Looking for a second home? Bengaluru outskirts offer choices
==========

Growing interest in second homes in Bengaluru outskirts and hill stations, offering a retreat from urban chaos. Affluent buyers invest in luxury villas, managed farmlands. Market trends towards fractional ownership and holiday homes for regular income, shaping real estate growth. Locations like Kanakapura Road and Chikkamagaluru gaining traction. Development of infrastructure and availability of amenities improving living standards. Retirement and second home market segment expected to grow by nearly 24% annually to over $4 billion by 2026. Holiday home market in India expected to be worth around $10 billion over the next 5-8 years. Major developers expected to enter the market, offering more options for homebuyers.

#BengaluruOutskirts #SecondHome #RealEstate #LuxuryVillas #ManagedFarmlands #FractionalOwnership #HolidayHomes

https://m.economictimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/looking-for-a-second-home-bengaluru-outskirts-offer-choices/articleshow/108637841.cms


Never underestimate the kindness of strangers
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The article discusses the author's experience arriving at Kathmandu Airport and reflecting on the kindness shown by strangers. The author recalls instances where they received help from strangers in various travel situations, such as borrowing money in a remote location and receiving cash from an elderly American couple at the airport. The author expresses gratitude for the kindness shown and acknowledges the burden of kindness. The article emphasizes the importance of being kind to others and recounts a recent incident where the author helped a fellow traveler at Delhi airport. Overall, the article highlights the positive impact of strangers' kindness during travel experiences.

#Kindness #Strangers #Travel #Airport

https://m.economictimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/never-underestimate-the-kindness-of-strangers/articleshow/108551685.cms


Congress, BRS shattered dreams of Telangana's development: PM Modi
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress and BRS, vowing for Telangana's development at a rally in Nagarkurnool. He highlighted the national poverty reduction and urged similar change in Telangana. Modi stated that the Congress and BRS together shattered every dream of Telangana's development. He also mentioned that even before the announcement of the poll schedule, people have given their decision on the crossing 400 seats. The Prime Minister criticized the Congress party for their 'Garibi Hatao' slogan and questioned if any change had come in the lives of the poor.

#Telangana #Congress #Brs #Development #NarendraModi

https://m.economictimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/cong-brs-shattered-dreams-of-telanganas-development-pm-modi/articleshow/108543315.cms


What lies ahead for Indian markets next week? Ajay Bagga answers
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Ajay Bagga, a market expert, believes that the market moving event next week will be the Federal Reserve policy meeting. He expects the Fed to announce a fifth pause in a row but highlights that the commentary and the dot plot will be critical. The dot plot will provide insights into the Fed's view on GDP growth, inflation, and the timing and number of rate cuts. Bagga predicts that the Indian markets may experience a sideways movement until the new government comes in after the elections. He does not foresee a significant risk in the markets and expects a recovery as early as next week. Bagga also mentions that the recent correction in the markets has been beneficial as it has shaken out weak hands and there is a lot of liquidity waiting to enter the market. He concludes that the market is not in a bubble and the correction has been healthy.

#IndianMarkets #FederalReserve #RateCuts

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/expert-view/what-lies-ahead-for-indian-markets-next-week-ajay-bagga-answers/articleshow/108541649.cms


Oscars 2024 predictions: Who will be winners at Academy Awards?
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The Oscars 2024 predictions have been released ahead of the announcement of the winners at the 96th Academy Awards. Christopher Nolan's film 'Oppenheimer' is expected to be the frontrunner, with Nolan himself likely to win his first Oscar for best director. Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone are predicted to be in a close contest for the best actress category. Cillian Murphy and Paul Giamatti are expected to compete for the best actor award. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Robert Downey Jr. are favored to win the best supporting actress and best supporting actor awards, respectively. Composer John Williams earned his 49th nomination for a best score Oscar. Two non-English language films, 'The Zone of Interest' and 'Anatomy of a Fall', are nominated for best picture. The Oscars 2024 can be streamed live on abc.com and various other platforms. The event will take place on Sunday evening.

