Category Archives: business

Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft executive Trump wants to see fired

**Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft Executive Trump Wants Fired**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

**What’s the Story?**

US President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft to fire its head of global affairs, Lisa Monaco. Trump accused Monaco of being a “menace” to national security and linked his demand to ongoing legal cases against him.

Lisa Monaco was appointed as Microsoft’s head of global affairs in June 2025. Prior to this role, she served prominently in the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations.

**Accusations: ‘Corrupt and Totally Trump Deranged’**

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Monaco as “corrupt and totally Trump deranged.” He argued that her previous government roles posed national security risks due to Microsoft’s extensive contracts with US government agencies.

Furthermore, Trump alleged that Monaco’s past actions led to the US government stripping her of all security clearances and access to national security intelligence.

**Background: A Look at Lisa Monaco**

Lisa Monaco has a notable career in public service. She served as Deputy Attorney General under President Biden and was a national security advisor during the Obama administration. She also played a key role in coordinating the Justice Department’s response to the January 6 Capitol attack.

Trump’s demand for her dismissal is consistent with his history of targeting perceived political opponents since returning to office in January 2025. His previous pressure campaigns include demanding the resignation of Intel’s CEO and influencing Disney’s ABC regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s show.

**Ongoing Scrutiny: Microsoft’s Contracts Under Review**

Lisa Monaco’s LinkedIn profile confirms her current position at Microsoft. However, as of now, there is no public indication that Microsoft will respond to Trump’s demand for her removal.

Microsoft itself is under intense scrutiny due to its contracts with US government agencies. The company recently made headlines for restricting certain cloud services to a unit of the Israeli military following concerns about alleged surveillance practices.

Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently attended a White House dinner featuring Trump and other leading figures in the tech industry, highlighting the complex relationship between tech companies and government officials.

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-demands-microsoft-fire-global-affairs-head/story

Apple is using ChatGPT-like app to test new Siri features

**Apple is Using ChatGPT-like App to Test New Siri Features**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 01:21 PM*

Apple is reportedly testing a ChatGPT-style app, internally known as “Veritas,” as part of its ambitious plan to revamp Siri, according to Bloomberg. The tech giant aims to enhance its voice assistant’s capabilities to handle more complex tasks and provide a more intuitive user experience.

### Internal Testing with Veritas

The Veritas app—named after the Latin word for “truth”—is being developed by Apple’s AI division to experiment with new Siri features. Among its capabilities, Veritas can search through personal data such as songs and emails, as well as perform in-app actions like editing photos.

Much like other popular AI chatbots, Veritas allows users to manage multiple conversations simultaneously, reference previous chats, and engage in extended back-and-forth exchanges. This multi-turn conversational ability marks a significant upgrade from current voice assistant functionalities.

### Introducing the New ‘Linwood’ System

In addition to testing new features, Veritas is also being used to evaluate a new underlying system called “Linwood.” This innovative system combines Apple’s in-house large language models with third-party AI models to create a more powerful and responsive assistant.

Currently, Apple does not plan to release the Veritas app publicly. However, its development highlights the company’s serious commitment to advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

### Delayed Launch for New Siri

Apple initially aimed to launch the revamped Siri in spring 2025. However, technical challenges have delayed the release. Some features reportedly experienced failure rates of up to one-third during internal testing.

The updated Siri is now expected to debut as early as March 2026. Once released, it is anticipated to perform tasks beyond the current assistant’s scope, such as interacting with on-screen content and facilitating smoother navigation across Apple devices.

### Leadership Changes Amid AI Overhaul

Apple’s AI division has seen significant leadership shifts amid this overhaul. John Giannandrea, who previously led the company’s AI efforts, was sidelined earlier this year. Additionally, Robby Walker—former head of Siri—is set to leave Apple in October.

Walker’s newly formed AKI (Answers, Knowledge, and Information) team is now spearheading the effort to integrate AI-driven search into the next-generation Siri, signaling a fresh direction for Apple’s voice assistant strategy.

