For years, the narrative of luxury housing in India has been defined by an aspirational drift toward metropolitan skylines. That axis is now reversing. Tier 2 cities are no longer only shedding their status of being merely ‘emerging’ to reveal themselves to be self-sustaining ecosystems of high aspirations where luxury is no longer merely an import, but an inherent attribute of their very fabric.

Luxury living takes root in emerging cities, where modern residences, green spaces, and community-driven design reflect evolving aspirations and local prosperity

The fulcrum has shifted from salary-driven wealth to enterprise-driven prosperity, with family-owned businesses reaching unprecedented heights, startup success achieving significant exits, and SME and industrial clusters increasing their economic footprint in non-metro regions. No longer confined to a handful of urban centers, wealth in India is now far more dispersed geographically. This change in the distribution of wealth is having a significant impact not just on wealth itself but also on consumption. Today, there is a growing trend towards wealth being spent in the place in which it is created. This is in stark contrast to metros, where there may be a portfolio approach to wealth.

According to Anarock, premium and luxury homes now account for a significantly higher share of new residential launches in several tier 2 cities, showcasing how developers’ confidence in sustained end-user demand in these markets. The contours of wealth creation in these parts are also shifting with enterprise-led growth steadily overtaking traditional salary-driven accumulation. Across Tier 2 cities, family-run businesses are scaling with renewed ambition, startup ecosystems are unlocking meaningful value through exits, and SME as well as industrial clusters are deepening their economic influence.

Besides, a defining aspect of this shift is the clear dominance of the end user. In Tier 2 cities, demand is led by business families upgrading primary homes, next-generation buyers raising lifestyle benchmarks, and NRIs returning with global exposure yet strong local ties. Unlike metros, where luxury often aligns with investment logic and second homes, here it is rooted in end use. The focus is on high-conviction homeownership: consumption-backed, deeply personal, and centred on creating residences that serve as both lifestyle upgrades and long-term legacy assets.

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, said, “In markets like Mohali and Chandigarh, we are witnessing how luxury is being defined and consumed. The demand is not being driven by external capital but by deeply rooted, local wealth. Entrepreneurs, industrialists, and globally exposed professionals are choosing to elevate their living standards without relocating. What is particularly noteworthy is the clarity of intent among buyers; they are not experimenting with luxury; they are committing to it. This is translating into a preference for expansive layouts, gated villa communities, and low-density developments that offer both privacy and permanence. It reflects a market that is maturing with quiet confidence.”

Preksha Singh, CEO, Agrasheel Infratech, added, “In cities like Lucknow, the premium housing market is evolving in a way that feels both organic and inevitable. As the city’s economic base strengthens and new-age businesses take root, we are seeing a generation of buyers that is far more design-aware and lifestyle-conscious than before. Luxury here is no longer about scale alone, but about refinement, detailing, and a sense of arrival within one’s own city. There is also a strong emotional dimension at play, where families are choosing to build legacy homes rather than migrate. This is creating sustained, end-user-driven demand that is far more stable and deeply anchored.”

Ashwinder R. Singh, Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee; Vice Chairman, BCD Group; Advisor, NAR-India said, “This is not a shift of luxury. It is a shift of confidence. For the first time, the Indian homebuyer is choosing not to migrate, but to upgrade where he already lives. Tier 2 cities are no longer catching up with metros; they are developing their own consumption identity. What defines luxury here is not price, it is intent. Larger homes, better design, and institutional-grade developments are now being demanded in markets that were once driven purely by necessity. This is not spillover demand. It is native aspiration, powered by local wealth creation, infrastructure, and digital exposure. For developers, the implication is clear: this is not a scale play, it is a credibility test. Because in this cycle, trust will travel faster than brand.”

Moreover, land is emerging as a key component of the Tier 2 growth story, particularly in peripheral pockets where initial growth is resulting in tangible price appreciation. Developers are entering these markets from a long-term perspective, recognizing land as a play on future growth rather than just a component of inventory. Much of this activity is unfolding alongside new infrastructure, but the demand itself isn’t being created by these developments. It already exists, rooted in local ambition and rising affluence. What infrastructure does is bring that confidence to the surface, giving it direction and legitimacy rather than driving it from scratch.