#Oscars2024Predictions #AcademyAwards #ChristopherNolan #Oppenheimer #LilyGladstone #EmmaStone #CillianMurphy #PaulGiamatti #Da’vineJoyRandolph #RobertDowneyJr. #JohnWilliams #BestPicture #Streaming

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/oscars-2024-predictions-who-will-be-winners-at-academy-awards/articleshow/108372069.cms


Oscars 2024 nominations: 'Oppenheimer', 'Barbie', 'Poor Things' - check full list of categories, nominees
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The Oscars 2024 nominations have been announced, with a total of 23 categories. The ceremony will be held in Los Angeles and will honor films such as 'Oppenheimer', 'Barbie', and 'Poor Things'. The nominees for 'Actor in a Leading Role' include Bradley Cooper, Colman Domingo, Paul Giamatti, Cillian Murphy, and Jeffrey Wright. The 'Actress in a Leading Role' category features Annette Bening, Lily Gladstone, Sandra Huller, Carey Mulligan, and Emma Stone. Other categories include 'Directing', 'Writing (Adapted Screenplay)', 'Writing (Original Screenplay)', 'International Feature Film', 'Animated Feature Film', 'Documentary Feature Film', 'Live Action Short Film', 'Documentary Short Film', 'Animated Short Film', 'Film Editing', 'Production Design', 'Costume Design', 'Music (Original Score)', 'Music (Original Song)', 'Makeup and Hairstyling', 'Sound', and 'Visual Effects'. The Oscars 2024 ceremony will take place on March 10, with a new start time of 7 pm (ET) or 4 pm (PT).

#Oscars2024Nominations #FilmAwards #Nominees #LosAngeles

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/oscars-2024-nominations-oppenheimer-barbie-poor-things-check-full-list-of-categories-nominees/articleshow/108371570.cms


Rise Of The Ronin release date: Will it be available on PS5, PC? Read here
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Action-play based video game Rise Of The Ronin will be releasing for PS5 on March 22. It is yet to be disclosed if a PC version is releasing soon. The game is set in the primitive period of Japan and offers an open-world experience. Rise Of The Ronin is currently being released exclusively for PS5, with no official announcement regarding a PC version. The pre-load date for the game on PS5 is March 19, 2024. The game will not be released for PC as it is a PS5 exclusive.

#RiseOfTheRonin #Ps5 #Pc #VideoGame

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/rise-of-the-ronin-release-date-will-it-be-available-on-ps5-pc-read-here/articleshow/108356976.cms


Gold prices surge past Rs 65,000 to a new record
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Gold prices on the MCX surged past Rs 65,000 per 10 grams, reaching a new record high. This surge marks the fourth consecutive session of price increases. The increase in gold prices is attributed to a higher probability of the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates from June, as well as geopolitical concerns. Gold prices have an inverse correlation with interest rates and typically move higher with easing rates. In 2024, gold prices are up around 2% compared to a 2-3% gain in the benchmarks Nifty 50 and Sensex. Experts suggest that investors should refrain from buying at current levels and instead look to add gold during dips.

#GoldPrices #Mcx #RecordHigh #InterestRates #GeopoliticalConcerns #Investors

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/commodities/news/gold-prices-surge-past-rs-65000-to-a-new-record/articleshow/108249983.cms


Dollar edges up versus euro ahead of ECB and US data
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The dollar edged up against the euro on Tuesday as investors braced for a busy week that includes a European Central Bank rate decision, congressional testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and U.S. jobs data. The euro was 0.06% lower against the dollar at $1.08495. The dollar index is up about 2.4% for the year. Chair Powell is likely to reinforce the message that the Fed wants to wait for more data before any rate cuts when he testifies to Congress about the economy on Wednesday and Thursday. The ECB meets to discuss policy on Thursday but is widely expected to leave interest rates at a record 4%. U.S. employment figures for February have the potential to rock markets on Friday. Economists expect hiring slowed last month but a bigger-than-expected number could add to the dollar's rise this year.

