Category Archives: News

5 Fitness Trends that India saw in the Year 2024

By- Drishti Chhabria, Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Orangetheory Fitness India

As we count down the final days to the end of 2024, it is rather obvious that the world of fitness has really transformed. New technologies, changing consumer preferences, and attention to mental health have spurred the growth of new trends and innovations in the industry. A traditional gym routine is complemented and sometimes replaced by more dynamic, engaging, and personalized experiences in the fitness world. Here are the top five fitness trends that caught the attention of fitness enthusiasts this year.

1. Wearable Fitness Technology

Wearable technology has evolved at a rapid pace and emerged as one of the leading trends in the fitness world. From being just step counters, fitness trackers, smartwatches, and biometric sensors have evolved beyond just counting steps. Such wearables now provide real-time data on heart rate variability, stress levels, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, and even glucose monitoring. With such deep information at one’s fingers, users are able to track and optimize their performance, recovery, and wellness with unprecedented precision.

2. Strength Training

Strength training is experiencing a renaissance in India. What was once seen as a niche pursuit, weightlifting and resistance training, have become the central plank of fitness routines across the country. As gyms are becoming more accessible, people are getting more informed about the benefits of strength training, the trend has acquired enormous momentum. In 2024, strength training is no longer exclusive to professional bodybuilders or athletes; it’s part of mainstream fitness culture.

More people are adding weight training to their fitness programs, both in the gym and at home, with many using free weights, kettlebells, and bodyweight exercises. Strength training for women has also received a lot of attention, which helps break down the stereotypes that exist and empowers women to become stronger and more confident in their bodies.

3. Functional Workouts

In 2024, functional fitness has become very prominent in both commercial and home fitness environments. It is not like traditional bodybuilding or those exercises which target specific body parts. Functional fitness exercises are more related to what people do in their real life. It helps someone perform better in the gym and facilitates them in doing their normal activities without much hassle. It also reduces the risks of injuries.

Functional fitness generally involves compound exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and presses, where multiple muscle groups are used in a workout. This style of exercising focuses on making the whole body stronger, rather than just working one muscle at a time. The increased population ages and increased concern for one’s ability to function physically have fueled this trend within the elderly population and those returning from injuries.

4. Group Exercises

Although group exercise programs have been a mainstay of gyms for many years, they have changed in 2024 to become more diverse, inclusive, and engaging. One of the main benefits of group exercise is the social component. People today have more alternatives than ever before for participating in both in-person and online group sessions thanks to the rise of virtual platforms and hybrid fitness models. To accommodate a broad range of fitness objectives and tastes, the variety of group workouts is always growing, ranging from spin classes to yoga, Pilates, dance, and even group weight training.

5. Gamification and Data-Driven Workouts

One of the most intriguing developments of 2024 is the emergence of gamification in the fitness industry. Users can gain incentives, reach milestones, and compete with others while boosting their fitness levels thanks to the growing integration of game-like elements into fitness apps and platforms. This approach makes training more pleasurable and extremely motivating by appealing to people’s need for accomplishment and competition.

When paired with customized training regimens, data-driven workouts are accelerating people’s fitness goals. Workout plans may now be customized to a person’s body type, fitness level, and goals using information from wearable technology and fitness applications. This method guarantees that exercises are in line with the individual’s fitness and health requirements in addition to being effective.

The fitness trends of 2024 reflect how innovation, inclusivity, and the growing importance of mental health and well-being fuel the ever-evolving fitness landscape. From wearable fitness technology to HIIT, functional fitness, group exercises, and outdoor adventures, these trends are revolutionizing our approach to health and wellness, offering more personalized, effective, and enjoyable means of staying active. Through the collection of tracking data, involvement with high-intensity intervals, and trekking through the open green landscapes, 2024 will be a dynamic time, full of excitement and discovery for fitness enthusiasts. Forward progress promises to continue these developments with greater creativity and wholeness in fitness and personal development.

