Rising Demand for Luxury Homes in India: A Blend of Comfort, Exclusivity, and Investment Opportunity

The need for luxurious homes in India has risen greatly over the years, mostly as a result of a number of significant variables that meet the increasing requirements and expectations of privileged residents. Because they blend exclusiveness, comfort, and cutting-edge features, these luxurious homes are quickly moving to the top of the list for high-net-worth people (HNWIs), successful professionals, and NRIs seeking a better way of life.

One of the main variables driving up the price of luxury real estate is the increasing need for larger living spaces and greater safety. After the pandemic, people are now more likely to give preference to cozy residences with enough room for employment, leisure, and personal well-being. Ultra-luxury homes often have private gardens, large floor plans, wide rooftops, and modern home offices—the kind of retreat that many affluent buyers want. In addition, these houses are often located in restricted areas or luxurious areas, which ensure security and privacy.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd. Says on growth of luxury housing “India’s luxury housing market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with rising incomes, shifting consumer preferences, and a booming ultra-high-net-worth population driving demand for premium homes. According to an industry report, 12% of ultra-wealthy Indians plan to purchase another home this year, as they typically own more than two properties. The steady rise in home prices, predicted by housing experts, indicates that this trend will continue, with luxury property prices expected to outpace inflation in the coming years. As earning levels rise across India, more affluent buyers are seeking opulent living spaces that reflect their evolving lifestyles. However, while the market flourishes, there is growing concern that economic benefits are being funnelled primarily to the wealthy, leaving millions of job-seekers, especially the youth, out of this prosperity. The future of India’s real estate sector hinges on maintaining this balance between high-end growth and inclusive economic opportunities.”

Kushagra Ansal, Director of Ansal Housing said, “High-end luxury properties in India are known for providing first-rate amenities that facilitate an extravagant yet practical way of life. These opulent residences provide every convenience that a discriminating buyer could ask for, such as concierge services, smart home technology, and private pools, gyms, and spas. Top developers are defining the standard for luxury homes, which are now known for their opulence, convenience, and comfort due to their constant innovation in amenities and cutting-edge architecture.

Luxury real estate is also considered a stable and appreciating asset class. The value of premium properties in prime locations tends to appreciate over time, making them a favorable long-term investment. Moreover, with the growing influx of foreign investors and NRIs, luxury properties are seen as a secure and lucrative investment option. The potential for rental income in metro cities further adds to the financial attractiveness of luxury homes.”

There is also a growing emphasis on health and wellness, which has shifted the focus towards homes that offer wellness-centric amenities. From wellness centers, yoga decks, and meditation spaces to lush green surroundings and air-purifying technologies, luxury homes are catering to the holistic well-being of residents, which has become a top priority for many post-pandemic.

The rise in demand for premium luxury homes in India is a result of a combination of lifestyle aspirations, investment opportunities, and the desire for comfort and privacy. As developers continue to innovate and cater to the evolving preferences of high-net-worth buyers, the trend of purchasing luxury properties is only expected to grow in the coming years.

Sushma Group Acquires 59-Acre Land Parcel in Ludhiana for Mixed-Use Development

Ludhiana, 14-09-2024: In a significant step towards contributing to Ludhiana’s infrastructural and economic development, Sushma Group has acquired a 59-acre land parcel in a prime location. The strategic acquisition will see the development of a mixed-use project, comprising residential, industrial, and commercial plots, aimed at bolstering Ludhiana’s real estate landscape.

This development comes as a response to the growing demand for integrated infrastructure in Ludhiana, particularly in light of the Ajmeri-Ludhiana Economic Corridor. The project is expected to catalyze new opportunities for growth, attract businesses, and enhance the overall quality of life in the region.

“Entering into this deal with Sushma Group has been an excellent decision for us. We’re positive that their vision for the project on this land will bring transformative developments to Ludhiana’s infrastructure. We are confident that this collaboration will open doors to new opportunities and contribute significantly to the city’s growth,” said Mr. Kulwinder Singh Gill, a representative of KVVR Infratech.

