10, Jul 2024
Pune’s Real Estate Boom – Is Now the Perfect Time to Invest?
By-Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
Pune, one of India’s most vibrant real estate markets, has experienced rapid changes over the past few years. Latest data from leading real estate consultancies show a scenario of strong housing price increases and ongoing changes in market dynamics, pointing towards further price hikes in the future.
According to real estate consultants Anarock, Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw over 50% of the overall housing sales in Q2 2024 among the top seven cities. This is a resounding statement for Pune — a city once considered the laid-back cousin of the financial capital and is now competing in the same league.
Rising Property Prices: A Continuum
Recent data from various leading consultancies clearly show Pune’s trend of rising property prices. There has been a significant 20-23% year-on-year increase compared to Q1 2023. This resilience and rising demand are driving prices higher. Several factors explain Pune’s growing housing prices
– Economic Growth & Employment Opportunities: Pune’s real estate market has improved significantly due to its development into a major IT and manufacturing center. High demand from professionals seeking homes near their workplaces has led to a surge in property values in and around IT parks and manufacturing hubs.
– Infrastructure Development: Ongoing and planned infrastructure improvements such as road extensions, new flyovers, and the Pune Metro are boosting the city’s property values and connectivity. This dynamic is evident across Greater Pune, which includes the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the infrastructure-driven Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
– Shift in Housing Segments: Pune’s housing market is now driven by mid-range and premium-to-luxury housing, thanks to higher demand for such options. The higher purchasing and borrowing power of the target clientele supports ongoing price increases.
So – Buy Now or Later?
To answer this very important question, it is necessary to consider some fundamentals. Pune’s strong economic growth draws professionals and families from various industries. The city offers a high livability quotient, better housing affordability, and a superior climate compared to neighboring Mumbai. It also boasts top-grade healthcare and education options and proximity to Mumbai, Maharashtra’s main economic hub.
Pune has delivered an overall residential price appreciation of well over 20% in just one year. Naturally, both end-users and investors find the city very appealing, especially considering its rapid growth since 2020, which saw Pune’s lowest year for housing demand in the last decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Job losses, economic disruption, and the disappearance of construction labour brought building activity to a halt. The lockdowns caused a significant decline in real estate market demand and supply.
But in 2021, the market began to bounce back powerfully. With a 17% year-on-year increase, Pune saw the highest property sales since 2013. Buyer confidence increased steadily. In 2023, the Pune housing market rebounded remarkably. The current year is poised to set new benchmarks.
The writing is clearly on the wall — there is no stopping the Pune housing market, and a wait-and-watch stance can cost buyers dearly. For those who want to buy a home in Pune, either to live here or to reap investment returns, there is a strong argument for acting now. Historical data and current patterns clearly imply that the city’s property values will keep rising.
Given the continuous growth of the city and its expanding economic base, homes bought now will deliver significant value addition over time. Pune is currently second only to Mumbai in new residential launches and sales and is also attracting increasing interest from institutional investors eyeing its commercial real estate market.
This means more workplaces, more jobs, and even higher housing demand driving prices steadily northward. For potential buyers and investors, the message is clear – there is no equity in waiting for a more opportune time in Pune’s thriving housing market.
About the Author:
Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience
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- By Rabindra
10, Jul 2024
ETT | iByond & WorldVuer Form a Strategic Global Joint Venture to Build the World’s First Artificial Intelligence Operating System WiOS
July 10, 2024, Palm Beach, Fla., United States : ETT | iByond™, together with WorldVuer established WorldVuer iByond’s joint venture to develop the world’s first artificial intelligence operating system, WiOS (WorldVuer iByond Operating System). This collaboration is poised to modernize the technology estates of global enterprises, multinationals, sovereigns, and governments, leveraging intelligent interoperability, speed of innovation, AI, and an airtight security platform. “WiOS is poised to be one of the next big players to dominate the world stage alongside Android and iOS,” concluded Mr. Michael Sutton, Chief Media Officer of WorldVuer Inc.
