NewsBizkoot.com

Tag: Business News

LS Digital Partners with Aqilliz as their DCR (Data Clean Rooms)

India, 06th April 2024: LS Digital, a leading independent digital marketing transformation (DMT) company, today announced DCR implementation partnership with Aqilliz, a first of its kind technological infrastructure that ensures privacy-compliant personalization. Through this partnership, LS Digital will facilitate a range of marketing applications and address the increasing demand for Data Collaboration and Regulation, with a focus on Privacy-Preserving Analytics, Compliance, and Customer Insights.

Data Clean Rooms (DCRs) are essential for businesses to comply with privacy laws and use customer data for insights, activation, and measurement in an ethical manner. This entails getting customers’ permission and telling them up front about how their data is being used. A hybrid implementation solution, DCRs are a managed service that integrates storage, deployment engines, and encryption.

Speaking on this partnership, Mr. Prasad Shejale, Founder & CEO, LS Digital, said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Aqilliz as an implementation partner for their DCR suite of products.” On the importance of Data Clean Rooms to brands and competitive market advantage of Aqilliz, Prasad further commented, “In today’s landscape, ensuring data privacy, protection, and collaboration within the organization, as well as with data providers, in a regulatory compliant manner is imperative for businesses to stay ahead. Aqilliz offers an innovative next-generation blockchain-based DCR middleware solution perfectly aligned with these needs. Our plan is to integrate this middleware to facilitate various use cases including Data Collaboration, Privacy-Preserving Analytics, Compliance and Regulation, and Customer Insights. This product seamlessly enhances our Marketing Data Infrastructure service, guaranteeing safety, security, and compliance for consumer data.”

Securing data integrity and guaranteeing privacy protection are crucial in today’s data-driven environment. With its state-of-the-art blockchain-based DCR middleware solution, Aqilliz fully complements LS Digital’s goal of ensuring consumers data safety, security, and compliance of its clients.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Gowthaman Ragothaman, Founder & CEO, Aqilliz, said, “I am extremely delighted to be partnering with LS Digital in their mission to change the future and challenge the now. Responsible use of consumer data is one such challenge that is in front of us. Decentralized Data Clean Rooms will help the customers of LS Digital in meeting this challenge.”

This collaboration is consistent with LS Digital’s dedication to offering customer data a safe and legal environment. Customers of LS Digital will benefit greatly from this partnership in terms of achieving privacy compliance, especially considering the Personal Data Protection Bill of India, which places duties on data administrators and processors. Additionally, as Aqilliz offers the services required to improve their data privacy policies, companies can ethically use their customer data for insights, activation, and measurement.

Mansi Praharaj

April 6, 2024
LS Digital Partners with Aqilliz as their DCR (Data Clean Rooms)

India, 06th April 2024: LS Digital, a leading independent digital marketing transformation (DMT) company, today announced DCR implementation partnership with Aqilliz, a first of its kind technological infrastructure that ensures privacy-compliant personalization. Through this partnership, LS Digital will facilitate a range of marketing applications and address the increasing demand for Data Collaboration and Regulation, with a focus on Privacy-Preserving Analytics, Compliance, and Customer Insights.

Data Clean Rooms (DCRs) are essential for businesses to comply with privacy laws and use customer data for insights, activation, and measurement in an ethical manner. This entails getting customers’ permission and telling them up front about how their data is being used. A hybrid implementation solution, DCRs are a managed service that integrates storage, deployment engines, and encryption.

Speaking on this partnership, Mr. Prasad Shejale, Founder & CEO, LS Digital, said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Aqilliz as an implementation partner for their DCR suite of products.” On the importance of Data Clean Rooms to brands and competitive market advantage of Aqilliz, Prasad further commented, “In today’s landscape, ensuring data privacy, protection, and collaboration within the organization, as well as with data providers, in a regulatory compliant manner is imperative for businesses to stay ahead. Aqilliz offers an innovative next-generation blockchain-based DCR middleware solution perfectly aligned with these needs. Our plan is to integrate this middleware to facilitate various use cases including Data Collaboration, Privacy-Preserving Analytics, Compliance and Regulation, and Customer Insights. This product seamlessly enhances our Marketing Data Infrastructure service, guaranteeing safety, security, and compliance for consumer data.”

Securing data integrity and guaranteeing privacy protection are crucial in today’s data-driven environment. With its state-of-the-art blockchain-based DCR middleware solution, Aqilliz fully complements LS Digital’s goal of ensuring consumers data safety, security, and compliance of its clients.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Gowthaman Ragothaman, Founder & CEO, Aqilliz, said, “I am extremely delighted to be partnering with LS Digital in their mission to change the future and challenge the now. Responsible use of consumer data is one such challenge that is in front of us. Decentralized Data Clean Rooms will help the customers of LS Digital in meeting this challenge.”

