Archive: November 3, 2022

Festive season continues to increase realty sales

This year’s Dussehra and Diwali are over. However, festive discounts and special offers are still available in both the residential and commercial real estate sectors, pushing up more sales across India. Real estate experts predict property sales will continue through the latest season until the Pongal holiday in January 2023.

This festive season comes during a time of high customer demands across all sectors; compared to the other sectors, real estate has experienced the most significant increase. Moreover, this festive season’s demand has been fuelled by solid market sentiments similar to those already seen by Covid.

When interest rates are increasing, builders have come up with festival-specific sops, such as easy EMIs and innovative funding models, to endorse the time homebuyers. The October-December quarter (Q4) of 2022, which generally watches healthy demand, is expected to include the tradition this year. It would sign up a substantial year-over-year jump in homes sold.

The pandemic’s recovery has also driven demand in the corporate world, rapid booster shot efforts, and emerging workplace trends. Since several months ago, the real estate business has been growing, which is likely to continue. Demand from small and new companies for office space has increased.

Mr. Kushagr Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, said, “There is no doubt that the realty sector will also get this response in 2023. The manner in which the customers have expressed their interest this year is a good sign for the sector.”

Mr. Dhiraj Bora, Head – Marketing and Communication Paramount Group, said, “The residential real estate segment is witnessing a boom during this festive season. Homebuyers usually tend to invest in properties around the festive season because it is considered an auspicious period for home buying.

Minda Corporation Announces Technology License & Assistance Agreement with Daesung Eltec, Korea for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

Bangalore, Nov 3, 2022: Minda Corporation Limited (referred to as “Minda Corp” or the “Company”; NSE: MINDACORP, BSE: 538962), the flagship company of Spark Minda has entered into a technical collaboration with DAESUNG, Korea, the leading automotive electronics company to bring the Next-Gen Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) solutions to the Indian automotive market. Both companies signed the Technology Licence and Assistance Agreement (TLA) on October 28th, 2022.

This partnership places Spark Minda ahead of the technology curve by providing localized ADAS solutions for the Indian market. it also aligns with the company’s vision of becoming a next-generation ADAS solutions provider with the technology being inducted into Minda’s capabilities.

Announcing the collaboration, Mr. Aakash Minda, Executive Director – of Minda Corporation said, “ADAS is a critical, futuristic technology with early signs of its adoption already visible in the Indian market. Current estimates from leading car manufacturers project that ADAS features relating to autonomous driving will become near ubiquitous in the next few years. We are happy to announce our partnership with Daesung Eltec which brings in more than four decades of rich experience in the automotive electronics industry. With this TLA, Minda Corporation will be one of the early movers providing localized solutions in the domain. Both Spark Minda and Daesung Eltec believe in providing the best solutions backed with cutting-edge, futuristic technology. Underlining our focus, this progressive partnership is a successful convergence of two key priority areas, technology, and customer-centricity.”

“The association will help us strengthen our existing relationship with the leading OEMs by becoming a complete solution provider as well as expanding into a new customer base,” he added.

Daesung Eltec is one of the key players in the automotive electronics industry and specializes in In-Vehicle Infotainment, ADAS, Audio, AMP, and monitors among others. It also has its in-house R&D center and manufacturing facilities in Korea and China.

Commenting on the TLA, Mr. Won Ghee Yang, CEO, of Daesung Eltec said, “The Indian automobile industry is steadily progressing towards an era where autonomous vehicles will become commonplace, making Advanced Driver Assistance Systems both relevant and necessary. We strongly believe that this association is a great step towards bringing together the strengths of both companies. Spark Minda’s strong Indian presence and Daesung technology will together transform the Indian Automobile industry to make the overall driving experience better and safer.”

As part of the association, Daesung Eltec will support Spark Minda with product design, development, and validation and will also play a key role in process design, validation, and manufacturing line setup for ADAS systems.

mCaffeine launches sheet masks, eye masks and eye patches for your daily dose of Caffeine Infused Skincare

3rd November 2022, Mumbai: India’s first Caffeinated personal care brand, mCaffeine has added more products to its ever-growing skincare portfolio with its latest launches. The brand has introduced Coffee Sheet Masks, Green Tea Sheet Masks, Coffee Eye Masks and Coffee Hydrogel Under Eye Patches. The latest launches are infused with active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Coconut Water and Fruit AHA Mix. These products are gentle yet effective making them ideal for all skin types and people of all genders. “mCaffeine continues to deliver products that are effective and work equally well for all skin types.” said Tarun Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder at mCaffeine. “We are delighted to bring in three new products that would help consumers personalize their skincare routines and address their distinct skin needs.”