Kushagr Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, said, “Across Tier 2 cities, the shift towards luxury housing is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader structural evolution. As economic activity becomes more distributed, so does aspiration. What we are observing is a move away from speculative real estate cycles towards consumption-led growth, where buyers are investing in homes they intend to live in and hold over generations. Infrastructure development is certainly accelerating this transition, but the underlying driver is rising affluence and confidence within these cities. For developers, this calls for a more nuanced approach that prioritises quality, community, and long-term value creation over scale.”

Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, said, “In North India, Dehradun presents a unique intersection of natural appeal and evolving urban aspiration, which is increasingly reflected in its housing choices. Buyers here are seeking more than just a residence; they are looking for a lifestyle that blends openness, wellness, and exclusivity. This has led to a growing preference for boutique luxury developments and villa formats that offer a sense of retreat without disconnecting from the city. Interestingly, a significant portion of this demand is coming from within the region itself, including business families and returning professionals. It signals a shift where luxury is being internalized rather than imported.”

What is unfolding across Tier 2 cities is less a phase and more a fundamental rebalancing of India’s housing narrative. Luxury housing is becoming more evenly anchored, shaped by multiple cities with their own economic and cultural momentum. In that sense, this is not simply decentralisation, but a repositioning of priorities.

• Purpose-built to help banks meet the Responsible Business Conduct regime, which will eliminate mis-selling risk by design

• ZENOVA is a policy-driven control layer that sits between core banking systems, insurer platforms, and all customer-facing channels

• Zopper’s multi-insurer platform ZENOVA will help banks and BFSI players across India to configure institutions’ policies and architecture without multi-year build cycles.

Zopper, India’s leading insurtech company, announced the launch of ZENOVA, an agentic layer designed to transform how banks distribute insurance products. ZENOVA embeds suitability, disclosure, and evidence generation directly into every insurance sale — helping reduce mis-selling risks across every channel. ZENOVA is powered by Zopper’s API-first, multi-insurer platform already deployed at scale with banks and BFSI players across India and can be configured to each institution’s policies and architecture without multi-year build cycles.

ZENOVA is powered by Zopper’s API-first, multi-insurer platform, deployed at scale with banks and BFSI players across India

Under the emerging Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) framework, mis-selling is no longer a reputational concern but has a direct impact on P&L event. Banks face full refund plus compensation obligations if mis-selling is proven, and the fiduciary responsibility sits squarely with the distributing bank, not the insurer.

ZENOVA is a policy-driven control layer that sits between core banking systems, insurer platforms, and all customer-facing channels. It orchestrates every stage of an insurance interaction, from customer profiling. It needs assessment, suitability scoring, disclosure, consent, issuance, and post-sale verification, generating a regulator-grade evidence file as a byproduct of every transaction.

Suitability is built in by design, with board-approved rules translated into executable logic to ensure every sale passes a rigorous suitability check without exception. This is supported by a unified evidence fabric, where each sale is captured in a single, time-stamped record that includes screens, consents, recordings, and PLVC outcomes, making it instantly retrievable for audits, complaints, or regulatory review. At the same time, channel-consistent conduct is enforced through uniform suitability and disclosure standards applied seamlessly across branches, apps, contact centres, and WhatsApp, ensuring a consistent and compliant customer experience at every touchpoint.

Mr Surjendu Kuila, Co-founder & CEO, said, “Banks that choose to re-platform onto ZENOVA will not only meet the next wave of conduct supervision, but they will set the benchmark for what responsible, profitable bancassurance looks like in India.”

Bragadish Sureshkumar, Chief Technology Officer, added, “ZENOVA is built for a world where banks are expected to prove, not just claim that every sale was done right. By combining agentic AI with a deep, evidence‑first architecture, we give institutions a single platform that can orchestrate journeys in real time and still leave a clear audit trail for every recommendation, interaction, and decision.”

