Category Archives: News

Uptown by Advant Navis Business Park Rings in 2025 with Record-Breaking New Year’s Eve Footfall

Noida, 16.01.2025: Uptown by Advant Navis Business Park, located in Noida’s Sector 142, celebrated New Year’s Eve with an exceptional surge in footfall, recording an impressive 28,458 visitors on December 31, 2024. This marks a significant increase of over 30% compared to the 16,678 guests recorded last year. The surge highlights Uptown’s growing appeal as a premier lifestyle destination for celebrations, dining, and vibrant community experiences.

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at Uptown by Advant Navis Business Park were nothing short of spectacular, with visitors flocking to enjoy the festive spirit, lively entertainment, and diverse dining options. Restaurants and cafes reported excellent business, bolstered by exclusive promotions and themed events designed to elevate the guest experience. Attendees explored new culinary offerings, indulged in wellness services, and participated in engaging activities that created a memorable evening for all.

“We are thrilled by the incredible footfall this New Year’s Eve, which far exceeded our expectations. The live music, festive decorations, and vibrant atmosphere made the evening truly special for our visitors. This growth reflects the trust and enthusiasm of our community, and we are excited to launch new initiatives in 2025 to further enhance their experiences. From seasonal promotions to interactive activities, Uptown remains committed to delivering joy and fostering a strong sense of connection. We look forward to welcoming even more guests in the coming year and creating unforgettable moments for all,” said Mr. Sunil Sharma, Managing Director, Advant Navis Business Park.

“Our vision is to create a vibrant space where families and friends come together to celebrate life, enjoy premium dining, and connect with the community. The record-breaking footfall this New Year’s Eve inspires us to continue collaborating with our partners to showcase the best of our local and international offerings. 2025 will be a year of growth, innovation, and memorable experiences at Uptown. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey!” said Mr. Kamal Batra, Director, Advant Navis Business Park.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations featured festive decorations, live music performances, and a lively atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. A highlight of the night was a special countdown event with live entertainment that captivated visitors and encouraged them to explore Uptown’s offerings. The evening blended holiday cheer with a strong sense of community, making it an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Male Fertility is Important: Things to Keep in Mind

By-Dr. Sabia Mangat, Consultant – Gynaecologist, Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Milann Fertility Hospital, Chandigarh

Nearly 1 in 7 couples are unable to conceive even after frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a period of one year or longer. In upto half of these couples, male factor is the cause. Today we need to understand that male fertility plays a crucial role in the reproductive process and decreasing sperm count is a growing concern worldwide. Lifestyle, diet, environmental factors and chronic health problems significantly impact male fertility. In order to plan a healthy pregnancy, a man should look after his health so that it can improve his fertility and the future health of his child. A man should know the reasons that can affect his fertility.

So, what determines a healthy sperm? Sperm health depends on various factors which includes the quantity, movement and structure of the sperms.

Sperm Quantity: A man is known to be fertile if the semen contains at least 16 million sperm per millilitre (WHO 2021). Reduced number of sperms in an ejaculate might make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant because there are fewer number of healthy sperms available to fertilize the egg.

Movement: To reach and fertilize an egg, there should be sufficient movement of the sperms – wriggling and swimming through a female cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. This is known as sperm motility. Pregnancy is possible with more than 42 percent of the sperms in ejaculate moving, that is 42 percent is considered the threshold value for sperm motility.

Structure of the Sperm: A sperm also known as spermatozoa has three main parts – a head, midpiece and tail or flagellum which helps in its movement. Minimum 4% of the sperms in the semen sample should have normal morphology to cause a healthy pregnancy.

Important causes of male infertility:

· Obesity has an impact on the sperm quality, because fat influences the metabolism of androgens, especially testosterone. This can result in abberations in normal spermatogenesis process and alterations in the sperm DNA in the nucleus.

· Frequent smoking and use of addictive substances can have a significant negative impact on semen parameters .