Axis Bank signs MoU with OGQ- Foundation for Promotion of Sports and Games and Inspire Institute of Sport to support the Next Generation of Indian Olympians

Nagpur, December 2024 – Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today announced the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with OGQ- Foundation for Promotion of Sports and Games (FPSG) and Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) under its Corporate Social Responsibility mandate. The two partnerships aim to support the present generation of Indian athletes competing at the highest level of their sport and nurture the next generation of young Indian athletes. With these partnerships, Axis Bank is supporting the Sports theme under CSR for the first time, underscoring its commitment to contributing to the development of the sports ecosystem in India.

 The Bank’s partnership with OGQ-FPSG Program will support 150 athletes and para-athletes over four years across 10 individual Olympic sports including Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Wrestling, Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Squash and 8 Paralympic Sports Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Shooting, Powerlifting, Table Tennis, Canoe, Blind Judo, ensuring they have access to world-class equipment, expert coaching, nutritional guidance, mental conditioning, and injury rehabilitation programs, to be able to bring laurels for the country at the Olympics and other international sporting events.

 In collaboration with IIS, the Bank is launching the Axis Bank Judo Development Program in the state of Manipur which is considered to be the hot-bed of Judo talent in India. Over three years, the Program aims to support the grassroots development of young Judokas from the State, as well as from other parts of North-eastern India, improving the young athletes’ access to better coaching and training facilities, and creating a cohort of world-class judo talent for the region and the country. The Program will support 90 athletes overall, including 50 young judokas from Manipur who will receive grassroots coaching and training in Manipur, and 40 female judokas from across India who will receive a full scholarship to study and train at the state-of-the-art IIS campus in Vijayanagar, Karnataka.

 Speaking at the event, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive for Strategic Programs & Sustainability – Axis Bank, said, “Axis Bank is pleased to partner with the OGQ Program and the Inspire Institute of Sport towards supporting the vibrant sports eco-system in India. Through our partnerships for these two world-class programs, we intend to help discover and nurture the inherent sporting talent that exists in the country so they can not only succeed at the highest levels in their sporting disciplines but also grow into responsible, confident individuals.”

 Viren Rasquinha, MD&CEO, OGQ- Foundation for Promotion of Sports and Games commented, “We are very happy that Axis Bank is joining the family of OGQ supporters, helping Indian athletes win Olympic and Paralympic Gold medals. Axis Bank’s commitment to OGQ strengthens our efforts as we work in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Sports Federations (NSFs) to strive for sporting excellence as a Nation.”

 Manisha Malhotra, President, Inspire Institute of Sport said, “The support of corporate India is vital to helping the Indian sporting ecosystem harness its true potential, and we are really glad to have Axis Bank joining our growing list of donors at IIS. We have a talented young bunch of Judokas at Vijayanagar and in Manipur, and Axis Bank’s support of our Judo Programme will go a long way in helping them get the right exposure and training needed to compete at the highest level.”

ABID Unveils INTERIORS 2025: Curtain Raiser Sets the Stage for Eastern India’s Largest Design Platform

Kolkata, 19th December, 2024: The Association of Architects and Interior Designers (ABID) is proud to announce the Curtain Raiser for its flagship event, ABID INTERIORS 2025, was held on 18th December, 2024 at JW Marriott. This exclusive preview unveiled the theme and highlights of the much-anticipated exhibition, which will take place from 10th to 13th January 2025 at Milan Mela, Kolkata.

The Curtain Raiser brought together leading architects, interior designers, manufacturers, and media representatives, offering a glimpse into the exciting features of INTERIORS 2025. This year’s exhibition is set to raise the bar with its innovative offerings and creative showcases, making it the largest design platform in Eastern India.

Key Highlights of INTERIORS 2025 Announced at the Curtain Raiser:

· Designers’ Enclave: For the first time, INTERIORS 2025 will feature the Designers’ Enclave, where more than 20 renowned and emerging designers will create live experiential spaces, showcasing their unique ideas and talent.