ETT | iByond™, renowned for its cutting-edge Intelligent Interoperability AI platform, offers seamless integration and intelligent solutions tailored to enhance business operations across various industries. With a commitment to driving technological advancement, iByond’s platform empowers organizations to harness the power of AI, enabling smarter decision-making, improved efficiency, and significant cost savings for enterprises. The iByond platform will serve individual consumers with WorldVuers’ technology products. WorldVuer brings to this venture their existing ecosystem of customers, consisting of 25 countries and 98 Million households, estimated to bring this partnership USD $6 Billion+ in annual software subscription revenues. Additionally, WorldVuer has a diverse portfolio of seven pioneering technologies, each designed to push the boundaries of innovation. WorldVuer’s products are built with an emphasis on security, incorporating airtight cybersecurity measures to ensure the utmost protection for users.
“We are excited to partner with WorldVuer, a company that shares our vision of innovation and excellence,” said Christopher Condon, Chairman and CEO of ETT | iByond™. “This partnership will enable us to deliver an unparalleled AI operating system with the highest level of speed, security, and data connection helping governments and enterprises worldwide to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
“Innovating an AI Operating System that is built to transition the current global interconnected cloud devices within our communities and countries into an efficient, corroborative, and dynamic Interoperable platform to power current and futuristic devices makes this initiative an exciting opportunity for both WorldVuer and ETT | iByond™,” commented by Dr. Kenneth Ekow Andam, CEO of WorldVuer Inc.
“As we continue to witness extensive adoption and investment in AI across the enterprise and consumer markets globally, the WorldVuer iByond operating system provides breakthrough innovation and value by integrating hardware, software, and platform technologies and services. speed, security, and scale are now in reach at a level far beyond the data management and AI solutions currently available.” Lanny Cohen, Vice-Chairman & CPO, ETT | iByond™
10, Jul 2024
Hithium Launches Eastern Europe’s Largest BESS Project
Tuesday, July 10,Razlog, Bulgaria : Stationary battery manufacturer Hithium has successfully deployed the largest battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Eastern Europe to date, with a capacity of 55MWh. This solar plus storage project was realized completely by EPC company Solarpro, in Razlog, Southwestern Bulgaria, where the project is located.
The new facility officially went live in early June, with the delivery of Hithium’s 16 energy storage containers, each with a capacity of 3.44MWh, to Solarpro. Solarpro is a leading technological provider of solutions for the generation and storage of energy within whole Europe.
Hithium ∞ Block 3.44MWh container
The Hithium ∞ Block 3.44MWh container is a liquid-cooled battery storage system based on Hithium prismatic LFP BESS cells with a 280Ah capacity and a high cyclic lifetime. It is specially optimized for use in stationary battery storage systems with high standards of safety, reliability, and performance. The system’s low levelized cost of storage (LCOS), combined with excellent thermal management, improves energy throughput by ensuring optimal operating temperature and high energy density. It also integrates with a thermal management system, fire protection system, battery management system (BMS), and more.
As Kelson Li, Hithium Senior Director of Sales of DACH, Northern & Eastern Europe said:”We are honored to partner with Solarpro. By providing comprehensive technical and after-sales support throughout the project lifecycle, we aim to foster local expertise and expand the network in Europe. We believe our collaboration with Solarpro will help to accelerate the renewable energy transition and make a positive impact in the region.”
Krasen Mateev, CEO of Solarpro adds:”As strategic partners in this landmark project, we are excited to collaborate with Hithium in bringing this significant BESS utility to operation. This undertaking reflects Solarpro’s dedication to advance renewable energy infrastructure in Eastern Europe, ensuring a sustainable energy future for generations to come.”
Hithium’s Commitment to the European Market
Hithium is committed to fostering a stronger and more collaborative relationship within the local European market. To this end, the company has set up a regional office in Munich, Germany, offering local support and services. Furthermore, Hithium has formed strategic alliances with other industry leaders, including Scan Global Logistics, to offer unparalleled transportation services, and CarbonX, to advance the energy sector in terms of environmental responsibility and technological advancement.
10, Jul 2024
Perfectly Average Welcomes Mira Kapoor as Their Brand Ambassador
July 10, 2024, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India : Perfectly Average, a brand that operates in the area of stackable scintillating jewellery and functional accessories today announced their exciting partnership with Mira Kapoor, who will serve as the face of the brand. Founded in 2021 by Tarushi Chhabra, Palak Chhabra, and Vidhi Jhalani, Perfectly Average has quickly become a symbol of accessible luxury in the jewellery industry.
