Archives December 2023

Mumbai,6th December 2023 Amazon miniTVs – Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released their sports drama series – ‘Slum Golf’ that chronicles the life of Pawan, a young boy from Mumbai’s slums and his quest to the path of glory! Evoking emotional sentiments and the will to pursue one’s passion, the series is a telling example of emerging victorious in the face of adversity and is being showered with love by audiences for its storyline and endearing characters. Starring Sharad Kelkar, Mayur More, and Arjan Aujla, the inspiring story of an underdog showcasing tremendous grit and resilience is streaming on Amazon miniTV for free.

The streaming service dropped a fascinating video featuring Cricketer Mohd. Shami. The talented cricketer is seen interacting with a cameraman while playing cricket and demonstrating his bowling prowess. Adding a twist to this, he takes a U-turn from bowling in cricket to holding a golf stick in hand. When asked by the cameraman if he has switched from cricket to a new sport, hitting a golf putt, he says, ‘Pawan Nagre ko dekh ke tereko bhi Golf ka chaska chadhega’. Expressing his delight in watching the series, he is seen appreciating the narrative and lauding the efforts of the team, urging others to watch Slum Golf on Amazon miniTV for free.

“I am elated to be associated with Amazon miniTV for their latest sports drama, Slum Golf. It is a beautiful story of passion and determination, proving how hard work and dedication can do wonders. I hope Pawan’s story becomes an inspiration for everyone to pursue their dreams no matter what the obstacles are. I urge everyone to watch Slum Golf which is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free!” shared Mohammed Shami.

Slum Golf is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free within the Amazon Shopping App, on Fire TV, and Play Store.

Bangalore, 6th December 2023: TECNO, the global smartphone brand revolutionizes the sub-7K smartphone segment by launching SPARK GO 2024 – ‘Bharat ka Apna SPARK’, priced aggressively starting at INR6,699.

Since the SPARK GO series burst onto the scene in 2020, it’s been a total game-changer, setting trends and shaking up the tech scene with its innovative features, all while keeping the price tag within reach of majority of Indians. And guess what? The SPARK GO 2024 is here to take things up a notch!

Designed to match the vibes of Aspirational Bharat, the SPARK GO 2024 doesn’t just tick the boxes; it brings in a whole bunch of segment-first features for an epic experience that covers everything from work to entertainment. Plus, it won’t break the bank, with the 3GB RAM+64GB ROM variant coming in at just INR 6699!

Commenting on the new entrant of the SPARK series, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India said, “The debut of the revolutionary SPARK GO 2024 represents a pivotal stride in our overarching mission to promote adoption of technology throughout the nation. This innovative smartphone stands as a beacon in redefining accessibility, simultaneously introducing unprecedented features to a more extensive demographic. Our unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide underscores our dedication to ensuring advanced technology is within reach for everyone. The SPARK GO 2024 serves as a testament to our relentless pursuit of empowering every Indian, providing them with a device that seamlessly integrates premium features into their daily lives.”

The SPARK GO 2024 is set to go live on nearby retail outlets and Amazon starting 7th December 2023.

Key USPs of TECNO SPARK GO 2024:

• Smooth Moves with 90Hz DOT-IN Display and Dynamic Port

Get ready for a visual feast on the 6.56” Dot-In display with Panda screen protection – durable and immersive, just what the users need. The segment-first 90Hz display takes the scrolling experience to the next level, making everything smoother. And the Dynamic Port feature? It adds a fun twist to notifications, making the phone feel like it’s in on the action.

• Fingerprint Magic on the Side

Who needs a fingerprint sensor on the back when you can have it on the side for a more premium experience? The SPARK GO 2024 rocks an anti-oil side fingerprint sensor – which is fast, reliable, and secure. Say goodbye to awkward unlocking moments and hello to a smoother, premium interface.