Apple’s continued investment in AI and voice assistant technology reflects CEO Tim Cook’s push for the company to excel in this rapidly evolving field. With innovations like Veritas and Linwood, Apple hopes to redefine how users interact with their devices in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-using-chatgpt-style-app-to-test-next-gen-siri/story

Farewell Amazon Fresh: the no tills thing was all a bit too awkward | Jason Okundaye

Amazon Fresh, the till-free grocery shop that uses just walk-out technology, is closing all 19 of its stores in London, just under five years after opening its first outlet. If that sounds weird and disorienting, then I can assure you, having visited an outlet out of pure curiosity and having left distressed, it truly is.

Among the reasons given for the venture’s failure—ranging from location choices to struggling to differentiate itself in the market—one financial analyst suggested that till-less technology always felt a little awkward. When I visited, I wasn’t totally clear on how to get in or, frankly, how to get out.

A sense of panic overwhelmed me as I wondered if the sensors would process me changing my mind about an item and putting it back on the shelf, or charge me for it. Would I be prosecuted if, say, a large box of cereal blocked the sight of a tin of sardines and thus escaped the sensors? Of course, every store has CCTV equipment, but the idea that sensors and cameras could be connected to my phone and track every item I touched felt like big tech overreach—surveillance on steroids.

The fact that you could just walk out of a shop without pressing pay seemed strangely incongruous with the direction of other grocery stores. Around two years ago, the big Sainsbury’s down the road installed scan-receipt-to-exit barriers, a technology I first saw in Paris and has since been rolled out to many other big supermarkets. It is truly a nightmare.

Not only does it feel like you’re going through an airport when you’re just picking up a meal deal, but the scanner is repeatedly faulty, often resulting in a pile-up of people trying to exit. Then, there is the failure of self-scan checkouts. These tills were meant to save time, but that possibility immediately collapses once there’s an unidentified item in the bagging area or the overwhelmed shop assistant has to approve someone’s age.

You might then think the idea of a till-free checkout would be a relief. But if anything, when you’re made to feel so distrusted and burdened by inconvenience, it feels far more like a setup. No till? Surely someone is waiting on the other side ready to bundle me into a police van over an unscanned pot of pesto pasta.

Mostly though, the failure of Amazon Fresh reveals that we are simply not ready for technology like this. It is the kind of futuristic development that you might have imagined would totally change the face of high street shopping, but shoppers have roundly rejected it. Like our reluctance to take up self-driving cars, it’s about a lack of trust in being totally at the whim of technology.

Some stores have been able to win over the public. The Japanese casual wear brand Uniqlo’s self-checkout technology is pretty frictionless and genuinely loved. But even then, as a frequent Uniqlo shopper, while the convenience is nice, it makes me feel strangely isolated.

We need, and maybe even like, other people. Whether it’s grocery or clothes shopping, having a little chat or a flirt with a store assistant makes the experience. Recently, after a frustrating and failed attempt to find a suit for a wedding, I soothed myself by spending far too much money on a lovely knitted jumper at Drakes on Savile Row. The shop assistant told me I looked good in it and, seeing how flustered I was, offered me an espresso. For that alone, I’ll be back to blow more of my money.

Of course, I don’t expect that treatment on the high street or in a grocery store, but I do find myself missing the small comments of “I love these crisps, my favourite” at a supermarket till. And queueing, though I’ll rue saying this during the post-work rush, is not all bad. One of my favourite things to do in a supermarket queue is peer into other shoppers’ baskets to make a guess about what kind of evening they’re having or what kind of life they live.

If you can simply walk out, you might save some time, but you’ll learn less about the people around you—while a computer gets to know it all.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/27/amazon-fresh-store-closing-technology-shopping

Mumbai Crime News: Police Book Investment Firm’s CFO For Allegedly Embezzling ₹1.18 Crore

Mumbai: The MIDC police have booked the chief financial officer of Marcellus Investment Managers Pvt Ltd for allegedly embezzling Rs 1.18 crore. Pankaj Gupta, 48, is accused of siphoning off the amount using the company’s HDFC Bank credit card and current account ATM card.

