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Kochi’s Commercial Real Estate Sees Strong Growth, Fueled by Rising Office and Retail Demand

Kochi’s Commercial Real Estate Sees Strong Growth, Fueled by Rising Office and Retail Demand

Kochi’s Commercial Real Estate Market Thrives with Increased Office and Retail Demand
CBRE in collaboration with CREDAI Kerala, releases a joint report titled ‘Kerala’s Ascent: The Pulse of India’s Progress’ at the CREDAI Kerala Statecon 2025. Ravi Shankar – President CREDAI Kochi, M.V.Antony – Conference Chairman, CREDAI KERALA Statecon 2025, Ravi Jacob, Chairman – CREDAI Kerala, G. Ram Reddy – Secretary- CREDAI National, Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE India and Adv. Cherian John – Secretary General – CREDAI Kerala

Kochi, February 08th, 2025: CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading real estate consulting firm, and CREDAI Kerala, today released a joint report titled, ‘Kerala’s Ascent: The Pulse of India’s Progress’, at the CREDAI Kerala Statecon 2025. The report comprehensively analyses Kerala’s dynamic real estate landscape, highlighting Kochi’s growing prominence as a promising destination. According to the report’s findings, Kochi boasts a vibrant commercial real estate market, with the office and retail sectors demonstrating a notable upward trend over the past few years. The city’s total office space stock grew by ~28% in the last three years and stood at 17 mn. sq. ft as of December 2024; the total retail space stock in Kochi grew at a CAGR of ~9% since 2020 and stood at 3.4 mn. sq. ft as of December 2024.

Kochi’s office sector

In CY 2024, technology firms led the city’s office leasing activity with a 44% share in the overall space take-up. In addition to technology firms, research, consulting, and analytics (RCA) firms accounted for ~25% of the leasing share in Kochi’s office market, followed by flex space operators at 12%, the aviation sector at 11%, banking, finance, and insurance (BFSI) companies at 4%, engineering,g and manufacturing (E&M) at 3%, and other sectors contributing 1%.

The report further indicates that domestic companies were the leading contributors to office space leasing in 2024, accounting for 57% of the overall leasing activity, followed by American-origin companies at 29%, EMEA firms at 11%, and APAC companies at 3%. Additionally, small-sized transactions (less than 50,000 sq. ft) dominated the office absorption, accounting for 78% of total space take-up in CY 2024.

The report highlighted key factors to Kochi’s office real estate growth story and highlighted the state government-led initiatives positioning the city as a cost-effective destination for Indian & global technology companies. Notwithstanding competition from other established centres in South India, Kochi is progressively solidifying its position as a future IT hub. Kochi Infopark Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Supportive government policies, transforming infrastructure, and a growing pool of skilled professionals underpin the city’s attractiveness to IT firms.

Kochi’s evolving retail landscape

Kochi’s retail landscape is supported by a growing consumer base with high disposable incomes, fuelling demand for premium products and lifestyle services. The city’s organised retail sector features several large-format malls offering a diverse selection of domestic and international brands.

As of December 2024, Kochi’s retail stock stood at 3.4 mn. sq. ft., reflecting a notable growth of ~42% since 2020. The retail leasing in the city in CY 2024 was primarily driven by the fashion and apparel segment, which accounted for a 55% share in total retail leasing. This was followed by homeware and department stores, contributing 27%, while hypermarkets constituted an 8% share. The luxury segment and health and personal care held a 3% and 2% share, respectively. This diverse retail composition highlights the evolving consumer preferences and the city’s expanding retail landscape.

