Emaar India Sets A New Benchmark: Secures The Prestigious 'Great Place To Work™' Certification

Emaar India the Indian business entity of the globally renowned brand Emaar, famous for developing Burj Khalifa, announced that it has secured the prestigious 'Great Place to Work™' certification for the period of January 2025 to January 2026, awarded by the Great Place to Work Institute, India. The company has been recognized for its commitment to nurturing a positive, inclusive and empowering workplace culture, driven by trust, innovation, employee well-being & respect. This certification is a true recognition of the dedication, passion, and commitment that the Emaar India employees truly represent.

This achievement is a hard-fought significant milestone for Emaar India and also the result of a focused people agenda, collaborative efforts, and continuous efforts towards improvements over the last 2 years by the entire Emaar India HR team supported by all its employees, specially through the mentorship and advocacy by its department heads, across all functions. This certification is both well-deserved and symbolic of the special focus Emaar India has laid on bespoke talent management programs, regular employee engagement initiatives, leadership meets for timely communication, consistent & transparent compensation philosophy, best-in-class HR practices & policies, rolling out a strong employee recognition program and integrating a robust performance management system including mentoring programs and regular development feedback.

The certification is a validation of Emaar India’s focus on its commitment of creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, respected, empowered & inspired to achieve excellence. With a resilient and energetic workforce in India, Emaar is deeply committed to ensuring that employees’ voices are heard, recognized and acted upon, fostering enhanced experiences and empowering them to achieve their business objectives in sync with the Emaar core values – ‘Customer First, Fast Paced, Ownership Mindset, Winning Together & One Emaar’.

Commenting on this accomplishment, Ms. Madhuri Mehta, Chief Human Resource Officer of Emaar India, said: "We are thrilled to share that Emaar India is officially certified as a Great Place to Work. As a ‘People Centric’ organisation we strongly believe in a people-first culture and this highlights our ongoing commitment to build an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered. This accomplishment is a testament of the passion, collaboration and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our employees. This is a significant achievement and reflects Emaar India’s commitment in meticulously sculpting a safe, collaborative, and inclusive workplace. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and excellence and are confident that together we will maintain our position as a Great Place to Work.”

The Great Place to Work Certification is a globally recognized standard of excellence, awarded to organizations that prioritize creating a high-trust, high-performance culture. This certification is based on rigorous assessment, including employee feedback and workplace practices. Emaar India’s recognition is a result of its focus on employee-centric initiatives, a culture of inclusion, and opportunities for professional growth. With this milestone, Emaar India reinforces its position as an employer of choice in the real estate sector.

Visa: Digital Payments Surge In Non-Metros With 175% Growth In Card Spends

Key Highlights:

Credit card spends in Cat B and C+ cities grew by 4X between 2019 and 2024, outpacing the 1.4X growth in metro cities.

Share of online spending in Cat C+ cities soared from 53% to 73% across categories like apparel and travel, as well as digital services like gaming and online education.

Visa has identified emerging opportunities for financial institutions to meet the rising demand for customised, secure financial solutions.

India’s digital payments landscape is seeing a remarkable surge with non-metro cities, particularly Cat B and Cat C+, emerging as significant growth engines. A new whitepaper from Visa, the global leader in digital payments, called ‘Bridging the Gap: Payments in India Beyond Metros’ reveals that digital payment transactions in non-metro regions are growing faster than in metros, with card spending soaring 175% since 2019.

This study by Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), Visa’s advisory arm, showcases growth trends in non-metro cities, fuelled by evolving consumer segments and improved digital infrastructure across the country. The whitepaper, based on insights from Visa’s data, dives into three categories: Cat A –  metros like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and cities like Pune and Ahmedabad; Cat B – rapidly growing cities and districts such as Trichy, Bhubaneswar and Jaipur; and Cat C+ – emerging cities and districts like Tirupur (Tamil Nadu), Sangli (Maharashtra), and Tumkur (Karnataka).