Speaking on the significance of the acquisition, Mr. Prateek Mittal, Executive Director of Sushma Group, said, “This land acquisition is a part of our long-term vision to contribute to the strategic growth of Ludhiana. With the Ludhiana Periphery Road, which is part of the Ajmeri-Ludhiana Economic Corridor, set to enhance connectivity, we believe this project will serve as a catalyst for economic prosperity, attracting industries, startups, and residential communities alike. We are excited to be a part of Ludhiana’s journey towards becoming a major hub for commercial and industrial activities.”

This mixed-use project by Sushma Group is poised to create a ripple effect in the real estate sector, with a focus on sustainable development and modern urban planning. The project’s industrial segment will offer fast connectivity to Ludhiana Airport, ensuring quicker transportation of goods and products, while incorporating essential services like on-site medical facilities, designated areas for drivers and helpers, underground cabling, emergency firefighting systems, electric charging stations, and solar-powered common areas.

The residential component will feature a primary school, green areas, medical facilities, open gym spaces, skating parks, and wider roads, creating a holistic living environment for the community. These features will provide Ludhiana with the necessary infrastructure to support its growing economy while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The strategic decision by Sushma Group is anticipated to pave the way for transformative developments that will further position Ludhiana as a key player in the region’s economic future.

Navin Kumar appointed as Managing Director while Dr R Kumar to be Chairman of Navin’s

Chennai/Mumbai, September 13th, 2024: Navin’s, the most-trusted real estate developer in Chennai, has announced promotions for its executive leadership. Dr R Kumar, the founder of Navin’s will be the Chairman and Mr Viswajith Kumar (Navin) will be the new Managing Director.

CHAIRMAN DR. R. KUMAR

Dr R Kumar is recognised as an industry thought leader and it is under his leadership that Navin’s grew into a leading construction firm known for its innovation, quality and integrity. Dr. Kumar’s dedication to excellence and sustainability has earned him numerous accolades and has set a benchmark in the construction industry. He holds a Doctorate in Construction Science and has completed management training at Harvard Business School.

Sharing his thoughts, Dr. R Kumar, Founder and Chairman, Navin’s said, “Honesty and integrity are the bedrock on which the edifice of trust can be built. At Navin’s, we have driven ourselves tirelessly, since 1989 to achieve the culmination of architectural brilliance and highest value-for-price in our projects. We have completed more than 125 projects and these stand testimony to our commitment and dedication. We have emerged as the most trusted builder and we are very proud of our journey and achievements. We will continue our work of building communities while clinging on to our core values of honesty and integrity.”

Mr. Viswajith Kumar, alias Navin Kumar, has an inherited passion for excellence and he has been the driving force in cementing Navin’s position as Chennai’s leading real estate developer. He has won appreciation from various quarters for demonstrating strategic acumen and visionary leadership at all times. An engineer by profession, he holds a MBA in strategy, international business and finance from George Washington University, USA. Mr. Viswajith Kumar holds the position of treasurer in the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Chennai chapter.

Commenting on the elevation, Mr Navin Kumar, Managing Director, Navin’s said, “Navin’s has been creating lovable functionally elegant living spaces for more than 35 years. We bring to the table clear titles, excellent locations, perfect constructions with strict adherence to rules and regulations, environment friendly green buildings, safe and progressive HR policies, creative designs & communications and above all, ethical business practices. We care for our customers and we are committed to delivering quality. We have an able team and we are aiming to reach greater heights in the years to come.”

NTPC Ltd. Paid Final Dividend of Rs. 3,151 Crore for FY 2023-24

New Delhi, Sept 12th, 2024: NTPC Ltd. paid the final dividend of Rs. 3,151 crore on 11th September 2024 for the financial year 2023-24, representing 32.50% of the paid-up equity share capital of the company.

This is in addition to the first interim dividend of Rs. 2,182 crore and a second interim dividend of Rs. 2,182 crore paid in November 2023 and February 2024 respectively.

The total dividend paid for FY 2023-24 is Rs.7,515 crore, at the rate of Rs. 7.75 per share of a face value of Rs.10 each.

