Punjabs real estate sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with luxury housing emerging as the new benchmark of modern living. This shift is being driven by multiple factors, including rising disposable incomes, increased investments from NRIs, and a growing preference for residences that offer exclusivity, convenience, and top-tier amenities. Today’s homebuyers are not merely seeking a house; they aspire to an elevated lifestyle characterized by world-class amenities, cutting-edge security, and a thriving community environment.

Punjabs Luxury Housing Boom: Smart Homes, Exclusive Amenities, and World-Class Living

According to industry reports, the demand for premium apartments, villas, and gated communities has surged in cities like Mohali, Zirakpur, Ludhiana, and New Chandigarh. Mohali and Zirakpur, in particular, have witnessed a significant increase in high-end residential developments due to their strategic location near Chandigarh, superior infrastructure, and growing commercial ecosystem. Developers are investing heavily in projects that cater to this evolving market, offering features such as smart home automation, high-tech surveillance systems, luxury clubhouses, and wellness-oriented living spaces. With Punjab’s real estate market increasingly aligning with global housing trends, the state is emerging as a prime destination for luxury housing investments.

Evolving Aspirations and Growing Demand
The increasing preference for luxury homes can be attributed to multiple factors, including rising disposable incomes, significant investments from NRIs, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance that prioritizes comfort and wellness. Developers across Punjab are responding proactively to these evolving aspirations by delivering projects that cater to the modern homebuyer.

Mr.​ Prateek Mittal, Executive Director, Sushma Group, “Homebuyers today are making a conscious choice to invest in a lifestyle rather than just purchasing a house. The demand for high-end residential spaces has increased significantly, particularly in the post-pandemic era, as individuals now value spacious homes equipped with premium amenities. Our projects align with this shift, offering exclusive Grand living experiences with large room sizes, clubhouses, Golf Course and landscaped gardens.

Redefining Luxury: Smart Homes and Modern Amenities
Luxury housing today extends beyond expansive spaces-it is about delivering an unparalleled living experience. The industry is witnessing a significant shift towards smart homes equipped with automation features, advanced security systems, and wellness-oriented living environments. Developers are integrating world-class clubhouses, infinity pools, co-working spaces, and wellness centers to cater to the discerning buyer.

Mr. Piyush Kansal, Executive Director, Royale Estate Group, “Today’s homebuyers expect more than just a residence; they seek a refined lifestyle that offers exclusivity, security, and convenience. Our projects are thoughtfully designed to meet these expectations, incorporating advanced smart home technology, lush green spaces, and premium amenities that redefine luxury living in Punjab.”

Mohali & Zirakpur: Emerging Hubs for Luxury Living
Mohali and Zirakpur have emerged as prime destinations for luxury real estate, leading Punjabs residential transformation. Their proximity to Chandigarh, seamless connectivity, and expanding commercial hubs make them highly desirable locations for premium homebuyers.

Mr. Tejpreet Singh, Managing Director, Gillco Group, “Mohali and Zirakpur are at the forefront of Punjab’s luxury housing evolution. With superior infrastructure, world-class educational institutions, and robust healthcare facilities, these regions are attracting discerning homebuyers like never before. We are committed to developing landmark residential projects that cater to the evolving preferences of high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusivity and sophistication.”

Future Outlook
The luxury housing market in Punjab is poised for continued expansion, driven by constant innovation and evolving consumer preferences. Developers are increasingly focused on curating upscale living experiences that cater to the needs of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), professionals, and NRIs. As homebuyers seek more than just a property-choosing instead to invest in a holistic lifestyle-Punjab’s real estate landscape is set to redefine luxury living, ensuring the state remains a premier destination for premium residential investments.

