PUNE: India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC), India’s first mortgage guarantee company, has announced a strategic partnership with Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL), India’s largest non-deposit taking HFC, offering the full suite of mortgage products to expand responsible access to home loans for underserved and first-time homebuyers across India.

The collaboration combines IMGC’s expertise in credit risk protection with BHFL’s strong distribution and last-mile lending capabilities to extend formal housing finance to borrowers often excluded due to limited credit histories or informal income profiles.

India’s affordable housing segment continues to face a sizeable credit gap, particularly among self-employed individuals and informal workers. Through this partnership, Bajaj Housing Finance will leverage mortgage guarantee-backed solutions to expand access to home loans — including through Sambhav Loans, its affordable housing offering designed specifically for customers with informal income profiles or limited credit history — while maintaining the risk discipline that underpins responsible lending. The partnership will also enable IMGC to deepen its presence in the affordable housing space, supporting the development of a more inclusive housing finance ecosystem and helping bridge the significant housing credit gap across India.

Speaking on the partnership, Mahesh Misra, MD and CEO, IMGC, said: “This partnership with Bajaj Housing Finance is a step forward in expanding access to housing finance for underserved segments. Mortgage guarantees play a key role in enabling lenders to extend credit with confidence, while maintaining strong risk discipline. With mortgage penetration in India still relatively low compared to global benchmarks, the opportunity to scale responsible lending remains significant, and risk-sharing solutions like mortgage guarantees are critical to unlocking it responsibly.”

India’s total outstanding housing credit stood at ₹43 trillion as of February 2026, yet mortgage penetration remains low at around 11-12% of GDP — compared with over 50% in several developed markets, highlighting the significant opportunity to deepen housing finance access across the country. EY estimates a 25% CAGR in India’s affordable housing segment between 2022 and 2027, with ten states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, accounting for over three-quarters of national demand.

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As part of the camp, Shanti Clinic will offer an all-inclusive cataract surgery package at ₹9,999. The package is designed to provide transparent, accessible, and high-quality care to a wider group of patients. The surgery is performed by experienced surgeons, using advanced equipment and high-quality intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, glare, or difficulty in daily activities are encouraged to visit during the camp period for screening and guidance on treatment options.

Shanti Clinic is a diagnostic and healthcare centre operated by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. The clinic offers consultations, diagnostic services, and an in-house optical shop, Bright Eyes.

For registrations, please contact: Dr Pooja Patel, Counsellor on 9168013322.

Address: Shanti Clinic 9, Sadhu Vaswani Rd, opposite Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Agarkar Nagar, Pune 411001.

Clinic timings: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.

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PUNE(S.N): In alignment with the Government of India and insurance regulator’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”, OneCircle Insurance Brokers Private Limited is establishing a network of Point of Sales Persons (PoSPs) who will be identified, trained, and certified to provide advice and solutions on a range of insurance products. The PoSPs known as ‘OneCircle Champion’^TM will be deployed across cities and rural areas, starting with the Pune region to offer insurance choices at the customer’s doorstep.

A Mumbai-headquartered Direct Broker for Life & General Insurance, OneCircle Insurance Brokers, will initially focus on renewal of Truck & Car insurance, a segment where insurance penetration can be further enhanced due to the rapidly increasing vehicle population. By identifying and training local persons to provide need-based advice and a comparison of relevant options to customers from various insurance companies, the Company aims to create an inclusive and impact-oriented initiative. Customers can select a policy of their choice and pay the premium directly to the insurer on their mobile phones with OneCircle Champion^TM assisting them through the process.

When purchasing or renewing insurance policies, customers often need personal advice to understand the various technical Terms & Conditions of the policies tied to the applicable insurance premium. The PoSP offers local advice and solutions at the customer’s doorstep using suitable technology tools to provide a hassle-free, paperless, safe, and smooth experience for selecting and purchasing the most appropriate insurance policy.

OneCircle Champion^TM will use a mobile-friendly technology to offer Truck & Car insurance solutions at competitive premiums to customers. OneCircle Champion^TM will also support customers for their service requirements, including any claims coordination with insurance companies.

OneCircle Insurance Brokers sold its first customer policy to Mrs. Sumitra Purohit, owner of a pick-up truck, through their OneCircle Champion^TM at Talawade, 35 kms from Pune.

