20, Jan 2025
Pre-Budget Expectation Quotes by Experts
Nikhil Kurhe, Co-founder & CEO, Finarkein Analytics
“As we approach this year’s Union Budget, it’s crucial to recognize the transformative potential of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in fostering financial inclusion and economic growth. Initiatives like the Account Aggregator framework, Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission, and ONDC-FS are foundational to creating an interconnected and inclusive digital economy.
To drive widespread adoption and innovation around these digital public goods, the Budget can allocate targeted funding for capacity building, awareness campaigns, and incentives for early adopters. Establishing a dedicated innovation fund for DPI-focused startups can catalyze solutions tailored to underserved segments, including MSMEs and rural India. Additionally, simplifying regulatory frameworks and expanding support for secure data-sharing standards will encourage private sector collaboration while ensuring consumer trust.
The Budget is an opportunity to accelerate India’s leadership in digital innovation, not just for India but as a model for the world. A strategic focus on DPI can unlock unprecedented value across sectors, empowering citizens and businesses alike.”
Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO, Spice Money
“As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025-26, it is imperative to prioritize measures that strengthen the digital financial ecosystem, particularly in rural India, where initiatives like Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) and Bharat Connect have become lifelines for millions. While AePS has revolutionized cash-in cash-out (CICO) operations, ensuring transaction safety and security remains a critical focus for the fintech ecosystem.
The framework put forth by Dvara Research highlights the need to integrate existing networks of Transactional Business Correspondents (TBCs) into the Digital Banking Unit (DBU) hierarchy. These TBCs are the true enablers of last-mile connectivity, providing uninterrupted banking access to underserved communities and reducing costs while fostering trust. Recognizing and supporting this network with technological upgrades and financial assistance would not only prevent duplication but also accelerate the pace of financial inclusion.
Additionally, a reduction or waiver of GST on financial services offered at Banking Agent outlets would significantly ease the financial burden on these grassroots operators, encouraging broader participation in rural banking. Beyond inclusion, the objective must evolve toward empowering rural communities with tools for savings, investments, and financial growth, fostering a self-reliant Bharat.
We hope this budget paves the way for robust, innovative, and inclusive financial policies that align with the aspirations of Digital India and truly reflect the transformative potential of integrating DBUs and TBCs into a unified framework.”
Rohit Mahajan, Co-Founder plutosONE
“Union Budget 2025 presents a transformative opportunity to deepen digital payment adoption in tier-2 cities and beyond, unlocking the next wave of growth. By incentivizing partnerships between fintechs and banks, the government can harness fintechs’ product innovation and banks’ outreach to extend digital payment innovations to the last mile. MSMEs are the ‘lifeblood’ of India’s economy and their major requirement is credit accessibility. Platforms like Trade Receivables Discounting Systems (TREDS) by converting it to cash actually will be proven quite precedent in working capital financing. We request the government to make some incentives in favour of the fintechs so that they can encourage MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to shift to TREDS fully ensuring certain back-up measures in everything they lack needed to move forward. This will not only empower several MSMEs but will also fast-forward the dream of financial inclusion throughout the country and catalyze sustainable growth in the whole economy.
Ajay Singh, Principal, The Scindia School, Gwalior
As we await the Union Budget for 2025, I believe the education sector is at a pivotal moment. To empower our children to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world, it is essential to prioritize investments in education. I urge the government to allocate a larger share of GDP to education, increase funding for STEM initiatives, enhance digital learning infrastructure and promote skill-based education. By simplifying regulatory processes and encouraging international collaborations, we can create a world-class education system that equips our students to excel on the global stage. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking in our schools will be crucial to developing the leaders of tomorrow. I also hope the budget will address the need for equitable access to quality education, ensuring no child is left behind. I look forward to a budget that lays the foundation for a brighter future for our children.
Ramadass Selvaraj, Chief Operating Officer at Pathfinder Global
‘We are looking forward to the Union Budget 2025, as it presents an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the growth of the quick commerce sector and empower small retailers, including Kirana stores. The retail landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and we anticipate the introduction of regulatory actions that will support the integration of advanced technology, particularly for small businesses. With the rise of digital-first platforms, it’s more critical than ever to ensure small businesses are equipped with the right tools to stay competitive. We expect the government to focus on policies that enhance the adoption of AI, streamline operations, and create more efficient supply chains for these retailers.
