Real Estate Blues: Why 11 Key Indian Developers Are Down 5-38% YTD in 2025 Amid Market Headwinds

  The Indian real estate sector, often hailed as a cornerstone of economic growth, is facing a turbulent 2025. Contributing around 7% to the nation's GDP, the industry was projected to expand to $1 trillion by 2030, fueled by urbanization and infrastructure booms. Yet, halfway through the year, all 21 tracked stocks in the real estate and construction space are in the red, with year-to-date (YTD) declines ranging from a modest 5% to a staggering 38%. This sector-wide slump isn't just bad luck—it's a cocktail of escalating construction costs, a 13% drop in residential sales volumes in H1 2025 due to shifting buyer preferences and macroeconomic pressures, and affordability crunches in metros where prices have surged 21% annually. High interest rates and reduced launches have compounded the pain, leading to a 27% YoY dip in institutional investments to $1.2 billion in the first half. In this two-part deep dive, we'll unpack the first half of these laggards—11 stocks that...

Stay Connected Anywhere: Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL Introduce Inter Circle Roaming for Seamless Network Access

 


Imagine traveling to a remote village or a hilly region, only to find your mobile network disappearing just when you need it most. For years, this has been a common frustration for mobile users in India, especially in areas with patchy coverage. But now, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative announced by Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL users can breathe a sigh of relief. With the introduction of Inter Circle Roaming (ICR), seamless connectivity is no longer a distant dream—even in the most hard-to-reach corners of the country.

What is Inter Circle Roaming (ICR)?

Inter Circle Roaming (ICR) is a revolutionary service that allows your phone to automatically switch to any available network when your primary service provider’s signal is unavailable. Whether you’re a Jio, Airtel, Vi, or BSNL subscriber, your device will scan for towers funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)—a government initiative to boost digital connectivity—and connect to them without any manual intervention. This ensures you stay online, no matter where you are.

For example, if you’re a Jio user and your network drops in a remote area, your phone can latch onto an Airtel or BSNL tower, provided it’s part of the DBN network. It’s simple, automatic, and designed to keep you connected.

Why ICR is a Game Changer

The benefits of ICR go beyond just convenience. Here’s why this service is making waves:

  1. Uninterrupted Connectivity in Remote Areas: No more dropped calls or lost signals when you’re traveling off the beaten path.
  2. Disaster Resilience: During natural calamities, when certain networks might fail, ICR ensures you can still reach out for help or stay updated.
  3. Cost-Free Convenience: There’s no extra charge for using this service, making it accessible to all users.
  4. Reliable Performance: Security and data speeds remain uncompromised, so you’re not sacrificing quality for connectivity.

As Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia aptly put it: “No more struggling with network issues in remote areas. With Intra Circle Roaming (ICR), your phone seamlessly switches to an available network, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Stay connected, anytime, anywhere.”

How Does It Work?

The process is straightforward. Your smartphone constantly scans for available networks. When it detects that your primary provider’s signal is weak or unavailable, it searches for DBN-funded towers operated by other telecom providers like Jio, Airtel, Vi, or BSNL. Once identified, it connects automatically, ensuring you don’t miss a beat. This feature is currently rolled out for sites supported by the Digital Bharat Nidhi, with potential for further expansion in the future.

Beyond ICR: Telecom Updates in India

While ICR is stealing the spotlight, other exciting developments are shaping India’s telecom landscape. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently shared a win for mobile users: 200 stolen phones have been recovered through the Sanchar Saathi portal. By reporting lost or stolen devices on this platform, users collaborated with the cyber cell and local police to reclaim their gadgets—a testament to how technology is empowering citizens.

Meanwhile, BSNL is charging ahead with its network expansion plans. The state-run telecom operator is on track to deploy 1 lakh 4G sites across India, with support from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). But BSNL isn’t stopping there. The company is already gearing up for the future, testing 5G Standalone (SA) services in Delhi. What’s more, BSNL’s existing 4G sites—built with indigenous technology—can be upgraded to 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) with a simple software update, as confirmed by the Tata Group. This positions BSNL as a pioneer in India’s telecom sector, being the only operator to deploy homegrown 4G infrastructure while private players like Jio, Airtel, and Vi leaned on foreign tech for their rollouts.

The Road Ahead

The introduction of ICR is a significant step toward bridging India’s digital divide, ensuring that even the most remote regions stay connected. Coupled with BSNL’s ambitious 4G and 5G plans, it’s clear that the country’s telecom ecosystem is evolving rapidly. Whether you’re a traveler, a rural resident, or someone who values staying connected during emergencies, these advancements promise a future where “no network” becomes a thing of the past.

So, the next time you venture into a remote area, rest easy knowing your phone has your back—courtesy of Inter Circle Roaming and India’s forward-thinking telecom policies. Stay connected, anytime, anywhere!

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