• Party in Your Pocket with DTS Dual Stereo Speakers

Turn up the volume with the SPARK GO 2024! The segment 1^st DTS Dual Stereo Speakers are no joke – 400% louder sound* means the videos, calls, and all entertainment sessions just got an epic upgrade. Users can immerse themselves in clearer and louder audio, whether it is while binging on content, hopping on video calls, or just vibing to their favorite tunes.

• More Storage for the Ultimate Mobile Experience

Why settle for ordinary when you can have a phone tailored to your needs? SPARK GO 2024 ensures super-smooth app switching and lightning-fast responses, all while making sure users have plenty of space for all their awesome stuff with 3 memory variants- 3GB+64GB, 8GB+64GB, and 8GB+128GB. Users can immerse themselves in the ultimate mobile experience – more storage means more memories to capture, store, and share! While the introductory price for the 3GB+64GB variant has been set at INR6699, the prices for the 8GB+64GB and 8GB+128GB configurations will be revealed at a later date.

Hanover, 6th December 2023 At today’s Capital Market Day in Hanover, Continental announced its strategy for increasing value creation. To achieve its mid-term targets, the company will adopt a package of cost-reduction measures. It thus aims to achieve a consolidated adjusted EBIT margin of around 8 to 11 percent in the next two to three years and then improve within this range. The company has also sharpened its sales expectations. In the short term (two to three years), Continental aims to achieve total sales of around €44 billion to €48 billion. In the medium term (three to five years), it expects total sales to be around €51 billion to €56 billion (outlook for 2023: around €41 billion to €43 billion). It will also carve out parts of the business and carry out further portfolio reviews. Furthermore, the DAX-listed company is increasing the corridor for dividend distributions to around 20 to 40 percent of net income (previously: around 15 to 30 percent).

In the Automotive group sector, Continental will step up its focus on value-creating business areas with high growth. In doing so, the group sector will prepare for the User Experience business area to become organizationally independent. This step will open up new strategic options for thedisplays and HMI controls business. The technology company is also reviewing measures for further business activities within Automotive that are expected to contribute around €1.4 billion to consolidated sales this fiscal year.

In the Tires group sector, Continental will continue to rely on stable earnings and operational excellence. Sustainability, electric mobility and digital tire services will also create various opportunities for further profitable growth. In its ContiTech group sector, Continental will focus on reliable profitability thanks to material solutions made from rubber and plastics. At the same time, the company will strengthen its strategic focus on the group sector’sindustrial business with the aim of increasing its share of ContiTech’s sales from currently around 55 percent to 80 percent.

“Our strategy aims to increase our value creation. This will allow us to continue to develop into the mobility and material technology group for safe, smart and sustainable solutions,” said Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer on Monday in Hanover, adding: “There are good reasons to invest in Continental. We have a clear strategy to achieve our mid-term targets. We will invest specifically in those areas with value creation upside and expand our technology position wherever this gives us an edge over the competition. Our three group sectors make up a balanced and resilient portfolio, which we and our highly effective and efficient team will manage flexibly, proactively and with foresight.”

Referring to the company’s development over the past few years, Setzer added: “After a long period of success, we have more recently had to face many challenges, and our results have not always met our expectations. At the same time, however, this extremely challenging time has also made us more robust. We are therefore entering this next phase of increased value creation in a strong position.”

Sharpened mid-term targets (selection):

¹ EBIT before amortization of intangible assets from purchase price allocation (PPA), changes in the scope of consolidation, and special effects.

² Ratio of EBIT to average operating assets for a fiscal year.

1 EBIT before amortization of intangible assets from purchase price allocation (PPA), changes in the scope of consolidation, and special effects.
2 Ratio of EBIT to average operating assets for a fiscal year.

