Category: Business

India’s two-wheeler industry wrapped up the fiscal year 2025-26 on a high note, buoyed by a revival in rural markets and a growing appetite for premium models. Manufacturers reported robust sales across motorcycles, scooters, and high-end bikes, signaling renewed consumer confidence and shifting preferences.

Rural Markets Drive Growth

A key factor in the industry’s strong performance has been the resurgence in rural demand. After a period of muted consumption, improved monsoon patterns, higher farm incomes, and targeted financing schemes have encouraged rural consumers to invest in personal mobility. Entry-level motorcycles, especially those priced below ₹80,000, saw healthy uptake, supporting sales volumes for brands catering to tier-2 and tier-3 towns.

Premium Segment Sees Surge

While rural recovery drove volume growth, urban markets contributed through heightened demand for premium two-wheelers. Scooters and motorcycles with advanced features, stylish designs, and superior fuel efficiency gained traction among young professionals and aspirational buyers. Electric two-wheelers are also slowly finding a foothold, with government incentives and rising environmental awareness nudging consumers toward sustainable options.

Strategic Moves by Manufacturers

Two-wheeler companies leveraged the favorable market environment with aggressive product launches, extended dealer networks, and targeted financing offers. OEMs invested in marketing campaigns highlighting safety, style, and efficiency, while expanding digital sales platforms to tap into tech-savvy buyers. Collaborations with fintech companies for easy loan approvals also played a crucial role in boosting rural demand.

Industry Outlook

Industry analysts expect the momentum to continue into FY27. Rural income growth, urban aspirational demand, and rising adoption of premium and electric models are likely to drive further expansion. Manufacturers are also focusing on after-sales service improvements, localized supply chains, and innovation in design and technology to sustain growth in a competitive landscape.

The combination of robust rural recovery and premium demand not only reinforces India’s position as one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world but also highlights the evolving dynamics of consumer behavior. The sector’s ability to adapt and innovate will determine how it capitalizes on these trends in the years ahead.

India has emerged as the third-largest renewable energy market in the world in 2025, according to the latest report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The country’s rapid expansion in solar, wind, and other clean energy sectors reflects a sustained commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting growing energy demand.

The report highlights India’s remarkable capacity additions over the past year, with solar and wind installations leading the growth. Government policies, investment incentives, and private sector participation have all contributed to this acceleration, making India a key player in the global clean energy transition.

Experts note that India’s renewable energy surge is not only an environmental achievement but also a strategic economic move. Expanding renewable infrastructure supports energy security, creates jobs, and positions the country as a hub for sustainable technology development.

With ambitious targets set for 2030, India’s renewable energy journey demonstrates how policy, innovation, and investment can combine to transform the energy landscape. The nation’s success serves as an inspiration for emerging economies seeking to balance growth with sustainability.

India’s sugar production has seen a significant boost this season, rising 9% to reach 272.31 lakh tons as of March 31, 2026, according to data from the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA). This increase reflects favorable crop conditions and higher yields across key sugar-producing states.

The latest figures indicate a steady recovery in output compared to the previous year, driven by improved cane availability, timely harvesting, and supportive weather conditions. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu remain the largest contributors to India’s sugar production, collectively accounting for a major portion of the total output.

Higher production is expected to ease pressure on domestic supply and could support steady prices in the coming months. The industry has also been focusing on enhancing efficiency and adopting modern milling techniques to maximize sugar recovery from sugarcane.

With India being one of the world’s largest sugar producers, the rise in production this season strengthens its position in global markets while also meeting domestic demand. The government and industry bodies continue to monitor output and market trends to ensure balanced supply and pricing stability.

Mumbai, India Apr 03:  The Indian real estate landscape is undergoing a monumental structural shift, transitioning from traditional family-funded models to a globally integrated, institutionalized asset class. This was the central theme at EXCELERATE 2026, a premier international conclave organized by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen in Mumbai. 

The event brought together over 750 delegates, including global investors, policymakers, and industry titans, to deliberate on the rapid evolution of the sector driven by urbanization, regulatory transparency, and innovative financing vehicles like REITs and Small & Medium REITs (SM REITs). 