We believe the Union Budget will pave the way for small retailers to embrace these transformative technologies, enabling them to elevate customer experiences, optimize their operations, and remain relevant in this fast-evolving market. As the retail sector shifts towards a hybrid model that blends digital and physical experiences, the industry must empower retailers to leverage technology and adapt to this new era of retail. We are confident that these changes will level the playing field and foster sustainable growth across the sector.’
Strate School of Design- Mr. Thomas Dal, Dean
“As we await the forthcoming 2025 Budget, the design sector anticipates exciting developments to further fuel creativity and innovation. As the design industry has historically been a major contributor to economic growth, we expect governments to continue to support it, particularly in the area of digital infrastructure and technology-driven solutions.
As demand for innovative design solutions worldwide grows, we hope the budget focuses on investments that strengthen design education and create opportunities for international collaborations. Investment in a holistic and interdisciplinary approach through institutions that promote cross-disciplinary learning will be fundamental in creating future-ready designers who can meet the challenges of an ever-evolving market. Such policies not only would channel the best of design thinking into tech and business domains but also unlock the full potential of creative industries at large, enabling enhanced innovation and competitiveness in a wide range of industries.”
MBA ESG- Dr. Srinivasan K, Director
“As we look ahead to the 2025 budget, we are optimistic about the future of higher education and its role in preparing students for an evolving workforce. We hope the government will give more priority to policies that support industry-aligned curricula and infuse emerging technologies into the way students learn.
MBA ESG operates on the benefits of scholarship funding and global alliances and focuses on enhancing and making quality education accessible to all. India needs to double down on its private institutions, especially those that offer specialized MBA courses to enhance its standing as a global hub for business education. Overall, preparing graduates with skills that are in demand in the changing marketplace will definitely better align education services with the needs of the economy of the future, thus giving students a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market.”
CTO and Co-founder of Vantage Circle, Mr. Anjan Pathak
“As we approach the Union Budget 2025, we hope to see measures that drive inclusive growth, particularly in regions like Northeast India, which hold immense potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. Strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding support for MSMEs, and enhancing access to emerging technologies like AI-driven automation and blockchain could significantly boost regional development and economic progress. Additionally, we look forward to incentives that encourage R&D and digital skill development, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. Prioritizing cybersecurity and long-term financial support for technology adoption will be pivotal in ensuring sustainable growth and innovation across the nation.”
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.
Rajul Kothari, Partner, Capital League
“The recent tax changes for debt funds have severely impacted retirees seeking safe, non-volatile investments to beat inflation on a post-tax basis. With long-term capital gains tax on pure debt funds now equivalent to fixed deposits at a marginal rate of tax, retirees are forced to consider hybrid funds with a minimum 15-20% equity component to achieve tax-efficient returns. This exposes them to unnecessary risk. To address this, I urge the government to exempt long-term capital gains tax for investors above 60-65 years at the time of redemption. This would encourage the use of pure debt funds and products, providing retirees with a stable and low-risk investment option, uncorrelated with the volatility of equity markets.”
Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship
India has made notable strides in skill development and workforce participation in recent years. Over last 3 years there growth in apprenticeship is around 30% and the number of employers engaged with apprentices had doubled up to 40000. Also, the registered industries on apprenticeships is reaching 2 lac mark. This is a great feat achieved. However, with the transformation of work, workforce and workplace due to advent of AI and new sectors which required specialised workforce for skill based job roles, we need unprecedented growth is skilling initiatives. As we approach the 2025 budget, there is a pressing need to build upon these achievements and this year, we expect the budget to prioritize skill-based employment generation and inclusive growth, with a central focus on increasing women’s labor force participation. The government must prioritize promoting increased participation of women in the workforce through apprenticeship platform that gives opportunity to women and especially women to upskill and gain relevant hands on experience to be employable in formal sector. targeted financial incentives and policies to be implemented that encourage employers to engage with women apprentices. The employers could be incentives for building supportive infrastructure such as creches, safe working spaces, dedicated transportation facilities, and accommodation for migrants ensuring safety and welfare. Mobilization is a critical element for skill development. Furthermore, improving access to apprenticeships in underserved areas is crucial. We recommend the introduction of a one-time allowance for candidate mobilization, ensuring that apprenticeships reach individuals in socio-economically disadvantaged people, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.