Perfectly Average offers a stunning array of jewellery pieces including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, each intricately designed with 18K gold plating, CZ stones, moonstones, amethyst, pearls, and aventurine. The brand embodies the idea that every individual should feel comfortable in their skin and express themselves confidently.
Commenting on the announcement, Tarushi Chhabra, Founder said, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Mira Kapoor into the Perfectly Average family. Mira’s embodiment of elegance, grace, and modern sensibility perfectly mirrors the core values that define our brand. Mira is not just a style icon but also a role model who resonates deeply with our mission to redefine luxury as inclusive and empowering. Her influential presence in the fashion world and her genuine appreciation for fine craftsmanship make her an ideal ambassador for Perfectly Average.”
“I am excited to collaborate with Perfectly Average as their pieces make luxury feel personal and meaningful for every woman. As someone who values style that speaks to individuality and empowerment, partnering with Perfectly Average allows me to advocate for jewellery that not only enhances outer beauty but also celebrates inner confidence,” said Mira Kapoor.
Perfectly Average remains committed to crafting jewellery that blends luxury aesthetics with everyday wearability, ensuring affordability without compromise. With Mira Kapoor on board, the brand looks forward to inspiring women everywhere to adorn themselves with confidence and grace, irrespective of societal standards.
10, Jul 2024
Rosario S. Cassata of the Cassata Foundation Proudly Supports the Northwell Health Foundation and Huntington Hospital on Long Island, NY
Huntington, NY, July 10, 2024 –For over 8 years, Rosario and Carolyn Cassata of The Cassata Foundation have proudly supported the Northwell Health Foundation and Huntington Hospital on Long Island
Their generous contributions have helped fulfill their mission of providing comprehensive care and survivorship services for cancer patients.
The Northwell Health Foundation aims to improve hospitals and clinical programs, accelerate research, and grow its endowment. Each donation helps advance new and innovative treatments, bringing them closer to potential cures for patients under their care.
Rosario S. Cassata has worked closely with Huntington Hospital over the years, providing meals for the hospital staff and donating thousands of KN95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. This unwavering support has been crucial during challenging times.
Huntington Hospital’s outstanding quality of care is reflected in its prestigious 5-star rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in their 2022 rankings. This achievement places the hospital in the top 10% nationwide, underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare to the community.
Pictured Dr. Fitterman, Tara Ruocco, Carolyn Cassata, Rosario S. Cassata, Karen Larkin.
10, Jul 2024
Barbara Fisher’s Newly Released Sweet Poison How sugar affects our bodies
Newburg, PA, July 10, 2024 — “Sweet Poison: How sugar affects our bodies”: a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of sugar on overall health. “Sweet Poison: How sugar affects our bodies” is the creation of published author, Barbara Fisher, a dedicated health coach, wife, and mother of three who has overcome personal health challenges, including gut issues, infertility, and weight concerns.
Fisher shares, “This easy-to-read book is not full of medical terms that frustrate and confuse most of us. It is packed with straightforward education meant to inspire the readers to create positive change in their lives.
“From the brain, to the heart, from the liver, to the gut, and all the way to the toes, this book takes you on a journey to understand how sugar affects so many organs and functions in the body, causing miserable health issues from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes that can lead to amputations, and even death.
“But don’t be without hope; this book offers simple solutions to ensure that this does not become the story of your life. Rather, you will be able to have an active, healthy life that allows you to enjoy life to its fullest.
“It‘s not just about losing weight and ‘looking good,’ it is much more about health that allows your body to heal itself and brings out the best version of you!”
10, Jul 2024
The Winners of the 2024 Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards Are Announced
Philadelphia, PA, July 10, 2024 — Ear Worthy – the influential podcast online publication – has announced the Winners of the 2024 Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards.
There are many podcasts—hundreds of thousands of them—and a sizable majority are independent podcasts. Podcasting has also found itself awash in awards: The Ambies, iHeart Podcast Awards, People’s Choice Podcast Awards, The Webbys, The Signal Awards, British Podcast Awards, and others.
Yet, with few exceptions, these awards either don’t recognize independent podcasts or have them do battle against their well-financed, network-supported brethren.
