YouTube preparing to offer paid subscriptions this year: Report

SAN FRANCISCO: YouTube, the video website owned by Google Inc, plans to offer paid subscriptions to some of the content on its site later this year, according to a media report. 

YouTube has reached out to several video producers, asking them to submit applications to create for-pay "channels," according to a report in AdAge on Tuesday that cited anonymous sources. 

The first such channels could be available to consumers by the second quarter for between $1 a month and $5 a month, AdAge reported. 

YouTube, the world's No. 1 video website, has been moving to add professional-grade video programs to the vast archive of amateur, home-shot videos that made the site popular. The current crop of such channels is available to consumers for free and supported by advertising that appears alongside the videos. 

YouTube has hinted in the past that it was considering offering subscription-based paid content. YouTube boss Salar Kamangar told Reuters in June that there was strong demand among certain YouTube video producers, such as video game networks, to offer fee-based programs. 

"They have such a big audiences that they can start to segment their audiences into those that are willing to pay a higher amount" for things like new gaming tricks, Kamangar said at the time. 

He also said that cable channels with small audiences could potentially be offered to consumers through YouTube on an "a la carte" basis. 

• 30 Jan 2013
• Hindustan Times (Delhi)
• HT Correspondent letters@hindustantimes.com

Home loans to get cheaper after RBI cuts rates at last

MIXED BAG Markets shrug off first cut in 9 months, focus on weak growth forecast

If you’re planning to buy a home, there’s good news around the corner. On Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a long-awaited cut to its main interest rate, goading banks into reducing the cost of housing loans.

In its first rate cut in nine months, the RBI said it would lend to banks at 7.75% instead of 8%, enabling them in turn to offer cheaper loans for home, auto and corporate borrowers.

But existing home loan borrowers on floating rates should not expect their monthly installment payments to fall immediately. Banks usually offer the lower interest rates to new customers.

What existing customers can do is to avail the option of prepaying their current loans by borrowing from another bank offering the new, lower interest rates.

The RBI also cut the cash reserve ratio (CRR) — or the proportion of their deposits banks have to park with the central bank — by 0.25 percentage points to 4%. This will leave banks with an additional R18,000 crore to lend to customers, also potentially spurring the housing market.

Public sector lender IDBI Bank announced a 0.25 percentage point cut in its lowest lending rate or base rate, a rate usually offered to bulk corporate borrowers, to 10.25 % effective from February 1. Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) became the first foreign bank to cut rates following the central bank move, shaving 0.75 percentage points off its rate to 9%.

Housing loan rates are usually 2 percentage points costlier than the base rate.

The flip side for retail savers could be a cut in the interest rates paid on fixed deposits, though banks were not forthcoming with their plans.

"We will keep a watch on the deposits side, but there will be cut on the lending side," said Chanda Kochhar, managing director and chief executive officer, ICICI Bank. "One can expect a rate cut in about a week's time," said N Seshadri, executive director, Bank of India, referring to housing loans.

More rate cuts could be coming if prices continue to fall and RBI expects wholesale inflation to fall 6.8% by end-March from 7.18% in December.

"There is an increasing likelihood of inflation remaining rangebound around current levels going into 2013-2014," said RBI governor D Subbarao. "This provides space, albeit limited, for monetary policy to give greater emphasis to growth risks."

Stock markets, however, ignored the rate cut and reacted adversely to RBI's growth projections on the economy. The BSE benchmark Sensex ended lower by 112.45 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 19,990.90 after the RBI lowered India's GDP growth projection to 5.5% for 2012-13, down from its earlier forecast of 5.8%

NEW RESIDENTIAL PROJECT ON DWARKA

EXPRESSWAY

Pareena Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, with over two decades in the construction and contracting business, is now planning to enter into real estate development as an independent player. A K TIWARY writes