Sumitra Purohit, first customer of OneCircle Insurance Brokers Private Limited, said, “I am happy to become the first customer of OneCircle Insurance Brokers by renewing the insurance of our family’s pick-up truck effective 26th January. Mr. Chintamani Chavan, OneCircle ChampionTM, provided us excellent advice and quotations from multiple insurance companies, and personally explained in detail each and every aspect of the options available for our insurance renewal. With such simplicity and clarity in explaining, the decision to go ahead with the insurance renewal was easy.”

Dr. Jaideep Devare, Co-Founder & Executive Chairperson, OneCircle Insurance Brokers Private Limited, said, “OneCircle Insurance Brokers was founded with a deep desire to build a purpose-driven, profitable, and impact-oriented organisation for fulfilling our Core Purpose of ‘Protecting Lives and Livelihoods through Insurance’TM. We aim to improve accessibility and affordability of insurance in Tiers 2-4 cities and rural India, thereby contributing to the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’. Team OneCircle is committed to expanding insurance penetration through innovation and co-creation of customer-centric, affordable, and transparent insurance products and solutions.”

Richard Clement, Co-Founder, CEO & Principal Officer, OneCircle Insurance Brokers Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to launch our Point of Sales Person (PoSP) program called ‘OneCircle Champion’^TM in Pune, starting with Truck & Car Insurance. The brand ‘OneCircle Champion’^TM celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of PoSPs who strive for excellence by understanding customer needs, offering the right advice and solutions, thereby building a strong local customer community.”

Shobhit Gandhi, Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer, OneCircle Insurance Brokers Private Limited, said, “Our market surveys and stakeholder discussions revealed significant gaps in customer awareness of insurance providers, product options, and policy terms and conditions. At OneCircle Insurance Brokers, we aim to bridge this gap and increase insurance penetration by offering in-person advice to customers through our ‘OneCircle Champion’TM with the use of technology, which is seamless, transparent, and secure for our customers.”

OneCircle Insurance Brokers plans to expand to other geographies, offering more insurance products and increasing insurance company partnerships in the next few months.

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PUNE: Godrej Capital Limited, the financial services arm of the Godrej Industries Group, has inaugurated a new branch of Godrej Housing Finance Limited (GHFL) (A subsidiary of Godrej Capital) in Pimpri Chinchwad. Following the opening of its first branch in Virar focused on affordable housing, the Company is focused on strengthening its presence across Maharashtra. The Pimpri Chinchwad branch will also cater to nearby areas such as Wakad, Hinjewadi, Talegaon, and others, offering housing finance solutions.

The Company is dedicated to supporting aspiring homebuyers with affordable housing solutions, offering loan amounts starting from INR 5 lakhs (Rupees Five Lakhs Only) for salaried and self-employed individuals, with tenure of up to 30 years. This initiative aligns with the Company’s commitment to bridging the affordability gap and empowering homeownership with trusted financial solutions.

Pimpri Chinchwad is one of Pune’s fastest-growing regions, driven by its thriving industrial and IT hubs, including Hinjewadi IT Park, the Pune-Mumbai Expressway corridor, and the upcoming Pune Metro expansion. The area’s rapid infrastructure development and increasing employment opportunities have made it a prime destination for affordable housing. With rising demand in peripheral markets, homebuyers in the region benefit from a combination of affordability, convenience, and connectivity.

Godrej Capital plans to open 10 additional branches across Maharashtra and Gujarat in the near future, reinforcing its long-term vision to expand homeownership opportunities in high-growth markets.

Speaking on the launch, Manish Shah, MD & CEO of Godrej Capital, said, “At Godrej Capital, we recognize that owning a home is a major milestone for families, and we are committed to making housing finance more accessible and inclusive. Our goal is to empower homebuyers with trusted and customized financial solutions, ensuring they have the support they need on their homeownership journey. The launch of our Pimpri Chinchwad branch is a crucial step in our housing finance growth strategy, as the region presents immense potential for homeownership.

Beyond providing credit access, we are also focused on driving deeper financial inclusion through our initiatives like Aarohi, which empowers women by making homeownership more accessible. By enabling women to become homeowners, we not only strengthen their financial independence but also create new opportunities that positively impact all aspects of their lives. We look forward to playing a pivotal role in helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of owning a home.”