This is the 31st consecutive year that NTPC Ltd. has paid a dividend

UWBe- Mphasis Foundation_Project Launch 222 news

Police campuses in Bengaluru to have 590 Percolation Wells

Bengaluru, September 12th, 2024: Mphasis and United Way Bengaluru officially announced the launch of the “One Billion Drops” campaign at five police campuses in Bengaluru, including CAR (City Armed Reserve) North, Karnataka State Reserved Police 9th Battalion, Centre for Counter-Terrorism, CAR Headquarters, and KSRP 1st Battalion. This year, 590 percolation wells will be constructed across these locations.

The event was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Bangalore City, Mr. B Dayananda, who commended the initiative for its significant contribution to Bengaluru’s water sustainability.

The “One Billion Drops” initiative addresses climate-change-related issues through percolation wells designed to capture rainwater at the point of impact. This approach reduces surface runoff, prevents floods, and conserves water by slowing its flow. The campaign is pivotal in restoring Bengaluru’s water resources, replenishing groundwater, and maintaining soil moisture to support the city’s green cover.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate the proactive support of Mphasis and United Way of Bengaluru for coming forward to make our police campuses water-neutral through their CSR initiatives. Your commitment to sustainability is a shining example of community policing in action. Together, we are not only ensuring a greener future for our personnel and the community but also setting a benchmark for responsible governance. Thank you for your invaluable partnership in this noble endeavour,” said B. Dayananda, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.

“Our ongoing partnership with United Way Bengaluru has empowered us to address global environmental challenges like climate change while making significant strides in reviving the state’s biodiversity. The ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign remains a powerful initiative in rainwater conservation and sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future,” said Deepa Nagaraj, Senior Vice President and Head – ESG & CSR, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications

“Rooted in a community-driven approach, the ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign represents a scalable and replicable model that promotes ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change. By harnessing the power of collaboration between corporate entities, NGOs and government bodies, this initiative is setting a new standard for climate action and water conservation,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s National Water Mission initiative, “Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls.” Each percolation well can conserve up to 128,000 litres of rainwater annually, directly enhancing groundwater levels in their respective catchment areas.

Once known as the Garden City, Bengaluru now faces the harsh realities of India’s climate crisis, dealing with severe groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall, and a shrinking green cover. In response to these growing challenges, Mphasis, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, has partnered with United Way Bengaluru to drive an impactful campaign called “One Billion Drops”.

Since 2022, Mphasis has supported the creation of 1,338 percolation wells across Bengaluru, including in major parks and the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden. These percolation wells can conserve approximately 175,284 kiloliters of rainwater annually, making a significant contribution to the city’s water resources and environmental health. These wells have benefitted 251,000 members of the community. In the coming years, the goal is to reach out to approximately 225,000 beneficiaries by creating 1200 wells by 2026.

Bric-X Infra Celebrates 5 Years of Success, Announces Major Expansion Plans in Delhi NCR

September 11, 2024 || Bric-X Infra, a leading name in the real estate industry celebrates its 5th anniversary. It is a milestone that reflects its remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. Over the past half-decade, the company has established itself as a trusted player in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. As the company celebrates this success, it is gearing up for an exciting new phase of expansion and diversification.

(Lto R) Mr AMit Rangi,Mr Sher singh Rathore & Mr Vijay Kamboj
Left to Right) Mr. Amit Rangi, Mr. Sher Singh Rathore & Mr. Vijay Kamboj

Building on its momentum, the company is all set to expand its footprint by opening new branches in the highly competitive Delhi NCR region in the coming years. As part of its growth strategy, the company also plans to extend its team, to support the increasing demand for its services. Additionally, to address market challenges, the company is set to launch new verticals in the commercial real estate segment, focusing on resale, leasing, and also in the luxury residential segment.

Commenting on this significant milestone and the future roadmap, Mr. Sher Singh Rathore, Vijay Kamboj, and Amit Rangi, Founders of Bric-X Infra says, “The completion of five years is a proud moment for us at Bric-X Infra This milestone not only highlights our achievements but also sets the stage for the next chapter of our journey. With our planned expansion into Delhi NCR, we aim to further establish Bric-X Infra as a leader in the real estate market. As we expand, we are also focusing on tackling an important issue within the commercial real estate sector, vacant commercial spaces. Our goal is to provide comprehensive solutions for resale and leasing, helping landlords and developers maximize their investments by ensuring spaces don’t remain idle.”