This collaboration is consistent with LS Digital’s dedication to offering customer data a safe and legal environment. Customers of LS Digital will benefit greatly from this partnership in terms of achieving privacy compliance, especially considering the Personal Data Protection Bill of India, which places duties on data administrators and processors. Additionally, as Aqilliz offers the services required to improve their data privacy policies, companies can ethically use their customer data for insights, activation, and measurement.

Mansi Praharaj

April 6, 2024
Industry Experts Quote – The Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) To Maintain The Existing Policy Rates

Quote on Monetary Policy by Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance

“The Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) determination to pause price hikes was anticipated. It aligns with the regulator’s optimistic expectations for the longer term and displays the Indian economic system’s resilience in navigating the inflation trajectory. The RBI’s steadfast method instils hope, showcasing a readiness to adapt to forthcoming financial challenges.

Indian financial exercise is on a sturdy progress trajectory, as urged by the buoyant consumption and GDP figures. The constructive momentum displays the resilience displayed by the worldwide economic system. The expectation of a beneficial monsoon forecast holds vital promise for sustained financial progress.

The RBI’s constant reminders for monetary vigilance testify to its foresight. Also, the extra measures introduced at this time spotlight the RBI’s dedication to enhance accessibility for retail traders. The introduction of a cell app granting direct entry to the retail portal for Government Securities (G-Secs) represents a proactive stride in direction of democratising funding alternatives, empowering people to take part extra enthusiastically within the monetary markets.

As the RBI Governor rightly stated, staying vigilant and affected person for a short while longer will unlock the trail to lasting success.”

Quote by Mr. Sanjay Sinha, Independent Director, Beacon Trusteeship Ltd.

RBI withholding the coverage price on the present degree of 6.5% as nicely the stance of coverage – withdrawal of accommodation- is on the anticipated line notably because of the retail inflation ( CPI) hovering above 5%. The probability of provide shocks arising out of elevated spendings because of the normal election kicking in can be seen as a risk to the worth stability. Another issue which has weighed in is the ascendency in crude oil costs , which touched the best ranges a few days in the past since October final, on considerations about provide disruptions. As India imports 85% of its crude oil necessities, enhance in its costs has direct implications on worth stability.

Quote on RBI Repo price by Mr. Pratapsingh Nathani, chairman and MD at Beacon Trusteeship

On the momentous event of its ninetieth anniversary, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) not solely celebrates a legacy of facilitating India’s financial stability and growth but in addition reasserts its dynamic and complete method as a central financial institution. Reflecting upon a historical past of adaptability and resilience, the RBI continues to solidify its function by the adept functioning of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The MPC’s function has been pivotal in calibrating the coverage repo price which at the moment stays unchanged at 6.50%, a strategic determination geared toward balancing the imperatives of progress and inflation.

As India’s economic system demonstrates sturdy momentum, the RBI’s insurance policies have been influential in managing inflation dynamics, notably within the realm of meals costs, thereby guaranteeing total worth stability. Despite the continuing international financial challenges, together with geopolitical and commerce tensions, India’s financial resilience shines by, underscored by the energy of its industrial and repair sectors.

Within the broader context of the worldwide economic system, the RBI stays cautiously optimistic, acknowledging exterior uncertainties but remaining vigilant in its dedication to inflation forecasting. This cautious monitoring is essential to protecting inflation throughout the focused bounds. Looking forward, the RBI initiatives a promising GDP progress of seven.0% for the fiscal 12 months 2024-25, buoyed by funding and consumption patterns that sign the continuing vitality and potential of the Indian economic system. This constructive outlook underscores the RBI’s multifaceted methods for fostering sustained financial stability and progress.

Quote by Sowdamini Bhat, CEO, LoanXpress

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is marking its ninetieth 12 months, a journey the place it has performed a key half in protecting India’s economic system steady and rising. The RBI isn’t simply any financial institution; it adapts to altering instances and does much more to information the economic system. One of its major duties, completed by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), is to resolve on the rate of interest for banks, often called the coverage repo price. Right now, they’ve determined to maintain it regular at 6.50%, making an attempt to verify the economic system grows with out costs going up too excessive.

India’s economic system is doing nicely, pushing ahead even when costs for issues like meals attempt to go up too shortly. Despite issues on the earth economic system, like disagreements between international locations and points with commerce, India is standing sturdy, due to its industries and providers. The RBI expects that within the coming 12 months, the economic system will develop by 7.0%, pushed by individuals investing and spending. This progress is a giant aim for the RBI because it continues to maintain the economic system on a steady path.

Monetary Policy Quote by Okay Paul Thomas, MD and CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank

Though at this time’s coverage determination by MPC throws no surprises, there are causes for financial institution clients to cheer about. One, by holding the charges regular, the equated month-to-month instalment (EMI) of the purchasers will stay unchanged for the following couple of months. On the opposite hand, with credit score progress stays buoyant, lenders are more likely to hike charges on time period deposits to garner recent funds for on lending and that’s excellent news for depositors

Monetary Policy quote by Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, MD & CEO at Manappuram Finance

“By sustaining established order, the RBI’s rate of interest panel sends out a transparent message that any reduce in charges or change in stance isn’t on its desk until headline inflation returns to the median goal of 4%. However, commentary on financial progress with GDP enlargement pegged at 7% for the present fiscal is reassuring since meaning credit score enlargement will proceed its momentum and that bodes nicely for lenders like us”.