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman Emeritus of NAREDCO Maharashtra, “India’s real estate sector is at an inflection point, with urbanization set to rise from 35% to nearly 50% by 2047, fundamentally reshaping demand and development patterns. The industry has already transitioned from reliance on family funding to more institutionalized capital through private equity and REITs and is steadily evolving into a global asset class. However, persistent challenges around land availability, pricing and financing need to be addressed,” he said. 

He further emphasised that ESG considerations, transparency, and compliance will be critical, adding that the sector must evolve from constructing buildings to developing integrated platforms and asset classes. Emerging segments such as senior living, warehousing, and asset management platforms are expected to drive the next growth cycle, with infrastructure acting as the key catalyst. 

Mr Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “India’s real estate sector is experiencing strong growth driven by a decade of reforms, including the RERA, GST rationalization and supportive RBI policies, which have improved transparency, governance and investor confidence. These changes have led to record property sales and a steady rise in institutional investment.” 

Mr Vikas Jain, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, said, “India’s real estate sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Investor confidence, both domestic and international, is at an all-time high. The platforms like ‘EXCELERATE 2026’ play a critical role in bringing together global and domestic stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore capital partnerships and accelerate the next phase of growth for Indian real estate. The avenues like investments from the family offices and private equity have found new dimensions and asset classes in the sector in the form of branded residences, REITs and INVITs.” 

The Panel discussion on ‘Family Offices – The Emerging Capital Pool for Indian Real Estate’ observed that the family offices were increasingly pivoting toward branded residences and hospitality assets as ‘core holdings’ to ensure long-term wealth preservation and generational legacy. Despite complex legal structuring and regulatory hurdles like RERA, the strategic alignment of premium lifestyle services with tangible real estate assets offered superior capital appreciation and a prestigious, liquid investment. 

In the session “REITs and Invits Unlocking Institutional & Retail Capital”, the panellists focused on how India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market was witnessing robust growth, emerging as a compelling investment alternative not only domestically; but also, against its Asian peers. 

On the sidelines, a Report by ANAROCK titled ‘India REITS: Taking a Stride – Building Momentum with Scale & Performance’, was launched wherein it was observed that the real estate sector was rapidly evolving into a mature and high-performing asset class driven by strong fundamentals, regulatory support and increasing investor confidence. The report further stated that the introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 further enabled real estate investment, facilitating retail participation through fractional ownership model and expected to unlock a monetisation opportunity of Rs 67,000 to Rs 71,000 crore. 

The Panel on ‘Sustainability in Real Estate – Finance, Incentives & ROI’, emphasized on the financial implications of green development and the necessity of measurable returns on sustainable investments and also explored the growth of data centres, mixed-use developments, and organized rental housing. 

The event also featured a special session, “Legacy Builders of Indian Real Estate,” celebrating first-generation entrepreneurs who laid the foundation for the industry. This session was preceded by addresses from Ashok Mohanani (Advisory Committee), Sandeep Runwal (Vice Chairman, NAREDCO Maharashtra) and Rajan Bandelkar (Former Vice Chairman, NAREDCO India). 

The event included special addresses by Mr Rajan Bandelkar, Former Vice Chairman, NAREDCO India, Mr Kamlesh Thakur, Vice President, NAREDCO Maharashtra and other dignitaries. 

EXCELERATE 2026 concluded that with rising household incomes and deeper global integration, India is well-positioned for a decade of sustained expansion. The shift toward transparency bolstered by RERA and GST has ensured that foreign capital now accounts for more than half of institutional investments in the sector.

fäm Properties analysis shows transactions rose 23.4% YoY in value, 5.5% in volume to 47,996 deals as off-plan growth continued in March

 

Dubai, UAE, 3^rd April, 2026: The Dubai real estate market recorded 47,996 sales transactions worth AED176.7 billion in Q1 2026, a 5.5% year-on-year increase in volume and a 23.4% rise in value, as the property sector showed strong resilience in March.

 

A market report issued by fäm Properties today reveals that the off-plan segment dominated in Q1, accounting for 70% of sales transaction volume and 71% of total value, reflecting Dubai’s ongoing pipeline of new launches from major developers.

Data from DXBinteract showed that the off-plan market remained strong in March, with 10,303 sales transactions amounting to AED31.2 billion, representing YoY increases of 5.4% in volume and 8.9% in value.

