STUDIO XP

DREAMS…DESIGNED…DELIVERED…

Studio XP is a renowned brand in Development Management and Design and Build projects for a wide range of clients, from corporate offices to industrial and hospitality projects. It has proven to be a formidable competitor, with unique creativity, out-of-the-box ideas, and a promise of unsurpassed customer service.

Studio XP, established in 2011, is a highly acclaimed real estate development management firm with multidisciplinary specialist skills and experience in architecture, interiors and construction of corporate and commercial projects. An ISO-9001 certified company accredited for quality management in providing exquisite services, it is currently providing services to several Fortune 500 companies, national and multinational corporate clients, developers, IPCs, private equities in Delhi NCR, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Dubai.

The company provides end-to-end, hassle-free, real estate solutions to its esteemed clients. Some of its core offerings include development management, architecture and interior design, funded fitted out model, design and build services. It is the company’s value of accountability, delivery commitment, innovative design approach, quality

construction, trust and transparency that ensure a strong and repetitive clientele. The list of esteemed clients includes Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG), HDFC, Newgen Software, CRM Business Next, Religare, Disys Technologies, Brookfield, Black Stone, TCS, Trinity Global, Map My India, MCLOUD, Motivity Labs, Pragmatic Play, Lumen Technologies, Rosmerta, Bank of America, Ericsson, HCL , DELL, XL Catlin, AXAXL, Huawei, Kronos Solutions, Century Link, ACS, RMS , Oyo, JFL Group, Pine labs, Centrum, DLF, and many more.

CLIMBING THE SUCCESS LADDER

Studio XP embarked on its journey with an eight-person team and has since evolved into a robust professional workforce of 65 people, operating from Delhi NCR and strategically located offices in Jaipur, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai and Dubai. Its recruitment philosophy centres on attracting proactive, dedicated, honest, and forward thinking architects and project managers imbued with enthusiasm for the diverse range of projects the team undertakes. It is dedicated to preserving design integrity and unwavering quality, ensuring that each project surpasses client expectations.

TALENTED WORKFORCE

The company has paired its skilled team with its incredibly dedicated workforce and used its unique resources to strive for perfection. With expertise in architecture and interior design, project and construction management for corporate buildings, commercial constructions, international educational institutions, hospitality, healthcare, international centers, industrial and retail projects, the team leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of perfection in each assignment.

WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES

Studio XP provides best-in-class services for complete development management including architecture, interior design, construction management, and adds real value to developers, funds, financial institutions and corporate occupiers to help them make well-informed quality real estate decisions. The services range from space organisation and project management to cost control, contract management, and visual branding to communicate a company’s mission and vision. The services are offered according to industry standards to deliver projects with innovative, sustainable, and timeless designs and quality within approved budgets and specified timeframes.

ALL-ENCOMPASSING SERVICES

Studio XP’s objective is to provide all-encompassing services from project ideation through execution and a smooth transition to the end users, acting as a one-stop solution provider for corporate and commercial projects to fulfil customer demands based on their business functions and continuous evolutions to cater to the dynamic industry model.

North African metal art gets UNESCO listing

The recent UNESCO listing of traditional North African metal craftsmanship has cast a new spotlight on this ancient art form, bringing international recognition and revitalizing interest in a cultural heritage that spans centuries. This acknowledgment by UNESCO underlines the significance of metal art in North Africa’s cultural and historical identity and promises to breathe new life into these traditional practices.

Metal art in North Africa, a skill passed down through generations, is a testament to the region’s rich history and artisanal ingenuity. The art form, encompassing intricate metalwork in gold, silver, copper, and brass, is renowned for its elaborate designs and detailed craftsmanship. It forms an integral part of the cultural fabric in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, where artisans create everything from jewelry and household items to ornamental architectural features.

The UNESCO listing is not just a nod to the artistic value of these works; it’s a crucial step in preserving a craft at risk of fading into obscurity. In recent years, the traditional metalworking techniques have been threatened by mass production and a dwindling number of skilled artisans. This international recognition aims to revitalize the craft, encouraging the younger generation to learn and preserve these age-old techniques.

Furthermore, this recognition is anticipated to boost tourism and local economies. It draws global attention to the unique cultural offerings of North Africa, inviting tourists and art connoisseurs to explore the region’s heritage. For local artisans, it provides a much-needed platform to showcase their work on an international stage, potentially opening up new markets.

In summary, UNESCO’s listing of North African metal art is a significant milestone. It not only celebrates a rich cultural heritage but also offers hope for the preservation and continuation of this exquisite art form.

Nigerian central bank lifts ban on crypto trading

In a groundbreaking move, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted the ban on cryptocurrency trading, marking a significant shift in the nation’s financial regulatory landscape. This decision comes after a period of stringent restrictions imposed by the CBN in February 2021, when it directed all Nigerian banks and financial institutions to cease facilitating transactions for cryptocurrency exchanges.