With a strong focus on service delivery and customer-centric solutions, we are simplifying the home loan process by offering tailored financial products, seamless digital services, and a hassle-free documentation process for faster approvals. Flexible underwriting standards have also been introduced to cater to informal income segments, ensuring broader financial inclusion. Additionally, eligible homebuyers can avail of benefits under PMAY 2.0 to further support their homeownership journey.

To further strengthen its offerings, we have partnered with reputed developers for pre-approved projects, ensuring a smoother and more efficient financing experience for homebuyers.

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This remarkable achievement is a testimony of our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and families in their journey toward owning a home.

With the performance of the Affordable and Emerging Markets Segment, the Retail segment loan book grew by ~18% YoY as of 31st March 2025. The total loan book of the Company crossed INR 75,000 crore as of 31st March 2025.

Commenting on the performance Girish Kousgi said: “With the dedicated efforts of the team towards the common goal of making lives better, we are thrilled to achieve our first stated milestone of an Affordable loan book of INR 5,000 crore. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to enabling financial inclusion by providing accessible housing finance solutions to customers.”

The housing sector is poised to continue its growth backed by favorable growth drivers viz improved affordability, rising urbanization, the nuclearization of families, and government initiatives like PMAY 2.0, etc. PNB housing with its multiple product offerings through Prime, Emerging Markets, and Affordable segments will continue to cater to customers across the affordability pyramid and contribute towards the Government mission of “Housing for All”.

Note: The information mentioned regarding 31^st March 2025 is provisional and subject to review by the statutory auditors of the Company.

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The award was presented during a special ceremony at Hotel Ritz Carlton, Pune, on January 21, 2025, in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, a distinguished scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee. The ceremony was jointly hosted by the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, and the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, represented by Professor Anniruddha B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor and Hon’ble Shri Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education.

On receiving the award Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla said “Among all the awards I have received, the Dr. K. Anji Reddy Memorial Award is particularly special to me because it highlights the importance of affordable pharmaceuticals. Unlike global producers, which received billions in government funding, we at the Serum Institute of India relied entirely on our savings and resources to produce the COVID-19 vaccine at a high speed. We took a significant personal and financial risk to ensure the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, even taking early doses ourselves before licensure.”

Hon’ble Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Ministry of Higher and Technical Education commented “We are eagerly anticipating the development of a vaccine by Dr. Poonawalla and the Serum Institute of India (SII) that aims to protect girls from breast and cervical cancer. Our government is expected to launch a campaign to promote this initiative. Just as India successfully became polio-free, we hope to see a future where women in our country are free from the threat of cancer—a vision that Cyrus and his dedicated team at SII are working tirelessly to turn into reality.”

Chief Guest Padma Vibhushan Dr. R.A. Mashelkar said, “Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla is a ‘living legend’ who shares the vision and principles of Dr. K. Anji Reddy, an ICT alumnus. Just like Dr. Reddy founded Reddy Labs, leaving an enduring legacy in the pharmaceutical sector, Dr. Poonawalla’s legacy lies in transforming global healthcare through the Serum Institute of India, making life-saving vaccines affordable and accessible to millions worldwide.”

On the sidelines of the event Professor A. B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor, of ICT Mumbai said, “Mumbai Biocluster is an organization that is going to be established on the premises of ICT. Currently, many drugs and medicines are manufactured using synthetic chemicals. However, producing them through natural methods can significantly reduce side effects. This groundbreaking research will occur within the Biocluster, with support from several leading pharmaceutical companies.”

Dr. Ratnesh Jain, Founder, of Mumbai Biocluster, said, “The Mumbai Biocluster, led by ICT Mumbai, is a transformative initiative that bridges academia, industry, and policymakers. By fostering collaboration, it serves as a driving force for biopharmaceutical innovation, empowers startups, and accelerates the development of affordable healthcare solutions, solidifying India’s position as a global leader in biopharma. At ICT and our flagship Mumbai Biocluster, it is a tremendous honor to recognize Dr. Poonawalla with this well-deserved accolade. We take immense pride in celebrating him as one of our own and as a distinguished alumnus who continues to inspire us all.”

