By Mr. Ayush Ahuja, Co-Founder of Zalon

The beauty industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, at the heart of which lies the role played by technological advancements. Integrating technology with the industry has provoked shifts in its traditional value chain and ushered in a wave of notable advancements, offering new opportunities for those willing to enter the field. This is predicted to only increase in the future, due to the fast-evolving digital landscape and wider potential for innovation in terms of job prospects, branding and management strategies, and virtual marketplaces. Here we look at some of the new roles combining beauty and technology, along with how the use of technology has reshaped the industry.

Digital roles to grow 

With the beauty and salon industry going digital, there has been a plethora of emerging professional roles in the industry. Beauty professionals today are re-inventing themselves with challenging roles that are shaping the beauty industry for times to come. Every brand today has to have a great digital presence and this is possible only if there are digital professionals who are leading the brand from the front. There are digital marketing professionals and growth strategists who manage the digital presence of any particular brand. Be it handling Social Media pages, running digital campaigns, or optimizing online content, – it is all a well-planned strategy that each brand needs to work on. Digital professionals scrutinize customer data and market trends to come up with useful strategies for brand growth. There is little doubt that social media’s pervasive presence in people’s daily lives has been fundamental for the burgeoning online beauty business and hence businesses and brands go ahead and leverage its immense reach. With this, comes the whole task of managing the social media presence of beauty brands, keeping up with current trends in the market, and careful inspection of social media activity that would resonate with the audience, and yield the desired ROI.

AR Makeup Artists and Stylists

What a brush stroke could do to a face has in modern-day transformed into what coding or even a mouse click can do to faces miles away. The use of cutting-edge technology like Augmented Reality can today create digital makeup, looks, and style transformations, offering a completely interactive experience. Often they may involve virtual consultation to provide suggestions with looks and preferences. Additionally, they need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AR technologies, including “try on” makeup looks, hairstyles, and outfits virtually through AR-powered apps or mirrors. This is a brand-new career opportunity that is alluring to many beauty professionals.

Data Scientist drives solutions
With technology going the Artificial Intelligence (AI) way, data scientists have become the most sought-after professionals in the beauty industry. This role serves as a bridge between the realm of beauty chemistry and data science. Perhaps among the best giving of technology, Data Science helps us in making informed decisions. Using data history, they identify the combination and dosage of product ingredients to obtain specific skincare or beauty results; ranging from acne solutions, targeting anti-aging, and a plethora of other cosmetic treatments. As they collaborate consistently with beauty chemists, data engineers, and marketing teams, their work combines the art and science of beauty formulation.

Influencer marketing overrules

YouTube and Instagram are the latest marketing tools that have built brands in record time. Social media platforms have provided brands with a dynamic visual canvas to showcase their products, enabling them to cultivate a compelling online presence. Many beauty professionals and enthusiasts are turning into successful influencers who are shaping brand awareness. Influencers develop and execute data-driven influencer marketing strategies and creative campaigns. It demands a flair for networking, in-depth knowledge of the social media marketing industry, and an understanding of what marketing strategies could work across different channels and mediums. YouTubers and Influencers today are the most sought-after by brands and are an integral part of any marketing campaign.

UI/UX Designers going strong

With the mushrooming of beauty Apps, there has been a rising need for special UI/UX designers, and having a little understanding of the beauty industry is always an added advantage. Responsible for creating user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design of mobile applications dealing with make-up, beauty, skin care, and similar areas, these tech designers make a huge difference in the way customers perceive the brands, and ensure the digital experience is good enough to keep the engagement going. Conducting background research, conducting testing sessions to gather insights for areas of development, curating features based on user profiles, etc. are all part of it.

The growth of digital platforms for the beauty industry received a further boost during the COVID-19 pandemic when consumers could not access physical retail stores with lockdowns and restrictions imposed. Yet, the whole appeal of walking into a store, trying on different products could hardly be substituted by the dry and detached method of browsing through pictures in shopping websites. Here’s where Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and other technological advancements came to the rescue. Virtual try-on options to assess how one would look and feel using different products enhanced the shopping experience of the users, and there was a surge in incorporating AR in top beauty brands on their websites. And consumers are loving these virtual experiences.

To sum up, there is now a wide breadth of sub-markets within the beauty industry, of cosmetics, haircare, spas, and much more. With the integration of beauty and technology, the future is yet to yield many more cutting-edge career roles.

