Archives August 2024

Mumbai, 26 August 2024: Residential prices have been rising significantly across cities in the last few years, amid buoyant demand and increased new supply. ANAROCK Research has analysed the price trends in the top 3 micro-markets of the top 7 cities, based on maximum new supply seen in the last 5 years.

Among the shortlisted localities, Bengaluru’s Bagaluru recorded the highest price appreciation of 90% between 2019 and H1 2024.

”With new supply of approx. 17,065 units in the period, the average residential prices at Bagaluru jumped up from INR 4,300 per sq. ft. in 2019 to approx. INR 8,151 per sq. ft. in H1 2024,” says Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group. “A deeper dive reveals that of the total new supply launched in this micro market since 2019, over 94% was in the price bracket of INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr – the mid and premium segments. The remaining 6% was in the luxury segment priced >INR 1.5 Cr. Tellingly, there was no new affordable supply in this locality.”

Hyderabad’s Kokapet came close behind with overall price appreciation of 89% in this period. The area saw approx. 12,920 units of new supply in the period, and prices rose from INR 4,750 per sq. ft. in 2019 to INR 9,000 per sq. ft. in H1 2024. A whopping 52% of the new launch share was in the ultra-luxury category priced >INR 2.5 Cr, followed by a cumulative 30% in the mid and premium segments. The remaining 19% supply was in the luxury price bracket of INR 1.5 – 2.5 Cr.

Bengaluru’s Whitefield ranks 3rd, recording an 80% rise in residential prices in the period. The area witnessed saw approx. 18,600 units launched between 2019 and H1 2024 – over 66% was in the mid and premium budget category, and the remaining 34% was in the luxury homes segment. Average prices here increased to INR 8,600 per sq. ft. in H1 2024 from INR 4,765 per sq. ft. in 2019.

• NCR’s Dwarka Expressway ranks 4th with a 79% price appreciation. Avg. prices increased from INR 5,359 per sq. ft. in 2019 to over INR 9,600 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.
• Bengaluru’s Sarjapur Road clocks in at #5 with a 58% price jump. Avg. prices here rose from INR 5,870 per sq. ft. in 2019 to INR 9,300 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.
• Hyderabad’s Bachupally came in 6th with avg. property prices increasing by 57% in the period – from INR 3,690 per sq. ft. in 2019 to over INR 5,800 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.
• Hyderabad’s Tellapur ranks 7th with a 53% jump in avg. property prices in this period – from INR 4,819 per sq. ft. in 2019 to INR 7,350 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.
• MMR’s Panvel ranks 8th with a 50% price rise in the period – from INR 5,520 per sq. ft. in 2019 to INR 8,300 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.
  NCR’s New Gurugram – in the 9th spot – saw avg. property prices rise by 48% – to INR 9,000per sq. ft. in H1 2024 from INR 6,100 per sq. ft. in 2019.
• MMR’s Dombivli saw a 40% price rise in this period – from INR 6,625 per sq. ft. in 2019 to INR 9,300 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.

“Housing price growth accelerated after the pandemic, particularly if we consider the last two years,” says Puri. “As per our data, the top 7 cities collectively saw over 44% of price appreciation in the last five years. At a city level, Hyderabad recorded the highest jump of 64% between 2019 and H1 2024, followed by Bengaluru with a 57% increase. The lowest price growth of 25% was seen in Kolkata. NCR and MMR both witnessed a 48% price appreciation each in this period.”

The commonly held notion that high new supply in a market tends to curtail price growth is not entirely true; many of these active residential micro-markets have seen significant price appreciation over the last five years. For instance, Greater Noida West in NCR – which has the 5th highest supply in the region in last five years – saw a whopping 129% price appreciation.

 10 Micro-markets for New Supply – MMR’s Dombivli Leads

The past five years have seen a massive infusion of new supply across the top 7 cities – more than 16,32,650 units between 2019 and H1 2024. City-wise, MMR witnessed the highest supply with approx. 5,25,430 units in this period, followed by Pune with over 2,95,550 units. In terms of micro-markets, MMR’s Dombivli remained the most active market in this period, with the highest new supply.