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business to enhance energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy. This initiative is a key step under ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise’, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. As part of the partnership, up to 13.6 MW of solar power will be installed across six major Bisleri International plants in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

Bisleri International Partners with Schneider Electric to boost Energy Efficiency

Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “Our collaboration with Schneider Electric underscores our commitment to sustainable solutions and the economic benefits of renewable energy. The project is set to increase Bisleri’s green energy usage to nearly 33% while improving energy efficiency by 2.5% across its manufacturing plants. Additionally, this initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 16,000 tons per year, further advancing Bisleri’s sustainability goals.”

Adding to this, Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, shared, “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to enabling businesses to reduce their environmental footprint by embracing cleaner and smarter energy solutions. Our Sustainability division has been a pioneer in enhancing energy efficiency across sectors. Our association with Bisleri International will further optimize the use of renewable energy. We congratulate Bisleri in their quest to become a Green Yodha for the planet. Collaborations like these are pivotal for a sustainable future, and by integrating innovative energy solutions, we will collaborate with Bisleri to bolster efficiency and foster a sustainable future for all.”

As part of ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise‘, the company has already deployed rooftop solar panels that generate 2.5% of its energy from renewable sources. Furthermore, Phase 1 of the lightweighting of PET bottles has successfully reduced the company’s CO2 footprint by 15,000 tons per year.

Bisleri International remains committed to sustainability through recycling plastic, conserving water, and replenishing natural resources, all key pillars of ‘Bisleri’s Greener Promise‘.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the countrys largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

About Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.www.se.com.

LEO1, an edu-fintech company backed by Rohit Sharma, has credited 8 crore in education fee benefits through its Fee Reimbursement Model (FRM) in calendar year 2024. The model rewards parents and students for making timely and advance tuition payments with LEO1 Coins, which can be redeemed across 200+ merchant partners, including travel, accommodation, ride-hailing, food, grocery, and shopping platforms.

Rohit Sharma and Rohit Gajbhiye with Debi Prasad Baral and Naveesh Reddy

In addition to this, 1.7 crore worth of LEO1 Coins were credited to parents and students for purchases through the app, further enhancing the value they receive. So far, 55,000+ students have redeemed 50 lakh Coins for items such as power banks, AirPods, smartwatches, air coolers, snacks, and more. In January alone, around 20 lakh Coins were used, reflecting the increasing adoption of the reimbursement model.

As part of its Prime Membership, LEO1 also offers exclusive benefits, including a free consultation to support parents and students in making informed educational and financial decisions, adding to the value proposition.

The model is building an ecosystem that not only helps educational institutions streamline fee collections but also reduces the financial burden on parents. It ensures that education expenses generate value, benefiting both students and families.

The impact has been significant, with some of India’s largest educational groups experiencing improved on-time tuition payments. This is enabling institutions to expand, scale, and introduce new courses and initiatives.

Rohit Gajbhiye, MD & Founder of LEO1, said, “We are privileged to build an ecosystem that transforms expenses at the time of education into a rewarding experience for students and parents. The Fee Reimbursement Model is not just about timely fee payments-it is about creating long-term financial value in education. By incentivizing responsible financial behaviour, we ensure that every rupee spent on education delivers tangible benefits. Our model has helped students while addressing cash flow challenges for universities. We plan to expand to 22 cities, aiming to impact 1.5 million students and establish education payments as a financially empowering process for families across India.”

LEO1 continues to focus on building a sustainable and inclusive financial ecosystem for students, parents, and institutions. The Fee Reimbursement Model also offers a numberless prepaid student ID that doubles as a contactless payment card, serving both as an identity and a payment gateway. Some of the large university groups like Narayana, SAGE, and Jain, LNCT, Geetanjali University are part of LEO1’s reimbursement model, which has positively influenced students, parents, and the broader educational ecosystem.

About LEO1

LEO1 (formerly known as Financepeer) is a pioneering Edu-fintech company headquartered in Mumbai, established in 2018. Renowned as India’s first fee- fee-reimbursement card, the platform addresses long-pending cash flow issues for educational institutions.