By Mr. Rajendra Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of Ambit Realtors and Developers

In the ever-evolving landscape of the real estate market, it is imperative for industry leaders to recognize and adapt to the changing dynamics driven by the demands of new generations. One such generation that is making waves in the real estate sector is Generation Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Generation Z is the cohort succeeding the Millennials, and its impact on the housing market is profound. In this article, we will delve into how Generation Z is shaping the real estate market and what developers and investors need to know to navigate this transformative era successfully.

Understanding Generation Z:

Before we explore their influence on the real estate market, it is essential to understand who Generation Z is and what defines them. This generation grew up in the digital age, with smartphones and the internet being a ubiquitous part of their lives from an early age. They are characterized by their tech-savviness, diversity, and a strong inclination toward sustainability and social responsibility. Having witnessed the Great Recession and the housing crisis, they tend to be more financially cautious and pragmatic in their approach to homeownership.

Remote Work and Homeownership:

One of the most significant impacts of Generation Z on the real estate market is their role in accelerating the shift towards remote work. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to adopt remote work policies, which, in turn, has made the concept of homeownership more appealing to this generation. With the freedom to work from anywhere, Generation Z is not tied to specific urban centers, leading them to consider suburban or rural areas where housing is more affordable.

This shift has prompted developers and investors to reevaluate their strategies. In response, we have witnessed a growing demand for spacious homes with dedicated office spaces and outdoor amenities. Properties with these features have become more attractive to Generation Z, as they seek to balance work and leisure within their homes.

Tech-Driven Preferences:

Generation Z’s tech-savviness is reshaping the way they search for and purchase properties. They rely heavily on online resources, virtual tours, and social media to research potential homes. Real estate companies that invest in user-friendly websites, high-quality digital content, and virtual reality experiences will undoubtedly have an edge in attracting this tech-savvy cohort.

Moreover, Generation Z’s preferences are influenced by the desire for smart homes. They are more likely to invest in properties equipped with cutting-edge technology such as smart thermostats, security systems, and energy-efficient appliances. Real estate developers need to incorporate these features into their properties to meet the demands of this generation.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Features:

Generation Z is passionate about environmental issues, making sustainability a significant factor in their real estate decisions. They prefer properties with eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and sustainable building materials. Developers who prioritize sustainability and promote their eco-friendly initiatives are more likely to attract and retain Generation Z buyers.

Furthermore, many in this generation are interested in urban farming and gardening, leading to the rise of community gardens and green spaces within residential complexes. Developers can tap into this trend by designing properties with communal gardens and rooftop spaces for urban agriculture.

Financial Prudence and Investment Potential:

Having witnessed the challenges faced by Millennials during the housing crisis, Generation Z tends to approach homeownership with caution. They prioritize financial stability and are more inclined to save for a down payment before making a purchase. Developers and real estate professionals should offer flexible financing options and educate potential buyers about the benefits of homeownership as a long-term investment.

Generation Z’s financial prudence also extends to co-living and co-buying arrangements. Many in this generation are open to sharing the financial burden of homeownership with friends or family members, leading to a rise in co-housing models. Developers can explore opportunities in creating properties that cater to this trend, offering shared spaces and flexible living arrangements.

Community-Centric Living:

Generation Z places a high value on community and social connections. They are drawn to neighborhoods with strong community bonds, proximity to public spaces, and access to local amenities. Developers should consider incorporating community-centric features into their projects, such as communal lounges, co-working spaces, and shared recreational areas.

Additionally, Generation Z tends to prioritize walkability and public transportation options. Properties located in areas with good public transit connectivity and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are more likely to appeal to this generation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Generation Z is reshaping the real estate market with their unique preferences, tech-savvy nature, sustainability consciousness, and financial prudence. Developers and investors must adapt to these changing dynamics to stay competitive in the industry. This generation’s influence on the housing market is undeniable, and those who recognize and cater to their needs will thrive in this transformative era.