• Dombivli (MMR) ranks first on the list of the most active residential micro-markets in terms of the number of new units launched in this 5-year period. It saw more than 44,990 new unit launched since 2019, with average property prices hovering around INR 9,300 per sq. ft. on built-up area as of H1 2024 – a 40% increase. At least 77% of the new supply was in the INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr price bracket, and the remaining 23% in the affordable category.
• Sarjapur Road (Bengaluru) saw the second highest new supply of approx. 36,150 units, of which 74% was in the mid and premium segments and 18% in the luxury category. Just 8% was affordable housing.
• Panvel (MMR) saw 34,400 units added in the period, of which 64% was in the INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr price bracket, 32% in the affordable segment, and 3% within the INR 1.5 Cr to INR 2.5 Cr price band.
• Thane West (MMR) ranks 4th with approx. 34,020 new units added with the average price at INR 13,500 per sq. ft. as of H1 2024 (from INR 10,317 per sq. ft. in 2019) – a 34% price hike. Of the total new supply here, 77% was in the mid and premium segments, 21% in the >INR 1.5 Cr bracket, and just 2% in the affordable category.
• Greater Faridabad (NCR) came in 5th with approx. 32,740 units launched in the period. At least 56% was in the affordable category, 24% in the luxury price bracket, and the remaining 20% in the mid and premium segments. Average property rates here rose from INR 3,500 in 2019 to INR 4,700 per sq. ft. in H1 2024 – a 34% jump.
• Hinjewadi (Pune) came in 6th with new supply of 25,140 units between 2019 to H1 2024; a whopping 95% was in the mid and premium segments (INR 40 lakh to INR 1.5 Cr), just 4% in the affordable segment, and 1% in the luxury category. The area has seen prices appreciate by 39% in the last five years.
• New Gurugram (NCR), clocking in 7th, saw approx. 21,125 units launched in the period – 52% in the affordable category, 29% in the luxury segment, and 19% in the mid and premium segments. Average prices here rose by 48% in the last five years – from INR 6,100 per sq. ft. in 2019 to INR 9,000 per sq. ft. in H1 2024.
• Dwarka Expressway (NCR) ranks 8th with approx. 20,250 units launched between 2019 to H1 2024, of which over 55% was in the affordable category priced INR 1.5 Cr bracket.
• Whitefield (Bengaluru) ranks 10th with approx. 18,600 units launched, of which 66% was in the mid and premium segments and 34% in the luxury category. There was no new affordable housing supply here.

26th August 2024: When it comes to building a wardrobe that exudes confidence and timeless appeal, certain essentials are simply non-negotiable. These key pieces define your style, making sure you’re always dressed to impress, no matter the occasion. From crisp shirts that set the tone for a sharp look to versatile trousers that effortlessly transition from day to night, these wardrobe staples are the backbone of a well-dressed man’s closet. Don’t miss out on these essential men’s pieces that elevate your everyday style and ensure you stand out, effortlessly.

Slim Fit Blazer

The Arrow Zero Calorie Slim Fit Textured Blazer is a stylish and versatile outerwear piece designed to elevate any outfit. Crafted with a slim fit silhouette, this blazer flatters the body and creates a sleek, modern look. The textured fabric adds visual interest and a touch of sophistication to the design. With its classic lapel collar and button closure, this blazer can be easily dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to semi-formal events. The slim fit ensures a tailored appearance, while the lightweight construction provides comfort and ease of movement.

Classic White Oxford Shirt

The Pure Cotton Oxford Shirt from Marks & Spencer is a stylish and versatile addition to any man’s wardrobe. Made from 100% pure cotton, this shirt offers exceptional comfort and breathability, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Its classic Oxford design features a button-down collar, ensuring a smart and polished appearance. Available in various fits, it caters to different body types, allowing for a personalized look. Additionally, the shirt is easy to maintain, as it is machine washable, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or looking for a comfortable option for daily use, this shirt combines style and functionality seamlessly.