Mansi Praharaj

April 5, 2024
How are Co-Commerce Platforms Enhancing and Transforming the Conventional Retail and E-commerce Industry? – Indian Retailer

The longest festive season in India, which begins from mid-September and stretches until mid-November, is presently underway. The manufacturers are seeing a steep rise in constructive sentiments in product adoption as the latent must get collectively and rejoice what was considerably subdued as a result of the pandemic. Nearly 65 p.c of households throughout the nation plan to spend throughout the present festive season, in accordance with a brand new survey by LocalCircles.

With pent-up demand and the opening up of journey and leisure, the phenomenon of revenge spending is anticipated to drive up demand this season. Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands are aggressively pursuing their very own methods to woo clients. In a bid to construct up their pandemic-induced development, D2C manufacturers like IGP, Zouk, Solethreads, and The Tribe Concepts are ramping up their choices, constructing their stock in addition to rising tech capabilities and advertising and marketing features.

Ramping Up Product Offerings

Keeping in thoughts that fashionable informal put on is in vogue throughout these occasions, Solethreads is developing with footwear designs that can amp up the type quotient of Millennials and GenZ. For this festive season, the model is presently specializing in open footwear together with flip-flops, slippers, and slides, and is aggressively engaged on launching different classes in the informal footwear phase quickly. Its common present value level vary is between Rs 700-800.

“Our expertise and engagement methods consist of 1 core philosophy of being ‘design-led’ as product design is the precursor to any type of interplay {that a} buyer may have with a product on any channel, whether or not it’s simply searching a product, shopping for it, and even recommending it. We present sustainable and recycled footwear and to advertise upcycling and round style, we have now launched the ‘reuse program’ the place customers can exchange their previous flip flops for brand spanking new ones,” Sumant Kakaria, CEO and Founder, Solethreads stated.

Meanwhile, Zouk claims that in the festive season, customers decide extra India-inspired merchandise. The model’s hottest decisions stay its Indian workplace luggage and tote luggage. Zouk will even see good motion in its slings and purses, given folks purchase merchandise as presents or for informal outings. As journey has picked up, the model can also be seeing an excellent uptick in its backpacks additionally.

This festive season, Zouk has added workplace bellies together with a brand new assortment of informal flats and sandals. Furthermore, with a request from its customers so as to add a present field possibility, the model has added the identical throughout all its merchandise.

“Office luggage, tote luggage, and sling luggage could be the private favourite for the season. The common value vary for the class could be between Rs 1,000-2,000. In footwear, we consider bellies, chappals, and informal flats are our bestsellers and the common value vary could be between Rs 800-2,500,” Disha Singh, Founder and CEO, Zouk acknowledged.

IGP, too, expands its choices each festive season in gifting, style equipment, floral bouquets, sweets, muffins, and so forth. This festive season, it has additionally launched a brand new assortment of reward merchandise, all revamped to cater to the newest vogue.

“Our gifting merchandise will are available in custom-made packaging so as to add to the festivities. Gourmet sweets, festive style attire, festive necessities, and equipment are all the time the most searched classes on our portal, and clients are likely to spend lavishly on merchandise beneath these classes, making them the bestsellers each festive season,” Tarun Joshi, Founder and CEO, IGP asserted.

Similarly, The Tribe Concepts already has festive gifting which contributes to a significant portion of its festive gross sales. The model has a lineup of a lot-requested minis and a brand new skincare line focused at pigmentation. Apart from this, it has merchandise that deal with points head to toe – so it’s very versatile and straightforward for its patrons to make customizations of their very own.

“Skincare continues to be our greatest vendor class – come winter it will enhance extra as we are having new launches deliberate for skincare and hair care as a class has seen secure development. Bring a gateway model our common value level vary from Rs 800-1,200,” Amritha Varshini Gaddam, Founder and CEO, The Tribe Concepts added.

Revamping Supply Chain Network

Solethreads is opening up new warehouses and regional achievement facilities in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata to cater to the excessive demand.

Similarly, Zouk has massively scaled its provide chain to construct up stock for the festive season. It has additionally arrange a powerful collaboration with Amazon and Myntra, to increase its attain past its personal web site. Both of those will guarantee it may get its merchandise in the arms of extra Indian customers.

“One of the key considerations from our clients has been that our merchandise get offered out very quick. To counter it, we have now enhanced our stock in order that we will guarantee extra customers throughout India get to hold a Zouk bag or put on a Zouk footwear,” Singh defined.

IGP has a worldwide footprint with clients spanning 100+ nations and the functionality to ship presents to over 150+ nations and 1,000+ cities in India. It is presently increasing its supply community by way of darkish shops and is seeking to automate wherever potential.