· Food supplements should not be used without physician or professional advice, as it can have an impact on the health and fertility. Testosterone injections and other steroid preparations can severely harm sperm production. Excess amount of coffee intake can also have an influence.

· It is a known fact that sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia and ureoplasma can cause male infertility.

· Other risk factors include working in high temperatures, using sauna baths or hot tubs, professions requiring long sitting hours; wearing tight underwears and use of laptops kept on the lap for a long period of time.

· The assumption that men can reproduce into an advanced age is totally untrue. After 35, the reproductive potential of men drops sharply, as DNA in sperms starts disintegrating . After the age of 40, the likelihood of men fathering a child without genetic abnor declines 11 per cent every year.

· Varicocele, taking protein supplements containing traces of hormones/steroids to increase muscle mass also affect male fertility

· Certain medications like tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers and anti androgens affect sperm production.

What’s the best way to produce a healthy sperm?

Lifestyle changes:

· Maintain a healthy weight. Normal body mass index is liked with normal sperm count and normal motility .

· Moderate amount of physical activity and exercise improves fertility.

· Managing your stress levels, as high stress levels negatively impact fertility. Practice yoga, meditation or deep breathing.

· Try to get an adequate amount of sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to regulate hormones.

· Prevent sexually transmitted infections by adopting safe sexual practises i.e. limiting the number of partners , using physical barriers etc.

· Quitting smoking as it damages sperm DNA and reduces fertility.

Diet and Nutrition:

· Eat antioxidants rich foods. Fruits, vegetables and nuts help to combat oxidative stress.

· Include Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, flaxseeds and walnuts.

· Consume zinc rich foods, such as Oysters, beef, chicken and pumpkin seeds which support sperm production.

· Vitamin D is essential for sperm motility. Maintain an adequate levels through sufficient sunlight exposure, supplements or fortified foods.

· Avoid processed and high glycemic index foods as they are harmful for fertility.

Environmental Factors:

· Avoid exposure to toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals and industrial chemicals that harms sperm health.

· Limit heat exposure. High temperatures can affect sperm production.

· Mobile phones, laptops and microwaves emit harmful radiations which impacts sperm count, motility and causes DNA fragmentation. Therefore, avoid using them for prolonged period of time .

Boosting male fertility requires a holistic approach. By incorporating lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, supplements and natural remedies, we can improve their sperm count and overall fertility. If your wife hasn’t got pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse, you might consider being evaluated by a fertility specialist. A fertility specialist will help you to identify the cause and provide treatments that will help you in your journey to parenthood.

Fleetguard Filters Private Limited undertakes a mega plantation drive under its CSR Initiative at Village Tamhanwadi, Daund

Pune, 16th January 2025—Fleetguard Filters Private Limited, a leading manufacturer of filtration products and solutions for various on- and off-highway applications, extends support for a mega plantation drive with the Forest Department and Being Volunteer Foundation (Non-Governmental Organization).

2000 saplings were planted at Biodiversity Park in Tamhanwadi, Daund Pune on 15th January 2025 Wednesday. Over 42 FFPL employees, some Being Volunteer Foundation volunteers, officials from the Forest department, and people from the local community participated in planting the saplings.

FFPL via the NGO and gram panchayat will be contributing to maintaining the biodiversity park for a tenure of three years. This project commenced in November 2024, where initially the ground was being prepared for plantation in January 2025.

This biodiversity park being created on Forest land envisages increasing the biodiversity richness in the area. Where the local community would enjoy the benefits of regional plants and birds being home to their habitat.

“In view of the growing concerns of climate change, this is a humble endeavor from FFPL to contribute positively to reducing the same”, said Niranjan Kirloskar, Managing Director Fleetguard Filters Private Limited after the event.

