Tag Navi Mumbai

National, 23rd July, 2024: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s apex trade body for Gems & Jewellery ) hailed the first Union Budget of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi 3.0 government presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for the seventh historic time as a game changer for the indigenous gem & jewellery industry.

Hon. Finance Minister acknowledged that India is a world leader in the diamond cutting and polishing manufacturing, which employs more than a million skilled workers. GJEPC said that the abolition of equalisation levy and announcement of safe harbour tax on rough diamond trading will see the growth of India as the largest rough diamond trading centre as all foreign mining companies will now trade rough diamonds directly to the diamond cutting and manufacturing entities in India. Thus the small manufacturers will get the access of raw materials in India directly from diamond miners without need to travel abroad to take part in diamond auctions.

GJEPC welcomes FM’s decision to exclude the diamond sector from the 2% Equalization Levy (EL) on sales of rough diamonds. This will help to maintain India’s leadership in the diamond industry and ensure operational sustainability. Equalisation Levy at the rate of 2 per cent of consideration received for e-commerce supply of goods or services, shall no longer be applicable on or after 1st August, 2024.

Hon. FM’s acceptance of GJEPC’s long-standing recommendation for simplifying taxation rules on sale of diamonds in Special Notified Zones (SNZs) by foreign miners alongwith abolition of equalization levy for bidding of rough diamonds online by our diamond manufacturers is a game changer. GJEPC welcomes the Government’s proposal to provide for safe harbour rate for foreign mining companies selling rough diamonds in the country and abolition of equalization levy. This will put India on equal footing with global trading centres such as Belgium and Dubai. This will further promote the development of the gem & jewellery sector. As apex trade body, GJEPC has been seeking the same and has made several pre-Budget recommendations on this matter.

FM’s announcement will expand the ambit of entities entitled to operate through SNZs. SNZs were established with the prime objective that there would be easy availability of rough diamonds by creating efficiencies in procurement of rough diamonds by allowing overseas diamond mining companies to sell their produce directly to Indian manufacturers through such SNZs. Sale is allowed in countries like Belgium and Dubai, while there is no direct tax on sale of displayed rough diamonds in Dubai and there is 0.187% turnover tax on sale in Belgium. GJPEC has proposed the establishment of an SNZ for rough gemstones in Jaipur. With these SNZs in Mumbai and Surat, the critical issue of raw material availability would be greatly relieved.

GJEPC applauds Hon. FM’s proposal to reduce custom duties on gold and silver to 6% and that of platinum to 6.4% to enhance domestic value addition in gold and precious metal jewellery in the country. India’s gem and jewellery industry heavily relies on imports for its raw materials, including gold, diamonds, silver, and colored gemstones. These materials are brought into the country and undergo either cutting and polishing or are transformed into finished jewellery before being exported worldwide. As apex body, GJEPC has been seeking this reduction in its pre-Budget recommendations to enhance exports. The reduction in duties of gold, silver and platinum will ensure that duty blockage of around Rs. 982.16 crore can be released resulting in more working capital in hand of the exporters. This will help in growth of manufacturing due to enhanced demand for jewellery at domestic level and realise the untapped export potential for gold jewellery with more working capital (at least US$2 billion of US$ 11 billion in medium period of 2 years).

FM highlighted the Government’s efforts to rationalize the tax structures to promote domestic manufacturing increase exports, enhance global competitiveness. Version 2.0 of the Jan Vishwas Bill will enhance ease of doing business.

MSMEs and artisans/craftsmen in the gem & jewellery industry will benefit from the e-commerce exports hubs, which will be set up in public private participation to facilitate trade and export related services under one roof. To sell their products in international markets, these hubs, under a seamless regulatory and logistic framework, will facilitate trade and export related services under one roof. Craftsmen and Artisans will benefit from the stepping up of schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, National Livelihood Missions, and Stand-Up India.

The setting up of Industrial Parks in association with the State Government will encourage development of Gem & Jewellery Parks across the country in addition to the one being developed in Navi Mumbai by the Council. FM’s proposal with respect to Rental housing with dorm like accommodation for industrial workers will be facilitated in PPP mode is welcome.

FM stated that rules and recognition for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) will be simplified to facilitate their inflow. This move aims to prioritize and promote the use of the Rupee for overseas investments. FM’s Union Budget showed that the Government is aiming to make Indian rupee to become the world’s alternate reserve currency.

The Budget’s emphasis on labour intensive manufacturing by MSMEs – who comprise 80% of the gem & jewellery industry – will help them grow and compete globally. Credit guarantee scheme in the manufacturing sector will give a stimulus to MSMEs for modernising machinery and equipment.