“Many bootstrapped indie podcasts have paper-thin budgets and are led by overworked and underappreciated podcasters,” says Frank Racioppi, executive editor of Ear Worthy and owner of Willow Grove Communications LLC. “Indie podcasters wear more hats than any network-supported podcaster. They are creator, writer, producer, sound engineer, I.T. troubleshooter, researcher, host, distribution pro, marketing guru, public relations professional, and, most important of all, financial backer for the podcast.”
The Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards are sponsored by lenny.fm. This new service works like this: Listeners contribute US$4 a month, which is split between the top 4 podcasts they chose. While not exclusively for independent podcasts, lenny.fm offers indie podcasters a monetization option that was not previously available.
Courtney Carty of lenny.fm says: “We want to help podcasters to be rewarded for their work by people who value it and help drive an overall increase in listeners supporting podcasters.”
The Award Winners are:
Best Overall Podcast of the Year – The Life Shift
Best Interview Podcast – Preconceived
Best Life Lessons Podcast – Multispective
Best Health Podcast – Salad With A Side Of Fries
Best Workplace Podcast – Surfing Corporate
Best Young Adult Podcast – Seraphina Speaks
Best Business Advice Podcast – Bippity Boppity Business
Best Podcasting Success Podcast – Leverage Your Podcast
Best Movie Podcast – Verbal Diorama
Best Film History Podcast – Every Single Sci-Fi Film Ever
Best Music Podcast – Watching The Covers Flow
Best LGBTQIA+ Podcast – Because The Boss Belongs To Us
Best Politics Podcast – Ken Rudin’s Political Junkie
Best History Podcast – Music History Monday
Best True-Crime Podcast – The Murder Sheet
Best Society / Education Podcast – Impostrix
Best Short-Form Podcast – Arielle & Ned’s Daily Tips…
Best Celebrity Accountability Podcast – Trashy Divorces & What A Creep
Best Audio Fiction Podcast – Hobo Code
Best Entrepreneurial Podcast – Nerdpreneur
Best Food / Restaurant Podcast – Fine Dining
Best TV Podcast – Double Take
Best Career Podcast – Who Made You The Boss?
Best Arts & Culture Podcast – The Art Career Podcast
Best Business Processes Podcast – Streamlined Solopreneur
Best Podcast Tips Podcast – One Minute Podcast Tips
Best Americana Podcast – Vanishing Postcards
Winners will receive a digital award, an exclusive article in Ear Worthy, and a public announcement of their outstanding achievements as independent podcasters.
10, Jul 2024
CEO of Rare Wish and Cre8tive Marketing Agency Crowned Ms Elite United USA 2024 in Daytona Beach, FL
Loganville, GA, July 10, 2024 — The prestigious Ms. Elite United USA 2024 title has been awarded to Ms. Trena J. Myers, representing the state of Georgia. The pageant, held at the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from June 10-14, 2024, showcased the remarkable talents and contributions of women from across the nation.
Trena J. Myers, the Owner and Founder of Cre8tive Agency, demonstrated her exceptional skills in digital marketing, earning her the coveted Social Media award among all state contestants. Her impressive achievements didn’t stop there; she also received the Legacy Maker, Best of Fitness, Evening Gown, and Miss Congeniality awards in the Elite division, underscoring her multifaceted talents and warm personality.
As the CEO of Rare Wish, Ms. Myers distinguished herself not only through her grace and poise but also through her inspiring advocacy work with her legacy project, #makerarevisible. Her efforts are symbolized by Rare Wish’s mascot, Sunny the Rare Bear, who became a beacon of joy and hope throughout the competition. Sunny’s presence brought delight and encouragement to all the candidates, further highlighting Trena’s dedication to making a positive impact.
10, Jul 2024
CHT Security’s In-house Product CypherCom Wins 2024 COMPUTEX Best Choice Award Golden Award
Taipei, Taiwan, July 10, 2024 — CHT Security’s in-house product “CypherCom” (End-to-End Encryption System, E2EE System) has emerged as a standout among numerous international competitors, winning the 2024 COMPUTEX Best Choice Award Golden Award.
