Author: Team

Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand opens DEFSAT 2025 with a call for Defence-Driven Innovation

New Delhi, India – 10 January 2025 – Day 2 of DEFSAT 2025, India’s premier defence and space forum, witnessed a remarkable turnout, reinforcing the nation’s resolve to advance its defence and space modernization agenda. It began with an enriching inaugural session featuring a keynote address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who articulated a compelling vision for strengthening India’s defence and homeland security.

The Governor echoed the optimism, stating:

“In 2025, we stand at a pivotal moment of transition and innovation, with technology in full bloom. The dynamics of robotics in defence are undergoing a transformation. We have entered an era where defence and space are intricately interconnected… DefSat 2025 represents our commitment to harnessing the potential of the defence space industry.”

A major highlight of Day 2 was the session on Homeland Security, where experts emphasised the critical role of space technology in disaster management, border protection, and law enforcement. This is the first time at our editions of DefSat highlight the convergence of space technology and homeland security, paving the way for a safer and interconnected future. Discussions also addressed the demand for advanced security technologies to protect critical infrastructure.

Mr Rajeev K. Sharma from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) highlighted the urgent need for millimetre wave imaging and algorithm-driven solutions to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats.

“Innovation in airport and critical infrastructure security is crucial to staying ahead of modern threats while ensuring convenience and efficiency,” he noted.

Other sessions focus on Investment Ventures, with over 50 prominent investors slated to discuss emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Space Tech, and Cybersecurity. The forum also explored how new policies and defence initiatives are creating opportunities for both domestic and global investors.

A major highlight of DefSat 2025 is the Defence Innovation Ventures, which aims to kickstart partnerships with the private sector, enabling innovative defence solutions to thrive. Despite a decline in India’s space industry funding by 55% in 2024 to $59.1 million, compared to $130.2 million in 2023, the conference emphasised the need for renewed focus and targeted policies to attract global and domestic investment. In a broader context, global investments in space companies have totalled $28 billion over the past five years, while India’s space industry raised $354 million during the same period.

“India’s defence sector requires patience, strategic capital and a stronger focus on R&D to strengthen innovation and scalability. With limited innovation premiums and challenges in delivery reliability, the government alone cannot address these gaps. Primes and the private sector have to take the lead to create collaborative funding opportunities and investment in RnD. Through SIA-India, it will be a road to reach the vision of collaboration investment opportunities in RnD.”

– Ms Kriti Upadhyaya, Founder, IndUS Tech Council

As pointed out by Anil Prakash, DG SIA-India, “Long gestation periods in space innovation demand collective funding and collaboration, as it is through unified efforts that we pave the way for pioneering advancements and secure a future where satellite technology continuously shapes industries and empowers nations.”

AI and Data in 2025: Emerging Trends of the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science have become transformative forces in the tech industry, reshaping how businesses operate and innovate. According to industry estimates, organizations leveraging AI in their operations have seen a 20-30% increase in efficiency, and the global AI market is projected to grow to $190 billion by 2025.

Many of us believe that the AI wave is all set to reduce dependency on humans. But that is not true. AI has consistently been increasing efficiency and creating new opportunities. But to harness these opportunities, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to the future of AI.

The 5 AI and Data Trends to Watch for 2025

Quantum computing and Convergence of AI
Quantum AI results in the merging of two revolutionary domains: quantum computing and artificial intelligence. By leveraging both the domains we can solve problems beyond the ability of classical systems. In the upcoming year quantum computing and AI will make a breakthrough in the areas of climate optimization, drug findings and financial management. And Google is already demonstrating a 70x speedup in AI training through quantum computing in 2024.

2. Cybersecurity and AI Enabled Threat Detection

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the fear of cyberattacks grows in parallel. This escalating concern calls for advancements in cybersecurity, leveraging the power of AI, because AI driven systems can detect unusual behaviours to a greater extent. Those behaviours include unauthorized access or abnormal data traffic. AI can respond to these threats in real-time to mitigate risks. Hence, AI-driven security solutions are expected to reduce the cost of data breaches by 35% by 2025, according to an industry report. This makes AI a critical tool for businesses looking to enhance their security infrastructure.

3. Explainable AI – XAI

Explainable AI is the bridge that builds trust between the world of technology and humans. One such example is fair lending practices used by banks, in this XAI can provide banks with clear explanations for loan denials. While AI is now into every sector, the demand for transparency in AI decision-making is also growing – XAI ensures that. By 2025, XAI will be a standard in industries like medical diagnostics and finance, where understanding how decisions are made is crucial.

4. Automated Data Processing Powered By AI

AI-based data processing has a significant potential to streamline workflows and generate greater profits for businesses, irrespective of its industry. AI-powered tools automate data collection, cleaning, and integration, significantly speeding up the analytics process and improving accuracy. According to an industry report there is a prediction that by 2025, 70% of organizations will adopt AI-driven data processing solutions. IBM’s tools have already reduced data preparation times by up to 80%, and this trend is expected to continue as AI tools become more advanced and widely adopted.

