Archives January 2024

­­”Transmit” An Exhibition of Paintings and Installations by renowned Artist Anant Nikam

 

“Transmit”, an exhibition by Anant Nikam, is being presented at the Nine Fish Art Gallery and Dot Line Space Art Foundation, Byculla, Mumbai. The exhibition runs from January 12th to February 10th, 2024, welcoming visitors between 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Curated by Gourmoni Das, the exhibition is a unique glimpse into the artist’s studio, revealing the fascinating interplay between art and inspiration. Das, as a curator, finds particular intrigue in exploring the studios of artists and understanding how these spaces shape the creation of their works.

“Transmit,” features a captivating collection of paintings and installations by the esteemed artist Anant Nikam. This exhibition invites visitors into a serene space of tranquility and contemplation, providing an opportunity to reflect upon the beauty and complexity of the world around us, even amidst turbulent times.

Anant Nikam's

Anant Nikam’s artistic journey, spanning a lifetime, has been dedicated to the pursuit of tranquility at the borders of imagination and abstraction. Through the medium of printmaking, particularly lino etching, Nikam has explored textural surfaces, developing a unique visual vocabulary inspired by signs and symbols rooted in folk and tribal traditions. The result is a vibrant and deeply meaningful tapestry that bridges the vast gap between our rural and proto-historical past and our intricate present, seamlessly blending archaic symbols into avant-garde urban forms of abstract representation.

Anant Nikam is a renowned artist with extensive participation in national art events, including international exhibitions like the Scottish Academy of Asian Art show in Glasgow, he has received notable awards such as Honorable Mentions at the Maharashtra State Art Exhibition and Lalit Kala Academy’s 34th National Exhibition of Art. Having served as a faculty member at Sir JJ School of Art from 1986 to 2020.

Dr. Anurag Kanoria, Director, Nine Fish Art Gallery, said, “We are delighted to present “Transmit,” a captivating exhibition by the esteemed artist Anant Nikam. At Nine Fish Art Gallery, our mission has always been to provide a platform for artists who push the boundaries of creativity and offer our audience a unique and enriching art experience.”

Join us at the Nine Fish Art Gallery and Dot Line Space Art Foundation for “Transmit”, it’s not just an exhibition; it’s an exploration of the intersection between tradition and modernity, a visual symphony that speaks to the soul.

Website: https://www.ninefish.in/

Address: Nine Fish Art Gallery I Dot Line Space, The New Great Eastern Mills, Salsette- 27, 25-29 Dr. Ambedkar Road, Inside Salsette 27 Compound, Near Rani Baug, Byculla East, Mumbai 400027.

Three-quarters of all intercity bus passengers traveled between 6pm & 12am in 2023: redBus report

13th January 2024 redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, unveils an enthralling chronicle of the intercity bus travel landscape, marking the culmination of an eventful 2023. A sequel to the post-Covid economic revival, this year witnessed not only the resurgence but a profound metamorphosis in the intercity bus industry, spotlighting its adaptability and robustness. A staggering 6 crore bus tickets were booked in the first 9 months, and on average more than 50,000 buses were available on the redBus platform per day, in 2023. All calculations are as per data on the redBus platform for the calendar year 2023.

Connecting India

The intercity bus network unfurled its reach, connecting close to 10,000 unique cities, towns, and villages across 4.2 lakh unique routes. In fact, 20,000 new routes were booked on redBus in 2023. Indians traveled 4.1 crore km every day, with an average of 207 km on a single trip. Some of the longest bus journeys undertaken were from Gorakhpur to Goa which stretches over 2000 km & 60 hours & Satara to Lucknow, which covered similar time and distance. This deep penetration showcases the industry’s commitment to reaching every nook and cranny of the nation.

Online bus booking surges in smaller towns

Building on an existing trend, online ticket bookings continued to gain traction in non-metro and smaller towns – accounting for little more than half (53%) of bus bookings. Tier 4 towns accounted for more than a quarter of bus ticket bookings (26%); similarly, Tier 2 & 3 towns together also accounted for more than a quarter of bookings (27%). In 2023, 6 lakh+ travelers from Tier 2 & 3 cities made their maiden online intercity bus bookings through redBus. States like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh Assam & Chhattisgarh witnessed the highest surge in demand for intercity bus travel bookings from Tier 3 towns, reinforcing the convenience of online booking.