Crew Neck T-Shirt

The Soft Brushed Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt from Uniqlo is designed for comfort and versatility, making it a staple for any wardrobe. Made from soft, breathable cotton, this t-shirt features a finely brushed surface that provides extra warmth while minimizing lint balls, ensuring a clean look over time. Its classic crew neck design and true-to-size fit make it suitable for layering or wearing alone. Available in various colors and patterns, this long sleeve t-shirt is perfect for casual outings or relaxed days at home.

Denim Jacket

The Men’s Solid Blue Spread Collar Jacket from Levi’s is a stylish and versatile outerwear piece designed for modern men. Featuring a classic spread collar and a sleek blue finish, this jacket combines a timeless look with contemporary appeal. Made from high-quality materials, it offers both comfort and durability, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to semi-formal events. The jacket includes practical elements such as pockets for convenience, ensuring it meets both style and functionality needs.

Comfortable Joggers

The Jordan Sport Hoop Fleece Dri-FIT Trousers from Nike are designed for comfort and performance, making them ideal for both athletic activities and casual wear. Made with soft fleece fabric and featuring Dri-FIT technology, these trousers help wick away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable during workouts. The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawcord ensures a secure fit, while the tapered design provides a modern silhouette. With side pockets for convenient storage, these trousers are perfect for on-the-go lifestyles or relaxing at home.

26th August 2024: As the spirit of Janmashtami spreads devotion and joy, actor Ashish Dixit, who plays the lead role in Sun Neo’s show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, has shared his plans for the festival and some cherished memories.

Discussing his plans for celebrating Janmashtami this year, Ashish said, “This year, I don’t have big plans for Janmashtami due to my busy shooting schedule for Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. However, I’ll make the most of it by celebrating both at home and with my co-stars on set. On the set of our show, we’ve also shot a special Janmashtami sequence, which we enjoyed to the fulles. At home, we usually decorate the temple, bathe the idol with milk, and place it on a small swing. We worship like any normal family—not too intense, but we do what we can. We play songs and keep the atmosphere joyful. On the set of our show, we’ve also filmed a special Janmashtami sequence, which we enjoyed to the fullest.”

Recalling his childhood memories, the Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actor said, “When I was a kid in Mumbai, we used to set up a Dahi Handi in our society. The smallest one would climb to the top. I remember one time, some uncles helped me climb to the third level safely. I broke the pot and then asked my dad why I had to break a smaller one while others broke bigger ones. He said, ‘No problem, when you grow up, you can break the bigger one.’ I still remember that moment.”

Reflecting on the teachings that have impacted his life, Ashish Dixit shared, “Lord Krishna’s teachings have greatly influenced me. He said that everything in life happens for a reason. When bad things happen, you find out who truly supports you and who doesn’t. And when things are going well, it’s also revealed who stays with you. Experiencing both good and bad times is very important, and this is what Krishna Ji teaches us.”

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo, stars Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Brinda Dahal, Sara Khan, Ashish Dixit, and Jaya Bhattacharya in key roles. The show highlights Vaishnavi’s devotion to Chhathi Maiyya, who offers guidance and protection to her followers while celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Chennai, 26, August 2024: Cialfo, a leading global edtech company, has assigned its digital mandate to Social Beat, a premier digital marketing agency known for its innovative strategies and driving business outcomes. Social Beat will focus on increasing lead inflow through LinkedIn campaigns and improving organic ranking via comprehensive SEO strategies. Additionally, the agency will explore platforms like Meta and Google to boost brand awareness, targeting metrics such as cost per quality lead, keyword rankings, website visits, and keyword search volume.

Mr. Suneil Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Cialfo, a pioneer in the edtech space. Our goal is to drive meaningful business outcomes by leveraging our expertise in digital marketing to enhance their lead generation and organic presence. We look forward to a successful and impactful collaboration.”

