Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates NUCFDC Corporate Office To Strengthen Urban Co-Operative Banks

The National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) has officially inaugurated its Corporate Office. The Honourable Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, virtually inaugurated the NUCFDC Corporate Office on the sidelines of the inaugural event for the International Year of Co-operatives 2025 in Mumbai.

The event was attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries, including Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Co-operation; Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra; and Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary of the Ministry of Co-operation.

The inauguration of the NUCFDC office marks a significant step toward modernizing the Urban Co-operative Banking (UCB) sector. The event was attended by Laxmi Dass, President of NAFCUB; Ajay Brahmecha, President of the Maharashtra Federation; Satish Marathe, Central Board Member of the Reserve Bank of India; Uday Joshi, President of Sahakar Bharati; Milind Kale, Director of NAFCUB and former Chairman of Cosmos Bank; Gautam E. Thakur, Chairman of Saraswat Co-operative Bank; and Kantibhai Patel, Vice-Chairman of the Gujarat Federation, along with several other prominent leaders from the UCB sector.

Emphasizing the multidimensional benefits that the NUCFDC will provide to Urban Co-operative sector Honourable Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said, “The principle of Co-operation Among Co-operatives will be implemented across the country in the coming days. The Umbrella Organization will integrate activities such as digital banking, mobile banking, online transactions, and international trade with Urban Co-operative Banks. All financial dealings of co-operative institutions will be conducted through co-operative banks. By implementing this principle nationwide, we will achieve significant success, leading to the economic self-reliance of the co-operative sector."

Shri Jyotindra Mehta, Chairman of NUCFDC, spoke on the occasion, describing the inauguration as a pivotal moment in the transformation of the UCB sector. "The establishment of this new office for the Umbrella Organization marks a major milestone in driving inclusive growth. NUCFDC is dedicated to providing essential resources to this vital segment of the country's financial ecosystem. We are committed to fostering the development of UCBs and addressing the key challenges they face," he said.

The NUCFDC has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a non-banking finance company (NBFC) and, once it achieves a paid-up capital of ?300 crore, can approach the RBI to become a self-regulatory organization (SRO) for the urban co-operative banking sector, with functions prescribed by the RBI. Positioned to play a crucial role in the digital transformation of UCBs, NUCFDC aims to equip these institutions with the necessary tools to succeed in an increasingly digital and competitive financial landscape. As the umbrella organization for UCBs, NUCFDC's focus will be on modernizing these institutions, integrating essential financial services, and aligning them with the operational standards of commercial banks. The goal is to enhance customer service, strengthen sector stability, and ensure compliance with the Banking Regulations Act.

The organization’s operations will include providing capital, secured credit lines, refinancing loans, and offering emergency liquidity support to UCBs facing short-term financial difficulties. In addition to funding, NUCFDC will also focus on non-fund-based services aimed at enhancing the technological infrastructure of UCBs. This will include the rollout of a shared IT platform offering a comprehensive suite of services. Furthermore, NUCFDC will provide treasury management, payment and settlement services, and other operational solutions to improve the capabilities of UCBs. It will also offer training, consultancy, and HR support to ensure UCBs are well-equipped to navigate evolving regulatory and market demands, laying a solid foundation for the future growth and resilience of the co-operative banking sector. 

HDFC Life And SATYA MicroCapital Ltd. Collaborate To Strengthen Financial Inclusion With Life Insurance

HDFC Life is delighted being the preferred life insurance partner of SATYA MicroCapital Ltd. which will help in improving access to life insurance in underserved areas. This collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing the financial security needs of diverse population and expanding access to life insurance in regions where it is most needed.

SATYA MicroCapital Limited operates across 26 states and nearly 350 districts with a network of over 830 branches. The organisation has been working towards bridging the financial inclusion gap by supporting a significant number of rural women entrepreneurs and fostering local economies. The partnership seeks to build on SATYA’s existing efforts by introducing life insurance as an additional layer of financial security.

