Category Archives: News

ZEISS India’s Wildlife Conservation Summit 2025: A Platform for Nature Enthusiasts and Conservation Leaders

New Delhi, January 23, 2025: ZEISS, a global leader in optics and optoelectronics, recently hosted the Wildlife Conservation Summit 2025 at the India International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. This prestigious evening event brought together some of the most influential names in India’s wildlife and nature conservation community for an evening of recognition, insightful dialogues, and collaboration.

The Summit, a marquee gathering of the year, celebrated the invaluable efforts of scientists, researchers, and influencers dedicated to preserving and nurturing the natural world. ZEISS India reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation by providing a platform to foster connections and honor these trailblazers.

The summit brought together over 80+ distinguished figures from India’s wildlife community, including scientists, researchers, forest officers and ZEISS Ambassadors. Participants hailed from esteemed institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India, WWF India, Wildlife Trust of India, and Corbett Tiger Reserve. This gathering served as a landmark event, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing in wildlife conservation.

This was followed by a special award ceremony recognizing 25 outstanding contributors to wildlife conservation in India. These individuals were celebrated for their tireless dedication and innovative approaches to preserving biodiversity.

Present at the event, Mr. Chris Howard, Regional Head of Sports Optics & Mobile Imaging, ZEISS Group (UK, IE, Southern Europe, ANZ, RSA, SEA, SAARC, LATAM, MENA) said, “At ZEISS, we are deeply committed to empowering the wildlife conservation community with cutting-edge optical technology that enhances observation and research efforts. The Wildlife Conservation Summit is our way of celebrating the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving biodiversity and inspiring meaningful action for a sustainable future.”

Mr. Kunal Girotra, Regional Head, Photonics and Optics Division, ZEISS India added, “The Wildlife Conservation Summit 2025 is a platform to celebrate the tireless efforts and achievements of nature enthusiasts, scientists and government as well as private institutes who continuously inspire a collective commitment to preserving our planet’s biodiversity. At ZEISS we continue to work with these inspirational minds to increase an individual’s capacity for exploration. We remain committed to providing an unmatched viewing experience and enable the consumers to connect with nature.”

Adding to the significance of the event, Mr. Miguel Gonzalez Diaz, Managing Director, ZEISS India, and Ms. Petra Kregelius-Schmidt, Global Partnership Manager ZEISS Nature, Nature Conservation Ambassador were also present. ZEISS Sport Optics is a pioneering division at ZEISS which combines the brand’s knowledge of optics & precision to provide exceptional clarity and reliability. It offers unmatched performance for both professionals and enthusiasts with high-precision binoculars, spotting scopes and smart phone camera lenses.

Maharishi Institute Announces Residential Course on ‘Maharishi’s Insights into Vedic Science’

Hosur, Tamil Nadu, 23rd January 2025: The Maharishi Institute of Creative Intelligence (MICI), a newly established centre of knowledge and personal growth, is delighted to announce its three-day residential course, “Maharishi’s Insights into Vedic Science,” to be held from February 7th to 9th, 2025. This transformative program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the profound wisdom of the Vedas under the guidance of Dr. Girish Momaya, an internationally renowned Vedic scholar and the director of Maharishi European Research University (MERU).

Dr. Momaya, celebrated for his expertise in Vedic philosophy, Maharishi Ayurveda, and the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, brings decades of experience to this enriching course. Known for his ability to demystify complex Vedic principles, Dr. Momaya will illuminate timeless insights, demonstrating their relevance to modern living. Participants will delve into the key tenets of Vedic science, with a special emphasis on their practical applications for personal well-being and balance. Highlights of the program include exploring the subtleties of Maharishi’s teachings, gaining a holistic perspective on health through Maharishi Ayurveda, and discovering ways to foster harmony in everyday life.

The course will take place at MICI’s state-of-the-art, Vastu-compliant facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, located just a two-hour drive from Bangalore. Nestled in serene surroundings, this tranquil environment is designed to align with natural principles of harmony, offering an ideal setting for deep learning and self-reflection.

