Pushpa 2 Actress Aanchal Munjal: My New Year’s wish is to continue landing big roles, winning hearts, and making a mark in the industry

As 2024 wraps up, actress Aanchal Munjal is looking back with gratitude at a year full of growth and new experiences. After her memorable role in Pushpa 2, where she won hearts alongside Allu Arjun, Aanchal is still soaking in the love from fans, especially her newfound title of “International Crush of India.” She recently shared her thoughts on 2024 and what she’s excited about for 2025.

Reflecting on 2024, Aanchal said, “It’s been a magical year. It started with a lot of travel and music videos—things I never expected. Then, everything changed in May, and I’ve been busy with a lot of exciting projects, some of which I can’t reveal yet. There’s a big surprise coming soon, and I can’t wait for everyone to see me on screen again. On a personal note, this year has also been very spiritual. I’ve visited many religious places, and though I can’t explain exactly why, I feel like God has guided me down this spiritual path. I’m embracing it fully and it’s been such a fulfilling experience.”

As for her plans for the upcoming year, Aanchal is hopeful and determined. “After the success of Pushpa 2, I’ve realized just how much love and support I’ve received. Fans have been eagerly waiting to see me on the big screen again, and that’s something I’m truly grateful for. My New Year’s wish is to continue landing big roles, winning hearts, and making a mark in the industry. One of my dreams is to play a leading role in a film like Pushpa, and I’m working hard for that. Soon, everyone will be surprised by what I have in store.”

Looking forward to 2025, Aanchal further added, “I’m starting the New Year with gratitude and hopefully a new project in the works. Just like Pushpa 2 surprised everyone, I’ll be unveiling something new very soon. I’ve always embraced different mediums—films, TV shows, and commercials—and now, with a focus on films, I’m excited to take on diverse roles. The love and support from my audience means everything to me, and I’m forever thankful for it.”

Aanchal’s journey began as a child artist, and over the years, she’s built an impressive career across commercials, TV shows, and films. She starred opposite Saurabh Sachdeva in Pushpa 2: The Rule, where she played his love interest. Known for her roles in We Are Family, and TV shows like Parvarish and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Aanchal is set to continue her rise in the industry with even bigger projects in the year ahead.

2024 Outlook and Trends and Expectations for 2025

Dr Raj Singh, Spokesperson – JAIN Online and Vice-Chancellor – JAIN (Deemed -to – be -University)

Since the announcement of National Education Policy in July 2020, higher education has been undergoing rapid transformation. This trend is likely to continue in 2025 as well. The major expectations for 2025 are-

More personalized learning experiences for learners made possible by the blended learning with world class online contents or learning from anywhere. The classrooms will be reimagined wherein the focus will not be on learning theory.

As the HEIs struggle with the issue of getting back the trust of stakeholders, the emphasis is likely to shift to problem-based learning. The research will have to be extended to innovation and problem solving/ practice.

As the Universities/ HEIs implement NEP 2020 in entirety (including the much desired and much awaited examination reforms like the on-demand examinations etc.), the consequent complexities and flexibilities will have to be handled which will require robust technology systems like ERP. And to adopt the changes, the biggest challenge will still be the mindset change among the teachers and academic administrators.

The skill embedded and apprenticeship embedded degrees will be in demand as learners from many backgrounds will find it feasible to upskill and reskill. Also, the micro-credentials will be in much demand as the learners will look for the needed skills rather than enrolling for longer certificates, diplomas and degrees. Towards this, a new trend that is likely to intensify is institutions providing specialized training will join hands/ collaborate with universities/ HEIs to get benefitted by the recognition of credit units through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)

Saurav Ghosh, Co-founder, Jiraaf

“2024 has turned out to be the year when Indian bonds, especially government securities and high-rated corporate bonds, have come of age. Strong domestic demand and increasing retail investor participation have acted as key demand drivers; with the inclusion of IGBs in the JPMorgan-EM Bon Index attracting sustained foreign fund inflows into the Indian bond market. Moreover, with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) reducing the minimum face value criteria on corporate bonds from Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.10,000 in June 2024, the entry barrier for investors has been lowered substantially and has subsequently promoted increased retail participation. What’s more, while policy shifts in developed economies like the United States could act as a potential headwind for bond prices in 2025, the case for investing in the Indian bond market has never been stronger. Retail investors would do well to allocate capital towards a mix of government and corporate bonds while making sure to use bond laddering strategies to minimize volatility risks. Lastly, it is highly recommended that they choose to invest via trustworthy Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs) and make the best use of upcoming investment opportunities by leveraging the range of insights and market analysis provided on these platforms.”

