Archives February 2024

New Delhi, 5th February 2024: The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) of Himachal Pradesh has conceptualized the time limit of sanctioned drawings for Real Estate Projects, for which the earlier time limit for constructing such projects was 3 years. Henceforth, the State Government holds that once drawings sanctioned for Real Estate in housing projects in the state are obtained, their renewal is not mandatory.

The above disclosure was made by the Chairman of RERA Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Shrikant Baldi, at the second day of the 16th Naredco National Convention, “Fostering Trust with Transparency; Pathway 2047,” held on Saturday. He added that the government of Himachal had already extended such a deadline from the earlier period of 3 years to 5 years some time back.

Given the tempo and enthusiasm with which the real estate sector has begun to grow at a rate of approximately 10 percent per annum in the recent past, the RERA of Himachal Pradesh approached its government and succeeded in persuading it to make the validity of once sanctioned drawings for real estate and housing projects an endless period of time, said Dr. Baldi.

Dr. Baldi, who is also the President of the All India forum of RERA, further informed that this was the demand of developers in general and other stakeholders, and the sustainability limit for sanctioned drawings was extended for a great deal of period for a win-win situation. The government of the state permitted its RERA to undertake the proposed move incorporating necessary changes in the state’s town planning statutes.

The Chairman also informed that the RERA of the state does not accept physical documents for registering any housing and real estate projects, nor does it entertain any requests for complaint lodging by any stakeholders in Real Estate. Instead, it entertains compliments and complaints online to ensure that transparency is strictly observed in every format through which real estate activities are permitted in the state.

According to him, the aforementioned steps are mooted at the All India level because real estate, in general, has started looking up from the level of 7 percent last year to that of 7.3 percent presently. Similarly, investors in this sector are upbeat given its growth, with bank credit showing an upward trend for the sector from 7.3 percent of the national GDP in the last year to that of 8.7 percent.

In his welcome remarks, President Naredco Mr. G Hari Babu pointed out that real estate and construction activities have to be given preferential treatment across the country because they contribute massively to the national GDP and national growth, with a particular focus on employment.

Mr. Babu, however, pointed out that approximately Rs 1 lakh 50 thousand Crores have been deposited with various governments by real estate developers throughout the country as labor cess. The objective of creating such a fund was to be utilized for the benefit of their labor and their wards, as each developer is required to contribute 1 percent of the project cost to the respective state government. However, the fund is hardly serving the stated objective, and the money is languishing. Therefore, steps are needed to utilize this fund.

[Bangalore, 5th February, 2024] – RADIUS-Omnichannel Interaction System, a leading provider of Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions is excited to introduce the newly redesigned and upgraded intelligent agent console, Intello. This substantial enhancement underscores RADIUS’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge, customer-focused solutions within the CCaaS sector. The launch of Intello represents a crucial milestone, showcasing RADIUS’s commitment to innovation and excellence in serving the evolving needs of the industry.

 The next-generation agent console elevates the customer experience with its powerful and sophisticated features, including an intuitive interface with breezy navigation and a
customizable dashboard with diverse themes for personalization. It allows seamless switching between various interactions and channels, enhancing communication and productivity. Core features include integrated AI tools for deeper insights, audio and video capabilities via WebRTC, and a multi-feature-single window interface for streamlined access to multiple functions. Moreover, its robust integration with Data and Information Management Systems puts essential information readily at agents fingertips.

 “As a niche player in the industry, we firmly believe in the power of integrating customer
feedback with the comprehensive research of our team. With this symbiotic approach, we
prioritize a customer-centric focus to drive innovation and stay ahead in the market. This not only addresses current user needs but also anticipates future demands, ensuring our
application’s functional superiority, user satisfaction, and sustainable business growth,” said Chief Architect of RADIUS-OIS Mr. Suman Subudhi. “We are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving industry through our focus on innovation and engineering excellence.”

 Intello, leveraging the power of Gen AI along with other advanced technologies, enables
agents to provide highly personalized interactions at every customer touchpoint. Additionally, it boasts robust security and compliance measures, ensuring the utmost protection of sensitive customer information.