The course coordinator, Mr. Aalok Shrivastava, will oversee the program’s smooth execution, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all participants. Participants will also have a chance to discuss with Aalok their experiences of meditation and gain from his expertise as a teacher of advanced meditation programs and the TM-Sidhi Program.

The three-day course will run from February 7th to 9th, 2025, at the Maharishi Institute of Creative Intelligence International Course Facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

Mrs. Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Teacher at Transcendental Meditation and Academic Advisor at MUIT, shared her thoughts on the upcoming event “This course is a remarkable opportunity for individuals to deepen their understanding of Vedic knowledge and experience the transformative wisdom of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Through practical insights into Vedic science and holistic health, participants will gain the tools to lead a more harmonious and balanced life, fostering personal growth and collective well-being.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Star Power Shines Through in Special Tribute on India’s Beat Dancer vs Super Dancer: Champions

Sony Entertainment Television’s homegrown format, India’s Best Dancer vs Super Dancer: Champions Ka Tashan is a high-energy dance competition hosted by Haarsh Limbachiyaa. The show pits two talented teams against each other, with Malaika Arora leading Team IBD and Geeta Kapur leading Team SD with ace choreographer/ director Remo D’Souza at the helm as Judge for the show.

This week, IBD vs SD: Champions Ka Tashan is celebrating India on its 76th Republic Day. Your favourite stars from Celebrity MasterChef, which premieres on Sony Entertainment Television on 27th January at 8PM, come to support their favourite teams. Team Super Dancer—Anuradha and Tejas—give a tribute to India’s iconic Bollywood superstar – King Khan.

Geeta Ma says, “Every girl expects that if it’s romance, it must be like Shah Rukh’s Khan romance. Every girl wants that boy to be like that. And every mother wants their son to be like him,” she adds. She believes Shah Rukh Khan has made a huge impact on the country, world, and the industry.

Malaika also shows her love for SRK and says, “No matter where you go, everyone knows Shah Rukh Khan. For me, he is the epitome of romance.”

Remo added, saying, “To praise SRK, we’d need 2-3 seasons of OTT. But all I want to say is, Shah Rukh Sir, we all love you.”

Indulge in Culinary Celebrations at Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport with Dumpling Extravaganza & Sunday Brunch

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, January 2025: Indulging in exceptional culinary experiences is an integral part of any memorable stay, and Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport offers a diverse array of dining options to satisfy every palate. Nestled in the heart of the historic ‘City of Gates’, the property promises an exciting line-up of culinary adventures and spirited celebrations that make it the ideal destination for leisure or business.

From exquisite local flavours that celebrate the region’s rich heritage to international cuisines crafted by renowned chefs, each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion. Here are some of the key highlights for the month that celebrate the art of gastronomy across all the eateries – ‘ZING’ – World of Flavors, all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, ‘Zing Bar’ and ‘The Market’:
ZING – World of Flavors:
• Republic Day Specials:
Celebrate India’s spirit of unity with a grand Republic Brunch on 26th January, priced at ₹1699/-+. Follow it up with a delectable Republic Day Dinner at ₹1299/-+. Both offerings feature a vibrant spread that pays homage to the nation’s rich culinary diversity.
• Dumpling Extravaganza:
From 27th January to 9th February, immerse yourself in a delightful Dumpling Promotion, showcasing an irresistible assortment of momos and dim sums. Relish these handcrafted bites that bring together a world of flavours in every fold.

Zing Bar:
• Zing at Hyatt Place Aurangabad unveils a flavourful Dumpling Fiesta: A limited time culinary celebration
Starting 27th January through 9th February, explore an exciting range of Zodiac Cocktails, crafted to align with the Chinese calendar. These unique concoctions promise a journey through the stars, one sip at a time.
• Month-Long Cheers:
All through January, enjoy a Buy 2, Get 1 Free offer on selected premium brands. This exclusive deal ensures your celebrations never run dry.