HDFC Life brings a diverse portfolio of products designed to meet the needs of individuals across different demographics, along with a proven record of delivering on its promises, as reflected in a claim settlement ratio of 99.50% for FY24.  The partnership aims to align these strengths with SATYA’s grassroots presence and technology-driven approach to reach previously untapped communities.

Sharing his views on the collaboration, Vivek Tiwari - MD & CEO, SATYA MicroCapital Limited, stated, “We are extremely ecstatic to partner with HDFC Life, which marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across India. By integrating life insurance services into our offerings, we not only enhance the financial security of our clients but also provide them with the tools they need to thrive on their entrepreneurial journeys. This collaboration reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting women in achieving their dreams while ensuring their families are protected. Together with HDFC Life, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that fosters growth, resilience, and sustainability for every woman entrepreneur we serve.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Vineet Arora – Chief Business Officer – Distribution, Data & Technology, HDFC Life, commented “This partnership reflects our shared vision of extending financial security to more people across India. SATYA MicroCapital’s work in promoting financial independence and inclusion aligns closely with HDFC Life’s mission to make insurance accessible to all. Together, we aim to take meaningful steps towards achieving the broader goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

About HDFC Life

Founded in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About SATYA MicroCapital Limited:

Established in October 2016, and headquartered in the capital city of New Delhi, SATYA initiated the course of its operational journey in January 2017. With the foremost and fundamental goal of empowering rural women, both digitally and financially, SATYA has come a long way since its incorporation. Since then, the company has registered impressive growth by achieving an Assets Under Management (AUM) value of nearly Rs. 6,000 crores, thus emerging as one of the fastest growing Technology driven Finance Institutions in the country. The organization’s firm belief in modern technology and its potential to increase efficiency, reduce risks, and enhance overall customer experience is apparent in its adoption of the most cutting-edge innovations to power its operations. SATYA has established its terrestrial footprints via an operational network of 830+ branches in nearly 61,200 villages across 26 states.

At present, SATYA is furnishing its affordable micro credit services to almost 16 Lac women entrepreneurs from rural and semi-urban areas who are excluded from traditional banking channels. SATYA is integrally concentrated towards building their financial capacity and ability to grow to financial self-sufficiency. The taskforce of more than 8500 employees are playing an intrinsic role in SATYA’s ongoing growth trajectory. In addition to yielding financial aid to unbanked sections of the population, SATYA MicroCapital consistently associates with institutions of the same wavelength to disseminate the importance of digital and financial literacy in rural areas.

Driven by the visionary leadership of Mr. Vivek Tiwari (MD & CEO), SATYA comprises a team with extensive experience in scaling up microfinance programs across underserved regions. Backed by investors and partners dedicated to sustainable ventures, SATYA stands out for its transformative vision and technical expertise. Its goal is not just financial inclusion but creating a lasting social impact through community development and financial literacy programs.

Do You See Dark Skin On Your Child’s Neck Or Underarms? Be Alert

Childhood obesity is becoming a critical public health issue in India, with alarming statistics pointing to its rapid growth. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity among kids aged 5-15 in India raised concerns not only among low- and middle-income populations but also globally, as the country is projected to contribute 11% of the global burden of childhood obesity by 2030.

A recent meta- analysis of 21 studies, which included 1,86,901 children from 2003-2023, revealed that 8.4% of children in rural areas were affected by obesity, while 12.4% were categorized as overweight. The study further highlights that male children have a higher risk of obesity compared to female children, and that children in private schools face a greater risk of obesity than their counterparts in government schools.

India faces a dual challenge where malnourishment has been a longstanding issue, yet childhood obesity is now rapidly emerging as an equally critical concern. Over the past eight years, childhood obesity rates in the country have seen a staggering 50% increase, rising from 5.6% in 2015 to 8.4% in 2023.

