emergency services. Kauvery Hospital’s SOS feature addresses this challenge by automatically capturing the user’s location through GPS, allowing the nearest ambulance to be dispatched instantly to the exact location.

At the same time, the SOS feature enables the user or bystander to connect with a doctor from Kauvery via a 24/7 video call system, ensuring real-time medical guidance and reassurance until emergency help arrives. This seamless integration of ambulance services and live medical consultation helps bridge the crucial gap between the onset of an emergency and hospital care.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Suresh Sambandam, Founder and CEO, Kissflow said, “True innovation turns complex problems into simple solutions. Kauvery KARE does exactly that-putting lifesaving care with just one tap away. It is inspiring to see a Tamil Nadu leader using digital innovation to solve real world needs and create a massive impact.”

Speaking at the launch, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Today, mobile apps have become a natural part of how people manage their daily lives from mobility to basic essentials that reach them within minutes. When convenience and speed are already expected in these areas, healthcare cannot remain an exception. During medical emergencies, every second matters. During such moments it is natural for patient or their attenders to be worried and in times of panic they will be unable to reach out for help or explain their situation which can lead to delays. Our goal is to remove complexity from emergency care. With the Kauvery KARE SOS feature, help is just one tap away.”

Beyond emergency support, the Kauvery KARE app serves as a comprehensive digital healthcare platform. Individuals can book appointments across any Kauvery Hospital unit, opt for video or in-person consultations, access health reports digitally, and manage medical records for multiple family members on a single app. The app is available on iOS and Android.

The launch of Kauvery KARE reflects Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to using technology to enhance accessibility, responsiveness, and continuity of care. By combining emergency response with everyday healthcare services, the app aims to provide patients with a dependable, all-in-one digital health solution—available anytime, anywhere.

The Rewa Model Farm Project marked a significant milestone for the advancement of Natural Farming in Madhya Pradesh with its successful inauguration at Basaman Mama Gaushansh Vanyavihar near Semaria in Rewa district.
 

Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah planting and watering a sapling at the Rewa Model Farm
 

The project was inaugurated in the august presence of Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, and Chairman of the Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust Shri Prasana Prabhu. The occasion reflected strong institutional commitment towards promoting Natural Farming as a sustainable and farmer-centric agricultural approach in the state.
 

Developed by Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust in collaboration with Basaman Mama Gaushansh Vanyavihar and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and inspired by the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Rewa Model Farm has been established as a live demonstration and training centre for Natural Farming. The project showcases practical, low-cost, and scalable farming practices suitable for small and marginal farmers.
 

Spread across approximately 2.5 to 3 acres, the Rewa Model Farm functions as a working, field-based model rather than a conceptual pilot. The entire plot was developed in a very short period of time due to the dedication, discipline, and sustained efforts of AOL-SSIAST volunteers. Volunteers worked tirelessly on the ground, from land preparation and layout planning to plantation, input preparation, and infrastructure support, often contributing long hours with a strong sense of ownership and service. Their disciplined teamwork and commitment played a critical role in translating the vision of the model farm into a fully functional reality within a limited timeframe.
 

Chairman Shri Prasana Prabhu explaining the Rewa Model Farm and its Natural Farming systems
 

During the inauguration, Chairman Shri Prasana Prabhu guided the dignitaries through the various components of the farm, explaining how the integrated systems operate and how farmers can replicate these practices on their own land.
 

A key highlight of the project is the multilayer farming system, which enables cultivation of multiple crops at different levels within the same plot. This optimises land use, reduces risk through diversification, and is designed to enhance farmers’ income by over five times compared to conventional single-crop farming.
 

The Rewa Model Farm also includes dedicated horticulture and medicinal plant plots. Fruit-bearing saplings, vegetables, and medicinal species have been planted using Natural Farming methods, creating additional income opportunities while supporting nutrition and long-term sustainability.
 