“We are in the strategy of increasing our darkish shops’ community to greater than 120 new darkish shops pan India that can additional bolster our already spectacular achievement infrastructure of current 40 darkish shops that 3 mom warehouses assist,” Joshi stated.

Integration of Technology

IGP has automated on-line procedures, warehouse, and operations administration software program, and so forth., to cater the greatest companies to our clients this festive season, whereas The Tribe Concepts has strengthened all its Analytics divisions by dashboarding all the studies and implementing SAP for smoother on-floor operations.

Solethreads has proprietary formulations and applied sciences like Superfoam footbeds and Ecotread soles and it’s engaged on a more moderen formulation to supply the subsequent stage of consolation. All its product launches are use case based mostly and it has launched ideas like grass slippers, all-terrain anti-skid, yoga mat slippers, and so forth. this 12 months which have already turn into its bestsellers.

“With greater than 30 design and expertise patents beneath our umbrella already, our fixed endeavor is to maintain innovating for our customers,” Kakaria stated.

Zouk believes in the energy of stay commerce and therefore has deliberate a bunch of stay periods on its Instagram deal with and has executed a pair with Flipkart too. “These have already seen nice engagement and that may be a large method for us as a web based model to interrupt the barrier and reply questions that on-line customers all the time have,” Singh claimed.

Sales Target

During the festive season, The Tribe Concepts is wanting ahead to gaining extra gross sales from its web site. It plans to shut the festive 12 months on a excessive by clocking in at the least Rs 5 crore price of enterprise on books.

Zouk claims that it has already began very sturdy on marketplaces like Amazon and Myntra, whereas its personal web site continues to be large and that wave will now proceed from right here until subsequent March.

“In the previous 2 years, loads has modified, even Zouk as a model. This has helped the model develop over 16X from pre-pandemic. We now have over 2.5 lakh completely happy clients throughout each state in India. We anticipate this tempo to proceed and we’ll do extra gross sales this 12 months in comparison with final 12 months,” Singh acknowledged.

IGP believes that its superior design-to-supply client expertise, farm-to-desk provide chain, and intensive identical-day supply community can cater to the rising demand for festive gifting from Tier-II and III cities.

“The pandemic did influence the total gross sales final 12 months. However, we are anticipating an increment of roughly one hundred pc in gross sales this festive season,” Joshi famous.

READ MORE: Consumers Expected To Spend Higher This Festive Season

Future Outlook

At current, IGP supplies identical-day supply to nearly 400+ cities in India and 24 to 72-hour supply in over 1,000 cities. In addition to the talked about figures, the model plans to mark its presence exponentially in Tier-II and III cities nationwide. In the subsequent two years, IGP goals to be the largest and most most well-liked vacation spot for all particular purchases.

“We additionally sit up for rising our model footprint in the commercially sound worldwide markets of North America, the UK, and Australia,” Joshi stated.

Zouk is current in 30+ multi-model retailers on the offline facet. The model seems to be to increase this offline retail presence additional in the coming quarters.

Solethreads can also be going full throttle to extend its retail footprint in the Indian market. It eyes to determine its presence in 2000 MBOs till the finish of this monetary 12 months.

“This is roughly 5X than our present retail footprint. Apart from these 2000 retail MBOs, we are additionally foraying into massive format retail shops this fiscal 12 months,” Kakaria knowledgeable.

The Tribe Concepts can also be wanting ahead to increasing its on-line channels and offline shops by having unique shops for the model. “We are wanting extra ahead to increasing the enterprise, focusing on new audiences, and witnessing a rise in the conversions,” Gaddam concluded.

April 4, 2024
Foods of the Western Ghats

This April, residents of Chennai will get a style of the Western Ghats earlier than they make their technique to the hills for the summer season. Chef Rakesh Raghunathan, in affiliation with The Kodai Chronicle Trust and Wild Garden Cafe, Amethyst, will current Kurinji: Foods of the Western Ghats, an unique and delectable two-week meals competition, held at Wild Garden Cafe, Amethyst from fifth to nineteenth April 2024. This particular meals competition is the first time mountain meals, particularly meals and produce of the Western Ghats, shall be showcased on this method.

The Nilgiris and Palani Hills are mountain ranges positioned in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, identified for his or her wealthy biodiversity and distinctive wildlife. The produce from this area consists of fruits like oranges, bananas, plums, avocados and tree tomatoes; greens like carrots, cauliflowers and beetroots; tea; espresso; and spices like cardamom and pepper.

Communities in the Western Ghats area have a various weight-reduction plan that features these fruits, greens and spices, in addition to grains like millets and bamboo rice. Promoting the produce from this area is essential to protect cultural traditions, help native economies and promote sustainable agriculture. By doing so, we are able to additionally assist elevate the voices and data of indigenous communities and rejoice their culinary heritage.