The award ceremony for the 2nd Dr. K. Anji Reddy Memorial Fellowship was a momentous occasion, celebrating the life-changing impact of Dr. Poonawalla’s work and his unparalleled contributions to global healthcare. This recognition underscores ICT Mumbai’s commitment to fostering science, innovation, and leadership in the biopharmaceutical sector. Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla’s extraordinary contributions to global healthcare have established India as a hub for affordable vaccines, saving billions of lives worldwide. As the visionary chairman of the Serum Institute of India, Dr. Poonawalla has demonstrated how innovation and unwavering dedication can drive transformative change. His remarkable legacy—delivering over 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually to more than 170 countries—and his pivotal role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic stand as enduring testaments to his leadership and commitment to humanity.

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Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, highlighted the pivotal role of technology, and stated, “Technology drives development across industries. The growing investment in PropTech is revolutionary for India, benefiting the real estate industry while supporting sustainability. For a growing economy like ours, PropTech is both advantageous and imperative.”

Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director of Brigade Group, emphasized, “The real estate sector contributes 7.3% to India’s GDP, with PropTech accounting for $6 billion (2.3% share). Rising urban housing demand, fuelled by young professionals, underscores the need for strategic infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and transformative technologies to create affordable, future-ready living solutions.”

Vipul Roongta, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Capital added, “Technology will be a key driver in addressing the affordable housing supply side challenges. HDFC Capital launched the H@ART Program which seeks to mentor, partner, and invest in real estate technology companies that bring breakthrough innovations and efficiencies within the affordable housing ecosystem. We will continue supporting innovative businesses and remain dedicated to fostering and advancing solutions that can make affordable housing more efficient and accessible”

1. Affordable Housing Challenges and Solutions: The Indian real estate sector, valued at USD 258 billion, contributes 7.3% to the nation’s GDP of USD 3,540 billion. Despite the large size of the sector, there is an urgent need for affordable housing. Major cities have seen rapid urbanization and rising property prices, which have made housing unaffordable for many, including the middle-income group.

2. Infrastructure Investments: Infrastructure development is crucial for boosting housing affordability. ​ India has added ~60% to its National Highway network in the past 10 years, growing from 91,000 km in 2014 to 146,000 km in 2024, with a target of 185,000 km by 2030. This is bringing tier 2 towns and outskirts of major cities closer to the employment hubs and propelling the development of affordable housing.

3. PropTech s Role in Global and Indian Real Estate:

PropTech is revolutionizing the Global and Indian Real Estate industry by enhancing efficiencies at each stage of the project lifecycle. ​ Technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart home systems, and digital platforms for property management are being adopted by various Developers. ​ The global PropTech market saw investments of around USD 50 billion in 2023, with India ranking 6th in total funding raised. In India, PropTech investments are projected to grow from USD 6 billion currently, to USD 16 billion by 2030.

4. Sustainability and ESG: The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in real estate is becoming essential. ​ Technologies like IoT, smart sensors, and sustainable construction materials are helping to create greener, more efficient buildings. ​ Certifications such as GRIHA, LEED, and IGBC are promoting environmentally responsible practices. The report notes that India has over 290 million sq. meters of LEED-certified buildings as of June 2024. Among metros, Bengaluru leads with 33 million sq. meters of LEED-certified projects, followed by MMR (32 million sq. meters) and NCR (29 million sq. meters).

The post Affordable Housing Growth and Its Impact on India’s Proptech Sector, Projected to Reach USD 16 Billion by 2030 appeared first on NRI News.

“Budget 2024 is inclusive and focused on the mission of Vikasit Bharat 2047 with key focus areas of Inclusive development, manufacturing & MSMEs, Women & agriculture, Urban Development, Energy security, Infrastructure, Innovation & next-generation reforms. Hon FM has announced a long-term investment of 10 lakh crore and subsequent affordable loan rates for PMAY 2.0 which will boost affordable housing and bridge the difference in demand and supply of affordable homes.

A transparent rental housing policy, boost for water supply & sewage for 100 cities, focus on TP schemes, TOD zones, infrastructure boost & simplification of GST is a welcome move. The Hon FM’s call to reduce stamp duties, especially for women buyers in states that charge a higher stamp duty is appreciated.

The reduction of GST & basic custom duty (BCD) on steel will be a relief in the input costs provided the steel manufacturers pass on the benefit to the real estate industry. The digitization of urban land records being one of the demands of the industry will greatly help us bring more transparency in transactions.

