Category Archives: News

Oneindia Joins Elite List of Top 10 Fastest-Growing Websites Worldwide; Ranks 2nd Among Indian Websites

Jan 17, 2025  Bengaluru, India

Oneindia, India’s number one digital vernacular portal, is thrilled to announce its remarkable achievement of being one of the 10 fastest-growing websites month-on-month and ranking among the top 50 most-visited sites globally in December 2024.

Additionally, Oneindia has secured the position of the second fastest-growing website in India, showcasing its immense popularity and trust among Indian audiences. This recognition is based on a report published by esteemed British trade publication, Press Gazette and data from the digital intelligence platform Similarweb.

Over the past year, Oneindia has reported consistent growth, strengthening its presence in the Indian digital media space. The platform focuses on vernacular users, delivering content in 10 languages, and content across 10 categories, including breaking news, entertainment, sports, automotive, technology, lifestyle, travel, personal finance, education, and viral trends.

Ravanan N, CEO, Oneindia said, “We are immensely grateful to our readers and supporters for their unwavering trust and engagement. This achievement is a reflection of our commitment to delivering high-quality content and breaking barriers in the digital space. As we celebrate this success, we remain dedicated to our mission of providing reliable and engaging content.”

As Oneindia continues to evolve, the platform remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering meaningful content tailored to diverse audiences. By prioritizing innovation, localization, and inclusivity, Oneindia is well-positioned to lead the digital media landscape and redefine how content resonates with audiences across the globe.

Whispers of the River and the Tree: A Grand theatrical spectacle Celebrating the Heritage, Spirituality, and Cause

Jan 17, 2025  Bangalore, India

Experience the divine fusion of art, spirituality, culture and cause at “Whispers of the River and the Tree”, a grand Bharatanatyam production premiering on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, Bengaluru. This enchanting performance celebrates the sacred legacy of the Sri Venugopala krishna swamy Temple and brings to life the profound connection between dance, music, and devotion. Proceeds from this event will support the Cauvery River’s rejuvenation and the revitalisation of the Krishna temple at Paschimavahini, preserving its sacred heritage for future generations.

Storytelling through Performing Arts

An Artistic Extravaganza
Featuring over 100 distinguished artists, this masterpiece pays homage to the Paschimavahini Krishna, weaving together original choreography and compositions. Directed by acclaimed Bharatanatyam maestros Poornima K. Gururaja and Badari Divya Bhushan, the production marries timeless tradition with the innovation of contemporary art forms.

A Story Rooted in Spirituality
Set amidst the serene imagery of an ancient temple, a flowing river, and a sacred tree, the narrative unfolds themes of love, loss, devotion, and rediscovery. The audience will journey through poignant moments—a bride and groom’s arranged union, the pain of bereavement, acts of sacrifice, the excitement of unearthing hidden treasures, and nature’s quiet wisdom. The finale promises to leave the audience spellbound, inspiring a deep spiritual connection.

Inspired by History
The Sri Venugopalakrishnaswamy Temple, situated by the Cauvery River in Paschimavahini, Srirangapatna (near Mysore, Karnataka), is a cherished spiritual and cultural heritage site. As per the temple’s sthala purana from 1810 C.E., a devout Kodugu Sreenivasa Iyengar unearthed the idol of Sri Venugopalakrishnaswamy beneath an Aswatha tree, guided by a divine vision. This historic temple remains a significant pilgrimage center, especially during Tula Sankramana (mid-October to mid-November).

The Visionaries Behind the Spectacle
It is with immense joy that I present “Whispers of the River and the Tree,” a GoBrahma Bharatanatyam production inspired by the sacred legacy of the Sri Venugopalakrishnaswamy Temple at Paschimavahini. This performance is a celebration of devotion, nature’s wisdom, and the timeless bond between tradition and art.

Crafted with reverence and brought to life by over 100 talented artists, this production unites the beauty of Bharatanatyam with the spiritual richness of our heritage. My heartfelt gratitude to Kalasindhu Academy, Bhushans’ Academy, and the Sri Venugopalakrishnaswamy Seva Samithi for their collaboration and dedication, said Roopa P Doraswamy, Founder GoBrahma Productions.

Join us on January 19, 2025, at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, Bengaluru, to witness this soulful journey. Let us come together to honor the enduring power of art, nature and spirituality.