Sustainable travel is gaining a foothold

Interest in electric buses as a serious and viable business really took off in 2023. In 2023, a larger fleet of EVs was deployed for the first time, covering 600+ routes across India and there were 400+ services per day. In particular, EVs are doing very well on shorter routes, given that they are better suited for them. For instance, routes such as Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh, Bangalore-Tirupati, and Hyderabad – Vijayawada, witnessed high growth in the contribution to ticket sales from EV buses. Delhi – Chandigarh and Delhi – Agra routes witnessed a 150% growth compared to the previous year, on the back of EV bus additions. As consumers become more environmentally conscious & with supportive policies, this trend will continue to grow strong.

Early morning journeys and AC buses dominate

The preference for late-night journeys continues, with 76% of travelers opting for buses between 6pm and midnight. The second most preferred time slot was noon to 5 pm, with 13% of all travel occurring during this time. Additionally, the popularity of AC buses remained high, constituting an impressive 63% of all intercity bus bookings on redBus when compared to last year’s 60%. This marks a continued increase from the 2022 figures, highlighting the sustained demand for a comfortable travel experience.

What were the big travel occasions?

3.6 lakh+ + people traveled on November 10 – the highest number of people to travel by bus on a single day, in 2023. 3.55 lakh + people traveled on December 23 & 3.5 lakh people traveled on December 22, making these the second and third highest number of people traveling in a day. Interestingly however, while both these occasions correspond to festive periods (Diwali & Christmas-Yearend), the 4th highest number of people traveling by bus on a single day was recorded on October 2, possibly corresponding to the long weekend.

Pilgrimage and tourist destinations thrive-

There is a spectacular increase in the number of seats booked to religious destinations. Tirupati and Shirdi take the top positions as the most visited pilgrimage destinations in 2023, followed by Nashik & Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar). Not surprisingly, Goa topped as the leisure destination of choice, with Pondicherry, Manali, and Siliguri following it. The diverse travel preferences showcased the broad appeal of bus travel for both religious and leisure purposes.

Anticipating the Uncharted

As redBus bids adieu to 2023, the platform stands on the cusp of innovation and anticipates a 2024 defined by unparalleled inclusivity & sustainability. Some of the larger travel trends expected in 2024 are:

· In the fast-approaching landscape of 2024, the intercity bus sector is poised to witness a notable surge in sustainable travel practices. An increasing number of bus operators, both state transport corporations and private entities, are embracing environmentally friendly initiatives. This includes a significant uptick in the onboarding of electric buses, marking a pivotal step towards a greener and more eco-conscious intercity travel experience.

· As travel norms continue to evolve, the bus travel industry will witness a pronounced shift towards seamless and contactless experiences in 2024. Passengers can expect an enhanced focus on technology-driven features, ensuring a frictionless journey from booking to boarding.

· There will be an increase in pilgrimage-focussed travel in 2024, given the initiatives to improve infrastructure for such destinations across the country. While pilgrimage tourism is already on the upswing, it may continue to witness growth across the country through 2024.

· In the unfolding narrative of 2024, the bus travel sector will witness a traveller’s quest for undiscovered destinations. Anticipating this trend, a surge in interest towards offbeat and culturally rich locales is bound to happen. Collaborating with local communities and operators, redBus aims to expand its offerings to include a diverse array of unique destinations, providing passengers with an immersive and enriching travel experience.

The West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association’s 55th Garment Buyers & Sellers Meet held at Eco Park Fairgrounds, Kolkata

The West Bengal Garment Manufacturers

Kolkata, 13th January 2024: The West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association’s 55th Garment Buyers & Sellers Meet, organized over three days (8th 9th & 10th January 2024) held at Eco Park Fairgrounds, Kolkata. At this landmark event, approx 900 National and International brands participated. This Exhibition is the oldest one in this region and has been very successful once again like always. The Meet Here registered 2100+ visitors from all around the country and abroad and had an approximate Rs. 850 Crore business transaction at the wholesale deals. The visitors have shown appreciation for the decor and ambiance and the hospitality offered by the Association.

