September 2026

Anant National University co-hosted the Mass Timber Workshop 2026 on 24 and 25 September at its Ahmedabad campus. Organised by the US Softwood Export Council (SEC) and Anant National University, with support from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) under the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), the workshop brought together stakeholders to explore the role of mass timber in advancing sustainable construction in India.   Anant National University Hosts Mass Timber Workshop 2026, Championing Sustainable Construction and a Greener Future   As the construction sector grows, the need for environmentally responsible building practices becomes increasingly important. Mass timber offers an opportunity to explore alternatives to conventional construction materials and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. The workshop encouraged dialogue and collaboration around the role of such materials in shaping the future of construction.   At Anant National University, sustainability is central to its vision for education and its commitment to creating a better future. The University supports initiatives that encourage students, faculty and industry partners to address real-world challenges through sustainable architecture, responsible material use, climate-conscious design and interdisciplinary research.   The Mass Timber Workshop reflected this commitment by bringing together perspectives from academia and industry through discussions, knowledge-sharing and practical engagement. It provided a platform to explore how mass timber and other sustainable approaches can contribute to a more environmentally responsible built environment. Ahead of the workshop, participating Anant students also visited India’s landmark mass timber project in Umargam, Gujarat, gaining firsthand insights into the material’s practical applications.   By supporting initiatives such as this, Anant continues to create opportunities for its academic community to engage with emerging ideas and contribute to meaningful change. Through sustainability-focused learning, research and collaboration, the University remains committed to nurturing designers, architects and changemakers who can help build a more sustainable future.   About Anant National University At Anant National University, education begins with a simple belief: the future will not be inherited. It will be purposefully designed.   Guided by the philosophy: Come, Create the New, Anant brings together learners who are curious about the world as it is, but also ambitious about what it could become. The University encourages students to look beyond conventional answers and engage with the complex challenges of our times: Ranging from climate and sustainability to cities, communities, systems and technologies.   Anant offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across design, architecture, climate action and visual arts. Its approach combines academic rigour with studio-based learning, emerging technologies, research, entrepreneurship, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and hands-on engagement with communities. The goal is not only to build practical skills but also to train diligent professionals who can connect disciplines, understand context and create meaningful change.   Recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, Anant received a 5-Star Rating in Architecture and a 4-Star Rating in the University category under the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reflect Anant’s abiding commitment to build an innovating institution where creativity, sustainability, innovation and purpose come together to help shape a more thoughtful and resilient future.

For years, India’s real estate map was drawn around a handful of large cities. Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and a few others absorbed most of the attention, capital and new supply. The map looks less concentrated now.   Tier-2 cities are emerging as key real estate growth destinations, driven by infrastructure, connectivity and urbanisation   A recent CII-Knight Frank study puts residential price growth across 11 emerging markets at 63% between 2021 and 2026, compared with 42% across India’s eight largest cities. Chandigarh Tricity and Lucknow are among the markets identified in the study. The numbers are significant, but the more interesting change is what is happening underneath them. These are increasingly cities with their own economic pull, rather than markets waiting for a metro to spill over into them.   Chandigarh Tricity offers a particularly clear example. Chandigarh itself has limited room for physical expansion, while Mohali and New Chandigarh have become increasingly important to the wider urban economy. Airport Road, regional road connectivity and the presence of education, healthcare and professional services have added to the appeal.   Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, said, “Tricity is increasingly being experienced as one connected market rather than three separate locations. Mohali’s growth has brought residential, commercial and social infrastructure closer to the expanding employment base, while the airport corridor has changed the importance of several locations. Buyers are also looking beyond the apartment itself and considering the surrounding ecosystem, access, retail, education and everyday convenience. That is gradually giving the region a more complete urban character.”   Gurinder Bhatti, Chairman & Managing Director, GB Realty, said, “The next phase of development in the Tricity is likely to be shaped by how well infrastructure and new residential districts work together. New Chandigarh and the Mohali belt are attracting attention because they are evolving into self-sustaining urban destinations rather than remaining peripheral extensions of the existing city. With improving connectivity and a growing ecosystem of commercial, institutional and social infrastructure, these markets are increasingly positioned to support sustained residential demand. This is the kind of urbanisation that creates a longer residential cycle rather than a short-term development pocket.”   Tejpreet Singh Gill, Managing Director, Gillco Group, said, “Punjab’s real estate story is increasingly linked to the way Chandigarh, Mohali and the surrounding urban areas are developing together. Infrastructure has made several locations more accessible, but the larger change is the emergence of a broader residential and commercial ecosystem. Buyers are looking for well-planned projects, while businesses and institutions are creating demand around them. That combination is giving the region a different scale of opportunity than it had a decade ago.”   A similar trend can be seen across other emerging urban markets, where improving infrastructure, evolving buyer preferences and expanding city boundaries are influencing the way residential development is taking shape. In this context, Lucknow is also witnessing a gradual shift in how and where demand is emerging.   Mr. Neeraj Gulati, Managing Director, Assotech Realty, said, “Emerging cities are being evaluated on the basis of new parameters. For example, Shirdi is a very different real estate story from a conventional real estate market. The strength of the destination comes from the steady flow of pilgrims, but today’s traveller also expects a certain level of comfort and hospitality around that visit. That is creating an interesting space between tourism, spirituality and real estate. A well-managed hospitality asset can become part of that experience rather than simply being a place to stay. The opportunity lies in understanding the character of the destination and building around the way people actually travel, stay and spend time there. In places such as Shirdi, the spiritual purpose of the journey remains central, but the expectations around the journey itself are changing.”   Kushgra Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, said, “Connectivity has changed the way smaller cities and regional markets are viewed. In Haryana and Punjab, better road networks, expanding urban centres and stronger links with established employment hubs are bringing more locations into consideration for both homebuyers and developers. The demand is not confined to one type of buyer either. There is a wider base of families looking for better housing within the region, while business activity is creating new residential requirements around emerging urban corridors.”   Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group, said, “The interesting change in Lucknow is the way demand is spreading across established as well as newer parts of the city. The buyer is more informed and has clearer expectations about location, planning and the amenities that should be available close to home. As infrastructure improves, residential development is also beginning to follow a broader urban pattern. This creates opportunities for projects that are planned around how people actually live, rather than around a single building.”   For developers, the new map is therefore not simply a list of smaller cities with rising prices. It is a map of where infrastructure, employment, urbanisation and buyer aspirations are beginning to overlap. The next real estate markets may not be the cities waiting to become the next Delhi or Mumbai, but the ones developing enough economic and urban depth to define their own markets.

Sameera Groups, one of India’s leading diversified business groups with interests spanning land bank generation, real estate, warehousing, education, hospitality, and renewable energy, has unveiled its ambitious township development portfolio spanning approximately 2,500+ acres across Tamil Nadu and other key markets in India.   Sameera – The largest Township developer of Tamil Nadu   With 10+ ongoing township developments across strategic locations, Sameera Group is focused on developing large-format, integrated communities across key growth corridors. These developments are envisioned to bring together diverse residential, commercial and social infrastructure, creating well-planned communities designed for future growth.   