Pooja Gupta Pasari, Sr. VP of Strategic Operations at Cialfo, stated, “Our partnership with Social Beat marks an important step in our growth journey. Their deep understanding of digital marketing and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our vision. We are excited to work together to achieve our objectives and expand our reach.”

SEOUL, August 26, 2024 – SK Telecom, announced a complete overhaul of its innovative artificial intelligence (AI) service, ‘A.’ (A-DoT). The revamp aims to transform the A. app into an AI personal assistant focused on enhancing daily convenience for customers.

The most significant feature of this revamp is the enhancement of natural conversation experience based on a large language model (LLM) and the strengthening of daily management functions through multi-agents. The entire user experience (UX) has been overhauled to enable flexible conversations with an LLM-based agent.

A. has integrated all essential functions into the new ‘Daily’ feature, including calendar, tasks, schedules, routines and sleep. This enables comprehensive management of all aspects of a user’s daily routines.

Users can save and manage appointments, meetings, to-dos and more through voice commands, reducing the need for conventional, tedious typing. Moreover, the new service greatly enhances the daily AI personal assistant experience by providing customized suggestions tailored to the user’s personal situation, preferences and other factors, such as alerting the user to weather or traffic conditions before their appointments.

In the updated A. app, users can access an array of seven multi-LLM agents. These include Perplexity, A.X, ChatGPT 3.5 turbo, ChatGPT 4o, Claude Haiku, Claude Opus and Claude Sonnet. Each agent offers unique conversational AI capabilities tailored to the user’s specific needs. Users can select an LLM engine that aligns with objectives, enabling them to compare responses from various models for the same query. These features will be provided free of charge for the time being.

In addition, the app provides specialized agent services across various fields, including music, media and stocks, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive user experience.

“The A. overhaul ensures a more natural and convenient conversational experience as if the users are interacting with a real personal assistant,” said Kim Yonghun, Vice President and Head of the AI Service Business Division at SKT. “We will continue to innovate to provide AI services that save our customers’ precious time and enhance convenience and quality of life.”

Bengaluru, August 26th: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday said that there is a need for more service-minded doctors in order to spread wellness in society in today’s era of commercialization of health sector.

Speaking after inaugurating the 207-bed “DHEE” Super Speciality Hospital on Kanakapura Road, Dinesh Gundu Rao said the state had good Hospitals such as Jayadeva Cardiology and Kidwai Cancer Institute.

“We need more such service-minded hospitals especially when health sector is commercialized,” the Health Minister added.

According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, the responsibility of the government is more in the healthcare sector as its primary duty is to build a healthy society.

“But this task cannot be achieved by government alone. We need Hospitals like “DHEE” to supplement government’s efforts,” the Health Minister said and added, “if curing the disease is important, prevention is more important. This is our priority.”

He complimented the efforts of Dr Chandrashekar Chikkamuniyappa who has been working for the welfare of the people along with NGOs such as Rotary and Vyas.

Expressing concern over the rapid commercialization of the healthcare sector, Dinesh Gundu Rao said the only solution to this problem is increasing more and more service-minded hospitals and doctors.

The health minister further said that people are utilizing the Hrudaya Jyothi scheme and saving their lives. Till now, more than 20 people have been able to save their lives. “This scheme will be extended to all taluks shortly,” he added.

In his speech, spiritual leader Sri Sri RaviShankar Guruji said, it was everybody’s duty to build a healthy society. Good health comes from good education. This leads to the development of the country. We need to protect our health by good exercise, good food practices and good thoughtfulness.

“If we take precautionary measures, we can prevent diseases. We need not go to temples to see god. Doctors are the gods. I wish all the best to this Hospital which has been started with service-minded attitude,” the spiritual leader added.

Dr Chandrashekar Chikkamuniappa, the Hospital’s CEO, in his speech said, the doctors are going to shoulder great responsibility for the well-being of the society. The cooperation of the private sector with the government is very important to protect the healthcare sector.