On this occasion, Sri. Hari Kishan Rathi, President of West Bengal Garment Manufacturers & Dealers Association stated, “This industry already has one of the biggest workforces (over 50 lac employees employed in direct or indirect capacity). An approximated Rs. 850 Crore business transaction where 900 National and International brands participated. This Meet has proven itself time and again to boost the Readymade Garment Industry in Bengal. We highly appreciate the efforts of the government for the textile industry and the ready-made garments to promote clothing business and marketing.” Mr. Rathi also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the team of Executive Committee, The Sponsors and the participants who have made this event a grand success.”

The other Key Committee members who were present at West Bengal Garment Manufacturers & Dealers Association were: Sri Vijay Kariwala, Sr. Vice President; Sri Pradeep Murarka, Vice President; Sri Devendra Baid, Hony. Secretary; Sri Kanhiyalal Lakhotia, Treasurer, Sri Prem Kumar Sinhal, Jt. Treasurer, Sri Amarchand Jain, Sri Tarun Kumar Jhajharia, Sri Ashish Jhawar, Sri Manish Rathi, Sri Kamlesh Kedia, Sri Manish Agarwal, Sri Kishore Kumar Gulgulia, Sri Vikram Singh Baid, Sri Sourav Chandak, Sri Saket Khandelwal, Sri Ajay Sultania, Sri Rajiv Kedia, Sri Sandip Raja, Sri Brij Mohan Mundhra, Sri Bhuwan Arora, Sri Mohit Dugar – Executive Committee Members and Past Presidents Sri Hari Prasad Sharma and Sri Chand Mal Ladha.

About WBGMDA: The West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Traders Association is a leading organization representing the ready-made garment industry and trade in East India. Established in 1962, the association provides specialized services in this field for the development of the ready-made garment industry. We are associated with the Bharat Chamber of Commerce. The Association has a democratic structure governed by a core committee, committee members, and co-opted members who work relentlessly for the betterment of the organization and its 500+ members. The association organizes Garment Buyers and Sellers Meet twice a year, conducts seminars, helps members understand government decisions and policies, organizes blood donation, and health checkups, and helps settle arbitration matters. Celebrates Holi and Diwali with its members and patrons with cultural functions.

Infrastructure Developments: The anchor to new residential hubs in MMR, Colliers Report

Mumbai, 13th January 2024: Well-known real estate consulting firm, Colliers India, launched its latest report on Mumbai’s growing residential market. With several infrastructure projects in progress, most of them nearing completion in 2024, the city is poised to be well-connected and also witness the emergence of new residential hubs around the peripheral nodes of Navi Mumbai such as Kharghar, Ulwe, and Panvel.

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), set to be operational soon, along with the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Kharghar-Turbhe Link Tunnel Road (KTLR), and Navi Mumbai Metro Line will take things up a notch and play a pivotal role in driving residential demand and real estate prices across the region.

The report titled, ‘MMR’s newest residential hub – Upper Kharghar’, takes a closer look at dominant factors that are facilitating the region’s growth and the findings uncover the growth timelines, key developments underway, affordability, and yields that can be expected year-on-year. The dynamic locality is emerging as a prime destination for both end-users and investors looking to purchase residential properties. Located as a natural spill-over of the thriving Kharghar region, Upper Kharghar is poised for exponential growth shortly.

“The Mumbai residential market will most likely witness ascending growth in the next decade. Given that the infrastructure upgrades will vastly improve intra-city connectivity, top developers are looking at emerging markets like Panvel, Belapur and Upper Kharghar to expand their portfolio and infuse fresh supply into the city to meet the growing demand. These peripheral markets will soon have locational convenience, modern-day infrastructure, scenic beauty and well-planned townships that will be drivers of demand and real estate prices in the region.” said Swapnil Anil, Executive Director & Head of Advisory Services, Colliers India.

Given the high yields anticipated in the Navi Mumbai regions over the next few years, top developers in the region have been trying to accommodate the market needs concerning affordability, amenities and space requirements. The residential market here has attracted multiple developers like Today Global, Paradise Group, Adhiraj Constructions, and many more who are willing to invest in the development of the region. A substantial increase in marketable supply (launches) in FY-2022-2023 was recorded. This significant surge in supply could be attributed to factors like strategic location, demand from professionals working in nearby business hubs, and infrastructure developments.

Infrastructure Developments

A holistic approach to area development, coupled with the ongoing infrastructure developments, bodes well for the city’s continued growth.

