Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

As the Union Budget 2025-26 approaches, to be announced in February 2024, the real estate sector is pinning high hopes on the Modi 3.0 regime. Amid declining real estate activity in the second half of CY 2024, the sector anticipates government measures to revive overall consumption.

While tax reliefs and other incentives are standard expectations, the government is likely to maintain its focus on building robust infrastructure across the country. Though infrastructure development may not provide immediate relief to end-users, it remains a key driver for long-term growth in the real estate market.

The upcoming Budget is expected to emphasize maintaining economic stability and fostering growth, especially in light of the uninspiring GDP numbers from the past two quarters. Stimulus measures for SMEs, MSMEs, job creation, and skilling initiatives are anticipated to further propel economic activity.

Revive Affordable Housing

For the real estate sector, key expectations include industry status recognition and a revival of the affordable housing segment. Once a promising sector, affordable housing—homes priced under INR 40 lakh—has struggled post-pandemic, with demand and supply shrinking significantly. According to ANAROCK data, the sales share of affordable housing fell to a mere 18% in 2024 from over 38% in 2019. Similarly, its share of total housing supply in the top seven cities dropped to 16% in 2024 from nearly 40% in 2019.

This stark decline highlights the urgent need for intervention. Affordable housing requires focused attention and targeted benefits, which have been lacking in the past two years. Tax breaks to boost supply and enable buyers are crucial, but the challenges go deeper. A critical issue remains the lack of urban land, particularly in areas where affordable housing is most needed.

To address this, the government could release centrally controlled land—managed by agencies like the Indian Railways, Port Trusts, and the Department of Heavy Industries—for affordable housing projects. Additionally, the following measures are essential:

1. Reintroduce the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme under PMAY
   The scheme for EWS/LIG households, which expired in 2022, should be reinstated to incentivize first-time buyers of affordable homes. It could also extend to loans for new construction or adding essential features like rooms, kitchens, or toilets to existing properties. Under PMAY (Rural), subsidies could help convert ‘kaccha’ homes into ‘pucca’ ones, provided eligibility criteria are met.
2. Restore the 100% Tax Holiday for Developers
   The tax holiday under Section 80-IBA of the Finance Act, 2016, was a major incentive that boosted affordable housing supply. Reintroducing this benefit could be transformative, offering substantial tax breaks to developers focused on affordable housing projects.
3. Revise Affordable Housing Criteria
   Current definitions of affordable housing, based on size, price, and buyer income, require urgent revision. While the size criterion (60 sq. m. carpet area) is reasonable, the price cap of INR 45 lakh is unrealistic in high-cost cities like Mumbai. The cap should be raised to at least INR 85 lakh in Mumbai and INR 60-65 lakh in other metro cities to reflect market realities. Such revisions would enable more properties to qualify as affordable housing, granting buyers access to lower GST rates (1% without ITC) and other subsidies.

CY 2024 saw a slowdown in real estate due to general and state elections, with housing sales in the top seven cities declining by 4% to approximately 4.46 lakh units and new launches dropping by 7% to around 4.13 lakh units, as per ANAROCK research. However, with appropriate boosters for affordable housing, CY 2025 could bring a revival, helping the residential segment regain its 2023 highs in sales and launches.

Chandigarh– Panchkula, Mohali and Zirakpur adjacent to Chandigarh were always considered affordable and convenient options for home buyers. Not only were the prices relatively low in these areas, but the modern facilities here and the proximity to Chandigarh made them special. But now the situation has changed. The tremendous increase in property prices has put these places out of the reach of many common buyers.

Panchkula: Prices rise in premium areas

Property prices in prime sectors of Panchkula have reached ₹ 12-14 crore per kanal. These rates are now at par with the popular sectors of Chandigarh, making it difficult for middle-class families to buy a house here.

Mohali: Investors’ choice, challenge for common buyers

Mohali has become a real estate hotspot due to its rapidly developing infrastructure and location on Airport Road. Recently, 1 acre of land was sold here for ₹ 100 crore, which reflects the rising prices here. However, these prices have made it challenging for common buyers.