“Like-minded doctors with service mentality have started this hospital. We will provide medical facilities at affordable cost. We are already into various service activities along with Rotary and Vyas organizations,” he explained.

Noted Educationist Dr Gururaj Karjagi, Rotary Asia Ambassador, Philanthropist Ravishankar Dakoju, and others were present.

Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor of NMIMS University

Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor of NMIMS University, conducted a comprehensive security assessment today, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being.

Accompanied by SVKM’s NMIMS security staff, Dr Chintamaneni thoroughly inspected entry and exit points, directly engaged with security personnel and assessed the surrounding campus areas.

As a result of this initiative, we have bolstered our security measures by deploying additional guards across the campus.

NMIMS University remains dedicated to providing a secure learning environment for all our students.

New Delhi: A memorial concert titled “Yade-Bismillah” was held on the 17th death anniversary of the legendary Shehnai maestro Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. This concert was organised at Sanskaar Bharti auditorium in Mandi House, New Delhi by Sanskaar Bharti and India Heritage Art and Culture Trust. This event featured magnificent performances by Padma Shri Dr. Shoma Ghosh and santoor maestro Dr. Bipul Ray. The prime attraction of the evening was the conferral of the prestigious Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan Award upon renowned Shehnai artist Lokesh Anand. Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale graced this occasion by presenting the award to Anand in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music, especially his mastery of the Shehnai.

The event was attended by many respectable and prominent guests, including former Home Minister of Maharashtra Kripa Shankar, former MP from Mathura Dr. Raja Manvendra Singh, India Heritage Art and Culture Trust founder Shool Pani Singh, National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma, and Prasar Bharati Board Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal.

Anand’s musical journey began at the age of 8 under the guidance of his father, Shri Kalicharan, and later, Pandit Anand Lal and Daya Shankar. His association with Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj polished his skills, allowing him to develop a unique style that blends traditional and vocal nuances. Throughout his marvellous career, Lokesh Anand has attracted global audiences by performing at various esteemed events such as the Akashwani Sangeet Sammelan, Tansen Music Festival, Hariballah Music Festival, Saptak Music Festival, and Sankat Mochan Music Festival. Moreover, he has also represented India on international platforms, including the G20 Summit in New Delhi and the “Zurnazen Festival” in Turkey, where he was the first Indian artist to represent Shehnai. Apart from this, Anand performed at the Ram Lala Pran Pratishtha Samaroh in Ayodhya and received a nomination for the “GIMA” Award for his track “Swan-Lake Op20 Lokesh Anand”. His all of these achievements have helped him in solidifying his position as a leading Shehnai artist around the world.

The “Yade-Bismillah” tribute concert was a very appropriate celebration of Ustad Bismillah Khan’s legacy, and Lokesh Anand’s award is a well-deserved recognition of his endeavour to preserve and promote India’s rich musical heritage. To promote Indian musical heritage Anand is committed to spread the art of Shehnai globally, that’s why he is set to tour internationally, with concerts scheduled in Turkey and the USA in September and October 2024.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is provided by a third party and we do not endorse or guarantee its accuracy.

Be fit and keep the lifestyle diseases and doctors away: Film star and director Srinivas Avasarala

Hyderabad, August 23, 2024……Hitex is organizing the 7th Edition of SportExpo India 2024 for two days on August 23rd and 24th at Hitex, Madhapur in the city.

The two-day expo was inaugurated by Mr. Srinivas Avasarala – Director & Actor; Mr. Vishwaraj Mohan – Decathlon; Mr. Jayapal Reddy – Executive Director, NMDC; Mr. Aditya Reddy – Buddy Bashl Mr. Srikanth T.G, Business Head, Hitex Business Center.

Speaking on the occasion the film star and director Srinivas Avasarala said, my fitness mantra is to go to the gym as soon as I get up from bed, but never do. By visiting the Sports Expo and seeing many fitness freaks, I am now motivated and doubly charged to get back to fitness, which I skipped after COVID-19.