LEO1 has partnered with over 31 large institutions, including Narayana, Jain Group, and SAGE University, benefiting around half a million students. Key modules of LEO1 include Rewards, Smart ID Cards, Fee Management, and Financial Literacy, which collectively empower institutions with simplified fee collection, enhanced transparency, and real-time insights. LEO1 incentivizes responsible financial behavior by rewarding timely fee payments with LEO1 coins. These coins can be redeemed across various brands for discounts and vouchers, aligning with the company’s broader mission to make education more accessible by potentially rebating fees for students who consistently meet payment deadlines. This initiative contributes to the larger vision of fostering a cashless ecosystem within educational institutes, enabling timely cash flow, and aligns with India’s & Digital India initiative.

Linemen are the backbone of power distribution, working tirelessly in extreme conditions to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to homes, industries, and essential services. From restoring power during emergencies and natural calamities to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, their role is critical in keeping the nation powered. Despite the challenging and hazardous nature of their work, linemen remain committed to their duties, often risking their lives to serve the community.

Lineman Diwas will honour linemen and their vital contributions

Technological initiatives

Technological advancements like Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Field Force Automation (FFA) have significantly transformed the way linemen operate. ADMS offers real-time insights into network conditions, enabling faster fault detection and more accurate load management, reducing the response time for outages. FFA ensures seamless communication and coordination among field teams, allowing linemen to prioritize and resolve issues more efficiently. These technologies not only enhance productivity but also improve safety by minimizing exposure to high-risk situations.

Focus on safety

Discoms and power producers are making relentless efforts to enhance linemen’s safety and well-being. The measures include advanced training, awareness around health, and other protective measures. In this context, VR simulations and hands-on safety drills play a critical role in better preparedness, while regular health check-ups, psychological screening, and mental wellness programs support overall well-being of linemen. They are continuously briefed about the importance of Smart PPE like shock-resistant gloves, advanced harnesses, AI-enabled helmets, and arc suits in enhanced safety protocols. Discoms and Gencos also promote a robust safety culture through awareness campaigns, reward programs for compliance, and periodic safety audits, ensuring a safer and more secure working environment. Real time incident reporting, location tracking, and rapid medical response systems are some of the other practices that help strengthen emergency protocols.

In recognition of their dedication, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (Tata Power-DDL), will organize a special event on March 4 to honor linemen and their vital contributions. The event will bring together power sector professionals from across the country and highlight the pivotal role these frontline warriors play in ensuring a seamless power supply.

This year’s event is set to be bigger. Discoms from across the country will participate, reaffirming their commitment to recognizing and honoring linemen. For the first time, the event will also acknowledge power generation companies (gencos) and power distribution companies (discoms) for their outstanding performance and adherence to safety protocols.

Gajanan Kale, CEO, Tata Power-DDL, said, “We salute the hard work and resilience of these unsung heroes. Over the years, this initiative has gained national significance, with more discoms and transcos joining in. These linemen restore power even in the harshest conditions, ensuring uninterrupted supply for millions.“

Several linemen will be felicitated for their exceptional service. Their meticulous efforts in ensuring safety and continuity in power supply underscore their vital role in the power sector. As a spokesperson from a discom noted, “Linemen are the backbone of power distribution. Their contributions are invaluable but often overlooked. This celebration is a long-overdue acknowledgment of their service to the nation.”

Beyond technological advancements, efforts to enhance linemen’s safety and well-being include advanced training, health initiatives, and protective measures. VR simulations and hands-on safety drills improve preparedness, while regular health check-ups, psychological screening, and mental wellness programs support overall well-being. Smart PPE like shock-resistant gloves, advanced harnesses, AI-enabled helmets, and arc suits enhance safety. Automated incident reporting, real-time location tracking, and rapid medical response systems strengthen emergency protocols. Discoms and gencos also promote a robust safety culture through awareness campaigns, reward programs for compliance, and periodic safety audits, ensuring a safer and more secure working environment.