Pre-Budget Expectation Inputs by Experts

Dhruv Chopra, Managing Partner, Dewan P.N. Chopra & Co.

 The upcoming Budget is expected to provide tax relief while balancing the government’s need to maintain revenue. Taxpayers are hoping for an enhanced rebate for lower-income individuals and an increase in the basic exemption limit under both tax regimes to help offset inflation. To help conserve taxpayers’ resources, the turnover limit for taxation on a presumptive basis under Sections 44AD (for businesses) and 44ADA (for professionals) should be increased.

 Homebuyers may benefit from higher interest deduction limits on housing loans under Section 24(b). The deduction should be allowed for the full interest paid, at least for one house, or the current limit of Rs. 2 lakh should be increased to Rs. 3 lakh.

 Faceless assessments and appeals are highly appreciated. However, there is a significant backlog in the completion of faceless appeal disposals, which needs to be expedited in a time-bound manner. The TDS process for non-resident property sellers, which is currently cumbersome, is also expected to be simplified.

 Capital Gains Tax
A key expectation is that the exemption limit for LTCG on equities, currently capped at ₹1.25 lakh, may be increased to ₹2 lakh or higher, allowing investors to retain more of their returns. The new grandfathering rule in capital gains, which allows indexation benefits to resident individuals/HUF on the sale of residential property, needs to be rationalized. It should also be extended to other categories of assessments, such as non-residents, corporates, and other types of assets.

 There is growing anticipation for a review of Sections 54 and 54F, which provide exemptions for reinvestment of capital gains in residential properties, potentially expanding eligibility and increasing the ceiling for investment. To address the significant housing shortage in the country, the restriction on investing the sale proceeds in acquiring two residential houses should be removed, and the scope should be broadened to exempt capital gains tax if the sale proceeds are invested in creating housing stock, without any limitation on the number of units for individuals and HUF. Additionally, for claiming deductions under Section 54, the minimum holding period of the new asset should be reduced from 3 years to 2 years, in line with the minimum period for an asset to be treated as a long-term capital asset under Section 2(42A).

 Currently, exemptions under Sections 54 and 54F are limited to residential properties. These should be extended to business properties, as selling and reinvesting in business assets aims to support business growth, not generate capital gains. Expanding these exemptions would boost economic activity.

 Additionally, the threshold limit of Rs. 50 lakh under Section 54EC should be substantially enhanced to Rs. 2 crore, considering the limit was fixed in 2007. These funds are used for infrastructure development and contribute to societal welfare. These changes, along with a possible reduction in Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) tax, could create a more investor-friendly environment, encouraging both retail and foreign investments and making India’s tax regime more competitive on the global stage.

Niranjan Govindekar, Partner, Corporate Tax, Tax & Regulatory Services, BDO India

 Budget 2024 had made big changes to the capital gains tax framework, offering both challenges and benefits for investors. Some provisions need a relook. For instance, to streamline the capital gains tax structure by aligning tax rates/ period of holding across various sub-asset classes, for instance, treating international equities the same as domestic equities, debt funds the same as gold funds, and gold funds the same as gold ETFs.The hike in short-term rates from 15% to 20% and in long-term rates from 10% to 12.5% has raised investor tax liabilities significantly. Since now the LTCG tax on securities is on par with other assets, the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) should be abolished.

Budget 2024 unexpectedly removed the indexation benefit for all long-term investments in debt funds. It is expected that all investments in debt funds made up to 31 March 2023, would qualify for the indexation benefit as per earlier provisions.
Tax implications on the buyback of shares – under the amended provisions, the entire consideration received is treated as dividends and taxed in the hands of the shareholders. It is recommended that the government amend the law to allow the cost of the acquisition of shares as a reduction and tax only the net amount as a dividend.

Sanjay Choudhari, Chairman, SBL Energy

“The industrial explosives sector is a cornerstone for India’s mining and infrastructure ambitions. As we look to the Union Budget 2025, we hope for significant investments in large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in sectors like railways, highways, and mining, which directly drive demand for industrial explosives.

The rising cost of raw materials, particularly ammonium nitrate, remains a pressing challenge. Rationalizing import duties or introducing tax incentives on key inputs would provide much-needed relief and enhance competitiveness.

