Viva, Asia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of aluminium composite panels (ACP), a pioneer in innovative building materials, proudly unveiled SOLID X—India’s first pre-coated ready-to-install solid aluminium panels—at the prestigious BAU Expo in Germany. This groundbreaking product marks a new era in architectural design, combining unmatched strength, versatility, and sustainability to redefine modern facades and interiors. With decades of expertise in the building materials industry, Viva continues to push the boundaries of innovation, offering a product that not only elevates durability and aesthetic appeal but also champions eco-conscious manufacturing.

SOLID X aluminium panels are engineered to deliver exceptional performance, setting new benchmarks in architectural materials. With a fire rating of A1, the highest classification for non-combustible materials, and a weather-resistant PVDF coating, these panels ensure long-lasting beauty and safety. Designed with parallel flatness to minimize internal stress, they provide sleek aesthetics and superior load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for wider spans and greater design flexibility. The lightweight yet strong composition facilitates easy installation, while customizable textures and colors cater to diverse architectural visions.

The panels are a testament to sustainability, produced using eco-friendly practices that result in a low carbon footprint. Viva’s commitment to durability is backed by a 15-year warranty, offering long-term performance and peace of mind. Features like scratch resistance, antimicrobial silver-ion coating, and self-cleaning properties further enhance the value of SOLID X, making it a perfect choice for both functional and aesthetic applications.

Mr. Mayank Jain, Director of Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd., said, “The launch of SOLID X at BAU marks a significant milestone for Viva as we introduce India’s first pre-coated ready-to-install solid aluminium panels to the global stage. SOLID X reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, offering architects and designers a revolutionary material that combines unmatched durability, aesthetic versatility, and eco-conscious manufacturing. This is not just a product—it’s a promise to redefine the future of facades and interiors worldwide.”

Viva SOLID X panels are versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into various spaces, including commercial environments like corporate offices, retail stores, and malls; residential properties such as high-rise buildings, apartments, and villas; and public infrastructure, including airports, metro stations, and stadiums.

With SOLID X, Viva has introduced a product that redefines facades and interiors while setting a benchmark for sustainable architecture. By launching this transformative innovation at BAU, Viva underscores its position as an industry leader committed to driving the future of building materials.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: A recent report suggests that only 15% of the 500,000 brokers operating in India use technology effectively, leaving the majority dependent on manual processes like paperwork.

Magicbricks, India’s premier property portal, has reinforced its commitment to real estate brokers by scaling up READPRO, its AI-powered CRM platform, empowering over 15,000 brokers and achieving 85,000+ active licenses across 200+ cities in just six months.

With features like real-time sales tracking, lead integration, and performance analytics, READPRO has assisted in a 200% increase in lead generation, driven by innovative features such as data and lead management, live team updates, real-time performance tracking, and advanced tools like performance dashboards and compass.

Among the 200+ cities where READPRO operates, Magicbricks has observed the highest usage in metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with an average of 3,500, 1,600, 1,600, and 1,200 active users at any given time, respectively.

Additionally, digital adoption is driving its rapid growth in Tier-2 cities such as Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Agra, and Surat, showcasing the platform’s expanding footprint and appeal across diverse markets. As a result, READPRO has experienced a 71% surge in activity between November and December 2024.

Talking about the same, Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks emphasized “As residential demand and supply remain robust, the need for proptech solutions among brokers is more pressing than ever. By integrating READPRO’s advanced CRM capabilities into the Magicbricks platform, we are empowering the broker community with tools that enhance productivity, improve profitability, and streamline their operations. This aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions that address the evolving challenges of the real estate ecosystem.”

Originally developed by Its For You Pvt Ltd in 2020, READPRO was acquired by Magicbricks to complement its full-stack real estate solutions, which include Verified Leads and Site Visits. With over 2 crore customers and 15 lakh listings, Magicbricks continues to lead the real estate industry, enhancing capabilities for developers, homebuyers, and brokers alike.

Akshay Seth, Founder (ReadPro) further added, “Traditionally, brokers have depended on manual processes and generic CRMs. However, we identified their specific requirements and custom-built ReadPro, equipped with industry-specific features tailored for real estate professionals. With Magicbricks’ nationwide presence, robust technical infrastructure, and expansive sales network, we aim to amplify ReadPro’s reach and establish it as the leading CRM solution for real estate consultants across India.”

Mumbai, 22 January 2025: The Priority Sector Lenders Association of India (PSL Association or PSLAI), formed as a Section 8 company, has been conceptualized to make loans under the Priority Sector Lending norms, an important business vertical for Banks and NBFCs. Currently, as per the RBI regulations, Banks are required to maintain at least 40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANDC) as priority sector loans. This amounts to an annual disbursement of nearly INR 64 trillion to MSMEs. Since loans under PSL are relatively of a small amount and are also considered riskier, the majority of the target is met by institutions through indirect means, such as securitization deals.