Zirakpur: Rising prices with development

Zirakpur, which was popular due to its better connectivity and amenities, has now seen a rapid increase in property prices here too. This area is no longer a cheap option as before.

What are the Affordable Options?

There is still hope for investment in some areas around Chandigarh. These areas are not only affordable but can also give good returns in the future due to better connectivity and development plans. There are many emerging areas near Chandigarh, which are affordable as well as convenient. These can include areas around Shishu Niketan School, places near Sector 43 Bus Stand, Mohali Bus Stand and areas around Mohali Government Civil Hospital. Apart from this, areas near the new cricket stadium and around Sector-39 Grain Market can also be found better options for buying property. These places are not only budget-friendly, but there is also a lot of potential for future development here.

Along with this, there are many projects of Royale Estate Group near Chandigarh, which are budget-friendly and convenient. These include: Royale Estate Zirakpur Oxford Street (Zirakpur), Mohali Industrial Economic Zone (Banur), The Royale Sector 122 (Mohali) and Chandigarh Royale City (Near Aerocity, Mohali).

Piyush Kansal, Executive Director of Royal Estate Group, says, “We have always been committed to providing better options to buyers according to their budget. Even today our projects offer affordable options for those who want to fulfil their dream of owning a house. Whether it is a middle-class family or a young first-time home buyer, we understand their needs and provide property accordingly. This time is very favorable for investment, as these areas are developing rapidly. New roads, better connectivity and modern infrastructure projects will further increase the property value here in the coming times. In such a situation, those who invest now can expect good returns in the future.”

Despite the rising property prices in Panchkula, Mohali, and Zirakpur, you can fulfill your dream of buying a house within your budget by investing in the projects of Royale Estate Group. These places are not only affordable but also have the possibility of better returns in the future.

Bhubaneshwar, 06 January 2025: In line with its commitment to revolutionizing farm mechanization for small and marginal farmers, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, one of India’s leading farm equipment manufacturers, showcased its range of innovative products at Krushi Odisha 2025. One of the key attractions at the mela is the VST 165 DI Electric Start Power Tiller.

The penetration of farm machinery to small and marginal farmers is comparatively low in India because mechanization depends a lot on the land size, topography, and crop requirements. With the size of farms shrinking, and landholdings getting divided, small and marginal farmers are looking for mechanization in their farms, that are less than 1 hectare in size. VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, over the years, has introduced a range of products for the small and marginal farming community and Power Tiller is the best solution, enabling such farmers to get maximum productivity from the field by its versatile operation and lowest cost of ownership.

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. which has over 60% market share in the power tiller industry, is committed to providing world-class products at an affordable price to Indian farmers. The goal is to enable farmers to mechanize at an affordable cost, at a time when farming costs are increasing, and labour is scarce. VST 165DI ES offers effortless electric start, adjustable tilling depth, compact design, low maintenance, and environment-friendly operation, making it an ideal companion for Indian farmers.

VST 165DI ES comes with exciting features including Electric Start for effortless starting, Digital Hour Meter to help the working hours and timely service and maintenance, Sit & Ride Comfort for the farmers to work uninterruptedly on the field for longer periods, Wider Rotary for better productivity in less time, Aerodynamic Design that gives an aesthetic look and helps in improving overall performance, Powerful High-performance 857cc engine that delivers exceptional power and efficiency and LED Head Lamp that saves energy and give better lighting while working on the field in late hours.

VST 165 DI ES 16 HP Electric Start Power Tiller is good for professional landscaping and passionate farming, this Tiller is the ultimate tool to achieve outstanding results with ease.

VST displayed all its products underthe  SFM category ranging from 2 HP to 16 HP while a wide range of tractors is also available from 17 HP to 50 HP. The products were appreciated by the farming community and willing to explore profitable ventures in this Farm implements segment. VST’s range of products is widely used for both dry & wet land operations, Inter-cultivation, Earthing-up, Land preparation, etc. Although smaller in size, these products are available with multiple attachments to handle the growing demands of mechanization in Sugarcane, Turmeric, Vegetable Crops, Horticulture Crops, and Floriculture & Plantation Crops at very affordable costs.

