Category: Articles

Urbanization Vs. Nature – Is a Symbiosis Possible?

Vijay Raman

 by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces Before urbanization took off earnestly in India, humans and nature coexisted admirably. Unfortunately, rampant real estate development has steadily reduced Indians' access to nature. From the increasing demand for integrated townships with abundant greenery, we can see that urban dwellers today are looking to reconnect with nature. The Cost of Urbanization Our cities' development agendas have taken a huge toll. Parks and forested regions have been replaced with high-rise skyscrapers. It's tempting to blame municipal authorities and real estate developers for this…

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On International Equal Pay Day, Leaders Highlight the Path to Fair Compensation for All

Vijay Raman

As we commemorate International Equal Pay Day, it's essential to reflect on the work that still lies ahead in achieving pay equity. Our research highlights that the perception of fair pay among women is 5% lower than their male counterparts. This disparity points to the critical need for organizations to not only implement fair compensation policies but to also foster an environment where employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions. At Great Place To Work®️ Organizations, 74% of employees believe they are paid fairly, compared to just 55% in…

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Healthy Living: Nutritional Principles in Naturopathy

Vijay Raman

By Dr. Aasna Ann Jose Nutrition plays a central role in maintaining holistic health. Health, in naturopathy, is not merely the absence of disease but a state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. While all these aspects of health are interconnected, a balanced diet is particularly vital for supporting the body's inherent healing abilities, a core belief in naturopathy. Naturopathy views the body as an integral part of nature, working in harmony with its constructive principles. Gut Health and Lifestyle Diseases The human gut hosts trillions of microbes, which…

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Aakriti Jayant Chhaparia, co-founder of Lamior | cosmetics & skincare Shares Her Success Journey

Vijay Raman

Q1. What inspired Aakriti to create LaMior? Aakriti was inspired to create Lamior with a clear vision: to bring clean, plant-based, and vegan makeup to the Indian market, without compromising on performance. When she and her husband sought to build something meaningful together, their shared inspiration stemmed from a desire to introduce skincare-infused clean makeup to the Indian market. They recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, skincare-infused makeup that caters to the needs of modern women. Lamior was born out of their shared dream to offer quick, easy, and long-lasting makeup solutions that…

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We must build a society where women are not afraid to live their lives: Nayana Chowdhury

Vijay Raman

The horrific incident of the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata has sent shockwaves across the country. This has once again highlighted the issue of safety of women and girls in India. Despite major advancements in science and technology, women’s safety and well-being continue to remain stagnant, particularly in workplaces. “Social norms are stacked up against women and girls. Violence against women is normalised to such an extent in our culture that women are not considered human beings; ill-treated and consistently objectified. The growing incidents of…

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The real estate sector is focused on the upcoming budget, scheduled for July 23

Vijay Raman

The industry is eagerly anticipating sector status in this forthcoming budget. This long-awaited recognition could significantly benefit the construction sector, one of India's largest employers of unskilled and casual labor. It would streamline operations, attract investment, and stimulate overall growth. Additionally, the sector is seeking a simplified approval process through a single-window clearance system and increased support for affordable housing initiatives to meet the needs of the growing population and spur economic development. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman – Signature Global (India) Ltd. & Chairman – ASSOCHAM National Council on…

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Breathing Uneasy – Housing Choices Amid Worsening AQI

Vijay Raman

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces The problem of rapidly worsening air quality in India has a direct correlation to our housing choices. Increasing urbanization, industrial proliferation and population growth are causing more and more homebuyers to prioritize the quality of their living environments. Urban Centers – The Worst Hit Indian city centres face severe air pollution threat: Heavy Traffic – The congested city centres with high population and traffic density contribute significantly to vehicular emissions. Industrial Pollution – Proximity to industrial zones with obsolete or nonexistent…

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Pune’s Real Estate Boom – Is Now the Perfect Time to Invest?

Vijay Raman

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces Pune, one of India's most vibrant real estate markets, has experienced rapid changes over the past few years. Latest data from leading real estate consultancies show a scenario of strong housing price increases and ongoing changes in market dynamics, pointing towards further price hikes in the future. According to real estate consultants Anarock, Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw over 50% of the overall housing sales in Q2 2024 among the top seven cities. This is a resounding statement…

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Real Estate’s Hopes from The Upcoming Union Budget

Vijay Raman

 by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces The Indian real estate sector is a crucible of economic growth and employment. The sector stands at a crossroads as the government prepares to present its Union Budget. Though it has massive potential, the Indian housing industry still faces numerous hurdles. To generate more growth and address the housing needs of the growing population, particularly in the low and mid-income segments, the budget must include tax breaks, regulatory reforms, and financial assistance measures. Affordable and mid-income housing Affordable and mid-income housing is…

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Greater Pune – A Urban Expansion Benchmark by PMRDA

Vijay Raman

– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) oversees an extensive and strategically significant territory now collectively referred to as Greater Pune. It covers both urban and rural regions. The two key territories under Greater Pune are the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). PMRDA also governs the pivotal Talegaon Dabhade and Lonavala Municipal Councils – the former a strong and growing industrial hub, and the latter arguably Maharashtra’s favourite tourist destination. Beyond these municipalities, PMRDA also administers…

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