Vivek Merchant, Director, Swan’s Shipyard, for your kind consideration

“This year has been transformational for the global shipping industry. As major shipbuilding nations grapple with significant newbuild backlogs and delivery delays, India is emerging as a viable and competitive alternative. The demand for sustainable solutions, hybrid propulsion systems, and eco-friendly shipping technologies has gained tremendous momentum, and Swan’s Shipyard is ready to deliver on all these fronts. Our strategic location, advanced facilities, and cost-effective operations make us a compelling choice for domestic and international stakeholders alike.”

“With the revival of Pipavav Shipyard, we aim to strengthen India’s maritime sector and position it as a global leader. Pipavav shipyard, home to the largest dry dock in India, offers state-of-the-art facilities, making it capable of handling a diverse range of projects. Strategically located in Gujarat, near Pipavav Port, we are ideally placed to serve both domestic and international clients, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions. Our commitment to sustainable practices is reflected in our focus on hybrid and green propulsion ships.We are not just restoring a shipyard; we are unlocking India’s potential to meet the growing global demand for maritime solutions, backed by our skilled and cost-efficient workforce.”

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO, BCT Digital (photo attached) on banking sector

The RBI highlights the significant improvement in the banking sector’s health, with the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) declining to a multi-year low of 3.6% as of September 2024, compared to 5.0% in March 2023. This reduction underscores enhanced credit discipline, robust monitoring, and effective recovery mechanisms. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR), a critical measure of risk resilience, stood at an impressive 75%, further strengthening banks’ capacity to manage potential credit shocks.

On the fraud management front, regulatory guidelines have focused on enhancing Early Warning Systems (EWS) and leveraging technology for fraud detection. Cybersecurity measures and stronger digital payment controls have been instituted to mitigate risks in an increasingly digital banking ecosystem.

The sector’s resilience was reaffirmed through stress tests, indicating that even under severe macroeconomic shocks, the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of SCBs remains well above the regulatory minimum of 9%, signaling the robustness of the sector’s financial buffers.

As India progresses into 2025, the banking sector is set to sustain its momentum of stability and growth. The GNPA ratio is expected to stabilize below 3.5%, supported by strong asset quality, stringent risk management practices, and favorable macroeconomic conditions. Credit expansion in high-growth sectors and improving consumer sentiment are likely to bolster profitability further.

However, the sector must remain vigilant to risks in microfinance and consumer credit, which make up 15% of SCB loans, with delinquency rates reaching 8.2% in small personal loans and 3.8%-4.2% in microfinance. Banking fraud surged to ₹21,367 crore in H1 FY25, with internet and card frauds accounting for 44.7% of the amount and 85.3% of cases. These trends emphasize the urgent need for advanced fraud detection technologies and stronger cybersecurity to address evolving risks.

Mr. Srinath Setty, CEO, Hosachiguru

Hosachiguru stands apart from typical real estate ventures by fostering a community focused on long-term investment and sustainability through managed farmlands. Over the past decade, we have earned the trust of our customers, managing over 1,500 acres with a growing base of more than 1,500 Co-Farmers. This journey has been enriched by partnerships with organizations like Hasiru Dala, promoting responsible waste management, and Akshayakalpa, whose practices align with our ethos of prioritizing soil health and chemical-free farming.

Our Co-Farmers actively embrace the “farm-to-table” concept, cultivating their own food and creating serene farmhouses where they spend quality time amidst nature. The rising awareness about food security and the health risks of chemically grown produce has further fueled the demand for managed farmlands. At Hosachiguru, we champion sustainability by using organic formulations made on-site and steering clear of synthetic chemicals. This trend is expected to grow in 2025 as urbanites increasingly seek a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

To combat challenges posed by unpredictable climate conditions, we employ regenerative practices such as mulching and swales to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and ensure resilience. Our efforts have yielded remarkable results, including over a 100% increase in soil organic carbon content and the harvesting of 111 crore liters of water in 2024.