Krushi Odisha is a three-day event being held at the Biju Patnaik Playground in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar from 3rd January to 5th January 2025. The theme of Krushi Odisha 2025 is, “A Step Towards Sustainable Food System” with a focus on Climate Smart Agriculture, Organic Farming, and Water Governance. This three-day program, organized by the Government of Odisha, will showcase and leverage the great potential of the State and enormous investment opportunities in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry Sectors. This year’s exhibition is expecting a footfall of > 30,000 farmers & farm women, SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, Pani Panchayat members, Agri-entrepreneurs, Exporters, students, research scholars, and manufacturers from different corners of the State.

6th January 2025 Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaSparkle Gift Cards has added new variant in its offering with the introduction of the Sparkle Gift Collaborative Card, a distinctive option crafted specifically for partner NGOs to collaborate and raise funds exclusively for their causes.

This innovative offering allows donors to directly support a specific cause, with the entire purchase amount going to the chosen NGO. The first three NGOs to join this initiative are CanSupport, CRY (Child Rights and You), and Railway Children India, each addressing critical issues such as palliative care, child rights, and the protection of vulnerable children respectively. These collaborative cards stand out with three distinctive features: a maroon colour, the NGO’s logo displayed on the card, and a fixed value of INR 3000/- unlike the regular card.

Sarika Chavan, Co-founder – Sparkle Gift Cards says, “It’s been one year since Sparkle Gift Cards was launched, and we are very pleased with the response and feedback. The idea of Sparkle Gift Collaborative Card was born out of the feedback we received to have exclusive cards. This innovative initiative empowers donors to directly support a specific cause, with the full purchase amount benefiting the selected NGO.”

The Sparkle Gift Collaborative Card, has made the process of giving simple and convenient. Buyers can order the cards online (at sparklegiftcards.com/buy-now) and have them delivered to an address within 72 hours, ensuring a seamless experience. Whether it’s supporting palliative care through CanSupport, advocating for child rights with CRY, or protecting vulnerable children with Railway Children India, these cards turn gifting into a profound act of kindness.

6th January 2025 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India In an aim to enhance educational outcomes through nutritional support, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, recognized as the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program and a distinguished partner of the PM POSHAN initiative, celebrated the inauguration of its 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra Village, Avalahalli Panchayat, Bidarahalli, Bangalore, supported by Canara Bank as the anchor patron donor, represents a significant extension of Akshaya Patra’s efforts to improve educational results by providing nutritional support to students. This new facility marks the organization’s sixth location in Bengaluru.

The event was inaugurated by chief guests, Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, and Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister, Government of Karnataka. Smt. Lathakumari IAS, CEO of Bengaluru Urban District Zilla Panchayat, graced the occasion. On-behalf of the foundation Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, and Shri Gunakara Rama Dasa, Regional President – Bengaluru Cluster, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation were present. The event saw Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank, as the anchor patron donor.

Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, the newly launched kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving nutritious meals to children and communities. This initiative reflects the spirit of service and development, bringing hope and nourishment to many and strengthening the future of Karnataka.”

Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Government of Karnataka and Canara Bank, whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the inauguration of our 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra, Bengaluru. This new facility is not just a kitchen; it’s promising enhanced educational outcomes through nutritional support to over 7,500 students. The strategic location and advanced capabilities of this kitchen enable us to extend our reach and efficacy, reflecting our dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering them through education.”

He also added, “Our heartfelt thanks to Canara Bank for their pivotal role as our anchor patron donor, and to the Government of Karnataka and The Government of India for their continuous partnership. Together, we are forging a future where no child’s educational opportunities are limited by their nutritional status.”

The kitchen, sprawling over 5,000 square feet, is strategically located to cater to over 7,500 students across 60 government and government-aided schools in the Bidarahalli and Cheemasandra areas. It aims to provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals within a strict 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to quality and efficiency. This effort not only aims to nourish young minds but also boosts local employment and procurement, & the facility is semi-solar powered, with future plans to incorporate more electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank said, “Our bank takes immense pride in supporting cultural and spiritual celebrations across the country, reflecting our commitment to community engagement. As we grow and prosper, we remain dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our nation, especially in Karnataka. It is a privilege to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, a remarkable initiative that serves and uplifts the community.”

Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “The transformative power of a daily meal cannot be overstated—it shapes futures, builds dreams, and nurtures the young beneficiaries. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s success is a testament to the strength of public-private partnerships, with unwavering support from the Government of India, state governments, and generous donors. As we march towards the milestone of our 100th kitchen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Together, we are creating a legacy of nourishment, hope, and empowerment.”

Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal offerings in Bengaluru are customized to appeal to the local palate, ensuring that they are not only nutritious but also palatable. The menu features a variety of dishes including vegetable pulav, bisibele bath, and moong dal payasam, catering to diverse tastes while promoting healthy eating habits among students. This initiative is further enhanced by The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s role as an implementing partner of the visionary ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ program by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, aimed at providing milk to schoolchildren, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered by nutritional deficits.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests toured the facility and served meals to children, visibly impressed by the foundation’s dedication to quality and community impact. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently serves over 1.8 lakh children across 1200+ schools in Bangalore and 4.4 lakh children across 3400+ schools in Karnataka.

This project is more than just a facility; it reflects The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It also underscores the organization’s drive towards promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices.

With the continuous support of the Government of Karnataka and the commitment of all stakeholders, The Akshaya Patra Foundation is set to continue its mission of ensuring that ‘No child is deprived of education because of hunger.’

6th January 2025  Phu Quoc, Vietnam With significant investments in infrastructure and tourism services, Da Nang and Phu Quoc are becoming two of Vietnam’s most attractive beach destinations for Indian tourists. Their long stretches of white sandy beaches, world-class resorts, diverse cuisine and a variety of entertainment options have made these two cities ideal holiday spots that cater to the needs of Indian travellers.

Da Nang: the top pick for Indian travellers
Da Nang has cemented itself as the top-searched destination for Indian travellers, as reported by Skyscanner India’s travel trend reports. Indian tourists favour destinations with short flight distances, beautiful beaches and relaxing environments – criteria that Da Nang effortlessly fulfils.

In the first nine months of 2024, Da Nang welcomed over 151,000 Indian visitors, accounting for 43% of all Indian arrivals in Vietnam – a 125 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

To accommodate the growing demand, several direct flights from India to Da Nang have been introduced. In October 2024, Ahmedabad-Da Nang was launched with two flights per week, adding to the flow of visitors beyond New Delhi.

Sun World Ba Na Hills of Da Nang, home to the iconic Golden Bridge is one of the main draws for Indian tourists. Major Indian media Luxebook recently called the bridge one of the world’s most iconic bridges. For many Indian families, visiting the Golden Bridge is a dream come true.

“Seeing the Golden Bridge in person has always been a dream for my family,” said Muskan Tiwari from Ahmedabad. Beyond the bridge, Ba Na’s vibrant castles, cool weather and tranquil atmosphere also leave a lasting impression.

The number of Indian visitors to Sun World Ba Na Hills by the end of July 2024 reached 132,000, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of Indian tourists visiting Viet Nam in the first seven months of the year.

Cuisine is one of the top factors influencing Indian tourists’ decision to choose a destination also. For Indian travellers, where each community has its own dietary preferences and religious practices – some even bringing their own chefs for the trip. Ba Na Hills boasts a Halal-certified buffet restaurant, allowing Indian visitors to enjoy authentic flavours of their homeland.

Da Nang also has the globally recognised My Khe Beach, the spectacle of Dragon Bridge’s weekend water and fire shows and the untouched natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula.

Phu Quoc: a paradise for luxury weddings and MICE
Recently, Indian couples have been showing a strong preference for hosting weddings in Viet Nam, drawn by its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts and high-end hotels at reasonable costs. While Da Nang has long been a familiar destination for Indian tourists, supported by an increasing number of direct flights, Phu Quoc has emerged as a new paradise. The island attracts both mid-range and affluent travellers from South Asia. In fact, billionaire Indian couples frequently choose Phu Quoc as the perfect venue to host their dream weddings.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has successfully outshone a host of global competitors to become the venue of choice for billionaire Rushang Shah’s wedding in 2019 and another grand Indian billionaire wedding in early 2024.