Kochi’s Residential Growth Story

Total residential unit stock in Kochi stood at over 17,000 units by the end of 2024, driven by its status as a key port city and commercial hub. As a major port city and the commercial nucleus of Kerala, Kochi attracts a significant influx of professionals employed in the IT, shipping, and trade industries, thereby generating substantial demand for residential properties. Moreover, the city’s robust social infrastructure and comprehensive transportation network, comprising highways, a metro system, and an international airport, play a crucial role in maintaining the vitality of its residential real estate sector.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, said “The Kerala government is ready to implement the changes in building regulations. We are committed in ensuring that development remains sustainable. It is essential to consider the carbon footprint, its impact on future generations, and ways to mitigate such effects. We expect the construction sector to contribute to the Nava Kerala Nirmanam (New Kerala Development). Instead of traditional expansion, we should explore vertical habitats, like vertical gardens, to accommodate the growing population.”

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “Kochi’s commercial real estate and residential sector is witnessing sustained momentum, driven by the presence of technology firms. As we move forward, continued investments in office spaces and the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) will further strengthen Kochi’s position as a key commercial hub in South India.”

Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE India, said, “Kochi’s retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, fuelled by rising consumer demand and increasing urbanization. Looking ahead, strategic developments in connectivity, sustainability, and smart urban planning will be crucial in shaping Kochi’s next growth phase.”

Other emerging cities in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: A Prominent Urban Centre

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is rapidly evolving into a significant urban centre, driven by a confluence of key factors. The city’s IT sector is expanding, spearheaded by Technopark, one of India’s largest IT parks, attracting a large pool of skilled professionals and fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem..

Thrissur: A Thriving Real Estate Market

Thrissur’s central location within Kerala presents various advantages — the city benefits from robust connectivity via road, rail, and air networks, providing convenient access to major urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode.

Kozhikode: A Vital Hub for Investment and Growth

Kozhikode’s strategic advantages, including its coastal location on the Malabar Coast, proximity to key cities such as Kochi and Bengaluru, and robust transportation network, position it as a growing investment destination.

Remsons Industries Ltd. Announces Strong Q3 & 9MFY25 Financial Results

Mumbai, February 08th, 2025: The Board of Directors at Remsons Industries Ltd, an automotive OEM components manufacturer supplying to two, three and four- wheeler vehicles, commercial vehicles and off highway vehicles all over India and automotive OEM’s globally, has approved the financial results for the quarter and financial year ended December 2024.

All values are in INR Mn and Consolidated values. EPS is after considering Stock Split.

Key Business Updates

1. Remsons Holding Ltd a wholly owned subsidiary of Remsons Industries Ltd acquired 51% stake in BEE Lighting Ltd UK. BEE Lighting is in the business of lighting in the automotive sector. Consequently, the BEE Lighting Ltd. has become stepdown subsidiary of Remsons Industries Ltd.

2. Mr. Amit Srivastava CEO of Remsons Industries Ltd has been certified as Great Manager to Work with by Great
Manager Institute

3. Remsons has achieved TISAX certification, demonstrating its commitment to robust information security standards in the automotive industry.

4. Remsons Industries Ltd received Gold Medal in Ecodavis Sustainability Assessment. This accolade recognizes Remsons Industries Ltd. as one of the top 5% of all evaluated companies globally, reaffirming its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence.

5. Remsons bagged LOI worth INR 30cr for the supply of sensors to a leading Tier 1 supplier of the Auto Industry to be executed over a period of 3 years.

6. Remsons acquired 55% stake in newly incorporated Joint Venture “Remsons-Uni Autonics Private Ltd” from its present promoters to become a subsidiary of Remsons.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Krishna Kejriwal, Managing Director said, “I am pleased to share that Remsons Industries has delivered one of its best-ever quarterly performances in 3Q and 9M FY25. In 3Q FY25, we achieved our highest-ever revenue, growing 25% YoY to ₹1,026 million. EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹124 million, with a healthy 12% margin. Notably, our net profit surged 17% YoY to ₹40 million, further strengthening our financial position. We remain firmly on track to achieve our revenue target of ₹9,000-₹10,000 million by FY29.

This outstanding performance is the result of our strategic focus on high-value products, operational efficiency improvements, and strong export realizations. Looking ahead, we are confident in our ability to sustain this momentum and position the company for long-term success.