Whatfix, the global leader in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP), today introduced ScreenSense, an innovative AI technology that powers the next generations of its product suite-DAP, Mirror, and Product Analytics. Built on a Computer Use model trained to understand and interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) like humans, ScreenSense applies enterprise business knowledge to enhance digital workflows, making tasks more efficient and intuitive.

Khadim Batti and Vara Kumar, Co-founders, Whatfix

ScreenSense leverages patented algorithms to create next-gen digital experiences that are more intuitive to the end-user and also evolve with technology changes. Its capabilities include advanced element and context detection, precise segmentation, behavioral intelligence, and inference generation.

“At the heart of the userization approach is ScreenSense, a next-generation suite of patented technologies, that fuels Whatfix’s products to empower organizations in accelerating digital adoption, enhancing user experiences, and delivering maximum ROI from their transformation efforts,” says Sharath Hari N, Vice President at Everest Group.

“ScreenSense is the core of our AI-driven digital adoption strategy. It leverages our patented innovations to simplify enterprise technology adoption,” said Khadim Batti, CEO and Co-Founder of Whatfix. “As AI reshapes how users and enterprises interact with software, ScreenSense is enabling Whatfix to ensure digital adoption is more intuitive, scalable, and impactful in helping businesses drive productivity and ROI from their technology investments.”

Gina Smith, Ph.D., Research Director at IDC, said, “The integration of agentic AI amplifies DAP capabilities… When thoughtfully administered, DAPs can accelerate AI adoption and ensure organizations can achieve (the) full value of their software investments.”

2024 Highlights of Whatfix’s Achievements:

A Year of Milestones and Growth
2024 was marked by significant milestones that underscore the unmatched innovation at Whatfix and the trust of its customers.

• 38% YoY revenue growth, with a 150% EBITDA improvement since 2022, reflecting strong market demand and financial discipline.

• 12 new Fortune 500 customers spanning industries such as BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology.

• 111% Net Revenue Retention (NRR) for enterprises, demonstrating deeper integration and customer trust.

As noted by Morten Rye Christensen, Vice President, Infrastructure & Operations, Semler Gruppen, “Whatfix has been instrumental in improving user adoption, engagement, and productivity across our platforms. Their AI-driven solutions and user-centric design have created a seamless experience for our users. Our collaboration with Whatfix is making digital tools accessible and intuitive for everyone – We’re transforming how our teams and customers interact with technology. Rather than wrestling with complex systems, we’re prioritizing empowerment and adoption, enabling faster, smoother processes where anyone can jump in, learn, and get more done effortlessly.”

He added, “The new AI capabilities offer smart, context-sensitive support, further simplifying workflows and making digital experiences even more engaging. We believe that when technology is as simple and intuitive as it is powerful, everyone wins-and that’s exactly what our partnership with Whatfix is delivering. Whatfixs innovative approach and commitment to user experience have made them an invaluable partner for us.”

Driving Innovation & Expanding Leadership

In 2024, Whatfix expanded its capabilities. It introduced new AI-powered features, DAP on OS, and Mobile SDK 2.0, further elevating business impact and efficiency.

• New Whatfix AI Capabilities: Whatfix introduced new AI-driven features across DAP, Mirror, and Product Analytics. “Ask Whatfix AI” – a GenAI-powered conversational analytics interface enables business users and citizen analysts to access engagement and usage insights using a simple chat interface. AI-powered sentiment analysis provides users with quicker and more actionable insights from user feedback surveys – an existing DAP feature.

• Whatfix for AI-Adoption: Whatfix is investing heavily in capabilities to enable its customers to improve their AI adoption. It empowers customers to drive AI co-pilot awareness and educate users about AI co-pilot adoption best practices within enterprises. By enabling IT stakeholders to track co-pilot usage, identify adoption challenges, and optimize AI implementation and rollout plans, it ensures that enterprises can accelerate the ROI of their AI investments.