5. Edge AI

Edge AI is transforming how AI interacts with data. Rather than sending data to centralized servers, edge AI processes information directly on devices like smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and smart sensors. This enables real-time decision-making, which is especially important for applications like self-driving cars, where instant analysis of data is essential for safety. By 2025, it’s expected that 75% of enterprise data will be processed at the edge, compared to just 10% in 2020. This trend is especially significant in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, where real-time processing can enhance efficiency and security.

The future of AI and Data science in 2025 holds immense potential to reshape the way we live and work. From AI-driven cybersecurity to the convergence of quantum computing and AI, the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that will redefine industries and create exciting opportunities.

Igniting the Spirit of Sportsmanship: UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 Inaugurates Tomorrow

Agra, Uttar Pradesh (9th January 2025): The Badminton Association of Agra is proud to host the UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025, a celebration of skill, determination, and the enduring love for badminton. Scheduled from 10th January to 12th January 2025, the tournament will take place at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, and is dedicated to the memory of the late Shri Vijay Sharma Ji, whose legacy continues to inspire the sporting community.

This championship brings together over 300 veteran players from across Uttar Pradesh, competing in age categories ranging from 35+ to 70, for both men and women. It’s not just a competition; it’s a stage where seasoned players come to relive their passion for the sport, connect with their peers, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on 10th January 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Prakhar Agarwal Memorial Academy, Agra, graced by Smt. Anupam Kulshreshth, IPS, Additional Director General, Agra Zone, as the Chief Guest. The tournament will conclude with a Closing Ceremony on 12th January 2025, at 3:00 PM at the same venue, with Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Government of India, honoring the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The championship will also welcome some of the most distinguished names in Indian badminton, including Arjuna awardees and renowned national players, whose presence will serve as a beacon of inspiration for both participants and spectators.

A Message from the President

Speaking about the event, Dr. Beena Lawania, President of the Badminton Association Agra, shared: This championship is more than just a tournament. It is a tribute to resilience, a platform for veterans to showcase their talent, and an opportunity to rekindle the camaraderie that sports bring to life. Hosting this event in memory of Shri Vijay Sharma Ji is our way of honoring his immense contribution to the sport and to our community. We invite everyone to be a part of this remarkable journey and cheer on these exceptional athletes.”

Join Us

The UP-State Veterans Badminton Championship 2025 is not only a competition but also a testament to the timeless spirit of sportsmanship. We warmly invite media personnel to cover this inspiring event, as we celebrate the unwavering dedication of these remarkable players and shine a spotlight on their extraordinary stories.

Pre-Budget Insights by Experts

Mr. Nirav Choksi, CEO & Co-founder at CredAble

As India anticipates the upcoming budget announcement, Mr. Nirav Choksi, CEO & Co-founder of CredAble, has shared his insights on the budget’s potential impact on the Fintech sector, as well as more specific comments on MSME lending and Digital Lending. I’ve attached his full quotes for your reference and would be happy for you to choose any one of them that aligns best with your story angle.

Mr Piyush Bothra, Co-Founder and CFO, Square Yards

“As we enter 2025, real estate stands poised for crucial new reforms to drive its growth. A key priority is adjusting the affordable housing price cap beyond the current Rs. 45 lakhs to align with rising development costs in metropolitan areas. Another significant expectation is to increase the tax deduction limit on home loan interest from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakhs, providing tangible relief to aspiring homeowners. Reduced GST rates will further enhance market vibrancy, creating a more accessible pricing structure. Finally, introducing tax incentives under Section 80C for investments in REITs can promote real estate as an attractive tax-saving avenue, drawing new investors to the sector. These measures have the potential to catalyse substantial demand, ensuring a stronger, more sustainable real estate market in the years ahead.”

Mr Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian

“Elevated borrowing costs amid sticky inflation led to a sharp rise in construction costs in 2024. These costs are expected to further increase on the back of supply chain disruptions due to increasing geopolitical conflicts. Amid rising costs and a demand slowdown, the real estate sector’s expectations from the upcoming budget are at an all-time high. Rise in tax exemption limit for housing loans, granting ‘Industry’ status, amendments in GST input tax credit regulations, boost in affordable housing sector by broadening the definition, and easing liquidity by policy reforms are some of the broad expectations from the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26.”