At the Capital Market Day, Continental CFO Katja Garcia Vila confirmed the current outlook for fiscal 2023 and emphasized: “Achieving our mid-term targets is a priority. To do so, we have a clear plan that we will implement rigorously. With our planned measures, we will reach the corridor for ourexpected mid-term adjusted EBIT margin in the next two to three years and then continue to improve within this range.” Garcia Vila added: “Our vision is to create value for a better tomorrow. The foundation for this is a strong balance sheet and strong free cash flow. We are keeping both firmly in sight. And all of our stakeholders will benefit. We are underlining the importance of our shareholders with our updated dividend policy.”
Automotive: focus on value-creating business areas with high growth
With the strategy announced today, the Automotive group sector aims to increase its long-term profitability and competitiveness. To this end, the strategy focuses on achieving a leading market position in all business areas, improving processes and structures, reducing costs and concentrating on value-creating business areas with high growth. The company has already decided on a number of measures, including making the User Experience business area organizationally independent, which will open up new strategic options for this business. With expected sales of around €3.5 billion by the end of the year and an order volume of more than €7 billion (production launch after 2022), User Experience is among the market leaders in display solutions, head-up displays and digital instrument clusters. The technology company is also reviewing measures for further business activities within Automotive that are expected to contribute around €1.4 billion to consolidated sales this fiscal year.
Independently of this, Automotive is aiming to reduce costs significantly by €400 million per year from 2025. Administrative structures, interfaces, hierarchy levels and complexity will be reduced, for example, and decision-making structures and processes simplified. Automotive is also planning to lower its share of research and development expenses. The group sector is therefore aiming to reduce net research and development expenses in the short term to around 11 percent of sales (expected in 2023: around 12 percent). In the medium term, the share is expected to be less than 10 percent. This will be achieved by consolidating its 82 development locations worldwide, for example.
Premium tires will continue to create opportunities for profitable growth
The Tires group sector stands for profitable growth and exceptional value creation. Over the past five years, Tires has increased its sales by an average of 4.3 percent annually. The basis for the group sector’s commercial success is its operational efficiency. Capacity and state-of-the-art production technologies are continually adapted to changing market requirements. This enables Tires to benefit from major economies of scale and scope, with more than 80 percent of its global production capacity bundled in so-called megafactories.
The megatrends of sustainability, electric mobility and digitalization offer a wide range of opportunities for further profitable growth. Continental already offers the most sustainable production tire on the market and is growing strongly in the area of data-based tire services. In total, it has more than 500 original equipment approvals for supplying fully electric models from automotive manufacturers worldwide, including all 10 of the world’s highest-volume manufacturers of fully electric cars.
Based on this strong market position, the Tires group sector is aiming for sales of around €17 billion to €18 billion and an adjusted EBIT margin of around 13 to 16 percent in the medium term. The recovery of the current weak demand, particularly in the European tire-replacement business, continuous increases in efficiency, the ongoing trend toward larger and higher-performing tires as well as high cost discipline will form the basis for the expected sales and margin increases. The Tires group sector sees strong growth potential particularly in the Asia-Pacific and North and South America regions.
ContiTech to strengthen strategic focus on industrial business
ContiTech will continue to focus on its industrial business. The group sector therefore plans to increase the share of sales accounted for by the industrial business from currently around55 percent to 60 percent in the medium term and to improve its adjusted EBIT margin to around 9 to 11 percent. ContiTech’s ambition is to achieve an industrial share of sales of around 80 percent.
ContiTech’s industrial growth areas are primarily in energy, agriculture and constructionas well as interior design. These industrial fields place high demands on materials and products, for which ContiTech is well positioned thanks to its high level of materials expertise, including for hoses, belts, conveyor belts and surfaces, as well as its uniquely diversified product portfolio.
As already announced, the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area – comprising the automotive business of ContiTech except for surface materials – will also become organizationally independent. OESL is expected to become fully independent in 2025. All strategic options will be reviewed as part of this process, including the entry of a strategic investor, a joint venture or a sale.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.

As India’s most premium food B2B intelligence, India Food Forum marked its final day, it was an evening featuring grand celebrations and recognition for brands who have displayed virtues of grit, passion and dynamism towards reshaping the food sector in India.