Sushmit Nath, Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics, India & South Asia said, “In India’s rapidly evolving digital payments ecosystem, non-metro cities are the emerging vibrant hubs of opportunity and aspiration, driven by speedy digital adoption. As their ambitions evolve, these consumers seek tailored, flexible, and secure financial solutions. With its global experience and deep data expertise, Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA) is ideally positioned to enable financial institutions to better serve these segments. At Visa, we are committed to supporting the country’s progress by driving innovation in payments that meet the needs of consumers beyond the metros.”

Key Growth Drivers: Rising Income, E-Commerce and Digital Connectivity

The surge in digital payments in non-metro regions is fuelled by rising income levels, the rapid growth of e-commerce, and enhanced digital connectivity, supported by empowering Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY), Digital India Program and Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Visa’s data shows a remarkable 4X increase in Cat C+ consumers who spend over ?2 lakh annually on a single card (vis-à-vis 2019) —significantly higher than the 1.4X increase observed in Cat A cities. Ethe expansion of e-commerce is key to this growth; the share of online spending in Cat C+ cities jumped from 53% to 73%, with notable increases in discretionary spending across categories like apparel and travel. Moreover, there is a marked increase in consumption of digital services in non-metro cities, where online gaming spends rose by 16X and spends on digital content increased by 9X during the same period.

Transformative Opportunity to Unlock Financial Inclusion

Formal credit penetration in Cat B+ cities was only 10.5% in 2019, compared to 42.4% in metropolitan regions[1]. Though consumers in Cat B and Cat C+ cities have access to formal credit channels, they tend to depend more on informal credit sources, such as moneylenders or family loans due to limited credit history. Here lies a massive opportunity for lenders and businesses to innovate tailored credit products for this growing customer base.

Tailored Financial Solutions for Emerging Needs

Consumers in Cat B and C+ cities are increasingly seeking bespoke,  flexible, and inclusive products that address their specific needs, including dynamic pricing, flexible tenures, and transparent, low-cost options. To capitalise on this growing demand, Visa has identified four key pillars for success:

Affordability: With growing consumption, consumer preference for flexible repayment options too has increased.

Aspiration: These consumers seek financial products that offer rewards, loyalty programs, benefits and access to exclusive experiences that enhance their lifestyles.

Convenience: New-to-digital consumers prefer financial products that are simple, user-friendly and support multiple languages.

Trust: Consumers also prefer digital payment methods that are trusted, highly secure and have a robust redressal mechanism.

As India’s economy becomes increasingly digitised, Visa’s payment solutions can unlock new growth opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. Visa offers compelling solutions, coupled with best-in-class security, reliability, scale, and reach, enabling millions to realise their financial potential.

Methodology:

Insights in this report were are derived through Visa Consulting & Analytics’ expertise in payments strategy, data science, and economic analysis by leveraging credit card and debit card spending data.

City categories based on Visa transaction data:

Cat A cities - Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Gurugram, Ahmedabad & Gandhinagar

Cat B cities and districts - Trichy, Jamnagar, Ambala, Khordha, Malappuram, East Godavari, Jabalpur, Erode, Rohtak, Medak, Howrah, Anand, Palakkad, Muzaffarpur, Nizamabad, Kollam, Bhavnagar, Goa, Karimnagar, Rewari, Cuddapah, Jamshedpur, Moradabad, Solapur, Mangalore, Ahmednagar, Kannur, Hooghly, Ajmer, Surat, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Indore, Baroda, Chandigarh, Ghaziabad, Ernakulam, Faridabad, Ludhiana, Guntur, Rajkot, Vijayawada, Patna, Bhopal, Kanpur, Raipur, Thrissur, Bhubaneswar, Meerut, Varanasi, Kozhikode, Karimnagar, Karnal, Pondicherry, Kurnool, Vellore, Patiala, Nalgonda, Udaipur, Ranga Reddy, Khammam, Guwahati, Gwalior, Kota, Allahabad, Cuttack, Tiruvallur, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kolhapur, Hisar, Mohali, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Panipat, Kakinada, Jammu, Kottayam, Rajahmundry, Warangal, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mysore, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Nellore, Madurai, Kanchipuram, Salem, Dehradun, Thiruvananthapuram, Agra, Chittoor, Jalandhar, Ranchi