The RBI defines PSL loans under 8 heads, which include agriculture, MSME and affordable housing. So far, credit to the agricultural sector has garnered the largest share of the pie under the PSL disbursements. The MSME sector, contributing nearly 29% of India’s GDP and 45.73% of exports, faces a significant credit gap of INR 103 trillion, as of Fiscal 2024​. Despite a growing demand for credit of INR 138 trillion, only 25% of the sector’s formal financing needs are currently met, leaving the majority of MSMEs reliant on informal credit sources.

With a view to solve the problem of credit for Priority Sectors especially for MSMEs, under the aegis of iSPIRT, a new industry body named PSLAI has been formed. iSPIRT is bringing on board multiple lending institutions like UGRO Capital, IIFL, fintechs like GetVantage/GetGrowth Capital and many others as its founding members. iSPIRT believes that India’s digital growth, supported by the Indian DPI, has opened up newer avenues for the SME/MSME sector, and with the right product developments and policy push, the credit under this sector can double to nearly INR 130 trillion in the next few years and achieve 2x growth in the next 3-5 years. However, this requires deep deliberations across a few pillars:

1.  Recognising a new category of NBFC lenders which focuses on Priority Sector Loans: NBFC-PSL (similar to NBFC-MFI & NBFC-HFC)
2.  Enhancing the faith in the creditworthiness of Priority Sector Borrowers through dialogue and deep deliberation
3.  Increasing the adoption of DPIs like OCEN to increase the flow of cashflow-based financing
4.  Increasing the liability flow of priority sector lending in India through policy advocacy

PSLAI will be headed by Priyashmita Guha as the Chief Executive Officer and run with the help of an accomplished Board of Directors. Before joining PSLAI, Priyashmita was the COO of the Digital Lenders Association of India and was instrumental in driving the network growth of the association.

Sharad Sharma, Co-Founder, iSPIRT said, “The focus of PSLAI will be on initiating conversation on liberalized risk weightage on PSL portfolios, mitigating perceived risks through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and establishing fair practices within the industry. It will advocate for policy reforms which will further strengthen the borrower ecosystem, particularly for MSMEs.”

Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director, UGRO Capital said, “If you go and talk to a bank in India today, they will say MSME financing is not an issue. Every shopkeeper can get an Udyam certificate and become a priority sector borrower. The Bank’s 7.5% PSL requirement for MSME gets completely filled up. With a provision of being tagged or licensed as NBFC-PSL, technically any lending from a Bank to such an entity can come at a lower rate and be part of the Bank’s priority sector lending.”

Team PSLAI believes that promoting and developing credit products that use India’s DPI and support cashflow-based lending products will play an important role in making PSL more mainstream. The Association thus plans to include, promote and popularise digital networks like OCEN (Open Credit Enablement Network) and other DPI technology networks as vital product development tools. PSLAI will actively work with network partners and financial institutions to develop innovative lending products, built on all platforms.

The Association will bring together financial institutions, industry stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and tech companies to tackle the unique challenges and capitalize on the vast opportunities within priority sector lending (PSL).

Raipur, January 22, 2025: NMDC’s Bailadila Iron Ore Mine, Bacheli Complex, successfully hosted the inaugural-cum-flag-off ceremony and First Aid Competition for the ‘40th Annual Mine Safety Fortnight Celebration 2024’. Organised under the guidance of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Bilaspur and Raigarh regions, the inaugural event took place at Raipur on January 20, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from the mining industry.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri R.K. Singh, Director of Mine Safety (Bilaspur Region-2), Shri Arun Kumar, Deputy Director of Mine Safety (Bilaspur Region-2), Shri B. Bhadaru, Deputy Director of Mine Safety (Bilaspur Region-1), Shri B. Venkateswarlu, Executive Director, Bacheli Complex, Shri Sanjeev Sahi, Chief General Manager, Kirandul Complex, and Shri T. Shivakumar, Mines Manager, Bacheli Complex. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to prioritising safety and sustainable mining practices.

The ‘First Aid Competition’, a key highlight of the event, witnessed enthusiastic participation from various mines across the Bilaspur and Raigarh regions. Teams showcased their emergency response skills, emphasising the importance of preparedness and safety in mining operations.

The event provided a valuable platform for mine owners, agents and managers from across the region to engage in discussions on best practices in mine safety. This collaborative approach reinforced NMDC’s unwavering commitment to achieving the highest safety standards within the Indian mining industry.