By Mr Vimal Kumar, Director, Finovista and India Team Lead MECS programme

In the quest for a sustainable future, the global community has set its sights on a seemingly simple yet profoundly transformative goal: ensuring access to clean cooking for all. With a staggering 2.4 billion people worldwide still lacking this basic necessity, urgent action is required. The path to achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2030 is not without its challenges, chief among them being the substantial funding gap that currently plagues the sector. While the estimated annual requirement stands at a daunting USD 10 billion, current funding levels fall short by a wide margin, in the mere tens of millions. This stark disparity highlights the pressing need for private capital investment to propel the clean cooking revolution forward.

In recent years, India’s clean cooking market has emerged as a shining example of the potential for transformative change. Fueled by a surge in government focus and initiatives like the Go Electric campaign and UJWALA Yojana, the adoption of clean cooking solutions in India has witnessed remarkable growth. The Indian government’s recognition of the manifold benefits of clean cooking technologies has not only ignited domestic innovation but has also paved the way for a robust “Made in India” campaign, promoting locally manufactured clean cooking appliances. This confluence of factors has positioned India as a beacon of hope, proving that policy-driven support can catalyze an entire sector’s growth.

Furthermore, the export prospects for Indian clean cooking solutions have expanded, particularly in energy-deprived regions like Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Southeast Asia (SE Asia). These regions, grappling with energy poverty and the imperative for cleaner cooking alternatives, present a fertile ground for Indian companies to make a meaningful impact. Armed with expertise and technologies honed in their home market, Indian modern energy-based cooking solution providers have the potential to drive the global transition towards sustainable cooking practices.

Despite the favorable market conditions and the undeniable promise of clean cooking, Indian companies in this sector continue to face a formidable barrier: the challenge of securing investment and finance. Access to capital remains a critical hurdle for entrepreneurs and enterprises aiming to scale their operations. The crux of the issue lies in the limited understanding of the clean cooking sector among financial institutions and investors. This lack of knowledge often translates into reluctance to provide loans or other financial services, due to misconceptions about the technologies, business models, and perceived risks associated with the sector.

Clean cooking solutions, while indispensable for a sustainable future, grapple with longer payback periods and lower profit margins compared to conventional alternatives. Moreover, their upfront costs can be steep, creating further hesitance among investors. Overcoming these financial barriers is a non-negotiable imperative to ensure the continued expansion and impact of clean cooking solutions in India. While the government has introduced various schemes to support the growth of clean energy startups, additional efforts are indispensable to foster a conducive investment environment. Attracting both domestic and international funding for Indian clean cooking ventures necessitates concerted action.

In this backdrop, the global clean cooking sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by technological advancements, growing recognition of its importance within the clean energy access domain, and the rise of startups, innovators, and SMEs. Access to finance, a crucial determinant of success, has rightfully taken center stage. Private capital investment emerges as the missing piece of the puzzle, injecting the sector with the resources it direly needs to realize its potential.

Private capital investment brings more than just financial backing; it infuses the sector with expertise, innovation, and a sense of urgency. With private capital at play, the clean cooking sector can rise above its challenges and propel itself towards a future where clean, sustainable, and accessible cooking is the norm, not the exception. It’s time for investors and financial institutions to recognize the potential of the clean cooking revolution and step up to bridge the funding gap.

There has been an increase in urbanization and population growth that has put pressure on the existing infrastructure. In the post-Covid-19 world, township living has gained traction. With increasing disposable income, greater connectivity, robust infrastructure and demand for top end security and privacy, many real estate giants are leaving no stone unturned in the luxury segment to woo homebuyers by offering integrated townships that not only meet these aspirations but are also ensuring a seamless and healthier lifestyle.

Integrated townships are gaining prevalence and are emerging as the ‘next destination’ as it provides a balanced mix of connectivity, premium residences, modern amenities and green spaces.

Real estate luxury is not just about breathtaking opulent spaces with great interiors or state of the art exteriors, rather it is also about the best of what modern technology has to offer. Many real estate giants have already rolled out the best of technology to ensure the luxury homebuyers have the best.

For instance, over the last two years India has witnessed a new trend wherein top-of-the-line AI technologies are being deployed by real estate developers to ensure that smart and sustainable living are the way ahead for its residents. These high-end services from integrated traffic management system, modern living, green spaces and easy access to all important parts of a city.

This also includes state-of-the art security, quick response teams and educational facilities with premier educational institutions. Smart waste management systems, smart lighting, top security facilities including guards and CCTV cameras and ANPR system for reading scanning car numberplates. The idea here is to provide real-time security of an elevated level to ensure that homebuyers and their families don’t have to stress about safety issues at any level –on a personal level to worrying about their locked residences, when they are away on a vacation or any other occasion.