• DAP on OS: Launched as a desktop companion, DAP on OS streamlines employee communication with desktop alerts, simplifies learning across applications, and ensures quick access to information for seamless productivity in enterprises.

• Mirror: In 2024, Mirror gained strong market traction as many of Whatfix’s existing and new customers-including several Fortune 500s across BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology-chose it as their preferred application simulation environment.

• Product Analytics: Whatfix was recognized as a Representative Vendor by Gartner for Product Analytics. As a top choice for enterprise analytics, 25% of its new customers were Global 2000 companies. New capabilities added by the product include the Adoption Health Dashboard, which enables CIOs and Digital Transformation teams to gain a comprehensive view of their tech stack’s adoption and usage.

• DAP on Mobile: With the launch of Mobile SDK 2.0, Whatfix DAP Mobile empowers customers to resolve issues faster and deliver exceptional in-app experiences while reducing reliance on development teams for minor updates. Whatfix also gained its 6th patent for “Inspect Element Framework For Building Mobile DAP Content” from the US Patent Office.

Solidifying Category Leadership in Digital Adoption
In 2024, Whatfix cemented its category leadership with top industry accolades for AI-driven innovation, enterprise impact, and sustainability:

• ISG Paragon Awards: Innovation Award winner with Sophos.

• Gartners Voice of the Customer: The only Customer’s Choice vendor in DAP.

• Forrester Wave (Q4 2024): Leader in AI/ML, analytics, and product architecture, earning the highest Strategy score.

• IDC MarketScape: Worldwide DAP 2024: Leader, recognized for mobile, desktop adoption, AI innovation, and personalization.

• Everest Group: Leader & Star Performer for the fifth consecutive year.

• Deloitte Fast 500: Top-ranked DAP for four years running.

• EcoVadis: Bronze Medal, placing in the top 35% globally for sustainability.

Whatfix also received the 2025 G2 Best Software Awards as the Best Software Companies in India last week and was yet again recognized as a leader in Gartner’s Voice of the Customer in 2025 for DAP.

Whatfix continues to define the future of digital adoption, setting the industry benchmark for AI-powered transformation. The company is building a strong DAP community with its Whatfix University, which certified 5,500+ professionals as yet, upskilling the leaders of tomorrow.

Expanding Partnerships & Industry Reach
Whatfix strengthened its global ecosystem by adding 11 new partners, including Temenos, Deloitte (India), Capgemini, and Indra Consulting Philippines, expanding its network to 125+ partners across key industries. Strategic collaborations with GSIs like Deloitte, Wipro, and LTIMindtree, along with regional partners such as BIP, Genpact, and NNIT, further reinforced its position as a trusted enterprise partner.

Whatfix Accelerates Global Expansion, Industry Focus, and GenAI Integration in 2025
Backed by $125M in Series E funding, Whatfix is strengthening its leadership in North America, Europe, and APAC while expanding into high-growth markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company is deepening its presence in Insurance, Pharma & Life Sciences, and Banking and Financial Services alongside a strategic push into the Public sector. With a focus on market expansion and profitability, Whatfix is driving organic growth and strategic acquisitions while advancing ‘userization’ with GenAI-powered innovations to enhance user experiences and boost productivity.

About Whatfix
Whatfix is advancing the “userization” of application technology, by empowering companies to maximize the ROI of digital investments across the application lifecycle. Powered by GenAI, Whatfix’s product suite includes a digital adoption platform, simulated application environments for hands-on training, and no-code application analytics. Whatfix enables organizations to drive user productivity, ensure process compliance, and improve user experience of internal and customer-facing applications. With seven offices across the US, India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, Whatfix supports 700+ enterprises, including 80+ Fortune 500s like Shell, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Backed by investors such as Warburg Pincus, Softbank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, Eight Roads, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix.

For more information, visit the Whatfix website.