· Exclusive Preview Day (9th January 2025): A dedicated day for over 2000 business visitors, including architects, town planners, interior designers, and building promoters.

· National Participation: Hosting 200 architects and interior designers from across the country, with luxurious accommodations arranged at ITC Hotels.

· Innovative Exhibits: A display of cutting-edge designs, sustainable innovations, and creative concepts by leading brands and exhibitors.

· Student Installations: This is a platform for final-year architecture and design students to exhibit unique ideas. It focuses on space utilization, sustainability, and design aesthetics, highlighting the industry’s future potential.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kamlesh Agarwal, President of ABID, said: “INTERIORS 2025 is not just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of design and innovation. Adding the Designers’ Enclave will set a new benchmark in showcasing creativity. We are thrilled to share our vision for this grand event at the Curtain Raiser, and we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for all.”

“ABID INTERIORS 2025 is more than just an event; it is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in the field of architecture and interior design. As one of the biggest and oldest platforms in the industry, ABID continues to foster connections between established professionals and emerging talents. This flagship event is not only a stage for architects and designers to showcase their groundbreaking ideas but also an unparalleled opportunity for students and budding experts to present their work to an esteemed audience. We are proud to nurture the next generation of design visionaries while celebrating the legacy and future of our community,” said Mr. Raja Sinha, Vice President, ABID.

Ms Khushboo Shah, Co-Founder of The Mark Décor – Interior Design and Lifestyle Studio said, “We have an all-women’s team and today when we come to ABID, I see how it empowers the entire eastern region. It’s beautiful and I am very happy to be a part of it. I am on the committee of the Yuva wing of ABID. I love what ABID is doing for the eastern region. Waiting for the ABID exhibition. Hope it’s very exciting and something new is going to come up”.

Daifuku Marvels clinches FTCI President’s Cup 2024 title

Hyderabad, December 19, 2024….In a nail bite finish Daifuku Marvels defeated ProArch Panthers in the FTCCI President’s Cup 2024 finals on Wednesday night in a flood-light match held at S2 Sports Infinity Cricket Arena at Yenkapally, near Moinabad in the city outskirts.

Batting first ProArch could make 108 runs in 11.5 overs and last all the wickets. In a reply, Daifuku Marvels, who appeared very confident comfortably reached the target in 14.1 overs scoring 111 for the loss of six wickets and clinched the title.

Arun Thejo, the captain of ProAch adjudged the player of the tournament and Prabhakar Reddy Kasala of Daifuku Marvels was declared the man of the match.

Mr Suresh Singhal, President of the FTCCI, Mr KK Maheshwai, Mr Ayyadeva Srinivas and Shekhar Agarwal-Past President of FTCCI, Mrs Veena Secretary presented the winner, runner-up trophies and man of the player of the tournament and man of the match

Mr Suresh Kumar Singhal announced this this industrial cricket tournament is the first of its kind tournament for industries will be an annual feature and will be conducted every year in December.

Six teams participated in the tournament on a league basis and four teams qualified for the semi-finals. From four, Daifuku Marvels and ProArch Panthers reached finals. In the finals, Daifuku emerged as the winner and ProArch Panthers as runner-up.

Six teams participated Sudhakar PVC Products led by its captain Karingula Mahesh, Daifuku Intralogistics by Sandeep Chakraborty, Macro Media Digital Imaging by T. Ashok, Mahindra and Mahindra by Prashanth K, Shiva Marketing Company by Rajeev, and ProArch IT Solutions by Tejo Kumar Bantu.