### About the Case

According to the FIR, Marcellus Investment Managers is an investment firm located in MIDC, Andheri East, employing around 100 staff members. Gupta, a resident of Kandivali East, had been serving as the CFO since 2022 and was responsible for handling all financial matters.

The suspicious transactions were noticed between December 2024 and July this year. Upon inquiry by the company, Gupta allegedly confessed to transferring funds to his personal accounts in Kotak Bank, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank.

The firm requested him to provide a written admission on stamp paper. Following this, Gupta allegedly threatened to harm himself as disciplinary action was underway against him.

On behalf of the company, Parilmal Deuskar, 47, a legal consultant, filed a complaint at the MIDC police station, leading to the registration of the case.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news-police-book-investment-firms-cfo-for-allegedly-embezzling-118-crore

UK to offer to pay more for some drugs to appease Trump, FT reports

The British government is reportedly planning to offer higher payments for medicines purchased for the National Health Service (NHS), according to a report by the Financial Times on Friday. This move aims to address one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s major complaints after he announced steep tariff increases on branded medications.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief business adviser, Varun Chandra, is expected to travel to Washington next week, the report added. Reuters was unable to immediately verify these claims.

President Trump has expressed frustration over the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S., which are often nearly three times more expensive than in other countries. He has demanded that pharmaceutical companies lower prices in the U.S. while increasing them elsewhere. The proposed price increases in the U.K. could potentially offset the impact of U.S. price cuts on drugmakers’ revenues.

A spokesperson for the UK government did not directly confirm the Financial Times report but stated that Britain is engaged in constructive dialogue with both the U.S. and the pharmaceutical industry. “We will always put patients and taxpayers first, striking the right balance between creating an environment where this innovative sector can thrive whilst ensuring best value for money,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier on Friday, the British government announced that it was pressing the United States on pharmaceutical tariffs in hopes of achieving a beneficial outcome. This follows President Trump’s announcement of a potential 100% tariff on firms unless they establish manufacturing sites within the country.

Major British pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline have already set up manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and have announced plans for further investments.

The Trump administration has given drugmakers until September 29 to voluntarily lower prices for certain U.S. drugs, threatening tariffs if the president remains unsatisfied.

— REUTERS
https://thesun.my/world-news/uk-to-offer-to-pay-more-for-some-drugs-to-appease-trump-ft-reports-KL14978705

Tether (USDT) Fundraising Interest Reportedly From Softbank, Ark Invest

Tech-focused investment firms SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in early-stage talks to invest in Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, Bloomberg reported on Friday.

This news follows earlier reports this week revealing Tether’s plans to raise up to $20 billion in a fundraising round, which would value the company at around $500 billion. Such a valuation would make Tether one of the world’s most valuable private companies, highlighting the explosive growth and investor interest in the stablecoin space.

Stablecoins are a class of cryptocurrencies with prices pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. Proponents say stablecoins could offer a cheaper, faster alternative for cross-border transactions by leveraging blockchain technology. The sector has expanded rapidly, growing 40% year-to-date to reach $287 billion, according to data from RWA.xyz. Additionally, analysts at global bank Citi project that stablecoins could reach a market value of $4 trillion in a bull market scenario.

Tether’s USDT leads the market with a $173 billion market capitalization. It is predominantly backed by U.S. Treasuries, which have generated substantial profits from bond yields in recent years. The company reported $4.9 billion in profits in the second quarter of this year alone.

Another major player, Circle (CRCL), issuer of the second-largest stablecoin USDC with a market value exceeding $70 billion, went public in June. Since its debut, Circle’s stock price surged from around $30 to $300, underscoring strong investor appetite for exposure to the stablecoin theme.