Some of the ways in which integrated townships are redefining luxury are:

• Excellent Investment: Undoubtedly, luxury real estate always spells a win-win situation for the homebuyers as it scales down the risks which are typically associated with fluctuating markets, therefore making them a very wise and safe long-term option. With India witnessing a rise of integrated townships that are steeped in luxurious experiences and offerings, this is a good option. Integrated townships are not only well planned but also offer everything considering their comprehensive creation which house every thinkable amenity.
• Self-managing ecosystems: With mixed use of real estate trending across India, integrated townships have elevated the concept of luxury living to a new level as it offers topline facilities like residential complex, recreational zones, parks, premier schools & other educational institutions, high end retail spaces, medical facilities that cater to every need. In a nutshell, integrated townships provide seamless connectivity, niche community living and accessibility at the fingertips. It also means a huge scaling back on travel time and reducing travel stress.
• Provides an unparalleled quality life: The inclusion of exceptional facilities that give an extra edge and a more defined experience are also transforming how Indian homebuyers are viewing the entire luxury living concept. This includes everything—from hosting niche hobby classes for subjects like Origami, glass painting, to providing special instructors for golf, tennis and a cutting-edge fitness center and luxury swimming pools, landscaped gardens to well-designed green spaces for residents. The idea here is to provide a fine balance of green living with a luxurious lifestyle.

One of the most defining features of luxury integrated townships is the community living concept. With the younger population seeped in their professional challenges within India and overseas, it is viewed as a super safe option to house elderly parents and even younger family members.

Integrated townships are the new drivers of social and economic change and are expected to stay for a long time.

Authored by CJ Singh, COO, Wave City.

The backbone of any economy, both in India and across the globe, is undeniably the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs). These entities contribute significantly to job creation, economic growth, and innovation. However, these enterprises face their share of challenges, often struggling to access resources, technology, and opportunities that can enable them to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Empowering MSMEs and SMBs has become a paramount mission, not only for the sustainability of individual businesses but also for the overall health of economies worldwide.

In India, the MSME sector accounts for a substantial share of employment and industrial output. It’s agility and adaptability are key to the nation’s economic resilience. Across the world, SMBs play a similar role, serving as the driving force behind local economies.

Recognizing their significance, policymakers and industry leaders are championing initiatives to uplift these enterprises.

Access to Finance: One of the foremost challenges faced by MSMEs and SMBs is access to finance. Traditional financial institutions often hesitate to extend credit to these businesses due to perceived risks. This hurdle limits their growth prospects. Governments and financial organizations are working towards creating specialized lending schemes, reducing interest rates, and providing collateral-free loans to enable these enterprises to secure the necessary funds.

Digital Transformation: Embracing technology is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. MSMEs and SMBs need to adopt digital tools and platforms to streamline their operations, connect with customers, and expand their reach. Digital transformation  enhances their competitiveness, enabling them to tap into new markets and leverage data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

Skill Development: Empowering MSMEs and SMBs involves equipping them with the right skill sets. Training programs, workshops, and online resources play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of entrepreneurs and their teams. These initiatives empower them to navigate complexities, innovate, and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Global Outreach: Breaking geographical barriers is another vital aspect of empowering these enterprises. Governments are forging international trade agreements, simplifying export-import procedures, and providing assistance to enable MSMEs and SMBs to access global markets. Such initiatives enhance their visibility and help them become part of the global supply chain.

Enhancing Customer Experiences: Empowerment cannot be achieved without focusing on the customer experience. Technological solutions are fostering customer-centricity, with customer apps offering improved communication, transparency, and engagement. These apps enhance the overall experience, building brand loyalty and driving customer satisfaction.

Pioneering empowerment for MSMEs and SMBs in India and worldwide:

In this journey towards empowerment, we feel extremely proud to witness how our comprehensive field service management application, FieldWeb, is contributing to the empowerment of these enterprises by simplifying and automating several business aspects. The initiative is strongly focused on ensuring that MSMEs and SMBs can focus on growth rather than getting bogged down by administrative complexities.