As always, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value to our shareholders with passion and dedication. In the coming quarters, our focus will continue to be on strengthening our business model, moving up the value chain, and driving sustained growth. We plan to broaden our product portfolio and further diversify into the Railways sector.”

Jijimon Chandran, Founder & CEO of Acsia Technologies, Shares Insights on 2025 State Budget

Jijimon Chandran, Founder & CEO of Acsia Technologies, Shares Insights on 2025 State BudgetThiruvananthapuram has a growing number of automotive technology businesses serving global automakers. The budget’s emphasis on transforming the city into a global automotive technology hub further solidifies our ability to attract global collaborations, drive innovations, and secure investments in R&D.

By utilizing automotive technology for job creation and revenue generation, the government is demonstrating its commitment to leveraging this sector for economic growth.

The allocation of Rs. 212 Crores for a permanent digital science park is a significant step towards fostering a thriving technology ecosystem.

Just yesterday the CII Kerala in association with KSIDC, hosted the first edition of KATS 2025 highlighting Thiruvananthapuram’s potential in automotive innovation, leveraging its strong R&D ecosystem, highly skilled workforce, and rapidly expanding technology sector.

Dr. Azad Moopen on 2025 State Budget: Key Insights and Reactions

Dr. Azad Moopen on 2025 State Budget: Key Insights and ReactionsThe Kerala Budget 2025 reflects a visionary approach towards strengthening the state’s healthcare ecosystem and positioning Kerala as a global health tourism hub. The allocation of Rs 50 crore to promote health tourism will further boost the medical value tourism in the state. By showcasing our advanced healthcare infrastructure and serene environment, we can attract international patients seeking high-quality medical care at more affordable costs. This initiative will undoubtedly boost the state’s economy and create new opportunities in the healthcare sector.
It’s truly commendable that Kerala has consistently prioritized accessible healthcare by providing the highest amount of free medical treatment in the country for the past three years.

I am happy to see the substantial investment in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on early detection and expanding facilities, is a crucial step towards better cancer care. Transforming all government hospitals into model cancer care centres is an ambitious but necessary goal to ensure equitable access to quality treatment.

The establishment of infertility clinics and modern labs in women’s and children’s hospitals will be a significant boon for families seeking fertility treatments.

Similarly, the new scheme for better treatment of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke at referral hospitals is a welcome move.

Finally, expanding dialysis units across all districts and taluk hospitals is a remarkable achievement. This will significantly improve access to life-saving treatment for patients with kidney failure, especially in rural areas.

The considerable investment in nursing education, with the addition of 1020 new B.Sc. Nursing seats and new nursing colleges, is a commendable move that addresses a critical need both within Kerala and globally. Kerala has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality nursing professionals who are sought after worldwide. With the current global shortage of nurses and increasing demand from abroad, this initiative will strengthen our domestic healthcare workforce and provide our nurses with expanded career opportunities on the international stage.

Overall, the budget’s focus on these key areas shows a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, addressing both current needs and future challenges.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Takes India by Storm as Customers Line Up for Deliveries

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Takes India by Storm as Customers Line Up for DeliveriesBengaluru, India  February 08th, 2025: Samsung, India’s biggest electronics company, today said that it received a record response for its flagship Galaxy S25 series in India, resulting in over 430,000 pre-orders. The pre-orders for Galaxy S25 series are 20% higher as compared to Galaxy S24 series in India.

“Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 smartphones set a new standard as true AI companions with Samsung’s most natural and context-aware mobile experiences ever created. We have seen strong demand for the Galaxy S25 series among young tech-savvy consumers, who are at the forefront of Galaxy AI usage. This year, we widened our flagship distribution network to 17,000 outlets, which has helped us tap demand in smaller cities,” said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, MX Division, Samsung India.