‘The FTCCI President’s Cup 2024, an industry cricket tournament was organised by 107 years and one of the oldest industrial bodies in India Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) embarked on a new initiative

BHIM Partners with CRY for ‘Gift Happiness’ Campaign, Bringing Joy to Underprivileged Children

Mumbai, 19 December 2024: NPCI BHIM Services Ltd. (NBSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India, has announced a campaign, ‘Gift Happiness’, in partnership with CRY (Child Rights and You). This initiative aims to bring joy to underprivileged children across India by fulfilling their heartfelt wishes for New Year. Every transaction made on the BHIM app between December 16th and December 31st will contribute to this cause, making it a special new year for the kids.

The ‘Gift Happiness’ campaign captures the essence of new beginnings and hope, associated with the New Year. It’s a simple way to give back during the holiday season while enjoying the functionality of the BHIM app. The campaign encourages users to participate in the cause without altering their everyday behaviour, simply by using the BHIM app for their regular payments.

On the initiative, Rahul Handa, Chief Business Officer, NBSL, said, “The New Year is a time of hope and new beginnings. Through the ‘Gift Happiness’ campaign, we are taking a small step towards bringing joy and fulfilling the dreams of underprivileged children. Each transaction made via the BHIM app is a step towards making these wishes come true. We are proud to leverage our platform to spread happiness and support a brighter future for these children.”

The partnership with CRY underscores the significance of this initiative. This collaboration ensures contributions made through the BHIM app reach those who need them most, making a tangible difference and upholding BHIM’s commitment to financial inclusion.

“We are happy to partner with BHIM this New Year for this unique initiative. It goes without saying that partnering with BHIM through this campaign ‘Gift Happiness’, is a step towards the kindness and support that every single child truly deserves,” says Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director – CRY (West).

This campaign allows BHIM users to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children this New Year. By using the BHIM app, known for its intuitive interface, users can contribute to a good cause while enjoying a seamless payment experience. This initiative is a testament to BHIM’s proposition to add value to its customers and give back to the community.

Travelxp released Documentary ‘All I Want for Christmas’ Premieres in Delhi, Showcasing Ukrainian Refugees’ Resilience

New Delhi: December 19: The global premiere of ‘All I Want for Christmas’, a poignant travel documentary produced by Travelxp, was hosted at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi last evening. The event was organized in collaboration with the embassies of Finland, Ukraine, Norway, SIFFCY and the Smile Foundation. The documentary beautifully captures the magic of Christmas while delivering a powerful message of hope and resilience. The premiere brought together diplomats, journalists, and changemakers for an evening of storytelling that resonated deeply on an emotional level.

Directed by national award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the 42-minute documentary tells the story of Anastasia, a young Ukrainian refugee, and her mother as they navigate the challenges of displacement. Seeking to bring joy back into their lives, Anastasia’s mother plans a trip to Finland’s Lapland—a winter wonderland where dreams of meeting Santa come true. From dog sledding through pristine landscapes to swimming in the icy waters of Kemi, the journey becomes more than just a holiday; it becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The audience, which included dignitaries and diplomats, was visibly moved by the story. Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to India, reflected on the emotional weight of the film, stating: “We are deeply grateful to the filmmakers, Travelxp, in bringing this powerful story to life. We also thank our partners—Finland and Norway—for their unwavering support and dedication. The film reminds us of the profound impact of dispute, especially on children, who should never be deprived of peace, safety, and a loving home. Ukraine remains committed to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative which gives back their right to a future filled with hope and dignity, like the story presented by Anastasia, Ukrainian children deserve to celebrate Christmas with their families in a peaceful Ukraine, where joy and warmth replace fear and loss.”

Adding to this, Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India, remarked: “The documentary All I Want for Christmas highlights not just the spirit of Christmas but also the resilience, hopes, and dreams of refugees from Ukraine. The documentary reflects our shared commitment to solidarity, compassion, and the belief in a brighter future for everyone.

“All I Want for Christmas beautifully captures the spirit of love, family, and hope. Anastasia and Ksenia’s journey inspire us as Norway continues to support Ukraine by hosting over 85,000 refugees. Let us hold onto hope for a future of peace and joy for all,” shared May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway, following the screening of the documentary by Travelxp.