    Pareena Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, which has a major portfolio of work in the Delhi and NCR region, Panipat, Punjab and Rajasthan, has a wide experience in retail projects, commercial developments and exclusive residential communities. 
    As an independent developer, it plans to utilize its huge land bank of 9 million square feet in the NCR, of which 1 million sq feet has already been developed and delivered according to the company spokesman. 
    Surender Verma, the chairman of Pareena, is confident that Pareena can make a huge difference in the real estate market with its in-house construction expertise and resources built over these years. The company now proposes to launch a project on the Dwarka Expressway, Verma says. 
    Virender Verma, the MD of Pareena says: “With over a decade of expertise in construction and engineering, Pareena has earned the trust and support of clients, and we are confident in our ability to deliver superior products in accordance with the requirement of our customers. We have established ourselves as a leading engineering and construction firm in the region with our commitment to deliver superior value to our stakeholders through quality projects and services. An understanding of our clients’ requirements and timely delivery has led to our acceptance as a key player in the real estate industry.” 
    Virender Verma says: “We believe in consistency, transparency and a customer-friendly environment. With our philosophy, values, and mission firmly in place, we are targeting controlled growth and sustained profitability in the future. Our responsibility to our clients, employees, and shareholders remains the principal focus of our operations and is defined by our corporate values. 
    “We have stood the test of time with our transparency and good corporate governance, which remain on top of our agenda. As we move into the future, Pareena is better prepared to go beyond the design stage, creating a physical reality that can be touched and felt. We are ready to take on whatever challenges that will come our way without losing sight of our vision. We remain committed to excellence and growth in order to become a unique and distinct company.” 
    Vineet Nanda, a realty expert, says: “A new residential belt has emerged along the forthcoming Dwarka Expressway or Northern Peripheral Road (NPR). The 18km-long expressway will provide an alternative link between Delhi and the commercial hub, Gurgaon. Based on its proximity to the Dwarka sub-city in Delhi and to the city centre of Gurgaon, the expressway can be subdivided into two parts — North and South. The northern stretch starts from Sectors 103-106, 109-113 in close proximity to Dwarka and ends at Sector 99 near the turn where the NPR connects with the NH-8. The entire belt will be immensely benefited by the new link.” 
    Sectors 22-23 of Dwarka are in close proximity to the selected destination and these are established micro markets with the rate of residential units averaging at Rs 10,500 per sq ft. However, the current rate in Sectors 103-106, 109-113 on the Dwarka Expressway is around Rs 5,500 per sq ft; Nanda believes that based on the investment rationale, the rates here can be expected to rise to Rs 10,500 per sq ft in the near future.

For More Details

Call@-: +91-9971-83-7272

Gurgaon residential property investor update

By Santhosh Kumar, CEO - Operations, Jones Lang LaSalle India

Over the last one year, capital values rose by more than 30-35% in Gurgaon�s residential sector. Developers are now going slow on execution of real estate projects, resulting in a drop in supply of residential apartments in most prime markets. Emerging residential areas are still not able to meet the huge housing demand.

Two key reasons for increasing rental and capital values for residential properties are:

- Because of rampant construction delays, the expected supply of residential properties announced in early 2009 has not been able to reach the market. Around 500,000 units that were scheduled for possession in key markets by end of 2011 are delayed by another year

- There has been an increase in lateral hiring by corporates. With job scenario improving all over the country, people have more to spend. This has resulted in good investment opportunities, and investor sentiments in the affordable and mid-income segment of Gurgaon�s residential market have improved.

Hot Locations

Residential property prices on the upcoming southern peripheral road connecting to National Highway 8 have seen considerable appreciation over the past few months. This location holds great investment potential thanks to enhanced connectivity that NH8 provides to Manesar and Dwarka. In particular, residential properties along the Dwarka Expressway have attracted interest from the mid-income buyer group. As prices soar in upcoming locations of Gurgaon such as Golf Course Extension, Sectors 70 and Sector 78, buyers have been looking at these alternate locations.

The Downside

That said, not all residential projects rank equally from an ROI perspective. Whatever appreciation in capital values Gurgaon residential properties have seen does not seem as significant when seen in the light of factors like the higher interest rates on home loans. Nominal capital appreciation of a property may be as high as 25-30%, but the actual ROI after making adjustments for inflation and higher interest rates can be nil. There is a 75% chance of investing in a property that will not give investor any gains - and in some cases it may even result in a loss.

Gurgaon is expected to see a residential property supply explosion. There are 55,000 ready flats on the market today. We expect to have around 6000 ready flats by end of 2012, with an additional 65,000 by the end of 2014. Another 20,000 in 2015 will take the final tally to almost 150,000 by the end of 2015.

Out of the total supply, properties which offer locational advantages in terms of vicinity to airport and Metros connectivity will have better absorption. Strategic location and superior amenities will be the keys to profitable residential property investment in Gurgaon in the foreseeable future.

Long-term fundamentals

Gurgaon remains promising for office space, and there are good prospects for more major global players setting up operations here in near future. On the whole, this augurs well for the residential property market, more or less assuring relatively healthy absorption of residential space in the times to come.  The new infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by the Government will also play a crucial role for Gurgaon�s residential and commercial property sectors.