The success of Galaxy S25 series reinforces Samsung’s belief that consumers will increasingly adopt seamless and intuitive AI solutions that impact their daily lives. For Galaxy S25 consumers in India, Google’s Gemini Live will be available in Hindi since the start, underscoring the importance of India for Samsung.

Starting February 7, the Galaxy S25 series will be available across retail stores and on Samsung.com as well as other online platforms. Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.

Dr. Birbal Jha: English is More Than Just a Language – A Powerful Statement on Linguistic Importance

Dr. Birbal Jha: English is More Than Just a Language – A Powerful Statement on Linguistic ImportancePatna, February 08th, 2025: The highly acclaimed author and gifted public speaker Dr Birbal Jha gave a thought-provoking seminar on “Employability Skills” at RPM College in Patna City, which successfully hosted it here today. The seminar was designed to empower students with the essential skills required to thrive in the competitive job market. The event saw enthusiastic participation from various disciplines, who came together to gain valuable insights from the linguistic expert and self-help author Dr Birbal Jha.

The key focus of the seminar was to equip young girls with the necessary soft skills, communication strategies, and technical know-how that employers are increasingly demanding in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

The opening address was delivered by Prof Punam, Principal of RPM College, who emphasized the importance of holistic development, urging students to enhance not just their academic credentials but also their employability quotient.

The session titled “Employability Skills” was led by renowned HR and Soft Skills expert Dr Birbal Jha. He shared practical insights into improving interpersonal skills, time management, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Students were encouraged to actively participate in group activities to enhance these skills in real-time scenarios.

Dr. Birbal Jha: English is More Than Just a Language – A Powerful Statement on Linguistic Importance

“The job market today demands much more than just a degree. Adaptability, leadership, teamwork, and effective communication are key components to securing and excelling in any jobs,” said Dr. Birbal Jha, founder of British Lingua specialising in communication and employability skills training in the country.

“Success is not a destination, but a journey paved with the right skills, mindset, and the ability to adapt. Employability is not just about finding a job, it’s about becoming the kind of individual every organization values—resilient, innovative, and ready to make an impact.”, said Dr Birbal Jha, who is credited with creating the English skills training revolution in India.

“Personality development is not about changing who you are, but about becoming the best version of yourself. Embrace growth, harness your strengths, and let your unique qualities shine, for the world is waiting for your brilliance.”, averred Dr. Birbal Jha, a noted author of the book —‘English for Social Justice in India’

Further, Dr Birbal Jha was quoted as saying, “English is more than a language; it’s a bridge to the world, a gateway to understanding other cultures, and a key to limitless opportunities. Gaining proficiency in it enables you to interact, communicate, and prosper in a constantly changing global environment”.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to ask Dr Birbal Jha about their career aspirations, receive personalized advice, and network with industry professionals. The event was well-received, and many students expressed their gratitude for the actionable insights shared by Dr Birbal Jha, a noted author known as the Living Legend of Bihar.

As RPM College continues to foster the holistic development of its students, the seminar on “Employability Skills” was a significant step towards preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world.

Prominently among others were Dr. Prakash Das, Dr Anju Jain, Dr Razia Nasrin, and Dr Nagendra Mishra on the day.

INOX India Ltd Announces Strong Q3FY25 Results with Notable Performance

Vadodara/Mumbai, Feb 08th, 2025: INOX India Ltd (INOXCVA) has released its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024, as approved by the Board of Directors. The results highlight consistent improvements in both financial and operational performances. Quarterly revenue stood at an highest-ever mark of ₹349 Cr, marking a 18.2 % year-on-year growth. EBITDA for the quarter was at ₹83 Cr, up by 17%. Profit After Tax (PAT) rose to ₹57 Cr, reflecting a 17.4% YoY growth.

Exports accounted for 51% of quarterly revenue in Q3’FY25, with export sales reported at ₹179 Cr, reflecting continued international demand. The Company secured order inflows totalling ₹493 Cr, taking total order book to ₹1,341 Cr, underscoring strong market confidence in the industrial gases, and clean energy domains, globally.