Zopper has raised $125 million to date from marquee investors, including Creaegis, Bessemer Venture Partners, ICICI Venture, Blume Ventures, Elevation Capital, and Dharana Capital. With a 600+ member team across technology, sales, strategy, and operations, the company plans to double down on market penetration in the country while pursuing global expansion and strategic acquisitions in emerging markets.

Zopper has been actively integrating AI and Generative AI across underwriting, sales optimisation, fraud detection, and customer servicing. Its proprietary Digi-Banca platform offers a unified, end-to-end technology stack for insurers and banks, enabling seamless integration and improved customer journeys across multiple financial institutions. Zopper’s mission is to make insurance simple, contextual, and embedded within everyday consumer journeys. By leveraging technology to streamline underwriting, reduce issuance time to minutes, and design tailored micro-products, the company has significantly improved accessibility across ecosystems spanning lifestyle, digital commerce, and financial services.

About Zopper
Zopper combines insurance and technology to deliver customised, end-to-end distribution solutions for insurers and ecosystem partners. Through API-led infrastructure and embedded insurance capabilities, Zopper is expanding access, improving efficiency, and strengthening India’s insurance ecosystem.

To learn more, explore the full whitepaper and get in touch with us here: bit.ly/4t8Yhtb

The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with a different focus. Here’s how to pick the one that fits your daily drive in India.

So you’ve decided to go electric, and VinFast has caught your eye. The brand is new, the designs are hard to miss, and increasing sightings on Indian roads hint at growing curiosity. For now, the choice is straightforward: the compact B-SUV VF 6 or the larger, more assertive C-SUV VF 7.

The “New Entrant Of The Year” VinFast brings two solid EV SUVs to India, each with a different focus

Both share the same foundation, but they diverge in ways that become clear once you start living with the car.

Exterior design and dimension
The VF 6 is the quieter one visually. Guided by the “Duality in Nature” philosophy developed by the Italian design house Torino Design, it follows a clean, balanced, and human-centric approach. Its rounded, coupe-like silhouette feels fluid and approachable, with proportions that suit dense urban environments. The design balances opposing elements such as softness and strength, creating a harmonious blend of nature-inspired aesthetics and modern technology tailored for young, active families.

The VF 7, by contrast, takes a bolder and more expressive direction. Also developed with Torino Design under the “Asymmetric Aerospace” language, it features sharper, more angular lines and sculpted surfaces that give it a stronger visual presence. The wide stance and details like hidden door handles create a sense of motion even when stationary, while larger 19 to 20-inch wheels further enhance its road presence.

Conclusion: The VF 6 suits those who prefer a clean, friendly design. The VF 7 is better for drivers who want something more distinctive and expressive.

Performance

The difference in performance is immediately noticeable. The VF 7 operates in a higher performance bracket, with significantly more power and nearly double the torque. This translates into quicker overtakes, more confident highway merging, and a stronger sense of acceleration.

The VF 6 is tuned for everyday usability. Its 150 kW output is more than sufficient for city commutes, school runs, and weekend trips. Instead of chasing outright performance, it prioritises smoothness and efficiency, making it easier to live with on a daily basis.

Conclusion: The VF 7 is clearly the more powerful option, suited to drivers who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The VF 6 remains more than capable for urban use, with better efficiency and cost optimisation.

Technology features
Both models embrace the idea of a software-driven vehicle, and that is evident throughout the cabin.

A 12.9-inch driver-oriented infotainment screen anchors both interiors. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with over-the-air updates that continuously refine features over time.

Aside from the Earth trim, both the VF 6 and VF 7 come standard with a solid ADAS suite, including features such as blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane change assist, and enhanced collision warning functions. This level of technology becomes more apparent on longer drives, particularly on highways where the system can take on more of the workload.

Interior design
Inside, the VF 6 takes a clean, functional approach that prioritises comfort and usability. The cabin is built around simplicity, with vegan leather upholstery and a dual-tone layout that feels light and approachable. Surfaces are soft where it matters, and the overall design avoids clutter, making it easy to settle in and operate. The flat floor and well-proportioned cabin help create an open, airy feel, while the seating layout is clearly optimised for everyday family use. The boot is also practical enough for daily errands and weekend trips.