According to Dr. Deepa Mohan Sharma, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, parents must monitor their child’s growth trends from birth and stay vigilant for early signs of overweight and its associated complications. She explains, “Parents should look for dark skin near the back and front of the neck and underarm regions, which may vary depending on the child’s skin tone. As the condition progresses, the skin becomes thicker with more prominent lines, ill-defined edges, and may develop a wart-like surface. Skin tags often appear in these areas. While usually harmless,these skin changes could indicate insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance, in particular, has emerged as a significant health concern among children, with its incidence rising alongside childhood obesity rates. Studies now indicate that type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed in children as young as seven—a worrying trend that was previously rare in this age group. Contributing factors include early nutritional habits, such as formula feeding, eating food high in calories, sugary drinks and processed foods, which further exacerbate the risk of diabetes and other related conditions.

Dr. Sharma emphasizes that early detection is crucial. “Routine growth chart assessments, BMI checks, and regular health screenings are key to identifying obesity risks. Alongside monitoring skin changes, BP checks and understanding your child’s activity levels and dietary patterns is essential. Comprehensive evaluations can help rule out associated complications, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which are increasingly being diagnosed in children at very young ages,” she adds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the issue, replacing active playtime with excessive screen time and unhealthy eating habits. These factors contribute to a range of health concerns, including high cholesterol, joint pain, and weakened immunity. Poor gut health, influenced by diet and lifestyle, also plays a significant role in the development of chronic conditions and behavioral issues.

Parents can take proactive steps to address this growing concern by fostering healthier habits, encouraging balanced diets, limiting screen time, promoting outdoor play, and scheduling preventive health checks to monitor growth and development. Raising awareness and ensuring early intervention can help prevent long-term complications, paving the way for a healthier future for children.

Childhood obesity is a pressing public health issue with far-reaching consequences. Early awareness, preventive health checks, balanced diets, and regular physical activity are essential to address this growing concern. By instilling healthy habits from a young age, we can ensure stronger immunity, better mental well-being, and improved overall health. Tackling obesity today is crucial for securing a healthier and brighter future for the next generation.

About Motherhood Hospitals:

Motherhood Women & Children’s Hospital network is India’s fastest-growing single-specialty hospital network with 23 hospitals across 11 cities and over 1,000 leading gynecologists, pediatricians, and neonatologists associated with the hospital network. Recognized for its best-in-class clinical expertise and comprehensive women and childcare services, the healthcare chain specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies, complex gynecological surgeries, fertility enhancement, and uro-gynecological procedures. It is also known for managing critically ill newborns and extremely low birth weight babies. With over 200 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds, Motherhood Hospitals are renowned as India’s leading referral center for complex preterm births.

Automobile Gaints Ford Prepared For Manufacturing Again In Chennai

* Focus on global export maret

Ford has announced that it has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Government of Tamil Nadu, confirming its intention to utilize the Chennai plant for manufacturing for export.

The announcement follows a meeting between Ford leadership and the Honorable Chief Minister of the Government of Tamil Nadu as part of his visit to the United States.

This strategic move will see the facility repurposed to focus primarily on manufacturing for export to global markets, as part of the company’s ambitious Ford+ growth plan.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Tamil Nadu Government as we explored different options for the Chennai plant,” said Kay Hart, President, Ford International Markets Group. “This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets.”

Further information about the type of manufacturing and other details will be disclosed in due course.

The announcement reaffirms Ford’s commitment to India as a critical market for the company's global operations. Ford currently employs 12,000 individuals in Global Business Operations in Tamil Nadu, a number expected to grow by 2,500-3,000 jobs within the next three years. Combined with the engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India represents Ford’s second-largest salaried workforce worldwide.