The 2-day long India Food Forum hosted industry aficionados for enlightening conversations, collaborative networking and exchanging views on the growth opportunities and shortcomings of the industry.

“India’s food service sector was valued at about USD 41 billion in 2022. While quick service restaurants account for a large value of the market, what is more remarkable in the relentlessly growing experimentation and innovation in not just menus, but also in-restaurant experiences and higher customer engagement via marketing and storytelling. The Pepsi IMAGES Food Service Awards acknowledge this evolution of culinary excellence in India with recognitions across multiple categories,” said Nikhil Behl, CEO – Food Business, IMAGES Group

London – Pontedera, 06th December 2023 – With a global relevance and perceived as a lifestyle icon, the brand Vespa has been valued at more than one billion euros (1,079 million) with a 19% growth in value, compared to the previous valuation (906 million euros in 2021).

This is the result of a new study about Vespa that Piaggio Group (PIA.MI), Europe’s largest scooter and motorcycle manufacturer and one of the world leaders in the industry, has commissioned to Interbrand. The study demonstrates Vespa’s global reach also in terms of distinctiveness, design, lifestyle and entertainment.

“The term ‘iconic’ is often overused, but there’s really no other way to define this brand,” says Manfredi Ricca, Interbrand’s Global Chief Strategy Officer. “Vespa is a heritage brand, and yet it is constantly evolving; it’s quintessentially Italian, and yet globally loved; it’s premium, and yet inclusive. Our valuation work doesn’t only set into numbers the success of this desired and demanded brand – it also shows how Vespa can signify freedom and joie-de-vivre well beyond the boundaries of mobility, and into new arenas. The calibre and the success of the brand’s partnerships speak for themselves.”

In determining Vespa brand’s financial value, Interbrand employed proven, proprietary brand valuation techniques, incorporating financial analysis with primary and quantitative data collected through a global market research, conducted across Vespa’s 10x key markets (Italy, France, Germany, Spain, USA, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and India).

The brand Vespa is confirming its leadership in European markets and gaining more relevance in US and Asia, showing growth especially in Indonesia, where Piaggio Group has recently opened a new plant for the local market.

The report confirms that Vespa is globally perceived more than just a scooter – it globally represents both the opportunity for people to express themselves within their community and a product for leisure and entertainment. Recent global partnerships with Dior, the Disney Pixar movie Luca, Justin Bieber, Lego and the last Mickey Mouse have further strengthened the unique DNA of the brand.

According to the 10 brand strength factors analyzed in Interbrand’s study, Affinity and Distinctiveness are confirmed as key brand strengths of Vespa. This strongly demonstrates not only the deep closeness this icon has with its customers, but also its ability to create an emotional connection with them, through highly differentiated and innovative moves.

In short, Vespa confirms itself as a fashion-lifestyle brand on two wheels, rushing towards the future with a clear brand strategy, followed and loved by millions of passionate followers worldwide.

The findings of these in-depth analyses reveal that, during the complex macroeconomic period we are currently experiencing, Vespa’s brand not only serves as a risk mitigator, but also functions as a genuine business accelerator. Further this is confirmed by the fact that Vespa’s brand has increased its role in driving customers’ choice, in an industry traditionally more attached to functional drivers. Another key element to consider is the great momentum Piaggio Group is experiencing: in 2022 the Group reached the milestone of 2bn euros in revenue for the first time in its history, growing 25% versus the previous year.

India, 06th December 2023: Continuing to stand as the ultimate rendezvous for architects, interior designers, and leading brands, Home & Design TRENDS hosted the sixth edition of D/code 2023, a Times Group initiative. The immersive event was held at DOME, SVP Stadium in Mumbai. Curated by some of the finest architects and interior designers’ teams, D/code 2023 was a 2-day extravaganza with an array of activities that included Speed Dating, BFFs Mystery Challenge, Design Debates, The Designers Corridor and more. The event served as an engaging and a knowledgeable experience for the attendees who came to explore the futuristic elements of design and décor.