As we step into 2025, we are excited to launch two major projects. Hosachiguru Mammara Farm, located in Ramanagara, features a lush mango orchard with trees aged 25–30 years. Hosachiguru Unnati, our first farm-themed residential project, combines sustainable living with modern comforts.

Our vision remains steadfast—to inspire people to integrate farming and greening into their lives, ensuring not only a secure future but also a positive impact on the planet.

 Ms. Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO; Oben Electric

2024 has been a pivotal milestone in India’s EV evolution, setting the stage for transformative growth. Between April and November alone, India achieved an impressive 13.06 lakh EV registrations reflecting a 25.64% growth compared to the previous year. This momentum has been fuelled by the rise of indigenous manufacturers delivering groundbreaking innovations, supportive government policies, and a growing shift toward eco-conscious consumerism.

The expansion of ‘Make in India’ manufacturing has strengthened the nation’s EV sector, while initiatives like PM E-DRIVE, FAME II, and reduced import duties have fuelled adoption. Key milestones this year included March, when subsidy-driven sales peaked at 213,064 units, and October, which saw festive-led sales reach 219,322 units. India’s charging infrastructure has also witnessed a transformative leap. From around 12,000 public charging stations previously, the country now boasts over 25,202 such facilities, thanks to initiatives like PM E-Drive, which allocated ₹10,900 crore, including ₹2,000 crore exclusively for charging infrastructure

Looking ahead to 2025, resolving the inverted GST structure in the two-wheeler segment is crucial. While the lower 5% GST on EVs encourages adoption, the 18-28% GST on raw materials creates high working capital demands, increasing costs unnecessarily. Addressing this taxation disparity and refining policies will create a stronger foundation for the sector’s efficiency and competitiveness, providing a much-needed boost for sustainable growth.

As we look to 2025, India stands at the cusp of becoming a global EV leader. Enhanced affordability, improved range, robust charging networks, and rural penetration are set to define the next phase of growth. Indigenous manufacturers are set to raise the bar with groundbreaking offerings, while the government’s continued investment will fuel adoption across urban and rural markets alike. At Oben Electric, we are proud to lead this revolution with high-performance, innovative, and affordable electric two-wheelers, redefining mobility for Indian consumers.” — said Ms. Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric

Mr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Droom

2024 was a fabulous year for Droom as it was our second year with our new strategy that we pivoted to in Oct 2022 when we decided to get out of value segment (cars under 10L) and decided to focus on mid (cars between 10L to 30L), premium (cars between 30L to 50L) and luxury cars (cars above 50L). This shift was trigged how the VC and PE ecosystem after 11 years or tech rally in early 2022 shifted from market share grab and growth at any cost to profit share grab and growth but with profitability. This pivot resulted int our AOV going up from Rs. 10Lac to Rs. 27Lac, out take rate from 3.1% to 5.2% and we became CM3 positive. We gave our selves two milestones before could conclude that our new strategy is working i.e. generating 4,000 crores in annualized GMV and 200 crores in annualized net revenue. We achieved both these milestones size months back and since then our business is growth close to 100% Y/Y. Along with this pivot we also created monetization opportunities beyond core marketplace platform by entering in loan, insurance, Enterprise SaaS and digital advertising. Today, new opportunities account for less than 5% of total revenue but in 5 years they can be more than 50% of total revenue. Last two years have proven that if you are building a consumer Internet business with asset light and tech heavy approach, you can scale and grow without much dependancies on capital and path to profitability is clearer. In 2025, we will be announcing 2-3 more new initiatives that can be stable source of revenue and profits in coming years, said Mr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Found and CEO of Droom

Mr. Girish Hirde – Global Delivery Head at InfoVision

“The year 2024 has been a year of measured progress for the IT industry, as businesses navigated global economic uncertainties, cautious investments, and delayed decision-making. However, as we look ahead to 2025, the outlook is decidedly optimistic. Increased IT spending and a growing urgency among traditional enterprises to accelerate digital transformation will drive the industry forward.

The adoption of Generative AI is no longer a choice but a necessity, as both enterprises and consumers actively integrate AI-driven solutions into their operations. Moving beyond proof-of-concept projects, businesses are now focusing on leveraging advanced AI capabilities to achieve tangible results. Key advances in the areas like security technologies, responsible AI, intelligent automation, and data intelligence will play a pivotal role in shaping successful digital transformation journeys across industries.