The sheet masks have been launched under two categories namely Coffee & Green Tea with 3 variants available in both categories. These sheet masks are made from biodegradable fabric derived from the wood pulp of trees. Eye masks and eye patches are loaded with Caffeine
which is a proven remedy for reducing dark circles and puffiness.

“Apart from consistent routine-based products, consumers also needed products that they can use quickly to get faster results and these new offerings are crafted to help them do that. These products are loaded with active ingredients that show visible results after just a few
uses.” commented Tarun on why the brand came up with these launches. Here are mCaffeine’s latest launches and all you need to know about them:

Coffee Sheet Masks

There are three sheet masks with Coffee at their core. These are Coffee Sheet Mask with Hyaluronic Acid, Coffee Sheet Mask with Vitamin C and Coffee Sheet Mask with Coconut Water. Crafted for all skin types, these masks hydrate, moisturize and get rid of pigmentation to leave you with glowing and plump skin. In a study, more than 95% of subjects agreed that Coffee Sheet Mask with Hyaluronic Acid and Coconut Water kept their skin hydrated for up to 24 hours*.

Green Tea Sheet Masks

There are three Green Tea Sheet Masks namely Green Tea Sheet Mask with Vitamin C, Green Tea Sheet Mask with Niacinamide and Green Tea Sheet Mask with Fruit AHA Mix. Ideal for all skin types, these masks hydrate, control oil and acne to leave the skin plump and glowing.

Green Tea Sheet Masks also get rid of dark spots & pigmentation.

In a study, more than 95% of subjects agreed that Green Tea Sheet Mask with Niacinamide and Vitamin C kept their skin hydrated for up to 24 hours*.

Coffee Eye Mask (Pack of 3)

The Coffee Eye Mask comes in a set of 3. Loaded with superfood Caffeine, it reduces dark circles & puffiness. It also hydrates & refreshes the under-eye area. With a unique shape, Coffee Eye Mask offers cotton-like comfort. It’s easy to use, travel-friendly and provides an efficient quick fix for dehydrated skin. Users experienced more than 95% reduction in dark circles and puffiness as compared to neutral control after using Coffee Eye Mask.

Coffee Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

Crafted to instantly hydrate the under-eyes, Coffee Hydrogel Under Eye Patches provide cotton-like comfort. These patches come with Hydration Boost Moisture-Lock Technique that offers 2X hydration as compared to neutral control. Coffee Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
depuff the under eyes and reduce dark circles as well. These are easy to use and travel-friendly.

*Consumer study by CAP (College of American Pathologists) & NABL (National AccreditationBoard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratory These new additions will help them craft an effective skincare regimen based on their requirements.

Godrej Properties adds a ~50 acres’ residential project in Manor-Palghar, Maharashtra

Mumbai, November 3, 2022: Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL), (BSE scrip id: GODREJPROP), one of India’s leading real estate developers, today announced that it has entered into an agreement for the outright purchase of a land parcel in the fast-developing micro market of Manor, Palghar.

Spread across ~ 50 acres, the proposed project is estimated to have a developable potential of approximately 1.2 million square feet of the saleable area comprising primarily of residential plotted development.

Manor, Palghar, Boisar, and Wada due to their popularity as famous weekend destinations of historic and religious significance have become popular investment micro-markets.

Manor is a self-sufficient town with good infrastructure consisting of numerous schools, colleges, hospitals, and marketplaces. The subject land parcel is in proximity to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway which connects major cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The proposed Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will also have its station close to Manor in Boisar.

Mohit Malhotra, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, “Manor is a promising micro-market for plotted development and we are happy to add this project to our portfolio. Post-Covid demand for premium second homes has seen an uptick. This project will address that consumer segment and complements our strategy of deepening GPL’s presence across residential micro markets.”

Money9, promoted by TV9 Network, launches India’s first and biggest independent Personal Finance Survey

November 03, 2022, Mumbai: Money9, the country’s first multi-media, and multi-language Personal Finance platform, is coming up with India’s first and biggest independent Personal Finance Survey.

The Survey for the first time throws light on how India earns, spends, and saves. It will unveil India’s first-ever state ranking of citizen financial security, i.e., the Money9 Financial Security Index.

The Survey’s exclusive insights will be broadcast on TV9 Bharatvarsh, the Network’s flagship Hindi news channel. The key findings will also be displayed across all TV9 media platforms, including broadcast and digital on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 2 PM onwards.

The Money9 Personal Finance Survey is a nationally representative household survey with a mega sample size of 31,510 households across 1,154 urban wards and villages in 100 districts and 20 states or state groups. The Survey was conducted between May and September 2022.

The Money9 Survey has been executed in collaboration with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) Global India, a subsidiary of RTI International (US).