“The market continues to show clear resilience even against a backdrop of regional uncertainty,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “The investor confidence we’re seeing now is built on strong fundamentals, transparency and long-term growth drivers that remain firmly in place.”

Apartments led the way in Q1, with 36,428 sales transactions worth AED75.2 billion, a 10.5% increase in value. Villa sales transactions were up 17.9% in volume YoY to 8,261 deals amounting to AED59.1 billion, while commercial sales transactions, including offices and shops, soared by 69.1% to AED10.2 billion in value, despite a marginal 0.6% fall in volume to 2,048.

Meanwhile, sales transactions for plots rose 3.2% in volume YoY to 1,193, and by 14.3% in value to AED31.9 billion. The volume of Q1 mortgage transactions increased by 7.5% to 11,829.

In the primary market, the median price for villas climbed 35.3% YoY to AED4.1 million, while off-plan apartments were up by 3.1% YoY to AED1.4 million. Meanwhile, plots fell 23.6%, likely reflecting a shift in buyer preferences towards ready property.

A similar trend was seen in the resale market, where median prices for villas climbed 16.2% to AED4.3 million over 2025, and are now 35.1% above 2014 levels. Apartment resale prices rose 6.3% YoY to AED4.3 million, while plot resale prices dropped by 38.3% to AED4.8 million.

Mortgage transactions totalled 11,829 in Q1, up 7.5% year-on-year, with an overall value of AED59.8 billion, a 46% increase. In the resale segment, cash transactions accounted for 67% of activity, compared to 33% for mortgage-backed purchases.

The most expensive properties sold during Q1 went for AED 422 million at Aman Residences Tower 2, while the most expensive villa was sold for AED350 million at Jumeirah First. Led by Al Barsha South Fourth, the highest transaction volumes were concentrated in emerging communities attracting buyers with competitive pricing and new off-plan launches. 

Top 5 Performing Areas by Volume in Q1

Area	Transactions	Value AED
Al Barsha South Fourth	3,162	4.0B
Dubai South	2,889	5.4B
Al Yelayiss 1	2,885	12.9B
Wadi Al Safa 5	2,694	4.5B
Wadi Al Safa 3	2,273	5.3B

 

Apartment Average Prices in Top 5 Areas

Area	Avg. Price	Price/sqft
Dubai Creek Harbour	2,940,888	2,559
Dubai Islands	2,677,091	2,782
Business Bay	2,265,000	2,595
Nad Al Sheba First	1,405,000	3,567
Dubai South	1,290,000	1,533

 

Villa Average Prices in Top 5 Areas

Area	Avg. Price	Price/sqft
Me’Aisem Second	15,831,888	1,784
Me’Aisem First	12,213,000	2,016
Al Yelayiss 5	7,890,888	1,482
Nad Al Sheba First	6,906,000	2,301
Dubai South	4,250,000	1,327

 

Best Selling Projects in Q1 2026 

Primary Market Apartments

 

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
Binghatti Vintage	539	412.4M	699.0K
Maybach 6 – Tower B	403	689.6M	1.4M
Sierra By Iman	338	483.2M	1.3M
Binghatti Cullinan	326	393.0M	880.0K
Samana Boulevard Heights	281	250.6M	757.8K

 

Primary Market Villas

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bahamas 2	376	1.2B	2.8M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Cuba	371	1.2B	2.9M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bahamas 1	357	1.2B	2.9M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Tahiti 2	331	1.1B	2.9M
DAMAC Islands 2 – Bermuda	323	1.0B	2.9M

 

Resale Apartments 

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
Peninsula Four	62	151.7M	2.2M
The Holland Gardens	54	81.1M	1.5M
Peninsula Three	48	87.9M	1.8M
Ashjar	47	94.8M	2.0M
The Neighbourhood C1	46	92.8M	1.9M

 

Resale Villas 

Project	Volume	Value	Median Price
Rukan 3	46	65.4M	1.2M
Jumeirah Village Triangle	41	203.2M	5.0M
The Valley-Nara	36	111.8M	2.9M
The Valley-Orania	34	103.1M	2.8M
Aura	33	176.5M	5.2M

 

 

ndia’s experience in agricultural technology could help Southeast Asia tap into a $90 billion growth opportunity in the AgriTech sector by 2033. The region, home to a large farming population, stands to benefit significantly from digital innovations that improve productivity, market access, and value chain efficiency.