Ford also continues to serve its one million customers in India, with comprehensive customer support, including service, aftermarket parts, and warranty support.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

TKM Concludes 24-Hour Toyota Hackathon 2025 In Mumbai, Empowering Young Innovators To Drive Road Safety Solutions

Reaffirming its commitment to education and road safety, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful culmination of its 24-hour Toyota Hackathon 2025 held at Vidyalankar Institute, Wadala (East), Mumbai. Coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the event brought together over 400 talented students from 100+ schools across Mumbai, providing a platform to develop actionable solutions to critical road safety challenges.

The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Chief Guest Shri Atul Moreshwar Save, Hon’ble Minister for OBC Welfare, Dairy Development, and Renewable Energy, Government of Maharashtra, Guest of Honour Mr Arprit Save, President Chamber of Marathawada Industries and Agriculture and Senior leadership from TKM, including Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, and Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs.

India records the highest number of annual road crash fatalities globally. Each year, the country witnesses over 1,50,000 fatalities due to road accidents, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 years.  Recognizing this crisis, TKM launched the Toyota Hackathon in 2018 to integrate road safety into school and college curriculums. The Toyota Hackathon, a key pillar of TKM’s comprehensive Road Safety Initiative, is designed to address this critical issue by integrating road safety education into school and college curriculums. By fostering critical thinking, innovation, and a sense of responsibility, the Hackathon empowers youth to become proactive solution developers and ‘Change Agents,’ driving positive behavioural shifts within their communities. Aligned with Toyota’s global vision of achieving zero traffic fatalities, the Hackathon emphasizes digital and policy-driven solutions that address pressing road safety concerns while delivering impactful strategies to reduce accidents and create safer roads.

Structured in five phases, the Hackathon journey began with team selection and idea submissions, progressed through a boot camp, culminated in a 24-hour final hackathon, and concluded with incubation support for the top one winner per city. Out of 100 initial teams, 28 advanced to post- boot camp, 10 teams completed in the final hackathon out of which 3 emerged as winners, earning continued support to bring their innovative ideas to life.

Participants tackled key road safety themes, including:

Road Safety Awareness and Education

Community Engagement for Safety

School Zone Safety

Road Infrastructure and Pollution

IoT/ICT in Road Safety

Traffic Easement

Making Roads Inclusive

Following the success in Mumbai, the Toyota Hackathon 2025 will move to Bangalore on February 14. For the 2024-25 academic year, TKM aims to expand the initiative to 300 institutions across key cities, with over 400 innovative concepts already submitted.  This initiative not only amplifies Toyota’s vision for a safer future but also inspires the next generation to leverage their knowledge and creativity in addressing critical societal challenges.

Present at the occasion, Shri Atul Moreshwar Save, Hon’ble Minister for OBC Welfare, Dairy Development and Renewable Energy. Government of Maharashtra said, “The Toyota Hackathon 2025 is a remarkable initiative that truly embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration. By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and encouraging them to tackle pressing road safety issues, Toyota is not only fostering technical skills but also cultivating a sense of social responsibility. These young participants are developing solutions that have the potential to make a lasting impact on our road safety landscape. It is heartening to see such commitment from Toyota in engaging with the youth and providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to turn their visionary ideas into practical, life-saving solutions. This initiative is a step forward in building a safer, smarter, and more inclusive future.”

Sharing his thoughts on the Hackathon, Mr Arprit Save, President Chamber of Marathawada Industries and Agriculture said, “The Toyota Hackathon 2025 is a transformative initiative that highlights the power of innovation and youth engagement in addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time—road safety. It is remarkable to see young minds from diverse backgrounds come together, supported by Toyota's vision and resources, to develop practical, life-saving solutions that can drive real change in our communities. Toyota’s efforts to guide these young innovators, provide them with mentorship, and support the incubation of their ideas demonstrate an exemplary commitment to nurturing the changemakers of tomorrow. Initiatives like these go beyond traditional corporate social responsibility—they create a ripple effect that inspires individuals, organizations, and communities to prioritize safety, collaboration, and sustainability. I sincerely applaud TKM for their relentless dedication to making roads safer and mobility smarter.”