Introducing an exciting new segment, the event featured The Design Debate, an engaging forum that brought together leading designers and architects. The team captains, included Kunal and Khushboo Khandelwal; Farah Agarwal and Arun Shekhar Gawda, who led teams of upcoming talents sharing their unique perspectives on topics like urban cityscape development and high-rise vs low-rise buildings respectively. Furthermore, an interactive activity, Speed Dating with the Stars of Design was hosted, wherein young designers had one-of-a-kind chance to engage with prominent architects such as Alan Abraham, Aakif Habib, Vaishali Kamdar, Divya Thakur amongst others. Putting communication between designers to test, a Mystery BFF Challenge was held with renowned architect Arzan Khambatta as the workshop lead. Couples in Design, an activity curated for couples, witnessed them go head-to-head in an exhilarating Jenga challenge.

The event hosted the 9th edition of the TRENDS Excellence Awards for Architecture & Design by Home & Design TRENDS. The celebration stood as the epitome of recognition for the finest in Indian and international design. The jury members comprised of Sonali Bhagwati, Lalita Tharani, Nina Puri, Kiran Gala, Abin Chaudhuri and Ronitaa Italia, who recognized and honored unparalleled creativity, and innovation across categories such as architecture, interior design, product design, and visual design. VPA Architects had resounding number of wins at the awards including The Best Practice of 2023. The Purple Ink Studio, Muaz Rahman Architects, Pantone Collective, Beetle Design Studio, Kunal Maniar and Associates, Studio Indigene and more were also amongst those who took home the coveted trophy.

Additionally, the event included invigorating power talks on topics such as Smart Windows: Shaping the future of design, Innovation of Windows: The confluence of privacy and transparency, Modernising aesthetics vs westernising aesthetics, How AI is going to affect the future of design, and The confluence of privacy and transparency. The panelists for the power talk featured names such as Nehal Bazari, Eternia, Divyakant Mistry, Divyakant Mistry Associates, Anand Sharma, DFI, Kavita Sastry, KS Designs, Devika Khosla, The Works Interiors, Apoorva Shroff, Lyth Design, Aahana Miller, ABM amongst others who unraveled the insights on the brilliance of design.

Ronitaa R. Italia, Editor in Chief, GoodHomes and Home & Design TRENDS, says, “Quite literally the country’s first and (dare I say so myself) finest curated, luxury interiors show, it was my pleasure to bring to you the sixth edition of D/code. I’d like to wrap all nine of our curators in a big bear hug of gratitude, for bearing with me and the team’s constant poking. Annkur, Deepak, Ekta, Rajiv, Maithili, Pooja, Vaishali, Hameeda and Aamir, thank you! To all of my visitors, I’d like to say: Thank you for visiting us and always supporting us. It is because of you that we are constantly striving to up the game and raise the bar on everything that we do.”

Featuring over 60+ decor brands, D/code 2023 was in association with Alumil, C.Bhogilal West-End, Arte, and Art De Rug as associate partners, while Focal is the sound partner. In the spotlight are renowned names such as A to Z Lifestyle (Zipscreen), AndBlack Design Studio, Aura Art, Baaya Designs, BAB Leather, Bharat Floorings & Tiles, C Bhogilal Westend, Chesterfield Furniture, Conifur, Decor Story Studio, Elementto, Esvee Atelier, Eternia Windows, Fantini, Fima Carlo Frattini, Formica, Grandeur Interiors, Hardware Concepts/Veneto, HSC Designs, A Clay Story, Bloon Toys, Harshita Jhamtani, MuseMART, Sthetix In Stone, Studio Aurawala, and Yasanche amongst others showcased their exciting new creations in Indian design.

