Key Findings:

• Rural India’s Protection Quotient rises to 16, up from 12 in IPQ 5.0 – but urban-rural gap stands at 32 points
• Life insurance ownership remains significantly lower, despite awareness gains
• Rural women lag rural men in all protection indices – Protection Quotient at 14 vs. 17
• West leads rural protection index; East lowest with just 2% ownership in Savings Plan
• 43% believe life insurance benefits only the family, not the individual
• Digital usage surges – financial transactions double; 88% use mobile for social media

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited. (“Axis Max Life” / “Company”), formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, has unveiled the rural India findings of the seventh edition of its flagship survey – India Protection Quotient (IPQ), conducted in partnership with KANTAR, one of the leading marketing data and analytics company across the world. Capturing insights from over 155 villages across India, the survey delves into the aspirations, anxieties, and evolving protection needs of India’s rural population in their journey toward financial security. As per IPQ 7.0, rural India’s Protection Quotient rose to 16, from 12 in IPQ 5.0. The Knowledge Index recorded a 7-point gain, yet this improvement has not translated to ownership, which remains one-third of urban India’s levels.

Axis Max Life’s IPQ 7.0 reveals rising awareness but persistent protection gap in Rural India

Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Axis Max Life said, “The IPQ 7.0 Rural Edition signals a defining shift – a rise in awareness and aspiration among rural Indians to secure their financial futures. However, the persistent protection gap is a clear call to action. As we collectively strive toward IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ the onus is on the industry to reimagine how we serve Bharat – through simplified products, inclusive advisory networks, and technology-led delivery models. The future of life insurance in India will not only be shaped by innovation, but by our ability to respond to the evolving needs and ambitions of rural India with empathy and intent.“

Notes to Editior:

The following findings reveal insights that highlight rural India’s shift in attitude and approach towards financial preparedness studied by India Protection Quotient 7.0:

Financial preparedness in rural India
Rural India’s Protection Quotient improved to 16 (from 12 in IPQ 5.0), driven by a 7-point rise in awareness. However, life insurance ownership remains far below urban levels. Despite increased familiarity with products especially term insurance (awareness up from 32% to 40%) adoption lags due to affordability concerns, poor service experience (41%), and the perception that life insurance only benefits the family (43%). 40% of rural respondents cited lack of funds as a barrier to purchasing insurance – notably higher than 31% in urban India.

Gender gap: women behind on all protection indices
Women from rural India report a Protection Quotient of 14, compared to 17 among men. They also lag in awareness, ownership, and financial confidence. Many still depend on male family members for financial decision-making, and few independently navigate insurance products.

However, female-led households and Self-Help Groups (SHG)-affiliated women show higher engagement, and younger women (aged 25-35), especially in the South and West, are more digitally curious and financially aspirational. This opens a pathway for inclusive, gender-sensitive communication and community-based outreach.

Zonal insights: West India leads, East India lags
West India leads the rural Protection Quotient, closely followed by the South. These zones report higher awareness and ownership of life insurance. The East zone, however, remains the least financially protected with term plan awareness at just around 32% and term ownership as low as 3%. The urban-rural divide is most severe in this region, with a 52% gap in life insurance ownership highlighting the critical need for regional intervention and targeted education.

Financial anxiety high despite growing awareness of life insurance
One in four rural Indians now believe that their savings may not last even a year, although optimism is rising among the financially aware. In IPQ 7.0, 39% of rural respondents expect their savings to last more than five years up from 20% in IPQ 5.0. Still, basic expenses and debt repayments leave little room for long-term financial planning, especially in households with irregular incomes.

Key drivers of Life Insurance adoption in Rural India
Rural Indians buy insurance primarily to secure family goals – 41% cite old age security, 35% children’s education, and 34% children’s marriage. Insurance is seen as a safe and dual-benefit investment by 41% of respondents. However, many still view it emotionally, with 43% believing it only helps their family, not themselves.

Public schemes remain cornerstone of rural investment
More than 60% of rural Indians rely on government-backed financial products or loans through SHGs/cooperatives which are considered as accessible and trustworthy. Market-linked instruments like mutual funds have seen marginal awareness growth but still remain under-utilised. Health insurance ownership has also grown, indicating improved awareness around medical preparedness.