Mr Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

Budget 2025 is expected to build cornerstones to drive the next phase of elevated growth in Indian real estate with an ambition to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. Transformative measures in the form of incentives & favourable polices to fuel infrastructure, economic and real estate development in tier 2 cities, technology-led infrastructure & growth corridors and incentivizing green building adoption will draw significant domestic and foreign institutional capital. Accordance of ‘industry’ status to real estate, standardization & extension of affordable housing benefits, streamlining and rationalization of GST levy across segments possess significant potential to drive heightened real estate activity across segments and geographies with better access to capital and single window clearance. While the simplification of tax regimes across individuals & corporates will continue to bring in efficiencies, drive entrepreneurial capital, retail investment; a concerted coordination between the country’s legal and financial framework will surely aid in improving ease of doing business.

Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, India’s second-longest-running digital asset exchange

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2025, we at BuyUcoin hope to see big steps forward for India’s Web3 industry. The cryptocurrency sector has faced numerous challenges, particularly due to the high taxation imposed since 2022. We think the government will recognize the need for a more favorable regulatory environment, which includes lowering the current 1% TDS and 30% capital gains tax on virtual digital assets (VDAs) to levels that help the industry grow and come up with new ideas.

For 2025, we’d like to see policies that not only get people to invest but also bring talented folks back to India, helping Web3 startups thrive. The government can make the most of blockchain technology and decentralized finance by setting clear guidelines and changing tax rules. We believe that if the upcoming budget includes helpful measures, India can become a world leader in Web 3. This is an opportunity for the government to solidify its commitment to building a strong digital economy that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Anish Jain, Founder, W Chain

The upcoming Union Budget presents a critical opportunity to foster innovation and growth within India’s burgeoning Web3 sector. We expect the government to consider several key measures, including:

Clearer regulatory framework: A well-defined regulatory framework that encourages responsible innovation and fosters a conducive environment for Web3 businesses to thrive.
Tax incentives for R&D: Incentives for research and development in blockchain technology can drive innovation and attract talent to the sector.
Focus on skill development: Initiatives to upskill the workforce in blockchain and Web3 technologies are crucial for India to become a global leader in this space.
Support for Web3 infrastructure: Supporting the development of robust and scalable blockchain infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and access to affordable cloud computing resources.

We believe that a supportive regulatory environment and targeted policy measures can unlock the immense potential of Web3 technologies and position India as a global hub for blockchain innovation.
Specifically for W Chain, we expect the government to recognize the potential of blockchain-powered payment solutions in driving financial inclusion and boosting economic growth. We look forward to contributing to India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the Web3 revolution.

Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget

India’s stance on crypto regulation is being followed by nations worldwide. It is vital for the global crypto ecosystem’s growth and for the country’s dominance into becoming a financial and business hub. A balanced approach in the 2025 budget could provide immense potential for innovation and financial inclusion for crypto. Reducing the currently implied heavy taxations on digital assets can increase mass adoption and transparency for crypto. At Bitget, we see India as a key market for crypto growth, and regulatory clarity can help build an environment for secure and inclusive financial solutions around crypto. Collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders will be essential to ensure this sector thrives responsibly.

Mr. Harshvardhan Tibrewala, MD, Vida Realty

With the Union Budget coming up, the real estate sector is looking forward to reforms which will enhance the housing demand as well as its affordability. Increasing the interest amount limit for home loans under tax exemption from the present amount of ₹2 lakh to at least ₹5 lakh would make a great difference for the middle income homebuyers, especially in times like this since the housing sector would benefit as more people would be looking to buy houses. Improving the availability of real estate finance and introducing GST input credits could indeed work towards achieving the goal of reducing the cost of owning a house, which has become important in the wake of cities’ annual urban housing prices inflation of about 6-8%. Besides, earmarking at least ₹10 lakh crore for infrastructure development, as part of the envisaged ₹100 lakh crore investment plan over five years, will enhance connectivity and create new corridors of growth across the country thus improving the quality of life and the economic viability of the emerging cities.

Mr. Ramesh Alluri Reddy, CEO at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship

With over 808 million individuals under the age of 35—comprising nearly 66% of its population—India holds a unique demographic advantage capable of propelling it toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. As we approach the 2025 Union Budget, the government must prioritize initiatives that empower this vast youth base, aligning with the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Economic revitalization must remain the cornerstone of national progress, with targeted measures to boost job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and incentivize investments across key sectors. Reviving manufacturing, supporting MSMEs, and expanding large-scale infrastructure projects can act as catalysts for economic resurgence, generating employment opportunities at scale. At the same time, strengthening digital and physical infrastructure is essential to sustain long-term growth. Enhanced investments in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including the expansion of AI Centers of Excellence, smart cities, and high-speed connectivity, will position India as a global leader in technology and innovation. Bridging the digital divide through affordable access to devices and connectivity in underserved regions, coupled with improved transport and logistics networks, can ensure inclusive growth while enabling industries to thrive in a globally competitive environment.