The Market:
• A Sweet Retreat:
Till 31st January, indulge in an exquisite selection of Flavoured Coffees and Chocolates. Perfect for those chilly winter evenings, these treats are crafted to warm your heart and excite your taste buds.

Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport is not just a hotel; it is a pivotal entry point to the city’s dynamic blend of modern luxury and ancient heritage. With its convenient location, excellent service, and contemporary amenities, the hotel is the ultimate destination for travellers seeking memorable experiences. Whether you’re savouring signature dishes at Zing, sipping on custom-crafted cocktails at Zing Bar, or indulging in decadent delights at The Market, this month and next promises unforgettable moments, making every bite a part of your perfect getaway!

Adani Skill Development Centre Launches First Port Training with International Participants

Nellore: 23rd January, 2025: Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC), the skilling arm of Adani Foundation, celebrated a significant milestone recently with the culmination of a 90-day training program at Krishnapatnam port. This is the first time that international participants joined ASDC’s maritime training course, which embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — The World is One Family. The batch comprised 10 trainees from Tanzania and 20 students from India, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.

“The achievements of our Tanzanian trainees exemplify our belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This initiative reinforces our mission to empower individuals across borders and build a skilled workforce equipped for the challenges of modern maritime industries,” Mr Jatin Trivedi, CEO, ASDC, said.

Launched in October 2024, the port training programs were designed to equip participants with world-class maritime skills. The curriculum is a mix of theoretical and practical modules on industry-grade simulators. The program trains participants in rubber tyred gantry (RTG) crane operations, heavy motor vehicle (HMV) driving and marine engine and mechanical systems (MEMS).

“The training program was more than just learning for us. From mastering RTG cranes to understanding the details of port operations, we’ve gained skills and confidence that will shape our future,” Frank Daud Mgendi, a Tanzanian trainee, said.

Tanzania resident Lameck Rojas Kidasi said this was his first visit to India. “Coming to India and getting a chance to learn and work along with other students was so much fun. I am very excited about future opportunities,” he said.

A certification ceremony for the students was held at the Krishnapatnam facility and Mr Vijay Singh Rathod, dry cargo head at Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL), was the chief guest for the event. Mr Koushal Singh, head of safety and environment, AKPL, and Mr Siddharth, head of marketing, AKPL, were the guests of honour.

ASDC’s Krishnapatnam facility, spanning over 20 acres and offering 21 simulation-based programs, is a hub of excellence in skilling. Since 2016, ASDC has trained over 1,60,000 youth, with 68% securing sustainable livelihoods, collectively generating an economic impact exceeding Rs 1,400 crore annually.

Students from ODM Sapphire Global School Triumph at SGFI National Shooting Championship 2024

Ranchi, 23 January 2025: The students of ODM Sapphire Global School have made a remarkable mark at the SGFI National Shooting Championship 2024, held at the prestigious Bhopal Shooting Academy in January 2025. Attended by 1000+ students from several schools nationwide, the event witnessed exceptional talent from young shooters across the nation, with four students from Jharkhand emerging as standout performers. The chief guest Mr. GD Sharma, Captain (Retd) Indian Army and Ex-Coach Indian Shooting Team graced the event with their presence.

 The students from ODM Sapphire Global School showed extreme dedication and teamwork, proving instrumental in achieving this prestigious feat. In “Under-19 Category,” Akansha Ojha achieved a remarkable AIR 8th with a score of 416.20, securing the 1st position in Jharkhand. In “Under-14 Category,” Mannat Kumari scored 405.80, earning an AIR 23rd and claiming the 1st position in Jharkhand. Paridhi Gupta secured an AIR 37th with a score of 400.20, placing her 2nd in Jharkhand. Aditi Priya scored 396.00, achieving an AIR 64th and securing the 3rd position in Jharkhand.

