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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India housing outlook steady, but signs of demand fatigue emerging: Poll
The outlook for India's housing market has barely budged in over a year, according to a Reuters poll of property experts who cited cooling demand from wealthy buyers with many expecting unsold luxury inventory to either rise or remain elevated. Average home prices, which have more than doubled in 11 years, are forecast to rise 6.0 per cent this year and 5.0 per cent next year, after climbing about 4.0 per cent in 2024, according to median estimates from a May 16-June 6 survey of 15 property market analysts. The poll was taken before the Reserve Bank of India surprised markets on Friday with a 50-basis-point cut in the repo rate to 5.50 per cent to support economic growth. But the 50-bps easing before the latest move has done little to lower bank lending rates, raising doubts over monetary policy's ability to revive housing demand. While the Indian economy grew 7.4 per cent last quarter, outpacing major peers thanks partly to a rebound in rural demand, urban household consumption remained weak. High youth unemployment and stagnant wages in cities, where most jobs are located, continue to weigh on overall domestic demand. That strain is now starting to show in the housing market as well, where sales have tumbled after years of being driven by cash-rich buyers snapping up prime properties across major cities. "The demand from the ultra-rich has definitely peaked. You can see that in the sales numbers. That's not to say demand is dead, there will always be some wealthy folks wanting to park their money in property. But that crazy rush post-COVID is over," said Pankaj Kapoor, managing director at real estate research firm Liases Foras. "Demand is clearly slowing and the GDP data backs that. We've got to stop making a fairytale out of the headlines - you dig a bit and the cracks are all there," he said. "I think it's time investors wake up, smell the coffee, and realise this slowdown is real and it's going to spill over into the wider housing market too." When asked about affordability for first-time home buyers over the coming year, 12 experts said it would improve, while Colliers International's Ajay Sharma, Magicbricks' Prasun Kumar and Savills' Arvind Nandan said it would worsen. CBRE's Anshuman Magazine said recent rate cuts and lower taxes announced in the last government budget "are expected to improve discretionary enhance affordability for first-time buyers in the country." Most analysts said there were signs of weakening demand in luxury housing. Asked what would happen to unsold homes for the wealthy over the next two years, six of 15 respondents said it would rise, five said stay the same and four said decline. "Supply in the luxury housing segment has grown..., however, demand has increased marginally. This gap suggests unsold inventory in the premium segment is likely to remain high," said Magicbricks' Kumar. Meanwhile, the outlook for affordable housing in India is no brighter. Seven respondents said the supply of new affordable homes would decline, four said stay the same and four said rise. There is a scarcity of new projects, squeezed by thin developer margins and weak policy support, deepening a divide where homeownership remains out of reach for many millions. That mismatch between strong demand and limited supply has pushed home prices to levels where tens of millions have no choice but to rent. Urban rental costs are set to rise even faster - by 5.0 per cent to 9.0 per cent over the coming year, the poll's median forecast showed - far outpacing the latest consumer inflation rate of 3.16 per cent. (Other stories from the Q2 Reuters housing market polls) (Reporting by Vivek Mishra and Rahul Trivedi; Polling by Susobhan Sarkar and Vijayalakshmi Srinivasan; editing by Hari Kishan, Ross Finley and Mark Heinrich)
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Tip on suspects triggers searches in J&K's Rajouri
JAMMU: A joint team of security forces launched a search operation in the border belt of J&K's Rajouri district on Monday after a Nowshera resident alerted local police about three suspects spotted the night before. Officials said a similar operation was also underway in the forest belt of Poonch district. 'In view of the prevailing situation, security agencies do not want to take any chances,' said an official source, adding that both operations continued till the late hours. In Jammu, J&K Police's South Zone — in a bid to ensure public safety and strengthen community-police relations — led by SP South Jammu Ajay Sharma, patrolled key public spaces. 'The objective was to not only assess the local security environment but also foster a sense of trust and shared responsibility between the law enforcement and the public,' said a cop. SP Sharma urged citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. Following the recent Indo-Pak hostilities in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, security forces have intensified patrolling and have been conducting routine search operations in vulnerable areas near forests along the border and adjoining places. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Last week, searches were launched in a forested area in Samba district following inputs about three terror suspects. On being alerted by locals, a joint team of police and paramilitary forces laid a cordon in the forests of Nangal, Chilladanga, Goran and adjoining areas late May 16. On May 15, similar operations were conducted in Reasi and Samba districts after tip-offs about some suspects.