Digital adoption surges across rural markets
Digital behaviour has transformed since the last rural survey. Around 88% of rural respondents use mobile phones to use social media; around 78% of them to enjoy video/music. Online financial transactions like mobile banking, money transfer, online payments through UPI have more than doubled from 17% to 40%. Nearly half of rural India population now use digital platforms for service requests and complaint resolutions, indicating rising digital readiness for financial inclusion.

Read more at – https://www.axismaxlife.com/maxlife-ipq

Disclaimer:

The study is conducted in over 155 different villages spread over around 25 cities in India. A total sample size of around 1,620 respondents within the age group of 22 to 55 years were interviewed for the survey. The interviewees were picked from Rural Social Economic Classification (SEC) R1 and R2 households with an annual household income of INR 50,000 and above.

The information collected through this survey and the results published are intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Axis Max Life disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, or decisions arising from the use of this survey or the results provided.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited, 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.

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.

NoMeansNo, an initiative by the Centre for Skill Development & Training dedicated to achieving Total PoSH Compliance, proudly hosted the 3rd National PoSH Conclave & Excellence Awards 2025 at The Lalit, New Delhi.

Dr Rashmi Singh, IAS, Dr Pink Anand, Sr Advocate, Supreme Court with Vishal Bhasin, Co-Founder POSH

Presented in association with Nestl India, Steelcase, UCO Bank, Trilegal, Attero, Ferns N Petals (FNP), BIG FM, Yugank Media, and FITS (Federation of Industry, Trade & Service), the event brought together an unprecedented gathering of dignitaries, policymakers, legal experts, corporate leaders, HR heads, IC members, and DEI champions. It reaffirmed its status as India’s largest platform for dialogue on workplace safety, inclusion, and Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) compliance.

Panel discussion with Dr Pawan Duggal, Sr Advocate Supreme Court and RJ Nitin from Big FM with esteemed dignitaries

The event also featured the release of a landmark book authored by Vishal Bhasin, titled Objection Sustained, offering a comprehensive guide to top PoSH judgments and practical advice for IC members and HR leaders.

Esteemed Dignitaries and Guests of Honor

• Hon’ble Justice Prathiba M. Singh, High Court of Delhi (Valedictory Keynote)

• Ms. Rekha Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha & Former Chairperson, National Commission for Women

• Dr. Rashmi Singh (IAS), Secretary, Department of Women & Child Development, GNCTD

• Dr. Pavan Duggal, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India & Cyber Law Expert

• Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India & Former Additional Solicitor General of India (Guest of Honor)

• Mr. Ajay Chaudhry (IPS), Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), New Delhi

• Mr. Amol Srivastava (IAS), District Magistrate, East Delhi & District Officer (PoSH)

• Ms. Suhela Khan, Country Programme Manager, UN Women

Agenda Highlights

The conclave, attended by over 200 delegates, featured:

• Keynote addresses & special sessions – Setting the tone for inclusive and future- ready PoSH practices.

• Book release: Objection Sustained – Unveiling top PoSH judgments and compliance guidance.

• Four power-packed panel discussions:

1. Towards a Gender-Neutral PoSH Framework – Inclusion for all genders.

2. Leadership Accountability & Building a Safe Workplace Culture – Emphasizing organizational responsibility.

3. Compliance in Action – Role of Local Committees & District Officers, She-Box, and institutional collaboration.

4. PoSH in the Age of AI – Addressing digital-age challenges and opportunities.

Celebrating Excellence

The event concluded with the PoSH Excellence Awards 2025, recognizing individuals and organizations making exemplary contributions to safer, more inclusive workplaces.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Rekha Sharma, designation, “I am grateful to attend the POSH Conclave 2025 at The Lalit, New Delhi. This platform reinforces our shared commitment to safe, inclusive workplaces. Strengthening POSH implementation through awareness and accountability remains vital. I stand committed to supporting efforts that ensure dignity and more inclusive workplaces.“

Gaurav Thakur from Steelcase expressed, “Through our Women of Steel initiative, we’re proud to champion strength, resilience, and equity at work – values that align beautifully with the vision of the PoSH Conclave to create safer, more inclusive workplaces.”

Arti Bhardwaj expressed “At Nestl, we believe that creating safer, more inclusive workplaces begins with dialogue and commitment – and the PoSH Conclave embodies both.”

Vishal Bhasin, Co-Founder of NoMeansNo, remarked, “Workplace safety and inclusion are not just compliance checkboxes – they are cornerstones of human dignity. This Conclave is not only a dialogue but a call to action for organizations and individuals to move beyond policies and truly embody these values.”