 The achievements of these young champions have not only highlighted their hard work and dedication but have also put Jharkhand prominently on the national shooting map. The National Shooting Championship held earlier, from December 25th to 28th, 2024, also at Bhopal, served as a platform for identifying talent for the upcoming Federation Nationals 2025. Akansha Ojha, Mannat Kumari, and Paridhi Gupta, from OSGS showed exceptional skills, securing 11th, 8th, and 9th positions respectively, qualifying for the Federation National 2025 Team Trials.

 Recognizing the feats achieved by the students, Mr. Amit Singh, Principal at ODM Sapphire Global School, said, “We are extremely proud of our students’ achievements at the SGFI National Shooting Championship 2024. Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off, and we are confident that they will continue to make us proud in the future.” Highlighting the school’s approach to co-academics, he said, “At ODM, we adopt a holistic approach to education, encompassing six key domains: academics, co-academics, life-skills, personal skills, career development, and global exposure. By extending our focus beyond traditional academics, we empower our students to develop essential life skills, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.”

 ODM Sapphire Global School’s recent achievements reflect its dedication towards the holistic development of students. Seamlessly balancing the academics, co-academics, and skill development for students, OSGS has several clubs in place such as STEM, Technology, Media, Dramatics, Ecology, Entrepreneurship, Sports, and Art & Sculpture. Depending on the age and grade of the students, ODM Sapphire Global School provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, guiding them on the path of success.

Pre Budget Quotes from Experts

Mr.Ankur Mittal, Co founder, Inflection Point Ventures

Tax parity between both domestic and international funds is critical to building a strong alternative investment environment in India. Harmonizing the tax treatment of international and local investors in Indian Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) will not only provide a fair playing field, but will also boost India’s appeal as a competitive global capital destination. By addressing the underlying disparity, the government can demonstrate its commitment to inclusion, economic change, and long-term growth in the investment environment.

 Mr. Bruce Keith,CEO Cofounder, InvestorAI

2025 is expected to be dominated by global geopolitics and this will cause ongoing market volatility and short-term pain. With a currency already depreciating, I see the immediate impact of Trump Tariffs as being reduced and giving the Government space to re-energise their infrastructure investment.
I see India as a destination of choice for overseas investors. However, the Indian government should find more ways to encourage citizens to take part in equity markets – realising that your savings are being eaten by inflation in real terms usually happens too late and tends to disadvantage the lower income strata of society.
Budget being once in a year event may not please everyone Whatever happens, the Budget will not please everyone, however, we will all benefit in the long term from infrastructure especially as demographics defines destiny.

Mr. Pankit Desai,CEO Cofounder, Sequretek

“The finance minister must prioritize cybersecurity in the upcoming budget. Given India’s alarming rank among the top four global victims of deepfake and digital arrest attacks, raising awareness about these threats is more important than ever. As the Prime Minister highlighted with “Digital Arrests,” increasing public and industry consciousness is key.
Despite policies, local cybersecurity ecosystems face significant hurdles and need more governmental support, particularly in procurement processes that impede Indian-origin companies from effectively bidding for government contracts. These policies must be revised to foster a more inclusive environment for domestic cybersecurity firms.
The other one is that, while educational institutions have made strides in offering cybersecurity courses, practical skills remain underdeveloped. By supporting educational initiatives to provide hands-on experience, the government can ensure that students graduate with the practical skills required to bolster India’s cybersecurity defenses. More investment in cybersecurity infrastructure at educational institutions can enhance real-world readiness. With strategic investments, India can reinforce its cybersecurity defenses and talent.”

Deepak Tuli, Co-founder and COO, Eka Care

 “The government’s focus on digitizing healthcare through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has been commendable. In the upcoming budget, we hope to see increased allocation for digital health infrastructure to ensure seamless implementation of health records, interoperability, and access for rural populations. This will be a game-changer for India’s healthcare ecosystem.”