In line with India’s sustainability agenda, the government should encourage innovation in eco-friendly explosives technologies through targeted R&D incentives. This will enable the sector to align with environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

Reforms aimed at simplifying regulatory frameworks, particularly around licensing and safety compliance, will foster a more conducive business environment. With the right support, the industrial explosives industry is well-positioned to accelerate the country’s industrial and infrastructure growth, contributing significantly to the vision of a self-reliant India.”

Mr. Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group

The upcoming budget holds significant importance as it will be the first full-year budget of the Modi 3.0 government. We anticipate major announcements aimed at benefiting the real estate and infrastructure sectors, which are critical growth engines for the economy and support numerous allied industries.

One key area of focus should be the rationalization of taxes and duties levied on homebuyers, which in many states exceed 12% of a property’s value. In the previous budget, the finance minister urged state governments to address this issue, but significant progress has yet to be made. We hope this budget includes provisions to streamline these charges and provide much-needed relief to homebuyers. Additionally, we urge the government to revisit the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on real estate and consider providing relief in this area.

Steps toward GST reforms for the real estate sector are also necessary to make it a more attractive investment option. Furthermore, increasing the tax deduction limit under Section 24(b) for home loan interest, currently capped at ₹2 lakh per annum, to at least ₹5 lakh would provide substantial financial relief. This is particularly relevant for homebuyers in metropolitan cities, where high property prices necessitate large home loans. Such a move could boost demand and promote homeownership.

Introducing industry status for the real estate sector is another long-pending demand. This would enable developers to access capital at more competitive rates, making housing more affordable for buyers.

The government should also consider increasing budgetary allocations for infrastructure development, including metro networks, multimodal corridors, and last-mile connectivity projects. These investments would not only improve urban mobility but also stimulate the growth of commercial real estate in metro cities and their peripheral areas, fostering economic activity and attracting investment.

Overall, a balanced approach in the budget—rationalizing taxes, incentivizing homebuyers, and strengthening infrastructure—would play a crucial role in driving growth in the real estate and infrastructure sectors while contributing to broader economic progress.

Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd

“As we approach the upcoming budget, the real estate sector is optimistic about reforms that can act as growth catalysts and enhance operational efficiency. Revising the current tax exemption limit on housing loans to ₹5 lakhs, in line with rising property prices and construction costs, could provide significant relief to homebuyers. This step would directly support millions of aspiring homeowners and boost demand across the sector.

Equally transformative would be granting industry status to real estate, a move capable of invigorating over 200 allied sectors. Such recognition would foster job creation, enable skill development, and amplify economic activity, further solidifying the sector’s position as a cornerstone of India’s economy.

The real estate industry is poised to play a defining role in India’s journey toward ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ Strategic reforms, such as adjustments to GST input tax credit regulations, could reduce developers’ tax burdens, potentially stabilizing property prices and making housing more accessible. Additionally, introducing a ₹5 lakh subsidy for housing loans up to ₹1 crore would offer crucial financial support to urban and semi-urban homebuyers.

Broadening the definition of affordable housing to include properties priced up to ₹1 crore would align with evolving market dynamics and strengthen the government’s vision of ‘housing-for-all.’ These reforms, if implemented, could unlock tremendous potential, propelling the sector toward sustainable growth while contributing significantly to the nation’s development goals.”

Veer Singh, CEO, Lord’s Automative Pvt. Ltd

“The transition to green mobility is likely to be further expedited for India by the 2025 budget, setting a target to achieve 30 percent penetration of electric vehicles in the total automobile sales by 2030. Such penetration would certainly be possible in the country as India is more price-sensitive compared to other places.

More efforts need to be made in building a robust battery infrastructure, such as charging stations and battery recycling facilities, to boost consumer confidence. The budget should also include state-level incentives such as remission of registration fees for two-wheelers and three-wheelers in addition to subsidies to make EVs more widely available.

This would also ensure low-cost funding options through PSU banks and NBFCs with attractive interest rates, making it easy for both personal and commercial buyers to switch to electric vehicles. Equally, all logistical challenges and transportation costs must be addressed to cater to the diverse and sensitive customer base in terms of price.

The budget will support the rapidly growing EV industry by being standardised rather than being subjected to monopolistic activities. There might be a good base for sustainable mobility with the budget by advocating local manufacturing, self-reliance in the EV supply chain, and measures to establish India as a global hub for EV manufacturing.”

