Simplex Castings Ltd bags first order worth Rs 20 Million for TsNIIchermet

Mumbai, April 30, 2024: Simplex Castings Ltd., a premier manufacturer of castings and engineering solutions has been selected as the preferred manufacturing partner for TsNIIchermet (Russia).

Simplex Castings Limited and ADJ Engineering have been selected by I.P Bardin TsNIIchermet (Russia) as partners for their designed metallurgical equipment for Indian and Russian Steel plants. Simplex Castings Limited will be responsible for manufacturing of equipment designed and developed by TsNIIchermet. The initial order is worth Rs 20 million.

Commenting on the development Ketan Shah, Chairman, said, “At Simplex we are delighted to get the first order from Chermet under the cooperation agreement. This agreement will open doors for Simplex to supply Chermet designed equipment to Indian and Russian Steel plants. Chermet is a premier Russian Central Research Institute for Iron and Steel Industry and the cooperation agreement between ADJ Engineering, Chermet and Simplex is a significant step in charting the future growth of our company. We are confident of delivering top notch quality equipment and ensuring further breakthroughs with this partnership.”

BOOTES and CargoPeople Announce Joint Venture Launching BOOTES Cold Storage, One of its kind Net-Zero Cold Storage

New Delhi,30th April 2024: BOOTES, India’s first Net-Zero company, and CargoPeople, one of India’s leading multimodal Logistics companies., have come together in a joint venture to launch Net-Zero Cold Storage, a revolutionary
initiative addressing the nation’s critical food waste challenge.  

The mission of the joint venture is to prevent food waste in India with Net-zero cold storage and tackle the ever-growing energy demand in India with renewable energy, not fossil fuels. The vision is that no child should go hungry.

Bootes Cold Chain has partnered with URBS (Urban Systems urbs AB) to leverage their expertise in sustainable technologies and finance, which will be required in the Indian cold storage sector. Bootes Cold Chain sees this as a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to attract green financing for building new cold storage facilities. Their ambitious goal is to deliver USD 1 billion in net-zero cold storage projects over the next five years.

Aiming to transform India’s cold storage landscape, the joint venture will flourish under BOOTES Cold Chain expertise in Net-Zero technology and infrastructure and People’s expertise in the supply chain. Net-zero cold storage can decrease food waste from 40% to 5% in the next 10 years, as it is 50% more efficient than traditional cold storage systems. This can increase the shelf life of the perishables. The initiative has the impact of bringing down electricity
consumption costs by 60%, offsetting 80% of carbon emissions for this planet, and aligns with the NET-ZERO goals of India.

Deepak Rai, Founder and MD at BOOTES shares, “There will be an unmatched rise in temperature in the coming decade, the energy consumption in the next decade will be higher than ever, and approximately 60% of crops might get wasted in India. Cold storage is expensive in India; a farmer cannot afford expensive cold storage systems, which is why Net-Zero Cold storage is the need of the hour. Our cold storage model is aligned with the government’s NET-ZERO 2070 goals, and we hope that it will positively impact the children and the farmers of India.”

Manuj Adlakha,Founder and CEO from CargoPeople, shares, “India’s cold chain sector faces unique challenges, including frequent power outages, exorbitant operational costs, and fragmented infrastructure. These hurdles hinder efficiency and contribute to substantial food losses. However, the potential for growth is undeniable, with the Indian cold chain market projected by 2028, driven by rising demand and evolving consumer preferences. This collaboration has brought together our mutual expertise, resources, and commitment to making a positive impact.”

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5 Companies Prioritising Retention of Women Employees

Women make up a significant portion of the global workforce, and their full participation is essential for driving economic growth. Empowering women economically leads to increased productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, benefiting businesses and economies as a whole. These companies are dedicated to advancing women in the workplace, from establishing ambitious hiring and promotion goals to creating women-focused Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and sponsoring networking opportunities tailored to their female employees.

Allstate India
Allstate Corporation is one of the largest publicly held insurance providers in the United States. Allstate India Private Limited, also known as Allstate India, is a subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation. Allstate India has emerged as a preferred employer, recognized for its commitment to employee welfare and development. Recently, the company has also launched the ‘Nourish and Nurture Zone’ program to commemorate Women’s Day by providing essential support to working mothers. Additionally, their Allstate Maternity Management program is an 18-month program that supports women employees during their early motherhood journey and offers services, resources, and support during pregnancy helping them transition smoothly into motherhood and subsequently return to work.