 “We’re inviting industry leaders and SMEs to discover the potential of RADIUS-OIS and how it can transform their approach to customer engagement,” added Business Head, Mr.
Srinivas PV. “With the latest Intello, we are redefining what an intelligent, cost effective, and adaptable solution should be.”

Delhi, 5th February 2024: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station (2×800 MW), NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project (1×250 MW) and laid the foundation stone of NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2×660 MW) with a total investment of Rs 28,978 Crore during a programme at Sambalpur.

Located in Sundargarh district of Odisha, Darlipali STPS is a pit-head Power Station with Supercritical (highly efficient) Technology and is supplying low-cost power to its beneficiary states, such as Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Sikkim.

The 250 MW project of NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd is established in Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to provide reliable power for the steel plant which is vital for economic growth.

Further, NTPC is developing Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III within old TTPS plant premises in Angul district of Odisha, which was taken over by NTPC from Odisha State Electricity Board in the year 1995. The old TTPS plant was decommissioned after completing more than 50 years of service to the Nation.

The upcoming plant will have highly efficient Ultra Super Critical Technology-based units and approximately three times capacity of the old TTPS plant. While 50% capacity from this project is dedicated to the state of Odisha, other beneficiary states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Assam will also get low-cost power from this pit-head station.

This project is being constructed with all modern environmental features like efficient electrostatic precipitator, Flue gas desulphurization, bio-mass cofiring, covered storage space for coal and will thus help in lesser Specific Coal Consumption and CO2 emissions.

Besides creating direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region, these projects have contributed to improvement of physical infrastructure such as approach road, drainage, transportation and communication facilities. Various community development initiatives are also being undertaken by NTPC in the surrounding villages in the area of education, drinking water, sanitation, health, women empowerment, rural sports, etc. NTPC has also set up a Medical College cum Hospital in Sundargarh, Odisha.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Shri Raghubar Das, Hon’ble Governor, Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt of Odisha, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways; Communications; and Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Bishweswar Tudu, Hon’ble Union MoS of Tribal Affairs; and Jal Shakti, Shri Nitesh Ganga Deb, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Nauri Nayak, Hon’ble Member of Odisha Legislative Assembly, Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC along with other dignitaries.

Bangalore, February 5: Komatsu India Private Limited (KIPL) and L&T Construction & Mining Machinery jointly unveils and bring to you the unique Machine Care Program (MCP-5), first-of-its-kind in the Indian construction equipment industry. This extended powertrain warranty program of 5 Years/12,500 Hours* is offered for the Komatsu Hydraulic Excavators that are produced in the state-of-the-art Komatsu’s manufacturing facility at Oragadam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Komatsu, a global leader in construction and mining equipment, has partnered with L&T Construction & Mining Machinery and introducing unique Machine Care Program (MCP-5) tailored specifically for Komatsu models PC205-10M0 and PC210/PC210LC-10M0 excavators, this comprehensive service initiative is poised to redefine customer experience and satisfaction by optimizing equipment performance.

The Key Highlights of the Machine Care Program (MCP-5) are;

Digitally Enabled Service: Avail 1 year of complimentary filters up to 3000 hours and Extended 5 Years/12,500 Hours* powertrain warranty for maximum uptime.

Comprehensive Support: Energy-saving operator training, KOMTRAX reporting for enhanced monitoring, Regular maintenance, PM clinics and more Undercarriage inspections.

Genuine Spares: Expedited access to genuine Komatsu parts, lubricants, and services for peak performance.

Predictive Maintenance: Leverage cutting-edge KOMTRAX & KOWA technology for timely interventions and minimized breakdowns.

L&T Construction & Mining Machinery, with its extensive nationwide network of dealerships and service stations, guarantees best-in-class sales and after-sales support for Komatsu equipment in India. This special program is a game-changerin the construction industry, ensuring that our customers experience unparalleled equipment efficiency, productivity, and reliability.

Experience the True Peace of Mind when you purchase our new Komatsu Hydraulic Excavators with this unique special program. Feel the power, efficiency, performance, productivity, and peace of mind.