“As India moves towards a more sustainable future, the Union Budget 2025 is a key moment to boost the country’s renewable energy and electric mobility sectors. We hope to see strong policy support and tax incentives that encourage innovation in clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and energy storage, while also prioritizing the growth of domestic manufacturing for green technologies. Simplifying regulations, alongside increased funding for renewable energy R&D and grid integration, can help India maintain its position as a global leader in sustainable energy.

Additionally, as the EV market rapidly grows, the budget must address critical needs in the EV battery and recycling sectors. Policies that promote the development of advanced battery manufacturing, establish robust recycling networks, and support circular economy initiatives are crucial for a self-sufficient and sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem. Strengthening research and encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors in the battery supply chain will not only reduce our reliance on imports but also pave the way for India to become a global leader in clean innovation”.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025 – In a compelling call to action, Apurv Mishra, a member of, the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC) on Wednesday, emphasized the critical role of education in shaping India’s future as a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) and global power by 2047.

“There is an immediate need for systemic reforms, highlighting education not only as a social and economic imperative but as a cornerstone of national security and strategic autonomy,” Mishra said at the North India Education Summit 2025, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Delhi.

“Education is not just a social or economic issue; it is a pressing national security concern. If India aims to be a developed country by 2047 and a leading global power, we must build world-class capabilities in frontier technologies. Incremental improvements—like faceless assessments, updated teaching practices, better infrastructure, real-time parent-student accountability, alumni involvement, state university funding, and a healthy PhD ecosystem—are crucial to reforming our higher education system,” Mishra further stated.

The summit brought together policymakers, educators, and thought leaders to explore strategies for addressing challenges in teaching, training, and institutional frameworks. Discussions centered on fostering a thriving ecosystem for deep science, building capabilities in frontier technologies, and driving incremental yet impactful changes, such as modernized curriculums, improved infrastructure, and enhanced state university funding.

Simrin Bakshi, chairperson, of the North India Education Committee, ICC, addressed the dual role of education in individual and national transformation, stressing the need for stronger industry-academia linkages, quality faculty, and innovative solutions for inclusive and globally competitive education.

“There is an urgency to align India’s education system with its global aspirations. By addressing systemic gaps and embracing innovation, we can position education as a catalyst for societal and economic transformation,” said Bakshi.

A key theme of the summit was innovation in education, encompassing advancements in technology, pedagogy, and sustainability. The event also focused on creating equitable learning environments to empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.

Mandi, India – January 22, 2025 – The School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) proudly concluded the Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2025, a remarkable two-day event held on January 18–19, 2025. The summit brought together industry leaders, renowned professionals, and academic experts to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of businesses.

The event, hosted by IIT Mandi’s School of Management, served as a dynamic platform to address key technological disruptions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and facilitate mentorship and collaboration opportunities between students and business stalwarts.

The summit was inaugurated with a formal welcome address by Prof. Anjan K. Swain, Chairperson of the School of Management, who introduced the vision of HiBS and the role of IIT Mandi’s School of Management in shaping the next generation of leaders in AI and business. Prof. Manoj Thakur followed with a detailed overview of the institution’s initiatives in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Anup Purohit, Global CIO at Wipro Limited, who highlighted how organizations can align AI with their business strategies to foster innovation and enhance digital transformation.

The first panel discussion of the summit, themed “AI-Powered Personalization: Tailoring Products and Services”, was moderated by Mr. Karun Jalali (Director, Deloitte). Esteemed panelists, including Mr. NileshBiniwale (Pattern India), Dr. Tanushyam Chattopadhyay (Adani AI Labs), and Mr. Sarosh Kumar (Cognizant), engaged in a robust discussion on the importance of leveraging AI to deliver personalized experiences in today’s competitive market.

A standout feature of the day was the mentorship sessions, where students interacted with industry leaders, discussing career opportunities, technological trends, and real-world business practices. The day ended on a high note with an engaging cultural night, showcasing the diverse creative talents of IIT Mandi’s students through traditional Mandiyali dance, music, and more.

Day two commenced with a keynote address by Dr. UmeshUdayaprakash (Innova Solutions), who emphasized the growing influence of AI-driven innovation in reshaping global industries.

The second-panel discussion, “AI-Driven Business Intelligence: Unlocking Data-Driven Insights”, moderated by Dr. Vinay Kumar, featured panelists like Mr. Abhijit Dutta (Accenture), Mr. Sumanyu Panda (SKLasS.AI), and Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna (BOD Consulting). They shared insights on transforming raw data into actionable intelligence for competitive advantage.

The final panel discussion, “AI & Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets”, was moderated by Mr. Samir Datt (Foundation Futuristic Technologies). Panelists, including Mr. Venkatagiri (KFin Technologies), Mr. Ajay Sabnani (Genexa.AI), and Mr. Arnab Banerjee (Micron Technology), deliberated on safeguarding sensitive digital assets in the era of growing cyber threats.