To further support migrant workers, the government must focus on creating hostels, affordable accommodation facilities, and other essential support systems to ensure their smooth integration into the workforce and society.Additionally, addressing the subsidy parity between the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is essential to ensure equal financial support for both employers and apprentices, making these programs.Streamlining and simplifying the regulatory framework and unifying apprenticeship guidelines will further reduce administrative burdens, increase efficiency, and allow these programs to scale effectively. Moreover, the introduction of industry-friendly UGC guidelines for work-integrated education programs will ensure that the skills developed align with industry demands and remain future-proof. This will encourage industry-academia collaboration, recognise establishment of industries as a new and effective classroom for learning which is much needed.Furthermore, expanding work-integrated learning programs and internships is vital to bridging the gap between education and employment. We suggest that the budget significantly enhance the PM Internship Scheme, providing youth—especially those from disadvantaged educational backgrounds—with the chance to gain industry-relevant experience. By equipping school dropouts, and undergraduates with targeted skill development opportunities, the government can help them re-enter the workforce, reduce dropout rates, and create clear pathways to long-term employment. For undergraduates, these opportunities can include work-integrated learning programs, degree apprenticeships, and industry-specific certifications that allow them to gain hands-on experience while completing their education. Also, linking PMIS with NEP, by recognise the internship component, which is taken up in industry, under UG programs offered by HEIs. Expand the internship opportunities beyond the Top 500 spenders in CSR, include Medium enterprises as well. Alongside, the budget must allocate funds to create robust digital infrastructure to enhance skilling platforms for seamless operations and scalability of execution of apprenticeships, and other skilling initiatives including launch of mobile application. To further strengthen these initiatives, streamlining regulatory processes and promoting public-private partnerships will be crucial in creating a more inclusive, accessible, and efficient skilling infrastructure.The growth of MSMEs, which are crucial to the Indian economy, can be further supported by expanding access to apprenticeships and work-integrated learning programs, allowing them to develop a skilled workforce while contributing to broader economic goals.
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- By Team
20, Jan 2025
Himani Shivpuri Adopts Her Paternal Village – January 2025
Himani Shivpuri, beloved for her role as Katori Amma in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, is not only a renowned actress but also a compassionate individual with strong ties to her roots. Recently, she took a significant step to give back to her homeland by adopting her paternal village, Bhatwadi, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, with the support of the PravasiUttarakhandi Council. Her goal is to revitalise the village and create sustainable opportunities, particularly as many young people have moved to cities in search of work, leaving behind an aging population, including many elderly women. The veteran actor’s efforts reflect her deep commitment to development, sustainability, and preserving the heritage of her beloved Bhatwadi. Speaking about this meaningful initiative, Himani Shivpuri, also known as Katori Amma, shared, “Bhatwadi holds a special place in my heart. It is not just my paternal village but also the canvas for many of my childhood memories. It saddens me to see the village lose its vibrancy as young people leave in search of better opportunities. Today, the village is primarily home to older residents who often feel disconnected and unsupported. The elderly possess so much knowledge and skill that could be used in areas like organic farming, handicrafts, or even running homestays for tourists. These ventures could offer them financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose. I believe it is my responsibility to step in and help make a difference. One of my main focuses is to revive agricultural practices, especially orange farming, which thrived in the village when I was younger. I have vivid memories of the lush orange orchards that once defined Bhatwadi, but sadly, they have disappeared over time. I plan to reintroduce orange farming and explore modern techniques to enhance both yield and quality, which could bring economic growth and employment to the village.”
