Grand welcome for Naidu in Singapore
The Chief Minister and his accompanying ministerial delegation were greeted by a vibrant assembly of the local Telugu community, industrialists, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and representatives from APNRT.
As the Chief Minister's convoy made its way from the airport to his hotel, Telugu families residing in Singapore lined the route to extend their felicitations. The display of cultural pride was evident with women in traditional attire offering ceremonial 'Harathi' and children performing lively Kuchipudi dances, adding a festive air to the Chief Minister's reception.
The area surrounding the CM's hotel buzzed with activity, transformed into a celebratory hub by the presence of numerous Telugu families eager to convey their heartfelt greetings.
During his comprehensive five-day visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to participate in a total of 29 engagements, underscoring the importance of this tour for fostering stronger ties and attracting investments to Andhra Pradesh.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
23 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
DLF sells out Phase 1 of Mumbai debut project: 20% buyers are NRIs from Mumbai, penthouses sold for ₹70,000 per sq ft
Delhi-NCR-based real estate major DLF has said that 20% of homebuyers for its debut premium residential project in Mumbai, The WestPark in Andheri West, are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), primarily those originally from Mumbai. The company has also secured bookings from members of the Bollywood fraternity. Mumbai real estate update: Delhi-NCR-based real estate major DLF has said that 20% of homebuyers for its debut premium residential project in Mumbai, The WestPark in Andheri West, are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), primarily those originally from Mumbai. (Picture for representational purposes only)(Pexels) DLF revealed on July 25 that it has sold out all four towers launched under Phase 1, generating sales bookings worth ₹2,300 crore. The project was officially launched on July 17. 'We have around 20% homebuyers who are NRI but originally from Mumbai. Our teams visited places like Kuwait, the US, UK, and Singapore, where we received several bookings from NRI homebuyers,' said Aakash Ohri, Joint Managing Director and Chief Business Officer, DLF Home Developers Ltd. Ohri said that DLF also received bookings from homebuyers based in South Mumbai, Pune, Nanded, Gujarat, and other regions. 'We've also had four to five bookings from the Bollywood fraternity,' he confirmed, though he declined to reveal specific names. Initially, the company launched two towers comprising part of the 416 apartments available in Phase 1. However, due to high demand, two additional towers were released, leading to a 'complete sellout' of the phase. "The second phase launch will now be looked into, and we will work on getting approvals for the second phase. We look forward to launching the second phase next year around this time." Ohri said. Speaking on the difference between homebuyers in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, Ohri noted that Mumbai buyers tend to be more personally involved in the homebuying process. He said that they are not only seeking the signature DLF lifestyle, but are also specifically looking for larger-sized apartments. "We received feedback that we should have bigger 3 BHK apartments, and in the next phase, we will work towards it," Ohri said. According to the company, the entire project is spread across 10 acres and will feature a mix of 3 BHK and larger apartments ranging from 1,125 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft. In the first phase, apartments are priced between ₹37,500 and ₹54,000 per sq ft. However, Ohri said that the company managed to sell the penthouses in the project at a price of ₹70,000 per sq ft.' Also Read: DLF sells all 416 luxury apartments worth ₹2,300 crore in its debut Mumbai project More projects in the Mumbai real estate market According to Ohri, the company has already received a few proposals for more projects in the Mumbai real estate market. "We already have a few proposals, but nothing is concrete for now. Anybody can send proposals that way, but for now, we have to go to the board and inform them about our Andheri progress, followed by the further strategy for the next phase in Andheri," Ohri said. Goa launch According to Ohri, DLF plans to enter the Goa real estate market with its first project, which will feature luxury villas priced above ₹50 crore. 'In the coming months, our focus will be on launching these ultra-luxury developments,' he said. Also Read: Mumbai real estate: All you need to know about the Andheri West real estate market as DLF launches its first project All about its Mumbai real estate market project On July 17, DLF, in partnership with Trident Realty, launched 416 apartments in four towers in the Andheri West area of Mumbai. The companies will invest nearly ₹900 crore to develop this luxury housing project. The development will also include 845 dedicated car parking spaces, along with separate visitor parking facilities. The project will feature a 50,000-square-foot clubhouse equipped with many amenities, including a wellness hub, yoga studios, meditation decks, co-working spaces, lounges, and several other lifestyle facilities. The company had said that the development will comprise eight architecturally distinctive towers. The first phase will introduce four towers, each 37 storeys high and offering a total of 416 residences. Also Read: DLF's Mumbai debut: Adopts cautious project pricing aligning with Andheri West real estate market rates The homes include a select mix of spacious 3-and 4-BHK residences ranging from 1,125 to 2,500 sq ft, along with a limited number of penthouses.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Saudi's New Law: Foreigners can own property across the kingdom, except in these two cities
Foreigners Allowed to Own Property in Saudi Arabia, Except Makkah and Madinah/ Representative Image TL;DR Foreigners can now own property in Saudi Arabia but only in specific zones and under clear rules. Ownership in holy cities like Makkah and Madinah is still mostly restricted. Non-Saudis must register their ownership, and there are fees and penalties for violations. Saudi Arabia recently published a new law that changes how foreigners can own real estate in the Kingdom. This law, announced officially on July 25 in the Umm Al-Qura gazette, will start applying 180 days from its release. It's a big shift in policy because it allows non-Saudis, whether individuals, companies, or organizations—to buy and hold property under certain conditions. Before, the rules were more restrictive, especially in holy cities like Makkah and Madinah. The new law still protects these cities by limiting ownership, but it also opens new opportunities for foreigners in other areas. This change comes as part of Saudi Arabia's wider plan to attract investment and encourage economic growth, but with clear limits to protect cultural and religious sensitivities. What