News18
19-05-2025
- Science
- News18
JEE Advanced 2025 Paper Analysis: Chemistry Easiest, Maths Most Challenging, Say Experts
Last Updated: JEE Advanced 2025 Question Paper Analysis: The exam was rated moderate to difficult, with Chemistry easiest and Mathematics the toughest, say experts. JEE Advanced 2025 Exam Analysis: The JEE Advanced 2025, conducted on May 18, was rated moderate to difficult by both students and academic experts. The exam, which is the gateway to admissions in India's prestigious IITs, was structured to test conceptual depth, time management, and analytical thinking across all three subjects — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. According to Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director – Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the exam was well-balanced, with Chemistry emerging as the easiest, followed by Physics, while Mathematics proved to be the most challenging, especially due to its calculation-heavy and time-consuming nature. Nitin Vijay, Founder and CEO of Motion Education, termed the overall paper as 'moderate to difficult," reflecting the sentiment of many students post-exam. 'Mathematics was undoubtedly the toughest section," he said. 'It included lengthy, conceptual, and demanding questions that required deep understanding and precise thinking. Physics was of moderate to challenging difficulty, while Chemistry was relatively easier, allowing students to conserve time." 'Paper 2 was tougher than Paper 1, primarily due to eight numerical value-type questions without options and the absence of paragraph-type questions, which were a feature in previous years," he added. Mathematics Almost unanimously rated as the most difficult section, Mathematics featured lengthy and conceptually demanding questions, especially in Paper 2. The absence of options in numerical value-type questions further raised the bar. Time pressure was a significant factor, making the section not just challenging, but also stressful for many aspirants. Physics Physics was perceived as moderate to tough, depending on the paper. While Paper 1 included more manageable numerical and conceptual questions, Paper 2 had lengthier problems, demanding clarity of concepts and strong calculation skills. Chemistry As per both student responses and expert opinions, Chemistry was the most student-friendly section. Questions were mostly direct and conceptual, with a balanced distribution among Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. This allowed students to attempt this section relatively quickly, buying them time for the more challenging ones. JEE Advanced 2025 Overall Difficulty Ranking Based on feedback from students and coaching experts, the subjects in JEE Advanced 2025 can be ranked in order of increasing difficulty as follows: Chemistry < Physics < Mathematics The exam tested not only the academic knowledge of aspirants but also their speed, accuracy, and presence of mind—particularly in Paper 2, which was significantly more demanding compared to Paper 1. First Published: May 19, 2025, 07:46 IST
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
JEE Advanced 2025 analysis: Overall moderately difficult exam, Mathematics toughest, Chemistry easiest
The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2025 was held today, May 18, in two shifts, from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. According to Ajay Sharma, National Academic Director, Engineering, Aakash Educational Services Limited, the exam was moderately difficult. 'The JEE Advanced 2025, held on 18th May, was rated moderate in overall difficulty by the majority of students and experts alike. The exam was well-structured, maintaining a fine balance across subjects and topics. Among the three core subjects, Chemistry emerged as the easiest, Physics was moderate to challenging, and Mathematics proved to be the most difficult due to its time-consuming and calculation-heavy nature,' he said. Paper 1 Total questions per subject: 16 Section 1: Four single-answer correct-type questions (marks: +3, -1) Section 2: Three multiple-correct questions (marks: +4, -2) Section 3: Six numerical-type questions (+4, 0) Section 4: Three list-match type questions (+4, -1) Total marks per subject: 60 Paper 2 Total questions per subject: 16 Section 1: Four single correct (marks: +3, -1) Section 2: Four multiple correct (marks: +4, -2) Section 3: Eight numerical type (marks: +4, 0) · Total Marks per Subject: 60 Overall Total questions (Paper 1 + 2): 48 x 2 = 96 Total marks: 180 x 2 = 360 Physics Sharma said the physics section was generally rated easy to moderate. Paper 1 was considered easier than paper 2. The majority of the questions were numerical in nature, requiring conceptual clarity and moderate calculation skills. Some questions