Additionally, Himani aims to promote terrace farming, a traditional practice in the region. She explained, “Terrace farming is a sustainable way to utilize the hilly terrain while being environmentally friendly. I want to collaborate with agricultural experts to train villagers in advanced farming techniques and introduce crops suited to our climate and soil. This will not only generate new job opportunities but also encourage young people to return home. This is a collective effort, and the participation of the villagers is crucial. Together, we can transform Bhatwadi into a model village where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Our villages are the foundation of our culture and identity. By nurturing them, we nurture our future. I encourage everyone, especially the PravasiUttarakhandis, to consider how they can contribute to the development of their native villages. Together, we can restore the vitality and spirit of our communities, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”
20, Jan 2025
Auxilo registers over 95% CAGR in Overseas Education Loans in Gujarat
Ahmedabad, January 20, 2025: Auxilo Finserve, the leading education finance NBFC, has registered a CAGR of over 95% growth in Gujarat in the last three financial years. The company will soon increase its customer touch-points across key locations to meet the growing demand and facilitate faster processing of loans.
Shweta Guru, CBO – Overseas Loans, Auxilo informed “Post-pandemic, there has been an exponential growth in student numbers for overseas education, and to meet this increasing demand, we have planned to gradually expand our branch network in Gujarat”.
In Gujarat, Auxilo caters to students across important locations such as Surat, Navsari, Bardoli, Vapi, Bharuch, Ankleshwar, Baroda, Nadiad, Anand, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Meshana, Kadi, and Kalol. The company will soon add Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, and Baroda to its existing network, along with its regional headquarters in Ahmedabad.
Nearly 1,05,600 students travelled abroad in 2023 from Gujarat registering a growth of 11.8% from 2022 with 94,400 students.
“With loan amounts ranging from ₹35 to ₹1 crore, students usually opt for leading universities in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia” added Ms. Guru.
As per data, the top courses preferred by Indian students are Master in Computer Science, Master in Information Systems, Master in Business Administration, Master in Business Analytics, and Master in Data Science among others.
As per industry reports, over 1.3 million Indian students travelled to overseas destinations to pursue higher education in 2024, indicating a strong growth from 7,50,000 students in 2023.
To date, Auxilo has provided education loans to over 12,000 aspirational students, across more than 1100 Universities and education institutes in over 25 countries. The company has also provided finance to over 170 educational institutes for their infrastructure expansion and working capital requirements.
In July 2024, Auxilo Finserve raised $30 million in its second round of funding from LeapFrog Investments along with existing investors such as Trifecta Leaders Fund I and Xponentia Opportunities Fund-II.
The company’s Assets under Management (AUM) for FY 2020-23 has grown at ~82% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) and currently stands at INR ~3604 crore.
Auxilo Finserve is promoted by Akash Bhanshali of ELME Advisors LLP and co-invested by Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd.
20, Jan 2025
Bank of Baroda Launches 5 All-Women Branches in Odisha and Jharkhand
Bhubaneswar, 20th January 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the launch of five all-women bank branches under the motto “By Women, For Women” in the states of Odisha & Jharkhand. These branches, staffed entirely by women employees, are designed to create a supportive and empowering environment for both the Bank’s women employees and women customers as well as general customers at large. The Bank is opening three such branches in Odisha and two in Jharkhand. Out of the 5 branches, three are urban branches and two are rural.
This initiative is a part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering women, unleashing their true potential, and promoting gender parity. Encouraging women employees to take the lead in managing the overall operations of these branches, gives them greater opportunities for professional growth and to aspire for higher leadership roles in the Bank.
While the five all-women branches will welcome all customers, there will be a greater thrust towards servicing women customers and fulfilling their unique banking requirements. The branches will focus on empowering women customers through various tailor-made savings and loan schemes such as the Bob Mahila Shakti Savings Account, Bob Women Power Current Account, Baroda Mahila Swavalamban loan scheme for women entrepreneurs, and the Bob, SB Self Help Group.
The branches will promote various government schemes that support entrepreneurship & social security. The five all-women branches will also actively promote financial literacy & education through regular events, thereby increasing financial inclusion.
Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “With the opening of five all-women branches in Odisha and Jharkhand, we are working towards building an environment, culture and ecosystem where women can flourish. Our all-women branches reflect Bank of Baroda’s deep commitment to empowering women – both as employees and customers. These branches provide our women employees with a platform to aspire, innovate and excel, while also prioritising and expanding women’s access to financial services. I am excited about the possibilities this will create in building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
The newly inaugurated branches are located at Niladri Vihar (Bhubaneswar), Khunta (Cuttack), Irba (Ranchi), Dhanupali (Sambalpur), and Jamshedpur Women’s College (Jamshedpur).