Their premier employee insurance program ‘AllFlex’ is one of its kind in the market with benefits extending from life and medical insurance to pet insurance and dental coverage. They also help their superheroes continuously flex the muscles of knowledge and skills, prepping them with secret weapons like learning tools, leadership development programs, free access to online academies, and more with the help of their internal Employee Impact Group – WIN (Women’s Impact Network).

EY
Through the Women. Fast forward project, EY is empowering a diverse workforce by enabling women and girls to reach their potential. The program offers mentorship, education, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities, to ensure girls and women are equipped with the tools they need to thrive. Creating a workforce that will support the closing of the gender gap and nurture an equitable environment. EY is committed to closing the gender gap creating a nurturing environment for all. Also, EY is creating an inclusive culture to enable women’s potential to truly transform society, build a better working world, and uplift social equity.

Infosys
The IT giant’s Global Diversity and Inclusion initiatives are to be credited for its efforts to ensure gender equality in the workplace and make Infosys one of the selected women-friendly companies. Its campus partnership program, Campus Connect, reaches out to 500+ engineering colleges in India and encourages more girls to take up computer science (CS). Thanks to this, roughly half of the freshers hired are women. As of 2021, 39.1% of all employees at Infosys around the world are women. Apart from this, several of the company’s facilities cater to women’s ever-changing role in society. For instance, women requesting transfers after marriage are often granted, which helps immensely in employee retention.

TATA Communications
The company’s flagship diversity and inclusion program has achieved several important goals that have catapulted it into becoming a female-friendly company. Since its launch, it has helped increase women’s workforce participation from 16% to 22%. The company’s SheReturns program, aimed at women looking to rejoin the workforce after a sabbatical, the Inclusive Leadership Program for managers, and the Men Advocating Real Change (MARC) program are some other initiatives TATA has taken to increase gender sensitivity and parity. Not to mention the increase in parental leave and adoption leave that can help men support their wives with childcare.

Sony Pictures Networks
Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) has made concerted efforts toward increasing gender parity through gender-agnostic hiring. The company’s flexible-working policy allowed working from home way before the pandemic, which helped women balance their professional and personal lives. Their policies on primary caregiver leave – which extends to surrogacy as well as adoption, creche facilities, and returning mothers program among other things makes them one of the ideal women-friendly companies in India.

Industry Story (Listicle)_Hear out to these 4 health experts who can help you stay healthier the right way

In today’s world, where wellness trends flood our feeds and fad diets dominate conversations, navigating the path to true health can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Behind the noise are four trusted health experts, each armed with evidence-based strategies to guide you towards genuine well-being. From nutritionists who champion balanced eating to fitness gurus promoting sustainable exercise routines, these experts prioritize holistic health over quick fixes. Together, they offer a roadmap to help you stay healthier the right way, cutting through the clutter to ensure your wellness journey is rooted in science and tailored to your individual needs.

Simrat Kathuria- The Diet Xperts

Simrat Kathuria serves as the CEO and Head Dietitian at The Diet Xperts, overseeing the strategic direction of the company and providing leadership in the development and implementation of nutrition counseling services. Simrat began her career with a three-month internship at DMC Hospital, gaining valuable experience in clinical nutrition. Since then, she has achieved numerous professional milestones, receiving awards for her contributions to the field of nutrition and serving as the brand ambassador for the Indian Swachhata League. She has also collaborated with prestigious organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on various health initiatives. Simrat’s decision to venture into entrepreneurship stemmed from her desire to make a meaningful impact on society. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for promoting health and wellness, she founded The Diet Xperts in 2011 to address the growing need for personalized nutrition counseling and support services. Overcoming the challenge of spreading awareness, Simrat successfully established The Diet Xperts as a pioneering force in the nutrition industry, particularly in Punjab.

Chitharesh Natesan

Chitharesh Natesan, popularly known as “The Indian Monster,” is a renowned professional bodybuilder hailing from India, whose impressive journey in the world of bodybuilding has left an indelible mark. In 2019, he achieved the pinnacle of his career by securing the coveted title of Mr. Universe at the 11th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship organized by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation. His dedication, perseverance, and consistent success on both national and international stages have firmly established him as a true legend in the world of bodybuilding. Beyond his impressive physique, Chitharesh’s story highlights the profound connection between physical fitness and mental well-being. His rigorous training regimen and unwavering commitment to his goals have not only sculpted his body but have also fortified his mental resilience. Bodybuilding demands discipline, focus, and perseverance, qualities that transcend the gym and become valuable assets in one’s everyday life.