This makes the VF 6 especially suitable for young families who need comfort, usability, and flexibility in a compact SUV.

The VF 7 shifts the focus toward a more premium and individual experience. The cabin feels wider, materials are more refined, and the layout leans slightly toward the driver. It is less about maximising space for everyone and more about creating a personal, high-quality environment. This positioning makes the VF 7 a better fit for independent, tech-oriented drivers who value design, materials, and a more driver-focused cabin.

Conclusion: Choose the VF 6 if you prioritise family comfort and practicality. Choose the VF 7 if you prefer a more premium, driver-oriented interior, with more refined touchpoints throughout the cabin.

Safety
Safety is another area where both models remain closely aligned.

Both the VF 6 and VF 7 have achieved 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, indicating strong crash protection and structural integrity. The VF 6 comes equipped with seven airbags and a full suite of stability and braking systems.

The VF 7 builds on this with more advanced driver assistance features, particularly for highway driving. It also performs strongly in both adult and child occupant protection tests, reinforcing its positioning as a well-rounded family SUV with additional safety support.

Nice-to-have features
Beyond the core specs and headline features, both models include a range of smaller touches that shape the day-to-day ownership experience. These are the details you may not notice in a showroom, but will appreciate over time.

On the VF 6, many of these features are clearly designed around convenience and family use. Special drive modes such as Pet, Camp, Wash, and Valet add flexibility across different situations. The air ioniser with PM1.0 filter improves cabin air quality, which is particularly useful in urban environments. Practical touches like all-window one-touch up and down with anti-pinch, rain-sensing wipers, and a generous boot space reinforce its everyday usability. Even small elements such as power-adjustable, heated mirrors with reverse link make city driving and parking less stressful.

The VF 7, meanwhile, builds on this by making several comfort-oriented features more widely available across trims, such as ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a more refined ambient experience. These additions give the VF 7 a more polished, high-end character.

Conclusion: The VF 6 focuses its “nice-to-haves” on practicality and ease of use, while the VF 7 elevates the experience through added comfort and refinement rather than entirely new features.

Policies and incentives
Beyond the vehicles themselves, VinFast is working to reduce the friction of switching to electric.

The company is building a broader ecosystem in India, including local manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, expanding charging infrastructure, and strengthening after-sales support. The goal is to make ownership predictable and convenient.

Customer incentives reflect this approach. Free charging on the V-Green network runs until March 31, 2029, helping eliminate fuel costs for an extended period. There is also a Value Assured programme that addresses resale concerns, along with roadside assistance, three years of free maintenance, and warranty coverage of up to ten years or 200,000 kilometres depending on the model.

For buyers transitioning from petrol vehicles, the “Trade Gas for Electric” initiative, introduced by Vingroup, adds an additional financial incentive, including a limited-time 3% discount until March 31, 2026.

So, which one should you pick?
The choice ultimately comes down to how you drive and what matters most in your daily routine.

If you are a young family looking for an electric SUV that is easy to use, efficient, and practical for daily routines such as commuting, school runs, and weekend outings, the VF 6 might be the more natural choice

If you are a more independent driver who values performance, distinctive design, and a stronger sense of driving engagement, the VF 7 is likely to feel more rewarding.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s 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 company’s 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: www.vinfastauto.in.

Hong Kong

Riding on the wave of a spectacular line‑up of mega events throughout March and April, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) rolled out the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign. The campaign brings together eight highlighted world‑class mega events of arts, pop culture and sports, and citywide programmes, inviting visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant arts scenes in local neighbourhoods and discover Hong Kong’s captivating allure as the “Events Capital of Asia.”