Mr. Mukul Bhatia, Managing Director – Head of Corporate Solutions Group, Lockton India

“The Union Budget 2025 offers a significant opportunity to accelerate the adoption of health insurance and enhance financial security across India. By introducing additional sops and tax incentives for individuals and corporate entities, the budget can boost health insurance penetration, aligning with the national vision of achieving universal insurance coverage by 2047. This would ensure greater financial protection for all.

Targeted incentives for corporate entities to provide enhanced employee benefits, such as comprehensive health insurance plans, can further strengthen the country’s economic resilience. Additionally, with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, promoting disaster resilience through incentives for catastrophe insurance products can facilitate timely recovery and reduce financial losses, particularly in high-risk regions. Our vision at Lockton India, is to provide innovative insurance solutions and believe that progressive reforms in this budget can enable the insurance sector to play a crucial role in creating a secure and inclusive future.”

Jaikaran Chandock, Director, Balu Forge Industries Ltd

”Defence will be one of the key focus areas for the upcoming Union Budget 2025, as the government intensifies its efforts to achieve self-reliance in design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment. The budget should propose an increase in the capital outlay for the defence sector to bolster capacity and capability, driving progress towards achieving self-reliance and attaining the defence exports target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029. With a dynamic defence manufacturing sector, India can boost indigenisation as well as domestic procurement of defence products and can become a global hub for sourcing advanced defence equipment. Therefore, the budget needs to propose measures and schemes that encourage technology transfer, public-private partnerships, R&D and collaboration with global players and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). A strong defence manufacturing ecosystem will help the sector unlock emerging opportunities.”

Praveen Kumar Bhandari, Chief Financial Officer, Hi-Tech Radiators Pvt Ltd

”We urge the government to prioritize investments in infrastructure development in the upcoming Budget 2025 as it could play a pivotal role in creating world-class infrastructure and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub. The government should also look at rationalising the tax structure while reducing the compliance burden on the taxpayer. The government’s move to levy higher GST and additional cess on certain products to raise more funds may not be a good idea, and it may promote tax evasions while encouraging the unorganised sector to supply counterfeit products to take advantage of the situation. We would also like to draw the government’s attention towards the tax compliance burden; be it direct or indirect taxation, its burden has been increasing on the taxpayers. Additionally, the government also looks at providing some tax incentives to exporters by reintroducing Sec 80 HHC of the income tax, as it will also help the country in offsetting the impact of the ever-increasing trade deficit driven by rising crude oil import bills. The interest equalisation scheme should also be made more liberal with no limit on the subvention of the interest for available pre- and post-packing credit. Besides this, the government should also look at rationalising personal income tax rates, particularly ‘surcharges and cess,’ which are always temporary in nature and are levied for a very specific purpose. Faceless assessment and appeal schemes under income tax should be made optional, as they have slowed down the disposal rate with heaps of high-pitch assessment/appeal orders.”

Praveen Kumar Bhandari, Chief Financial Officer, Hi-Tech Radiators Pvt Ltd

”We urge the government to prioritize investments in infrastructure development in the upcoming Budget 2025 as it could play a pivotal role in creating world-class infrastructure and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub. The government should also look at rationalising the tax structure while reducing the compliance burden on the taxpayer. The government’s move to levy higher GST and additional cess on certain products to raise more funds may not be a good idea, and it may promote tax evasions while encouraging the unorganised sector to supply counterfeit products to take advantage of the situation. We would also like to draw the government’s attention towards the tax compliance burden; be it direct or indirect taxation, its burden has been increasing on the taxpayers. Additionally, the government also looks at providing some tax incentives to exporters by reintroducing Sec 80 HHC of the income tax, as it will also help the country in offsetting the impact of the ever-increasing trade deficit driven by rising crude oil import bills. The interest equalisation scheme should also be made more liberal with no limit on the subvention of the interest for available pre- and post-packing credit. Besides this, the government should also look at rationalising personal income tax rates, particularly ‘surcharges and cess,’ which are always temporary in nature and are levied for a very specific purpose. Faceless assessment and appeal schemes under income tax should be made optional, as they have slowed down the disposal rate with heaps of high-pitch assessment/appeal orders.”