Relaxo Footwears Steps into Mahakumbh Mela 2025 – Supporting Pilgrims Every Step of the Way

New Delhi, 15th January: Relaxo Footwears Ltd., India’s largest footwear manufacturer has announced its active presence at the grand Mahakumbh Mela 2025. A spiritual gathering of immense significance, this event witnesses millions of devotees travelling great distances, often on foot, in pursuit of faith and connection. Acknowledging the physical challenges of this sacred journey, Relaxo is ensuring that every step is comfortable, reliable, and stylish.

 Through its popular brands – Bahamas, Flite, and Sparx — Relaxo aims to support pilgrims by offering footwear that blends comfort, durability, and modern aesthetics. Through a wide range of options available at attractive prices, Relaxo has strategically placed stalls and kiosks across the mela grounds, ensuring easy access for attendees.

 Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sachin Chhabra VP & Head of Marketing at Relaxo Footwears Ltd., said, “The Mahakumbh Mela is a celebration of faith, resilience, and togetherness, and it holds a profound place in our hearts. At Relaxo, we deeply honour the devotion and determination of the millions of pilgrims who embark on this sacred journey. We understand that every step they take is meaningful, and reliable footwear plays an essential role in making their experience comfortable. Our participation this year is our way of supporting their spiritual path by offering high-quality, affordable footwear that blends comfort, durability, and care, ensuring their focus remains on the divinity of the occasion.”

 Relaxo’s presence at the Mahakumbh extends beyond product availability, with initiatives designed to contribute meaningfully to the event’s infrastructure. Right from branding key community touchpoints such as police stations to engaging in experiential marketing activities on the mela grounds, the footwear leader is seamlessly blending tradition with modern outreach efforts.

 As the Mahakumbh evolves to attract a more diverse audience, ranging from traditional devotees to younger, urban attendees – Relaxo sees this as an opportunity to connect with a broad demographic. Through emphasis on the notion that every pilgrim experiences unmatched comfort and reliability, Relaxo continues to strengthen its position as a brand that walks hand in hand with the aspirations and needs of the nation.

New Definition of obesity for Asian Indians living in India, has been Released after 15 years, in-step with Worldwide Release of New Definition by The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology

National, 15th January 2025: A landmark analysis conducted by National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC), Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has redefined obesity for the Indian population. This new classification marks a significant step forward in addressing the unique health challenges posed by obesity in Asian Indians.

Background

The need for updated obesity guidelines stems from several critical factors:

Outdated BMI Criteria: The previous guidelines for obesity in Asian Indians, established in 2009 (lead author Prof. Anoop Misra), relied exclusively on Body Mass Index (BMI, a ratio of weight in kg/height in meter square) for diagnosis. Newer research highlights the shortcomings of using BMI alone to accurately diagnose obesity or related conditions, especially for the Asian Indians.
Emerging Health Data: Studies have shown a strong correlation between abdominal obesity in Asian Indians, resulting inflammation and the early onset of comorbid diseases, further emphasizing the need for a refined definition.
Separation of ‘Innocuous Obesity” from “Obesity with Consequences”

Key Components of the New Guidelines

Focus on Abdominal Obesity: Abdominal fat, which is closely linked to insulin resistance and prevalent in Asian Indians, is now recognized as a key factor in the diagnosis.
Inclusion of Comorbid Diseases: The new definition integrates the presence of comorbidities—such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease—into the diagnostic process, ensuring that obesity-related health risks are better accounted for, and taken care of in management.
Inclusion of Mechanical Problems Associated with Obesity: For example, knee and hip osteoarthritis etc, or shortness of breath during daily activities, which produce poor quality of life.

New Two-Stage Obesity Classification

The revised guidelines introduce a two-stage classification system, addressing both generalized and abdominal obesity:

The study introduces a two-stage classification of obesity. Initiation starting point for both is BMI more than 23 kg/m2:

• Stage 1 Obesity: Increased adiposity (BMI > 23 kg/m²) without apparent effects on organ functions or routine daily activities. This stage of obesity, currently not causing any pathological problems (“Innocuous obesity”), could progress to Stage 2 obesity, which has association with mechanical and disease related problems.
• Stage 2 Obesity: Advanced state of obesity with increased BMI more than 23 kg/2, and
  Abdominal adiposity; excess Waist Circumference (WC) or Waist-to-Height Ratio (W-HtR).
• One of the following impacting physical and organ functions
• Mechanical conditions (e.g. knee arthritis due to excess weight) OR
• Presence of diseases associated with obesity (e.g. type 2 diabetes)

The above stage (“Obesity with consequences”) reflects that obesity is hindering functions of organs of the body and making individual more symptomatic requiring more intensive management.