Another important feature inaugurated was the Bio Input Centre, which focuses on preparing natural inputs such as Jeevamrut and Ghanajeevamrut using desi cow dung and cow urine. These inputs enhance soil microbial activity, improve soil structure, and restore long-term soil fertility, while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and external inputs.
 

AOL-SSIAST has been working in the field of Natural Farming for over 17 years and has trained more than three million farmers across India. The Rewa Model Farm builds on this experience and serves as a structured training and demonstration hub, where farmers learn through direct observation and hands-on engagement in soil health management, crop planning, natural pest control, and bio-input preparation.
 

Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision of working in harmony with nature, the Rewa Model Farm reflects the belief that sustainable agriculture strengthens farmer self-reliance, village economies, and long-term rural resilience.
 

The Rewa Model Farm Project now stands as a practical and replicable model for Natural Farming in Madhya Pradesh and beyond, offering a clear roadmap for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.
 

Donate Now | Support Sustainable Agriculture

Your contribution helps empower farmers, revive indigenous seed systems, and scale Natural Farming across India. Together, we can nurture the soil, strengthen rural livelihoods, and build a healthier future for generations to come.
 

Donate now: ssiast.artofliving.org/donate
 

About AOL-SSIAST
Founded in 2009 under the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living’s Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust is a pioneering force in India’s sustainable agriculture movement. AOL-SSIAST has trained over 3 million farmers across 24 states in Natural Farming practices and empowered 1.15 lakh farmers in suicide-prone districts. With a strong network of 2,300+ certified trainers, AOL-SSIAST has transformed over 5,56,000 acres into climate-resilient, chemical-free farmland. Its holistic work spans farmer training, seed banks, Goshalas, afforestation, and regenerative agri-models – driving a future-ready, farmer-centric, and environmentally sustainable India.

• RSWM was conferred with the AR Choice Award for Sustainable Textile Manufacturer of the Year at SustainableNXT 2025 recognizing its integrated, sustainability leadership across textile manufacturing.

• RSWM’s Melange unit, Bhilwara, secured the Silver Medal at the 11th India Green Manufacturing Challenge (IGMC) following a comprehensive sustainability assessment conducted by IRIM.

• RSWM also won the Bronze Award in the Sustainable Fashion and Textiles category at the FE Green Sarathi Awards 2025, a recognition of its large-scale circularity, renewable energy adoption and ESG-led manufacturing practices.

RSWM Ltd has been conferred with multiple recognitions for its sustainability leadership, winning three prestigious awards that collectively reinforce the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing and ESG excellence. 

RSWM Limited honoured with multiple sustainability awards at leading industry platforms in 2025

At the 3rd edition of SustainableNXT 2025, RSWM was conferred with the AR Choice Award for Sustainable Textile Manufacturer of the Year, recognizing its integrated approach to sustainability across materials, energy, water stewardship, waste reduction and ethical manufacturing processes.

Also, RSWM’s Melange unit in Bhilwara secured the Silver Medal at the 11th edition of the India Green Manufacturing Challenge (IGMC), following an on-site comprehensive evaluation conducted by the International Research Institute for Manufacturing (IRIM).

Further strengthening its sustainability credentials, RSWM won the Bronze Award in the Sustainable Fashion and Textiles category at the FE Green Sarathi Awards 2025, held on 19th December 2025. The recognition acknowledges RSWM’s end-to-end ESG-driven manufacturing ecosystem, with a strong focus on circular material practices, recycled fibre integration, renewable energy adoption, water conservation and management, and responsible production at scale.

These honours reflect the effectiveness of RSWM’s sustainability framework, driven by Panchtatva, an initiative inspired from five elements of nature, and the RSWM 2.0 transformation, which embed circularity, renewable energy adoption, operational efficiency and people-centric practices into large-scale manufacturing.