Jaikaran Chandock, Director, Balu Forge Industries Ltd

”Defence will be one of the key focus areas for the upcoming Union Budget 2025, as the government intensifies its efforts to achieve self-reliance in design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment. The budget should propose an increase in the capital outlay for the defence sector to bolster capacity and capability, driving progress towards achieving self-reliance and attaining the defence exports target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029. With a dynamic defence manufacturing sector, India can boost indigenisation as well as domestic procurement of defence products and can become a global hub for sourcing advanced defence equipment. Therefore, the budget needs to propose measures and schemes that encourage technology transfer, public-private partnerships, R&D and collaboration with global players and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). A strong defence manufacturing ecosystem will help the sector unlock emerging opportunities.”

Mr. Akash Khurana, President and CEO, Krisumi Corporation

As the Union Budget for 2025 approaches, the government, with its view to push growth, is anticipated to introduce a slew of reforms which may boost economic activity and bring efficiency to different sectors, including real estate.

The real estate sector, being one of the largest contributors to the GDP, could serve as a catalyst in augmenting growth. Since the tax deduction on housing loans has remained stagnant at ₹2 lakh per annum, it is imperative for the government to increase the threshold to ₹5 lakh. This will propel the demand for housing further.

We also anticipate the government to continue its thrust on infrastructure development, as it has a multiplier impact on the economy. With the government’s focus on sustainable development, some kind of incentive for green and eco-friendly housing could boost the supply of sustainable units.

Mr. Prashant Mishra founder & CEO at Agnam Advisors

As we look ahead to the 2025 Union Budget, there is a great opportunity for the government to further strengthen India’s economic growth. To drive private investments, it’s important to simplify compliance processes and offer targeted incentives, particularly in sectors that help build stronger financial markets and promote innovation. These steps can inspire greater investor confidence and contribute to a more robust and inclusive economy. The government’s goal of reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.9% of GDP is a responsible and commendable approach to ensuring long-term economic stability. At the same time, it is crucial to maintain focus on investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to continue supporting growth and inclusive development. By balancing fiscal discipline with policies that encourage investment, the 2025 Budget can provide a good foundation for sustainable growth. By doing this, it is sure to give the investors the power, promote innovation, and sustain India’s position as an economic leader.

DENSO to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, New Delhi

Jan 16, 2025, New Delhi, India

DENSO, a leading global mobility supplier, is excited to announce its participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, taking place from January 17th to 22nd, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This platform reflects the growing capabilities and innovations within the Indian automotive sector.

DENSO’s exhibition is located under the prestigious NASSCOM Pavilion to position itself as a leading Advance Technology provider, at Booth No: H3 B2, Hall 3, 1st Floor, where the company will present its latest Global and India advancements across several key verticals.

This premier event, will bring together top players from the mobility value chain, showcasing groundbreaking innovations in technology. With a focus on sustainable mobility, and high-tech automotive solutions, the expo will feature a diverse array of participants and unveilings from major automakers.

DENSO aims to be an inspiring company that creates a brighter future for all people through its commitment to being “Green” and creating “Peace of Mind,” highlighting its commitment to promote environmental sustainability and to reduce traffic fatalities, through its latest technologies and solutions tailored for the evolving Indian automotive landscape.

DENSO is featuring the Theme: “Pioneering Next-generation cutting-edge technologies” showcasing its Innovation across Semiconductors to explore the potential of Silicon carbide (Si & SiC), groundbreaking Electrification technologies, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Technology to enhance traffic safety of driver, passenger and pedestrian. DENSO’s “Solwer” brand presents a Solutions provider harnessing data-driven technology powered by AI and ML to drive social innovation and expand to a mobility-centered society.

DENSO booth with innovative technology at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

Visit our Special Webpage: NextGen Mobility | What we do | DENSO India Website

Semiconductors – Si & SiC Wafer
DENSO will explore the potential of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors in today’s increasingly smart society. SiC technology offers superior efficiency and performance compared to traditional silicon-based devices.