20, Jan 2025
Purnam’s Winter Edit at The Claridges Showcases the Beauty of Indigenous Craft and Elegant Luxury
Purnam is delighted to announce its much-anticipated Winter Edit, taking place on February 8, 2025, at The Claridges, New Delhi. This year’s exhibition promises to be a grand celebration of indigenous artistry, featuring a diverse selection of handcrafted products, fashion, and lifestyle essentials that embody timeless elegance and creativity.
This edition features an impressive lineup of celebrated designers and brands, including Urvashi Kaur, known for her contemporary and sustainable designs; Poonam Bhagat, whose chic ethnic wear blends tradition with modernity; Satya Paul, a name synonymous with artistic and bold prints; and Abraham & Thakore, celebrated for their minimalist sophistication. Attendees can also explore unique offerings from BeachBum, Zanzibar Living, Vanilla Moon, Tulip, Yumi, Harmeet Bajaj and more. In addition to luxury fashion and home décor, the Winter Edit will include a thoughtful selection of lifestyle products, wellness experiences, and artisanal crafts, ensuring there’s something special for every visitor.
The Winter Edit is more than just an exhibition of beautiful objects; it is a celebration of social responsibility. Purnam is deeply committed to making a meaningful social impact, and this year’s event will feature partnerships with several NGOs that support women artisans, children’s education, and sustainable livelihoods. The exhibition will collaborate with Naari Shakti, an initiative that empowers women artisans through skill development, as well as Udayan Care, which provides education and care to underprivileged children. Additionally, Pravān – Candles of Hope, a social enterprise focused on sustainable production, will also be part of the showcase. These partnerships reflect Purnam’s ongoing dedication to creating positive change through the power of commerce and collaboration.
Founded in 2006 by Saroj Bhatia, Sarita Baluja, Indu Gupta, and Jani Dhingra, Purnam has always focused on elevating the voices of indigenous artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and promoting the values of sustainability. Over the years, Purnam has become a revered platform for emerging designers and artisans, providing them with a space to showcase their work while fostering a strong sense of community. Over the past several editions, Mystic Events by Sonali Amla and Team Purnam have joined forces to create vibrant and immersive showcases that resonate with both creators and visitors alike, setting a benchmark for luxury exhibitions.
Purnam’s Winter Edit at The Claridges is set to be an unforgettable event that combines artistry, luxury, and social consciousness. Whether you’re looking to add timeless pieces to your wardrobe, find distinctive home décor items, or discover sustainable gifting options, Purnam’s Winter Edit will offer something truly special for every visitor.
20, Jan 2025
IP Bazzaar and RIPA to host Tech Talk on Emerging DefenceTechnologies
New Delhi Jan 20, 2025: In a bid to address the growing technological demands of modern defence systems, IP Bazzaar, in collaboration with Reinforce Intellectual Property Association (RIPA), is organizing a Tech Talk on “Emerging Technologies Shaping Modern Defence.” The event will take place on January 24, 2025, at the National Productivity Council, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
The roundtable discussion will bring together experts from the defence sector, academia, and the industry to focus on enhancing collaboration for the development of cutting-edge defence technologies. The event will explore the current state of India’s defence technology landscape in comparison to global advancements and will seek to identify critical gaps that need to be addressed to foster self-reliance.
A key theme of the discussion will be the importance of aligning academic research with the strategic needs of the defence sector to create indigenous solutions that meet India’s specific requirements. The organizers have emphasized the need for targeted research and development initiatives to address the challenges of modern defence systems and improve country’s technological readiness.
“India’s defence sector is at a pivotal point where technological advancement is critical to meet evolving security challenges. Strategic collaboration between industry and academia is essential for cultivating innovation, facilitating international cooperation, and developing state-of-the-art Indigenous technologies,” said Mr Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder of IP Bazzaar.
The Tech Talk will include perspectives from key stakeholders, highlighting the gaps in defence technology development and strategies to bridge them. Discussions will focus on research and development priorities, innovation frameworks, and long-term pathways for collaboration between academic institutions and the defence industry. The event will also touch upon ways to foster a culture of innovation within the defence sector, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global defence landscape.
The roundtable is expected to feature notable speakers and delegates from leading institutions, think tanks, and organizations, including the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). These discussions aim to identify actionable steps for enhancing India’s defence capabilities through focused innovation and partnerships.