(From left to right) Aniko Berman, Director of AOTM Gallery, Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBM, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board and Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel

Dr. Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said, “Through the ‘Hong Kong Mega 8’ campaign, HKTB has brought together highlighted art and sports mega events and citywide programmes to fully showcase Hong Kong’s strengths as the ‘Events Capital of Asia’. For the first time, HKTB is partnering with Art Basel to bring digital arts into local neighbourhoods. We would like to thank Hongkong Land for its strong support, which allow us to bring world‑class public art to the heart of Central. We will also work with our trade partners in various sectors to launch and promote the city’s diversified travel experiences. Our aim is to maximise the economic benefits of mega events by enhancing the visitor experience, encouraging them to extend their stay in Hong Kong, and creating more business opportunities for the local travel trade and related sectors.”

With the launch of the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign, a series of international arts and cultural events will take place across the city. This year, Art Basel Hong Kong will bring its global initiative “Zero 10” from Art Basel Miami Beach to Art Basel Hong Kong for its Asian debut, presenting digital artworks encompassing code-based creations, light and sound. South Korean digital artist DeeKay—highly regarded by global NFT collectors—will showcase his digital artworks in the “Zero 10” sector.

To extend digital art experiences beyond the show floor, HKTB and Art Basel will launch Digital Art @Central ahead of the fair’s opening, bringing an artistic ambience to the neighbourhood. DeeKay’s new digital animation artwork, DeePle the People, will bring digital art from the fair into the urban space of Central. The artwork presents a vibrant, all‑over Hong Kong street scene, with people of different ages, races and occupations weaving through a busy intersection. DeeKay created around 100 individually designed characters, and incorporated elements from the city’s signature mega events—including dragon boat paddlers, jockeys, chefs and performers—bringing a distinctly Hong Kong character to the work. DeeKay said he was thrilled to collaborate with the HKTB, and particularly appreciates presenting digital art in a public space, as it allows the work to reach a broader and more diverse audience. “Beyond the skyline and landmarks, I wanted to reflect the city as a living, moving place shaped by its people, its rhythm, and its cultural vibrancy.” From 24 to 29 March, the artwork will be projected onto the façade of the Hong Kong Club Building from 7 pm to 11 pm daily, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy a worldclass, large-scale public art experience in the centre of the city.

Promoting Local Arts Guides ＆ Community Arts Experiences for In‑Depth Cultural Exploration

HKTB has collaborated with Art Central to launch the digital “Hong Kong Art Month Discovery Guide”. The guide will provide all-in-one travel information and compiles exciting events across the city’s art districts, covering gallery exhibitions, special museum showcases, and performing arts programmes across Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Tai Hang, the Southern District, Tsim Sha Tsui, and the West Kowloon Cultural District and  includes dining recommendations in the vicinity to help visitors plan their cultural journeys and explore arts events in various parts of the city, promoting in-depth cultural tourism. Art Central also offers travel and experience packages featuring accommodation, dining, attractions and transportation, facilitating a smooth arts and cultural journey in Hong Kong for visitors.

In addition to the major art events, various districts across Hong Kong will showcase artistic vibrancy during the period. ArtHouse Tai Hang 2026 is transforming 10 historic houses in Tai Hang into a pop‑up hub of art and local dining, featuring art exhibitions, installations, guided tours, talks and performances. The festival invites both locals and visitors to explore the neighbourhood, enjoying a city-walk style art experience while driving spending at dining and retail establishments in the vicinity.

Furthermore, Hongkong Land will transform the heart of Central into a vibrant cultural journey with Art Walk in Central. Featuring guided tours, performance-led walks, and public art encounters across the district, the programme invites visitors to rediscover iconic sculptures at Hongkong Land Portfolios. At LANDMARK Atrium, talented artist Ayako Rokkaku, who will present her solo debut and largest interactive art installation. The season culminates in a spectacular finale — OPEN and Art on the Move trucks — a dynamic open-air street celebration that will transform Chater Road on 29 March.