Electrification Technology
DENSO is committed to enhancing EV performance through SiC-based Inverters designed to improve power conversion efficiency and reduce energy losses in electric drivetrains. DENSO’s Heat pump technology achieves the EV goals of eco-friendliness & comfort.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Technology
DENSO aims to prevent accidents and enhance safety across society with its innovative ADAS technologies. Key features include GSP3 Global Safety Package, to assist drivers and prevent collisions. MW (Millimeter Wave) Radar & Vision Sensors provide real-time data for vehicle surroundings, enabling features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

Market Solutions: “Solwer” Brand for Social Innovation
DENSO’s “Solwer” brand focuses on harnessing data-driven technology powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) to drive social innovation. This includes platforms like ‘KAIZENioT’ for factory productivity optimization. ‘Vehicle Digital Inspection,’ using image recognition and ML for automated vehicle valuation, ‘Transport & Warehouse Management,’ designed to optimize logistics cost through efficient resource allocation, route planning, and inventory management, ‘Mobility Aftermarket SuperApp,’ a marketplace connecting car owners with service providers like repair shops, car dealers and car washes, ‘Carbon Footprint Management,’ that helps organizations measure, track, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while achieving sustainability goals.

On the participation at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Mr. Yasuhiro Iida, CEO of DENSO India Region, remarked, “With our participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to driving innovation that enhances safety and sustainability in the mobility sector. Our advanced technologies are not just about keeping pace with the evolving automotive landscape; they are designed to lead the way toward a future where mobility is both efficient and environmentally responsible. With our expertise in electrification, advanced driver assistance systems, and data-driven solutions, we can contribute significantly to creating safer roads and reducing carbon footprints. This expo provides an invaluable platform for us to connect with industry stakeholders and showcase how DENSO’s innovations can meet the current and future needs of society, fostering collaborations to accelerate Innovations.”

With over 75 years global experience – Proud inventor of QR Code technology revolutionized digital transformation and four decades of experience in India since its establishment in 1984 having various India first Technology accolades, DENSO continues to lead the charge in automotive innovation through its extensive manufacturing units and R&D centers tailored to meet local market needs.

Guwahati to host direct selling industry leaders and policym­akers at IDSA Northe­ast Direct Selling Expo on January 21st

January 16, 2025, Guwahati is set to become the epicenter of discussions and innovations in the direct selling indust­ry on January 21, 20­25, as eminent gover­nment dignitaries, top industry leaders, policymakers, acade­mics, and social act­ivists converge he­re for the 2nd Editi­on of IDSA Northeast Direct Selling Conf­erence and Expo.

The event, being organized by the Indi­an Direct Selling As­sociation (IDSA), wi­ll witness brainstor­ming on crucial topi­cs such as industry growth, regulatory frameworks, consumer awareness, reforms, policy advocacy, and empowerment of women and youth through direct selling opp­ortunities.

The IDSA, in a pre­ss release issued he­re today, said the event will feature a grand exhibition sho­wcasing products, se­rvices, and innovati­ons from IDSA member companies. Other key attractions include recognition of wom­en entrepreneurs for their achievements in the Northeast region to celebrate entrepreneurial succe­ss and interactive sessions with direct selling entrepreneurs and students of co­lleges and universit­ies. The Expo will further witness a uni­que showcase of Nort­heast culture and In­novation sin the dir­ect selling indust­ry through a product ramp walk by models adorned in northeast attire, it added.

The release highli­ghted India’s direct selling industry’s robust growth, with a market size exceed­ing ₹21,282 crore, ranking 11th globally. The sector demonst­rated a 12% growth rate in 2022–23 and boasts a compound ann­ual growth rate (CAG­R) of over 8%. It has provided self-em­ployment and micro-e­ntrepreneurship oppo­rtunities to over 86 lakh individuals, including 32 lakh wom­en, emphasizing its role in socio-econom­ic transformation.

The release unders­cores that the North­east, with a market share of 8.7%, contr­ibutes over ₹1,800 crore to the national turnover while prov­iding self-income op­portunities to over 4.2 lakh direct sell­ers in the region. Assam, being the 9th largest direct sell­ing market in the country, leads with ₹1,009 crore in sales and a 4.7% market share, supported by over 2.4 lakh direct sellers. The contri­bution of the other seven northeastern states includes Manip­ur (Rs 288 cr.), Nag­aland (Rs 227 cr.), Mizoram (Rs 156 cr.), Arunachal Pradesh (Rs 78 cr.), Tripu­ra (Rs 72 cr.), Megh­alaya (Rs 19 cr.), and Sikkim (Rs 5 cr.). The industry contr­ibutes over ₹270 cro­re annually to the region’s state excheq­uer, reinforcing its role in the Northea­st’s development.