Speakers:
- Major General (Dr) Ashok Kumar (Retd), VSM, DG, CENJOWS
- Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd), Ex Asst. Chief of Integrated Def. Staff
- Cmde (Dr) Arun Pratap Golaya (Retd), VSM
- Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd), Ex-Deputy Asst. Chief of Integrated Def. Staff
- Mr. Sumit Chauhan, CEO, Datopic Technologies
- Prof. Prabhat Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, D Y Patil International University
- Brigadier Rajeev Ohri (Retd), VSM
- Mr. Vivek Venugopal, Executive Director, PwC
The event’s focus on fostering collaboration aligns with broader national objectives to strengthen India’s defence infrastructure and technological self-reliance. It reflects the urgent need to address the critical areas where India lags behind global standards while leveraging its strengths to achieve significant progress.
IP Bazzaar, a technology consulting firm specializing in the commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), is leading this initiative as part of its mission to bridge the gap between innovation and application. Known for creating platforms that connect stakeholders across industries, IP Bazzaar aims to drive meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes through this Tech Talk.
The event will be open to representatives from the defence sector, academic institutions, and industrial organizations interested in contributing to the future of defence technology in India.
20, Jan 2025
FanCode Brings Inaugural World Pickleball League to Viewers with Exclusive Streaming
Mumbai, January 20, 2025 – FanCode, India’s leading digital sports destination, is set to exclusively stream the highly anticipated debut season of the World Pickleball League (WPL). This collaboration underscores FanCode’s commitment to expanding its diverse sports offerings and catering to India’s rapidly growing community of pickleball enthusiasts. The league will take place from January 24th to February 2nd at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe. Known for its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements, pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, captivating players and fans of all ages with its engaging and dynamic gameplay.
The World Pickleball League promises to deliver thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unparalleled viewing experience. Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of FanCode, expressed his excitement: “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO, World Pickleball League “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favorite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. FanCode has become a go-to source for everything related to sports, and by streaming the World Pickleball League, we aim to make the sport a household name. We are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport and look forward to kicking off the league with great excitement.”
The league’s glamour quotient is further elevated by star-studded team ownership. Teams include the Chennai Super Champs, owned by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu; the Bengaluru Jawans, co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee; Pune United, co-owned by actors Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh along with corporate leaders; and Team Mumbai, owned by Swiggy. This blend of celebrity and corporate backing adds to the league’s excitement and broad appeal.
With pickleball gaining traction across India, the World Pickleball League is poised to further fuel the sport’s growth and captivate audiences nationwide.
20, Jan 2025
IIT Kanpur and Citadel Securities Pave the Way for GPU Innovation with New Research Lab
Kanpur, 20 January 2025: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), India’s top institution in science and engineering, and Citadel Securities, a leading global market maker, today announced a new partnership to build the “Translational and Transformative Training and Investigations Lab” (T3i Lab) at IITK. The lab will be part of IITK’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and will be supported by a Citadel Securities CSR grant as part of the firm’s work to improve access to high-quality technical and computing education around the world.
The T3i Lab will provide students with access to world class research facilities and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), a costly resource that is in high demand in India. The Lab will focus on enhancing research and education in High-Performance Computing, Data Science, Data Visualization, Translational AI, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Systems. It will also promote innovation in Computer Architecture Design and Hardware Security, supporting IITK and its students in staying at the forefront of emerging research and development in these critical areas.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, commented, “The establishment of the advanced GPU Lab at IIT Kanpur through this partnership will significantly boost our research and innovation ecosystem by enabling our students and faculty to pursue solutions with far-reaching impact. On behalf of the institute, I express our gratitude for CitSec’s commitment to supporting this vision and anticipate technological advancements that will shape the future of technology.”
Mr. Adi Singh who currently manages India trading at Citadel Securities, added “We are proud to support India’s AI research and talent development through the T3i Lab. This initiative underscores Citadel Securities’ commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the local communities where we live and work.”
Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni at IIT Kanpur, said, “The establishment of this lab will provide our students and faculty with access to world-class resources and enable cutting-edge research in areas that are crucial to the future of technology. We are grateful to CitSec for their generous support and look forward to seeing the tremendous impact it will have on our academic community.”