Rakesh Raghunathan is a well known Indian chef, meals historian and TV host. He is understood for his experience in conventional South Indian delicacies and for selling the significance of preserving and celebrating indigenous meals. Chef Raghunathan is keen about showcasing the wealthy culinary heritage of India and educating individuals on the range and flavours of regional Indian delicacies. With this competition, he hopes to shine a highlight on the marginalised communities of the area and revive their distinctive cuisines and traditions.

DISHES THAT WILL BE FEATURED AT THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE:

Cauliflower Soup with Local Pavazham Beans—a mix of roasted cauliflower infused with fragrant spices and complemented with native beans; Tamarillo/Kodai Thakkali Soup—a hearty tomato broth; Potato Cheddar Soup—a creamy indulgence that includes the comforting flavours of potatoes and cheddar cheese; Nilgiris Mutton Soup—mutton broth infused with hints of coriander, mint and fragrant spices, capturing the essence of the Nilgiris area; and Chicken Dumplings in Fresh Turmeric Soup—hen mince dumplings cooked in a recent, spiced turmeric broth.

Kodai Buddha Bowl—a vibrant and nourishing bowl that includes recent produce from the hills like avocados, cherry tomatoes, child carrots, roasted beetroot and millets, topped with a tangy plum-based French dressing; and Roast Chicken Herb Salad—diced hen and greens in a recent herb dressing.

Smoked Hill Garlic and Cardamom-Scented Sweet Potato Roundel—candy potato roundels infused with the aroma of smoked hill garlic and cardamom; Avocado and Corn Fritters—served with a refreshing avocado, coriander and lime sauce alongside a tangy tomato chutney; Kodai Lake Milagai Bajji 2.0—a recent twist on a standard favorite, that includes peppers full of spiced potatoes and cheese, served with a flavourful chutney; Herb-Fried Chicken—hen coated with herbs and crispy panko crumbs, fried to perfection; and Mutton Momo—served with a standard momo chutney and a cashew cream harissa sauce, paying homage to the Tibetan affect in Kodaikanal.

Stuffed Mushroom Casserole—mountain-grown mushrooms tossed in a spice combine and baked with cheese; Potato and Peas Gratin—sliced potatoes and candy peas enveloped in a creamy sauce and baked with a cheese topping; and Herbed Chicken, Broccoli and Bamboo Rice Bake—mountain-grown bamboo rice sauteed and baked with herbed hen, broccoli and a cheese topping.

Pazhani Prasadam Deconstructed—our tackle the sacred Thenum Thinai Maavum and the revered Palani Panchamirtham, that includes honey and foxtail millet flour; Kodai Banana Churros and Salted Caramel; Nilgiris Trifle Pudding—layers of indulgence that includes a pineapple crumple, creamy jackfruit ice cream and various fruits in a spiced sugar syrup; and Masala Chai Tres Leches.

Mansi Praharaj

April 3, 2024
A Unique Indulgence – Into Momo Cafe’s Friday Brunch

Pune, India – March, 2024 – The Momo Cafe at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is famend for his or her feisty Friday brunches which is an assortment of delicacies unfold throughout a large buffet with a luxurious unfold. Breaking away from the standard Sunday brunches, Momo Cafe presents an unparalleled culinary expertise to kickstart your weekend in model.

While most eating places reserve their lavish brunch spreads for lazy Sunday afternoons, Momo Cafe has been defying the norm by providing a luxurious feast each Friday. As the weekend beckons, bask in a tasty journey of flavors and aromas rigorously curated by our skilled culinary staff.

Nestled inside the luxurious ambiance of Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, Momo Cafe units the stage for a memorable eating expertise. Guests can relish an in depth array of connoisseur delights starting from worldwide delicacies to native favorites, all meticulously ready to tantalize your style buds.

Chef Feroz Patel, the mastermind behind Momo Cafe’s culinary creations, expresses his pleasure for the Friday Brunch, stating, “Our Friday Brunch is a celebration of culinary excellence and innovation. We are delighted to supply our friends a novel alternative to savor beautiful flavors and bask in a gastronomic journey like no different.”

Adding to the attract of this extraordinary eating expertise is its affordability. Friday Brunch at Momo Cafe affords unparalleled worth for cash, particularly contemplating the opulent setting of Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan. Whether you’re a connoisseur of wonderful delicacies or just seeking to unwind with household and associates, Momo Cafe’s Friday Brunch guarantees an unforgettable feast of royalty. Elevate your weekend expertise and embark on a culinary journey that transcends bizarre eating.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact: Momo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

Mansi Praharaj

March 22, 2024
General Elections – Will the Housing Market Create
Mumbai 21 March 2024: General elections and residential actual property seem carefully linked – at the least, that’s what the earlier two election years’ knowledge tendencies point out. 2014 and 2019, each election years, noticed housing gross sales create new peaks. In 2014, gross sales in the prime 7 cities scaled as much as approx. 3.45 lakh items whereas new launches had been the highest ever at practically 5.45 lakh items.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK

Likewise, in 2019, housing gross sales scaled as much as approx. 2.61 lakh items whereas new launches elevated to approx. 2.37 lakh items after a lull in the residential actual property market between 2016 and 2019. Major structural reforms like DeMo, RERA, and GST, launched in 2016 and 2017, transitioned Indian actual property from one thing of a Wild West frontier market to extra organised and controlled.