WestK’s world-class museums also unveils a series of new exhibitions and events in March, all of which are unmissable. M+ proudly presents Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now (until 9 August 2026), tracing the evolution of pioneering Korean artist Lee Bul’s groundbreaking practice. Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker (until 3 May 2026) offers new perspectives of the career of the celebrated Chinese French master, marking Asia’s first major retrospective of the artist’s graphic works. The Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates the Year of the Horse in Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum (20 March 2026 – 17 March 2027), showcasing the artistic achievement of Chinese horse painting. Presented by WestK Performing Arts, WestK FunFest also returns from 19 March to 12 April 2026 with over 120 family-friendly arts and cultural experiences, including the Asian debut of the large-scale interactive art installation.

Also, a few other events in March that further bring Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene to life: Art Walk in Central (21st to 4th March 2026) at Central; Art Central 2026 (25–29 March 2026) at Central Harbourfront; and Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 (27–29 March 2026) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Alongside these, visitors can continue to explore Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker at M+, Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and enjoy WestK FunFest across the West Kowloon Cultural District, including Art Park, Freespace, and the Xiqu Centre.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

India’s creator economy is growing rapidly, with thousands of independent influencers, vloggers and digital storytellers producing content every day. However, many creators face a common challenge – finding professional, well-designed and visually appealing spaces where they can shoot high-quality content. Studio rentals and premium locations are often expensive and not easily accessible for emerging creators.
 

Nilkamal Homes
 

Nilkamal Homes identified this gap and addressed it with Safe Space Studios by Nilkamal Homes, a one-of-its-kind initiative that gives creators access to beautifully designed showroom spaces that can be used as ready-to-shoot sets, free of cost. The pioneering initiative transforms its flagship Bengaluru showroom at NTR Plaza, Outer Ring Rd, Marathahalli into a high-end, free-to-use production set for content creators every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM. 

During these hours, creators can use these curated interiors of the store as ready-made sets to shoot videos, reels, podcasts, and other digital content. Through this initiative, Nilkamal Homes aims to support the growing creator community by providing a premium, safe and accessible environment where creators can bring their ideas to life and produce engaging content. 

By day, the Marathahalli store functions as a Furniture showroom that welcomes customers to explore an expansive range of home furniture and décor, set within thoughtfully designed spaces that inspire confident purchase decisions. By night, it seamlessly transforms into a dynamic content creation studio, featuring multiple curated zones tailored for creators. From opulent bedroom settings to elegantly styled living and sofa spaces, each zone offers versatile styling possibilities. This unique adaptability provides creators with far greater flexibility and creative control than conventional, ready-made studios, free of cost. 
 

Nilkamal Homes
 

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Parekh, President at Nilkamal Homes, said, “Creators are the architects of today’s brand narratives, yet their creative potential is often constrained by limited access to well-designed, aesthetic spaces. With Safe Space Studios by Nilkamal Homes, we aim to bridge this gap by offering thoughtfully curated, well-lit, premium environments – completely free of charge. Bengaluru, widely regarded as the epicentre of India’s digital content ecosystem, was a natural choice to pilot this initiative.” 

Creators who want to use the space can apply through Nilkamal Homes’ official Instagram page @NilkamalHomes. Selected creators will receive a two-hour shooting slot and access to multiple styled areas including living rooms, sofas, dining setups, and bedroom spaces. On-site support will also be available to ensure a smooth shooting experience. 

The Marathahalli studio is a pilot project. Based on the response, Nilkamal Homes plans to expand Safe Space Studios to more than 70 Nilkamal Homes stores across India, creating one of the largest networks of free creator-friendly studio spaces in the country. 

About Nilkamal Homes
Part of the legendary Nilkamal Limited group, Nilkamal Homes is a leader in the Indian home décor and furniture market. Known for their well-made furniture and decor, the brand operates 70+ stores across India, dedicated to redefining modern living for the Indian family. 

For more details, please visit www.nilkamalhomes.com.

Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/nilkamalhomes.

This Holi, Dulux brought alive the core promise of its flagship exterior paint brand Dulux Weathershield – “It’s Colourful. It’s Powerful” to life through a playful campaign.

Building on its earlier campaigns showcasing performance in extreme climates such as the scorching +50°C heat of Jodhpur and the freezing –30°C temperatures of Spiti Valley, the brand created a festive ‘Colourful and Powerful’ Holi activation.