The proposed and ongoing developments incorporate a diverse mix of land uses and community infrastructure, including residential, commercial, senior living, industrial parks, resorts, wellness facilities, wind farms, education, healthcare, hotels and other lifestyle infrastructure.   The Group’s township portfolio spans locations including East Tambaram, Poonamallee, Chengalpattu, Madurai, Walajapet, Kanchipuram, Trichy, Vellore, Tirunelveli, Bagalur, Rameswaram, Mumbai and other growth corridors. Individual developments range from approximately 32 acres to 350 acres.    Unlike conventional residential developments, Sameera Group’s township model focuses on creating self-sustained and well-integrated communities, bringing multiple aspects of everyday life closer to residents.   Townships offer a distinct advantage by bringing residential, commercial and other supporting sectors together within an integrated community. This creates a more convenient and connected lifestyle, while offering Better Living, Faster & Higher Appreciation and Well-Maintained Communities.    “Sameera Group aims to contribute to the next phase of organised urban and semi-urban development across Tamil Nadu and South India. We are focused on creating integrated ecosystems where people can live, work, learn, access healthcare, pursue recreation and build communities within well-planned environments. The scale of our township portfolio reflects our long-term commitment to creating sustainable and future-ready communities,” said Mr. Jayakumar Murugesan and Mr. Sandeep Kumar Murugesan, Managing Directors, Sameera Group.   With its expanding township portfolio, Sameera Group aims to strengthen its presence in large-format integrated development and contribute to the evolution of organised urban and semi-urban communities across Tamil Nadu and beyond.   For more information, please visit: www.sameeragroups.com

Funded Trader Markets (FTM) has paid more than $7.4 million to traders across 5,011 rewards since its first payout on 9 August 2024, and publishes each one to a public reward ledger. As of 1 September 2026 the ledger recorded $7,473,336.   Funded Trader Markets has paid more than $7.4 million in trader rewards, with on-chain verification via Arbiscan   The ledger reports an all-time average time to pay of 26 minutes 22 seconds, with 99.2% of rewards settled inside a one-hour service level and a fastest settlement of seven seconds. Under FTM’s published guarantee, a reward not paid within 24 hours is doubled and the trader receives a free account.   Rewards move on two rails. Rise carries 73.6% of the total, $5.50 million across 2,538 rewards. Crypto carries 26.4%, $1.97 million across 2,473 rewards. Every crypto reward is verifiable on Arbiscan, so a trader can check a payment against the public blockchain.   The largest single reward recorded is $40,513, paid to a trader in India on 2 February 2026. The busiest day was 21 August 2026, with 46 rewards totalling $71,373. The ledger passed $1 million in December 2024 and $3 million in February 2026.   “A payout page is easy to write and hard to prove,” said Revin Zabala, Chief Executive Officer of Funded Trader Markets. “We publish every reward with its timestamp and its transaction, because that is the one claim in this industry a trader can check before they pay for a challenge.”   Trader identifiers in the ledger are shortened to initials. Rewards are requested on demand once criteria are met, rather than on a fortnightly or monthly cycle, with a minimum request of 1% of the account’s starting balance.   The reward model sits on simulated funded accounts with no time limits. 1-Step Nitro pays 90% of the first $10,000 in simulated profits, then 80%; 2-Step Plus runs two phases on a balance-based drawdown; and Instant Funding starts without an evaluation at up to 80%. Payments are issued in cryptocurrency or through Rise Works. Media Contact Funded Trader Markets (FTM) Email: support@fundedtradermarkets.com Website: fundedtradermarkets.com Press enquiries: GrowthNXT – connect@growthnxt.com

In NCR, however, luxury homebuyers are looking beyond the broad Gurugram and Noida labels and comparing specific micro-markets. Connectivity, infrastructure, social amenities, housing formats, developer reputation, and the potential for long-term value are influencing the decision.   NCR’s evolving luxury housing landscape, with premium micro-markets offering distinct propositions across Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and South Delhi   Recent market data shows the shift. In 2025, Gurugram’s luxury housing segment registered transactions worth Rs. 24,120 crore for homes priced at Rs. 10 crore and above. For buyers looking for a luxury home, these are the NCR premium addresses to examine, each offering a different proposition rather than a place in a ranking.   Golf Course Road, Gurugram – Established luxury address Golf Course Road remains one of NCR’s most established luxury residential destinations. Its appeal comes from premium residences, mature social infrastructure and proximity to Gurugram’s corporate centres, retail, hospitality, healthcare and leisure destinations. DLF, Oberoi Realty, Experion Developers and Godrej Properties are among the prominent developers associated with the luxury home segment here. Golf Course Road is likely to attract buyers who value an established location, neighbourhood character and access to the city’s commercial and lifestyle ecosystem.   