Pareena Infrastructures (Pvt.) Ltd

2013's Best Investment Opportunity!!!

Pareena Infrastructures (Pvt.) Ltd. is one of the leading builders in Delhi/Gurgaon/Noida/Ghaziabad/G. Noida/ Faridabad/Panipat, Punjab & Rajasthan. A sister concern of the famous INDSAO GROUP, we are developers and builders who are well known for quality construction, loyalty and commitment. With the accent always being on style and quality, the group’s projects are specifically designed and today adorn strategic points in Delhi/NCR. Haryana, Punjab & Rajasthan as projects with uncompromising construction standards and matchless aesthetic beauty.

Precisely why the customer base is growing parallel to the company’s growth.

To build and develop housing projects that accomplishes the dreams of our esteemed customers by providing all the luxurious, modern facilities, amenities and lively environment at very affordable prices.

Engineering Expertise

With more than two decades of experience in real estate and building construction field, Pareena Infrastructures (Pvt.) Ltd.completed several housing ventures within Delhi/NCR, Haryana,Punjab & Rajasthan. All projects are designed precisely to meet the customers’ needs, and at times even offers more. The hallmark of the group is that it pays attention even to small details so it can present customers with hassle-free houses, which are hard to find in a fiercely competitive real estate market like ours.

Features of our projects

Pareena Infrastructures (Pvt.) Ltd. is a Delhi/NCR based real estate company that stands totally on the trust placed on it by its valued patrons. The company returns this trust by continuously building new edifices that carry the indelible mark of perfection.

Whether a customer requires a place for his administrative center or home, he needn’t compromise for anything but the best. Illustrious Architects and Engineers work behind the scenes to ensure all projects have abundant ventilation, natural lighting and all other essential as well as luxurious amenities. Another prominent feature is – Timely completion. Projects are completed on time while ensuring that an increasing accent is placed on quality, comfort and style. Spot on possessions is a major attraction that has endeared the company to a host of its trusted customers.

The some of the appealing features that all 'Pareena Infrastructures' ventures have are: Strategic Location, Elegant design, Convenience, Quality, Conformity with Vaastu, Serene Climatic Conditions, Idyllic Surroundings, and affordable rates and strict adherence to the legal aspects like, for example, Clear Title, Construction in conformity to the National Building Code etc.

Our Future

With our philosophy, values, and mission firmly in place, we are targeting controlled growth and sustained profitability in the future. Our responsibility to our clients, employees, and shareholders remain the principal focus of our operations and is defined by our corporate values.

As we move into the future, Pareena Infrastructures is better prepared now than ever before and will take its ventures beyond the design stage – creating a physical reality that can be touched and felt. With the rough road ahead, we are ready to take on whatever challenges that come its way without losing sight of its vision; all of us at Pareena Infrastructures remain committed to excellence and growth.

Corporate Values

To further develop our corporate strengths we have established a corporate mandate to maintain strong core values that truly reflect the company’s philosophy. Having stood the test of time, transparency and good corporate governance remain our top agenda. At Pareena Infrastructure the principle supporting this philosophy are permanently ingrained in our corporate values.

1.People

At Pareena Infrastructures, we recognize the value of our people and continually strive to develop human resources. We recruit knowledgeable and highly skilled professionals while providing opportunities in training and self-development.

2.Commitment

Pareena Infrastructures’ firm commitment to deliver quality projects and services has resulted in the company’s acceptance as one of the leading engineering and construction firms in the region. Our well-defined understanding of client specifications and their requirement for a timely delivery, has served as the principal foundation for our acceptance as an industry leader.

3.Integrity

Over the years, we have gained a reputation for integrity and trust from our customers. Our commitment and drive for success has built a solid base of satisfied customers who continue to use our services time and again. Pareena Infrastructures’ integrity speaks for itself and a legacy of past projects has ensured continued success while opening doors for future opportunities.

4.Adaptability & Flexibility

Understanding our clients has given us the opportunity to adopt various engineering requirements to meet project demand. This includes the flexibility to adjust construction specifications when necessary. All of our projects are custom built and tailored to meet specific requirements; this adaptability and flexibility are key factors that have encouraged our clients to return to Pareena Infrastructures for their most important projects.

5. Continuous Learning

At Pareena Infrastructures, learning is on going. We believe in integrating the latest in construction and engineering technology to ensure that our projects are not compromised by disruptions or obsolescence. Our IT and communications network has provide the backbone support necessary to move us forward into 21st century. This technology is incorporated into all projects with a support system that is advanced and efficient.