Phu Quoc has been referred as a new MICE destination in Viet Nam. The Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in the south of the island, with exciting attractions such as art shows, nightly fireworks, the world’s longest three-rope cable car, the Kiss Bridge and beachfront resorts at Kem Beach, along with large conference rooms at Sun Signature Gallery and Sun Tropical Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, fully meet the needs of Indian tourists.

Phu Quoc recently unveiled the world-class 18-hole Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Course, offering a breathtaking view of the island’s sunset, adding yet another reason for travellers to visit this tropical haven.

With direct flights from Da Nang to Phu Quoc and the upcoming addition of more direct flights from other cities, the journey to explore Vietnam will become increasingly complete and easier for tourists.

6th January 2025 New Delhi, Delhi, India To promote excellence and innovation in infusion therapy, BD India in association with The Infusion Nurses Society (INS), successfully concluded the BD INS Mastermind Quiz 2024 during the 12th Annual INS National Conference 2024. Mastermind Quiz is a national annual quiz event that serves as a platform to recognize the exceptional expertise of nursing professionals, enhance knowledge-sharing, and inspire advancements in infusion practices across India.

Mr. Atul Grover, Managing Director, BD India/South Asia, said, “Our Mastermind Quiz 2024 is an annual event that we organize in partnership with INS to bring the focus on the critical role that infusion nurses play in advancing patient care. Our continued collaboration with INS over the years, underscores the shared commitment to improving clinical standards, fostering professional development, and ensuring the highest levels of patient safety. This is aligned with our purpose of working with like-minded partners to advance the world of health.”

Regional Rounds: Identifying the Brightest Minds Across India
Around 15000+ nurses registered from more than 1000 hospitals across 400+ cities of the country for the BD INS Mastermind Quiz preliminary round. The quiz competition began with rigorous regional rounds among the preliminary round top scorers, held in the North, South Plain, South Coastal East, and West zones of the country. These rounds witnessed enthusiastic participation from leading hospitals, with teams demonstrating their expertise in clinical infusion practices, patient safety and healthcare worker safety practices and technologies.

The winners of the regional rounds were:

• North Zone: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi
• South Plain Zone: AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad
• South Coastal Zone: Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital, Chennai
• East Zone: Medica Super Specialty Hospital, Kolkata
• West Zone: Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai
• Grand Finale: A Battle of Excellence

The grand finale, held recently in Yashoda Hospital, Hitech City, Hyderabad during the 12th Annual INS Conference 2024, brought together the best teams from the regional rounds. The event featured four rounds of challenging questions through MCQs, Rapid Fires, Buzzer and Accelerator rounds. After an intense and engaging competition, three out of five teams emerged as the winners of BD INS Mastermind Quiz 2024:

• First Place: Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital, Chennai
• Second Place: Medica Super Specialty Hospital, Kolkata
• Third Place: AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad

The 12th Annual INS Pre-conference workshop – Skillathon focused on hands-on skill development on the best practices in IV Therapy. The workshops garnered great praise for their impactful sessions, engagement and enthusiasm from the participants, hospital management, key opinion leaders and nursing leaders.

6th January 2025  New Delhi, Delhi, India As the New Year approaches, Parimatch is thrilled to introduce an exclusive addition to its gaming lineup. The all-new instant game Fire Boom is here to ignite your gaming passion with explosive action and generous rewards, while the beloved Coin Train gets a festive winter-themed upgrade for the holiday season. Currently, both games are available on the Parimatch platform only.

Coin Train Holiday Edition
The beloved instant game Coin Train is ready to celebrate the New Year and Christmas with a cheerful holiday makeover!

Here’s a quick refresher on the game rules. Before the round begins, players place their stakes, with the option to wager up to ₹21,000 per stake. Unlike most instant games, which typically allow up to two simultaneous stakes, Coin Train stands out by allowing PC users to place up to three stakes at once. Mobile players can still enjoy the excitement with up to two simultaneous stakes, ensuring a thrilling experience for everyone.