Cat C cities and districts – Cities beyond those listed above, including Tirupur, Sangli, Junagadh, Tumkur, and others.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Macquarie University And Manipal Academy of Higher Education Ink An Articulation Agreement

* This 2+2 articulation and credit recognition arrangement between the two prestigious institutions will cover Civil and Electrical Engineering courses

Macquarie University, one of Australia’s top 10 universities, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a leading educational institution in India, have entered into a milestone articulation agreement to provide a unique pathway for students in Civil and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This agreement is in line with the commitment of both institutions to nurturing globally competent engineers with a blend of foundational knowledge and advanced expertise.

Under this agreement, students will benefit from a unique 2+2 articulation and credit recognition arrangement. They will complete the first two years of their Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering at MAHE, followed by two years at Macquarie University in Sydney to earn a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

This partnership highlights the strengths of both institutions in delivering academic excellence and global exposure. By combining foundational studies at MAHE with advanced specialisation and real-world applications at Macquarie University, students will have the skills and knowledge to address complex engineering challenges.

Prof. Aman Oo, Dean of Engineering at Macquarie University said, “Our partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education is a robust step towards advancing engineering education. By bridging theoretical learning with practical, real-world application, the proposed program will cultivate academic distinction and provide students with international exposure and technical expertise. We aim to collaborate to empower students to be agile, world-class engineers set to contribute meaningfully to the future of engineering.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This articulation agreement is a testament of MAHE’s commitment to providing students with transformative educational opportunities. This partnership with Macquarie University allows our students a global perspective while building on a strong academic foundation. We are confident this collaboration will enable our students to excel in their professional endeavours and make impactful contributions to society.”

Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT, applauded the partnership and appreciated the benefits students will receive from this. He said, “The partnership will help students receive a global perspective in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Through such collaborations, MAHE can work on its commitment to fostering world-class engineers at MAHE who can meaningfully work on real-life problems.”

Program structure: In the first two years at MAHE, students will develop a foundation in engineering principles through courses such as Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics, and Computer Programming, alongside core subjects like Geotechnical Engineering and Electrical Circuits. These years will prepare students for advanced learning and practical applications in their chosen field.

During the final two years at Macquarie University, students will delve deeper into specialised topics. Civil Engineering students will study advanced subjects such as Structural Analysis, Water and Wastewater Engineering, and Transport Engineering. Electrical and Electronics Engineering students will focus on areas like Power Electronics, Digital Circuits and Systems, and Electrical Machines. The program will culminate in capstone projects, enabling students to integrate their knowledge and tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Global opportunities: Through the articulation agreement, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and opportunities for international exposure. This pathway enhances their technical expertise and prepares them to thrive in a competitive global workforce.

The final years culminate in capstone projects and specialised electives, allowing students to apply their knowledge and prepare for professional careers in their respective fields.

Interested students can get more information by emailing admissions@manipal.edu

About Macquarie University

Founded in 1964, Macquarie University celebrates 60 years of strong tradition in pioneering thinking, ingenuity and exploration. We continue to break new ground as we work to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues to build a positive future for all. Ranked among the top 130 universities in the world (QS and Times Higher Ed Rankings 2024), the University produces highly sought-after graduates. In the QS World University Rankings by subject in 2024, the University was ranked among the Top 50 in the world for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy and Linguistics.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life and for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions And Services To Redefine Pre-Owned Car Market In India

Emphasizing its focus on becoming a true mobility company with a commitment to delivering ever-better cars, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the launch of its wholly owned subsidiary, Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India Pvt. Ltd. (TMSS) with Head Office in Bidadi near Bangalore in Karnataka. Marking a significant stride towards transforming India’s pre-owned car market, TMSS further reinforces Toyota’s commitment towards the philosophy of —Quality, Durability, and Reliability which ensures the best quality products and services heritage to all customers be in new car sales or pre-owned car market 

As an OEM-backed initiative, TMSS aims to lead India’ growing pre-owned car market by delivering high-quality certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles, refurbished with Toyota Genuine Parts and processes with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and transparency. Furthermore, the ‘one price for all’ policy approach guarantees fair and consistent pricing for every customer, fostering an environment built on trust and integrity.