the New Law Allows Foreign Ownership Zones: The government will define specific areas where foreigners can buy property. These zones will come with rules about how much property can be owned and for how long. Types of Rights: Ownership isn't just about buying a building. The law includes rights like usufruct (the right to use and benefit from property), leases, and other property interests. Individuals and Corporations: Both people living in Saudi Arabia and foreign companies can own property. For individuals, owning one home outside restricted zones is allowed for personal use. Companies can buy property to support their business or house employees. Diplomatic and International Use: Foreign embassies and international organizations can own property for their official work, but they need approval from the Saudi Foreign Ministry. Ownership Zones and Rights The government will designate certain zones where foreigners are allowed to own property. These zones will have defined limits on ownership percentages and the duration of property rights. The law covers various types of rights, including full ownership, leases, and usufruct rights, which means the right to use and benefit from property without owning it outright. Foreign individuals legally residing in Saudi Arabia can own one residential property outside restricted zones for personal use only. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Foreign companies can buy property throughout the Kingdom to support their business operations or to provide housing for employees. Diplomatic missions and international organizations can also own property for official purposes, subject to approval from the Saudi Foreign Ministry. Restrictions in Holy Cities The law maintains strict limits on foreign property ownership in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Only Muslim individuals can own property there, and even then, ownership is allowed only under specific conditions. Foreign residents are also restricted to owning just one home for personal housing outside these restricted zones. This ensures that religious and cultural sensitivities are respected while opening up other parts of the country for foreign ownership. Registration, Fees, and Penalties Foreign property owners must register their ownership with the national real estate registry for it to be legally recognized. The law introduces a transfer fee of up to 5% on property transactions involving foreigners. Violations of the law can result in hefty fines of up to SAR 10 million (approximately $2.67 Million). In serious cases, such as using fake documents, authorities can force the sale of the property, with the proceeds going to the state after necessary deductions. To monitor and enforce these rules, a committee under the Real Estate General Authority will investigate violations and impose penalties. Property owners have the right to appeal committee decisions to administrative courts within 60 days. Protection of Existing Ownership and GCC Citizens The law protects all foreign property rights that existed before its enactment, so current foreign owners won't lose their rights. It also removes an earlier ban that prevented Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens from owning property in Makkah and Madinah. Now, GCC citizens are subject to the same rules as other foreigners, which simplifies the legal framework around foreign ownership in the Kingdom. What Comes Next The Saudi government plans to issue executive regulations within six months. These will provide details on geographic boundaries for foreign ownership zones and explain how the law will be applied in practice. Foreign buyers and investors should watch for these updates to understand exactly where and how they can legally purchase property in Saudi Arabia. FAQs 1. Can any foreigner buy property anywhere in Saudi Arabia now? No. Foreign ownership is limited to government-designated zones. Ownership in holy cities remains mostly restricted. 2. What types of property rights are allowed? Foreigners can own property outright or hold other rights like leases and usufruct, depending on the rules for the zone. 3. What happens if a foreigner breaks the ownership rules? They may face fines up to SAR 10 million, and in severe cases, their property can be sold by the authorities with proceeds going to the state.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Lucrative deals, changing preferences: What Aadi fest entails in 2025
This Aadi season, popular marketplaces in Tamil Nadu are buzzing with activity. Shoppers, too, are seizing massive discounts across textiles, jewellery, electronics, and home appliances fronts in the fourth month of the Tamil calendar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Traditionally observed as a sacred time for rituals and divine offerings, Aadi has undeniably evolved into a high-octane shopping season over time, with retailers offering lucrative deals to keep consumer demand at a steady high during the month. Retailers across Chennai, from T Nagar and Pondy Bazaar to Parry's Corner and Sowcarpet, tell us that they are expecting a 20– 30% surge in footfall compared to last year, driven by attractive offers, EMI options, and festivalexclusive combo deals. 'People may cut costs elsewhere, but not on gold' 'Lightweight and antique-style jewellery are in demand and popular, especially among young brides. This year, we've also introduced virtual try-ons and doorstep delivery for elderly customers. Sales are 18% higher than last year so far. The craze for gold during Aadi is emotional as much as financial — it's seen as an auspicious investment,' informs Akbar Ali, owner of a jewellery store in Parry's Corner. 'Aadi is like Deepavali for the home appliances business' "Aadi is no longer just a cultural event; it's a full-fledged consumer festival. For us, it's like Deepavali. People wait for this season to upgrade or replace home appliances. This year, discounts have gone up to 40%, and smart kitchen gadgets are trending big," states N Karthikeyan, sales manager at a home appliances store in T Nagar. 'We expect a 35% growth in sales this Aadi season' "Aadi always brings in a wave of shoppers, but this year, we are expecting at least 35% more sales than in 2024. The season has begun well with strong demand for bridal saris, everyday cottons, and men's festive shirts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now There's been a clear uptick in young shoppers, especially working women who prefer readymade options. Even NRIs visiting India for July-August weddings are stopping by," says Ranendran Pillai, co-owner of a textile store in Sowcarpet. What's hot this Aadi festive: Electronics and appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, mixer grinders, robot vacuum cleaners and Android TVs are trending Textiles: Sarees, cotton kurtis , wedding silks, and readymade wear continue to dominate Jewellery: Lightweight gold, bridal sets, and festive bangles remain customer favourites Consumer behaviour: Customers, especially young couples and homemakers, are increasingly opting for no-cost EMIs, exchange offers, and combo packs