Anooshka Soham Bathwal Founder and CEO of Dhanvesttor

 “We expect the government to continue to support the start-up ecosystem in the current Budget. That can be enhanced with extended tax reliefs and a further improvement in the regulatory environment. In addition, ground level support to start-ups and easing the compliance procedures can also be anticipated. Added to that, skill development programs specific to industries can be promoted to fulfil the manpower requirement based on the required skills in these organisations. While demands from startups may differ from industry to industry, these remain the common asks of the industry from the Budget.

In addition, the government may further extend its support to the participation of women in the workforce. Apart from the continuation of schemes such as women-specific skilling programs and the promotion of women entrepreneurship, new programs to incentivise the empowerment of women can be introduced. The Lakhpati Didi target can be further enhanced to support more women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to attain self-reliance. Furthermore, initiatives to prioritise women’s health can be introduced in the budget. An allocation for the safety of women, also in the budget may not be ruled out. We believe that the government’s focus, which stayed on women’s empowerment, safety and inclusion in the previous several budgets, will continue to represent a key part of the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech this year as well.”

Mr. Thomas John Muthoot – Chairman of Muthoot Pappachan Group

 1. Infrastructure Development: Continue allocating significant funds for infrastructure projects while addressing the capex spending gap from the current year. Focus on faster execution and completion of key initiatives to drive economic growth and create jobs.

2. Support for Rural Economy: Strengthen rural incomes through targeted agricultural reforms and rural credit schemes, boosting consumption, productivity, and overall economic activity in rural and semi-urban areas.

3. Special Credit Lines for NBFCs: Approve dedicated credit lines for NBFCs from banks to facilitate seamless digital lending to micro-retailers, addressing credit gaps in underserved sectors and promoting financial inclusion.

4. Incentivizing Private Sector Capex: Introduce incentives to encourage private sector investment in capital expenditure, such as tax benefits, subsidies, or streamlined approval processes, to complement public capex and boost overall economic growth.

These measures will ensure balanced growth, address regional disparities, and stimulate private and public investments for sustainable development.

Mr. Amit Tandon, Founder and CEO, PolyCycl

 As we approach Union Budget 2025, it is crucial to recognize the potential of plastic recycling in the circular economy, especially in terms of waste management and sustainability. The plastic consumption in India is about 20 million tons per annum and the country generates approximately 10.2 million tons of plastic waste annually. Only around 60% of plastic waste generated is managed formally. Of the plastics that are recycled, less than 5% are recycled in a closed loop to produce high-quality recyclates. Such closed-loop recycling needs to be bolstered to 34% in the near future to meet the stipulated EPR targets on incorporation of recycled content.

Chemical recycling technologies have a transformative potential to address the challenge of recycling waste plastics such as hard-to-recycle single-use plastics and reduce plastic pollution in India. Achieving this vision will require a collaborative effort between the government and industry to foster innovation and bolster the sector’s capabilities. We recommend the government to establish an INR 1000 crore fund for providing low-interest and collateral-free loans for implementing chemical recycling plants, including first-of-its-kind (FOAK) projects. We also anticipate a 0% GST on ISSC- certified pyrolysis oils produced through the chemical recycling of waste plastics, where these oils are used as circular feedstock for creating new plastics. Launching a Product Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, especially for scaling the implementation of chemical recycling plants that deal in single-use plastics to produce circular chemical feedstock, will further bolster these efforts.

Additionally, providing incentives and grants for R&D companies researching advanced recycling technologies and making plastics circular can drive innovation and enhance the industry’s capabilities. We are optimistic and look forward to a budget that promotes long-lasting and impactful growth in the plastic recycling industry.

 Mr. Rajiv Gupta, Managing Director, Wave City Limited

Real estate is one of the most critical sectors for building the momentum needed for the overall economic growth rate at 7% plus orbit. To keep the sector in the high growth trajectory, the government should provide incentives such as increasing tax deduction limits, rationalising the GST rate on under-construction properties to 5%, and introducing tax benefits for first-time home buyers. In addition, government should reduce the interest rate for home loan to stimulate the demand in the real estate sector, making housing more affordable and accessible to all”.

