Latest news with #Ojha
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
PGI-Sarangpur traffic chaos: Chandigarh admn offers double-decker fix for Metro-flyover clash
As a solution to the clash between the proposed Metro corridor and a flyover plan on the PGIMER-Sarangpur stretch, the UT engineering department has suggested a double-decker structure — with one level for the Metro track and another for vehicular traffic. The proposal was discussed in a review meeting on Tuesday, chaired by UT chief engineer CB Ojha, where officials from Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) were urged to consider the dual-layer road design for the area, which has been identified by the Road Safety Committee as a major bottleneck. In its latest report, shared in April, the Road Safety Committee stated that traffic jams, lack of footpaths (forcing pedestrians onto roads), roadside parking, encroachments by shops, waterlogging during monsoon, U-turns at junctions and autos halting mid-road to pick up passengers had collectively turned the stretch into a critical chokepoint. According to initial plans prepared by the UT engineering department, the flyover was to be constructed at a cost of around ₹90 crore, running 1.75 km in length, with a 1.3-km elevated stretch. At the Tuesday meeting, Ojha also directed RITES to incorporate observations from the scenario report on the Metro project, which was submitted last month. RITES has now been asked to expedite its work and submit the final report. In its scenario report, RITES stated that the Metro project was financially viable for the tricity, though it may take at least a decade for the system to achieve profitability. The report drew comparisons with Metro systems in Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur and Noida, noting that such projects were typically evaluated over a 30-year operational horizon. Using the Ahmedabad Metro as a case study, the report pointed out that recovering capital investment may take at least five years, and highlighted unforeseen disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic that delayed business recovery after its launch in 2019. During a committee meeting held in March, former Haryana transport additional chief secretary Ashok Khemka had asked RITES to re-examine its ridership estimate of 11.3 lakh passengers annually. The revised report was subsequently submitted in May. The eight-member expert committee, constituted in November last year, was entrusted with evaluating the financial viability of the Tricity Metro project. The final report is expected to be submitted by mid-July to UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who will present it before the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), the body responsible for coordinating urban mobility initiatives across the tricity region. Last year in November, Union minister for power, housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal Khattar had expressed concerns over the project's ridership levels. He had warned that inadequate ridership could affect the long-term viability of the Metro system in Chandigarh. 'Ridership in Chandigarh does not appear to meet the threshold required for a viable Metro system,' he noted, urging the consideration of alternative transport solutions such as pod taxis.
India Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Can India's middle class invest where Dubai's billionaires buy homes?
For a long time, Dubai looked like a rich person's dream, shiny buildings, luxury cars, no income tax, and homes that looked like something out of a felt like a place only for billionaires, Bollywood stars, and big business families. But things are changing now as more and more salaried Indians are asking the same question: Can I also buy a home in Dubai?advertisementRitu Kant Ojha, CEO of Proact Luxury Real Estate, said that the interest from Indian buyers has expanded beyond just high-net-worth individuals.'We're witnessing a strong inclination among Indian buyers for a diverse range of properties in Dubai. Apartments remain highly sought after, particularly those in well-connected areas with solid infrastructure,' he said. Demand is also rising for villas and townhouses in gated communities, especially among families looking for space and lifestyle COST: NOT CHEAP, BUT POSSIBLEFor most salaried Indians, the first concern is cost, and understandably so. While Dubai is often portrayed as a high-end real estate market, there are entry points that may suit higher-income middle-class explains that mid-range apartments in decent neighbourhoods often fall in the AED 1 million to AED 3 million range, or roughly Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 3 crore, depending on the location and such properties, a buyer usually needs to put down around 20% as down payment, plus 4% for the Dubai Land Department's registration fee. That means an Indian buyer would need to have around Rs 35–50 lakh in liquid savings to enter the market.'This is not for everyone,' Ojha cautions, 'but for dual-income families or professionals with long-term savings and financial discipline, it is doable.'FINANCING OPTIONS ARE OPENING UPWhile paying the full amount upfront is rare, Dubai's property market does offer multiple financing says, 'Non-resident Indians can explore mortgage options from banks operating in the UAE. Typically, these require proof of income and a valid passport. The loan-to-value ratio for NRIs ranges between 50% and 80%, depending on the buyer's financial profile.'An increasingly popular option is to go for developer-backed payment plans. These allow buyers to make staggered payments linked to construction milestones, or even continue paying in instalments has made Dubai more accessible to salaried Indians who may not have a large lump sum ready, but can commit to monthly Ojha warns that all payment plans should be studied carefully. "The terms can vary widely. Some look attractive on paper but have hidden conditions. A good advisor will break it