This secure communication system employs hardware security technologies such as Slim SIM or Bluetooth Token, combined with an app to achieve 256-bit end-to-end encryption (E2EE). It is designed for governments and enterprises that require high-intensity communication security to protect sensitive information, such as VoIP, text, audiovisual files, and trade secrets. Even in satellite communication environments, it provides stable and secure communication services using low-bandwidth mode and encoding compression technology. This recognition marks the third consecutive year that CHT Security has received the BC Award.
In the past, people have relied on voice calls, emails, or communication software for communication and data transmission, all of which may face the risk of man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, leading to concerns about confidential information leakage or eavesdropping. CypherCom employs hardware-based encryption, which ensures greater security compared to communication software using software encryption. With CypherCom, only the sender and receiver can access the content, and neither network nodes nor communication platforms in between can decrypt it.
Governments or enterprises can establish their own exclusive secure communication system by installing CypherCom (End-to-End Encryption System) in their data center or cloud server. By managing and distributing Slim SIMs to employees, personnel can access the system simply by connecting to the internet, without needing to change their phones or switch numbers, ensuring highly secure communications.
Jeff Hung, the General Manager of CHT Security, expressed gratitude to the judges for their recognition of CypherCom, saying, “This acknowledgment allows our expertise to be seen worldwide and positions us as one of the few cybersecurity companies among the high-tech companies awarded the BC Award Golden Award. It highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the AI era.”
Communication technology and cybersecurity are specialties of Chunghwa Telecom Group and we are dedicated to developing more secure and trustworthy communication services. The Slim SIM of CypherCom has obtained FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation. The private key can only be generated but not read, ensuring that even if the encrypted transmission content is intercepted, it cannot be decrypted. The system supports both Android and iOS platforms, as well as low-bandwidth satellite communications. More importantly, CypherCom’s SDK (Software Development Kit) enables enterprises to develop advanced applications on their own, such as identity authentication, digital document signing, secure data exchange, hardware wallets, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Currently, CypherCom has achieved significant sales with key institutions and is actively pursuing opportunities in overseas markets.
CHT Security is the largest MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider) in Taiwan, with years of practical experience in cybersecurity offense and defense. Their team has obtained multiple certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 20000, ISO 17025, and IEC 62443. Moreover, they are the only company in Taiwan to have received the highest “A-level” rating in all 5 cybersecurity service categories from the Executive Yuan’s evaluation for 5 consecutive years. In 2024, CHT Security also received several prestigious awards including the CIO Taiwan Outstanding Cybersecurity Product and Service Award, the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards for Best Cybersecurity Company, and the Cyber Security Review Top 10 Penetration Testing Services Providers in APAC.
With a stellar reputation, CHT Security offers services such as cybersecurity assessment, monitoring, incident response, and forensics. Recently, CHT Security has expanded from a service-oriented company to a product-oriented company, developing proprietary cybersecurity products like CypherCom to assist enterprises in enhancing their cybersecurity defenses.
10, Jul 2024
Complade Awards CyberSecure Canada Certificate to General Data IT
Saint John, Canada, July 10, 2024 — General Data is thrilled to announce its successful certification under Canada’s National Standard CAN/CIOSC 104:2021, known as CyberSecure Canada. This certification affirms the company’s commitment to systematic cybersecurity management, aimed at enhancing their defenses against cyber threats.
Accredited certification body Complade completed the audit and delivered the certificate to General Data CEO James Hoyt in Saint John this May.
This milestone not only signifies compliance with essential cybersecurity controls but also highlights General Data’s leadership in adopting and managing robust cybersecurity practices within the industry. The company’s proactive approach to cybersecurity management systematizes the protection of sensitive data and establishes a model for industry peers.
The certification comes at an optimal time as New Brunswick CBDC (Community Business Development Corporations) Charlotte-Kings has just announced a non-repayable grant program, “Cybersecure NB’ “As the backbone of many economies, small businesses often lack the resources of larger enterprises, making them more susceptible to cyber-attacks. However, by prioritizing cybersecurity, these businesses can safeguard sensitive data, protect customer trust, and ensure business continuity. The CBDC Cybersecure NB grant offers the opportunity to fund a more detailed cybersecurity program, so that businesses can work with companies like General Data to better safeguard their systems and achieve a certification of compliance.
