A recent study conducted by the Indian real estate technology company NoBroker, which provides a platform for buying, selling, or renting housing, revealed that a substantial sum of 1.26 trillion rupees is blocked as security deposits with property owners in India's six largest metropolitan areas.
According to the NoBroker report, Mumbai (41,156 crore rupees) and Bangalore (31,628 crore rupees) recorded the largest volume of funds blocked in deposits among the surveyed cities. Meanwhile, in Delhi-NCR, about 58 percent of tenants received their final deposit in full after the lease ended, approximately 30 percent faced deductions, and only about 12 percent had significant disputes, as stated in the NoBroker report.
The report highlights that rent is the largest expense item in the monthly budget of most urban renters, with nearly half of these renters spending more than 30 percent of their monthly income on it. However, the weight of this financial burden is unevenly distributed across cities. In Mumbai, 25 percent of renters spend more than half of their income on rent, and another 15 percent are in the 41–50 percent range, meaning that roughly four out of ten Mumbai renters allocate more than 40 percent of their earnings to housing.
Structural gaps in housing affordability also influence lease duration. For identical properties, the monthly mortgage payment over thirty years is now significantly higher than the monthly rent in every major city, and this gap has widened since 2021. In Bangalore, the EMI-to-rent ratio increased from 2.07 to 2.38, in Hyderabad—from 2.21 to 2.47, and in Mumbai—from 2.03 to 2.19.
As purchasing becomes relatively more expensive compared to renting in almost all metropolises, the study's findings suggest that a larger group of prospective homeowners is being forced to remain in long-term rentals not by choice, but by mathematical calculation. The mortgage, once considered a natural step from renting to owning, now requires monthly payments that these renters cannot afford, causing them to stay where they are. The forced renter is no longer an exception in the urban rental market; they are becoming its center of gravity.
Tenant behavior is also transforming as rapidly as tenant demographics, according to the NoBroker report. Generation Z tenants are moving approximately one and a half times more often than older cohorts, compressing the rental cycle that landlords are still adapting to.
Among tenants aged 18–24, 30 percent move every six to twelve months, compared to about 10 percent among those aged 35 and older. As tenants age, stability increases: most people over 55 stay in one place for more than three consecutive years.
The investment economy in the rental market is decisively shifting towards compact formats. The report suggests that 1BHK apartments and studios offer higher rental yields than larger configurations in each of the studied cities. Bangalore, with a yield of 4.8 percent, and Hyderabad with 4.6 percent, are among the cities with the highest rental yields, while the yield curve gradually declines with increasing unit size, dropping below 3 percent for most 4BHK apartments.
The compact crossover Tata Osprey, known as the Nexon in most international markets, is preparing for its debut in South Africa. Although Tata Motors has not yet achieved the strong market penetration of some of its Indian and Chinese competitors, the brand is gradually expanding its presence, and the new product will play a key role in this expansion.
The Indian manufacturer returned to South Africa in 2025, introducing models such as the compact hatchback Tigao, along with SUVs like the Punch, Curvv, and Harrier. The next model to enter the market is the Osprey, which is marketed as the Nexon in other regions. The Osprey is expected to arrive in dealerships in the third quarter of 2026, and there is a possibility that it could become a brand bestseller.
Pricing and trim details will be announced closer to the launch, but given that the vehicle measures 3995 mm in length, it is likely to position itself between the Punch and Curvv models. It will compete with turbocharged versions of the Nissan Magnite and entry-level variants of the Chery Tiggo 4. Since the Punch is sold in the price range of R244,900 to R339,900, and the Curvv starts from R349,900, it is reasonable to assume that the Osprey might cost less than R300,000.
The specific lineup for the local market has not yet been confirmed, but in the domestic market, the Osprey is offered with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 88 kW, as well as a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 84 kW. Both options feature front-wheel drive. The interior boasts interesting color schemes. According to Tata Motors SA, the cabin of the local models will be equipped with a 10.25-inch Harman multimedia system and a digital instrument cluster of similar size. The IRA 2.0 connected car technology will allow owners to remotely monitor their vehicles. Other features include ventilated synthetic leather seats, an HD rear-view camera with 360-degree view, an HD backup camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
In terms of safety, the Osprey has received a five-star rating from Global NCAP, and its equipment includes six airbags and second-level ADAS driver assistance systems. Furthermore, Tata plans to launch its rather impressive mid-size SUV, the Sierra, in South Africa this year. Jeff Ellison, General Manager of Products and Marketing at Tata SA, noted: 'Since our return to South Africa last year, we have achieved tremendous success, exceeding our targets and selling over 600 vehicles in May.' He added that 'various launches of new models in the medium term are intended to support and strengthen this momentum so that the brand continues to grow in South Africa.'
Residents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are facing uncertainty as Eskom escalates its efforts to eliminate illegal electricity connections across the province. In Lion Park, residents attempted unsuccessfully on Wednesday to physically obstruct Eskom and police from entering their village to sever unauthorized power supplies.
Utility workers were actively engaged on Wednesday and Thursday, dismantling and seizing numerous transformers and cables that the Lion Park community in Pietermaritzburg had been using for power theft. Residents tried to block the road leading to Lion Park to prevent Eskom from enforcing a Pietermaritzburg High Court order mandating the disconnection.
This recent action followed a similar operation conducted in March at Hardingsdale Farm, locally known as Claridge, also situated in Pietermaritzburg. Eskom issued a statement on Wednesday warning that comparable operations would be implemented throughout the province in areas known for widespread illegal hookups.