Dr. Suman Chhabra

Dr. Suman Chhabra has been practicing as a nutritionist for over 18 years. She is an expert in weight loss and weight management, as well as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, Dr. Chabbra is also an expert on food allergies. She believes that the right diet can help you lead a healthier life by keeping your body strong and healthy while also helping you lose weight if that’s what you are looking to do.

Radhika Karle

The Indian nutritionist, Pilates instructor, and personal trainer Radhika Karle is a force. As the founder of Radhika’s Balanced Body, she has established herself as a go-to fitness expert for individuals seeking a holistic approach to health and well-being. Her comprehensive training programs and personalized coaching methods cater to the unique needs of each client, ensuring optimal results.By combining the principles of Pilates, functional training, and nutrition, she helps individuals achieve their fitness goals and unlock their full potential. Radhika’s influence extends beyond her role as a fitness professional. As a motivational speaker, she shares her knowledge and experiences to inspire and empower others to embrace a healthier lifestyle

Dish TV Revolutionizes Entertainment with Dish TV Smart+ Services, Offering TV and OTT on Any Screen, Anywhere

India, 30th  April 2024: Dish TV, has taken a path-breaking initiative to redefine the entertainment experience in India. The leading DTH provider in a first-of-its-kind move has announced its ground-breaking proposition ‘Dish TV Smart+’. This launch marks a pioneering milestone in the industry, providing customers access to TV and OTT content on any screen, anywhere, without any additional cost. It ensures convenience, flexibility, and enhanced entertainment options, empowering customers to tailor their viewing experience.

With the ‘Dish TV Smart+’ service, all Dish TV and D2H customers, including new as well as existing subscribers can enjoy popular OTT apps along with their chosen TV subscription pack. The ‘Dish TV Smart+ services ecosystem enables entertainment on any screen, anywhere, anytime through Watcho-the OTT Super App, Smart devices including set-top boxes, and smart Android STBs. Dish TV will also collaborate with top TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

Actress Shefali Shah who unveiled Dish TV Smart+ services said, “As an actor, I’ve always believed that the platform doesn’t matter as much as the quality of the content. Whether it’s a big screen, a small screen, or a streaming platform, if the story is compelling and the characters are well-written, that’s where the true magic happens. I see the value in bundling services for customers. It’s like getting a ticket to a movie and having access to all the behind-the-scenes features, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes. Bundling enhances the overall experience and provides more value for the audience anytime and everywhere, and Dish TV is leading the way with Dish TV Smart+ Services!”

Commenting on the new proposition, Manoj Dobhal, CEO of Dish TV India Limited, stated, “Since its inception, Dish TV has transformed the entertainment consumption landscape, pioneering new ways for people to enjoy their favourite content. With this new proposition, we are poised to make an even greater difference, setting a new standard for immersive and accessible entertainment experiences. The launch of ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services represents more than just a proposition; it embodies the vision to redefine entertainment consumption in India, which is getting smarter and bigger. In a market flooded with options, customers often find themselves overwhelmed. We aim to simplify their choices by offering a holistic and complete entertainment solution. We firmly believe that both traditional television and OTT platforms are indispensable in today’s age, and with our proposition, we aim to reaffirm their equal importance.”

“At Dish TV, customer satisfaction is non-negotiable, and every decision is centered around delivering value and convenience. ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services not only benefit our customers by providing them with unparalleled access to entertainment but also ensures that their preferences and satisfaction remain at the forefront of our endeavors. With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we are catering to all needs of a modern Indian family, staying true to our motto – Naye Bharat Ka Smart Connection,” Manoj Dobhal added.

To effectively communicate this visionary proposition, Dish TV has initiated a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning multiple channels, including Television, Digital, Print, and Corporate outreach, aiming to amplify its message of entertainment accessibility on any screen, anywhere.

For existing subscribers, Dish TV will leverage its channels and platforms, employing push notifications, in-app notifications, and emailers. Meanwhile, for new customers, the emphasis will be on TV and digital channels to ensure widespread visibility and awareness of the offering.

Mr. Sukhpreet Singh, Corporate Head of Marketing, Dish TV & Watcho, said, “With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we’re not just introducing a new proposition; we’re leading a paradigm shift in entertainment consumption. Through our multi-channel marketing approach, we are committed to directly engaging with consumers, ensuring broad awareness and adoption. As a brand, we prioritize staying ahead of trends and adapting to evolving audience preferences. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that cater to their diverse preferences and lifestyles.”