Here are the list of winners of TRENDS Excellence Awards:

PRODUCT DESIGN- Furniture Design
Winner: Kunal Maniar and Associates
Winner: Aloft Design Studio
Commendation: OWM Architecture

PRODUCT DESIGN – Light Design
Winner: Studio Indigene
Commendation: Eitri Design
Commendation: Studio Indigene

PRODUCT DESIGN – Accessory Design
Winner: Wriver Design Studio
Commendation: Studio Trataka

LANDSCAPE DESIGN – Best Concept for an Unbuilt Project
Winner: VPA Architects

LANDSCAPE DESIGN – Public Institutional Project
Winner: Spaces Architects. Ka

LANDSCAPE DESIGN – Commercial
Winner: VPA Architects

LANDSCAPE DESIGN – Residential Project
Winner: Viveka Design Studio

INTERIOR DESIGN – Leisure Project Interiors
Winner: Workshop Inc
Winner: Shreyas Patil Architects
Commendation: KAAS Design Studio

INTERIOR DESIGN – Retail Interiors
Winner: Kaushal Tatiya Architects
Winner: Beetle Design Studio
Commendation: FN Design Studio

INTERIOR DESIGN – Public Institutional Project
Commendation: Aanai Design Studio
Commendation: Figments Design Pvt. Ltd.

INTERIOR DESIGN -Workspace Interiors
Winner: Workers of Art
Winner: Spaces and Design
Commendation: Colab Company
Commendation: Chalk Studio

INTERIOR DESIGN – Bar/Restaurant Interiors
Winner: Pantone Collective
Commendation: FADD Studio

INTERIOR DESIGN – Residential
Winner: Workers of Art
Winner: OWM Architecture
Winner: Studio In Dtale
Commendation: Amoeba Design

ARCHITECTURE – Best Concept for an Unbuilt Project
Winner: Studio Camarada
Commendation: Studio Lotus

ARCHITECTURE – Sustainable Project of 2023
Winner: Morphogenesis

ARCHITECTURE – Public/Institutional Project of the Year 2023

Winner: Murali Architects

Winner: The Purple Inc Studio

ARCHITECTURE – Commercial Project
Winner: Studio Inscape

Commendation: Chalk Studio
Commendation: Workshop Inc

ARCHITECTURE – Temporary Architecture
Winner: VPA Architects
Commendation: Bureau of Architecture and Design

ARCHITECTURE – Best Residential Project
Winner: Muaz Rahman Architects
Winner: ADND
Winner: Studio Inscape
Commendation: AKAD – Amritha Karnakar Architectural Design
Commendation: Portal 92
Commendation: Asim Merchant

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– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

In India, no home is bought purely from an end-user perspective. The expectation is that it will also gain value over time. Regardless of how comfortable and otherwise attractive it is, no Indian will purchase a residential property that does not have appreciation potential. What factors impact resale value of a home? Let’s get right to it.

In the last three years, several Indian cities have witnessed significant real estate price growth. In the last two years, all eight of India’s largest cities – Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad — recorded increases in their housing price index.

This is encouraging, but does it also help resale home values?

Yes, it does. Trends in new property prices certainly influence the resale market, as they set benchmarks for property values in the area. When new properties are priced higher, it leads to an overall increase in the perceived value of real estate in that location. This has a positive impact on resale housing values.

But of course, not all resale homes are created equal when it comes to value growth.

Various factors affect the potential return on investment on a residential property and understanding these elements is crucial for homeowners looking to re-sell their properties.

1. Developer’s Brand Influence

In recent years, the brand of the developer has been playing an increasingly important role in the resale value of apartments. A reputed developer not only assures quality construction but also instills confidence in potential buyers regarding legal compliances – and, in the case of newly-launched projects, timely completion.

Today, buyers will pay a premium for apartments developed by well-known brands, as these names carry a legacy of trust and reliability. Additionally, top developers usually choose prime locations, adding to the value proposition. These aspects hold true for all properties in the project, including resale homes.

2. Impact of Facilities and Amenities

The facilities and amenities offered in a housing project also play a significant part in its resale values. Contemporary Indian homebuyers look for conveniences that enhance their living experience.