The Government has given a big push on employment-linked skilling and this will benefit the 5-million plus workforce of the indigenous gem & jewellery industry. job creation in the manufacturing sector will be incentivized through a scheme linked to the employment of first-time employees. We hope that the Government’s move for more women in workforce and initiatives announced for women workers will inspire more women to join the gem & jewellery industry.

The Government’s focus on existing and new industrial corridors especially in Eastern India will help GJEPC to promote new gem & jewellery clusters for exports.

The allocation of Rs. 2 lakh crore for facilitating employment and skilling for 4.1 crore youth for a 5-year period will benefit new workers in the 5 million plus labour force of the Indian gem & jewellery industry. The Direct Benefit Scheme for new entrants will encourage more youngsters to join the gem & jewellery industry.

Finance Minister’s Budget primarily focussed on economic reforms for Land, Labour, Capital and Entrepreneurship to increase the employment, especially for the labour intensive sectors in India like gems & jewellery. This coupled with incentives and investment for skill development of the workers and artisans will really give immense boost to our sector.

The 9 priorities including focus on Manufacturing & Services will aid Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, reacts to the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on 23rd July 2024

“The Union Budget 2024 is a game-changer for the gems and jewellery sector. The reduction in import duties on gold and silver to 6% and platinum to 6.4% is a major boost for our industry, enhancing affordability for consumers and competitiveness for the manufacturing sector by releasing working capital. The abolition of the 2% Equalization Levy and introduction of the Safe Harbour Rule on sale of rough diamonds at SNZs will firmly establish India as a global rough diamond trading hub. These combined measures will propel the sector’s growth, generate lakhs of employment opportunities by benefitting the small-scale jewellery manufacturers & exporters and diamond cutters and polishers, thus contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

 By- Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The problem of rapidly worsening air quality in India has a direct correlation to our housing choices. Increasing urbanization, industrial proliferation, and population growth are causing more and more homebuyers to prioritize the quality of their living environments.

Urban Centers – The Worst Hit

Indian city centres face severe air pollution threat:

• Heavy Traffic – The congested city centres with high population and traffic density contribute significantly to vehicular emissions.
• Industrial Pollution – Proximity to industrial zones with obsolete or nonexistent pollution control measures worsens air quality.
• Urban Heat Island Effect – The concentration of buildings and human activities in cities leads to higher temperatures – which, in turn, escalate pollution levels.
• Lack of Green Spaces – The absence of parks and green areas in densely populated urban regions makes natural air filtration impossible.

A Shift Towards Cleaner Surroundings

Many suburban areas with lower population density and more green open spaces offer relief from urban pollution. Planned cities, like Chandigarh, Navi Mumbai and PCMC (Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) showcase the effective separation of residential and industrial zones, improving overall air quality for all concerned.

In the absence of planned development, many suburban paradises are at risk. Rapid real estate development will eventually turn green sanctuaries into polluted urban-like environments.

Exploring the Solution – Integrated Townships

To tackle this issue, the Indian residential real estate sector has introduced integrated townships as a solution that can withstand environmental challenges.

• Captive Green Spaces – These townships prioritize green open spaces like parks and gardens to create an environmentally sustainable environment.
• Reduced Vehicle Emissions – Because they incorporate schools, shops and recreational facilities within their precincts, townships reduce overall vehicle movement.
• Sustainable Infrastructure – Initiatives like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling promote eco-friendly living practices.
• Combating Urban Heat Islands – Development plans for townships include extensive green areas, tree-lined streets, natural or artificial water bodies, and renewable energy sources to combat heat accumulation. By securing these advantages, integrated townships ensure that the area remains eco-friendly – now and in the future.

Tips for Prospective Home Buyers to Avoid Air Pollution Risks

• Begin by examining air quality data for different regions. This information is often accessible through environmental monitoring agencies or online air quality indices. Check websites that offer real-time air quality updates to evaluate current atmospheric conditions.
• When selecting locations, consider the presence of green spaces. Look for areas close to parks, reserved forests, and other open green zones, as they result in better overall air quality. Don’t choose a home in a project too close to a highway or an industrial zone, or prone to traffic bottlenecks. Also note that elevated areas often offer better air quality because heavy pollution smog primarily settles in low-lying areas.
• Evaluate the condition of roads and public transportation as this will determine how much emissions accumulate in an area. Do internet research and check news to review the area’s infrastructure and future development plans to anticipate changes that could impact air quality.
• When checking out a home, find out if it has adequate cross-ventilation and good green home features. Energy-efficient homes typically provide better air quality thanks to their sealed and insulated environments.
  You can, to some extent, enhance indoor air quality by using indoor plants. But this is obviously a very minimal solution to a major problem

In conclusion

With air quality playing an important role in home purchasing choices, buyers must prioritize features that ensure a clean and healthy living environment.