Speaking on the achievement, Rajeev Gupta, Joint Managing Director, RSWM Limited, said, “These recognitions reaffirm our belief that sustainability must remain central to business strategy and operational execution. At RSWM, we view responsible manufacturing not as an obligation, but as a pathway to long-term resilience, innovation and shared value creation. Our sustainability endeavors continue to integrate environmental responsibility, efficiency and social responsibility across our value chain. These awards belong to our teams, partners and communities whose collective efforts are enabling us to redefine textiles with purpose while meeting growing global expectations for sustainable products.”

RSWM Ltd was also recognized as Most Preferred Workplace 2025–26 in the Manufacturing Sector by TeamMarksmen, which reflects the company’s strong work culture, values-driven leadership and people-centric ethos. Earlier, in November 2025, RSWM was also recognized at the MATEXIL Technical Textile Export Award, receiving the Hometech Bronze Award for export performance, further reflecting the company’s strong progress across both sustainability leadership and international market performance.

About RSWM Limited

RSWM Limited, the flagship company of LNJ Bhilwara Group, is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of synthetic, cotton and blended yarns, melange yarns, knitted & denim fabric in India. Under the leadership of Mr. Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of RSWM Ltd, the textile company exports a wide range of fabrics and yarns to over 70 countries across the globe. Its 12 manufacturing plants with 6.27 lakh spindles, 172 looms, 95 circular and flat knitting machines produce high-quality cotton, melange, synthetic novelty yarns, denim & knitted fabrics. Its annually producing 24,000 MT Melange Yarn, 110973 MT Synthetic Yarn, 32262 MT Cotton Yarn, 32 M Meters Denim Fabric, 9360 MT Knits Fabric, 43,000 MT Green Fibre. RSWM initiatives towards sustainability has helped in saving water 2230734 KL per annum, reduced 8 lac tonnes per annum of CO2 emission and recycling 183 cr PET bottles per annum.

For more information, please visit www.rswm.in.

After a phase marked by volatility and uneven growth, 2025 emerged as a year of balance for NCR’s real estate market. Instead of chasing short-lived peaks, the region experienced a more measured and role-driven performance, with individual markets beginning to capitalize on their inherent strengths. Gurugram and Noida–Greater Noida emerged as NCR’s two strongest yet distinctly positioned markets in 2025, each anchoring the region’s recovery in different ways.

Delhi-NCR’s real estate market in 2025 saw balanced growth, led by luxury demand in Gurugram and infrastructure-driven momentum in Noida–Greater Noida

H1 2025 data showed Delhi-NCR recording over 5,100 luxury home sales, with Gurugram accounting for the bulk of premium transactions, driven largely by growing preference for lifestyle-led homes. In contrast, Noida–Greater Noida delivered steady, scale-led performance through the year, supported by progress on the Noida International Airport, expanding metro connectivity and the gradual maturation of industrial and IT corridors.

Sahil Agrawal, CEO, Nimbus Group, says, “As we close 2025, one reality stands out clearly- the environment is no longer a peripheral concern; it is the new luxury. Health and air quality must now sit at the core of urban planning and real estate development. Buyers are increasingly prioritising clean air, green spaces and overall well-being over purely aesthetic features. Looking into 2026, lowering AQI levels will require collective accountability. Developers have a responsibility to build healthier spaces with better ventilation, sustainable materials and increased green cover, while governments and citizens must actively support large-scale tree plantation and greener urban behaviour. If all stakeholders move in the same direction, we can create cities that are not just aspirational, but genuinely healthy and future-ready.”

Dr. Gautam Kanodia, Founder, KREEVA and Kanodia Group, says, “One of the clearest shifts we noticed in 2025 was how focused luxury buyers became about location within Gurugram. Instead of broad preferences, attention narrowed to specific micro-markets like SPR, New Gurugram, and others. These corridors are benefiting from tangible infrastructure upgrades, better connectivity, and the availability of larger, low-density luxury developments. Buyers and investors are seeking livability factors, access, future value, and community planning. Hence, luxury housing in Gurugram is becoming increasingly corridor-led. Going ahead, demand will continue to concentrate in these micro-markets, offering both lifestyle depth and long-term appreciation.“

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “We see Gurugram benefiting from a rare combination — strong luxury housing demand, global connectivity, and visible infrastructure progress across key corridors. Buyer conversations this year were far more mature; families and investors are thinking long-term, evaluating livability, access and community planning rather than just pricing. But the real driver has been sustained wealth creation and employment growth.”

Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, says, “The real estate sector in 2025 delivered a strong and sustained performance, with developing corridors leading the growth graph. The luxury segment, particularly in Gurugram, played a pivotal role, supported by evolving lifestyle preferences, higher disposable incomes, and a clear shift towards spacious, well-planned homes. Improved infrastructure has enhanced connectivity, making previously underserved areas more appealing to luxury buyers. NCR’s real estate market witnessed an exceptional year in 2025, supported by healthy demand, significant price appreciation and new supply. These factors will continue to benefit the city’s real estate market.“

Prop Equity data showed a year-on-year rise in residential sales value across leading Tier-II cities in Q1 2025, reflecting sustained end-user and first-time investor participation. Together, these trends positioned Tier-II markets not merely as spillover destinations, but as complementary growth centres contributing meaningfully to NCR’s evolving real estate cycle.

Sehaj Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, says, “As 2025 comes to a close, India’s real estate sector reveals a highly growth-oriented market. Not only did metro cities and NCR record a massive demand for luxury residential spaces, but tier 2 cities also rose in prominence. 2026 will add further impetus to these developments, and tier 2 cities, especially ones close to the NCR, will share a significant portion of the growth. We also expect the RBI to maintain its pro-active stance, which will further bring down the interest rates and boost the sector. For investors, real estate, especially in emerging cities, will turn into prized assets.”

Complementing the residential recovery, commercial and retail real estate emerged as a key validation layer for NCR’s growth in 2025.

Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group, says, “2025 marked a strong phase of expansion for India’s retail real estate, with Q3 emerging as a key inflection point as gross leasing touched nearly 3.2 million sq. ft. Both high-street and enclosed retail formats performed well, supported by rising demand for organised retail as consumers increasingly gravitate towards structured, experience-led destinations in well-connected urban catchments. The year also saw growing traction for mixed-use developments, where the integration of retail with office, residential, and hospitality components. Overall, retail performance is increasingly being defined by catchment depth, location advantage, visibility, design discipline, and tenant curation rather than format alone.“

Pankaj Jain, Founder and Chairman, SPJ Group, says, “2025 sharpened the industry’s focus on where commercial retail demand is forming in Gurugram. Beyond established corridors, retail space demand gained traction in micro-markets where residential catchments have matured, but organized retail supply remains limited. Notably, pockets of Old Gurugram—long driven by dense, self-sustained neighbourhoods—re-emerged as strong consumption hubs as infrastructure upgrades, improved road connectivity, and renewed developer interest unlocked latent demand. These locations showed stronger leasing traction and rental stability because consumption was daily-need and lifestyle-led. The year reaffirmed that well-connected, infrastructure-ready micro-markets—including revitalized Old Gurugram zones alongside newer growth belts—will drive Gurugram’s next wave of retail real estate expansion.“

Azad Ahmad Lone, President, Business Development and Operations, Biigtech, says, “In NCR, Noida and Greater Noida had one of their strongest commercial years in 2025. Average office rentals in the city have increased 18% between 2019 and 2025, benefiting from a combination of infrastructure readiness, improved connectivity and sustained demand from IT, data centres and manufacturing-linked occupiers. What stood out was the quality of leasing; occupiers were clear about efficiency, compliance and future scalability. As we move into 2026, Noida–Greater Noida is well-positioned to see steady, disciplined growth rather than a short-term spike.”

As NCR looks ahead, 2025 stands out as the year the region entered a more mature and clearly segmented phase of its real estate cycle. Together, Gurugram, Noida, and tier 2 markets now operate with sharper roles and clearer demand drivers, reducing volatility and improving depth across the region.