Deepak Acharya, Chief Executive Officer – INOX India Ltd, said, ““We are encouraged by the strong growth trajectory of our core business, which continues to perform well. At the same time, we have benefitted from the new-age energy domains, particularly in Liquid Air Storage and Mini LNG Terminals, which resulted in a substantial order inflow this quarter. These developments reaffirm our ability to stay ahead of industry trends and cater to evolving customer needs. The uptick in the LNG segment depicts immense growth potential as it gains traction as a sustainable alternative transit fuel, relevant to marine as well as surface transportation. This shift enables us to work closely with our customers to drive efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Additionally, our growing footprint in export markets highlights our commitment to delivering world-class solutions to international clients while reinforcing our leadership in niche segments. As we move forward, we remain focused on driving long-term growth through operational excellence, innovation, and customer-centric strategies, ensuring sustained value creation for our shareholders.”

The Industrial Gases division continued to be the largest revenue contributor, accounting for 68% of total revenue. During the quarter, a significant contract from Highview Power, UK was received for their upcoming Liquid Air Storage (LAES) facility, which is also the first instance of cryogenic tanks being used at industrial scale for the storage of clean energy. The traction in the Hydrogen space underscores tremendous growth opportunities for the Company.

The LNG Division witnessed buoyancy, thanks to a milestone order from Island Power Producers for a Mini LNG terminal at the Bahamas. Among the largest Mini LNG Terminals for the Company, it is also the largest installation of shop built double-walled vacuum insulated LNG storage tanks in the world. The increasing use of LNG fuel tanks by transport OEMs opens up tremendous potential for the Company to create a mark in this ever-evolving space.

The Cryo-Scientific Division’s (CSD) share stood at a healthy 13% of total revenue. The Company received repeat maintenance order from ITER, France as well as an order from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST), Poland for Feed Boxes. The Company became first organization in the country to receive the certification of FSSC 22000 of Kegs for Beverage and Food Application, providing a fillip to the Beverage Kegs vertical.

Children’s Book Trust Achieves Record Sales at New Delhi and Kolkata Book Fairs This Year

Children's Book Trust Achieves Record Sales at New Delhi and Kolkata Book Fairs This YearNew Delhi 08th February 2025: Children’s Book Trust (www.childrensbooktrust.com) is a not-for-profit organization founded by the renowned political cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai in 1957, making it the oldest Publisher for children’s storybooks in India. The Trust and its various wings have relentlessly for the last 68 years been finding new arenas and new opportunities to help children in their mental and creative growth.

This year, the Trust has taken up an aggressive marketing stand as a result of innumerable requests from parents to help deviate children from excessive use of mobile phones and other electronic screens. As a result the Trust this year has participated in 3 book fairs – namely Asansol Book Fair, the ongoing International Kolkata Book Fair, and New Delhi World Book Fair. The Trust is planning to follow it up at other cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Pune, and even Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Frankfurt in the current year.

The books and the stalls during all these three Book Fairs have been attracting children and their guardians in large numbers. This year the Trust has registered record sales from its participation at the fairs, both at Kolkata and New Delhi.

Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman; Lead Strategist, Content, Communications & Promotions; Children’s Book Trust said, “Looking at the enthusiastic response in the fairs in the East and based on our internal survey, CBT is mulling over opening Book Stores designed as Children’s Fun Zones in prominent Eastern Indian Cities with engaging activities for children. The idea to engage children in good books that represent Indian cultural and moral values as well as physical games and fun activities.”

Mr. Kishore Lal; Chairman, Children’s Book Trust says, “this year CBT will also be launching a 20,000 sq ft Shankar’s International Children’s Centre in Delhi where we plan to have Meeting Rooms, Activity Centre for various artistic activities, Art Gallery for paintings received during previous Painting competitions, Venue for On-The-spot Competition, Doll’s Workshop, etc to have cultural and artistic exchanges between different groups of children from different parts of India or abroad and even expatriates.”