Most fly-by-evening builders have exited the market since then and organised gamers have emerged in energy, considerably reviving confidence amongst homebuyers.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “A significant component driving the housing market’s phenomenal efficiency in 2014 and 2019 would have been the decisive election outcomes. For homebuyers, it was an finish to fence-sitting and a assured transfer to ‘purchase’ positions.”

On analyzing the worth tendencies in these election years, it emerges that 2014 was a greater yr than 2019. ANAROCK knowledge signifies that in 2014, the common costs in the prime 7 cities rose by over 6% yearly towards the previous yr – from INR 4,895 per sq. ft. in 2013 to INR 5,168 per sq. ft. in 2014. As for 2019, common costs rose by merely 1% yearly – from INR 5,551 per sq. ft. in 2018 to INR 5,588 per sq. ft. in 2019.

India’s residential actual property sector witnessed a serious slowdown between 2016 to 2019. The main market shake-up introduced on by coverage reforms between 2016 and 2017 was adopted by the NBFC disaster put up the IL&FS concern in 2018. This precipitated appreciable turmoil in the residential actual property trade.

From 2019 onwards, the first inexperienced shoots of revival had been briefly dampened by the pandemic in early 2020. Thereafter, towards all expectations, the housing market went into overdrive from 2021 onwards and the momentum continues until date.

How will the present election yr (2024) pan out for the Indian housing market?

“As issues stand now, all indicators presently favour the residential market in 2024, and the yr can nicely create one other peak in housing gross sales and new launches,” says Puri. “Housing demand continues to be upbeat throughout cities after the announcement of the election dates, with homebuyers remaining extremely optimistic about the actual property market.”

Factors Favouring a New Peak in 2024:
- Most actual property regulatory reforms and norms are already in place, and the worst of the shake-up is behind us.
- International organizations like IMF have robust GDP progress predictions for India for the subsequent few years. The Indian economic system is rising quickly, and this not directly has a constructive influence on the actual property market.
- Inflation is presently nicely beneath management, bolstering monetary optimism and confidence amongst homebuyers.
- Based on rising homebuyer demand, builders have closed substantial land offers in the final one yr, and most of their steadiness sheets are clear. Many giant builders with good monitor data and strong steadiness sheets are venturing into newer territories to extend their presence.
Mansi Praharaj
March 21, 2024
OnePlus Watch 2: Unboxing and hands-on review – Is it a hit or miss?
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

OnePlus Watch 2 comes as a successor to the OG model after a gap of almost three years, forgoing the tradition of annual upgrades seen in other products within the company’s product portfolio. But it looks like the Watch 2 is worth every bit of the wait.

OnePlus launched the Watch 2 for Rs 24,999, with sales starting in India on March 4. OnePlus sent us the review unit for testing the smartwatch, and here are our observations from having used the Watch 2 as a daily driver.

OnePlus Watch 2: Key specs
1. Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED, 2.5D Sapphire Crystal
2. CPU: Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
3. OS: Wear OS 4 + RTOS
4. RAM: 2GB RAM + 32GB ROM
5. Dimensions: Length 47mm, width 46.6mmx12.1mm
6. Weight: 80g with wrist strap
7. Battery: 500mAh (Up to 100 hours in Smart Mode) with fast charge
8. Health features: sleep, heart rate, SpO2, stress monitoring
9. Fitness: 100+ sports modes
10. Durability: IP68, 5ATM
11. Colors: Radiant Steel and Black Steel
12. Price: Rs 24,999
Unboxing OnePlus Watch 2

OnePlus Watch 2 comes in the company’s signature minimalistic packaging, sans any plastic use. As you lift the box lid, you’re welcomed by the watch, securely tucked with its display facing upwards. Inside the box, you get the charging dock and USB Type-C cable, user manual and safety information cards.

Hands-on review:

OnePlus Watch 2 sent to us is the Radiant Steel, which has a sea-green strap complimenting the steel frame and the beautiful display. Putting on the watch, it wraps around the wrist quite remarkably, without leaving any odd gaps around the edges. I don’t think it will fit just as well on small wrists.

OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

The straps are made of fluororubber, it’s skin friendly and sweat resistance. Wearing it for long hours, even during workouts and showers, doesn’t cause irritation, but it is recommended to dry the straps for a much comfortable wear. Though OnePlus won’t be launching any straps, they are interchangeable, so you can switch them for any 22mm straps.

The watch itself is big and tips the scale on the heavier side. It weighs 80grams with the straps, and 49 grams without the straps. So yes, it’s one of the biggest watches that’ll sit on your wrist, but boy, does it look good.