RTI conducted this Survey in 10 languages, and each interview lasted approximately 40 minutes with each family.

Commenting on the importance of the Survey, Barun Das, MD & CEO, of TV9 Network, said, “The Survey is poised to fill a critical gap in quality financial data as it exclusively focuses on the demand side of the personal financial needs of Indian households. It is all about creating the demand side so that 130 crore citizens of this country can leverage the existing well-established financial services ecosystem

Anshuman Tiwari, Editor, of Money9, said, “This survey is expected to throw up unique and highly valuable data regarding financial inclusion that can be used by policymakers to frame future policies for citizens. It holds immense importance as it offers unrivaled access to all India data that would help bridge the demand deficit to enable all-important financial security.”

The Money 9 Survey will offer critical insights into India’s

· Social-economic profiles

· Income (active and passive)

· Living profile standards

· Banking

· Insurance

· Savings

· Debt

· Invest in Investments

· Income-taxation

· Cybersecurity and Fintech

Pramod Bhat, Head, of the Survey Research Division, RTI, said, “This Survey scale is comparable to other known surveys in terms of design and geographical coverage. It has adopted a unique and systematic approach to inform how India earns, spends, saves, and invests. The Survey developed key income profiles and, for the first time, attempted to develop the financial security or the lack of it of Indian households. Accordingly, it will inform the citizens about how financially secure they are on certain basic financial security parameters.”

Tune in to the status of India’s financial security and freedom on TV9 Network digital and language platforms.

Ethical assurances, ‘phygital’ retail strategies and Web3 experiences are latest trends in Diamond Jewellery says De Beers Insight Report 2022

Bangalore, November 03, 2022: Ethical assurances, ‘phygital’ retail strategies, branded offerings and Web3 experiences are key trends shaping how diamond consumers – in particular, Gen Z – perceive and engage with diamond jewellery, according to new research published today by De Beers Group in the 2022 Diamond Insight Report, titled A new diamond world: bringing trusted brands to new generations in a digital age.

Based on previously unpublished research findings, including a new survey of 18,000 US women conducted earlier this year, the report explores how these megatrends are converging and accelerating – spurred by global events, the power of digital technology and attitudes of younger generations – to create a new future for diamond jewellery acquisition. The four trends analysed are:

Values will underpin industry value

The report found that 36% of women overall and 39% of Gen Z now specifically seek information on a brand’s ethical credentials when buying diamond jewellery. What is more, 40% of women overall said that knowing about the positive impact of diamonds on local mining communities would make them more likely to buy diamonds, while this proportion went up to 50% for Gen Z consumers, highlighting a significant opportunity for brands and retailers to capture value differentiation by clearly communicating their values and connecting end-clients to a diamond’s provenance and story.

The rise of brands

Branded diamond jewellery represented two-thirds of all diamond jewellery purchases in the US in 2021 – double the proportion in 2015 – and almost 80 per cent of all sales by value. Branded offerings appealed most to Gen Z consumers, who saw brands as contributing to their sense of self-worth and desire for self-expression. A total of 76% of diamond jewellery purchases by Gen Z consumers were branded, compared with 64% for Gen X and only 38% for Baby Boomers. In addition, affluent consumers and those purchasing diamond jewellery for themselves were more likely to desire brands. Brands represented 74% of diamond jewellery purchases among women earning more than $150,000 (compared with 65% across all incomes), while 73% of self-purchased diamonds were branded compared with 62% for bridal and 61% for gifting.

Phygital retail is here to stay

Online sales of diamond jewellery represented 25% of US sales by value and 31% by volume in 2021. When compared with 2015, when online represented only 14% and 18% of sales respectively, the acceleration of e-commerce in recent years has been remarkable. Online purchases were higher than average among Gen Z consumers (at 42% of total Gen Z purchases), those self-purchasing (40% of total purchases) and single women (37% of total purchases). In addition, 54% of online purchases in 2021 were by people buying diamond jewellery for the first time. While this was likely due to pandemic-related store closures, it also indicates a growing trust in diamond jewellery eCommerce. Importantly, 68% of US consumers who had purchased diamond jewellery online said they intended to do so again in the future.

While diamond jewellery purchases made in-store still outweigh those made online, the full journey of buying diamond jewellery increasingly includes a digital component. It is this melding of the physical and digital retail experiences – ‘phygital’ – that today’s consumers most desire. In the US, around half (49%) of all diamond jewellery purchases are now researched online, compared with only 29% in 2015. Of that 49%, 19% of ultimate purchases occurred online while 30% were in-store, highlighting the importance of a seamless phygital offering.