The initial ban was met with widespread criticism and resistance from the burgeoning Nigerian crypto community, which has seen rapid growth due to the country’s economic challenges and the young, tech-savvy population’s interest in digital currencies. The prohibition was primarily aimed at curbing the potential for money laundering and financial terrorism, which the CBN feared were facilitated by the anonymity and lack of regulation in cryptocurrency transactions.

However, the recent reversal is a response to the growing global trend of adopting and regulating digital currencies rather than outright banning them. By lifting the ban, the Nigerian government is acknowledging the significant role that cryptocurrencies can play in the country’s economy. The move is expected to open up new opportunities for innovation and investment in the digital currency space.

The CBN’s decision to allow cryptocurrency trading aligns with global financial trends and reflects a more modern and nuanced approach to financial regulation. This step is anticipated to attract more foreign investments in the Nigerian technology sector, particularly in blockchain and fintech startups.

The lifting of the ban also offers a potential solution to some of Nigeria’s economic issues, such as inflation and currency devaluation, by providing an alternative financial system. It’s a strategic move that positions Nigeria at the forefront of the digital currency revolution in Africa, signaling a new era of financial inclusivity and innovation.

Jaishankar’s Moscow visit to focus on bilateral issues

As a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, arrived in Moscow for a key visit, with the agenda primarily centered on discussing bilateral issues between India and Russia. This visit is particularly noteworthy given the current global geopolitical climate and the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

The talks are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including strategic partnerships, trade, defense, energy, and regional stability. Both countries have historically maintained a close relationship, with Russia being a critical defense supplier to India. This meeting is anticipated to further cement these ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Dr. Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time when global dynamics are rapidly shifting, and major powers are redefining their alliances and strategies. India, maintaining a stance of strategic autonomy, seeks to balance its relationships with major global powers. The discussions in Moscow are thus seen as a critical element of India’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of its border tensions with China and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Energy cooperation is also likely to be a significant topic of discussion. India has been diversifying its energy sources and Russia is a key player in this sector. With the global energy market undergoing changes, enhanced cooperation in this area is beneficial for both countries.

This visit is expected to not only address immediate bilateral concerns but also to lay down a roadmap for future cooperation. It underscores India’s diplomatic efforts to engage with key global partners and navigate the complex international landscape, reinforcing its role as a significant global player.

Intel gets $3.2 billion grant from Israel for new $25 billion chip plant

In a major move bolstering its position in the global semiconductor industry, Intel Corporation has received a grant of $3.2 billion from the Israeli government. This substantial financial backing is earmarked for the establishment of a new $25 billion chip manufacturing plant in Israel, a project poised to significantly enhance the country’s technological infrastructure and economic landscape.

Intel’s decision to expand its operations in Israel underscores the nation’s growing prominence as a hub for high-tech innovation and development. The new facility, which represents one of the largest industrial investments in Israeli history, is set to play a pivotal role in meeting the soaring global demand for advanced semiconductor technology.

The Israeli government’s grant to Intel is not just a financial investment but also a strategic move to strengthen the country’s position in the competitive global technology sector. This collaboration is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Israel, including the creation of thousands of jobs and the promotion of local technological expertise.

Intel’s new plant will focus on the production of cutting-edge semiconductor chips, essential components in a wide range of electronic devices. The establishment of this facility comes at a critical time when the world is facing a significant shortage of semiconductors, impacting industries from automotive to consumer electronics.

The investment reflects Intel’s confidence in Israel’s skilled workforce and its commitment to innovation. In return, the project is set to reinforce Israel’s status as a key player in the global tech industry, attract further foreign investments, and drive technological advancements both locally and internationally.

As Intel embarks on this ambitious project, the eyes of the tech world are on Israel, anticipating the impact of this significant venture on the global semiconductor landscape.

ISRO Awarded Prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize for Chandrayaan-3 Success

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been honored with the esteemed Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum, recognizing ISRO’s unwavering commitment and substantial contributions to lunar exploration.

The accolade specifically acknowledges the success of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing near the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023, establishing India as the first country to accomplish such a feat.

Chandrayaan-3’s triumph is attributed to key technological advancements, including software enhancements that improved navigation algorithms, guidance systems, and fault tolerance mechanisms, crucial for ensuring a flawless descent and lunar surface landing.

The mission’s lander, Vikram, equipped with the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), provided valuable data on lunar surface temperature, reaching a depth of 10 centimeters below the surface. The Pragyan rover conducted in-situ experiments, further enriching our understanding of the Moon.

Expressing gratitude for the honor, ISRO Chairman Mr. S. Somanath highlighted the international recognition of India’s growing expertise in space exploration.