IDSA is of the str­ong view that the 20­25 Northeast Direct Selling Expo is expe­cted to serve as a platform for fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration, further solidifying the Northeast’s piv­otal role in India’s direct selling sect­or.

Rosmerta Technologies Secures Tender to Establish 21 Automated Testing Stations a Maharashtra in five years

Mumbai, 17th January 2025 – Rosmerta Technologies, a leader in mobility solutions, has secured a tender worth INR 400 crore to set up 21 Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across Maharashtra, solidifying its position as a pioneer in road safety innovations. This landmark project aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring road safety through technology-driven solutions. The tender entails that these stations will come up in the state over the next five years.

India’s vehicular population has grown significantly, reaching 354 million by 2022, according to MoRTH. In 2023-24 alone, 28.4 million vehicles were produced, contributing 6.8% to India’s GDP and 40% to manufacturing GDP. Despite this growth, India also reports 1.5–1.6 lakh annual road fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced vehicular safety measures. In response, the government introduced Chapter XI in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) to mandate the establishment of ATS nationwide, requiring significant investments to standardize and automate roadworthiness testing.

Rosmerta’s scope of work under this tender includes constructing and operating the ATS centers to provide efficient, reliable, and automated testing for public service vehicles. This builds upon Rosmerta’s successful implementation and ongoing operation of 10 pilot I&C centers initiated by MoRTH. Rosmerta also executed three centers in Karnataka and has tested over half a million vehicles nationwide. The Maharashtra project represents a significant step forward, with plans to operationalize all 21 centers within a year under the supervision of the State Transport Department.

Mr. Kartick Nagpal, President of Rosmerta Technologies, commented, “At Rosmerta, we view safety as the foundation of sustainable mobility. Winning this tender is a significant step toward realizing our vision of a safer transportation network across India. By leveraging cutting-edge technology in Automated Testing Stations, we aim to provide vehicle owners and operators with the assurance of compliance, while helping the nation tackle the pressing challenge of road safety with greater efficiency and accountability.”

This initiative highlights the necessity of government-led financial assistance, akin to the PLI scheme, to expedite the nationwide rollout of ATS infrastructure. It also underscores the importance of a standardized model across states to ensure the authenticity and reliability of testing processes, preventing fraudulent practices seen in some manual systems.

As Maharashtra leads the way with an organized approach to ATS deployment, Rosmerta continues to champion technology-driven solutions for safer, smarter roads. This project is a testament to the company’s enduring partnership with the government and its unwavering focus on building a sustainable and secure future for India’s transportation sector.

In addition to the ATS rollout, Rosmerta will showcase a live demo of the automated testing station at the Bharat Mobility Exhibition from January 17-22, 2025, offering a glimpse into the future of technology-enabled road safety initiatives.

Prime Video Releases First-Look Images for Invincible Season Three

Mumbai – January 17 – Prime Video is thrilled to share first look images from the highly anticipated Season Three of Invincible. The craziest and bloodiest season yet introduces a new supervillain in Powerplex. The first three episodes of the critically acclaimed adult-animated superhero series, co-produced by Skybound Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios, will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories beginning on Thursday, February 6, 2025, with additional episodic drops every Thursday through March 13.

The first two seasons of the animated series received “Certified Fresh” rankings on Rotten Tomatoes and was awarded Rotten Tomatoes’ Golden Tomato Award for Best Animated Series in 2023.

BITS Design School’s B Des applications to close on January 31

Mumbai, 16 January 2025 | BITS Design School (BITSDES) will close the application window for 2025 admissions to its 4-year residential Bachelor of Design (Honours) programme on January 31, 2025. This intake will be for the second cohort of the programme. BITSDES was set up under the aegis of BITS Pilani – itself established in 1964 and one of the first universities in the private sector to be recognised by the Govt of India in 2020 as an “Institution of Eminence”.

BITSDES has an intake of 180 students for its B Des (Hons) programme which offers five pathways—Physical Product Design, Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Design Research and Insights, Experience Design, and Visual Design.

Admissions to the programme are based on a holistic assessment beginning with the scores of either NID DAT Prelims, UCEED, or the BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITSDAT). Students who plan to apply with the NID DAT Prelim or the UCEED score are also required to submit their BITSDES application by the Jan 31 deadline. They can do so using registration numbers or roll numbers for NID DAT Prelim / UCEED. The application portal will be re-opened between 5th and 8th April for them to upload their scores.