Speaking at the event, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we are driven by the belief that empowering the younger generation with the right tools, mentorship, and opportunities can lead to transformative change. The Toyota Hackathon 2025 serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to road safety and innovation, as it brings together young minds to ideate, collaborate, and develop solutions for safer roads. This initiative reflects our holistic approach to fostering a culture of safety and sustainability, aligning with Toyota’s global vision of zero traffic fatalities. We are proud to see these young innovators stepping up as ‘Change Agents,’ turning challenges into opportunities for creating a safer, smarter, and more inclusive mobility ecosystem for the future.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe road safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond automotive innovation. It’s about fostering awareness, accountability, and proactive behaviour across communities. The Toyota Hackathon 2025 exemplifies this vision, showcasing the creativity and expertise of India’s youth as they develop real-world solutions to road safety challenges. By empowering young minds today, we are nurturing the changemakers of tomorrow who will drive sustainable mobility and safer roads for all. We are proud to support these brilliant innovators and remain committed to guiding them as they transform their ideas into reality.”

The Toyota Hackathon 2025 underscores TKM’s commitment to advancing road safety and sustainable mobility in India. As a flagship CSR initiative, it complements the Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP), which has impacted over 800,000 students since 2007. By empowering young innovators to transform ideas into impactful solutions, the hackathon fosters creativity, collaboration, and social responsibility. Through education and innovation, TKM continues to inspire the next generation to champion safer roads and build a secure, inclusive future for all.

GCCs Fuel Record-Breaking 77.2 Million Sq.ft Office Leasing In India, Accounting For 36% Of Demand In 2024: JLL

·      India's top seven cities saw unprecedented office leasing of 77.2 million sq. ft in 2024, a 22.6% year-on-year increase.

·      Global Capability Centers (GCCs) accounted for 40% of overall office leasing from 2016 to 2024, leasing 27.7 million sq. ft in 2024 alone.

·      Bengaluru remains the premier GCC hub, capturing 47% of total GCC leasing demand in 2024. Hyderabad is emerging as a strong contender.

·      While tech occupiers dominate, ER&D (industrial and manufacturing) and BFSI sectors are showing rapid growth in GCC leasing.

·      As of December 2024, there were over 1,950 GCC units in India, with 70% of Global 500 companies yet to establish a presence.

·      The number of GCC units is expected to exceed 2,500 in the next 3-4 years, potentially occupying over 300 million sq. ft of office space.

·      GCCs are becoming the bedrock of India's office market, driving demand, innovation, and economic growth.

India’s office market continues to shine brightly, setting new highs aligned with a period of sustained growth and momentum. The numbers tell a compelling story. Leasing activity in the top seven cities skyrocketed to unprecedented levels of 77.2 million sq. ft in 2024 - a remarkable 22.6% Year-on-Year (Y-O-Y) increase from 2023’s already historic high of 63 million sq. ft. At the epicentre of this extraordinary boom are Global Capability Centers (GCCs), a powerhouse occupier segment that continues to shape India's commercial landscape. They are market titans, not merely marking a presence but redefining India’s office story.  They truly epitomize India’s status as ‘office to the world’.

GCCs have charted a trajectory that is simply put ‘explosive’ and their role as the primary catalyst to the commercial market momentum shows no signs of abating. From 2016 to 2024, these global R&D and business transformation hubs have accounted for an impressive 40% of overall office leasing activity. The year 2024 was truly remarkable, with GCCs leasing ~28 million sq. ft, recording all-time high activity levels that represent a significant 15.2% Y-o-Y increase and further solidify their dominance in India’s office markets. "The unprecedented 77.2 million sq. ft of office leasing in India's top seven cities in 2024, representing a 22.6% year-on-year increase, underscores the country's robust office market. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have emerged as the backbone of this surge, accounting for 40% of overall office leasing from 2016 to 2024. This trend not only reflects India's rising status as the 'office to the world' but also signals a strong trajectory for sustained economic expansion and innovation in the coming years,” said Dr Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL

Bengaluru and Hyderabad are key clusters, but GCCs extending their footprint across major cities.