IESA Spearheads Discussion on Dholera’s Semiconductor Future at Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024

IESA Spearheads Discussion

New Delhi,13th January 2024 The India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), today, contributed to a significant panel discussion at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024. The session, titled ‘Dholera: India’s First Semicon City in Making,’ was conducted at the Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as a part of the 10th Edition of the Global Summit on January 10, 2024.

Moderated by Mr. Adil Zaidi, Partner, Strategy and Transactions, Ernst & Young LLP, the panel explored the context of Dholera’s emergence as India’s pioneer Semicon City. IESA’s participation underscored its commitment to shaping the future of the semiconductor industry in India. The distinguished panel featured industry leaders who delved into critical aspects of semiconductor manufacturing and the infrastructure requirements essential for establishing Dholera as a global player

Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Chairperson of IESA and President & CEO of Minda Corporation, offered comprehensive insights into the Semiconductor Ecosystem in India, articulating the challenges faced by the industry and proposing strategic pathways for future advancements. During his discourse, Mr. Gupta emphasized a crucial point: the necessity of creating a robust demand side for Semiconductors within India. He advocated for this by urging the establishment of India-based OEMs and Tier1 brands that would actively consume locally produced Semiconductors. Addressing a range of critical topics, Mr. Gupta shed light on the hurdles hindering the growth of the semiconductor sector in India, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to overcome these challenges. He delved into the intricacies of fostering innovation, encouraging investment, and nurturing a skilled workforce to propel the semiconductor industry toward sustainable growth.

Amongst other speakers, Mr. Akarsh Hebbar, Managing Director, AvanStrate Inc., discussed the potential of Display Fab & Infrastructure Requirements, while Mr. Hitesh Garg, Vice President & India Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors India Pvt. Ltd., focused on the potential of Semiconductor Fab, Design, and Infrastructure Requirements. Additionally, Mr. Hem Takiar, Corporate Vice President, Micron Technology, shed light on the ATMP Ecosystem for Making Gujarat a Semicon Hub.

The discussion provided valuable perspectives on semiconductor manufacturing, design, and the overall industry ecosystem in India. IESA, represented by Mr. Sanjay Gupta, contributed to this forum, addressing the challenges and opportunities within the semiconductor sector. His participation underscored IESA’s commitment to facilitating meaningful discussions and steering the industry toward a dynamic and prosperous future.

The attendees at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit benefited from the wealth of knowledge shared by Mr. Gupta and other distinguished speakers, gaining valuable insights into the current state of the semiconductor landscape in India and the potential avenues for future growth.

ValuAble successfully concludes the one-day startup workshop in collaboration with International Purple Fest and BGIIES

ValuAble successfully concludes

India, 13th January 2024: ValuAble, India’s first purpose-led venture debt fund, successfully concluded an insightful workshop ‘Startup Workshop’ in partnership with International Purple Fest and BITS Incubator on the 10th of January 2024 at the prestigious Kala Academy in Goa. The one-day workshop offered aspiring entrepreneurs an immersive experience with expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. It was a part of the International Purple Fest 2024, India’s first-of-its-kind inclusive festival that promotes equal participation in society for persons with disabilities.

Graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare Shri Shubhash Phal Dessai, President of Special Olympics Bharath Dr. Mallika Nadda, Hon’ble MLA of Bicholim Dr. Chandrakant Shetye and Member of Goa Legislative Assembly Ms. Jennifer Monserrate.

‘Startup Workshop’ consisted of invigorating activities and sessions for empowering attendees on their entrepreneurial journey. Insightful discussions on ‘Are you founder material?’ and ‘Brew Ideas: Crafting the Perfect Startup Concept’ by ValuAble’s founders, Rahul Gupta and Siba Panda, were some of the highlights. This initiative also sowed the seeds of awareness about the assistive tech startups that are fostering accessibility for people in India living with disabilities and facilitating mainstream inclusion.

Attendees also participated in engaging networking sessions with established startups and founders. The workshop had interactive fireside chats with Siddharth Daga of Neomotion, Torchit, and Glovatrix founders, Mr. Prateek Khandelwal of Ramp My City, and captivating Entrepreneurs, as well as founders of leading Assistive Tech startups: Siddharth Daga of Neomotion, Hunny Bhagchandani (TorchIt), Aishwarya Karnataki (Glovatrix – Fifth Sense), and Akashdeep Bansal (SaralX). It was attended by 50 students.