The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize, named after Norse explorer Leif Erikson, is presented by the Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland, to those who have made remarkable contributions to lunar exploration.

French President Emmanuel Macron to Grace India’s Republic Day as Chief Guest in 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26 next year, according to sources. Initially, the Indian government had extended an invitation to the U.S. President Joe Biden, who regretfully conveyed his inability to attend the event in New Delhi.

Emmanuel Macron will be the sixth French leader to partake in the Republic Day parade, following in the footsteps of Jacques Chirac, who graced the occasion twice in 1976 and 1998, and former presidents Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, Nicolas Sarkozy, and François Hollande, who attended in 1980, 2008, and 2016, respectively.

The invitation to Macron follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France in July, where he participated in the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. The event commemorates the historic storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution in 1789.

Furthermore, Macron’s visit to Delhi in September for the G20 Summit marked a continuation of high-level engagements between India and France. Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about the progression of bilateral relations during a productive meeting with Macron.

This year’s Republic Day chief guest was Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. India traditionally invites foreign leaders to partake in its Republic Day celebrations, with the exception of 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lok Sabha Passes Three Criminal Law Amendment Bills

The Lok Sabha approved three revised criminal law bills on December 20, signalling a substantial transformation in the Indian criminal justice system. Aimed at establishing a “justice system based on Indian thinking,” the bills propose to replace key legal frameworks.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita seeks to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita aims to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita is set to replace the Indian Evidence Act.

Introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, these bills address a colonial mindset inherent in existing criminal laws, emphasising a shift from punishment-centric approaches to a more justice-oriented system. Shah highlighted the bills’ alignment with the spirit of the Constitution.

Despite being the subject of contention, the bills secured passage in the Lower House in the absence of 97 suspended MPs. Mr. Shah emphasised the bills’ potential to liberate citizens from colonial-era thinking.

Crucially, the legislation eliminates sedition as a crime, introducing a new category, “offences against the state.” Notably, it provides a defined framework for terrorism and introduces stringent measures against mob lynching, including the possibility of the death penalty.

Speaking to the House, Mr. Shah acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the underprivileged in accessing justice and emphasised the bills’ role in addressing delays and streamlining accountability within the legal system.

Walmart Set to Infuse $600 Million in Flipkart’s New Fundraise

Walmart, the largest shareholder of Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart, is poised to invest approximately $600 million in a new fundraise for the startup, as confirmed by a Flipkart spokesperson on December 21.

Reports suggest that Flipkart is actively engaging in talks to secure a total of $1 billion in fresh funds, with discussions underway for new investors to join the funding round.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the latest funding is anticipated to value Flipkart at a premium of about 5% to 10% compared to its current valuation of $33 billion. However, this falls short of the nearly $38 billion valuation the company attained in 2021.

Walmart, a U.S. retail giant, has been intensifying its presence in the Indian market since acquiring a 77% stake in Flipkart for approximately $16 billion in 2018. Earlier this year, Walmart increased its control over Flipkart by acquiring remaining stakes from hedge fund Tiger Global and venture capital firm Accel for $1.4 billion.

Flipkart, focusing on small towns and cities, has emerged as one of India’s leading online marketplaces, distinguishing itself from urban-centric rival Amazon.

The company adjusted its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) to 2023 and internally raised its IPO valuation target to $60-$70 billion in 2022.

South Korea, Japan resume high-level economic talks

Seoul and Tokyo have taken a major step towards economic reconciliation, holding their first high-level economic talks in eight years on December 21st. The meeting marks a significant breakthrough after relations were strained by historical disputes and trade restrictions.

The talks, dubbed the “Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Industrial Cooperation,” aim to revitalize economic ties between the two Asian powerhouses. Previously stalled since 2016, the dialogue’s resumption signals a thaw in relations that have witnessed positive momentum this year.

Several factors have contributed to this warming trend. In March, Japan lifted export curbs on high-tech materials to South Korea, and in July, it reinstated the country to its “white list” for fast-track trade. Additionally, South Korea independently offered compensation to victims of Japan’s wartime forced labor, addressing a key source of tension.

While historical issues remain unresolved, both countries seem eager to prioritize shared strategic interests and economic prosperity. The recent talks focused on supply chain cooperation, digital economies, and environmental collaboration. A successful dialogue could open doors for further ventures in areas like infrastructure development and joint technological projects.

However, challenges persist. The unresolved “comfort women” issue, concerning Korean women forced into sexual slavery during World War II, remains a sensitive point. Additionally, South Korea’s ban on seafood from areas affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster could hinder progress.

Despite these hurdles, the resumption of economic talks sends a positive message. It signifies a willingness to move beyond past grievances and focus on pragmatic cooperation. If sustained, this newfound economic understanding could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous partnership between South Korea and Japan.