Nisha Chothani, the producer of the show and co-founder of Travelxp, shared her vision for the documentary, saying, “All I Want for Christmas represents the evolution of travel storytelling at Travelxp. While showcasing destinations remains central to our work, we’ve embraced the power of human stories to create deeper connections.”

Anastasia’s journey serves as a reminder of the small joys that keep hope alive, even in the face of adversity. All I Want for Christmas premiered globally and is now available to watch on Travelxp’s digital platform as well. It offers a heartwarming story of courage, love, and the universal desire for a brighter tomorrow.

Cornitos Nachos: The Crunchiest Gift of the Season

December 2024-This Christmas, let the celebrations get crunchier, tastier, and a whole lot more fun with the Cornitos Nachos with Salsa Combo Pack! Packed with three irresistible nacho flavors and a rich, tangy salsa dip, this combo is the ultimate snacking partner for all your festive gatherings.

 A cozy Christmas evening, fairy lights twinkling, carols playing in the background, and a table full of snacks. Now add a bowl of crisp, golden nachos paired with a zesty salsa dip—sounds perfect, right? Cornitos makes it easy to keep the holiday spirit alive, one crunchy bite at a time

 “Christmas is all about sharing joy and making memories, and what better way to do that than with snacks that everyone loves? The Cornitos Nachos Combo Pack brings the perfect mix of festive cheer and delicious crunch to every celebration. It’s the ultimate holiday treat,” said Manoj Singh, Head of Marketing at Cornitos.

 Whether you’re hosting a Christmas movie marathon, a Secret Santa party, or just chilling at home with loved ones, the Cornitos Nachos Combo Pack is here to add that extra sparkle. Made from non-GMO corn and cooked in healthy corn oil, it’s a treat you can enjoy guilt-free. Plus, with zero trans-fat and nitrogen-flushed packaging, every bite is fresh, wholesome, and full of flavor!

 This festive season, ditch the boring snacks and bring home the Cornitos Nachos Combo Pack. It’s not just a snack; it’s the secret to turning every Christmas moment into a celebration of taste, fun, and togetherness.

Year End 2024 Quotes – Real Estate Sector

By-Shubham Singhal, CEO and Co-founder of Dot Media

As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear that brand collaborations with influencers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities have been on the rise. And for good reason – these influencers have a powerful ability to shape how we think about brands and influence our shopping habits. By driving trends, building trust, and impacting our purchasing decisions, influencers have played a crucial role in creating genuine connections and driving sales. So, what’s next? As we step into 2025, I’m convinced that purpose-driven marketing will be the key to success in the Advertising and Media industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability from brands. Here at Dot Media, we’re committed to creating meaningful connections between influencers, audiences, and brands. Our focus will be on building communities, creating personalized experiences, and developing valuable content that drives engagement and loyalty. We’ll also be prioritizing our existing customer base, and influencers will play a vital role in helping us create exclusive content, offers, and experiences that keep our customers engaged and loyal.

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

“The Indian real estate sector surged in 2024, supported by rising urbanization, shifting lifestyles, and increasing demand across affordable, mid-income, and luxury segments. Residential demand has been particularly strong, while the luxury market saw a boost from high-net-worth individuals and NRIs keen on high-end amenities in cities like Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Sustainability is a driving trend, with eco-friendly, energy-efficient properties gaining popularity. Valued at approximately $493 billion, the sector contributes 7.3% to India’s GDP and is the second-largest job creator after agriculture.

Looking ahead, India’s real estate market is expected to play a transformative role in the country’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) vision, with projections estimating the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2034. By 2030, housing demand is anticipated to grow to around 70 million units, driven by urban infrastructure projects, favorable policies, and a resilient economy. As infrastructure projects accelerate and the economy expands, real estate’s contribution to GDP is poised to rise, solidifying its position as a key pillar in India’s journey toward sustained economic growth and urban modernization.”