At InfoVision, we continue to drive innovation in specific areas such as Network APIs and autonomous networks in Telecom space, Omni-channel commerce and loyalty solutions in retail to mention a few and most importantly enable our customers to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.”

Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL SAS

“2024 has been a pivotal year for the agriculture industry, marked by recovery with a growth rate of 3.5% in the July–September quarter—more than double the 1.7% recorded in the same period last year. In the first half of the year, the sector grew at 2.7%, slightly lower than the 2.8% growth recorded last year. This rebound, driven by an above-average monsoon and improved rural consumption, has been a key contributor to economic growth. Government initiatives such as the ‘Digital Agriculture Mission,’ aimed at modernizing farming practices, and the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, empowering women to use drones in agriculture, have been instrumental in fostering innovation and inclusivity in the sector.

Moreover, this year highlighted the growing importance of technology in farming, demonstrating how innovation can transform agricultural practices, making them more efficient and sustainable for the future.

At UPL, in line with our vision of ‘Reimagining Sustainability’ for farmers and food systems, we have taken significant steps to reduce our environmental impact, enhance our social responsibility initiatives, and strengthen our governance practices. The integration of biosolutions with conventional plant protection products has been a game-changer, offering holistic solutions for modern farming needs. By transforming the agriculture ecosystem—encompassing product usage, mechanization, risk cover solutions and soil health solutions —we are addressing the challenges posed by climate change and promoting more sustainable farming practices.

Our targets are centred around reducing environmental footprints, ensuring food security, fostering responsible production, and enhancing community well-being.

Looking ahead to 2025, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), sensor-based IoT, drones, and satellites are expected to become more accessible and scalable. These innovations offer immense potential to enhance productivity and foster prosperity across Indian farmlands, paving the way for precision agriculture. The government’s commitment to research and development (R&D), improving supply chains and infrastructure, and enhancing production and storage can further emphasize achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ in agriculture. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers, supported by targeted training and awareness programs, is expected to play a pivotal role. At UPL, we remain dedicated to empowering farmers with innovative solutions that drive productivity, sustainability, and resilience. We look forward to building on our achievements and continuing to transform agriculture into a more sustainable and inclusive industry.”

Kunal Arya, MD & Founder at ZELIO Ebikes

“As we wrap up an incredible year, 2024 has been a landmark journey for ZELIO Ebikes. We are proud to announce the expansion of our footprint with 273 dealerships across 23 states, bringing our innovative solutions closer to communities nationwide. With over 200,000 satisfied riders now part of the ZELIO family, our diverse range of low and high-speed electric two-wheelers, including the X-Men, Gracy, Eeva, and Mystery models, have redefined the riding experience for many. Our new manufacturing unit in Ladwa, Hisar, Haryana, covering 6 acres with 3 acres under shelter, not only sets a new benchmark in our production capabilities with an annual capacity of 72,000 vehicles per shift but also positions us strategically for future growth. We also marked our entry into the e-rickshaw market with the showcase of the Tanga by Zelio at the EV India Expo 2024, expanding our horizons further. Going forward, ZELIO Ebikes is committed to driving the electric mobility revolution in India and beyond.”

 Mr. Mukesh Taneja, CEO and Co-Founder at GT Force

“As we reflect on a remarkable year, GT Force has firmly reestablished its presence in the Indian electric two-wheeler market. Our strategic rebranding and expansion efforts are just the beginning. With the launch of our new range of high and low-speed EVs, including models like the GT Vegas, GT Ryd Plus, GT One Plus Pro, and GT Drive Pro, alongside our flagship GT Texa motorcycle, we are setting new benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and innovation. We have remained committed to providing eco-friendly, affordable, and performance-driven solutions for urban commuters. Our efforts have not only been focused on expanding our product lineup but also on forging meaningful partnerships, such as with ESAF Small Finance Bank,Ecofy I-Loan, CASHe and Kotak Bank, to offer accessible financing to our customers. With 50+ dealerships now operating across multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi-NCR, we are well-positioned to support the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. As we look to the future, our national expansion is on the horizon, and we are confident that our relentless pursuit of sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction will fuel continued growth and success in the year to come.”