Dwarka Expressway – Connectivity-led luxury housing corridor Dwarka Expressway represents an infrastructure-led phase of Gurugram’s luxury housing growth. The corridor connects the city with Delhi, the airport and established parts of Gurugram, while offering newer residential communities and larger housing formats. Homes priced at Rs. 10 crore and above recorded transactions worth Rs. 8,347 crore on the expressway in 2025, compared with Rs. 383 crore in 2024, according to the India Sotheby’s International Realty and CRE Matrix report. DLF, Landmark Group, HCBS, Sobha, Godrej Properties, Experion Developers, Elan Group and Prestige Estates are among the developers shaping the destination.   Southern Peripheral Road, Gurugram – Residential-commercial growth The Southern Peripheral Road is evolving into a residential-commercial corridor that connects several parts of Gurugram. Its location provides access to established neighbourhoods, employment centres and major road networks. M3M India, Central Park, Smartworld, Whiteland and Elan Group are among the names to watch here. SPR may appeal to homebuyers seeking a luxury home in a community-oriented development but who also want access to workplaces, retail destinations and emerging commercial districts.   New Gurgaon, Sectors 79 to 95 – Larger homes in newer communities New Gurgaon has emerged as a luxury residential destination for buyers looking for contemporary communities, larger homes and relatively newer infrastructure. DLF, Trehan Iris, Godrej Properties, Sobha, ATS and Signature Global are among the developers shaping the market. The appeal here is less about an established luxury address and more about planned communities, open surroundings and newer housing formats.   Noida Expressway – Lifestyle-led luxury homes The Noida Expressway has developed into a major luxury housing corridor, particularly across Sectors 100, 150, 151, 148 and 145. Its location combines access to employment hubs, the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, the DND Flyway and metro connectivity. Developers are increasingly using larger floor plans and landscaped settings to define the luxury home segment. Prateek Group, County Group, Experion Developers, ATS, Gulshan Group, Godrej Properties and Max Estates are among the names associated with the corridor. Prateek Canary further adds to the corridor’s luxury positioning, with its focus on expansive residences, curated amenities and a more elevated lifestyle proposition. With the corridor continuing to attract strong developer and buyer interest, market watchers are also anticipating another significant luxury housing proposition to emerge here, potentially adding a fresh dimension to Noida Expressway’s evolving luxury residential landscape.   Siddharth Vihar, Ghaziabad – An emerging luxury residential destination Siddharth Vihar is gaining attention as an emerging luxury residential destination in Ghaziabad, linked to improving regional connectivity and the broader transformation of the city’s residential landscape. The micro-market offers newer communities and larger homes. Prateek Group, Gaurs Group and Apex Group are among the developers associated with the area. Prateek’s Grand City and Grand Begonia illustrate the movement towards larger-format luxury residences.   Yamuna Expressway and Greater Noida – Airport-led long-term growth Yamuna Expressway and Greater Noida represent an emerging luxury corridor shaped by regional infrastructure, airport development and large-scale urban expansion. The location is relevant to buyers assessing the next phase of NCR’s growth rather than seeking an established luxury neighbourhood. Noida International Airport’s commercial operations have added a new dimension to the corridor’s infrastructure story. ATS, Gaurs Group, CRC Group, Godrej Properties and Mahagun are among the developers associated with the evolving ecosystem.   South Delhi – Scarcity and established neighbourhood character South Delhi offers a fundamentally different luxury home proposition. Demand is shaped by scarce land, established colonies, builder floors, independent residences and proximity to the capital’s commercial, cultural and diplomatic districts. Its mature infrastructure and connectivity distinguish it from newer, community-led destinations across Gurugram, Noida and Greater Noida. Prices of luxury independent floors in South Delhi rose 6-21% year-on-year in Q2 2026, according to data from Golden Growth Fund. DLF, TARC, Anant Raj and KREEVA are among the relevant developers.   These micro-markets reflect the wider shift in NCR’s luxury home segment. Some offer established neighbourhoods and scarcity, while others are being shaped by new infrastructure, larger communities and airport-linked growth. For festive season buyers, the key consideration is not which location ranks first, but which luxury residential destination matches their expectations of space, connectivity, lifestyle and long-term potential.