Bengaluru remains India's premier GCC hub, leveraging its established ecosystem to attract further investment and headcount growth. In 2024, the city captured 47% of the total GCC leasing demand nationwide, showcasing its continued leadership with consistently high space take-up by GCCs. Meanwhile, Hyderabad has emerged as a formidable contender in the GCC landscape, positioning itself as an attractive complementary location for companies seeking expansion. Interestingly, GCCs, chasing talent and innovation clusters have shown significant interest in Chennai, which exhibits the strongest growth in the last three years. Momentum remained strong in Delhi NCR and Pune as well. The GCC footprint expansion across key cities is clearly indicative of their deep understanding of India’s tech ecosystem and the ability to analyse key factors around talent availability. It also shows their deep commitment and understanding of India being central to their growth plans.

"Bengaluru continues to reign supreme as India's GCC powerhouse, capturing an impressive 47% of total GCC leasing demand in 2024, while also driving overall office market growth. This dominance reflects the city's crucial role in India's unprecedented office leasing of 77.2 million sq. ft across top seven cities in 2024, a 22.6% year-on-year increase. With over 1,950 GCC units in India as of December 2024 and projections to exceed 2,500 in the next 3-4 years, Bengaluru's leadership is pivotal in shaping India's commercial real estate sector. GCCs currently account for more than one-third of the occupied office stock in India's top seven markets, contributing significantly to the overall office ecosystem. Their footprint is poised to surpass 300 million sq. ft in the coming years, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between GCC expansion and overall office market growth, particularly in tech hubs like Bengaluru," Rahul Arora, Head - Office Leasing & Retail Services, Senior Managing Director (Karnataka, Kerala), India, JLL.

GCC story unfolding across industry segments.

The GCC leasing landscape shows significant diversification. Building upon the tech ecosystem, the talent story is now being explored across industry segments.  While tech occupiers have historically dominated GCC leasing activity, ER&D (industrial and manufacturing) and BFSI are segments that have shown a rapid pace of growth.  The share of ER&D (manufacturing/industrial) has more than doubled in the last three years, indicating a rapidly evolving segment, building on India’s manufacturing push. BFSI has seen its share and quantum of leasing activity jump 1.5X compared to the pre-COVID three-year period. Healthcare & biotech has been another growing sub-segment in the past few years, again indicative of India’s strong push in this sector.

Beyond the numbers: India’s ascent as ‘office to the world’

The office market momentum story is part of a larger narrative, driven by the significant tech talent pool and relatively lower costs – both for human capital and real estate. India’s evolution and well-established credentials as the world’s offshoring capital makes it an indispensable geography for global firms seeking headcount augmentation and capacity growth.

As of December 2024, there over 1,950 GCC units in the country, accounting for more than one-third of the occupied office stock in the top seven markets of India. Yet, the runway of growth is still longer - ~70% of the Global 500 companies (excluding India-headquartered firms) are yet to establish a presence in India. This untapped demand is a sustained one, with GCCs in India working on the highest levels of the value chain, undertaking work processes which are intrinsic and of the highest calibre.

The coming years promise an exciting journey as more companies actively look to harness India's growth-favoring ecosystem, while existing players execute their expansion plans across the country. The number of GCC units is expected to exceed 2,500 over the next 3-4 years, with their footprint poised to surpass the 300 million sq. ft mark.

As we stand on the edge of the runway to this new normal, it is evident that GCCs have become the very bedrock of India's office market, not just driving demand, but igniting innovation and fuelling economic growth. As they continue to evolve and expand, their impact on the commercial real estate sector promises to deepen, sculpting the future of work in India.