As the train moves, the excitement builds with the multiplier increasing steadily, potentially reaching 1000x. This means players have the chance to win up to an impressive ₹63 million in a single round!

What makes Coin Train truly unique is its Safe Zone feature. This exclusive addition activates randomly during a round, guaranteeing a risk-free multiplier for a specified period. The Safe Zone duration is displayed on the screen, giving players a moment of security to enjoy multiplier growth. However, beware—once the Safe Zone ends, the train could crash at any moment, even in the very next second! It’s up to you to decide whether to claim your winnings or continue the ride for even bigger rewards.

Looking for a holiday mood boost while chasing big wins? Hopping aboard this festive train is just what you need! With its bright red carriages and gifts piled high, it spreads joy as it rolls through a snowy winter wonderland.

Hurry up, Coin Train Holiday Edition is available only until January 15!

Fire Boom Game: Your Spark to Instant Wins
Another exciting addition to the Parimatch lineup is Fire Boom, the exclusive instant game that’s sure to boost your mood and your wallet!

In Fire Boom, the journey begins when you place your stake and set off the firework. PC players can enjoy the advantage of placing up to three stakes simultaneously, while mobile users can place up to two. With a maximum stake amount of ₹21,000, the potential rewards are just as high-offering winnings of up to an incredible ₹63 million as the multiplier climbs higher into the sky. The challenge is simple yet thrilling: claim your winnings before the firework explodes.

FireBoom also features the Safe Zone, giving players moments of guaranteed safety where your multiplier increases risk-free. The challenge lies in claiming winnings before the Safe Zone ends or the firework explodes.

With its vibrant energy, dynamic gameplay, and the constant tension of risk versus reward, FireBoom promises an electrifying gaming experience like no other. Are you ready to light the spark and aim for instant wins?

Why Parimatch’s New Games Are a Must-Try
Both Fire Boom and Coin Train Holiday Edition bring thrilling gameplay, festive cheer, and huge winning opportunities, making them perfect for the holiday season. With the exclusive Safe Zone feature, multiple options, and the chance to win up to ₹63 million, these games are designed to take your gaming experience to the next level.

Celebrate the New Year with Parimatch-dive into exclusive new games where holiday magic meets generous rewards!

6th January 2025 New Delhi, Delhi, India Smile Train India, the world’s largest cleft focused NGO announces a strategic partnership with Sirat, the country’s largest cleft community for two-years to improve cleft awareness and build community support for cleft affected individuals.

With a grant of INR 40 lakhs from Smile Train, this partnership will focus on hosting events to connect with individuals with clefts and strengthen relationships between the cleft community and caregivers, while launching impactful social media campaigns to raise awareness and empowering cleft-affected individuals. Additionally, this collaboration will prioritize providing mental health support to help cleft-affected individuals and families navigate challenges with resilience and expand access to Smile Train supported free and comprehensive cleft care across India, ensuring no one is left behind.

Talking about this partnership launch, Mamta Carroll, Sr. Vice President and Regional Director Asia, Smile Train expressed, “Smile Train has always been dedicated to providing free, high-quality cleft surgery and comprehensive care for children in need. Our partnership with Sirat marks an exciting milestone in expanding our support beyond the medical needs of cleft affected individuals to also address their mental and emotional well-being. This collaboration is expected to significantly enhance the range of care available to cleft-affected individuals and create a brighter and more inclusive future for them.”

Reflecting on the significance of this collaboration, Ashim Garg, Co-founder of Sirat, shared, “We founded ‘Sirat’ with the objective for improving and empowering the lives of individuals with clefts. It is truly gratifying to receive this partnership support from Smile Train to expand Sirat’s reach and impact across the country. This two-year partnership is a significant step, and we are excited about the opportunities it brings to strengthen and grow an inclusive cleft community in India together.”