As part of the “Colourful & Powerful Holi” campaign, Dulux Weathershield collaborated with Blinkit to surprise consumers in select cities. During the Holi period, some Blinkit orders included a complimentary gulal packed inside adorable miniature Dulux Weathershield paint buckets, a powerful reminder of both the brand’s colour expertise and indulgence in festival of colours.

India celebrates a Colourful and Powerful Holi with Dulux paints

The collectible mini buckets quickly caught consumers’ attention. While gulal injected the fun on-ground, Dulux Weathershield’s Holi celebrations struck a chord with over 28 million people with unboxing videos and reels flooding the social media. User-generated reels, unboxing videos, influencer participation and meme pages also picked it up which further amplified the idea organically — turning a powerful activation into a widely shared Holi moment.

Dulux Weathershield also invited consumers to share their “Colourful & Powerful” Holi moments on Instagram with 30 participants set to win a free exterior home makeover.

About JSW Dulux Limited

JSW Dulux Limited (formerly Akzo Nobel India Ltd.), is a leading decorative paints and coatings company in India. It’s portfolio of global brands, including Dulux, International and Sikkens, is trusted by millions of customers and families for more than seven decades. With an employee strength of around 1,300, the Company has five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, one RD&I center, regional offices and a strong pan-India distribution network.

In December 2025, JSW Paints, part of the US$ 23 billion JSW Group which is one of India’s leading conglomerates, became the new promoter of the Company, bringing together strong local expertise with global quality and innovation to build the paint company of the future. Backed by the JSW Group’s scale, execution capabilities and long-term commitment to building market-leading businesses, JSW Dulux Limited is focussed on accelerating growth and strengthening its competitive position while staying committed to realizing sustainable value creation for all its stakeholders.

New insights from Mpower, a holistic mental health care provider and an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, founded by Mrs Neerja Birla, Founder Chairperson Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower, reveal a significant rise in emotional stress, loneliness, and relationship-related challenges among women across urban India.
 

Mrs. Neerja Birla brings women’s mental health to centre stage at Mpowering Minds 2026, driving dialogue on evolving needs across life stage
 

Drawing from interactions with over 395,000 female beneficiaries over the past 3 years across counselling centres, helplines, school outreach programmes, and community initiatives, the findings offer a comprehensive view of how mental health concerns among women are evolving across life stages and geographies.
 

The data highlights distinct emotional patterns across age groups, presenting a life-stage view of women’s mental health in urban India.

• Adolescents (below 18) are increasingly engaging with mental health programmes through schools, educational institutions, and counselling services available to them, reflecting both rising awareness and early emotional vulnerability driven by academic pressure, identity formation, and social dynamics.

• Young women (18-25) frequently report academic stress, career uncertainty, relationship conflicts, and challenges with emotional boundaries as they transition into adulthood.

• Women in prime working years (26-49) emerge as the most emotionally burdened, experiencing loneliness, relationship strain, workplace stress, financial pressures, and emotional burnout while balancing multiple roles.

• Women aged 50+ often face loneliness, family transitions, and evolving emotional needs linked to later life stages.
   

While the overarching trends remain consistent, the data reveals distinct city-specific stressors shaped by local socio-economic and cultural contexts:

• In Delhi, emotional strain is strongly linked to loneliness among working women and boundary and identity challenges among younger women, reflecting the pressures of high-performance urban environments.

• In Mumbai, family conflict, marital stress, and relationship tensions emerge as dominant concerns, alongside a notable rise in adolescent engagement, indicating increasing openness toward seeking support.

• In Kolkata, mental health challenges are shaped by academic pressure, emotional isolation, and family expectations, particularly among younger women navigating educational and career transitions.

• In Bangalore, women frequently report workplace stress, financial pressures, and burnout, reflecting the demands of a fast-paced, career-driven urban ecosystem.
  ​

Together, these insights highlight how local realities intersect with broader societal shifts, creating layered and evolving mental health challenges for women across India.
 