Tailored Weight Reduction Strategies, based on above classification, could be used in an effective and personalized manner by use of new guidelines.

Study Methodology

The study was conducted using the Delphi process, a structured communication technique, and involved experts in obesity and metabolic disorders:

• A steering committee of five members oversaw the consensus-building process.
• Five rounds of surveys were completed between October 2022 and June 2023.
• Participants included a diverse group of physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists, and nutritionists.
• The surveys utilized a 5-point Likert scale, with a 67% agreement threshold for consensus on key parameters such as obesity classification, diagnostic methods, and intervention guidelines.

Dr. Anoop Misra, Padma Shri awardee and Executive Chairman & Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Fortis C-DOC Hospital, emphasized the importance of the findings:

“Obesity rates in India are rising at an alarming pace, extending beyond urban areas. These guidelines are groundbreaking and easy to implement, providing stage-specific strategies for managing obesity-related conditions across India. These also allow application of weight loss therapies to be applied early and optimally”

Dr. Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, added:

“A distinct definition of obesity for Indians is crucial for the early detection of related diseases and the development of targeted management strategies. This study fills critical gaps in our understanding and offers a clear, rational approach to tackling obesity in the Indian population.”

Absolut’s latest campaign: Absolut Mixers Calls for a World Without Labels

Gurugram, 15 January 2025: Building on its heritage of celebrating differences and creating a more open world, Absolut’s latest campaign, #UNLABEL #BORN COURLESS, builds upon the brand’s long-standing commitment towards breaking biases, a journey that began with the ‘Born Colourless’ campaign in 2018. #UNLABEL #BORN COURLESS encourages individuals to look beyond labels and stereotypes, and instead, focus on getting to know people for who they truly are. By asking individuals to move beyond judgments and casting labels, Absolut aims to foster a more open-minded and accepting world, where everyone can thrive without the constraints of preconceived notions.

The campaign features four powerful films that aspire to spark a movement, encouraging people to look beyond labels. People often make assumptions about someone based on their name, age, sex, origin, or profession – but what if these labels don’t tell the whole story? Through personal stories from influential voices, the campaign reveals the limitations and misconceptions of labelling and stereotyping. Ankush Bahuguna shares his experience of being judged for his passion for makeup, highlighting the assumption that it’s only for women. Sunny Leone challenges the ‘item girl’ label, showcasing her multifaceted life as a successful businesswoman and mother. Navtej Singh Johar challenges the traditional views of masculinity and Deepa Malik inspires with her story, demonstrating that physical limitations don’t define one’s potential. These stories serve as a reminder that we were all #BornColourless, without labels or biases.

Commenting on the #UNLABEL #BORN COURLESS campaign, Pulkith Modi, General Manager – Marketing, International Brands at Pernod Ricard India, said, “We live in a world where people are often defined by labels based on race, gender, and societal expectations. At Absolut, we believe in a world where everyone is free to express their true selves, unburdened by these constraints. The #UNLABEL #BORN COURLESS campaign calls for a shift towards inclusivity, it is a call to action, encouraging people to look beyond assumptions and stereotypes, and to celebrate individuality and authenticity. We are thrilled to partner with such inspiring voices to bring this message to life.”

National Startup Day Spotlight: Mihup’s Conversation Intelligence Transforms Language Barriers

Kolkata, January 15, 2025: On the occasion of National Startup Day, Mihup, a trendsetting voice technology innovator, proudly reaffirms its commitment to advancing regional inclusivity across India. As a shining example of India’s thriving startup ecosystem, Mihup is revolutionising digital access through its AI-driven voice solutions, breaking linguistic barriers and promoting inclusivity.