Sakshi Kothari, Co-founder of Sirat, added, “Our collaboration with Smile Train began with meaningful interactions at Cleft Con India and has since evolved into a transformative journey. This partnership enables us to extend our support to thousands of cleft warriors and their allies through Sirat. By combining Smile Train India’s medical expertise with Sirat’s focus on psychosocial well-being, we are dedicated to redefining cleft care in India—making it more inclusive, accessible, and holistic.”

Smile Train and Sirat’s partnership in India underscores a shared commitment to not only transforming smiles but also transforming lives, paving the way for a stronger, empowered cleft community across India.

6th January 2025  Pune, Maharashtra, India As we step into the fourth quarter of the financial year, tax planning takes centre stage for many investors. However, people often view tax saving and wealth growth as two separate investment buckets.

What if there was a way to get both benefits in one place? ELSS mutual funds give investors an option to bridge this gap, combining the benefit of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (eligible for Old Regime) and long-term growth potential through equities.

The newest entrant in this space is the Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund. Launched by Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited, Period, this scheme opened for subscription on December 24, 2024. The NFO period will on till January 22, 2025.

This article tells you more about ELSS funds and Bajaj Finserv AMC’s latest scheme.

Why ELSS is your best tax-saving partner

For Indian investors, Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, has long been an effective way to reduce taxable income and continues to be a popular choice for investors who have opted for the old regime of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Under this section, investments of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per scheme in various schemes can be deducted from the taxpayer’s taxable income. There are several schemes eligible for this benefit, including:

• Contribution towards PPF.
• Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
• Tax Saver Fixed Deposits.
• Life insurance premiums
• National Savings Certificate

However, these traditional avenues usually prioritise stability and offer low or moderate return potential. ELSS funds, on the other hand, provide market-linked returns while also offering tax benefits. They invest at least 80% of their portfolio in equities. As a result, they offer investors the potential to build wealth over time, though they come with high risk, unlike the more traditional avenues.

What makes the Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver fund different?

The new Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund combines these benefits with a long-term stock selection process, seeking investments in stocks that show the potential for relatively stable growth over time.

1. Stock selection: Fund managers will analyse companies based on fundamentals like revenue growth, profitability, and industry position to identify businesses that have the potential to offer steady growth over the long term.
2. Diversified portfolio: By spreading investments across industries and sectors, the fund will seek to provide an optimal risk-return balance.
3. Long-term focus: Equity markets can be unpredictable in the short term, but over a longer horizon, quality investments have the potential to yield high returns. ELSS funds encourage disciplined investing by locking in your capital for three years, giving your money time to potentially grow.
4. InQube edge: The fund leverages Bajaj Finserv AMC’s in-house InQuBe philosophy – the Information edge, Quantitative Edge and Behavioural Edge. This approach seeks to combine superior information collection with advanced data processing models and insights from behavioural finance to seek to stay a step ahead of the curve and potentially outperform the market in the long term.

Timing matters

With January almost here, the race to meet tax-saving goals for FY25 is on. Many taxpayers leave their tax-saving decisions for the last minute, often leading to hasty investments. The Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund offers an opportunity to plan investments in a more structured manner.

By choosing ELSS, you’re not just ticking off a box but also setting the stage for long-term financial growth potential.

How to invest in the Bajaj Finserv ELSS Tax Saver Fund

The NFO period for this scheme is on till January 22, 2025. Investors can purchase units at a face value of Rs. 10 during this period. Investments start at Rs. 500 for Systematic Investment Plan as well as lumpsum. Both Growth and IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) options are available.

Once the NFO period ends, the fund will re-open for subscription in a few business days. Investors can then purchase units at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV).

You can invest directly with Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd. on www.bajajamc.com or by visiting your nearest branch. You can also invest through Registrar and Transfer Agent KFin Technologies Ltd, both online and offline. Moreover, you can invest through a mutual fund distributor or a registered aggregator.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Identify how much you need to invest to meet section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, deduction limit. You can also invest more for your long-term goals.
2. Choose between lumpsum and SIP investment.
3. Open an account: Choose whether you want to invest online or offline, through Bajaj Finserv AMC or a third party.
4. Track and review: While your money is locked in for three years, regular reviews of your portfolio’s performance can help you stay aligned with your financial goals.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.