Further the analysis of data by Mpower highlights key trends emerging across urban India

• Loneliness is rising, particularly among working women

• Relationship stress and family conflict are central emotional triggers

• Workplace and financial pressures are intensifying distress

• Early mental health engagement is increasing, especially among adolescents

• Stigma continues to delay timely support
  ​

Commenting on the findings, Mrs Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower, said, “Women’s mental health is shaped not only by individual experiences but by the systems they navigate every day across work, family and society. As more women come forward to seek support, it is critical that we build accessible, stigma-free ecosystems across homes, workplaces and communities that enable them to prioritise their wellbeing.”
 

Adding an expert’s perspective Dr. Preeti Parakh, Psychiatrist and Head Mpower- The centre Kolkata and Delhi, said, “What we are seeing across urban India is a shift from episodic stress to more sustained, layered emotional strain among women. At different life stages, these challenges manifest differently -from identity and boundary-related concerns among younger women to chronic emotional fatigue, loneliness, and role overload among those in their 30s and 40s. This highlights the need to understand women’s mental health not as isolated concerns, but as evolving patterns shaped by life transitions, social expectations, and cumulative pressures.”
 

Further, Dr. Harshida Bhansali, Head Psychiatrist, Mpower-The Centre, Mumbai, added, “Untreated mental health concerns in women often have far-reaching consequences – impacting not only individual wellbeing, but also family dynamics, workplace productivity, and long-term health outcomes. Delayed intervention can lead to more complex psychological and physical conditions over time. Strengthening early access to support through schools, workplaces, and communities, along with normalising help-seeking, is critical to reducing this long-term social and economic cost.”
 

The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts to address women’s mental health challenges:

• Expanding access to affordable counselling services

• Integrating mental health awareness in education systems

• Strengthening workplace wellbeing policies

• Encouraging open, stigma-free conversations

• Integrating Mental Health into Primary Healthcare

• Ensuring access to psychiatric care and essential medications

• Expanding the mental health workforce (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers)

• Building early intervention systems for children and adolescents

• Leveraging digital mental health platforms with quality and privacy safeguards

• Strengthening implementation of mental health policies and increasing public health funding

• Developing community-based support systems and peer networks

• Establishing robust crisis intervention services, including 24/7 helplines

• Training non-specialists (teachers, managers, frontline workers) in basic mental health support

• Promoting preventive mental health practices and emotional resilience at all life stages
   

At Mpower, a sustained focus on women’s mental health is reflected not only in its on-ground interventions but also in the data emerging from its work, which highlights critical gaps in access, awareness, and continuity of care. Building on these insights, the organisation convened the Mpowering Minds 2026 Women’s Mental Health Summit – bringing together experts, practitioners, and thought leaders from India and globally to examine these challenges in depth. The discussions were anchored in real-world evidence, enabling a richer exchange of perspectives and solutions, and culminated in a collective call to action for more integrated, accessible, and life-stage–responsive mental health support systems for women.
 

About Mpower
Backed by Aditya Birla Education Trust, Mpower is a pioneering holistic mental health initiative, now marking a decade of impact in transforming mental health awareness and care in India. Since its inception in 2016, under the leadership of Mrs. Neerja Birla, Mpower has been committed to building an inclusive ecosystem where individuals and their caregivers receive professional support, compassionate care, and acceptance – free from stigma or discrimination.
 

Through a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, Mpower delivers impact across a diverse ecosystem – including clinical services, outreach and awareness programs, institutional partnerships, helplines, educational initiatives such as Minds Matter, and sports-focused interventions like AMP.
 

Its growing footprint spans multiple locations including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Delhi, Palghar, Kalyan, JECRC University (Jaipur), Kota, along with campus-based presence across BITS Pilani (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad) and other partner institutions.
 

Over the past 10 years, Mpower has played a pivotal role in normalizing conversations around mental well-being, reaching millions through its care delivery, prevention programs, and large-scale partnerships – continuing to enable individuals to seek support with dignity, confidence, and hope.
 

For more information, please visit mpowerminds.com.