About NoMeansNo

NoMeansNo is a Centre for Skill Development & Training initiative and India’s leading advocate for Total PoSH Compliance. It provides training, awareness, and resources to foster workplace safety and inclusion. Over three editions, the National PoSH Conclave & Excellence Awards has become the country’s most influential platform in this space.

Following a successful debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, VinFast Auto India – the Indian subsidiary of global electric vehicle leader VinFast – has officially opened bookings today for its premium electric SUVs, the VF 7 and VF 6, across the Indian market.

Indian customers can now reserve their preferred VinFast electric SUV either at VinFast showrooms or through the company’s official website

These models will be officially launched for public sale in August, following the inauguration of the company’s plant in Thoothukudi, with deliveries to follow subsequently.

Indian customers can now reserve their preferred VinFast electric SUV either at VinFast showrooms or through the company’s official website, VinFastAuto.in, with a fully refundable booking amount of INR 21 000.

Designed to deliver global-quality electric mobility solutions tailored for Indian roads and consumer needs, the VF 7 and VF 6 offer impressive real-world range on a single charge. Both models are engineered for convenience, whether for daily city commutes, intercity travel, or weekend getaways – addressing range anxiety while delivering comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

The vehicles will be assembled locally at VinFast’s upcoming factory in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to India as a critical market and future EV production hub.

Model Highlights

• VF 7: A dynamic electric SUV featuring a spacious premium interior, Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), large touchscreen, connected car technologies, panoramic glass roof, wireless charging, and signature LED lighting.

• VF 6: Family-oriented and stylish, the VF 6 combines premium comfort with Level 2 ADAS, an intuitive infotainment system, connected features, signature lighting, and a panoramic roof – designed for everyday practicality and smart driving.

Speaking on the Pre-Booking announcement, Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, sai,: “We are deeply encouraged by the overwhelming support from Indian consumers at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. It reaffirmed the country’s readiness and enthusiasm for sustainable mobility solutions. The VF 6 and VF 7 represent our vision of bringing world-class EVs tailored to local needs, and we’re confident that Indian customers will find these models not only competitive, but truly inspiring.”

To ensure a seamless ownership experience, VinFast has signed agreements with 13 dealer partners to establish 32 dealerships across 27 cities, forming a robust 3S (Sales, Service, Spares) ecosystem. The initial set of dealerships will be established in key urban and emerging EV markets, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar, Trivandrum, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Surat, Calicut, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Shimla, Agra, Jhansi, Gwalior, Vapi, Baroda and Goa.

The company has also announced partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure to create a reliable, nationwide charging and after-sales service network. These strategic collaborations will offer real-time charging access, AI-driven diagnostics, and integrated digital platforms to support VinFast’s fast-growing customer base and EV infrastructure.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, VinFast has also partnered with BatX Energies, a leading Indian clean-tech company specializing in battery recycling, rare metal recovery, and end-of-life battery repurposing. This collaboration marks a significant step toward building an integrated, circular battery value chain in India – reinforcing VinFast’s mission to enable a greener future through responsible innovation.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnams largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFasts product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e- scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

The companys Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

• Group operates 137 Mahindra touch-points in 6 states – Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu

• With the latest 9,500 sq. ft. Kanakapura Road showroom, PPS Motors now operates 12 Mahindra touchpoints in Karnataka

PPS Motors, part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates, today announced the inauguration of its new Mahindra dealership in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The inauguration of the new facility was attended by Mr. Baneswar Banerjee, President & National Sales Head, Mahindra, Mr. Deepak Sinha, National Head for Sales and Service Delivery, Mahindra Electric and other senior officials from both the organizations.

Baneswar Banerjee, President & NSH, Mahindra, Deepak Sinha, NSH & Service Delivery, Mahindra EV and senior officials inaugurated PPS Mahindra showroom at Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru

The latest facility, strategically located at Kanakapura Road, offers access to a large residential area having high potential buyers and sits at the heart of one of area’s key automotive hubs. This 9,500 sq. ft. facility can display 5 vehicles together and is designed to provide holistic customer experience – offering Mahindra’s full range of Passenger Vehicles (ICE & EV). With a modern colour palette, dramatic lighting, intuitive technology and a seamless interaction, every element of the space in the dealership showroom is crafted to evoke the sense of progressive design, intelligent innovation and refined elegance. The customers will step into an immersive environment complete with a showcase of Mahindra’s breakthrough technologies – from the INGLO Electric Origin architecture to MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world along with Hero features.