Bangalore, 5th Feb 2024: Uber’s global flagship electric vehicle service, Uber Green, is now available in Delhi, allowing residents to book sustainable, eco-friendly rides with just a few taps on the app. Now, riders will see the Uber Green option when they fire up the Uber app to book their rides. The service will help support riders make a conscious choice to pick more sustainable means to travel in all new, quiet and clean EVs.

The Uber Green display at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 received a lot of love with visitors clicking photos at the ‘Location par aa gaya hun’ selfie booth. Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India, visited the Uber Green display at the Expo today.

Mr. Nitish Bhushan, Director – Central Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “We believe the future of transport is shared and electric and are committed to becoming a zero-emission platform in India and globally by 2040. Delhi is our third stop in India where we have launched Uber Green, with several riders in Bengaluru and Mumbai already swearing by the latest offering, to reduce vehicular emissions in the city. We will take this product to more cities soon and continue to invest in the sustainable mobility value chain.”

How to book an Uber Green Trip:

· Open the Uber app and enter your destination in the ‘where to’ box

· Select Uber Green at the bottom of the screen

· Review the booking details including the price for the trip and tap Confirm Green

· Enjoy your ride

Gurugram, India, 5th Feb 2024: India’s leading integrated supply chain and logistics solutions provider, Transport Corporation of India Ltd., announced its financial results today for the 3rd quarter and Nine months ended 31st December 2023. The Company’s total revenue for the quarter recorded a growth of 2.2% over the corresponding quarter last year while the profit recorded a growth of 0.3% during this period.

Standalone

Performance Highlights: Q3 FY2024 vs. Q3 FY2023

Revenue from operations of Rs. 8,999 Mn, growth of 2.2% y-o-y

EBITDA of Rs. 1,386 Mn compared to Rs. 1,376 Mn in FY2023

EBITDA Margin of 15.40% compared to 15.62% in FY2023

PAT of Rs. 956 Mn compared to Rs. 953 Mn in FY2023 and grew by 0.3%

PAT Margin of 10.62% compared to 10.82% in FY2023

Consolidated

Performance Highlights: Q3 FY2024 vs. Q3 FY2023

Revenue from operations of Rs. 10,020 Mn, growth of 3.7% y-o-y

EBITDA of Rs. 1,276 Mn compared to Rs. 1,316 Mn in FY2023

EBITDA Margin of 12.73% compared to 13.61% in FY2023

PAT of Rs. 802 Mn compared to Rs. 865 Mn in FY2023

PAT Margin of 8.00% compared to 8.95% in FY2023

Commenting on the results, Mr. Vineet Agarwal, Managing Director, said, “The Company has demonstrated a stable performance in the current quarter and nine months ended December 2023, given challenges in the macro environment. Our supply chain solutions, rail multi-modal and cold supply chain solutions witnessed traction.

We strive to remain the preferred logistics partner for our customers across the Indian sub-continent by prioritizing investments in warehousing, multimodal infrastructure & cutting-edge technology.

As we look ahead, TCI remains poised to seize new opportunities that contribute towards shaping a more efficient and competitive logistics ecosystem for the country.”

Kolkata: With 1.4 million square feet leased last year, demand for office space is at a nine-year high. Driven by strong tenant demand in all industries, the city saw the greatest level of office space sale in nine years in 2023—1.4 million square feet. The next-highest amount was leased in Kolkata in 2019 for 1.3 million square feet.

As per CBRE, the number of commercial real estate projects is expected to rise from 37% in 2022-23 to more than 40% in 2023-24. A lot of projects that had been delayed last year due to rising costs and other delays are in line to be finished by year-end and 2024, with several big-name developers behind them.

Significantly, demand and expansion have been propelled by the rise in transactions, particularly in outlying areas such as Rajarhat, Salt Lake Sector V, Topsia, and EM Bypass.

It must be noted that besides enterprises located in Kolkata, numerous national brands are also growing their corporate offices in the city, with a particular emphasis on the rapidly increasing startup and service sector companies searching for suitable space in the city.