Tether has also focused on serving emerging markets with limited access to U.S. dollars. Earlier this month, the company announced its intention to formally enter the U.S. market with a new dollar token dubbed USAT. This token is designed to comply with the GENIUS Act, the nation’s first federal crypto law that sets regulatory standards for stablecoins.

To lead its U.S. division, Tether has hired Bo Hines, the former director of the White House Crypto Council who advised President Donald Trump on cryptocurrency policies.

With substantial backing and strategic moves, Tether is positioning itself to remain a dominant force in the fast-growing stablecoin sector, which has the potential to disrupt global payment systems.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/tether-usdt-fundraising-interest-reportedly-from-softbank-ark-invest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tether-usdt-fundraising-interest-reportedly-from-softbank-ark-invest

Second Nashik-Delhi Flight Service to Start Within Two Months, Announcement Soon

The Nashik-Delhi air service, which resumed operations a month ago, has successfully “taken off,” bringing good news for Nashik residents eager to travel to Delhi. In addition to this, another Nashik-Delhi air service is set to be launched within the next two months, with a formal announcement expected soon.

After experiencing disruptions in recent days, air services from Nashik have now returned to normal. Currently, IndiGo is the airline operating flights from Nashik’s Ozar Airport. Additionally, there are reports that the Nashik-Jaipur air service, which has been suspended for the last six months via Indore, is also likely to restart soon.

The Nashik-Indore route sees a significant number of passengers, and travelers from Nashik stand to benefit greatly from connecting flights available via Indore. According to sources, the new Nashik-Delhi night service will depart from Ozar Airport, reaching Delhi within a few hours. This schedule will be convenient for passengers who wish to complete their work in Delhi during the day and return to Nashik the same night.

Manish Rawal, Vice President of the NIMA Aviation Committee, Nashik, stated, “It has been decided that an additional service for Nashik-Delhi air travel will start soon. Its formal announcement will be made shortly. Nashik has recently gained importance in many respects, especially with the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Aviation Committee of NIMA is making continuous efforts to ensure Nashik remains well connected with all major cities across the country.”

Currently, flights operate from Ozar Airport to Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Goa. The Indore-Jaipur route is expected to start soon. Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish air connectivity between Nashik and other major cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, Varanasi, Lucknow, Punjab, and Rajasthan, added Rawal.

With these developments, Nashik’s air connectivity is poised to expand significantly, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/second-nashik-delhi-flight-service-to-start-within-two-months-announcement-soon

ED Files Supplementary Prosecution Complaint Against Raj Kundra In ₹6,606 Crore Bitcoin Scam

**Mumbai:** The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a supplementary prosecution complaint against Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty’s husband and businessman Raj Kundra in connection with the money laundering probe related to a Rs 6,606 crore bitcoin scam involving the Delhi-based company Variabletech Pvt Ltd (VTPL).

### ED’s Allegations

The agency alleges that Kundra received 285 bitcoins worth Rs 150.47 crore in April 2024 from Amit Bharadwaj, director of VTPL, who passed away while the case was pending. The bitcoins were reportedly intended for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in 2017. However, as the deal could not materialise, the ED claims Kundra still possesses the bitcoins, which allegedly constitute proceeds of crime.

Furthermore, the ED states that Kundra has refused to share any details regarding these transactions.

### Property Transactions Linked

In addition to the bitcoin allegations, the ED claims Kundra purchased immovable properties in Juhu and Pune using the proceeds of crime. It is also alleged that Kundra transferred these properties into the name of his wife, Shilpa Shetty, at half their market value.

The agency has filed a second supplementary prosecution complaint not only against Kundra but also against a Delhi-based businessman, Rajesh Satija, as part of its ongoing probe.

### Conflicting Versions and Investigation Details

The ED uncovered several inconsistencies in Kundra’s explanation about the receipt of bitcoins from Amit Bharadwaj. According to the prosecution complaint, Amit had transferred 285 bitcoins to Kundra for investment in a joint venture aimed at setting up a new Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine.