In recent years, Bric-X Infra has successfully captured the interest of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) looking for both residential and commercial real estate investments in India. To cater to this growing demand, the company plans to launch a specialized venture dedicated to providing a one-stop solution for NRI clients, particularly targeting those in Australia, Singapore, the US, Canada, and South Africa. This new offering will simplify the process for NRIs seeking to invest in India, whether for personal or commercial purposes.

As the company moves into its next phase of growth, it aims to remain committed to its vision of providing innovative, client-centric real estate solutions across India and beyond.

NeuralGarage selected in Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Mumbai, 11 September 2024: NeuralGarage, a Bangalore-based Generative AI startup building foundation models in the audio-visual domain, has been chosen to exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 as part of Startup Battlefield 200, the world’s preeminent startup competition identifying& showcasing disruptive technologies.

NeuralGarage selected in Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch Battlefield receives thousands of applications from across the globe &NeuralGarage is one of the only 5 startups from all over Asia selected in this final list of 200 startups who cut. This year’s Startup Battlefield participants span artificial intelligence (AI), software as a service (SaaS), fintech, security, sustainability, space exploration, and more.

“Being selected for Startup Battlefield 200 is an incredible recognition of our ground-breaking original research & technology and validates what we are building at NeuralGarage. Getting to showcase your technology at TechCrunch Disrupt is the ultimate high for any startup,” said Mandar Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuralGarage. “We’re excited to present our technology, VisualDub, which redefines the way video content is created and meant to be viewed globally. We aim to demonstrate how our innovation can continue transforming the content viewing experience for billions of non-native audiences worldwide. This selection is not just a significant milestone for NeuralGarage but also a very proud moment for India’s fast-growing AI ecosystem.”

“Our models are capable of creating precision LipSync on production quality videos while maintaining exceptionally high visual fidelity and temporal consistency,” said Subhabrata Debnath, Co-Founder and CTO of NeuralGarage. “Being recognized by a global platform like TechCrunch Disrupt aligns with our mission to create globally relevant technology while showcasing the capabilities of Indian innovation on the world stage& in Silicon Valley”.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 will be held from Mon, Oct. 28 – Wed, Oct. 30 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The event is known for debuting the hottest startups, introducing game-changing technologies, and discussing what’s top-of-mind for the tech industry’s key innovators—and this year will be no different. Past companies launched at Disrupt include Dropbox, Mint, Cloudflare, Fitbit, Yammer, and more.

Deadline Approaching for Entries to Second Edition of Abu Dhabi Maritime’s Marina Awards

Awards spotlight marina facilities that achieve excellence in six categories 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 September 2024: Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), has announced the submission deadline for the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) is coming to a close on 17 September 2024, following widespread interest from prospective applicants.

Capt Saif Al Mheiri photo

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards promote marina facilities in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye that have distinguished themselves in the key metrics of ‘Sustainability,’ ‘Employer Excellence,’ ‘Health and Safety,’ ‘Customer Experience’ and ‘Innovation.’ The ‘Outstanding Marina’ award category recognises the facility that has achieved overall excellence in the maritime sector. Finalists are honoured at a ceremony at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) on 23rd November.

The prestigious awards aim to elevate outstanding organisations in the region, inspire their peers and set an international standard for success in the sector. Such recognition further strengthens finalists’ organisational standing by underscoring their dedication to high performance and quality for clients, investors, authorities and employees.

ADP-ADMaritime_Awards

Enter now to showcase your notable accomplishments at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards using the link: https://www.maritime-awards.com/To become a finalist, nominees must meet the eligibility requirements, demonstrate competence in their award category or categories, and highlight their best achievements.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Acting Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, stated, “We are elated to be hosting the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards, welcoming the region’s leading marina operators. The excitement for this year’s edition has been high, leading to the latest extension in the deadline for submissions. The inaugural event last year was a great success, showcasing the accomplishments of marinas throughout the region. We are excited to see even more entries in the upcoming edition, as these awards demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promoting excellence and honouring the remarkable contributions of the maritime community.”