Dish TV’s transition from a DTH operator to a complete entertainment provider emphasizes its commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences, and innovation, and its mission to elevate the entertainment experience for millions of households nationwide, setting a new standard for entertainment delivery and heralding a paradigm shift in the industry. By prioritizing customer needs and leveraging strategic collaborations, Dish TV paves the way for future innovations, further enhancing the entertainment experience for consumers nationwide.

Unveiling FENIX: Redefining Premium Surface Solutions

In the realm of interior design, where luxury meets innovation, the demand for sophisticated materials has soared. Leading this evolution is Formica India, introducing FENIX, a revolutionary product poised to redefine the landscape of premium surface solutions in India. Exclusive to Formica and crafted by Arpa Industriale, FENIX embodies Italian design inspiration fused with cutting-edge technology, setting it apart from competitors in the market.

Distinctive Features Set FENIX Apart

FENIX stands out for its blend of smart materials and matte surfaces, elevating interiors with its distinctive characteristics and enduring appeal. Utilizing proprietary technologies, FENIX boasts an external surface fortified with next-generation acrylic resins, cured through an Electronic Beam process. This results in an opaque, scratch-resistant, and anti-fingerprint surface, providing both durability and aesthetic allure.

Variants Tailored to Diverse Needs

FENIX offers three distinct variants tailored to meet diverse design and functional needs:

• · FENIX NTM: Introduced in 2013, FENIX NTM is a technically advanced product that enhances surface aesthetics with its trendy designs and matt finish, reflecting modern sophistication.
• · FENIX NTM Bloom: Enriched with Bloom, a lignin-based technology, FENIX NTM Bloom offers a more natural composition and extremely matte finish, reducing the amount of phenol included in the resin by 50%.
• · FENIX NTA: Featuring an empowered metal surface, FENIX NTA exudes visual comfort, soft touch, and scratch resistance, catering to discerning customers seeking premium quality.

Recognition and Awards Validate Excellence

FENIX’s accolades speak volumes about its innovation and design excellence, with awards including the New Product Award, Interzum Award “Best of the Best”, Red Dot Award for Product Design 2019, and recognition from ADI Compasso d’oro. Furthermore, FENIX’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its GREENGUARD GOLD certification.

Why Choose FENIX?

Unmatched Durability: FENIX’s proprietary technologies ensure unmatched durability, scratch resistance, and anti-fingerprint properties, providing long-lasting performance in diverse environments.

Versatile Applications: With an extensive range of colors and variants suitable for vertical and horizontal applications, FENIX is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, retail spaces, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, offices, and industrial designs.

Design Excellence: FENIX seamlessly integrates aesthetics and performance, offering a perfect balance of modern design and functional innovation.

Sustainability Credentials: FENIX’s GREENGUARD GOLD certification underscores its commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Elevate your interior spaces to unprecedented heights of elegance and functionality with FENIX. With its unmatched blend of innovative technology, Italian design flair, and sustainability credentials, FENIX stands as the epitome of excellence in premium surface solutions. Experience the difference with FENIX and embark on a journey of timeless sophistication and unparalleled quality.

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Commercial Real Estate

By Rohit Maingi (DnR Realty)
In the realm of real estate investment, commercial properties stand out as lucrative opportunities for investors seeking long-term growth and stability. However, like any investment avenue, commercial real estate comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. To shed light on this topic, let’s explore the pros and cons of investing in commercial real estate, drawing insights from Rohit Maingi, a seasoned professional in the industry, and DnR Realty Consultants, a leading firm dedicated to providing comprehensive real estate services.

Pros of Investing in Commercial Real Estate:

Potential for Higher Returns: Commercial properties typically yield higher rental incomes compared to residential properties. Additionally, the appreciation of commercial real estate values over time can contribute to significant returns on investment.

Diverse Investment Options: Commercial real estate encompasses various property types, including office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, and multifamily complexes. This diversity allows investors to tailor their investment portfolios according to their risk tolerance and financial goals.

Long-Term Lease Agreements: Commercial leases often span several years, providing investors with a stable and predictable income stream. Moreover, tenants in commercial properties typically assume a greater share of operating expenses, such as maintenance and utilities, relieving landlords of some financial burdens.