#Dollar #Euro #Ecb #UsData #FederalReserve #InterestRates #EmploymentFigures

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/forex/dollar-edges-up-versus-euro-ahead-of-ecb-and-us-data/articleshow/108244060.cms


To solve the plastics crisis, we need to calm down about plastics
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Efficiency gains, lifestyle changes, and tough regulations are needed to address plastic waste. Plastic usage keeps rising. Rich countries have been reducing their per-capita plastic usage, but overall plastic usage continues to increase. The progress made in reducing carbon emissions and crude oil consumption has not been replicated in the plastics industry. To tackle the plastics problem, a combination of efficiency gains, substitution, and lifestyle changes is needed. Recycling and lightweight containers can help make plastic usage more efficient. However, substitution with alternative materials may not be effective as viable alternatives to plastics are limited. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing plastic consumption, are difficult to engineer. As long as consumers and producers continue to favor plastic, consumption will tend to rise. Tough regulations are needed to build a strong recycling system and discourage landfilling of plastics. Assigning blame and adopting a cynical approach will not solve the problem.

#PlasticsCrisis #PlasticWaste #EfficiencyGains #Substitution #LifestyleChanges #Recycling #ToughRegulations

https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/to-solve-the-plastics-crisis-we-need-to-calm-down-about-plastics/articleshow/108029933.cms


No foreign remittances licence, no Fema violation: Paytm to ED
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Paytm Payments Bank has denied Fema violation as it lacks licence for foreign remittances, said sources to ET. ED has written to RBI. The federal agency recently obtained the "additional" data requested from RBI regarding entities allegedly involved in Fema violations through Paytm Payments bank. However, upon reviewing the data provided by the RBI, the agency has not found any apparent Fema violations by Paytm Payments Bank, according to the sources.

#PaytmPaymentsBank #FemaViolations #Rbi #Ed

https://m.economictimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/no-foreign-remittances-licence-no-fema-violation-paytm-to-ed/articleshow/107991122.cms


Trump calls himself a 'proud political dissident' in CPAC speech
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Former President Donald Trump rallied conservative activists at CPAC, calling the upcoming election 'judgment day.' He positioned himself as a 'proud political dissident' and savior against Biden's leadership, warning of impending doom under a Biden second term. Trump's speech was filled with religious imagery and apocalyptic visions, contrasting his role as a defender of freedom against what he perceives as Biden's path to ruin. He also criticized Biden's border policies and the charges against him as politically motivated.

#DonaldTrump #Cpac #PoliticalDissident #Biden #ConservativeActivism

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/trump-calls-himself-a-proud-political-dissident-in-cpac-speech/articleshow/107976931.cms


View: Utter lunacy at chandni chowk
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Cashing on the moon has become a serious business, with plans to use it as a burial site for human remains. There are concerns about the lack of regulatory mechanisms and potential legal battles over land acquisition and claims of sovereignty. A US entrepreneur plans to erect a cross on the moon at a cost of $1 billion. The moon could soon be cluttered with memorabilia and other items, including crematoria ashes and a Japanese soft drink. There are also concerns about environmental contamination and littering. The article highlights the potential consequences of exploiting the moon for commercial purposes.

#Moon #CommercialExploitation #BurialSite #RegulatoryMechanisms #LegalBattles #EnvironmentalContamination

https://m.economictimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/view-utter-lunacy-at-chandni-chowk/articleshow/107972879.cms


Warren Buffett sees no chance of ‘eye-popping’ results with record cash
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Berkshire Hathaway Inc's cash hoard reached a record $167.6 billion in Q4 2023 as the conglomerate struggled to find attractive deals. Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor, stated that there are very few companies capable of significantly impacting Berkshire's performance and that there are no meaningful options for capital deployment outside the US. Despite ramping up acquisition efforts, Buffett has been unable to find many big-ticket deals, resulting in a surplus of cash. Berkshire reported Q4 operating earnings of $8.48 billion, up from $6.63 billion in the same period the previous year. The company's earnings are seen as a proxy for US economic health. Berkshire's cash pile is the largest among American businesses, with a total GAAP net worth of $561 billion.

#WarrenBuffett #BerkshireHathaway #CashHoard #Acquisitions

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/warren-buffett-sees-no-chance-of-eye-popping-results-with-record-cash/articleshow/107972447.cms


Record-high Nikkei’s rise just getting started on foreign demand
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The Nikkei 225 Stock Average has reached a record high and is expected to continue rising due to foreign demand. Investors and strategists believe that there is potential for the broader Topix index to reach an all-time high this year. Fund flow data suggests that there is scope for trillions of yen to return to Japan's stock market. The rally in Japanese stocks is supported by factors such as the end of the deflation era, sustained profit growth of Japanese companies, and improved corporate governance. However, there are risks that could derail the upward trend, including technical signs of overheating, a potential shift of funds back to China, and concerns about the yen's strength. Overall, analysts project gains of more than 10% for the Nikkei and expect the market rally to continue for some time.