Expert Insights: Year-End 2024 Perspectives

Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“2024 has been a landmark year for the fintech industry, achieving unprecedented milestones in innovation and financial inclusion. India now boasts 26 fintech unicorns, including one decacorn, with registered startups surging from 2,100 in 2021 to 10,200 in 2024 and a combined valuation of $125 billion. Payments and lending categories attracted the maximum amount of funding, accounting for 85% of capital raised, while UPI surpassed 10 billion transactions in August, underscoring its transformative impact.

Spice Money is proud to contribute to this remarkable growth with offerings like biometric banking through AEPS, assisted bill payments, cash collection, and the rollout of UPI for rural India. Our foray into MSME lending and a robust 14-lakh-strong Adhikari network has extended essential financial services to 95% of rural pin codes and 2.39 lakh villages. In 2024, we impacted over 2.5 crore rural customers monthly, fostering trust, financial accessibility, and economic empowerment across Bharat.

Looking ahead to 2025, India is on track to have approximately 150 fintech unicorns with a combined valuation projected to reach $500 billion by 2030. The industry’s future lies in driving scalable and inclusive solutions through collaboration with policymakers and public partners, fostering sustainable and impactful growth for millions across the country.

At Spice Money, we remain committed to advancing Bharat’s financial inclusion through tech-driven solutions, ensuring compliance, and enhancing fraud risk management while prioritizing sustainable and profitable growth. A supportive regulatory framework and robust public-private collaboration are essential to addressing the unique needs of rural India. With rural fintech leading India’s digital revolution, Spice Money aims to build a resilient, inclusive financial ecosystem that uplifts communities and accelerates economic progress.”

Shubham Singhal, CEO and Co-founder, Dot Media

As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear that brand collaborations with influencers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities have been on the rise. And for good reason – these influencers have a powerful ability to shape how we think about brands and influence our shopping habits. By driving trends, building trust, and impacting our purchasing decisions, influencers have played a crucial role in creating genuine connections and driving sales. So, what’s next? As we step into 2025, I’m convinced that purpose-driven marketing will be the key to success in the Advertising and Media industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability from brands. Here at Dot Media, we’re committed to creating meaningful connections between influencers, audiences, and brands. Our focus will be on building communities, creating personalized experiences, and developing valuable content that drives engagement and loyalty. We’ll also be prioritizing our existing customer base, and influencers will play a vital role in helping us create exclusive content, offers, and experiences that keep our customers engaged and loyal.

George Gerchow, Head of Trust, MongoDB

“As tech vendors added AI capabilities to their offerings in 2024, we have seen IT departments adopt and release these features. This has resulted in small to moderate business improvements, but not the seismic shift that might have been implied by the hype. Leaders are still trying to crack the code of how AI will bring either significant productivity, reduction in operational complexity, or improvements in employee experience.

2025 will start to show more meaningful progress towards using AI to create business impact. First, AI will show value for employees to “shift left” and perform tasks of greater value and complexity, while digital AI agents will be able to answer the typical questions handled by front line support teams. Bots will be ubiquitous to all organizations to answer inquiries ranging from Sales account summaries to HR benefits. Second, the introduction of reasoning capabilities will ultimately be a game changer, but each organization will need to assess how to utilize it. 2025 will mark the beginning, but not the end, of that journey.

2025 will also show the development of permission-aware RAG layers. For AI to deliver the most value, it has to blend public data with private data found within the walls of the company. The private data has to respect any permissions and privileges of the person running the AI query which are typically set within the application or service hosting the source data.”

Rajesh Khandagale, SVP- National Pension System, KFin Technologies

“The National Pension System (NPS) has shown remarkable growth in 2024, achieving a 37% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach INR 2.76 Lakh crore, driven by the contributions of 58 lakh non-government subscribers. Recent enhancements, including increased tax deduction limits and changes in withdrawal and remittance policies, have made NPS more attractive. Additionally, the introduction of NPS Vatsalya as a savings product for children has broadened its appeal.