I love just how meticulously OnePlus has designed the watch, complete with fine cuts and corners. The circular dial may be the same, but there’s so much to it – all in the details. For instance, the bezel has nice circular lines outlining the display, giving it a refined look as though it is part of the display.

The shiny steel casing is as premium as it gets, though it is likely to pick up smudges along the way. The rotating crown sits at the top right, which functions as Home and the other button at the bottom is the shortcut for workout feature. Both the physical buttons are customisable so you can assign any function you’d like, which is a boon for many.

OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

The Home button carries multiple functions, like press and hold to turn on Google Assistant, press once to wake up and double press to launch the most recent app. Same for the bottom one, pressing it twice launches Google wallet, and press and hold to power on the watch / open power menu. Both these buttons stand out prominently in an extended pill-shaped pillar on the side. It may well become one of OnePlus’ signature looks.

OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

As much as I like how the buttons are placed, I’m confused as to why OnePlus didn’t add any function to the rotation of the crown. Call it a habit from using Apple Watch or even Samsung Galaxy Watch, rotating the crown should at least let you easily navigate around the watch menus. Alas.

But the fit and feel of the watch are absolutely premium and easily one of my favourites, despite being large.

The display takes up the most space, but OnePlus made sure it is well justified. The 2.5D sapphire crystal glass gives a subtle curvature. The 1.430-inch round AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution is bright and has good viewing angles. The colours are vibrant and the blacks are deep. The display glass seems quite durable too and hasn’t picked up any scratches. The default max brightness is 600 nits but the peak brightness is 1000 nits, which makes readability under sunlight possible. The touch is smooth and responds very well. OnePlus is so confident of its display that a pattern lock is also an option, so you can just slide your fingers to unlock rather than tap the PIN.

OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

But my favourite part besides the way how the watch looks and feels is watch face. There are plenty of options out there and each on is better than the next. The first day I set up the watch, I was scrolling through the different watch faces in the Health app and loving each and every one. Want an open-face traditional watch look? You got it. Fancy a sporty look? It’s there. One thing’s for sure, your watch won’t look boring to you any given day.

OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

Another interesting aspect of the watch that took me by surprise is the battery. OnePlus claims it can run 100 hours on a single charge if you’re using it in Smart Mode. But even in normal mode, it still gets you two days, which is impressive. This is made possible with two chips inside—yes, two! There’s a Snapdragon W5 chip for Google’s WearOS and a BES 2700 to run RTOS. The latter is for low power activities like connectivity, sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, etc. The W5 chips is active when interacting with the user, for things like running apps, watch faces etc. That’s a really smart way to address one of the biggest pain points of smartwatches, so kudos to OnePlus for that.

OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT

We’ll be testing the watch’s capabilities in the fitness tracking arena and if the battery is as good as OnePlus claims. So stay tuned for a full review soon.

Conclusion

OnePlus Watch 2 is a fantastic product that brings the best of smartwatch design and tech together. The performance, so far, has been excellent, the display is great, and the battery is outstanding. Yes, the watch is a bit too large and heavy for some users’ taste, but if you try it on, there’s a good chance you’ll love it.

There are a few setbacks, like a lack of fall detection, a one-size offering, and only two years of software updates, but the rest of the watch is built to give strong competition the wearable industry at large.
February 27, 2024
Energy Leap Concludes its Inaugural Innovation Challenge for Clean Hydrogen Start-ups – Winners Announced at the Exchange 2024

Xynteo’s Energy Leap, an finish-to-finish clear hydrogen expertise and enterprise accelerator launched in 2023, offered its first Innovation Challenge award to Suzhiyam Industrial Machines, a promising begin-up engaged on a pathbreaking resolution in the clear hydrogen worth chain, at the Exchange, offered by Hindalco in collaboration with Xynteo, on 16 February.

(L-R) Vikas Mehta, Executive Director, SED Fund; Davendra Kumar, Managing Director, Technip Energies India; Ananda Rajeshwaran.J, Co-founder, Suzhiyam; Vivekanandan Jegadeesan, Co-founder, Suzhiyam

For the Innovation Challenge, Energy Leap obtained 23 purposes from innovators with early stage options with expertise readiness stage (TRL) <6. The focus areas for the problem spanned throughout manufacturing applied sciences, utilisation options for trade purposes, superior storage and transportation, supplies, catalysts, digitisation and monitoring.

Suzhiyam gained USD 25,000 for its innovation on producing clear hydrogen from agri-waste and municipal strong waste sources, and can collaborate with Energy Leap to additional their innovation in the direction of market readiness. Grassroots Energy, Hydrovert Technologies and Prasah are the different finalists and Energy Leap will prolong its assist for expertise validation and networking with companions throughout the worth chain. These 4 early-stage begin-ups might be a part of Energy Leap’s portfolio alongside excessive-potential begin-ups, Ossus Bio-renewables and SungreenH2, which have superior and market-prepared options for scaling up.