India’s vast linguistic landscape comprising over 22 official languages and numerous dialects, has often limited technology access for many. Mihup directly addresses this challenge by creating cutting-edge voice AI platforms that fluently understand and process regional languages. This empowers users from every corner of India to engage with technology effortlessly, regardless of their linguistic background. Mihup’s flagship products, such as conversational intelligence AI assistants and voice-enabled solutions, serve pivotal industries including BFSI, ecommerce and automotive. By enabling intuitive and natural interactions in native languages, Mihup ensures that digital transformation permeates all levels of society, driving digital inclusivity and economic participation.

Mihup’s state-of-the-art voice technology leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning models specifically designed for Indian languages. This technological prowess not only enriches user experiences but also enables businesses to understand and engage authentically with customers, building trust and loyalty. As India aspires to become a $5 trillion economy, startups like Mihup are instrumental in driving inclusive growth. By democratizing access to technology, Mihup is actively contributing to the Digital India mission, ensuring that every voice across the nation is heard and valued. On this National Startup Day, Mihup stands as a pillar of innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment, showcasing how startups can transform India’s digital landscape for the better.

Qlik Acquires Upsolver to Deliver Low-Latency Ingestion and Optimization for Apache Iceberg

Philadelphia/Bengaluru, India, January 15, 2025 – Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and AI, today announced the acquisition of Upsolver, a pioneer in real-time data streaming and Apache Iceberg optimization. This move deepens Qlik’s ability to provide enterprises with end-to-end, open and scalable solutions that unify data integration, analytics, and AI under a single platform. The acquisition combines Upsolver’s real-time ingestion to Iceberg and adaptive optimization with Qlik’s end-to-end data platform, enabling organizations to access data faster, optimize their data estate, reduce costs, and unlock AI-driven insights.

The acquisition of Upsolver positions Qlik to lead in the shift toward open data lakehouses, where enterprises demand flexibility, scalability, and performance. Apache Iceberg, a transformative open table format, enables organizations to implement open lakehouses that provide high-performance analytics on large datasets while ensuring seamless integration with various data processing engines. By integrating Upsolver’s real-time ingestion and optimization technologies, Qlik offers a seamless platform for delivering timely insights, reducing infrastructure costs, and enabling enterprises to scale analytics and AI initiatives with open, trusted and governed data.

Key benefits of this acquisition include:

· Real-Time Insights: Enable continuous ingestion from streaming sources like Kafka and Kinesis, powering faster decisions and AI workflows.

· Unified Data Ecosystem: Single unified data platform to ingest, transform, manage, optimize and govern Iceberg-based open lakehouses.

· Cost Optimization: Cut infrastructure costs with Upsolver’s Adaptive Iceberg Optimizer, reducing storage and improving query performance by up to 5x through automated, table-specific optimizations.

· Open and Interoperable: Leverage an open Iceberg table format to operate flexibly with a range of tools and engines like Snowflake, Databricks, and Athena.

“With Upsolver’s real-time streaming capabilities and advanced Iceberg optimization, we’re building on Qlik’s proven enterprise solutions to drive even greater value for our customers,” said James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer at Qlik. “We’re also excited to welcome Upsolver’s team of experts to Qlik, further strengthening our commitment to providing open, scalable data solutions that reduce complexity and fuel innovation across data integration, analytics, and AI.”

“The integration of Qlik and Upsolver highlights the growing importance of open, real-time data architectures in today’s enterprise landscape,” said Stewart Bond, Vice President of Data Intelligence and Integration Software Research at IDC. “This move positions Qlik to deliver solutions that meet the dual demands for scalability and interoperability, helping organizations unlock the full potential of data-intensive workloads such as AI and machine learning while maintaining control over costs and governance.”