Rahul Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner, of ValuAble, said, “With this workshop, we aimed to cultivate a nurturing environment where aspiring entrepreneurs could not only envision their dreams but also acquire the tools and insights needed to turn those dreams into reality. It wasn’t just about imparting knowledge; it was like a startup boot camp that ignited a fire within each participant to pave the way for innovative business ideas and kickstart entrepreneurial journeys. The success of this workshop has been truly gratifying.”

Siba Panda, Founder and Managing Partner, of ValuAble, said, “Our collaboration with International Purple Fest and BITS Incubator was an initiative to create a nurturing ground where innovative ideas meet actionable guidance. We intended to guide participants on how to channel their passion, navigate challenges, and transform their ideas into sustainable businesses. The workshop was a space where participants could learn the art of securing funding, understand the VC landscape, and explore innovative ways to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams.”

Dedication of Spoorthi Sthal and 82nd Birth Anniversary of late Shri Jaipal Reddy, former Union Minister

Hyderabad, January 12, 2024..….Former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy’s 82nd Birth Anniversary will be celebrated on 16th January at Spoorthi Sthal. Jaipal Reddy Memorial Place, PVR Marg ( Necklace Road ), near Sanjeevaiah Park, Hyderabad from 9 AM onwards.

On the occasion of the dedication of Spoorthi Sthal, a memorial built to honour his indelible legacy and lifetime spent in service of the people will be held. A floral tribute will be held.

Several politicians are expected to pay Floral Tributes to Late Sri S. Jaipal Reddy, Former Union Minister, and an “Outstanding Parliamentarian”, disclosed a press note issued by S. Jaipal Reddy Memorial Foundation in the city today.

Late Shri S. Jaipal Reddy

The Indian Society of Landscape Architects, on behalf of the S Jaipal Reddy Memorial Foundation, organized a Memorial Landscape Design Competition. It sought designs through the contest from Landscape Architect design teams and sought proposals that demonstrate excellence in the role of landscape features and their interrelation in the design of the Memorial named Spoorthi Sthal. The best design is adopted and developed accordingly keeping in mind about local environment and the same is being dedicated on the occasion of his birth anniversary. It is meant for general public utility apart from Memorial That memorial will be rededicated on January 16.

Jaipal Reddy is widely regarded for his Liberal, progressive and democratic values. He has been an ardent proponent of Democracy and a Representative Form of Government. His thoughts and ideas were penned in his book “Ten Ideologies: The Great Asymmetry between Agrarianism and Industrialism”. Democracy is included in it as a separate chapter.

Democracy is a system of government where citizens hold power. They can impact important decisions, either directly or through the people they elect. Democracy is based on freedom and equality between all people. Jaipal Reddy dedicated his life to upholding the democratic values in the Indian Political System.

The moral, social, and political philosophies of the Upanishads, Buddha, Plato, Gandhi, Vivekananda, Nehru, Ambedkar and Bertrand Russell inspired and guided him. His speeches and writings were wise, insightful, incisive, eloquent, and laced with wit.

Representative pic of Spoorthi Sthal

He shepherded the passage of the bill for the formation of Telangana in 2014.

A politician par excellence, Sri Reddy was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for four consecutive times. He was a Member of Parliament seven times and Union Cabinet Minister for more than 10 years. He had a political career spanning over 50 years. He was a brilliant parliamentarian known for his oratorical skills and political acumen. His speeches were packed with knowledge, information, criticism and wit. He passed away on July 28th 2019 at the age of 77 years, and despite his physical disability carried on his journey with grit, and determination and stood as an inspiration to many.

Reddy was an elected representative for nearly 45 years and his contribution to the discussions in Parliament earned him, “The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, 1998”.

Shri Reddy worked relentlessly all his life for the strengthening of Democratic Ideals and in service of the underprivileged and the marginalized. The world misses his reassuring presence and uncommon sagacity.

Even an Interim Budget Can Help Real Estate

akash pharande– By Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The Indian real estate sector, particularly housing, is at a critical juncture as we approach the Union Budget for 2024-2025. Considering the forward momentum seen in 2023, alongside global economic challenges and the stagnation in affordable housing, there are several key areas the sector should focus on in its demands from the upcoming budget.