Experts and advisors of Energy Leap comprising Dr. Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Associate Professor, IIT Madras; Manish Panchal, Member – CII Green Hydrogen Task Force; Dr. N. Rajalakshmi, Former Head, CFCT, ARCI; Shyam Kishore Chowdhary, AVP, Head Process & Technology, Technip Energies and Mridula Bhardwaj, Capacity Building Specialist, International Solar Alliance evaluated the purposes primarily based on parameters of technical feasibility, industrial viability and market alternative.

Xynteo’s Energy Leap programme is partnered by SED Fund, Technip Energies, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad, with assist from Cambridge Cleantech, Energy Systems Catapult, CIIE.CO and Amazon Web Services.

Vikas Mehta, Executive Director, SED Fund mentioned, “We are excited to collaborate with Energy Leap in the direction of enabling the clear hydrogen innovation ecosystem in collaboration with industries and traders. The Innovation Challenge award is a step in the direction of producing a pipeline of viable industrial options in brief to medium time period, making hydrogen a mainstream agenda in the direction of web zero.”

Vipul Kumar, Senior Partner, Xynteo, mentioned, “We are unyielding in the direction of our dedication to create planet-optimistic influence, and in the present day Energy Leap’s Innovation Challenge is one other testomony to our resolve to work tirelessly in the direction of good development. This Challenge highlights the must allow collaboration throughout the hydrogen innovation ecosystem and display proof factors for varied finish use-instances. We congratulate Suzhiyam for the award, and with assist of our Energy Leap companions, we hope to empower their development, and assist them unlock the huge potential of unpolluted hydrogen in India and past.”

All portfolio begin-ups will obtain energetic assist from Energy Leap throughout areas of expertise validation and commercialisation; trade partnerships; enterprise mentoring and investments. The programme will concentrate on supporting ~50 improvements throughout the clear hydrogen worth chain over the subsequent 4-5 years and invitations companions from round the world to affix the Energy Leap’s journey.

Visit Energy Leap for extra particulars on the about our Innovation Challenge and the Growth Accelerator.

About Energy Leap

Energy Leap, a clear hydrogen expertise and enterprise accelerator, focuses on driving innovation and market creation for clear hydrogen in India and globally. It helps the wider ecosystem encompassing power safety, the hydrogen financial system and decarbonisation.

The programme goals to facilitate expertise commercialisation, market creation and unlocking capital for begin-ups, and bringing collectively stakeholders equivalent to trade, traders, expertise and assume tanks. The programme’s Growth Accelerator works to catalyse new applied sciences and begin-ups throughout the hydrogen worth chain, and commercialise them by means of enterprise modelling, operational, expertise and funding assist, and market entry.

February 20, 2024
Energy transition – investment megatrend of 2024

February 12, 2024: The vitality transition could possibly be one of the investment megatrends this 12 months and past as rates of interest are prone to be reduce, says the CEO of one of the world’s largest unbiased monetary advisory, asset administration and fintech organisations.

The feedback from deVere Group’s Nigel Green come as central banks all over the world proceed to carry charges regular in the interim, however with rising expectations that they’ll start to chop them within the first half of this 12 months.

He says: “Investing in renewable vitality infrastructure, reminiscent of utility-scale photo voltaic and wind farms, calls for vital upfront capital.

“As such when rates of interest are excessive, the return on investment for these initiatives may be adversely affected, main builders to hesitate and doubtlessly put new initiatives on the again burner.

“Beyond the big transitional initiatives, the commercial sphere has been delving into options to conventional fuels with decrease carbon footprints, such because the amalgamation of hydrogen with pure fuel. This strategic shift is motivated by a twin concern for each environmental preservation and financial viability.

“However, in instances marked by elevated borrowing prices, the emphasis tends to pivot extra in the direction of financial concerns, doubtlessly impeding the tempo of investments in environmentally-pleasant applied sciences.

“Likewise, the transport sector, poised for developments in electrical automobiles (EVs), hydrogen-powered automobiles, biodiesel, and compressed pure fuel, has encountered difficulties in rationalising new initiatives amid heightened rates of interest.”

In addition, escalating rates of interest have positioned added pressure on shoppers. The attract of embracing electrical automobiles or delving into residential photo voltaic investments dwindles within the face of elevated borrowing bills.

“For shoppers, the monetary repercussions of these selections change into extra conspicuous, doubtlessly influencing the tempo at which sustainable applied sciences are embraced.”

Despite the obstacles encountered, a optimistic outlook persists for the transition in the direction of sustainable vitality. “The enduring validity of the lengthy-time period investment perspective is underscored, with firms sustaining their dedication to environmental goals, and governments worldwide providing monetary backing to facilitate the transition,” notes Nigel Green.

Looking forward to the remainder of 2024 and past, the narrative is prone to shift.

The deVere CEO concludes: “The vitality transition has been hit by excessive rates of interest and inflation.

“But now the stage seems to be set for an upward trajectory in vitality transition investments.

“This, along with world commitments to environmental sustainability intensifying, 2024 may see the beginning of an vitality transition investment megatrend.”

Rekha Nair

February 13, 2024