In statements recorded in April and June 2018, Amit claimed that he was approached by Kundra and Shetty for this joint venture, for which they sought $2.25 million in bitcoin. Amit said he had transferred $1 million (approximately 300 bitcoins) by the end of July 2017, with the remaining amount expected after the agreement was finalized.

While Kundra admitted to receiving the funds, he claimed he was merely a mediator between his Israeli friend Shlomi Amouyal (alias Tom) and Amit. Kundra said that Amit transferred the bitcoins to Tom’s wallets, and the deal was later cancelled when Amit failed to send the remaining amount.

Amit, however, stated that he spoke to Tom, who identified himself as a tech contact for Kundra. The ED also noted that Kundra refused to provide wallet details, citing loss of information due to phone issues in 2018, during the ongoing investigation.

### ED’s Findings and Actions

The ED pointed out glaring mismatches in the versions presented by Amit and Kundra. It revealed that Kundra had sent a term sheet to Amit, which acted as an agreement but did not mention Tom. The agency rejected Kundra’s claim of being only a mediator.

According to the ED, “It is clear that the deal to establish Bitcoin mining farms was made between Kundra and Amit (through his father Mahendra Bharadwaj). Since the deal did not materialise, Kundra is still in possession and enjoyment of 285 Bitcoins valued at Rs 150.47 crore.”

The agency further alleged that Kundra deliberately withheld wallet addresses and failed to surrender the 285 bitcoins.

The ED is actively investigating money laundering allegations against VTPL and its directors, Ajay Bhardwaj and his late brother Amit Bhardwaj. They are accused of luring investors by promising high returns in bitcoins and cryptocurrency developed by them, reportedly amassing 80,000 bitcoins (worth Rs 6,606 crore in November 2017) through the Bhardwaj family and other MLM agents.

### Case Background

In April last year, ED had attached several properties linked to Kundra, including five flats in the Ocean View Society on Juhu Tara Road worth Rs 82 crore, and a bungalow in Pune valued at Rs 11 crore. These properties were transferred in Shilpa Shetty’s name.

*To explore exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding areas, visit:* [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ed-files-supplementary-prosecution-complaint-against-raj-kundra-in-6606-crore-bitcoin-scam

How Beginners Can Transition From Manual To Automated Trading

Trading has evolved significantly over the years. What once relied heavily on intuition, chart reading, and gut feeling has now shifted toward systematic, data-driven methods. For beginners, moving from manual trading to automated trading can feel overwhelming. However, with structured learning, practical guidance, and the right resources, this transition is entirely achievable.

In this article, we’ll explore how beginners can transition from manual to automated trading, the role of education in facilitating this shift, and how QuantInsti’s quantitative finance courses—including *Automated Trading for Beginners* and their day trading course—help learners acquire real-world skills.

### The Challenges of Manual Trading

Manual trading demands constant attention to the markets. Traders must monitor price movements, analyze charts, track news, and make swift decisions. Beginners often face several common challenges:

– **Time-consuming:** Long hours of screen time are required to monitor markets and respond to events.
– **Emotional Influence:** Fear, greed, and impatience can affect decisions, leading to inconsistent results.
– **Limited Data Handling:** Humans can process only so much information at once, often missing hidden patterns.
– **Backtesting Difficulties:** Testing strategies on historical data manually is slow and prone to errors.

While manual trading is excellent for learning market fundamentals, it is often inefficient and not scalable for long-term growth. This is where automated trading becomes a game-changer.

### Why Automated Trading Works

Automated trading uses preset rules and computer programs to execute trades. It offers several advantages, especially for beginners:

– **Consistency:** Trades follow defined rules, eliminating emotional biases.
– **Speed:** Computers react faster than humans, capturing opportunities immediately.
– **Data-Driven Decisions:** Algorithms process technical indicators and historical data for informed trading.
– **Backtesting and Optimization:** Strategies can be tested on past data to refine rules before risking real capital.