Though this is an interim budget, traditionally viewed as a stop-gap arrangement before a full-fledged budget post-general elections, it still holds significant potential for addressing immediate concerns and laying groundwork for future policies.

An interim budget, typically presented in an election year, is meant to cover the government’s expenditure for a part of the year until a new government presents the full budget. However, it is not necessarily just a stop-gap arrangement but also an opportunity for the incumbent government to outline its vision and set the tone for future policies.

Real estate stakeholders therefore look to it as an opportunity to introduce critical reforms or support measures, even if they are to be fully fleshed out in the full budget.

budget 2024-2025

1. Addressing the Affordable Housing Challenge

The stagnation in affordable housing has been a critical issue over the past few years. The sector requires:

Enhanced budget allocations for existing affordable housing schemes.
Streamlining of approvals and clearances for affordable housing projects to expedite development.
Tax incentives for developers focusing on affordable housing segments.

 2. Tackling Funding Issues

Liquidity crunch has been a significant challenge for real estate developers, especially post the NBFC crisis. The budget should focus on:

Measures to ease liquidity for real estate projects, possibly through dedicated funds or special windows under institutions like National Housing Bank (NHB).
Reforms or relaxations in external commercial borrowing (ECB) norms to allow more foreign capital in real estate.
Strengthening REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) framework to attract more investment.

 3. Taxation Reforms

  • Taxation remains a critical aspect of real estate investment and development. The sector’s demands include:
  • Rationalization of GST rates on real estate projects. This is important. While GST aimed to simplify taxes, its structure for real estate has been complex, with issues like input tax credit causing concerns among developers.
  •  Rationalizing GST rates for raw materials used in affordable housing or providing input tax credit benefits can reduce the overall cost of construction, indirectly benefiting buyers.
  •  Additional tax deductions for homebuyers, particularly in the affordable and mid-income segments. Currently, under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, taxpayers can claim a deduction on home loan interest. Increasing this limit, especially for affordable housing, would make buying homes more attractive for the lower and middle-income groups. Under Section 80C, there is a deduction for the repayment of the principal amount of home loans. Increasing this limit for affordable housing can be another incentive.
  •  Enhancing additional tax deductions for first-time homebuyers in the affordable housing segment can also incentivize more people to invest in property.
  •  Incentives for sustainable and green building practices through tax rebates.
  •  Providing tax deductions to those offering rental properties in the affordable segment can promote rental housing, which is a critical need in urban areas.

 4. Regulatory and Policy Reforms

Policy reforms are essential for sustained growth. The sector needs:

Streamlining RERA (Real Estate Regulation Act) across states for uniformity and better compliance.

 Policies promoting rental housing as a viable option, which is critical for urban areas with migrant populations.
Clarity and support for digitization in land records and transactions.

 5. Focus on Infrastructure and Urban Development

  • Infrastructure is the backbone of real estate growth. The budget should consider:
  • Increased spending on infrastructure, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
    Policies to integrate urban development with transportation, like Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

  6. Encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

To attract more foreign investment, the budget could:

Relax FDI norms in certain real estate segments.
Provide clarity and stability in policies to build investor confidence.
7. Boost Sustainable Development

With increasing focus on sustainability, the sector requires:

Incentives for projects adhering to green building norms.

 Support for innovation in sustainable materials and construction technologies.

 8. Support Technology Adoption

Technology is already revolutionizing real estate. The budget should focus on:

  • Incentives for adopting technology in construction and property management.
  • Support for PropTech startups through funding and policy initiatives.

 Without a doubt, of all the above-mentioned points, affordable housing is the segment which most needs an immediate shot in the arm. The government had set a very high expectations benchmark for it with its Housing for All target. It can go a long way in using this interim budget to set the stage for a robust comeback of this critically important segment.

DISYS Rebrands as Dexian, aims to strengthen staffing and business solutions for clients

 12th January 2024: Dexian, a pioneer in the workforce solutions, IT, and staffing industries is pleased to announce that its DISYS operations in India have been rebranded as Dexian India and are now a part of the Dexian global brand. This move is part of Dexian’s strategy to solidify its global brand identity and showcase the availability of the company’s comprehensive platform of staffing and business solutions for clients in countries and regions around the world, now including India.