#Nikkei225 #TopixIndex #ForeignDemand #StockMarket #Japan

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/record-high-nikkeis-rise-just-getting-started-on-foreign-demand/articleshow/107959261.cms


ETMarkets Fund Manager Talk: Why does this portfolio manager think the traditional 60:40 asset allocation model will return?
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Arindam Mandal, portfolio manager at Marcellus Investment Advisors, anticipates a return to the 60/40 asset allocation model for the average investor. For Indian investors, he recommends a 70% allocation to domestic equity and a 30% allocation to global equity. Mandal believes that after a year of rate-tightening, liquidity conditions may ease and interest rates may lower in 2024, leading to a return to the traditional asset allocation model. He also highlights the importance of striking a balance between local opportunities and exposure to international markets.

#AssetAllocation #PortfolioManager #60:40Model #Equity #InterestRates

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/expert-view/etmarkets-fund-manager-talk-why-does-this-portfolio-manager-think-the-traditional-6040-asset-allocation-model-will-return/articleshow/107888955.cms


US weather forecast: Heavy rains predicted in California; flash flood, landslides warning issued
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California is preparing for another atmospheric river storm, scheduled to hit the state starting on Sunday. This powerful weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding and triggering potential landslides across the region. A massive landslide on a coastal bluff has left a Southern California mansion on the edge of a cliff, but authorities have determined that the ocean-view home and neighboring residences are not in immediate danger. The first storm is relatively weak compared to the one coming immediately after it, which is expected to begin affecting the state on Sunday afternoon and last through the middle of next week. In early February, an atmospheric river event caused severe wind and wave damage, mudslides, and multiple rescues as rivers quickly overflowed their banks.

#UsWeather #California #Rain #FlashFlood #Landslides

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/us-weather-forecast-heavy-rains-predicted-in-california-flash-flood-landslides-warning-issued/articleshow/107801723.cms


Stranger Things Season 5: Is Linda Hamilton set to join the Stranger Things Season 5 cast?
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Amidst swirling rumors, Linda Hamilton shares her mixed sentiments toward joining Stranger Things Season 5. Hamilton expresses her love for the series but grapples with imposter syndrome and the challenges of fitting into a world set in the nostalgic backdrop of the '80s. The details of her role remain shrouded in mystery, even from the actress herself. Hamilton acknowledges the need for secrecy and expresses her eagerness to contribute to the show.

#StrangerThings #LindaHamilton #Season5

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/is-linda-hamilton-set-to-join-the-stranger-things-season-5-cast/articleshow/107800808.cms


Cricket-England's Stokes stands by 'Bazball' despite India shellacking
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England's Ben Stokes stands by the team's high-risk approach in cricket, known as 'Bazball', despite their heavy defeat against India. India crushed England by 434 runs in the third match in Rajkot, but Stokes remains committed to their bold tactics. Stokes believes that the team can still win the five-test series and will be aiming to win the next two matches. The England batters have faced criticism for poor shot selection, including Joe Root's ill-advised reverse scoop. India's opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 214, hitting 12 sixes. Ravindra Jadeja was awarded the player-of-the-match for his match-haul of seven wickets and a century in the first innings. Despite the defeat, Stokes remains confident in the team's approach and is focused on winning the series.

#Cricket #England #India #BenStokes #'bazball'

https://m.economictimes.com/news/sports/cricket-englands-stokes-stands-by-bazball-despite-india-shellacking/articleshow/107798573.cms


Oscar-winning documentary Navalny: How to watch the film?
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Alexei Navalny, a high-profile critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has died in a prison surrounded by maximum security. An Oscar-winning documentary film has been made about him. Navalny, who had spent time in prison since 2021, died in a prison called 'Polar Wolf' located around 40 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The cause of death has not been officially revealed. The documentary 'Navalny' will be aired by CNN International and CNN on February 17, 2024. It can also be watched on Max, a streaming platform formed from the merger of Discovery+ and HBO Max.