Speaking on this, Mr B.P.Singh Roy, COO of Keventer Realty said, “As the modern office undergoes a transformative journey, Keventer Realty recognizes the pivotal role of open-concept workspaces, remote collaboration, and employee well-being. Embracing change is essential in shaping a dynamic and efficient work environment. We believe that by fostering collaboration, prioritizing technology, and emphasizing well-being, we not only enhance productivity but also redefine the very essence of work itself.”

Echoing similar lines, Mr Hemanshu Pathak COO of Keventer Realty, mentioned, “We recognize the pivotal role of space planning in shaping the modern office environment. Strategic design is not just about aesthetics; it’s a powerful lifestyle tool for optimizing collaboration, accommodating remote work, and prioritizing employee well-being. Keventer Realty is committed to innovative space planning that goes beyond physical layouts, creating environments that seamlessly integrate technology, foster teamwork, and adapt to the evolving needs of our workforce. Our approach ensures that our workspaces are not just places to work but dynamic hubs that inspire health, productivity, and innovation.”

Mumbai, India (Feb 5, 2024) – Lyra Network, an established leader in securing eCommerce and POS payments with deep expertise in fintech and paytech solutions platforms, has propelled Digital Innovation with UPI (Unified Payments Interface) to the French market. Lyra Network achieves a historic milestone by enabling UPI transactions in France, starting with online bookings for the iconic Eiffel Tower. The France Consulate marks this momentous occasion with the first-ever UPI transaction at Lyra’s Mumbai office for online buying of Eiffel Tower tickets.

The inaugural UPI transaction at Lyra’s Mumbai office by the France Consulate General Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Lyra India’s 16th anniversary highlights a robust partnership, promoting digital payments and enhancing economic collaboration between India and France. The Consulate’s participation reinforces trust in Lyra Network’s capabilities and the UPI system. This milestone underscores Lyra’s commitment to global payment innovation and the growing acceptance of UPI as a reliable cross-border digital payment solution.

On the groundbreaking inauguration move, Rajesh Desai, CEO and MD, Lyra Network, said, “Lyra Network is thrilled to launch UPI transactions in the French market, signalling a new era in cross-border financial interactions. UPI’s introduction is a strategic move, fostering economic collaboration between India and France. UPI provides a seamless and secure payment experience, transcending geographical boundaries. As Lyra expands UPI globally, the synergy of technology and finance redefines cross-border transactions, creating an interconnected financial ecosystem with transparent, real-time currency exchange rates. In 2024, Lyra Network aims to enter the global UPI arena, emphasizing POS and Switch solutions and collaborating with fintech, banks, government projects, and merchants while expanding our customer base”.

In 2023, UPI accounted for 40% of global real-time payments. Year-on-year, UPI witnessed a 59.2% growth in volume to Rs 9.33 billion and a 45.5% increase in value to Rs 14,75,464 crore by June. As of January 31, 2024, UPI transactions in value surged to Rs 18.41 lakh crore, as reported by the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI). In terms of volume, transactions rose to 1,220.301 crore on January 31, up from 1202.023 crore in December.

“I am thrilled about the groundbreaking launch of UPI transactions in France. This move redefines cross-border dynamics, offering businesses and individuals a modern, efficient, and secure payment method. UPI’s significance lies in transcending geographical boundaries, providing a seamless and interconnected financial experience. Introducing UPI in France isn’t just a transactional leap; it’s a technological evolution. The underlying technology ensures a robust and real-time fund exchange, enhancing overall efficiency and transparency in financial interactions. This launch encourages UPI adoption among French merchants and contributes to the broader narrative of global financial integration.” said Manoj Varma, Head – Payments, Lyra Network.

The UPI integration in France is a transformative milestone, revolutionizing payment methods for businesses and individuals. It accelerates UPI adoption among French merchants, ensuring secure, interoperable cross-border transactions. This innovative move showcases Lyra’s commitment to cutting-edge solutions, enhancing the global payment landscape for diverse users.