This year PPS Group has strengthened its extensive footprint in India and continued to hold its position as Mahindra’s largest sales and after-sales partner in India. Currently, group’s 137 Mahindra touchpoints are spread across in six states – Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu recording a sale of over 37,000 Mahindra vehicles in FY 2025 alone. Currently, PPS Mahindra operates 12 Mahindra touchpoint in Karnataka, comprising 8 showrooms and 4 Servicing Workshops. The group has sold over 6,500 Mahindra vehicles in Karnataka in FY 2025.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate our latest flagship Mahindra showroom in Bengaluru, further strengthening our enduring partnership with one of India’s fastest-growing automotive brands. Our journey of nearly seven decades with Mahindra witnessed building a relationship rooted in trust, shared vision, and customer-centricity. Our deep understanding of evolving customer needs, combined with Mahindra’s advanced and future-ready vehicle portfolio, enables us to consistently deliver a best-in-class ownership experience.”

As per industry reports, Karnataka witnessed a 25 per cent increase with a total of around 49.16 lakhs cars in 2024-25 compared to 39.37 lakh cars in 2020-21 having added 9.79 lakhs cars in these 4 years.

About PPS Motors

PPS Motors is part of a larger automobile group – one of the countrys largest spread automobile conglomerates – with rich experience of 75+ years, operates through 720+ automobile touchpoints across 18 states supported by a dedicated team of over 18,000 expert professionals. PPS Motors provides exceptional service and upholds high standards of professionalism. PPS Motors represents a diverse spectrum of auto segments, including 18 brands in passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, and construction equipment. The conglomerate stands as a formidable force representing 18 renowned brands and registered an annual group turnover of INR 21,000 crores (unaudited) in FY 2025.

Glow by Kirtilals, the contemporary diamond and gold jewellery brand from the esteemed House of Kirtilals, proudly announces the grand opening of its latest exclusive showroom on RKV Road, Erode. The launch marks a significant step forward in the brand’s continued expansion across India.

Glow by Kirtilals Retail Outlet at RKV Road, Erode, Tamil Nadu

Situated in one of Erode most upscale neighbourhoods, the new showrooms bring Glow’s signature collection of elegant, lightweight natural diamond and gold jewellery to a discerning urban clientele. Designed to resonate with the aesthetics and lifestyle of today’s modern woman, the store features jewellery that effortlessly blends everyday wearability with timeless sophistication.

Mr.Suraj ShantaKumar – Director, Kirtilals along with Erode Franchisee Partner Mr.Kishore & Family

“We are thrilled to bring Glow by Kirtilals to Erode – a vibrant, style-conscious city that truly reflects our brand ethos,” said Mr. Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals. “The enthusiastic response to our launch reaffirms our belief in this market, and we’re excited to offer a destination where women can explore jewellery that aligns with their lifestyle. This expansion underscores our strategic commitment to growth and innovation while connecting with new audiences.”

The grand opening drew jewellery lovers, loyal customers from across the region, all eager to explore the store’s curated collections. From classic designs to contemporary, versatile styles, each piece is crafted to celebrate individuality and personal expression.

This new launch marks Glow by Kirtilals seventh showroom in India, joining an existing network in Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Thrissur, Tirupur, and Hyderabad.

Glow by Kirtilals showroom located at 84, RKV Road, Erode and also available in online www.glowjewels.com. Visit today to explore the latest collections.

About Glow by Kirtilals
Glow by Kirtilals is a contemporary diamond and gold jewellery brand from the House of Kirtilals, renowned for its legacy of over 85 years in fine craftsmanship. With a focus on elegance and versatility, Glow offers refined, wearable diamond jewellery designed for modern lifestyles – empowering women to express their unique style with confidence and grace.

In the real estate sector, trust is foundational. For homebuyers, it’s the assurance that promises will be kept, and for communities, it’s the confidence that their future is in reliable hands. Emerging as the epitome of this trust is the SS Group, which has stood as a symbol of integrity and consistency in the Indian real estate landscape. Since 1992, SS Group has earned the loyalty of thousands of families. It’s this unwavering credibility that continues to guide the brand, project after project, year after year.

Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO, SS Group

At the core of SS Group’s growth stands Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, the Managing Director and CEO, whose vision has shaped the company’s modern identity. Dynamic, dedicated, and deeply driven, Ashok Singh Jaunapuria has been the guiding force behind the company’s evolution since 2004. He brought with him not just a legacy, but a fresh vision to elevate real estate standards in Delhi-NCR. Known for his honest approach and innovative mindset, he continues to push the boundaries of design and development, introducing world-class masterplans, modern aesthetics, and customer-first thinking into every SS Group project. Fulfilling the commitment to customers and catering to this one target, he was the largest supplier of raw housing in Delhi NCR. Under his leadership, the company has delivered developments like The Hibiscus, which earned a national accolade from CNBC over DLF Magnolias. With a loyal core team that’s been with him for nearly two decades, Ashok Jaunapuria’s commitment goes beyond business, building trust, delivering on promises, and shaping communities that last.

Over the years, SS Group has shaped some of the most recognisable addresses in Gurugram, each reflecting its signature blend of thoughtful design, functional elegance, and community focus. The Hibiscus, a benchmark in luxury living, has set a new standard for upscale residences. Southend reimagined the concept of plotted development in urban India. The Lilac brought together contemporary architecture and lush green spaces, offering a perfect balance of comfort and calm. Most recently, SS Cendana, with all 1,250 units sold out, stands as a testament to the Group’s reputation for timely delivery and enduring market trust. Together, these projects don’t just define Gurugram’s skyline; they define what modern living should feel like.

Moreover, with a clear eye on the future, SS Group is entering a bold phase of expansion, backed by strong investment plans and a strategic land bank across Gurugram’s most promising growth corridors. Its upcoming premium residential offering, SS Camasa, along with Grade-A commercial projects like SS WhiteWater and SS Strada, have already secured RERA approvals. These developments reflect SS Group’s vision of creating high-impact, future-ready spaces that meet the expectations of both discerning buyers and institutional investors.

Besides, the group’s development goes beyond construction. It curates meaningful spaces that serve people, respect the planet, and reflect a larger purpose. Every project is thoughtfully designed to be customer-centric, striking a balance between aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality. The developer integrates eco-conscious practices like energy-efficient systems, expansive green zones, and responsible resource usage to ensure that sustainability is built into the blueprint. But perhaps most importantly, SS Group focuses on fostering real communities through well-planned amenities, social infrastructure, and inclusive design that encourages connection, convenience, and a true sense of belonging.

In SS Group’s journey lies a clear and consistent purpose: to shape urban lifestyles that are enduring, sustainable, and deeply human. Its vision is to become an organisation synonymous with quality, innovation, and integrity in the real estate space, setting new benchmarks for customer preference. This is reflected not just in what the Group builds, but in how it operates. Beyond real estate, the Group is strategically foraying into healthcare, hospitality, and education, evolving into a multi-sectoral urban developer. This diversification is not a departure from its core values but an extension of them, driven by the belief that a truly modern city must offer holistic living experiences.

Thus, in an era defined by fleeting market trends, SS Group continues to hold its ground as a builder of permanence, trust, and vision. With a robust development pipeline, diversified portfolio, and a deep commitment to community, the Group is not just responding to India’s urban aspirations, it is actively shaping them.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the Responsible Jeweller and one of the world’s largest and most trusted jewellery retailers, hosted a grand unveiling of its latest natural diamond collection – ‘NUWA by Mine Diamonds‘ – at an exclusive, invite-only event held at JW Marriott, Mumbai on 13th July, 2025.

L to R: Shalin Shailesh Shah, Executive Director – MBMG, Nimrat Kaur, Nikhita Tandon, Fanzeem Ahamed, Retail Expansion & Regional Head – West – Malabar Gold & Diamonds

The highlight of the evening was a stunning runway presentation featuring 8 models adorned in NUWA pieces, with celebrity showstopper Nimrat Kaur bringing the collection’s spirit to life. Adding to the allure of the evening was a creative collaboration with renowned fashion designer Nikhita Tandon. Her specially curated western couture ensembles were crafted to complement the elegance of the NUWA collection.

The NUWA campaign, fronted by Bollywood icon and brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan, celebrates the strength, elegance, and versatility of today’s woman. With the tagline #ShineOutLoud, the campaign encourages women to embrace their bold individuality through designs that speak for themselves.

Commenting on the launch of the collection, MP Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group said, “Further building on the theme of abstract and contemporary forms and the resilience of modern women, our latest NUWA collection redefines versatility to match every mood, occasion, and ensemble, while also redefining luxury – grand in design, yet light in feel.”