Features such as swimming pools, gyms, community halls, and green spaces are no longer considered luxuries, as they were a couple of decades ago, but have become generally expected. Such amenities attract buyers looking for a lifestyle upgrade and can significantly drive up the resale price.

This is one of the key reasons why residential townships by leading developers specialized in this genre are in such high demand today. Unlike smaller projects which are cramped into minuscule plots and therefore have limited amenities, large integrated townships have these as integral parts of the overall value proposition.

In short, homes in integrated townships command a higher resale value. The convenience of having essential services and amenities as well as lifestyle add-ons within easy reach is a significant draw for buyers of new as well as resale homes in such projects.

3. Evaluating Market Conditions

To judge whether the housing market is supportive for good resale value, one should consider several indicators. These include current real estate trends, interest rates, economic conditions, and demand-supply dynamics in the locality in question. Monitoring these factors can provide insights into the best time to sell. For instance, a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, can be an ideal scenario for resale.

However, if there is currently a lot of supply in this market, it may be wiser to hold on to the property until it is absorbed and demand for homes there rises. Remember, land is a finite resource and eventually, it is consumed by development.

When developing new projects is no longer possible in the micro-market, it becomes more supportive of good resale value. Playing this waiting game calls for patience and also diligent upkeep of the property so that its appeal does not erode.

4. Tips for Maximizing Resale Value

Regular Maintenance – Keeping the apartment in good condition is essential. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly enhance the resale value.

Upgrades and Renovations – Modernizing the apartment with contemporary fittings or technology can attract more buyers and justify a higher price.

Effective Marketing – Very few properties sell themselves. To get the best response from the resale market, it is necessary to make the property visible to potential buyers. Apart from posting your own listings with photos of the home on property portals, you may also want to engage a real estate agent with local market knowledge. The agent will not only have a database of buyers but can also provide valuable insights – for example, at what prices other properties like yours are currently selling, and which price expectations may be too ambitious currently.

All Essential Paperwork Available – Ensuring all legal documents are in order and that the property complies with local regulations will smoothen the resale process and enhance value. The documents mentioned below collectively prove the legitimacy of the property and its ownership, facilitating a smoother resale process:

Title Deed – This document proves the owner’s right over the property and should be in the name of the seller. There should also be documentation that transparently traces the origin and subsequent transfers of the property, to establish the ownership chain.
Sale Deed – This document records the transfer of property from the seller to the buyer and is executed at the time of property purchase.
Encumbrance Certificate (EC) – This certificate proves that the property is free from any legal or monetary liabilities such as mortgages or unpaid dues.
Approval Plan of the Building – This document is issued by the local municipal authorities or the jurisdiction under which the property falls and is a must-have for resale.
Occupancy Certificate (OC) – This is issued by the municipal corporation after the completion of construction and certifies that the building is suitable for occupancy and complies with all the norms set by the local authorities.
Possession Certificate – Issued by the developer, this document proves that possession of the property has been given to the buyer.
Completion Certificate – Issued by the municipal authorities, this verifies that the building has been constructed according to the approved plan and is ready for occupancy.
No-Objection Certificate (NOC) – This is issued by the housing society on request when the owner seeks to sell the home.
Property Tax Receipts – Keeping up-to-date property tax receipts shows that taxes have been paid regularly.
To Conclude

The resale potential and value of a home is influenced by various factors. While some of these may be beyond the scope of the seller to influence, it is important to focus on the aspects that are within your control. In short, maintain the property well, keep its legal documents ready, and make sure that the property is visible to potential buyers.

Timing is also very important, and this requires knowledge of the local market and often also patience. Unless there are compelling financial circumstances which require immediate liquidation of the property, waiting for a market upturn if it is currently slow is very advisable.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.

Amritsar: ICICI Bank has set up a branch in Amritsar, the 20th branch of the Bank in the city. Housed at Circular Road, the branch is equipped with an ATM-cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to customers.