Since the disconnections began, some residents in Claridge who can afford it have installed solar panels to maintain lighting and run household appliances. While Eskom lacks a precise count of villages with illegal connections, Dadewabo Mbhele, the Senior Manager for Customer Services, informed the media in Lion Park that intelligence gathering is underway to pinpoint these locations.
Mbhele confirmed plans to extend operations to other regions, noting that in other provinces, they have already disconnected farmers who have maintained illegal connections for extended periods. She emphasized that the goal of working with intelligence is to locate energy loss points to secure the network for paying customers.
Mbhele previously estimated in March that the utility suffers annual losses amounting to roughly R6 billion due to these illicit connections. During the Lion Park operation, some residents living in modern homes told the media they could afford legal bills but faced difficulties convincing Eskom to provide them with official connections. Mbhele explained that the inability to connect these households stems from the fact that their land is designated as agricultural rather than residential.
Eskom affirmed its commitment to supplying electricity lawfully and safely, replacing illegal links that jeopardize the stability and security of the power grid. Both Lion Park and Claridge feature properties with high-end residences.
Eskom noted that in Lion Park, electricity was illegally supplied to households numbering over 1,400 within the last twelve years. The area is predominantly composed of households classified under a high Socio-Economic Measure (SEM) who possess the means to cover service costs. These community members reportedly constructed extensive unauthorized infrastructure, including poles, lines, and transformers, to power approximately 1,400 homes.
The statement further detailed that these unauthorized connections are estimated to cause Eskom revenue losses surpassing R14 million each year. Eskom also suspects that some of the equipment used for these illegal connections may have been acquired unlawfully.
Eskom reiterated its legal duty, as stipulated by its electricity distribution license and the NRS 048 Code, to remove illegal connections and guarantee a safe and dependable electricity supply for all consumers. The utility stressed that illegal connections severely stress the network, heighten the danger of blackouts, and present serious safety risks to local populations.
The company's chairperson, Dr Mteto Nyati, cited in the statement, argued that the nation deserves reliable power, which can only be achieved through accountability and payment for services. He asserted that non-payment by both customers and municipalities hinders national progress, investment, and prosperity, stating that collective responsibility is necessary for a stronger South Africa.
Tembela Kulu, the General Manager of Eskom Group Investigations and Security, assured that the group would remain resolute in protecting its infrastructure. His teams will continue supporting the auditing and removal of illegal connections to safeguard Eskom's assets, maintain network integrity, and ensure employee safety.
Joyce Zingoni, Eskom’s Industry and Stakeholder Management Manager, reported that the combined approach of disconnecting illegal links, engaging with communities, and installing smart meters is producing favorable outcomes in combating theft and the culture of non-payment. She pledged continued execution of these activities until all illegal connections and network tampering cease, focusing on awareness, education, and removal.
The land in Lion Park is administered by the Azibuye Emasisweni Amaqhamu Community Trust, having been legally reclaimed from several farmers. The trust's chairperson, Mlungisi Khanyezi, mentioned that he and the trust's legal team were preparing an urgent application at the Pietermaritzburg High Court to seek an injunction against Eskom's disconnection efforts. However, when contacted on Thursday for an update, he stated he was in a meeting and would only be available after 1 pm, ultimately failing to answer calls or respond to WhatsApp messages.
The trust has urged the public to report any illegal connections anonymously through its crime line (0800 11 27 22), WhatsApp (081 333 3323), email (eskom@whistleblowing.co.za), or SMS Line (31090).
Conquest, Asia's largest student accelerator and an initiative of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) at BITS Pilani, has announced its cohort for 2026. Twenty-two startups were selected from over 3000 applications received from across the country.
The program operates on a non-equity and no-fee model. It has established itself as one of the leading platforms for early founders seeking ecosystem support, access to investors, and mentorship without encumbrances.
This year's cohort covers a wide range of industries, including artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductor infrastructure, healthcare, and climate innovations. This selection reflects a deliberate decision to support founders across various industries rather than concentrating on a single theme.
A significant number of the selected startups are developing technologies aimed at improving industrial efficiency, reducing waste, and implementing more sustainable production systems. Other companies are focused on healthcare, addressing issues of accessibility, preventive care, and patient outcomes. Startups working on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), robotics, AI-based automation, and specialized software infrastructure are also represented—areas where Indian founders aim to create globally significant products from the outset.
One notable trend in the current selection is the growing presence of deep-tech and research-based companies. Many founders are tackling problems that require long development cycles, deep domain expertise, and genuine technical defensibility. This signals a shift from the consumer-oriented approach that dominated previous waves of Indian startup activity to businesses built around intellectual property and hard-to-replicate capabilities.
The cohort also demonstrates an expansion of startup activities in India beyond internet business models. Founders are actively entering sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, construction, and corporate operations, applying technological solutions to areas that have historically modernized slowly.
In the coming weeks, the selected startups will undergo a structured mentorship program involving entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and subject matter experts. The main focus will be on refining product strategy, strengthening business models, and preparing for the next stage of growth. The program will conclude with an in-person week in Bengaluru, which includes workshops, networking, and direct discussions with ecosystem leaders, culminating in a Demo Day where the startups will present their projects to investors, founders, and industry stakeholders.
Founder support programs have gained increased importance amid intensifying competition for capital and talent. The scale of applications for Conquest this year attests both to the depth of entrepreneurial activity emerging across India and to founders' broader interest in structured support that goes beyond mere financial injection.