Key Offerings of TMSS:

Certified pre-owned Toyota cars with assured quality

Seamless trade-in and exchange programs for pre-owned cars

Robust after-sales support, including warranty and roadside assistance

Customer engagement initiatives to build trust and awareness in the pre-owned car market

Highlighting TMSS’s unique proposition and early success, Mr. Atul Sood, President & Director of TMSS, said, "The pre-owned car market in India is rapidly evolving, with customers increasingly prioritizing trust, transparency, and value. TMSS is poised to meet these expectations by leveraging Toyota’s legacy of quality and reliability. In a short span, we have made significant progress in Bangalore, Delhi, and Guwahati through our operational pre-owned car outlets, previously part of our parent company Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd., achieving a milestone of retailing 1,000 certified pre-owned cars. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless, transparent, and value-driven experience that instils confidence in every customer transaction."

Speaking at the launch of TMSS, Mr. Takashi Takamiya, Director of TMSS, said, "TMSS aims to build a trusted and organized network for pre-owned car buyers and sellers, upholding Toyota’s global standards of quality and transparency. Every vehicle undergoes meticulous refurbishment with Toyota Genuine Parts, including Maru Maru Cleaning (high quality deep cleaning technique) with premium T Gloss materials (Car cleaning & detailing materials), ensuring a new car-like finish. Safety is our top priority, each vehicle is subjected to thorough safety checks, ensuring exceptional reliability and peace of mind for our customers.

Our 'One Price for All' policy reinforces our commitment to transparency, offering fair and consistent pricing for every customer and ensuring a hassle-free experience. To guarantee superior quality and dependability, a comprehensive 203-point inspection is conducted during the vehicle procurement process, adhering to Toyota’s rigorous global standards. TMSS remains dedicated to providing unmatched quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in every transaction."

Discussing the company’s roadmap, Mr. Varinder Kumar Wadhwa, Director of TMSS, elaborated, "Building on our success in Bangalore, Delhi, and Guwahati, TMSS plans to enhance its reach across key metropolitan and tier-2 cities. By 2030, we envision a robust nationwide presence, offering customers a seamless and connected experience through our digital platform and physical outlets. This reach enhancement is not just a business goal but also our commitment to making high-quality mobility solutions accessible to every Indian household."

Toyota Kirloskar Motor ventured directly into the used car market in 2022 by opening its first facility in Bengaluru, becoming India’s first automaker to provide fully OEM-refurbished pre-owned vehicles. Continuing this momentum, TKM expanded to Delhi in June 2024 & Guwahati in Dec 2024, reinforcing its dedication to offering high-quality, dependable pre-owned cars to customers nationwide.

With its innovative services and commitment to excellence, TMSS is poised to become a benchmark in the organized used car market, setting new standards of trust, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Five Must Have Luxurious Lighters For Gifting This Year

Armor® Tumbled Brass

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“Grab the Laughing Buddha lighter to define your own luck this new year”

WOODCHUCK USA Birch

“Make a difference with the Woodchuck lighter, plant a tree as you buy an icon – in partnership with Woodchuck”

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Third Wave Coffee Celebrates A Milestone In Brewing Connections Nationwide - Launches 125th Cafe In Chennai

* Debuts in Chennai, marks presence in 10 cities and targets 150 cafes by March 2025

Third Wave Coffee, the coffee-first QSR brand, has launched its 125th café, debuting in Chennai. This milestone reflects the brand’s mission to transform the country’s coffee culture, creating spaces where every sip sparks connections. The brand aims to be present across 150 cafes in the next two months, bringing its signature offerings and community-driven approach to more coffee-lovers in the country.

The 125th cafe marks Third Wave Coffee’s entry into Tamil Nadu’s vibrant capital, Chennai, a city celebrated for its cultural richness and energy. The brand continues its journey to redefine India’s café culture with its recent expansions. With a presence across 10 cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Chandigarh, Third Wave Coffee is creating community centric spaces designed for creativity and connection.