About JLL

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $20.8 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 111,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

About JLL India

JLL is India’s premier and largest professional services firm specialising in real estate. The Firm has grown from strength to strength in India for the past two decades. JLL India has an extensive presence across 10 major cities (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Coimbatore) and over 130 tier-II and III markets with a cumulative strength of over 15,000 professionals. The Firm provides investors, developers, local corporates, and multinational companies with a comprehensive range of services. These include leasing, capital markets, research & advisory, transaction management, project development, facility management and property & asset management. These services cover various asset classes such as commercial, industrial, warehouse and logistics, data centres, residential, retail, hospitality, healthcare, senior living, and education. For further information, visit jll.co.in

National Road Safety Month: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India “Champions Road Safety Education To Empower Young Minds”

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) continues its commitment to creating a safer road environment by organizing an engaging “Kids Carnival” focused on road safety education. The event, aimed at empowering young minds with essential traffic safety knowledge, aligns with Honda’s global vision of achieving zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050. HMSI has taken significant steps towards fostering road safety awareness, while aligning with the Government of India's goal of reducing road fatalities by half by 2030.

The Kids’ Carnival was organized at HMSI’s all four plants across India - Tapukara (Rajasthan), Vithalapur (Gujarat), Narsapura (Karnataka) and its culmination at the company’s Global Resource Factory in IMT Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana. It featured interactive and fun-filled activities designed to educate children about the importance of road safety. From traffic rules and road signs to the significance of responsible behaviour on roads, it introduced young participants to these vital concepts in an engaging manner.

The Kids Carnival activity brought together over 1100 students and teachers from government and primary schools, aiming to promote a culture of road safety among young minds. Students from 5th to 6th standards accompanied by their teachers, actively participated in interactive activities designed to educate and empower them as road safety ambassadors.

HMSI's road safety education program is built upon scientifically devised learning modules that make learning fun yet informative.

The event featured a range of engaging activities, including:

Road Safety Skit: Students performed specially curated skits covering various aspects of road safety, making the learning process interactive and relatable.

Road Safety Videos: Specially designed movies were showcased to encourage a positive mindset towards safe road usage among children.

Interactive Games: Fun-filled activities were organized to reinforce road safety concepts in an enjoyable and memorable manner.

HMSI remains dedicated to spreading road safety awareness to all sections of society, from school children to corporate employees and communities at large. With a skilled team of safety instructors, HMSI conducts daily road safety education programs at its 10 adopted Traffic Training Parks (TTP) and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) across India. To date, the initiative has reached over 90 lakh Indians.

Through its National Road Safety Awareness Program, HMSI provides:

Scientifically Devised Learning Modules: Covering essential topics such as road signs, driver responsibilities, riding gear, and safe riding etiquettes.

Practical Learning: Virtual riding simulators to help participants experience over 100 possible on-road dangers before actual riding.

Interactive Training: "Kiken Yosoku Training" (KYT) to enhance sensitivity to road hazards and encourage safe driving behavior.

Skill Enhancement for Existing Riders: Slow riding activities and narrow plank riding exercises to hone skills for experienced riders.

HMSI’s efforts reflect its mission to be a company that society values and supports, striving to build a safer and more responsible future generation. Through innovative and engaging road safety programs, HMSI continues to make a lasting impact across various segments of society.

HMSI also recently launched its innovative digital road safety learning platform, E-Gurukul, which offers training modules tailored for three specific age groups from 5 years till 18 years ensuring a comprehensive approach towards road safety. Currently the modules are available in multiple languages like Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and English—to ensure inclusivity and regional relevance and E-Gurukul can be accessed at egurukul.honda.hmsi.in. The platform supports live streaming or downloading, and multilingual modules to ensure accessibility across diverse regions. The launch of E-Gurukul is part of HMSI’s ongoing efforts to empower children, educators, and dealers to champion safe road practices. The initiative will expand to cover schools in every state, promoting road safety education tailored to different age groups. Any school interested in accessing this information can contact Safety.riding@honda.hmsi.in.