“Upsolver and Qlik share a deep commitment to simplifying data complexity and empowering enterprises to unlock the full potential of their data,” said Ori Rafael, CEO of Upsolver. “What makes this partnership so powerful is how seamlessly our real-time ingestion and Iceberg optimization align with Qlik’s end-to-end platform. Together, we are delivering a unified solution that equips organizations to scale with confidence, reduce costs, and enable AI-driven innovation with trusted and governed data.”

Gartner Predicts AI Adoption in 40% of Power and Utilities Control Rooms by 2027

STAMFORD, Conn., January 15, 2025 — By 2027, 40% of power and utilities will deploy AI-driven operators in control rooms, reducing human error risks, but increasing cyber-physical system security vulnerabilities, according to Gartner, Inc.

The 2025 Gartner CIO and Technology Executive Survey indicated that 94% of power and utility chief information officers (CIOs) plan to increase their AI investments in 2025, with an average spending increase of 38.3%.

“AI technology is poised to transform the power and utilities sector,” said Jo-Ann Clynch, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner. “Human decision-making is critical, but it is also a significant factor in industrial accidents. AI-driven operations offer a compelling solution, performing tasks with repeatability, precision, and without bias when effectively governed.”

The power and utilities industry is transitioning from its traditional model of utility-owned assets, driven by technological advancements and evolving customer attitudes. Future decentralization through distributed energy resources, such as solar panels and energy storage, will enable dynamic circular behaviors, allowing customer-owned intelligent assets to address objectives like cost, production, and comfort.

“Power and utility CIOs must focus on creating intelligent operations to integrate these assets into their digital ecosystem,” said Clynch. “Investing in data infrastructure and analytics, transitioning to cloud-based services, and preparing for AI integration in control room operations will help them succeed in this new competitive landscape.”

Managing Security Risks in AI-Powered Control Room Operations

Deploying AI-driven operators in control rooms reduces human-error risks and enhances efficiency through real-time data processing, predictive maintenance, and automated anomaly detection. However, this transition introduces new cyber-physical security vulnerabilities, demanding significant investment in advanced security measures and compliance with evolving regulations.

“Organizations must establish guardrails, such as access control and scope enforcement, for the implementation of their AI tools and the data the tools can access,” said Clynch. “CIOs should develop an AI strategy aligned with business goals, supported by strong governance and security frameworks, and ensure workforce training and infrastructure upgrades for effective management and scalability.”

To successfully navigate the transition to AI-driven operations and fully leverage AI-driven decision intelligence, Gartner advises power and utility CIOs to focus on the following priorities:

Enhancing Operational Efficiency: Develop a comprehensive AI integration plan. Identify key areas in control room operations where AI can minimize human error and establish governance controls for implementation and monitoring to mitigate risks.

 Strengthening Cyber-Physical System Security: Implement advanced security practices and invest in cutting-edge measures tailored for AI systems, such as quantum-enhanced security. Conduct regular audits of essential security hygiene, including vulnerability assessments and incident response planning.

 Fostering Effective Human-AI Collaboration: Train control room staff on AI technologies to ensure they can effectively collaborate with AI systems. Emphasize oversight, interpretation of AI output, and maintaining critical thinking in decision-making.

Pre-Budget expectation Quotes By Experts

Mr. Dhaval Barot, Managing Director of Bharat Realty

“The real estate sector has much to look forward to in FY 2025-2026. The industry expects that the government will fulfill much-needed demands for the betterment of the sector. Hopefully, the Union Budget will finally grant industry status to the real estate sector, benefiting from streamlined regulation and access to institutional funding. It would also increase investor confidence, helping sell luxury homes.

The appetite for home buyers is growing, and decreasing interest rates on home loans can encourage and nurture this hunger. The sector remains confident in the performance of the market, providing that the Union Budget 2025 benefits both real estate companies and buyers.”