Commenting on the milestone, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, "What began with a dream to elevate the way India experiences coffee, has today evolved into something truly special, fueled by the love and support of our customers. Our journey with Third Wave Coffee has been a mission to deliver an exceptional coffee experience to more & more customers, wherever they are. From the onset, we have aimed to design ambiences where each visit to our cafe is as memorable as the coffee we serve. As we celebrate our 125th café in Chennai, we’re energized by the trust of our customers. Looking ahead, we aim to close FY2024-25 with 150 cafés, bringing our signature experience to an even larger and more diverse community.”

Staying true to its brand ethos of quality, innovation, and connection, Third Wave Coffee seamlessly blends specialty coffee, cutting-edge brewing techniques, and thoughtfully designed spaces to deliver a modern and distinctive experience for today’s coffee enthusiasts. Every element of Third Wave Coffee, from its single-origin coffees, refreshing cold brews to its handcrafted menu of savory bites and desserts, is designed to delight. Furthermore, each cafe is tailored to nurture creativity and connection, often hosting events, workshops, and collaborations that bring people together in unique ways.

Third Wave Coffee’s journey is also marked by initiatives like cafés led by all-women teams and those operated by specially-abled team members. These reflect the brand’s commitment to inclusion and respect, fostering a culture of equality. As Third Wave Coffee continues to expand, it remains committed to reshaping India’s coffee landscape while building stronger community connections.

About Third Wave Coffee: Third Wave Coffee is a coffee and food QSR brand founded by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal in 2015. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the homegrown coffee QSR chain has rapidly expanded to over 120+ stores nationwide, earning a reputation as the fastest-growing coffee brand in the country. Third Wave Coffee is dedicated to providing a high-quality coffee-first experience to its customers across the country with a specific focus on high-quality beans, convenient locations and a technology-enabled consumer experience. Celebrated as a trailblazer in the industry, the brand was recognised as one of the ET Now Best Brands of 2024. For more information, visit Third Wave Coffee at https://www.thirdwavecoffeeroasters.com.

HDFC Life Records Strong Individual APE Growth Of 24%; New Business Margin Of 25.1%, Delivers Value Of New Business Of 14%

The Board of Directors of HDFC Life approved and adopted the reviewed standalone and consolidated financial results for nine months ended December 31, 2024. The Company continued its positive trajectory, delivering healthy and consistent performance across all metrics.

Performance Highlights:

Topline Growth: Delivered strong individual APE growth of 24%, supported by a 15% increase in number of policies sold and a balanced product mix

Market Share: Overall market share (individual WRP) increased by 70 bps to 10.8%. Private sector market share stood at 15.3%

Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 14% to ?2,586 crore, reflecting strong growth in profitable business

Assets under Management (AUM): AUM stood at ?3.3 lakh crore as on 31st December 2024, an increase of 18% YoY

Persistency: 13th and 61st month persistency stood at 87% and 61%, an increase of 110 and 780 bps respectively, demonstrating the company's strong customer engagement and retention

Embedded Value (EV) grew by 18% and stood at ? 53,246 crore, with 16.0% operating return on EV, showcasing sustained long-term value creation for both policyholders and shareholders

Profit After Tax (PAT) of ? 1,326 crore was achieved in 9M FY25, clocking a steady growth of 15% year-on-year, helped by an 18% increase in profit emergence from our back book.

Solvency Ratio stood at 188%, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 150%

Employee Focus: Recognised as India’s Top 50 Best Workplaces for Women by Great Place to Work. Also featured in Business Today’s BT500 list of India’s Most Valuable Companies

CEO’s Statement:

Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, commented: “We have registered a healthy growth of 22%, based on individual WRP for 9MFY25, outpacing overall industry growth of 14%. We have witnessed both ticket size and volume expansion during this period. The number of policies has grown by 15%, outperforming the private sector's growth of 9%. Retail protection continues to grow well. Retail protection APE for nine months saw a growth of 28%. We are committed to adapting to the evolving market landscape with agility and resilience. This includes continued investment in distribution, tech and customer-centric product innovations to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.”