20, Jan 2025
JW Marriott Kolkata Brings the Vibrant Essence of Chor Bazaar to Life with ‘Shor Chaat Story
This January, JW Marriott Kolkata invites you to embark on an extraordinary culinary journey through the bustling lanes of India’s most famous Chor Bazaars with its unique event, Shor Chaat Story. From January 25th to February 2nd, indulge in a gastronomic carnival that reimagines the charm and chaos of India’s iconic street food culture.
A Celebration of India’s Street Food Heritage
With a theme inspired by the vibrant bazaars of cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Shor Chaat Story offers an experience unlike any other. Guests will enter a carnival-like atmosphere styled to resemble traditional Chor Bazaars, with vintage decor, quirky signboards, and an ambiance rich with nostalgia.
Each day celebrates the iconic street foods of a specific city, including:
- Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar: Famous Vada Pav and Missal Pav
- Delhi’s Chandni Chowk: Karare Aloo Tikki and Matra Kulcha
- Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar: Bhutta Ka Kees and Gararu Chaat
- Hyderabad’s Sultan Bazaar: Hyderabadi Toast Chaat and Pesarattu
- Kolkata’s New Market: Puchkas, Club Kachori, and Jhaal Muri
A Flavorsome Affair
The thoughtfully curated menu showcases over 20 iconic dishes, highlighting the diverse flavours of India’s rich culinary heritage. Each chaat is crafted with authentic ingredients, offering a delicious blend of local tastes and cultural flair.
Date: January 25, 2025 – February 2, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: 2:Fifty9 The Bar – Alfresco
Celebrate the flavours, stories, and nostalgia of India’s iconic chor bazaars at JW Marriott Kolkata and make your evenings memorable with this one-of-a-kind street food journey!
20, Jan 2025
Ensuring IVF Success Amidst the Cold Weather
Dr. Neelam Banerjee, Senior Consultant & Head of Department – IVF, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
As winter grips many parts of India, couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) face challenges that go beyond the treatment itself. While the cold season brings some respite from scorching heat, it also introduces physiological and environmental factors that can influence IVF success rates.
Emerging research highlights how winter weather, combined with associated lifestyle changes, may negatively impact reproductive health. For couples already navigating the emotional journey of IVF, understanding these challenges is key to improving outcomes.
The Impact of Winter on Reproductive Health
One of the most significant effects of winter is reduced blood circulation due to cold temperatures. This constriction of blood vessels can limit oxygen and nutrient flow to reproductive organs, affecting ovarian function and the uterine lining’s ability to support embryo implantation.
Hormonal imbalances are another concern. Seasonal changes, including shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure, can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal rhythm. Low levels of vitamin D, often observed during winter, are linked to reduced fertility in both men and women. For women, vitamin D plays a crucial role in egg maturation and embryo quality, while in men, it impacts sperm motility and overall reproductive health.
Challenges in IVF Success Rates
Winter-related factors can compound the challenges of IVF. Poor blood circulation and hormonal disruptions may affect the development of high-quality eggs and embryos, critical components for a successful IVF cycle.
Infections, particularly respiratory illnesses like flu and colds, are also more common during winter. These infections can weaken the immune system, making the body less receptive to embryo implantation and increasing the risk of early pregnancy loss.
Steps to Counter Winter Challenges
To counter the challenges posed by winter on IVF success, it is essential to take a holistic approach to health and well-being. Regular light exercises like yoga or walking can enhance blood circulation to the reproductive organs, while staying warm and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold further supports optimal blood flow.
Addressing vitamin D deficiencies through regular sunlight exposure, supplements, and a diet rich in fortified foods is equally important. Strengthening immunity by consuming antioxidant-rich foods, staying hydrated, and taking precautions against seasonal infections, such as flu, can protect overall health during this time.
Additionally, managing stress through meditation, mindfulness, and counselling can help maintain hormonal balance. Lastly, consulting fertility specialists ensures personalized care to address individual risks and optimize outcomes during the winter months.
As IVF becomes an increasingly accessible option for couples in India, it is vital to recognize the influence of environmental and seasonal factors on its success. While winter may bring certain hurdles, an informed and proactive approach can ensure these challenges are managed effectively.