Dexian operations in India began in 2011. After more than 12 years of operation and expertise in India, the company now has offices in Chennai, Noida, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai. With a current headcount of more than 1500 employees, the company has grown into one of India’s largest staffing firms and has hundreds of Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 clients across PAN India. Poised to revolutionize the overall industry with its innovative product offerings and becoming a one-stop agnostic platform offering a comprehensive suite of business management tools, Dexian envisioned integrating technology and achieving sustainable business transformations leading to the pinnacle of success. Currently, Dexian provides staffing services to a varied list of prominent clients, including manufacturing companies and companies with product-based services.

Maruf Ahmed, Dexian CEO, explained that the company’s global platform evolved to address the dynamic landscape of modern business across the world. It was strategically developed to eliminate technology barriers, support innovation programs, and accelerate digital transformation for companies across industries, countries, and continents.

“Our teams in India are a core component of Dexian’s global platform of IT staffing and business solutions,” said Maruf Ahmed, Dexian CEO. “Modern businesses require comprehensive, innovative solutions to new modes of working and better ways of doing business. Our teams utilize Black Sky Thinking to drive transformation and help our clients work smarter and create new solutions to become more productive and more efficient.”

Kumar Rajagopalan, Head of Dexian India, leads the company’s operations in India and explains that Dexian is an innovation-driven company passionate about its people and creating solutions for its clients. “We believe the future belongs to innovators and problem solvers,” he said. “We leverage innovation to deliver proven technology and employment solutions by connecting the right talent and tools with the right organizations to produce new levels of business success for our clients and consultants.”

The job market is expected to pick up in 2024 after slightly dropping in 2023, driven by the need for specialists in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Following a 5% decrease in 2023, hiring is anticipated to rise by 8.3% this year. A huge onshore and offshore network of highly skilled IT specialists has grown as a result of Dexian’s global expansion; this network provides top-notch business solutions and connects its clients with the world’s best talent.

Augmont Gold For All Unveils ‘Inaam Mela’ Campaign, Aiming to Boost Gold Loan Services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana

India, 12th January 2024: Augmont Gold For All, India’s No. 1 Gold Platform, has launched a campaign called ‘Inaam Mela’ to promote its gold loan services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The campaign is poised to captivate audiences with enticing offers and giveaways, elevating the gold loan experience for customers across the targeted regions. It offers guaranteed personalized gifts and the chance to win a grand prize, appealing to a large customer base in the targeted regions.

As part of the ‘Inaam Mela’ campaign, Augmont Gold For All is excited to present an exclusive opportunity for Gold Loan Customers in the specified regions. Customers availing gold loans during the campaign period are guaranteed to receive exciting gifts such as TVs, refrigerators, and other valuable items, enhancing the borrowing experience. To add an extra layer of excitement, participants also stand a chance to win a grand prize – a brand-new bike through a lucky draw. As part of the campaign, Augmont Gold For All is extending the Sell Old Gold (SOG) offer, providing customers with the chance to win Digi Gold up to 10k through a scratch-and-win offer. The brand is committed to promoting inclusivity and serving the diverse populations of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Customers can benefit from low interest rates, ensuring a cost-effective borrowing experience. The easy disbursal process further adds to the convenience, allowing customers to access funds seamlessly. Additionally, they also benefit from assured gifts.

Augmont Gold For All embraces the entire gold lifecycle to provide retail clients with a one-stop solution. It also allows for gold deposits, gold financing, and EMI purchases of Gold and silver. The Bullion Federation has named Augmont Gold All the Best Gold Dealers and Seller at several international conferences.

Mr Sachin Kothari, Director – Augmont-Gold For All, said, “Augmont has always been a pioneer in designing innovative campaign ideas to support the common man in improving their financial well-being. Augmont Gold For All is at the forefront of all innovation related to gold in India. In the new age of technology, we want to enable our jewellers to provide more and more gold products to the end-users. Our Inaam Mela campaign has been launched with an aim to improve gold loan services particularly in the Southern part of India, thus encouraging the customer’s gold investment process. By enabling an advancement in gold loan services, the campaign is a natural extension of the brands strategy in providing a complete bouquet of solutions to the end-users.”