Lucknow, February 5 2024: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jewellery retailer, opened its new store in Alambagh, Lucknow, further expanding its footprint and commitment to delivering a world-class jewellery shopping experience. The inauguration ceremony of the sprawling 5844 sq. ft. store located at A-100, Sector-B, Kanpur Road, LDA Colony, Alambagh, Lucknow, took place on February 3, 2024.

The inauguration was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Kaushal Kishore, Minister of State for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

Commenting on the new store launch, M. P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, stated, “We are excited to bring the Malabar experience to Alambagh, Lucknow. Our new store is not just about selling jewellery but also about creating memorable moments for our customers. With our diverse collections and commitment to fairness, we aim to become the city’s ultimate jewellery shopping destination. This store will be a haven for jewellery enthusiasts, offering an extensive and exquisite range of pieces at best prices and fair making charges.”

The store features popular sub-brands of Malabar, such as Mine Diamond Jewellery, Era Uncut Diamond Jewellery, Divine Heritage Jewellery, Ethnix Handcrafted Jewellery, Precia Gemstone Jewellery, Viraaz Polki Jewellery, and a vast array of unique collections under each brand. Customers can also explore a diverse array of designs in gold, diamonds, precious gemstones, platinum, and more, catering to varied preferences from traditional and contemporary to lightweight and everyday wear. The store also showcases exclusive bridal collections meticulously crafted to make weddings truly unforgettable.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned for its commitment to transparency and fairness in pricing. The brand’s Fair Price Promise ensures customers can purchase their favourite jewellery with reasonable making charges. In addition, the brand’s initiative ‘One India One Gold Rate’ scheme, provides uniform pricing for gold across all its stores in the country.

To strengthen the brand’s commitment to customers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds offers 10 promises, including transparent price tags indicating stone weight, net weight, and stone charge of the jewellery, assured lifetime free maintenance for the jewellery, 100% value for gold when reselling old gold jewellery, 100% HUID-compliant gold, IGI and GIA-certified diamonds ensuring a 28-point quality check of global standards, buyback guarantee, complimentary jewellery insurance, responsible sourcing, and fair labour practices.

Soumita Saha, the sensational voice that made waves with the English hit “Fragile Eternity” earlier this year, returns with the enchanting Hindi original, “Teri Ore.” Following a triumphant digital debut on Meta Music library, marked with a distinctive fire sign stamp, the versatile artist solidifies her status as a rising star in the music industry.

Building on the critical acclaim and chart-topping success of “Fragile Eternity,” which secured a coveted spot on Rolling Stones’ Daily Music list, Soumita Saha exhibits her diverse musical prowess in “Teri Ore.” The Hindi composition, penned and composed by the artist herself, unfolds as a vibrant love song, invoking the nostalgic flutter of pure and unfiltered teenage love.

Engaging with her audience on various social platforms, Soumita Saha recently shared behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of “Teri Ore” via her Instagram handle. The singing diva embraces the peppy, teenage essence of the song, whimsically justifying it with the phrase, ‘Dil Toh Baccha Hai Jee,’ underscoring the youthful and carefree spirit encapsulated in her latest musical endeavor.

“Teri Ore” has quickly become a trendsetter, receiving overwhelming love and recognition across diverse demographics. The universal appeal of the song is evident as enthusiasts of all age groups create reels, further attesting to its widespread popularity.

In contrast to her previous explorations of global nihilism and rebellion in “Fragile Eternity,” “Teri Ore” represents a departure, offering a pure, peppy love song perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. Soumita Saha, celebrated for crafting songs with profound messages, dispels misconceptions about her artistic range. Despite her penchant for deep reflections, she insists that the lighter aspects of life should not be overshadowed. “Teri Ore” stands as a testament to her fondness for peppy love songs, showcasing her dedication to expressing the youthful and carefree spirit.

The Fly High Girl’s latest creation is grounded in acoustics, ukulele, and Vista Synth, highlighting her versatility and willingness to experiment with diverse sounds. Soumita Saha continues to captivate audiences with her distinctive style and meaningful compositions, firmly establishing herself as an artist to watch in the ever-evolving music industry.