DPS Lava Enchants at Utsav 2024-25: Jana Gana Mana – Harmonising Hearts

Nagpur, 31 December, 2024……Delhi Public School Lava, Nagpur unveiled its spectacular Annual Function ‘Utsav 2024-25’ with the soul-stirring theme ‘Jana Gana Mana – Harmonising Hearts.’ The event radiated grandeur and patriotism, graced by the legendary actor Mr. PAVAN MALHOTRA as Chief Guest, alongside distinguished Guests of Honour, a revered Kathak maestro Shree Madan Pande, and Mrs. India International Dr Pooja Vyas. The school’s Pro VC, Mr. Gautam Rajgharia, Ms Sanjana Rajgharia and visionary Principal, Dr. Anupama Sagdeo, added to the prestige.

The celebration began with an auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing enlightenment, followed by the Principal’s eloquent Annual Report. Mr. Malhotra’s inspiring words on ‘Nation First, Always First’ and the richness of India’s heritage struck a chord with all.

A visual symphony unfolded as students depicted Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Morning Song of India’ five stanzas through mesmerizing dances and theatrical acts, culminating in the triumphant National Anthem. The event was a poetic homage to India’s unity and cultural legacy.

Understanding Vertigo: Unraveling the Neurological Triggers Behind the Dizziness

By-Dr. Mahesh Jadhav Consultant – Neurology Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune

When a person has vertigo, they feel as though their environment is moving even though there isn’t any actual motion. Extreme vertigo can make it difficult to balance or carry out regular tasks. Vertigo can strike out of nowhere and last anywhere from a few seconds to days or more. This sensation can be defined by dizziness or spinning. The symptoms of vertigo include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty walking. Vertigo is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of several underlying conditions.

There are multiple causes of vertigo, ranging from migraine headaches, arrhythmia, and diabetes to neurological causes.

Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraines have a special effect on the vestibular system, which regulates balance and spatial orientation. These migraines cause disturbances in the vestibular nuclei, which are areas of the brainstem that process information about balance. Unlike ordinary migraines, vestibular migraines may not always result in a headache. Instead, they often manifest as vestibular symptoms such as lightheadedness, vertigo, or problems with balance. People with vestibular migraines frequently have a history of frequent migraines and increased sensitivity to motion. These sensations can be confusing and significantly impact everyday tasks.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Strokes

Both multiple sclerosis (MS) and strokes, particularly transient ischemic episodes (TIAs), can cause vertigo, though they do so in different ways. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the nerves’ protective coating, causing damage to the nerves. This injury can affect the nerves responsible for balance and coordination, leading to vertigo, a sensation of spinning or losing equilibrium. This symptom can be quite incapacitating and often coexists with other neurological impairments caused by multiple sclerosis.

However, when blood supply to the brain is reduced or disrupted, strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) happen. If the brainstem or cerebellum—two crucial regions for processing balance and spatial orientation—are affected, vertigo could appear as a symptom. In these cases, the reduction in blood flow damages the brain cells, disrupting the balance-maintenance mechanisms.

Cerebellar Tumors

Chronic vertigo might come from cerebellar tumors that disrupt the brain’s capacity to interpret balance cues. This is similar to how Chiari malformation, a structural abnormality that pushes the cerebellum into the spinal canal, can induce symptoms like dizziness and poor coordination, as well as impair balance. A doctor is required to treat both disorders.

Vestibular Neuritis

The inner ear disorder known as vestibular neuritis is brought on by inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve oversees communicating balancing information to the brain from the inner ear. When it becomes inflamed, it interferes with these signals, causing severe and protracted vertigo episodes that are frequently accompanied by nausea and balance issues.

Epilepsy

Vertigo can sometimes occur during an epileptic aura or focal seizures, especially when they affect the temporal lobe. During these seizures, abnormal electrical activity in the brain’s vestibular system can cause a rare type of partial seizure. This seizure is often marked by a spinning or whirling sensation and can sometimes result in convulsions. The sensation of vertigo in these cases is part of the aura or the beginning phase of the seizure.

Brainstem Lesions

Vertigo can arise from changes in the vestibular pathways caused by brainstem lesions from diseases such as ischemia or demyelination. When brainstem lesions impair the brainstem’s capacity to interpret vestibular signals, vertigo can develop. Through the integration of sensory data from the body, eyes, and inner ear, the brainstem preserves equilibrium and spatial orientation. Lesions in this area can cause distorted vestibular processing, which can lead to vertigo.