Mr. Lal further added, “We have had our presence internationally through our books which we sell in many countries, with the coming up of our SICC, we would like to have them here physically and see them grow intellectually and artistically”.

OnePlus Photography Awards 2025: Call for Creative Minds from Around the World

OnePlus Photography Awards 2025: Call for Creative Minds from Around the WorldBangalore, India February 08th, 2025:  Global technology brand OnePlus announced the launch of the 2025 OnePlus Photography Awards (OPA), now in its fifth year. From February 7 to June 30, 2025, mobile photography enthusiasts worldwide are invited to showcase their creativity and passion for photography under the theme “Make the Moment,” inspired by the iconic first moon landing captured by Hasselblad. This year’s awards continue to elevate the art of mobile photography and the innovation of mobile cameras.

“Make the Moment”: Showcasing Creativity Across Movement, Night, and Portrait

The 2025 theme, “Make the Moment,” celebrates the fleeting beauty of everyday life, turning it into timeless works of art. Participants can submit entries across three categories: Movement, Night and Low Light, and Faces.

“At OnePlus, we believe in empowering our users to create and share memorable moments with their smartphone cameras,” said Emily Dai, Head of Global Brand and Marketing at OnePlus. “The 2025 OnePlus Photography Awards are a testament to the endless possibilities of mobile photography and the global creativity it inspires. Together, we’re building a gallery of stories and emotions that transcend borders and connect us all.”

The “Movement” category invites photographers to capture the essence of motion, from the energy of speed and adventure to the subtle moments of everyday life. The “Night and Low Light” category showcases the magic of the world after dark, highlighting vibrant cityscapes, starlit skies, and dynamic low-light scenes. Lastly, the “Faces” category invites participants to capture the emotions and stories behind every face, from joyful smiles to heartfelt moments, turning portraits into powerful expressions of life.

“Winning the 2024 OnePlus Photography Awards has been a massive milestone. It’s not just recognition but also a reminder to keep pushing my creative boundaries. It’s motivated me to explore new ideas and stay curious,” said Harisanker Sasikumar, Category Winner of OPA 2024. “To everyone participating in the 2025 OnePlus Photography Awards, good luck. Embrace your unique vision, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun with it.”

Open to All: Global Recognition and Generous Rewards

This year, OPA is open to all smartphone users, celebrating creativity with inclusivity and generous rewards. The competition includes two groups: the OnePlus Group, exclusive to OnePlus users, and the Public Group, accessible to all smartphone users worldwide. The judging panel, featuring OnePlus founder Pete Lau, Hasselblad ambassadors, and renowned photographers, ensures diverse and fair evaluations.

The top winner will receive $10,000, while all winners will be awarded the flagship OnePlus 13 and potential collaboration opportunities with OnePlus. Additionally, winning entries and photographers’ stories will be showcased on global platforms like OnePlus and 500px, offering participants worldwide exposure and community engagement.

OnePlus 13: The Ultimate Phone to Make Your Moments

Continuing its partnership with Hasselblad, the OnePlus 13 introduces significant upgrades in mobile photography, empowering photographers of all levels to capture moments like never before.

With its flagship triple-camera system, the OnePlus 13 ensures unparalleled versatility, clarity, and image quality. Innovative features, such as the Dual Exposure Algorithm for dynamic, fast-moving scenes, Night Mode for vibrant low-light shots, and Portrait Mode for stunning, professional-quality portraits, make it the perfect tool for capturing Movement, Night, and Faces. Whether you’re clicking photos of a playful pet, a bustling cityscape, or a beautiful portrait, the OnePlus 13 adapts to your creative needs, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary works of art.

Entries are now open. Visit www.oneplus.com/photography-awards-2025 to submit your stories through the lens and join the global community to celebrate the creativity and innovation in mobile photography.