The Indian real estate sector has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years. From the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to Smart Cities Mission, government initiatives have catalysed a transformation, making India one of the most dynamic real estate markets globally.

Mr. Sebi Joseph, President, Otis India

As we look towards the Union Budget 2025-26, we anticipate that the government will continue to build on this momentum through more forward-thinking measures to further strengthen the real estate and infrastructure sectors, with a special focus on localisation and sustainability. A budget that introduces strategic steps such as targeted investments, substantial tax reliefs, enhanced funding mechanisms, robust infrastructure initiatives – and that pushes for sustainable developments – would provide the much-needed impetus to developers for building homes across all segments, including luxury housing and affordable housing, thus ensuring a balanced growth trajectory and contributing to achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, transforming India into a global leader in infrastructure and responsible urbanisation.

For the elevator and escalator industry, such a focus would present great avenues for growth in 2025 and beyond. With a surge in infrastructure projects, including smart cities, metro systems, and high-rise buildings, the vertical transportation industry is poised to be the backbone of India’s growing urban landscape. Furthermore, we are also contributing to the localisation of production and creating a self-reliant supply chain within the country. By marrying the growth of India’s urbanisation with innovation in elevators and escalators, the Budget holds the potential to set the stage for urban spaces that not only meet today’s needs but are also poised to thrive in the decades to come.

Mr. Partha Neog

 “With the Union Budget on the horizon, there is a growing need to address the evolving dynamics of the HR sector and its critical role in shaping India’s development. We look forward to policies that drive digital transformation, and innovation in workforce management, and emphasize skill development. These measures will not only create employment opportunities but also help build a future-ready workforce. In terms of Saas businesses, investments in AI and automation can empower businesses to streamline operations while enhancing employee experiences. Moreover, a robust education policy will be instrumental in retaining talent within the country and preventing brain drain. We anticipate a budget that prioritizes economic development, job creation, and strategic investments, paving the way for a progressive and inclusive India.”

Mr. Anand Aiyer, CEO, Arrow

 “As we approach the unveiling of the upcoming budget, we are optimistic about the government’s continued commitment to fostering economic resilience and growth. This is a pivotal moment to prioritize policies that drive innovation, enhance ease of doing business, and strengthen consumer confidence. At Arrow, we remain committed to honoring our legacy while evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s consumers. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities this budget could create for our business and the industry.

We’re hopeful the upcoming budget will introduce initiatives that foster retail growth and simplify business operations. At Arrow, this is a chance to innovate, expand, and continue delivering exceptional fashion for the modern Indian man.”

Yashoraj Tyagi, CEO, CASHe

“The lending sector expects some major changes in the upcoming Union Budget. Increased credit fraud, limited access to customer protection tools and cyber scams have temporarily disrupted the digital lending ecosystem. This year’s budget presents opportunities to introduce policies that can strengthen digital infrastructure and enhance access to financial services.

There is an urgent need to make the lending process more efficient and accessible, which requires government support through targeted regulatory reforms. Establishment of a dedicated India Fintech Credit Fund (IFCF), could be a game-changer in enabling smaller fintech companies to access affordable financing; This initiative shall help establish robust regulation to curb illegal lending, consumer protection, and enhancement.

Besides, the gaps in underserved markets, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities, need to be addressed. The Finance Minister should prioritise financial inclusion to bring more people into the formal financial system and drive equitable growth.”

Mr. Vivek Lohia, Managing Director, Jupiter Wagons Limited

“As we look ahead to the Union Budget 2025-26, it is imperative that the Ministry of Railways adopts a multi-pronged approach to strengthen freight operations. Accelerating the expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), including the newly introduced ‘Central India to Coast via DFC,’ will ensure faster, cost-efficient, and reliable freight movement, significantly enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian industries. Increasing the average speed of freight trains to 50 KMPH, deploying advanced 12,000 HP electric locomotives, and increasing the length of freight trains will be pivotal in accelerating freight loading. A strategic focus on railway geography assessments for sectors such as mining, NTPC, petrochemicals, cement, steel, FCI, dry ports, fertilizers, and textiles will ensure that freight operations align with India’s industrial needs.