Automated trading does not replace human judgment; rather, it enhances it. It allows traders to focus on strategy design, risk management, and market analysis instead of reacting impulsively.

### Building a Strong Foundation

The first step in moving to automated trading is structured learning. Beginners need to understand market basics, trading strategies, and programming fundamentals.

Quantitative finance courses provide this foundation with modules designed for both beginners and advanced learners. Courses like *Automated Trading for Beginners* teach Python programming, quantitative techniques, and methods to analyze historical market data.

Students explore various strategies, including day trading, event-driven trading, ARIMA, ARCH, GARCH, volatility modeling, and statistical arbitrage.

### Learning by Doing

Theory alone is not enough. Beginners must apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. Starting by coding simple strategies such as momentum trading or scalping helps build practical skills.

Backtesting allows learners to evaluate how a strategy performs historically, adjust parameters, and understand market condition impacts. This hands-on approach builds confidence before live trading, ensuring strategies are well understood and risks are managed.

### Transitioning from Manual to Automated Day Trading

Day trading is often where beginners first experience the benefits of automation. A dedicated day trading course shows how to automate strategies previously executed manually. Here’s a step-by-step approach for beginners:

1. **Start Small:** Begin with simple strategies like momentum trading or basic indicators. Understand the rules and execution.
2. **Backtest Strategies:** Use historical data to evaluate performance and identify weaknesses without risking real money.
3. **Paper Trading:** Simulate trades in real-time using virtual capital to bridge the gap between testing and live markets.
4. **Live Trading with Risk Management:** Once confident, start live trading with strict stop-loss rules and proper position sizing.

This structured process saves time, reduces errors, and helps build a systematic, disciplined trading practice.

### A Learner’s Journey: From Curiosity to Confidence

Consider Xavier Anthony from Canberra, Australia. With a background in engineering and computer science, Xavier was naturally drawn to data and technology and had a strong fascination with financial markets. He experimented with mock trades and tested various strategies but struggled to turn knowledge into consistent results.

Xavier’s breakthrough came when he joined QuantInsti’s Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT). Through the program, he acquired technical skills, mastered backtesting, learned risk management, and honed strategy evaluation.

Today, Xavier confidently develops trading strategies, understands why trades execute, and knows how they fit into a broader portfolio—demonstrating how structured education and practical experience are crucial in transitioning from manual to automated trading.

### Tools and Resources for Beginners

QuantInsti offers a comprehensive ecosystem to support learners moving into automated trading:

– **Interactive Notebooks and Coding Exercises:** Learn by doing in an engaging environment.
– **Capstone Projects with Real Market Data:** Apply strategies in realistic, hands-on scenarios.
– **Community and Faculty Support:** Access expert guidance and peer support.
– **Lifetime Access:** Revisit courses, exercises, and projects anytime to sharpen skills.

These resources allow beginners to build expertise gradually without feeling overwhelmed.

### Tips for a Smooth Transition

To make the shift from manual to automated trading easier, keep the following tips in mind:

– **Be Patient:** Automation is not a shortcut to instant profits. Start small and focus on learning.
– **Learn from Mistakes:** Use backtesting and paper trading to experiment safely.
– **Prioritize Risk Management:** Effective position sizing and stop-loss rules are essential.
– **Practice Consistently:** Regular coding, testing, and refining improve skills and confidence.
– **Seek Guidance:** Utilize courses, communities, and mentors to avoid common pitfalls.

### Final Thoughts

Transitioning from manual to automated trading may seem challenging, but it is vital for long-term success. Automation brings consistency, efficiency, and the ability to analyze vast amounts of data.

QuantInsti’s quantitative finance courses equip beginners with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence needed to design, backtest, and implement automated strategies effectively.

QuantInsti offers a modular, flexible, “learn by coding” approach, including free starter courses and affordable per-course pricing. For advanced learners, the EPAT program provides live classes, expert faculty, placement support, and career opportunities through hiring partners and alumni success stories.