Inspired by modern silhouettes, abstract designs with a contemporary edge, NUWA collection boasts of innovative designs such as 2-in-1 rings, zipper-inspired necklaces, modern earring styles, rotating bangles, etc. The collection also has intricately designed Italian chains, adding timeless elegance. At accessible price points, the collection is available at all our 400+ Malabar Gold & Diamonds showrooms across the world.

Each piece in the Nuwa collection is thoughtfully conceived and meticulously crafted at Malabar’s state-of-the-art diamond design studio in Mumbai. Every natural diamond above 0.30 ct used in NUWA and each piece of jewellery undergo a two-way certification process, ensuring that Malabar Gold & Diamonds delivers the highest quality to its customers.

With a global footprint of over 400 showrooms across 13 countries-including India, the Middle East, the Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia-Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned for its wide-ranging collections, exceptional quality, and customer-centric approach. Backed by a dedicated team of 25,000 multilingual employees across 26 countries, the brand has served over 15 million satisfied customers worldwide.

Renowned for its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Malabar upholds its signature Malabar Promises-a suite of customer-first benefits including transparent pricing with detailed cost breakdowns, lifetime free maintenance across all global showrooms, and 100% exchange value for old gold and diamonds.

Every piece of jewellery is 100% HUID-compliant, ensuring full transparency and authenticity. Certified diamonds undergo a rigorous 28-point quality check, and each purchase is protected with one year of complimentary insurance.

As a responsible jeweller, Malabar Gold & Diamonds leads with integrity. The brand guarantees ethically sourced gold and diamonds through verified, authorised channels. Backed by international certifications and strict quality control, Malabar ensures every creation meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and conscience.

Beyond business, the Malabar Group is deeply rooted in giving back – contributing 5% of its profits towards CSR initiatives focused on education, healthcare, housing, environmental sustainability, hunger eradication, and women empowerment.

About Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. With an annual turnover of USD $7.36 billion, the company is currently the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and the 19th ranked brand in Deloitte’s Luxury Goods World Ranking. They have a strong retail network of over 400 showrooms spread across 13 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centres, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, the Middle East, the Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada & Australia. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online showroom www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers with the opportunity to purchase their favourite jewellery at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) and CSR have been the primary commitments of the group since its inception. The key focus areas of the Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment, integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business.

In a noteworthy development within the diamond jewelry sector, SWA Diamonds, a brand originating from Kerala, the ‘gold capital of India’, is making a strong statement with its unwavering commitment to sourcing and selling only 100% natural diamonds. This policy comes at a time when the market is witnessing a significant influx of lab-grown diamonds, raising questions about the inherent value and properties traditionally associated with these precious stones.

SWA Diamonds Stands Firm on 100% Natural Diamonds Amid Surge in Lab-Grown Alternatives

With a substantial retail footprint of over 30 strategically located stores across key cities in India and the UAE, SWA Diamonds is poised for significant growth, signaling a clear ambition for global expansion. Unlike many who have embraced the trend of man-made lab-grown stones, the company has maintained an exclusive focus on providing 100% natural diamonds, thereby extending the availability of these rare treasures to a broader global clientele.

While lab-grown diamonds initially captured attention with a price point around half that of natural diamonds, their value has significantly depreciated, now often selling for as little as 20% of a comparable natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds witness a rapid decline in value, with projections suggesting they could drop to as low as 2% of the value of natural diamonds due to the increasing ease and scale of manufacturing. As production becomes more widespread and cost-effective, the rarity and perceived exclusivity that define diamond value are significantly diminished. This stark decline underscores the fundamental difference: natural diamonds are finite, rare treasures born of the earth with ever-increasing value and long-term investment potential, while lab-grown diamonds, being manufactured, lack this inherent scarcity.

SWA Diamonds dedication to excellence and innovation has also garnered international recognition through the Guinness World Record for creating the largest number of diamonds set in a ring.

Interestingly, in the Indian context, “Swa” translates to “self” or “ones own,” perfectly reflecting the unique and authentic nature of each diamond they offer.

Adding his perspective, Mr. Abdul Gafur Anadiyan, Director, SWA Diamonds, stated that SWA Diamonds offers nature’s luxury that is affordable and within reach to customers both online and offline.

About SWA Diamonds

Originating from CAPESTONE Ventures Pvt Ltd, a leading wholesale diamond jeweller, SWA Diamonds www.swadiamonds.com offers a wide range of unique and charming 100% natural diamond designs at affordable prices, maintaining international quality standards.