Shaya, the silver jewellery brand from CaratLane, has announced Shreya Ghoshal as its new Brand Ambassador as it celebrates its eighth birthday. The association brings together two journeys rooted in individuality, evolution and a deep connection with Shaya’s mission to make silver relevant to the modern woman in India and Shreya’s rise from a young talent to one of India’s most celebrated voices.   Shreya Ghoshal as Shaya by CaratlLane’s Brand Ambassador   The partnership comes naturally, with Shreya having embraced silver jewellery across appearances, shoots and performances over the years. Her effortless style and genuine affinity for silver make her a natural fit for Shaya as the brand reimagines silver as an integral part of a woman’s personal style and expression.   Stories Written in Silver Silver has long been part of everyday Indian life, from utensils and heirlooms to jewellery passed down generations. Even today it continues to evolve as a versatile expression of contemporary style. Through its latest campaign with Shreya Ghoshal, Stories Written in Silver, Shaya celebrates this evolution by bringing silver into everyday dressing while exploring the stories, moments and expressions that make each woman’s life unique.    Inspired by the countless experiences we live through every day, Shaya has always found ways to tell stories through art, motifs, nature and design. The campaign sees silver as a quiet thread connecting different women and their everyday rituals. These women may not know each other but they share the experience of choosing, wearing, and making silver jewellery their own. Shreya’s affinity for silver, along with her journey and wide appeal, brings this thought further to life, allowing Shaya to connect with women across generations, as part of the stories and lives of the women who wear it.    Watch the story unfold here: www.instagram.com/reel/DdrJr5jBouW/?stkn=MW1pd3lsNDNraW5udQ==   “Shreya isn’t just one of the finest voices this country has ever heard. She moves across languages, genres and generations and somehow always sounds unmistakably herself. That’s exactly the spirit Shaya was built for, women who are individualistic, unmistakably Indian yet completely modern. We are thrilled to welcome her as the face of Shaya,” said Ajith Singh, Business Head, Shaya.   “I still remember the payal I had as a child. That was probably the first piece of jewellery I ever owned. That is probably the first time I understood what jewellery could mean beyond just how it looks. Silver has stayed with me ever since, it has never felt like an occasion piece, just something that’s quietly always been there. So when Shaya came along, it didn’t feel like signing on to a brand, it felt like coming back to something that was already mine,” said Shreya Ghoshal.   The Shaya Story Shaya by CaratLane is the ultimate silver jewellery destination built for women who define their own style rather than follow it. Founded in 2018, Shaya offers authentic 925 silver jewellery crafted as fresh, wearable art, designed for unique self-expression. The designs span everything from ethnic occasions to everyday minimalism. As Shaya marks its 8th birthday, the brand has 12 exclusive stores, a presence across 100+ CaratLane stores, 2,000+ designs and a 500K+ Instagram community.    “I still remember hearing Shreya’s voice for the first time on TV as an unmissable young talent and her songs have stayed with me through the years since. So when we started talking about her being the face of Shaya, there was a personal moment in this for me, beyond just the business decision. Shaya has always been about women who are on a journey of self discovery, who live on their own terms, and that’s silver’s story too, it adapts, it takes the shape of whoever is wearing it. Shreya is the same way, she has never stopped evolving, but she has always sounded like herself,” said Saumen Bhaumik, CEO.   With Shreya Ghoshal as the newest voice of Shaya, the brand enters its next chapter with a renewed focus on bringing silver into the everyday, celebrating the many identities, occasions and stories that can be written in silver. The brand plans to extend across 400 CaratLane stores by the end of the financial year.  About Shaya by CaratLane Shaya by CaratLane celebrates meaningful self-expression through contemporary sterling silver jewellery inspired by stories, symbolism and everyday moments. From minimalist essentials to statement designs, the brand offers jewellery and accessories across categories, encouraging wearers to experiment with styling and make every piece their own. With versatile designs spanning earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and more, Shaya brings together jewellery made for everyday expression as well as special occasions.