Agriculture remains a backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy, yet many countries still rely on traditional farming practices and face fragmented supply chains. Experts say that wider adoption of AgriTech solutions—such as digital marketplaces, precision farming tools, agri-finance platforms, and crop innovation technologies—can transform the sector and drive both economic and social benefits.

India’s journey in fostering a supportive ecosystem for AgriTech startups offers a practical blueprint for Southeast Asian nations. From creating digital infrastructure for farmers to enabling specialized financing and innovative value chains, India’s approach demonstrates how technology can empower farmers while boosting rural economies.

The study highlights several areas with strong growth potential, including digital platforms connecting producers to markets, agri-fintech solutions providing easier access to credit, life sciences innovations to enhance crop yields, and sustainable consumer brands aligned with changing consumption patterns.

Realizing this potential could not only increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes but also strengthen rural livelihoods, modernize food systems, and reinforce Southeast Asia’s position in global AgriTech innovation.

The Indian government is set to roll out a range of measures to support exporters affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Rising freight costs, higher insurance premiums, and logistical challenges have disrupted trade, prompting authorities to step in to ensure the country’s export sector remains robust.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the initiatives aim to reduce the burden on exporters while maintaining India’s competitiveness in global markets. Planned support includes financial assistance to offset rising shipping and logistics costs, along with expanded insurance coverage to help businesses manage risk in uncertain times.

The Gulf region conflict has disrupted shipping routes, making deliveries more expensive and unpredictable. Exporters, particularly those serving Middle Eastern markets, have faced delays and higher operational costs. The government’s measures seek to stabilize the sector and reinforce confidence among businesses navigating this volatile environment.

Officials emphasized that these steps will not only ease immediate challenges but also help sustain export volumes and secure employment in export-oriented industries. By strengthening the export ecosystem, India aims to safeguard its position in global trade and ensure continued growth despite geopolitical uncertainties.

NMDC Limited, India’s largest state-run iron ore producer, has achieved a historic milestone by producing a record 53 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, becoming the first mining company in the country to surpass the 50 MT mark. This represents a significant increase over the previous year and reflects strong operational efficiency across its mining sites.

Driving Growth in Steel and Infrastructure

Iron ore is a key raw material for steel production, which fuels construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. NMDC’s record output ensures a steady supply for domestic steelmakers, helping to stabilize costs and meet the growing demand for steel across the country. This supports India’s ongoing urban development and infrastructure expansion.

Reliable iron ore supply also enables steel producers to fulfill orders for housing, transportation, and industrial projects, creating jobs and stimulating investment throughout the value chain.

Strengthening Economic Resilience

By increasing domestic production, NMDC reduces reliance on imported minerals, enhancing supply security and contributing to stable commodity markets. The company’s expansion plans aim to further increase output in the coming years, potentially exceeding 100 MT by the end of the decade, which would strengthen both the mining and downstream industrial sectors.

Looking Ahead

NMDC’s record production is not just a company achievement—it is a significant step for India’s economy. By securing raw materials for key industries, supporting infrastructure development, and fostering job creation, this milestone demonstrates how robust resource management can drive national growth and industrial self-reliance.

Kishangarh : Walk into a home that has lived with marble for a decade, and the difference is immediate.
Not in how it looks at first glance, but in how it feels.

The surface is no longer just installed. It has settled into the rhythm of the space. Certain areas appear softer, almost quieter. Corners that see more movement carry a faint polish that no factory finish can replicate. The material has not remained unchanged. It has responded.

Marble, unlike most contemporary surfaces, does not resist time. It absorbs it.

At Tilak Marbles, this understanding begins long before the material enters a home. Each marble block is assessed not only for its present appearance, but for how it will behave years later. Subtle differences in density, structure, and mineral composition determine whether a surface will age harshly or gracefully.

“Marble is not a static material. It changes with the space and the people who use it. That is where its true beauty lies,” says Mr. Praveen Gangwal.

What is often misunderstood as ageing is, in reality, a form of quiet transformation.