Together, these programs help beginners become skilled, confident traders ready to succeed in today’s dynamic markets.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/latest-news/how-beginners-can-transition-from-manual-to-automated-trading

Mumbai’s Residential Market Records 9% YoY Growth In Q3, Reveals Knight Frank Report

In its latest report, **‘India Real Estate: Residential and Office Q3 2024 (July – September 2024)’**, Knight Frank India revealed significant growth trends in Mumbai’s real estate market.

### Mumbai’s Residential Market Leads with Highest Sales

Mumbai’s residential market recorded the highest sales among eight major Indian cities, with **24,222 units sold**, marking a **9% year-on-year (YoY) growth**. During the same period, the city witnessed the launch of **23,677 new residential units**.

The average weighted residential price in Mumbai saw a **6% YoY increase**, reaching **Rs 8,056 per sq ft**, making it the highest residential price in the country.

### Growth Across Price Segments

Mumbai experienced a **10% YoY growth** in the Rs 5 million to 10 million ticket size category during Q3 2024, which contributed to **24% of the city’s total sales**. Meanwhile, the under Rs 5 million segment recorded the highest sales volume, with **10,198 units sold**—representing **42% of total sales**.

The Rs 10 million and above category showed a robust **16% YoY growth**, rising from 7,018 units in Q3 2023 to 8,153 units in Q3 2024.

### Office Space: Record Transactions and Completions

Mumbai also led the office real estate market, reporting the highest number of office space transactions among the eight cities, with **1.93 million sq ft** leased during Q3 2024.

The city’s total office space transactions reached **2.7 million sq ft** during this period, while office completions surged by **167%**, hitting **0.8 million sq ft**.

### Industry Insights from Knight Frank India

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, commented,
“**Mumbai’s residential market has sustained its strong momentum in 2024**, supported by steady sales, a solid economic outlook, and stable interest rates, all contributing to positive homebuyer sentiment. With continued stability in socio-economic and political conditions, the upcoming festive season, and the ongoing growth trajectory, we expect a strong close to 2024, with both residential and commercial office transactions hitting record levels.”

### Broader Office Market Trends

The report also highlighted that office space transactions across the country reached **19 million sq ft in Q3 2024**, the highest quarterly absorption since Q1 2018. This reflects an **18% YoY increase** from 16.1 million sq ft in Q3 2023.

Year-to-date leasing stood at **53.7 million sq ft** within the first nine months of 2024, a **27% increase YoY**, putting the market on track to achieve a new annual high.

The strong demand in office space demonstrates business confidence in the Indian economy’s ongoing growth. Additionally, increased interest from GCC countries signals a growing commitment from global enterprises towards India’s business environment.

### Perspective from Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd

Dhaval Ajmera, Director at Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd, added,
“India’s real estate sector, particularly in cities like Mumbai, is experiencing significant growth due to extensive infrastructural development. Mumbai has seen a strong increase in redevelopment activities, reshaping the skyline of key micro-markets and creating demand in emerging areas. The recognition of real estate as a valuable asset class has also attracted numerous domestic and NRI investors.”

He further noted,
“When it comes to commercial real estate, established locations like BKC and Nariman Point are nearly at peak capacity. However, emerging micro-markets such as Wadala are becoming strong contenders for commercial and retail real estate. The reopening of offices and growth in job opportunities in India’s Silicon Valley are attracting businesses and professionals, driving increases in commercial real estate sales and rental prices in this area.”

“Overall, with strong support from the increased purchasing power of homebuyers and their desire to enhance living conditions, the positive growth trend in the Indian real estate market is expected to continue into the coming year,” Ajmera concluded.

**For more updates and insights on India’s real estate sector, stay tuned to Knight Frank India.**
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/mumbais-residential-market-records-9-yoy-growth-in-q3-reveals-knight-frank-report