down for you.'HIGHER RETURNS COMPARED TO TIER-2 INDIAN CITIESadvertisementWhile the upfront investment is certainly higher than, say, buying a flat in Lucknow or Jaipur, the returns in Dubai are significantly better, Ojha explains.'In Tier-2 cities in India, you typically earn 2% to 2.5% annual rental yield. In Dubai, even mid-range apartments fetch 7% to 10%, especially in expat-driven neighbourhoods. Capital appreciation is also strong—15% to 20% annually, and sometimes more depending on the area and market cycle,' he is also no personal income tax in the UAE, so investors don't have to worry about rental income or capital gains tax eating into their buyers must go in with open eyes. Apart from the down payment, buyers are responsible for several additional costs—4% registration fee, 2% brokerage commission, utility setup fees, and ongoing service charges which cover maintenance and building amenities. These costs can vary based on location, property size and factor is the exchange rate risk between the Indian Rupee and the UAE Dirham. Although the Dirham is pegged to the US dollar and stable, any weakening of the rupee can increase the overall cost of investment for Indian YOU PICK DUBAI OVER TIER-2 INDIA?Ojha says that for a buyer purely focused on returns, Dubai has clear advantages.'Dubai has better infrastructure, a safer legal environment, and much better rental yields. The 2040 Urban Master Plan also promises long-term development and stability," he explained. That said, he does not recommend jumping in without preparation. 'This is an overseas investment, and with that comes complexity. Currency risk, legal compliance under RBI's remittance rules, and property management need to be understood.'For first-time Indian investors from the middle class, Ojha offers simple but important advice: 'Find a trusted, RERA-certified advisor. Don't get carried away by glossy marketing. Start with a research-driven approach.'He recommends visiting Dubai in person if possible, choosing investment-focused properties with strong rental history, and being clear about your goals, rental income, capital gains, or future believes that for the right kind of salaried Indian, with savings, financial discipline, and a long-term view, Dubai is no longer out of reach.'Many of my clients start with one investment and come back for more,' he concluded. (Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)Must Watch
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rare terracotta sculptures unveiled in Chausa museum
Buxar: Rare terracotta sculptures unearthed from Chausa Garh in Buxar are set to reshape Indian art history, said former Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Nath Ojha at a programme held during the inauguration of a dedicated gallery at the Sitaram Upadhyay Museum on Tuesday. Ojha called for research into the artisans' lives and practices behind the ancient works. The gallery, based on Ram Katha, was jointly inaugurated by Ojha, Buxar Municipal Council chairperson Kamrun Nisha and a representative of the erstwhile Dumraon estate. Museum head Shiv Kumar Mishra said that between 2011 and 2014, the department of art, culture and youth excavated a Vaishnav terracotta temple under Umesh Chandra Dwivedi's supervision. "The site reveals traces of four cultural layers, suggesting a civilisation dating back 4,000-5,000 years," Mishra said. Among the rare finds is a fourth-century clay sculpture of Shiva-Parvati's marriage, believed to be India's oldest. Others depict Vishwamitra, Menaka and Shakuntala, Hanuman, Kumbhakarna, and Ram with some bearing inscriptions in ancient scripts. Mishra added, "Scenes such as Sita's abduction and Ram striking Kumbhakarna with an arrow showcase remarkable craftsmanship." Clay figures of deities, monkeys and mythical beings are also on display. Bronze Jain statues from 1931 found at the same site are preserved in the Bihar Museum. Chairperson Kamrun Nisha commended the museum for preserving Buxar's heritage and pledged continued support.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Nepal's US trade preference at risk amid growing tariff tensions
KATHMANDU: New tariff tensions could further undermine the modest gains of least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), according to a recent report. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in its May publication titled 'Sparing the Vulnerable: The Cost of New Tariff Burdens', warns that these vulnerable economies could face some of the highest new US tariffs. This could lead to a decline in critical exports and pose substantial risks to their long-term development prospects. The report defines 'vulnerable economies' as LDCs, SIDS, and LLDCs—nations already struggling with structural economic and geographic disadvantages. 'US President Donald Trump is creating tariff uncertainty as a bargaining tactic in trade negotiations,' said Purushottam Ojha, a former commerce secretary. 'There is uncertainty in US tariff policy, with new tariffs being imposed, suspended, and then reinstated without predictable patterns.' Ojha noted that Nepal's trade benefits under the Nepal Trade Preference Programme are set to expire this year, potentially creating new hurdles for exporting goods to the US market. 'This tariff uncertainty increases the cost of trade, which can have a wider impact on economies that heavily rely on imports,' he said. 'The erratic US tariff policy is not a healthy sign for global trade.' The US recently increased tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25 per cent to 50 per cent and imposed 45–50 percent tariffs on products from several countries, though these have been temporarily suspended for 90 days. According to Ojha, one silver lining is that the tariff differential between Nepal and other countries has temporarily improved the competitiveness of Nepali goods. 