Portfolio Diversification: Investing in commercial real estate offers diversification benefits, helping investors mitigate risks associated with economic downturns or fluctuations in the housing market. A well-balanced portfolio that includes commercial properties can enhance overall investment resilience.

Cons of Investing in Commercial Real Estate:

Higher Initial Investment: Acquiring commercial properties typically requires a substantial upfront investment compared to residential real estate. Moreover, ongoing maintenance and operational costs can add up, particularly for large-scale commercial properties.

Market Volatility: The commercial real estate market is susceptible to economic fluctuations, geopolitical events, and industry-specific trends. Investors may face challenges during periods of economic downturns or shifts in consumer behavior, impacting property values and rental demand.

Tenant Turnover and Vacancy Risks: Finding and retaining tenants in commercial properties can be more challenging than in residential real estate. Vacancies or lease terminations can lead to income disruptions and increased expenses associated with marketing and tenant improvements.

Regulatory and Legal Complexities: Commercial real estate transactions are subject to a myriad of regulations, zoning laws, and contractual agreements. Navigating these complexities requires thorough due diligence and legal expertise to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks.

In conclusion, investing in commercial real estate offers a range of opportunities for wealth creation and portfolio diversification, but it also involves inherent risks and complexities. By partnering with experienced professionals like Rohit Maingi and DnR Realty Consultants, investors can gain valuable insights and guidance to navigate the nuances of the commercial real estate market effectively. With a strategic approach and diligent risk management, investors can capitalize on the potential rewards of commercial real estate while minimizing downside risks.

Samsung Announces Never-Seen Before Price on Galaxy S23

BENGALURU, India –30th April 2024 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced an exciting offer on Galaxy S23. Galaxy S23, originally priced starting INR 64999, will be available at a never-seen-before price of INR 44999 during Flipkart’s Big Saving Days sale. The offer includes a bank cashback of INR 2000, making this the best-ever offer for Galaxy S23.

Galaxy S23 now comes with Galaxy AI, enabling consumers to harness the transformative power of AI for their communications. With Galaxy AI, Galaxy S23 users will be able to take advantage of several features including Circle to Search, Live Translate and Photo Assist amongst others. The broader integration of Galaxy AI across the Galaxy ecosystem also enables a seamless user experience in day-to-day tasks on AI-supported models, driving new levels of efficiency.

Circle to Search with Google generates insightful, high-quality Google search results when you simply circle, highlight, or tap any image on your display.

Live Translate produces two-way, real-time voice and text translations of phone calls, making it easier than ever to book reservations while traveling or to chat with your grandparents in their native language.

Note Assist can create AI-generated summaries, pre-formatted templates, and cover pages, elevating your day-to-day productivity. Chat Assist can help perfect conversational tones by generating context-aware suggestions to ensure communication sounds as it was intended, whether it is a polite message to a coworker or a short catchy phrase for a social media caption.

Interpreters can instantly translate live conversations through a user-friendly split-screen view, allowing people standing opposite each other to read a text translation of what the other person is saying.

Transcript Assist uses AI and Speech-to-Text technology to transcribe, summarize, and even translate voice recordings. Browsing Assist helps you stay up to speed on what is happening around the world while saving time by generating concise summaries of news articles or web pages.

Generative Edit gives you even more creative freedom to resize positions and align objects even after the photo is taken. Edit Suggestion gives you your own personal photo editor that uses AI to suggest perfectly suitable tweaks for each photo.

Galaxy S23 comes with an epic rear camera, featuring a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with OIS & 3X optical zoom. Galaxy S23 features a 12MP front-facing camera with Super HDR technology for capturing truly cinematic Nightography videos. The Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy on Galaxy S23 ensures premium experiences, including reliable mobile gaming and fast mobile graphics. Galaxy S23 is certified for reduced environment impact.

Birla Carbon to participate at American Coatings Show 2024

Marietta, USA / Mumbai, India -30th April 2024: Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon-based solutions, will participate in the American Coatings Show 2024 from April 30th to May 2nd at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, United States. Birla Carbon will exhibit at booth number 1648.

Speaking about the participation, John Davidson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “We are excited to join the American Coatings Show 2024 and showcase our range of sustainable carbon-based solutions for the paints and coatings industry. The event will serve to highlight Birla Carbon’s extensive selection of Raven, Conductex, Nanocyl, and Continua ™ SCM products, which together make us the go-to source for sustainable carbon-based solutions for coatings applications. At Birla Carbon, our goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which allows us to lessen our environmental impact, partner with our customer’s sustainability journey, and at the same time maintain the same level of quality in our products.”