In 2024, NPS has continued to offer competitive returns, with top-performing schemes delivering returns between 9% and 12% per annum. The Union Budget 2024 introduced significant enhancements, such as increased tax deductions for employer contributions and the launch of ‘NPS Vatsalya’ for minors.

Looking ahead to 2025, we expect a surge in retail participation, driven by enhanced digital engagement and education initiatives. KFin Technologies is committed to innovating and improving its services to support the evolving needs of NPS investors, focusing on technology integration and customer experience enhancement. In the non-government sector, KFintech is growing at twice the rate of industry growth. Our extensive experience, having handled over 1,200 IPOs and servicing over 150 million investors, positions us well to continue leading in this space..”

Giridhar G, Chief Business Officer – Corporate Registry, KFin Technologies

The Indian IPO market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, standing out as a global leader despite subdued trends elsewhere. With India capturing a quarter of global IPO volumes and boasting the highest number of mainboard listed companies, the market’s performance has been exceptional.

India’s IPO market has raised a record-breaking ₹1.19 lakh crore ($14 billion) in 2024, driven by strong investor demand and impressive returns from recent IPOs. This surge has solidified 2024 as a banner year for Indian IPOs, with significant listings like Bajaj Housing Finance Limited and Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India’s largest IPO till date.

Looking ahead to 2025, we foresee a record-breaking IPO market, driven by strong economic momentum, robust retail participation, and sectoral diversity, including the resurgence of tech and housing finance. As one of the key registrars in the Indian market, we recognize that the surge in IPO activity demands highly efficient back-end processes. We are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology, advanced analytics, and AI to further simplify the IPO journey for issuers and investors alike. With our proven expertise in managing over 80 IPOs in 2024 and serving a growing base of more than 150 million investors, we are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s dynamic capital markets”

Mario Sylvester Roche, Chief Operating Officer – Alternatives & Wealth Solutions

“The Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) industry in India saw significant growth in 2024, with total commitments reaching USD 12 trillion. This was driven by increased interest from institutional and high-net-worth individual (HNWI) investors. SEBI’s new regulations enhanced transparency and governance, boosting investor confidence.

In 2024, institutional investments in AIFs rose as organizations sought better returns compared to traditional investments. KFin Technologies is enhancing its technological capabilities to streamline operations and improve investor engagement. Our platform, XAlt, built on modern SaaS architecture, has reduced time to value and simplified development processes.

Looking ahead to 2025, the AIF industry is expected to continue growing, with more allocations from institutional and retail investors. We anticipate innovative fund structures within the AIF framework to meet evolving market demands. Ongoing regulatory support from SEBI will further bolster investor confidence. As market conditions evolve, AIFs will likely emphasize diversification across asset classes and geographies to mitigate risks and enhance returns.”

Vinay Chhabra, Co-Founder & Managing Director, AceCloud, a brand of RTDS

“2024 has been a pivotal year for India’s cloud and AI ecosystem, catalyzed by rapid adoption and government initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission, which allocated over INR 10,300 crore. The development of high-performance compute infrastructure, including more than 10,000 GPUs, aims to position India as a leader in AI while addressing talent and compute shortages that challenged AI-readiness for many organizations. This focus on GPU-powered AI is reshaping sectors and accelerating the adoption of cloud technologies to streamline processes and reduce costs.

However, challenges remain, particularly around infrastructure scaling and the high costs of GPUs, which continue to impact AI implementation. As per International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) AI Preparedness Index 2024, that assesses AI preparedness in 174 countries by examining factors such as digital infrastructure, human capital and labour markets, innovation and economic integration, etc., India ranks 72nd with a rating of 0.49. Advanced economies such as United States has a rating of 0.77, Singapore – 0.80, and China ranks 31st with a rating of 0.63 in this index highlighting AI adoption and implementation maturity.