#Navalny #Documentary #Film #VladimirPutin #Prison

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/oscar-winning-documentary-navalny-how-to-watch-the-film/articleshow/107784987.cms


Once engine of growth, is China now an 'alternative' investment?
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China's property bust and increasingly interventionist government, along with deepening geopolitical fissures with the United States, have dramatically dimmed its allure as a destination for international capital. Many investors are recategorizing their reduced exposure to China as alternative investments, seeing Chinese stocks and bonds as non-correlated, idiosyncratic plays that can serve as hedges against their core bets. U.S. equity funds' exposure to Chinese stocks has decreased in recent years, and global emerging market funds have also reduced their allocation to China. Chinese bonds have seen outflows for seven straight months, while emerging market ex-China debt funds have attracted inflows. The economic climate in China is seen as "clearly awful" by some investors, but there are still relative optimists who see opportunities for diversification and hedging in the Chinese market.

#China #Investment #Stocks #Bonds #AlternativeInvestment

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/once-engine-of-growth-is-china-now-an-alternative-investment/articleshow/107642118.cms


A bank in Ayodhya where only transaction is 'spirituality, inner peace, faith'
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The International Shree Sitaram Bank in Ayodhya attracts over 35,000 account-holders who engage in transactions of 'spirituality, inner peace, faith'. To open an account, one must write 'Sitaram' at least 5 lakh times. The bank has over 35,000 account-holders in India and abroad, and has a collection of 20,000 crore 'Sitaram' booklets from devotees. The number of daily visitors at the bank has increased after the consecration ceremony of the grand temple in Ayodhya. Writing 'Sitaram' and depositing it into the bank is considered a form of prayer and devotees find solace and spiritual enrichment in doing so. By writing the name 84 lakh times, one can attain 'Moksha'.

#Ayodhya #Banking #Spirituality #Faith

https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/a-bank-in-ayodhya-where-only-transaction-is-spirituality-inner-peace-faith/articleshow/107597273.cms


5 world market themes for the week ahead
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The Chinese Year of the Dragon is around the corner, but the world's second largest economy is anything but roaring right now. Tough talk from central bankers has made investors less confident about imminent relief from lower interest rates. Stocks may be gearing up for a strong month, even in a bumper earnings season for stocks. If stocks outshone bonds in January, the reverse may be true for February. Chinese inflation data on Thursday will be the next test of the health of its economy. Another big week of U.S. corporate results will help determine if the rally that has taken stocks to record highs can keep going. The UK has kept calm and avoided recession. The 2024 election cycle cranks up a gear, with some of the world's most populous nations heading to the polls.

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/take-five-enter-the-dragon5-world-market-themes-for-the-week-ahead/articleshow/107376596.cms


Wall Street Week Ahead: Scorching US economy throws off market's Fed cut narrative
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Robust U.S. economic data is challenging the market's expectation of Federal Reserve rate cuts. The strong growth may continue to drive stocks higher even if the Fed delivers less monetary-policy easing than anticipated. The S&P 500 is up 4% this year after surging 24% in 2023. However, evidence of the economy running too hot for the Fed to cut rates without risking inflationary rebound has jolted the narrative. The latest jobs report showed nonfarm payrolls increased by 353,000 jobs last month, well above expectations. Market expectations of a near-term rate cut have dimmed after the jobs data, with futures reflecting a 70% chance of the central bank lowering borrowing costs at its May 1 meeting. The probability of a March cut stood at about 20%. The strong growth is seen as positive for stocks, especially if accompanied by better-than-expected corporate earnings. S&P 500 earnings are expected to jump nearly 10% in 2024. However, sustained above-trend growth raises fears of an inflationary rebound and could drive Treasury yields up, which can pressure equities. Investors are still pricing in around 125 basis points of Fed cuts this year, down from around 150 basis points priced in earlier this week.

#UsEconomy #FederalReserve #StockMarket #InterestRates

https://m.economictimes.com/markets/stocks/news/wall-st-week-ahead-scorching-us-economy-throws-off-markets-fed-cut-narrative/articleshow/107376545.cms