The increase of the standard deduction in income tax to INR 75,000 from INR 50,000 will put more money in hands of the home buyers enabling them to pay EMIs earlier and close their loans

Credai had placed below as its main demands for the real estate sector on behalf of the home buyers, mainly being introduction of Credit guarantee schemes for affordable home loans, to change the affordable housing definitions to enable vast outreach, especially in metro cities like Pune, Interest deduction for home buyers, reduction of long term capital gain taxes, employment generation and skilling, Urban infrastructure development funds & policy support for Environmental clearances for projects. While the majority of the demands have not been fulfilled in the budget, we would still say that overall it’s a good budget in the long term for development and putting more money in the hands of the home buyers.“

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MUMBAI: Bajaj Housing Finance launched Sambhav Home Loans today – a product to provide affordable and accessible housing finance.

The all-new Home Loan product is designed for first-time homebuyers looking to make their dream of home ownership a reality through affordable housing finance. In line with this, the income norm on Sambhav Home Loans starts from only Rs. 10,000 per month, with loan amounts as low as Rs. 10 Lakh. The affordable income criterion makes this an accessible option for prospective borrowers across a wide range of income groups.

Both salaried and self-employed applicants from a range of employment types, such as manufacturing, trading, and the informal job sector, among others, are eligible for finance as part of this product. Subsequently, the eligibility, documentation, and application process for Sambhav Home Loans have been kept flexible to accommodate all such employment types.

Apart from minimal eligibility requirements, Sambhav Home Loans offer a host of benefits. Borrowers enjoy attractive interest rates with affordable EMIs and the option to choose a repayment tenor of up to 20 years. Eligible borrowers also benefit from a sizeable loan amount, which makes homeownership more convenient.

With the launch of Sambhav Home Loans, Bajaj Housing Finance now offers a full suite of offerings in housing finance, covering all customer categories. With over 6,000 approved projects, the Lender offers custom mortgage solutions across India. Interested applicants can either apply online through the Lender’s website or walk into any of its branches.

* Salary norms and minimum loan amount are subject to change based on city | T&C apply

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Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your dream vacation. Picture this: the sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and the scent of adventure is in the air. But hold onto your beach hats, because we’re about to take your vacation planning game to a whole new level! With Amazon Pay, organizing your trip has never been easier. Say goodbye to the days of stressing over bookings and boring logistics and get ready to dive headfirst into a world of convenience and exciting rewards. From flights, cab, and hotel bookings, to funky travel gadgets, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to plan the perfect summer escape. So, buckle up, grab your sunscreen, and let’s plan your go-to summer destination with Amazon Pay!

Browse and Book Flights: Start by booking your travel tickets with Amazon Pay and enjoy upto INR 5000 off on international flights and upto 10% off on domestic flights, making the experience quick and hassle-free. What’s more, enjoy 5% additional cashback with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card and maximize your savings! So, let the beaches and mountains call you right away!

Upgrade your Stay: Once your flights are booked, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you prefer a cozy vacation rental or a luxurious hotel, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. Hop on to Amazon Pay to book your hotel accommodations and enjoy upto 30% off your bookings!

Don’t fret, the one-stop solution is here to the rescue! With the ease of booking cabs and one-click payments on Ola, and Uber, along with exciting rewards, check Amazon Pay Balance to make your family trips a lot more fun! Not just this, Prime Members can enjoy 5% cashback on their Uber rides.

Indulge In Fashion and Beauty Bliss: Make sure you have everything you need for your summer trip by shopping on Amazon.in with Amazon Pay. Turn heads with trendiest fashion clothes, sunglasses, fashion accessories, to beauty essentials such as moisturizers, eyeliners, kajal, primer, perfumes, foldable hair dryers, makeup kits, and so much more! The experience gets rewarding with 5% cashback for Prime customers with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card and 2% cashback for non-prime customers. What’s more, in case you don’t have a credit card, worry not! Pay via Amazon Pay UPI to enjoy assured rewards too! So, plan without any stress because beauty waits for no itinerary!

Stay connected with Travel Essentials: Stay connected while traveling by purchasing essentials such as travel bags, travel adapters, and noise-cancelling headphones on Amazon.in. Pay with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card wherein Prime Members can enjoy 5% cashback and others can get 3% cashback on all their purchases. Further, from travel-sized toiletries to portable chargers and packing cubes, pay with Amazon Pay to make your experience convenient and rewarding.

Plan and enjoy the perfect summer getaway without any stress or hassle with Amazon Pay. So, start dreaming, exploring, and booking your next summer adventure today!

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