'But with the implementation of new US tariffs still unclear, it's hard to rely on this advantage.' In the last fiscal year, Nepal recorded a trade deficit of Rs2.16 billion (US$15.8 million) with the US. According to the Department of Customs data, Nepal exported goods worth Rs17.31 billion to the US while imports totalled Rs19.48 billion. Top Nepali exports to the US included carpets, dog chew, felt goods, readymade garments for men and women, ceramic goods, pashmina, essential oils, musical instruments, handmade paper and cotton bags. Meanwhile, Nepal imported items such as soybeans, coal, oil cake, aircraft and helicopter parts, printed software manuals, artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate, laboratory and diagnostic equipment, wood pulp and almonds from the US. The US introduced the Nepal Trade Preference Programme after the April 2015 earthquake, granting duty-free access to 77 items to support economic recovery. However, trade experts say the preferential treatment has failed to significantly boost exports. The programme applies to 77 tariff lines: 56 textile products, ten footwear items, nine clothing goods and two fodder-related products. According to reports, as of Thursday (June 5), the average effective US tariff rate stands at 15.1 per cent, up sharply from the 2.5 per cent rate before the recent rounds of tariff increases. This rise results from ongoing trade disputes and retaliatory measures, contributing to a highly complex and volatile trade environment. Despite special provisions under multilateral trade rules, the participation of vulnerable economies in global trade remains minimal. They make up less than 0.5 per cent of total US imports and contribute insignificantly to US tariff revenue or trade deficits. According to the report, the least developed and landlocked developing countries account for only 1.3 per cent of global exports—a figure that has largely remained unchanged over the past three decades. This stagnation persists despite the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of significantly increasing the export share of developing countries, with a particular aim of doubling LDC exports by 2020. Instead, export growth for these nations has moved at a 'snail's pace' over the last 30 years, the report says. Though the US market is critical for the exports of these vulnerable economies, their footprint remains small. The report states that LDCs account for 8.9 per cent of total US exports and just 0.9 per cent of US imports. Similarly, LLDCs buy 2.1 per cent of US exports while supplying 0.2 per cent of imports. Regarding trade deficits, LDCs contribute 1.5 per cent to the US deficit, while LLDCs have a negative contribution of 0.2 per cent, meaning the US runs a trade surplus with them. The report emphasises that newly imposed US tariffs, which are layered and vary by the country, represent an added burden for these countries. Under new US tariffs announced between January and mid-May 2025, a ten per cent tariff has been applied across the board, excluding Canada, Mexico, and China. In 2023, the US imports from landlocked developing countries amounted to US$6.2 billion. Of this, 59 per cent of goods were subject to country-specific tariffs, while 41 per cent enjoyed exemptions. Imports from least developed countries stood at US$27.4 billion, with 93 per cent falling under country-specific tariffs and only seven per cent exempt. The exemptions mainly apply to primary goods such as vegetable products, footwear, foodstuffs, and headgear. The report warns that LDCs will bear the brunt of these new tariff policies. The trade-weighted average tariff the US applies to imports from LDCs is 43.9 per cent—far higher than the 7.3 per cent tariff those countries impose on US exports. For LLDCs, the US applies an average tariff of 17.1 per cent, compared to a 5.2 per cent tariff on US exports. The report concludes that shrinking preferential tariff margins threaten to erode export viability for dozens of vulnerable countries, potentially setting back years of slow but hard-earned progress in trade and development. - The Kathmandu Post/ANN
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
China's Temu sends stickers to Indian mom who thought she ordered home essentials
A desi mum who thought she'd scored a great deal on home essentials was left equal parts shocked and amused when Temu delivered stickers of the items she'd ordered — instead of the actual products. Dubai-based Indian-origin woman Suchita Ojha shared an Instagram video of her mother's hilarious mix-up, which has left thousands of people in splits. Ojha said her mother is 'obsessed with Temu' - the online marketplace launched by PDD Holdings, the parent company of China's Pinduoduo. Temu connects consumers directly with manufacturers and wholesalers, primarily based in China, allowing them to buy goods at a discount. Sometimes, however, the discounts can lead to confusion - as Ojha's mother discovered when she ordered what she thought was a vacuum cleaner and cooking utensils at a great price. She missed the product description which explained that Temu is selling stickers of the products, not the products themselves. Ojha's video captures the hilarity that ensued when she opened her packages and realised that she'd received stickers. A post shared by Suchita Ojha (@suchiojha) 'Context: She didn't even read that it was stickers, she just saw the picture and ordered randomly,' the Dubai-based woman wrote on Instagram, explaining that her mother did not read the product description. When reached out to Temu for a response, the company said: 'We always encourage users to read product descriptions and reviews carefully so their purchases match what they're looking for. Mixups like this happen, and we hope the user gives Temu another try!' The Instagram Reel has gone viral with over 2.2 million views and a ton of comments. Viewers on Instagram were also much amused by the mix-up. 'The description literally says stickers. But this is so funny,' read one comment under the video. 'Didn't know we could get trauma from Temu,' another person joked. 'AED 5!? itna paisa mein itna hi milega,' a third quipped.