in Paper 2 were slightly lengthy and time-consuming. Chemistry He added that Chemistry was the easiest section across both papers. The questions were largely conceptual and straightforward, with only a few requiring detailed calculations. Students appreciated the balanced coverage of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Mathematics He further said that Mathematics was the toughest section for most aspirants. While paper 1 was relatively manageable, paper 2 was significantly more challenging, with many lengthy and calculation-intensive problems. Time management was a crucial factor in this section. Based on student feedback and expert analysis, Mathematics was the toughest, followed by Physics and Chemistry, respectively.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Paytm Owner, CEO, Brother Settle Stock Options Case, Pay Rs 2.8 Crore
New Delhi: One97 Communications Ltd, owner of the Paytm brand, its CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma and his brother Ajay Shekhar Sharma on Thursday settled with markets regulator SEBI a case pertaining to the company's Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) by paying a total amount of Rs 2.8 crore. As a part of the settlement, Vijay Sharma will not accept any fresh ESOPs from any listed company for a period of 3 years, according to an order passed by SEBI. In addition, SEBI has directed One97 Communications (OCL) to cancel ESOPs granted to the two brothers. Accordingly, ESOPs of 2.1 crore and 2.23 lakh granted to Vijay and Ajay respectively were cancelled. Last month, Vijay Sharma voluntarily surrendered 2.1 crore shares worth about Rs 1,800 crore, One97 Communications stated in a regulatory filing. Further, OCL and Vijay Sharma remitted Rs 1.11 crore each, while Ajay Sharma paid Rs 57.11 lakh to settle the matter. Further, SEBI disgorged Rs 35.86 lakh from Ajay Sharma with respect to the sale of 3,720 OCL shares obtained upon exercise of the ESOPs. The order came after OCL and the two brothers approached SEBI proposing to settle the pending proceedings through a settlement order "without admitting or denying the findings of fact and conclusions of law". The matter relates to the eligibility of Vijay Sharma to receive Employee Stock Options of One97 Communications. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had conducted an examination in the matter of OCL and two brothers regarding the eligibility of Vijay Shekhar Sharma to receive ESOPs of the company. The regulator noted that OCL had granted 2.1 crore ESOPs to Vijay Sharma in October 2021 and 2.26 lakh ESOPs to Ajay Sharma in May 2022. Following the examination, a Show Cause Notice (SCN) was issued to them in February 2024. In its show cause notice, Vijay Sharma was allegedly disclosed as the promoter of One97 Communications in the annual returns of the company filed with the Registrar of Companies prior to the FY 2020-21. There was no material change in his rights or influence over the management of the company but Vijay Sharma declassified himself as non-promoter on July 12, 2021 just before filing of IPO documents by OCL on July 15, 2021. Further, Vijay Sharma allegedly created such a scheme through arrangement of transfer of a portion of his equity in OCL to a family trust -- created a few days prior to filing of offer documents for IPO by OCL-- controlled by him so that he could continue to exercise control over more than 10 per cent equity of OCL directly and indirectly and circumvent the provisions of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) norms for getting arbitrarily huge number of ESOPs to himself to the detriment of public shareholders. OCL allegedly allowed such actions by Vijay Sharma to circumvent norms. Also, Vijay Sharma had special rights by virtue of his position as founder of OCL and he was also the Managing Director of OCL. Hence, it is alleged that he was in a position to influence the decision-making of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee while approving grant of ESOPs to himself and his brother Ajay. It is further alleged that ESOPs granted to Ajay Sharma were under the influence of Vijay Sharma as just 10 months ago, the ESOPs granted to Ajay were cancelled citing that the Companies Act prohibits issuance of ESOPs to promoter Group and SEBI's definition of promoter group includes family members. OCL and Vijay Sharma allegedly made incorrect disclosures in the offer documents by disclosing Vijay as a non-promoter public shareholder. Vijay Sharma had not provided the necessary disclosures required to be given by the promoter of a company, including promoters' contribution and lock-in period, profile of the promoter and declarations to be submitted to the stock exchanges, details of payment or benefit to promoter, SEBI alleged.