Mr. S Anand, Founder and CEO of PaySprint, a fintech venture

 “India stands at a pivotal moment in its fintech revolution, with 2025 promising to be a landmark year for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth. The Union Budget offers a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of the fintech ecosystem, which has already positioned India as a global leader in digital payments and financial technology.
In 2024 alone, India processed over 12 billion UPI transactions monthly, a testament to the growing trust and adoption of digital financial tools across urban and rural landscapes. At PaySprint, with over 5,000 partners and a robust suite of API-driven solutions, we’ve witnessed firsthand how technology can empower businesses and drive financial inclusion. However, to sustain this momentum, we need supportive policies that bridge existing gaps and fuel the next wave of innovation.

One critical area for focus is enhancing the infrastructure for open banking and API-driven platforms. A recent study by BCG indicates that India’s fintech sector could contribute $200 billion to GDP by 2030, but achieving this requires interoperability, seamless integrations, and policies that encourage collaboration between banks, fintechs, and regulators. The budget could incentivize these efforts by promoting API standardization and allocating funding for ecosystem-wide development.

Financial inclusion must remain at the heart of this vision. While over 80% of Indian adults now have a bank account, thanks to initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, only about 23% of rural users actively engage in digital transactions. Bridging this gap requires targeted investments in digital literacy programs, internet infrastructure expansion in underserved regions, and subsidies for SMEs to adopt digital payment systems. Empowering small businesses is especially critical, as they contribute nearly 30% of India’s GDP and are key drivers of employment.

Additionally, the government has an opportunity to support fintech startups and RegTech innovations through tax relief and funding programs. According to NASSCOM, India is home to over 2,300 fintech startups, yet many face challenges in scaling due to high compliance costs and limited access to capital. Incentives for early-stage innovators could unleash a wave of transformative solutions in areas like fraud detection, automated compliance, and data security.

Lastly, cybersecurity and data privacy must remain a top priority. With digital payments surpassing ₹20 lakh crore monthly, trust in secure platforms is non-negotiable. Budget provisions that establish national cybersecurity frameworks and offer grants for fintechs to invest in advanced data protection technologies will ensure that users can transact with confidence.

At PaySprint, we are committed to driving financial inclusion and delivering innovative solutions that simplify banking and payments for all. The 2025 Union Budget has the potential to catalyze the fintech sector’s growth, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global digital economy. Together, with the right policies and collective effort, we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous future for millions of Indians.”

Mr. Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Director Group Promoter’s Office, MD – Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

“We anticipate Budget 2025 to introduce measures that strengthen the real estate sector. Revising tax slabs for middle-income earners and tackling raw material price volatility can help stabilize construction costs and housing prices, making homeownership more attainable. Redefining affordability based on regional needs and encouraging green building practices will make housing policies more inclusive and sustainable. Implementing single-window clearance will enhance efficiency and attract investments. Additionally, a reduction in repo rate and stamp duty could further drive housing demand.

A forward-looking budget that supports innovation and sustainability can accelerate the sector’s growth and contribute to broader economic stability. We remain hopeful for initiatives that enable long-term growth and create a resilient future for the industry.”

         Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder and Director, Manasthali Wellness

 This year, we are expecting a comprehensive and adequately funded mental health budget for 2025–26. This budget will not only address current mental health challenges but also set the groundwork for a more resilient and mentally healthy society. As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that our budget reflects the increasing importance of mental well-being in our society. We urge a significant rise in funding for mental health services, including outpatient care, counseling, and community-based programs, to close existing gaps in access to resources and ensure individuals in need can easily obtain essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the effectiveness and accessibility of telehealth services. Allocating resources to expand and enhance telehealth infrastructure for mental health consultations will improve access, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, thus helping reduce disparities in mental health care. Additionally, the rise of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus has highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and mental health challenges in parallel, as emerging infectious diseases can significantly impact mental well-being. Prevention plays a crucial role in mental health care, and we recommend allocating funds for the development and implementation of early intervention and prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. These efforts will help reduce the overall burden of mental health issues and promote a healthier population.