Web3 and the metaverse are potential game-changers

While a compelling phygital strategy is a must for any retailer today, the arrival of Web3, NFTs and the metaverse has the potential to open up new revenue, customer acquisition and brand opportunities for diamond jewellery brands. These nascent technologies aim to merge the physical and digital worlds in previously unforeseen ways, bringing new virtual shopping, entertainment and socialising experiences to digitally-savvy consumers. With a number of high-profile luxury brands already investing heavily in this space, it promises to be an emerging area of focus for diamond brands.

Esther Oberbeck, SVP Strategy Analytics & Insights, De Beers Group, said: “This year’s Diamond Insight Report explores four key trends that are already making their mark on the diamond industry, having been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, new technologies and evolving consumer expectations as Gen Z comes of age. The convergence of these trends means the diamond industry must prepare for a future where new, digital-native and socially-conscious consumers expect to engage with brands and retailers in fundamentally different ways to the generations that have come before them.”

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “The 2022 Diamond Insight Report demonstrates that the consumer trends we have been observing for some time – such as a desire to purchase more sustainably, to buy from trusted brands, to know where and how a diamond is sourced and to shop digitally – are no longer future predictions for the diamond industry. They are already in evidence today and are set to become even more prominent in the future. We have seen in recent times just how quickly areas of emerging interest, such as e-commerce and diamond provenance, can become overnight priorities for both brands and consumers. This report serves as a timely reminder that we must continue to prepare for tomorrow, today. We are on the cusp of a new diamond world and should embrace the opportunities it presents.”

Latin Quarter launches Winter 2.0 #SimplyMe collection to keep you warm and stylish this fall

Sure, it’s harder to throw on a dress in the morning, but when the weather turns chilly, we need to layer up with warm yet fashionable alternatives. Go no further because we have the ideal options from the Latin Quarters Winter 2.0 #SimplyMe collection that will make you sparkle this fall.

Latin Quarters Blue Knit cape sweater Dress

If you’re still looking for a winter dress, try captivating people by contrasting the right accessories with this midnight blue knit cape sweater dress. You are prepared to take on the street like a ramp model and draw attention when you pair it with tan boots and the right shades while you walk it up with your cuppa.

Latin Quarters Red suede wrap jacket with fur collar
Wintertime essentials include this cherry red suede wrap jacket with a fur collar. It can be worn with a skirt or a pair of denim. The beautiful shade of red and the contrasting fur white collar will make you stand out, making this ideal for a chill day or night to celebrate the holiday season.

Latin Quarters Beige Jacket with leather sleeves

This beige jacket with leather sleeves and a faux fur panel will make you look your best if you’re picking this up for an international trip this fall. You will sizzle in all your selfies on a beautiful roadside European café along with your friends!

Latin Quarters Suede Double layered Jacket

This suede double-layered jacket with rib pockets is the ideal choice for you if you enjoy wearing understated yet fashionable outdoor attire. Whether you’re riding a bike or taking a road trip, this multipurpose jacket will keep you comfortable all day.

Latin Quarters Blush Trench Coat

This Blush trench coat is a perfect pick for your office wear. Look bright with this perfect peachy shade no matter what you contrast the coat with.

Latin Quarters Black Corduroy Jacket

This black corduroy jacket that comes with a belt and pockets is a must-have in your closet. Depending on the accessories and clothing you choose to style this with, it may be combined with anything and will look good with most ensembles.

Latin Quarters Coord Set

Look sexy and stylish with zig-zag fur knit co-ord set in yellow and an Olive velvet lounge set. Lounge around with your friends and keep up the appeal and stay warm and comfy this fall.

EAM Jaishankar Attends SCO Council Meeting, Emphasises on Boosting Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation

3rd November, New Delhi: The 21st meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government was held on 1st November through video conferencing. The meeting was represented by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The meeting was attended by SCO member States, observer countries, Secretary General of SCO, Executive Director of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, Turkmenistan and other invited dignitaries.

In his address, EAM underlined India’s strong cultural and historical linkages with the SCO region and reiterated India’s firm commitment to deepen multilateral cooperation in the areas of food and energy security, climate change, trade and culture. He also spoke about the launch of the global mission ‘LiFE’ by Prime Minister Modi on 20th October 2022 and its relevance for ensuring food and energy security.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that, Our total trade with SCO Members is only $141 billion, which has potential to increase manifold. Fair market access is to our mutual benefit & only way to move forward.’

In another tweet, the External Affairs Minister said that the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor can help improve connectivity and unlock economic potential in the region. He said that connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law of the member states.

The meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government is held every year. The main agenda of the meeting remains focused on business and economic interests. The annual summit of the SCO was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 15th and 16th this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in this conference. During this, he had separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the President of Uzbekistan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also went on tour with PM Modi.