By picking the right location and project, you can protect your and your family’s well-being and still enjoy the conveniences of modern life. Opting for integrated township living is a wise decision amid rapidly declining air quality in urban India. In any case, make any housing with a lot of research and awareness about air quality.

And remember – the clean environment you get in a currently green but quickly developing suburb may not be guaranteed tomorrow. Ensure that your loved ones can breathe freely – not only today but also in the future.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater 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 the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

Bengaluru, 16th April 2024: Pune-headquartered Arya Omnitalk, a joint venture between two of India’s most reputed business houses, Arvind Ltd. and the JM Baxi Group, has secured an exclusive partnership with Motorola Solutions to distribute Professional and Commercial Radios in India.

Arya Omnitalk operates three business divisions, namely Shared Mobile Radio Services (SMR), GPS-based Fleet Tracking and Management Solutions, and Toll and Highway Traffic Management Systems (HTMS). Under this collaboration, Arya Omnitalk will exclusively distribute Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO Portfolio of products, along with continuing to distribute Wave PTX and associated services.

A leading provider of PMRTS (Public Mobile Radio Trunking Services), CMRTS (Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services), and Broadband Push-to-talk devices, Arya Omnitalk holds licenses to operate in 18 cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Indore, Kolkata, Bharuch, Navi Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Jaipur.

These radios are specially designed for organizations operating in today’s fast-moving business environment. They allow real-time, instant communication among teams, improving coordination in fast-paced environments. It allows cross-platform compatibility and works across various devices and platforms, ensuring seamless communication between different teams and devices within the company. These radios connect teams spread across different locations and facilities. It can integrate with existing communication systems and tools, streamlining processes and enhancing overall connectivity within the company.

These radios provide secure communication channels, crucial for the industries where confidentiality and data protection are paramount. It enables swift response during emergencies or critical situations, ensuring immediate communication for rapid decision-making and crisis management.

These services cater to important sectors such as Municipal Corporations, Manufacturing, Security, Oil & Gas, Transport and Logistics, Warehousing, Educational Institutes, IT/ITeS, Hospitality, Hospitals, Embassies, Mines, and Construction.

Speaking of the occasion, Mr. Paresh Shetty, CEO, Arya Omnitalk said, “We are thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Motorola Solutions, further solidifying the trust we’ve built with the brand and customers over the years. This exclusive partnership grants us the opportunity to sell best in class products in India. Our commitment remains unwavering in delivering unmatched customer experiences, ensuring every interaction mirrors our dedication to excellence and satisfaction.”

Panvel, Navi Mumbai, March 12, 2024: Today Global Developers, a distinguished real estate developer with over two decades of expertise in crafting iconic projects in Navi Mumbai, successfully organized ‘Womenostav’, as a part of celebrating the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024.

An initiative aimed at honouring and empowering women with a host of initiatives, ‘Womenostav,’ saw tremendous participation and enthusiasm from the community. The festivities commenced on March 7 th, 2024 with a grand celebration and felicitation of women employees from Today Global Developers, select channel partners, and esteemed customers. The event, held at Today Global Developer’s site in Girawale, Panvel, recognised the invaluable contributions of women in various spheres.

As a part of Womenostav, Today Global Developers also announced a special offer on bookings made by women during ‘Womenostav’, reaffirming its commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting accessibility in real estate ownership with special benefits for bookings made by women from March 7th, 2024 to Mar 16th, 2024 reaffirming its commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting accessibility in real estate ownership. By organising ‘Womenostav,’ Today Global Developers also showcased its upcoming projects and enhanced its company profile within the community.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Bhavesh Shah, Joint Managing Director- Today Global Developers, said, “We are delighted to have unveiled our ‘Womenostav’ celebrations at Today Global Developers, a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit and invaluable contributions of women in our society. Through this initiative, our aim was not only to recognise but also to empower women from all walks of life.”

A known name in Navi Mumbai, Today Global Developers has become synonymous with excellence in the industry. With a track record of delivering over 30 successful projects, the company takes pride in having created thriving communities where over 2500 families reside happily in homes it has developed. Currently, with four projects in the pipeline, Today Global Developers continues its commitment to shaping the landscape in the Navi Mumbai region. The ‘Womenostav’ celebrations were indeed a day of empowerment, entertainment, and inspiration. Live entertainment, music, and engaging activities for families and children further enhanced the festive atmosphere, making it an event not to be missed.