Ms. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School, Bangalore

 As education is a key development sector, we have immense expectations from the upcoming budget. While new educational policies have brought promising reforms, the upcoming budget should focus on increasing access to education and technology, especially in rural and underserved areas. Building a blended ecosystem of digital tools, physical infrastructure, and practical learning environments will be essential for improving learning efficacy. Although education has seen an increase in funds allocated towards increasing outreach, skill development, and improving its quality, still there are hurdles in effectively supporting learning in the current context and overall student development in an increasingly challenging world.

The country will need skilled personnel at different levels, and this demand will be met only by training students at the school level. The foundation and vision set by the government through the NEP will be vital in achieving these objectives of an effective and inclusive education system. This commitment will stand as a testament to India’s dedication to fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills crucial for global competitiveness.

It is important to increase women’s participation in STEM fields, which would be an important step toward building an inclusive workforce. We also believe that a further push to the PPP model approach in education can leverage the strengths and resources of both sectors to improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of education in the country. The education sector remains a cornerstone of a nation’s economic growth and development. By embracing these elements, the education system can transform to meet the aspirations of a globalized and rapidly evolving world.

Overall, the budget must give the education sector a significant boost to address the challenges of the day and build a dynamic, future-ready education system.

Ms. Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore

 As the Union Budget approaches, we are hopeful that the government will prioritize education spending and implement policies that foster innovation, accessibility, and quality in schools. The budget should prioritize substantial investments in upgrading digital literacy among educators and fostering innovative teaching practices, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide. A higher allocation would support the establishment of new K-12 schools, enhance educational infrastructure to balance the urban-rural gap in education and improve overall educational outcomes across the country.

The increased allocation of funds will also ensure better quality government schools that educate the majority of children in India. We also believe that digitalisation should be at the forefront, ensuring greater access to meaningful educational resources tailored to the student’s needs. Such investments are pivotal for preparing students to thrive in a digital-first world and ensuring equitable access to quality education.

We also look forward to support for structured skilling programs, vocational training, application-based learning opportunities, and digital upskilling to align the workforce with emerging market demands. The reduction of interest rates on education loans will also help alleviate financial strain, enabling better access to education. We need to prioritize teacher training and development programmes as well as strengthen digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless learning experiences. Additionally, fostering partnerships with foreign educational institutions and promoting cultural exchange programs will enrich our educational offerings and nurture global citizenship among our students.

There is also a need to upscale the education system to attract more foreign students to our country to promote India as a global study destination. Looking ahead, we must strive to ensure that the learning experience remains meaningful and enriching. Overall, addressing these issues and the need for increased investment in education are crucial in achieving equitable and inclusive education for all.

Ms. Indu Kansal, Co-Founder, Crack Academy

 The education sector has high hopes from the upcoming budget. Increased focus on skill development, research, and innovation is crucial to address future workforce demands. We expect more investments in digital education, rural connectivity, and infrastructure upgrades for tier 2 and 3 cities. Additionally, introducing tax benefits for education expenses would ease the financial burden on students and families. These measures can ensure a more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system.

Mr. Ankit Lodha, Founder of LA Empire 

The real estate sector is closely tied to the infrastructure sector. Increasing investments in urban infrastructure, such as roads, public transport, and smart city initiatives, will give a boost to the real estate sector. The recognition of real estate as an industry will unlock access to lower-cost funding, simplify approval processes, and attract substantial domestic and foreign investments.

My expectations from Union Budget 2025 will continue to be around key themes of improving ease of doing business through tax structure reforms, review of FDI norms to boost private and foreign investments in the sector and enhancing liquidity for developers.

Even though real estate is one of the largest contributors to the GDP, it is yet to gain the official status of an industry. As investors and developers, we add the real in real estate, if it would be declared as an official “industry” in the Union Budget it would be a long-term vision come true.  This recognition would come as a big step helping India move forward and build the next Dubai, Abu Dhabi or New York.