Abu Dhabi Maritime, which operates under AD Ports Group in tandem with the Department of Municipalities and Transport is tasked with safeguarding Abu Dhabi’s waters and fostering the development of the city’s maritime sector. The second edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards will contribute to the group’s vision of shaping a resilient and advanced maritime sector, and creating an environment that meets the highest levels of efficiency, health, and safety, elevating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

Building Trust in AI: Qlik’s Latest AutoML Enhancements Offer Transparent Explainability and Improved Business Outcomes

Philadelphia, PA/Bengaluru, India, September 11, 2024 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), announces new enhancements to its AutoML capabilities. These updates make it easier for analytics teams to build and deploy high-performing machine learning models, providing native analytics to explain predictions in real-time. With full integration into Qlik Cloud, these features enable businesses to move from reactive to proactive decision-making, helping them anticipate trends, address challenges, and optimize outcomes with greater confidence.

Qlik Logo

“At Qlik, we understand that trust and transparency are critical in AI-driven decision-making. Our latest AutoML enhancements ensure full model explainability, providing our users with the confidence that their AI models are reliable and performing well. These advancements foster trust and translate into more informed strategic decisions, enabling better business outcomes,” said Brendan Grady, General Manager of Qlik’s Analytics Business Unit.

Qlik’s latest AutoML enhancements bring significant value to businesses by delivering clear and actionable outcomes:

  • Intelligent Model Optimization: Simplifies the process of building and deploying machine learning models by automating iteration and applying data science best practices, ensuring better performance with minimal effort.
  • Native Machine Learning Analytics: Provides auto-generated dashboards that allow users to easily analyze and compare model performance, offering deeper insights into the predictions and the factors driving them.
  • Seamless Integration with Qlik Cloud: Fully integrates with Qlik Cloud, leveraging existing data infrastructures to create a unified, user-friendly experience that supports efficient, data-driven decision-making.
  • Comprehensive MLOps Capabilities: Ensures ongoing model accuracy and business value through automated monitoring, retraining, and lifecycle management, allowing businesses to maintain confidence in their AI outputs.

These targeted enhancements help organizations maximize the value they derive from AI, ensuring that predictive insights are reliable, understandable, and actionable.

“The enhancements Qlik is introducing to AutoML promise to significantly accelerate the value we derive from our AI initiatives,” said Mikkel Hecht Hansen, Head of BI at Nordisk Film. “The focus on model explainability will allow us to trust the insights and make data-driven decisions with greater confidence. This transparency is crucial for our business, as it helps us understand the drivers behind the predictions and act proactively, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.”

The latest enhancements to Qlik AutoML enable analytics teams to make proactive decisions with predictive analytics and full model explainability through a straightforward, no-code interface. These updates include real-time API access for up-to-date insights, associative exploration and what-if analysis for scenario planning, and enhanced security for data protection. Multi-language support ensures global accessibility, while AI model monitoring and retraining keep predictions accurate. These features seamlessly integrate into business operations, helping organizations respond quickly and make confident, data-driven decisions.

Microsoft Acquires Rs.~520 Crore Land Parcel in Pune’s Hinjewadi: Square Yards

Global tech giant Microsoft has made a significant investment of Rs. 519.72 crore in Pune, one of India’s prominent IT hubs, according to Square Yards. In recent years, Microsoft’s investments in India’s commercial real estate sector have increased, spanning data centers, development centers, and flexible office spaces.

As per the registration document reviewed by Square Yards, Microsoft’s Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, acquired 66,414.5 square meters (~16.4 acres) of prime land in Pune’s Hinjewadi. The transaction, registered in August 2024, involved the purchase of land from Indo Global Infotech City LLP. The deal incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000.

In 2022, the company acquired a 25-acre plot in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs. 328 crore. Earlier this year, Microsoft secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs. 267 crore. Both deals are part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data centre operations. The company’s network of data centres already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, solidifying its presence across key markets.

Currently, the company’s workforce in India includes over 23,000 employees across cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. These teams support various business functions, including sales, marketing, research, development, and customer support. Additionally, in early 2024, Microsoft launched a major skilling initiative in India, aiming to equip 2 million individuals with AI and digital skills by 2025. The program, known as ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, is part of the company’s “Skills for Jobs” initiative designed to foster a future-ready workforce.