Simultaneously, capital expenditure must prioritize modernizing infrastructure, urban rail projects, and innovative strategies such as the real-time information system (RTIS) and the separation of parcel traffic from passenger operations to minimize delays and improve overall efficiency. Dedicated Kisan Rails for perishables will further support agricultural supply chains.

Equally vital are policies that incentivize domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Expanding PLI schemes to include components such as rail wheels, axles, advanced bogies, and high-speed passenger coach components, alongside export incentives, will drive innovation and boost the railways’ global footprint. Additionally, the government should encourage public-private partnerships and provide financing for capacity expansion, fostering long-term growth. Bridging the talent gap in heavy engineering and R&D-focused companies through skill development and training programs will further strengthen the sector.

As Indian Railways progresses toward Net Zero Carbon status, this budget can be a transformative step in driving economic growth and sustainability.”

Deepak Chand Thakur, co-founder and CEO of NPST

“Favourable Macroeconomic Impact An increase in discretionary spending can have a beneficial impact on UPI transaction volumes. Any relief to stimulate personal spending capacity in the upcoming Union Budget FY 2025-26 will be welcomed by the fintech industry.

Introduction of MDR Regime for UPI Payments Today, one in three digital payments is a UPI transaction. With growing investment in payments infrastructure, fraud management, compliance, and security — and the associated cost of processing transactions — participating entities need to monetize UPI. A rethinking of MDR for UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 can create a sustainable revenue model, benefiting all stakeholders in the UPI ecosystem.

Democratizing Data through AI Policy: The data landscape offers potential for shared intelligence solutions. AI-driven collaboration could strengthen fraud prevention network-wide, particularly benefiting smaller players who need government support for intelligence sharing.”

IVCA Conclave 2025: Paving the Way for Growth in India’s Alternate Capital Sector

Mumbai, 22nd January 2025: India’s apex industry body for alternative assets, the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), will be hosting the 14th edition of its flagship event, the IVCA Conclave, on the 11th and 12th of February 2025 in Mumbai.

IVCA Conclave 2025, the premier event for the alternate capital industry in India, is a forum for strategic conversations on the prospects and direction of this pivotal industry.

Ashley Menezes, Partner and COO, ChrysCapital, and Chairperson, IVCA, emphasised the importance of the forum said, “The Indian alternate capital industry is evolving at fast pace and its impact on economic growth, and the potential for sustainable, long-term investments have been significant in boosting India’s financial growth. As India embarks on its journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047, the alternate capital industry has a critical role to play in shaping the roadmap by driving innovation, supporting entrepreneurial ventures, and enabling capital deployment that fosters economic resilience and inclusive development. IVCA Conclave 2025 is poised to create new standards for the Indian alternative capital market and welcomes game-changing ideas from exceptional minds in the ecosystem. The event is set to cater insightful panel discussions, inter-industry collaborations, and the crucial networking amongst key players of the financial industry.”

In 2024, India’s PE-VC ecosystem showed strong activity, with US$49.5 billion invested across 1,126 deals (upto Nov’24), as per IVCA – EY Deal Report. Mega deals worth US$20.7 billion dominated, led by Brookfield’s US$2.5 billion acquisition of ATC India and Zepto’s US$1.3 billion fundraising round according to Venture Intelligence.

The year also saw five new unicorns emerge, attracting US$356 million in investments, up from 22% in 2023. This shift reflects a focus on strategic, quality investments, emphasizing profitability and scalable growth in a maturing market.

Commenting on the vision for this year’s IVCA Conclave, Srini Sriniwasan, Managing Director, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited, and Vice Chairperson, IVCA, said, “The alternate capital ecosystem plays a transformative role in India’s financial trajectory. Bringing together industry experts, IVCA Conclave 2025 will witness important discussions that cover a range of topics, from how to evaluate risks and rewards, to building resilient climate innovation ecosystems, expansion of private credit, and more. The event serves as a key platform for industry leaders and emerging entrepreneurs to work in unison as they work towards a common goal – Viksit Bharat.”