Dr. J.P. Attri, MD, Vice Principal, Government Medical College, Amritsar, inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, including savings and current accounts, trade and forex services, fixed and recurring deposits, loans- business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, and gold loan along with remittance and card services. The branch also offers banking services to NRI customers. It further provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M to 3:00 P.M on Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposits (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e-statements and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has a network of about 300 branches and 545 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs), in Punjab.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centers, internet banking (www.icicibank.com), and mobile banking.

Mumbai, India –5th December 2023– Birla Carbon, a global leader in the production of high-quality, sustainable carbon solutions, will participate at Plastivision India 2023, to be held from December 07 – 11, 2023, at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai. Birla Carbon will showcase its plastics solutions at the expo in Hall 4, Stall N-2.

John Davidson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Birla Carbon, shared his views on the participation, saying, “Plastivision India 2023 is a significant event in the plastics industry that provides Birla Carbon with a valuable platform to showcase our solutions to regional and global customers. This exhibition gives Birla Carbon an opportunity to engage with existing and potential customers, share our products with them, and explore countless opportunities for engagement that lie ahead.” He further added, “With sustainability as a key pillar for the business, accompanied by our technical expertise in the plastics industry, Birla Carbon is well positioned to support the Indian customer and address their market needs.”

Some of the plastic solutions on display at the Birla Carbon booth include –

Raven 5100U, Raven P5U, Raven 880, BC1034, and ContinuaTM highlight its commitment to technical leadership and adherence to global quality standards and sustainability. The Raven 5100 series is recognized for its excellence in high-color blacks, offering superior dispersion and color performance in various engineering plastics applications. Offering a comprehensive range of high-performance carbon blacks for plastics, Birla Carbon’s solutions prioritize functionality to help customers find optimal solutions tailored to their specific requirements.

Birla Carbon will also showcase its Nanocyl brand of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) through NC7000TM for high electrical conductivity in all polymers and PLASTICYLTM high conductive thermoplastic MWCNTs.

Plastivision India 2023 will allow Birla Carbon to share its solutions with the plastics market, contributing to a more sustainable future in the industry. It will also provide an opportunity to gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the plastics and allied markets.

One97 Communications Limited (OCL) that owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services company and the pioneer of QR and mobile payments, has launched a Paytm Travel Carnival with exciting discounts and offers on flight, train and bus bookings ahead of the year-end holiday season. The Paytm Travel Sale is set to unfold from December 1-5 for travellers planning their New Year escapades.

The special sale offers exclusive discounts ranging from 12-15% on transactions through YES Bank, HSBC Bank, Amex Bank and AU Small Finance Bank. The company is also offering discounted fares for students, senior citizens and Armed Forces personnel. For air travel, Paytm also brings a Free Cancellation feature providing travellers with the flexibility to change their travel plans anytime without the concern of high cancellation charges. The company also assures best prices for flight ticket bookings whether it is a one-way ticket or round-trip. The Paytm Travel Carnival Sale will have participation from major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express and Akasa Air.

For bus bookings, the sale offers a flat 25% instant discount on promo code ‘CRAZYSALE’ along with an additional 20% discount on select operators. To elevate travel experience, Paytm is providing a live bus tracking service that ensures users can travel at ease and stress free while also sharing the real time location of their booked bus with their close ones. Also, with Paytm’s Best Price Guaranteed feature, the company assures users of the lowest price across 2500 bus operators.

Train travellers can secure tickets on UPI with zero charges and also avail free cancellation with 100% refund on source account immediately after cancelling the ticket for all train ticket bookings including tatkal tickets. Moreover, users can effortlessly check the live train running status and PNR status on the Paytm app, ensuring a stress free and informed journey.

Paytm Spokesperson said, “As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation of exploring your favourite destinations grows and Paytm Travel is geared up to turn that into reality. We are thrilled to announce the Paytm Travel Carnival, a festive extravaganza designed to streamline travel planning and offer cost effective solutions for our users.”