It is very important to have an active lifestyle. And my message to people is that your body is a very important thing in life. Be fit and take care of it. It is better to be fit rather than regret later, the film star added. Be fit and keep the lifestyle diseases and doctors away, he added.

The expo is a B2C platform that unites leading brands and exhibitors from diverse segments of the sports, fitness, nutrition, and wellness industry. It has 55 exhibitors informed TS Srikanth, Business Head of Hitex.

NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2024 powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, India’s second-largest marathon and a World Athletics Label Race is a Marathon partner of SportExpo.

SportExpo India 2O24 brings a holistic approach to mainly emphasize sports and fitness as a profitable industry as well as an avenue for health and wellness, added Srikanth.

Gamology, a fun gaming zone, was one of the attractions at the Expo. It has a lot of engaging and funny games. Our games elevate the gaming experience of any social gatherings, corporate events, get-togethers said Ayyappa Chakilam. Our games are fun, stress-busters, and ideal for parties, corporate events, educational institutions events, and gatherings. Some of the interesting and out-of-the-ordinary games include Fintastic Fish, TossBoss, ShiftSwift, ShuttleShowdown; BalanceBattle; RollingRumble; Knockdown King, CoinChaos; QuadMad; TwistyEscape, and others.

The Hyderabad Runners Society (HRS), India’s first institutionalized running group will be organizing 5K- a “Curtain Raiser” of the 13th Edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon powered by IDFC FIRST Bank on Saturday at 7 am.

Mr Aditya Reddy of Buddy Bash who is supporting the expo said ‘We make things that help people engage with life and loved ones– through leisure games and play.

Buddy Bash, Decathlon, Hyderabad Runners, and Community are some of the partners of the expo.

23rd August 2024:  India celebrates its First National Space Day, a momentous occasion marking the first anniversary of the Chandrayaan 3 mission. This two-day event at Bharat Mandapam is a significant milestone in the nation’s space journey, serving as a tribute to the past and a beacon for the future of India’s spacetech ambitions.

The First National Space Day is more than just a commemoration of Chandrayaan 3’s success; it is a celebration of India’s growing prowess in the global space tech industry. Chandrayaan 3, which marked a historic achievement for India, has become a symbol of the nation’s capabilities and aspirations in space exploration. The event at Bharat Mandapam is bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and space enthusiasts to discuss and envision the future of India’s space endeavors.

Speeches and panel discussions during the event are focusing on India’s journey from a fledgling space program to a leading global player. The discussions also highlight the role of private sector involvement, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the potential for international collaborations.

In this context, Mudit Kumar, a Space-Tech startup investor, and senior private banker, shared his thoughts on the evolution of India’s space tech ecosystem. He emphasized how the entire space ecosystem has rapidly evolved, positioning India as a serious space tech player on the global stage, particularly following the success of Chandrayaan 3. “The way the entire space ecosystem has shaped up in India over the last couple of years has positioned us as a serious space tech player globally,” Kumar remarked, reflecting on the achievements that have drawn international recognition.

Kumar highlighted the collective efforts that have driven this success, from government policy to ISRO’s visionary execution and the innovative approaches of new-age spacetech entrepreneurs. He also noted the increasing role of the venture capital ecosystem in supporting space tech startups and the critical part that private bankers play in nurturing this ecosystem by connecting specialized space tech ideas with interested investors.

As India’s capabilities in space tech continue to expand beyond launching rockets and satellites, the country is now aiming to provide end-to-end solutions for the industry. Kumar expressed his excitement about the future, mentioning advancements in affordable launch vehicles, green propulsion systems, in-space refueling, and reusable rockets. He also touched on the exploration of niche applications of space tech in fields like biotechnology, which could open up significant opportunities for global commercial collaborations.

India’s First National Space Day not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for the nation’s ambitious future in space tech. With a strong foundation and a rapidly growing ecosystem, India is poised to push the boundaries of space exploration and contribute significantly to the global space tech landscape.