This year, Birla Carbon solutions to be displayed at the event include:

• · Continua™ 8510P SCM and 8000 SCM: A scalable and sustainable solution designed to enhance product sustainability and circularity.
• · Raven 3500, 5000 Ultra II, and 5100 Ultra series highlight its excellence in high-color blacks, offering superior dispersion and color performance in various engineering plastics applications, offering a comprehensive range of high-performance carbon blacks for plastics.
• · Nanocyl brand of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) through NC7000™ for high electrical conductivity in all polymers and PLASTICYL™ high conductive thermoplastic MWCNTs.
• · The Conductex e range of solutions is a key performance-enhancing carbon black additive that gives high conductivity and purity while enabling manufacturers the formulation flexibility required for a variety of lead acid battery applications.

The American Coatings Show 2024 will help showcase Birla Carbon’s performance-grade carbon black solutions while promoting sustainability and circularity at scale. It will also bring together experts and professionals from the coatings and paint industry to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the industry.

NAREDCO Maharashtra’s Knowledge session – ‘All about Policy’ illuminates Mumbai real estate policy updates

Mumbai, 30th April 2024: The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) Maharashtra in association with Practicing Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association (PEATA) hosted a pivotal Knowledge Session ‘All About Policy’ which brought together distinguished experts from the real estate sector to discuss critical policy implications and their impacts on the Mumbai real estate market.

Mr. Prashant Sharma, President of NAREDCO Maharashtra, inaugurated the session with a warm welcome to all attendees, emphasizing the significance of such knowledge exchanges in understanding the intricacies of real estate regulations. “These sessions are crucial for all stakeholders to gain clarity on the rules governing our sector,” Sharma stated.

Mr. Manoj Dubal, President of PEATA, opened the discussions with a detailed examination of Sections 33(11), 33(20)B, and a comparative analysis of regulation 33. His insights covered essential topics such as permissible Floor Space Index (FSI) on plot developments, transit camp tenements for Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), clubbing of schemes in case of unconsumed sale component of additional FSI, development of affordable housing, rehabilitation & resettlement on private plot or plot of authority other than government authority.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “Navigating the Future: Policy Priorities for the Real Estate Sector,” featuring industry stalwarts like Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Mr. Kamlesh Thakur, Mr. Manoj Dubal and Mr. Manoj Daisaria, with moderation by Aarti Harbhajanka.

Panelists debated the need for government support in light of substantial profits earned from the realty sector. Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman Emeritus, NAREDCO Maharashtra said “The real estate sector is the most taxed industry, and unless we ask the government to fulfill our industry demands; they will not be met. The government is earning substantial profits from the realty sector and therefore we expect them to support us as well. There was a time when people said that the now defunct Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) would never get scrapped, but it did get scrapped after we followed up for its removal.”

“There is a huge parcel of vacant land in Mumbai which is unutilized. We need to awaken the government and tell them that if you want affordable housing then open these land parcels and reduce the cost of development to fulfill the government’s obligation to provide affordable housing to all,” added Mr. Hiranandani.

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO stressed on the need for the industry to stay within its limits. “In the past we have seen a section of the industry going far beyond and have not delivered on its promises to customers. This is the reason why the government has brought in the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) bill, in its bid to control the sector, bring more transparency and safeguard home buyer interest. It’s imperative that our industry adheres to its commitments to ensure trust and sustained growth.”

“The successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-U) has helped the needy and poorer sections of society; we would request the government to undertake in the same way similar schemes for other sections of society as well,” Bandelkar added.

Conversations also touched upon the need for innovative urban planning. Mr. Kamlesh Thakur, Vice President, NAREDCO Maharashtra opined that we need to create smart cities as there will be a reverse migration of Indians from abroad; will our cities survive till then is the question we need to ask ourselves. In addition, the government should encourage greenfield developments instead of brownfield developments, which we are presently doing.

Architects Karan Daisaria & Devansh Daisaria, Design Principal, Daisaria Associates gave an insightful presentation on the elevation features of new developments. They spoke on the challenges faced by architects in the planning and designing of buildings given the strict norms and guidelines laid down by the competent authorities. Having studied and worked abroad with international brands, they have tried to merge these features into the Indian construction framework.

The session concluded with a collective affirmation on the necessity of regular policy discussions to foster a more transparent and robust real estate market in Mumbai.