Students also have the option of taking the BITSDAT between March 31 and April 5, 2025. The BITSDAT is a 60-minute test with multiple choice questions on general aptitude and design concepts.

The list of shortlisted candidates based on test scores will be announced on April 14, 2025. Selected candidates will need to upload their portfolios, and online interviews will be scheduled between May 2 to May 12, 2025.

Nandita Abraham, Dean, BITS Design School, said, “BITS Design School is a place where people from around the world come together to harness the power of design and shape a more thoughtful and impactful future. Our students are learning in a transdisciplinary environment and have a strong inclination toward addressing real-world problems through design. We emphasize international exposure, hands-on experiences, and industry-relevant projects, equipping our students to adapt to evolving trends in the global design landscape.”

BITS Design School has collaborated with global institutions to enhance its academic offerings – with Aalto University in Finland for curriculum design and annual review, with Arizona State University for student and faculty exchange, joint research programmes and projects, and with RMIT University in Melbourne, to create opportunities for student/faculty exchange and immersion. The institute has as its advisors, renown professionals and academicians – Don Norman, Founding Director, Design Lab, University of California, San Diego (retired); Biju Dominic, Chief Evangelist, Fractal, and CEO, Final Mile; John Thackara, Sr. Fellow, Royal College of Arts; and Sandy Speicher, Professor, Stanford d. School, Ex-CEO, IDEO. Remarkably, the founding class has had an opportunity to meet and interact with each of the advisors on campus, as have the faculty during the curriculum and pedagogy review. With a strong focus on industry integration, the School has set up a mentorship programme with design professionals who interact with students in small groups to help them understand the design industry landscape and frame their career choices.

Air India Announces Daily Flights Between Delhi and Bhuj

GURUGRAM, 16 January 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced daily flights between Delhi and Bhuj, starting February 1, 2025. Air India will operate the route with its A320 aircraft, complementing its daily flights between Mumbai and Bhuj.

The new service also enables travellers from Bhuj to take seamless one-stop connections via Delhi to other parts of India as well as to points in North America, UK, Southeast Asia, and vice versa.

Air India will operate the route with its A320 aircraft, bringing the only full-service flying option to customers travelling to and from Bhuj.

Watch the Trailer of ‘Saubhagyavati Sarpanch’ – A Powerful Tale on Women’s Empowerment in Rural India

Mumbai, Jan 2025: The much-awaited trailer of “Saubhagyavati Sarpanch’ was launched today. This captivating web series is not just the story of one woman’s success, but a beacon of hope & motivation for women in our country who aim to carve a niche for themselves in society. It highlights the fundamental role of women’s empowerment in societal progress, emphasizing that every woman has an undeniable right to freedom, education, and leadership. It is a Republic Day Special and will be streamed from 22nd January on Ultra Jhakaas OTT

Saubhagyavati Sarpanch features a stellar cast including Devika Daftardar, Kishore Kadam, Asha Jante, Nagesh Bhosale, Ashwini Kulkarni & Padmanabh Bhind. It is directed by well-known Director Santosh Kolhe & produced by Mr. Sushilkumar Agrawal

The series chronicles the extraordinary journey of Awali, a simple housewife who, after being elected as the Sarpanch in a women-reserved position, takes on the challenge of village development. The story beautifully captures her struggles and triumphs as she breaks stereotypes and shatters societal norms, offering a powerful message: everyone has the right to dream and achieve. . It delves deeply into themes like relationships, patriarchal mindsets, and the transformative power of women emancipation making it both relatable and thought-provoking.

Mr. Sushilkumar Agarwal, CEO of Ultra Media and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., shared, “’Saubhagyavati Sarpanch’ is more than entertainment. It’s a clarion call for social change. We are confident that it will inspire audiences to champion women empowerment. Ultra Jhakaas remains committed to delivering meaningful and high-quality content regularly.”

Celebrate the spirit of Republic Day by witnessing the remarkable journey of Awali and her pursuit of progress and equality. ‘Saubhagyavati Sarpanch’ premieres exclusively on Ultra Jhakaas from 22nd January 2025 – a tribute to women’s power and dreams in rural Maharashtra. Don’t miss this extraordinary tale!