As we navigate the intricate landscape of empowering MSMEs and SMBs, it is clear that technology-driven solutions such as FieldWeb play a pivotal role by digitising the way all small and medium businesses and enterprises in the field services industry manage, generate leads, market, sell, recruit, finance, invoice, get paid, and organise their businesses.

In my opinion, MSMEs and SMBs are not just businesses; they are engines of innovation and change. Empowering them is not merely an economic initiative and need of the hour; rather, it is a thoughtful step towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Together, as we harness the power of technology, collaboration, and policy initiatives, we pave the way for a vibrant ecosystem that uplifts MSMEs and SMBs, propelling them to greater heights on the global stage.

Authored by Sandeep Singh – Co-founder and CBO FieldWeb by Corefield Technologies

Leading the charge in supply chain innovation, Intugine, a pioneer in real-time multimodal supply chain visibility, introduces an advanced iteration of its Courier Intelligence System – IntuParcel. The upgraded platform promises to reshape B2B courier tracking and management with heightened efficiency, substantial cost savings, and unparalleled customer experience.

At the heart of IntuParcel lies its powerful integration with a vast network of over 700 courier partners, ranging from global giants like DHL and FedEx to local non-tech-enabled transporters. This extensive network addresses diverse business shipping needs, eliminating the complexities of multi-courier operations and ensuring seamless visibility across geographies and routes.

“The all-new IntuParcel marks a significant leap in supply chain innovation. This upgraded version brings scalability and automation into play, making it a revolutionary solution for businesses seeking to optimise their PTL logistics operations,” emphasises Mrinal Rai, Co-Founder & CPO of Intugine.

At its core, IntuParcel simplifies complex aspects of courier management. It offers comprehensive solutions for courier allocation, multi-courier tracking, exception management, freight auditing and error reporting. Businesses can gain valuable insights through data-driven analytics, custom reports and real-time alerts, equipping them with the information needed for agile decision-making.

One of the most significant upgrades is the user interface, designed to be more user-friendly and adaptable to Indian operations. This customisation extends across various functions and hierarchy levels, enhancing the ease of data utilisation and consolidating monthly ledgers conveniently. The platform also features insight-based analytics, providing deeper insights into transporter performance, delivery efficiency, and SLA breaches. Moreover, the upgraded mobile app for clients and logistics providers enables on-the-go dashboard access.

Noteworthy additions include recommendation-based courier allocation for optimised resource management, a comprehensive freight auditing platform that automates bill generation and detects discrepancies, and hassle-free contract management for multi-courier agreements.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Intugine’s commitment to supply chain excellence shines through with the overhaul of IntuParcel. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of modern logistics, IntuParcel emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering tailored solutions to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate customer experience.

In times of market volatility and stock specific events, you may witness changes in Margin Trade Funding (MTF) range provided by your broker on stocks eligible for MTF.  The percentage of margin funding on  stocks are decided by the broker based on various parameters, such as:

1. The risk profile of the stocks, includes volatility, liquidity, price movement, market capitalization etc. Generally, higher the risk, lower the percentage of margin funding allowed by the broker on such stock.
2. The regulatory framework of the stock, which includes its eligibility for margin trading by the Regulators, its inclusion in the Surveillance and monitoring list of the Exchanges, change in settlement type and its compliance with the various margining rules. Generally, stock(s) which are complying with the regulatory mandates are provided with higher percentage of margin funding as they are less risky.
3. The demand and supply of the stock, which includes its availability for lending and borrowing, its popularity among investors and traders, and its market sentiment. Generally, higher the demand and lower the supply, the lower percentage of margin funding allowed on such stock.

These parameters may vary from broker to broker and from platform to platform, and they may subject to change depending on the market conditions, risk assessment and at the discretion of the broker.

Therefore, you should always check the latest percentage of funding range for each stock before using margin trading facility. You can also compare different offers and rates from different brokers and platforms to find the best deal for your needs.

By Vipul Jain, Head- Risk, Mirae Asset Capital

The Enterprises along with focusing on delivering returns to stakeholders, are now being looked upon to fulfil social responsibility for sustainable development.

Sustainable development has been gaining importance-and businesses are now required to do more than just looking it as a reporting requirement or just ticking checklists, rather they have to exercise religiously and more comprehensively.

The enhanced reporting requirements and the transparency required to meet the disclosure standards are expected to further enhance the communicative value of financial reporting.