6. Trust

With decades of construction and engineering expertise under our belt, Pareena Infrastructures has earned the trust and support of clients. With numerous industry awards and recognition from both customers and peers, we are confident in our ability to deliver superior products in accordance with customer requirement.

7. Customer Satisfaction

At Pareena Infrastructures our work is never complete without the final nod of approval from our clients. Construction and engineering work is processed through stringent quality control measures and only after tedious inspection and tests is the project handed over to the client. We are committed to our clients’ approval and our work is not complete until all specifications have been met.

Mission Statement

With a well-defined direction in place, the path to realizing our Vision is based on fundamental drivers, instrumental in achieving our goals. Our mission:

- To undertake the engineering and construction business with a focus on becoming the leader in product costing while building excellence in every aspect to meet customers’ stringent requirements regarding quality, on-time delivery, safety and environmental concerns.

- To develop an effective management that stresses productivity, perpetual development of the organization, and instilling work ethics in all personnel.

- To build value for the organization in order to become a unique and distinct Company.

- To remain focused on controlled organizational growth and recognizing those who contribute to this growth.

Ongoing Project

1. Express Heights Sec 99 Gurgaon

2. Bellevue Floors

3. Bellevue Towers

4. Bellevue Green

New Upcoming Project

· Location : Sec 99A Dwarka Expressway, Gurgaon

· Specification : Luxury Apartments, Modular Kitchen, Wooden Floring , VRV A/C.

· Type : 3BHK+Sq & 4BHK+SQ

· Sizes : 1800 Sqft & 2200 Sqft

Price List

BAsic Apartment + Modular Kitchen @Rs. 5310/- Per sqft Less Rs 210/- Inaugural Discount, Less Timely Payment Discount Rs Rs110/-

Effective Rate Rs 4990/-

VRV A/C Apartment + Modular Kitchen @Rs 5570/- per sqft , less Rs 210/- Inaugural discount, Less Timely payment Discount Rs. 110/-

Effective rate Rs5250/-

Payment Plan

Booking Amount - Rs.8.5 Lac for 3BHK & Rs 10 Lac for 4BHK

After 6 Months / at time of launching – Complete 20% Less booking amount

Cheque in favor of "Pareena Infrastructure Pvt Ltd"

Limited units at this price

For More Detail:

Call@ +91-9971-83-7272

Return Analysis on Residential Properties of Gurgaon!!!

After clocking appreciation of 40 to 50 per cent in a period of 18 to 24 months for its investors, the residential properties at Gurgaon are now under consolidation mode. Take DLF Icon, for instance. This residential development was launched in year 2004, offering apartments at the price of Rs 2,750 per sq. ft. A couple of years down the line, property values here reached the staggering level of Rs 4,900 per sq. ft. An appreciation of 33.48 per cent over the launch price! However, in the period between 2006 and 2007, property value at this development grew at the rate of meager seven per cent, peaking at the level of Rs 5,250 per sq. ft. 

Similar is the trend at other residential properties in Gurgaon that were launched somewhere in year 2003-2004. Interestingly, the real estate developers are not surprised of the same. According to a prominent real estate developer, Indian real estate markets suffered a slowdown till year 2003, and after that an upsurge was witnessed with tremendous growth rate achieved by Indian economy. In this period, property values across the major cities of India soared to unprecedented levels. And, since the same growth rate cannot be achieved all the time, values are bound to saturate at some point of time.

He added that despite all factors, property markets have potential to deliver returns of 10-15 per cent to the real estate developers and investors. One thing that comes clear is that the real estate industry in India is maturing but not saturating. 

Gurgaon residential real estate markets are perhaps the one that actually reflects the nationwide trends. The Eros-Grand Mansion that was launched in year 2004 with its apartments priced at Rs 3,400 per sq. ft jumped to Rs 5,300 per sq. ft in year 2006, generating returns of 26 per cent a year, settled at Rs 6,300 per sq. ft in 2007, accumulating 16.67 per cent return over the property value in the preceding year. Definitely, the appreciation in value was not as high as earlier but decent enough to keep the ball rolling, from the investor point of view. 