Supporting IVCA Conclave 2025: Cooley, IC Universal Legal, Iron Pillar, Nuvama Asset Services, Nishith Desai Associates, Sundaram Alternates, Madison India Capital, Neo Asset Management, Oman India Joint Investment Fund, PlayBook Partners, PwC India, Uniqus, EY India, IDFC First Bank, ChrysCapital, Indian Angel Network, TVS Capital, Peak XV Partners, Affirma Capital, Kotak Investment Advisors Limited, Chiratae Ventures, Grant Thornton Bharat, AlphaGrep, Avendus, Blume Ventures, Cactus Partners, IvyCap Ventures, Trifecta Capital and UTI Alternatives.

Paresh Rawal Launches Chetana Education’s OTT Platform, Transforming the Education Landscape

At a landmark event, acclaimed actor and education advocate Padma Shri. Paresh Rawal unveiled Chetana Education’s pioneering personalised OTT platform for schools, designed to transform the way schools and students engage with learning. This innovative digital platform promises to personalize the educational experience, making it more accessible, engaging, and effective for learners across India.

The platform integrates cutting-edge digital tools and methodologies, offering schools and educators a dynamic approach to teaching. The OTT platform aims to meet the evolving needs of modern education and empower students for success in an ever-changing world.

Speaking at the launch, Paresh Rawal shared, “Education is the foundation of progress, and technology can amplify its reach and impact. Chetana Education’s OTT platform is a visionary step forward, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning experiences, no matter where they are. This initiative has the power to inspire and transform young minds.”

The event also included a panel discussion featuring some of India’s most esteemed educationists. Panellists included: Dr. Swati Popat Vats – President, ECA-APER, Kavita Sanghvi – Head of SVKM’s CNM School, Francis Joseph – Executive Director (India), GEMS Education and Fatema Agarkar – Founder, Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE)

The discussion emphasized the pivotal role of Art across the curriculum in enhancing learning experiences and explored how schools can blend creativity to foster holistic education.

Adding to the event’s highlights was the launch of the book Creative Connect: Art Across the Curriculum by renowned educator Dr. Swaroop Sampat Rawal. While the OTT platform took centre stage, the book offered a complementary perspective on integrating art into education. Dr. Swaroop Sampat Rawal remarked, “Art is not just a subject; it is a way of thinking and learning.

The dual launch of the OTT platform and Creative Connect represents a significant milestone in Indian education. With innovation at its heart, Chetana Education is all set to redefine how learning is experienced in schools, ensuring that students are not just taught but truly inspired.

Child Care Aware of Missouri Releases 2025 Child Care Report

Nonprofit shares data analysis to demonstrate Missouri’s child care system evolution since COVID-19.

(St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 22, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently released its “Child Care Landscape in Missouri” report which examines the region’s child care system from 2020 to 2024.

The up-to-date report explores how Missouri’s child care system has been significantly shaped by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various challenges addressed include an increase in child care deserts, child care affordability, limited resource accessibility, and the expiration of federally funded programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit organization that focuses on comprehensive early childhood education and its impact on families, child care professionals, businesses, and communities. CCAMO holds exclusive statewide licenses for Show Me Child Care Resources, a web-based portal providing more than 2,000 resources for child care educators and business owners, as well as T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships across Missouri since its inception.

CCAMO’s report provides researched solutions and actionable recommendations such as expanding affordable care access with a focus on rural and underserved areas; investing in workforce retention through better wages and benefits; sustaining public funding to stabilize and grow the sector; and promoting innovative child care models to meet diverse family needs.

“Our detailed analysis depicts numerous barriers in Missouri’s child care infrastructure since the pandemic,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “We have addressed these issues – from workforce development resources to policy recommendations – to assist our region in its quest for quality answers to our current child care climate.”

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.