In high-use areas, the change is most visible. A living room floor begins to mirror movement. Pathways emerge not through design, but through use. The finish softens slightly under repeated contact. Light reflects differently across the same surface as the day progresses. None of this is damage. It is an accumulation.

This is precisely why materials like the Pigus White collection hold particular relevance in contemporary homes. With its restrained veining and calm tonality, Pigus White does not exaggerate change. Instead, it absorbs it evenly, allowing the space to evolve without visual disruption.

There is a composure to such surfaces. Even as they are used daily, they retain clarity.

“People often expect marble to look untouched forever. But the real value lies in how it continues to look right, even as it changes,” says Mr. Praveen Gangwal.

This shift in perspective is becoming more visible in how architects and designers approach material selection. The focus is no longer on preserving a flawless finish, but on choosing materials that remain relevant over time.

In this context, perfection becomes less important than continuity.

The role of selection becomes critical here. The way a block is chosen directly influences how the marble will perform in the years to come. Variations that may seem minor at the beginning often define whether the material will age with balance or with contrast. At Tilak Marbles, this process is guided by decades of on-ground experience in Kishangarh, where understanding marble goes beyond appearance and into behaviour.

Because in the end, longevity is not about keeping a surface unchanged.
It is about allowing it to evolve without losing its sense of place.

And that is where marble, quietly and consistently, proves its worth.

INDIANAPOLIS — An internationally recognized supportive oncology expert has joined the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Christian “Chris” Nelson, PhD, a clinical psychologist, has been named the director of the Walther Center for Supportive Oncology at the cancer center, effective April 1. He will also be the Walther Senior Professor in Supportive Oncology and professor of psychiatry and medicine at IU School of Medicine. In addition, he’ll serve as chief resilience officer at the cancer center.
As Walther Center director, Nelson plans to build a national example of compassionate, research-based supportive care for people with cancer. He explained that the Walther Center’s focus areas, which will work together and often overlap, are:

“Supportive oncology is anything that’s not direct cancer treatment,” Nelson said. “It’s essentially organizing those three buckets — palliative care, psycho-oncology, and integrative medicine — to help patients.”

He pointed out that palliative care, which is often thought of as end-of-life care, is about helping treat symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders. Research shows that the sooner palliative care is introduced, the better the outcome for the patient, according to Nelson. 

During his career, Nelson has specialized in improving the quality of life of patients treated for genitourinary malignancies and older adults with cancer. His research focuses on the impact of cancer on quality of life in prostate and geriatric cancer patients, and the development of new talk therapies for these patients. His research also includes sexual dysfunction after treatments, cognitive effects of hormonal therapy in prostate cancer patients, and emotional well-being in Black men with prostate cancer.

Nelson was most recently the chief of the psychiatry service and attending psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He was also a professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. 

As a researcher, his work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, and he has launched independent research programs in male sexual medicine in prostate cancer and in the psycho-oncology of aging and cancer. He has published more than 180 research articles.  

He earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He earned a master’s and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Long Island University.  

“Dr. Nelson brings tremendous supportive oncology experience to IU,” Kelvin Lee, MD, director of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, said. “Under his leadership, the Walther Center will help patients and their families and transform how we approach supportive oncology by uniting research and clinical care.” 

The Walther Center for Supportive Oncology stems from a transformative $14 million gift from the Walther Cancer Foundation to IU in 2018. It encompasses both research and clinical care. Cancer center investigators Shelley Johns, PsyD, ABPP, and Sheri Robb, PhD, previously named Walther Scholar in Psycho-Oncology and Walther Professor of Supportive Oncology, respectively, bring research expertise that includes improving the physical health and psychological well-being of adults with cancer as well as the impact of music therapy on children and adolescents with cancer. Tarah Ballinger, MD, the Vera Bradley Foundation Scholar in Breast Cancer Research at IU School of Medicine and a cancer center physician-scientist, is the medical director of the Walther Center. The clinical component was developed in partnership with IU Health. As such, Dr. Nelson’s recruitment was additionally supported in 2025 by a $2.25 million gift from Walther Cancer Foundation to the IU Health Foundation that was matched by IU Health.  

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Nelson to his new leadership role at the Walther Center,” said Thomas W. Grein, president and CEO of the Walther Cancer Foundation, Inc. “He brings a clear and compelling vision for the center — one that we share and fully support.”