Gurgaon Commercial Property: A Profitable Investment Opportunity

tags: Commercial Property, Gurgaon Commercial Property, Real Estate Investment 

Those visiting Gurgaon after a gap of decade or so will be struck by the transformation that this region has undergone in such a short period of time. From being a largely deserted tract of land, mainly utilized by farmers for agriculture, Gurgaon has in recent times become the hub of all commercial activities. From large MNCs to real estate bigwigs like Emaar MGF, Omaxe, DLF, Ansals, etc. all have a major stake in Gurgaon Commercial Property. Many real estate developers who invested in Gurgaon Commercial Property a few years ago are reaping huge benefits in return today.

Though this development and transformation may seem like an overnight one to many, it is not actually so. There are many factors that can be attributed to this development & the subsequent rise in demand for Commercial Property In Gurgaon. With the Commercial Property Rates In Delhi skyrocketing & reaching saturation point to a large extent, it made sense for the realty investors to look for alternatives. The NCR was the obvious choice keeping in mind its proximity to the capital city.

Other factor that spearheaded the commercial growth story in Gurgaon is without doubt, the region’s proximity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Added to this, the tax policies announced by the Haryana government in favor of the commercial investors worked wonders in attracting more interest. Currently Gurgaon is considered an important outsourcing hub in India & is also unofficially known as the BPO capital of India. Some well known corporate hotshots in Gurgaon, both of national and international fame, include names like Airtel, Nokia, Motorola, Nestle, Maruti Suzuki, etc.

If the way the Commercial Property In Gurgaon is selling like hotcakes is any indication, the demand for Gurgaon Commercial Property is not going to slow down any time soon. For commercial investors, the deal is getting better and better with each step. With the Delhi Metro operational (connecting Gurgaon to prominent places across Delhi), the real estate developers have yet another reason to celebrate.

The infrastructural developments in Gurgaon are happening at lightning speed keeping in mind the burgeoning interest shown by all kinds of big and small property investors. Both residential and Commercial Property In Gurgaon make a great investment deal. For commercial investors wanting to Buy Commercial Property In Gurgaon, now is the best time to act.

Economy of Republic of India

Rank	10th (nominal) / 3rd (PPP)
Currency	1 Indian Rupee (INR) () = 100 Paise
Fiscal year	1 April – 31 March
Trade organizations	WTO, SAFTA, G-20 and others
Statistics
GDP	$1.847 trillion (nominal: 10th; 2011)[1] $4.530 trillion (PPP: 3rd; 2011)
GDP growth	5.3% (Q2, 2012)[2]
GDP per capita	$1,514 (nominal: 139th; 2011)[1] $3,652 (PPP: 125th; 2011)[1]
GDP by sector	agriculture: 17.2%, industry:   26.4%, services: 56.4% (2011    est.)
Inflation (CPI)	WPI: 7.45% (Oct 2012)  CPI: 9.9% (Nov 2012)
Population below poverty line	29.8% (2010)  (Note: 32.7% live on less than    $1.25 a day and 68.7% live on      less than $2 a day)
Gini coefficient	36.8 (List of countries)
Labour force	487.6 million (2011 est.)
Labour force by occupation	agriculture: 52%, industry: 14%, services: 34% (2009 est.)
Unemployment	9.4% (2011 est.)
Average gross salary	$1,410 yearly (2011)
Main industries	textiles, chemicals, food processing,steel, transportation equipment, cement,mining, petroleum, machinery, software,pharmaceuticals
Ease of Doing Business Rank	132nd (2012)
External
Exports	$299.4 billion (2011 est.)
Export goods	petroleum products, precious stones, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, vehicles, apparel
Main export partners	UAE 13%, US 11.4%, China 6.3%, Singapore 5.3% (2011)
Imports	$461.4 billion (2011 est.)
Import goods	crude oil, raw precious stones, machinery, fertilizer, iron and steel, chemicals
Main import partners	China 12.1%, UAE 8.3%, Saudi Arabia 5.8%, US 5.1%, Switzerland 4.7% (2011)
FDI stock	$47 billion (2011-12)[8]
Gross external debt	$289.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
Public finances
Public debt	68.05% of GDP (2011 est.)
Budget deficit	5.9% of GDP (2011–12)
Revenues	$196.4 billion (2011 est.)
Expenses	$308.8 billion (2011 est.)
Economic aid	$2.107 billion (2008)
Credit rating	BBB- (Domestic) BBB- (Foreign) BBB+ (T&C Assessment) Outlook: Stable (Standard & Poor's)
Foreign reserves	$295.29 billion (October 2012)[12]
Main data source: CIA World Fact Book All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars

The economy of India is the tenth-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the third largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).