Looking to 2025, overcoming these bottlenecks will be crucial. We envision expanded GPU accessibility, public-private partnerships for cloud infrastructure growth, and AI democratization through initiatives like India’s Data Labs and IndiaAI Innovation Centres. As AI adoption grows, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks will also play a vital role in safeguarding cloud data, which is integral to maintaining trust and enabling advanced analytics.

AceCloud is committed to aligning with India’s digital ambitions by delivering scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions. By fostering innovation in cloud and GPU technology, we’re preparing to empower enterprises with the tools they need to harness the full potential of AI in the coming years. Through these advancements, we’re building a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem that positions India as a global technology leader.”

By- Anand Srinivasan, Managing Director of Covestro (India) Private Limited

2024 has been a pivotal year for India’s drive towards sustainable growth, with industries and businesses increasingly embracing innovation and environmental stewardship. As global challenges like climate change take centre stage, the adoption of green technologies, circular economy models, and energy-efficient solutions has accelerated across sectors. This progress underscores India’s commitment to balancing economic development with ecological responsibility.

At Covestro (India), sustainability is at the core of everything we do. This year, we made significant strides in advancing our mission of making the world a brighter place by delivering innovative, high-performance materials for industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. Through collaborations with key stakeholders, we prioritized resource efficiency, renewable energy integration, and the development of products that promote recyclability and reduce carbon footprints.

As we step into 2025, our focus remains on driving sustainable innovation and empowering our partners to achieve their ESG goals. Together, we aim to co-create solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges while fostering a future that is resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious.

CEAT Expands Retail Footprint in Kolkata to Meet Growing Demand for Premium Tyres

New Delhi, India – 19 December, 2024:

CEAT, a leading tyre manufacturer, announced the opening of three new CEAT Shoppe outlets in Kolkata as part of its strategic expansion into premium retail spaces. This move aims to address the increasing demand for high-performance tyres in the city. The new outlets were inaugurated today by CEAT’s leadership team, including Vishal Pawar, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Supply Chain, and Manik Singh, Vice President – Sales.

The new CEAT Shoppes are located in Kolkata’s prominent areas of Mominpur (Alipur ),Topsia and Paddapukur and will cater to the growing needs of customers for high-performance tyres and superior service. These outlets provide a superior retail experience with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced equipment for tyre services such as wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and nitrogen filling.

Customers will find a comprehensive range of two wheeler and four wheeler tyres at these outlets , including premium popular models like CrossDrive, SportDrive and SecuraDrive. The stores are designed to offer personalized tyre recommendations based on driving patterns, terrain, and vehicle type, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Mr. Vishal Pawar, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Supply Chain, CEAT Limited said, “The launch of these new outlets in Kolkata marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. With the rising demand for premium tyres, we are dedicated to redefining the customer experience by delivering personalized services and offering only the finest, high-quality products.”

CEAT’s digital integration strategy ensures a seamless customer experience. Customers can book consultations and services through CEAT’s website or Google My Business listings, making tyre selection and fitment more convenient.

Additionally, each new outlet is expected to create local job opportunities, including roles for sales staff and skilled wheel technicians. CEAT will provide specialized training to ensure employees deliver exceptional service.

This expansion aligns with CEAT’s brand philosophy, “Crafted for the Curious,” catering to those who love discovering new paths and value premium quality products and experiences.”

Kolkata’s automotive market has shown considerable potential with the 17-inch and above category projected to expand significantly in the next two years. By reinforcing its retail presence in Kolkata, CEAT aims to better serve the city’s evolving automotive needs.

CEAT holds a leadership position in Kolkata’s commercial tyre segment and commands a significant market share in the two-wheeler category. With the current expansion, the company aims to further strengthen its foothold in the passenger car and utility vehicle (PCUV) segment by offering a broader range of premium tyres.