Economic revival must go hand in hand with skilling and workforce development to harness India’s demographic dividend. The 2025 budget must reimagine skilling through dynamic reforms in apprenticeship programs, bridging the gap between education and employability. By integrating practical, industry-aligned training with academic curricula and aligning these programs with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), India can create a job-ready workforce while boosting productivity. Special attention must be given to equipping the workforce with future-ready skills in cutting-edge fields like AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving job market. Furthermore, women’s workforce participation must be prioritized through flexible working models, childcare support systems, and financial incentives for employers to hire women, fostering a more inclusive labor force. A strong focus on lifelong learning, supported by e-learning platforms and smart classrooms, can empower individuals to continuously adapt to evolving industry demands. By integrating these strategies, the budget can lay the foundation for a skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce, ensuring sustainable economic growth and turning the vision of Viksit Bharat into a tangible reality.

Mr. Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India

Furniture industry eagerly anticipates its inclusion in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. As Previously indicated by the finance minister for inclusion in the furniture industry, this move could modernize the sector, enhance exports, and align with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Inclusion in the PLI scheme would enable the industry to invest in capital expenditure (capex) and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and know how. This modernization could reduce production costs and boost global competitiveness which would be complementary to the introduction of BIS in Furniture fitting sector. This would be a game-changer, modernizing and making Indian furniture a global brand.
We anticipate lower Tax rates of GST and income tax to enhance household savings of the public at large to drive consumer demand and industrial growth.
The sector hopes the Finance Ministry’s announcement will deliver on these expectations, paving the way for growth, innovation, and increased employment opportunities.

Gopal Jain, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Gaja Capital, and Co-Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Committee, IVCA

“At the pre-Budget consultation with Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, IVCA emphasized the need to build on the positive policy momentum from the previous Union Budget to further strengthen the Indian alternate capital ecosystem. Additionally, unlocking pools of domestic capital remains critical. By implementing these measures and modernizing regulatory frameworks, India can pave the way for a robust and globally competitive alternative investment landscape. We remain optimistic about the government’s continued support in the upcoming Union Budget.”

Mr. Gayomard Driver – Executive Director & Group Chief Financial Officer Jeena and Company

“As a key driver of India’s economic growth, the logistics industry anticipates The Union Budget 2025 to prioritize efficiency and innovation. Simplifying GST, accelerating multi-modal logistics parks, and incentivizing green logistics are essential to align with the National Logistics Policy.

While technology will continue to be the transformative power revolutionizing logistics operations and enhancing connectivity; it is equally important to focus on the training and skill development of aspiring professionals to remain competitive in the digital era.”

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder and Managing Director, Freyr Energy

“The Union Budget 2025 is a pivotal moment for India’s solar energy growth. Last year was a a landmark year for the residential solar sector. It witnessed unprecedented growth driven by the government’ PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The focus should be on ensuring that sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity is there to fulfil upcoming demand. In addition to this, the entire process of loan evaluation and disbursal for residential solar loans should be digitised. Finally, the government should further streamline/standardize/digitize approvals to speed up system installation and grid connectivity timelines. A forward-thinking budget can provide the clarity and support for these items will go a long way in helping the section meet or even exceed its goals.”

Mr. Nikhil Mansukhani, Managing Director at MAN Industries

“India’s steel industry is on the brink of transformative growth, with domestic demand projected to rise by 9-10% in FY25. The National Steel Policy’s vision of achieving 300 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030-31 underscores the immense potential of the sector.

 The upcoming Union Budget is a critical opportunity to introduce targeted measures that can accelerate this growth. Incentives for sustainable steel production, modernization of manufacturing facilities, and increased support for infrastructure projects could serve as game-changers. Additionally, policies that promote exports and improve logistics would further cement India’s status as one of the leading steel producers globally.

 By fostering innovation and building capacity, the Budget has the potential to not only strengthen the steel sector but also drive growth across allied industries like energy, construction, and transportation. This would contribute significantly to India’s economic progress and global competitiveness.

 In addition to that, India has launched an anti-dumping probe into imports of hot rolled flat products originating in or exported from Vietnam after complaints that they were being sold at low prices, hurting the interest of the domestic steel industry. If the Antidumping measures came into effect, certainly this will further strengthen the whole Steel Industry.”

Mr. Gaurav Parasrampuria, CFO, Magma General Insurance Limited 

“In the upcoming Union Budget 2025 announcement, we remain optimistic about the government’s commitment to encouraging the insurance sector. We expect measures aimed at increasing insurance penetration, such as tax incentives for policyholders under section 80D and initiatives to reduce GST on health insurance premiums while retaining the benefit of input tax credit for the industry. These actions will make insurance more accessible to a wider audience as well as stimulate growth and innovation within the industry. In line with the government’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ we are hopeful for policies that will support this determined goal, ensuring that every citizen has access to adequate insurance coverage, securing their financial future.”