The reporting frameworks surrounding the sustainability of operations and development have emerged and enterprises are adopting these frameworks for measuring, exercising, and reporting performance in areas associated with ESG Environment, Social, and governance.

Applicability

• As per SEBI Notification dated 5^th May 2021, SEBI has amended Regulation 34 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
• As per the amended regulation, now companies will be required to submit a BRSR-Business Responsibility and Sustainability report instead of the earlier Business Responsibility Report (BRR).
• For the Financial year 2022-23, it is mandatory for the top 1000 listed companies on the basis of market capitalization to report on BRSR. The Market capitalization shall be calculated as of the 31st of March of every financial year.

Outline of ESG and BRSR

ESG stands for Environment, Social, and Governance and it forms the base or say pillars for BRSR.

Environmental-Deals with Organization’s impact on Environment, Social-Deals with Organization’s impact on the community, staff, and customers, etc, Governance-Deals with transparency in operations, ethics, etc.

BRSR has been divided into 3 sections:

Section A: General Disclosures requires some general information such as:

• Details of Listed entity,
• Products/services, Operations/Markets served,
• Details about Employees, corporate structure, details about related parties, CSR Details

Section B: Management and Process Disclosures aims at reporting policies and processes put in place towards adopting the NGRBC Principles/guidelines. NGRBC stands for national guidelines on responsible business conduct, and it gives 9 principles.

These principles deal with Business integrity, Making and providing sustainable goods and services, Employee well-being, Stakeholder interests, Human rights, Environment, Public engagement, Equitable Growth, and Creating and delivering value.

Section C: Principle-wise performance disclosures is aimed at helping entities demonstrate their performance in integrating the Principles and Core Elements with key processes and decisions. This section comprehensively covers management performance on each principle and lists specific questions and disclosures under the same.

Developments in ESG across the globe

• The importance of ESG reporting and compliance has grown by leaps and bounds across the globe in recent times. Sustainability has become strategically important for companies as they gear up for the future.
• Regulators across nations are playing a crucial role in mandating the reporting requirements and also making them continuously evolving to ensure comprehensiveness and transparency.
• For example: as per European Green Deal, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) includes the mandate to report sustainability information under the reporting framework of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
• As per a recent statement from the Australian Securities and investment commission, markets are now pushing into new areas of ESG like nature and biodiversity rather than just focusing on climate change.
• Similarly in the US, the Securities and Exchange Commission has created a Climate and ESG Task Force in the Division of Enforcement which is actively engaged in identifying potential violations including material gaps or misstatements in issuers’ disclosure of climate risks under existing rules, and disclosure and compliance issues relating to investment advisers’ and funds’ ESG strategies.
• ICAI has also been taking a lot of initiatives to educate on sustainability reporting and has been conducting training and developing standards on ESG and social audit standards.
• Further SEBI recently published a consultation paper on ESG disclosures, rating and investing whereby the key highlight included mandating reasonable assurance on BRSR which will improve the reliability of reporting as well as ESG investing.

The current scenario in terms of reporting by the companies

• With the onset of the financial year ending, companies have to publish annual reports for year ending 31 March 2023.
• The reporting is comprehensive, and the requirement is being mandated for the 1^st time, some challenges are obviously expected to come since the reporting requirement is not only quantitative but also has a focus on qualitative aspects.
• However, since reporting has limited applicability over the top 1000 companies only, these companies have strong control over data and hence are prepared to report on BRSR. Further, as of date, many companies have already published their annual reports including BRSR disclosures.

Readiness of the companies in terms of reporting:

In our opinion, companies are well prepared to report on BSRS and consider it a welcoming step as it gives further thrust to investor relations.

With sustainable growth gaining importance, there is a growing expectation from companies to provide comprehensive, accurate, and reliable ESG disclosures. Since ESG investing is expected to become increasingly popular in the coming years, the readiness of companies for ESG reporting and disclosures is an added advantage for the companies to gear up for global competitiveness as ESG ratings are likely to play a prominent role in investment decisions. Further companies with good compliance practices on ESG fronts are expected to hugely benefit from it since this ensures their sustainable growth in the long run.

By:  Kunal Mehra managing partner and co-founder of SW India and Jitin Aggarwal- Director (Audit & Advisory) at SW India