The case competition was the centerpiece of the summit, where MBA students from IIT Mandi presented innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges. Their analytical skills and strategic thinking were highly praised by the esteemed jury, comprised of industry experts.

The event concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Ashish Bollimbala, who commended the collaborative efforts of participants, organizers, and mentors in making HiBS 2025 a resounding success.

HiBS 2025 offered a wealth of learning and growth opportunities for MBA students. The event fostered meaningful networking opportunities, allowing students to connect directly with industry stalwarts and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and business strategies. Personalized mentorship sessions provided a platform for career guidance and a deeper understanding of real-world business operations. The discussions during the event highlighted the importance of bridging academia and industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to effectively address industry challenges. Adding a vibrant touch, the cultural night celebrated diversity, creativity, and teamwork, enriching the overall experience for participants.

This Republic Day, ParamYoga invites you to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul with a unique wellness event on January 26, 2025. Under the expert guidance of Shri Ramesh Laxshman, India’s only licensed Hanna Somatics teacher, this event offers an opportunity to experience the profound benefits of Somatic Yoga and Pancha Mahabhut Meditation.

The event begins with a Somatic Yoga session from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., during which participants will learn slow, mindful movements designed to relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve overall awareness. Following a short refreshment break, the second session, Pancha Mahabhut Meditation, will run from 9:50 to 10:50 a.m. This meditation practice focuses on harmonizing the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) within the body, fostering balance and inner peace.

Shri Ramesh Laxshman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the sessions. As a pioneer in Somatic Yoga, his techniques integrate neurophysiology, mindfulness, and ancient practices to deliver transformative results. His guidance will ensure that both beginners and experienced practitioners benefit from these sessions.

The event is beginner-friendly, making it accessible to anyone curious about yoga and meditation. Whether you’re seeking physical relaxation, mental clarity, or spiritual growth, it offers something for everyone.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: The residential real estate market in India’s top 9 cities saw a marginal 9% decline in sales at 4,70,899 units while new supply fell by 15% to 4,11,022 units in 2024 on the back of two quarters of under-activity due to General Elections and Monsoon, according to a report by NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity.

The number of units sold in 2023 stood at 5,14,820 units while the number of units launched in 2023 stood at 4,81,724 units.

Housing sales rose in only two out of the nine cities in 2024 with Navi Mumbai recording the highest growth while Hyderabad recording the highest decline.

New supply rose in four out of nine cities with Delhi-NCR recording the highest growth and Hyderabad recording the highest decline.

Samir Jasuja, CEO & Founder, PropEquity said, “The drop in housing supply and sales in 2024 is due to the high base effect, as 2023 was a peak year. A detailed analysis of the numbers reveals that despite the drop, the supply to absorption ratio in 2024 remains the same as 2023 which indicates that the fundamentals of the real estate sector are strong and healthy.”

“Hyderabad remained the under-performer, both in terms of supply and sales, during the year dragging down the overall numbers. The cities in NCR saw a fairly good growth in new supply and sales during the year.”

“Weak demand may have prompted developers to go slow on new launches. Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi-NCR saw new supply exceed absorption during this year.

Housing sales in Navi Mumbai went up by 16% to 33,870 units in 2024.

In Delhi-NCR, housing sales rose by 5% to 43,923 units in 2024.

Housing sales in Bengaluru fell by 9% to 60,506 units in 2024. In Chennai, housing sales dropped by 11% to 19,212 units while in Hyderabad, it fell by 25% to 61,722 units in 2024.

In the western region, housing sales fell in Mumbai by 6% to 50,140 units, while in Pune, it fell by 13% to 92,643 units and in Thane it fell by 5% to 90,288 units in 2024.

Housing sales in Kolkata fell by 1% to 18,595 units in 2024.

New supply in Delhi-NCR grew by 54% to 45503 units in 2024 followed by Bengaluru where supply grew by 27% at 72,111 units, Chennai by 6% at 20,522 units and Mumbai by 4% at 40,963 units.

New supply fell in Hyderabad (49%), Kolkata (28%), Navi Mumbai (10%), Pune (27%) and Thane (25%).

About PropEquity: P.E. Analytics ltd., a NSE-listed company, owns and operates PropEquity which is India’s largest online real estate data and analytics platform covering over 1,70,000+ projects of 57,000+ developers across over 44 cities in India with more than 17 years of cataloged data. We add approximately 700 projects every month. It is a premium Business Intelligence product- a first of its kind in India in the Realty space.a

Ludhiana, 21st January: Burlington English, a global leader in educational solutions and English language learning, has partnered with the Clay Group of Schools and Pre-Schools to enhance early childhood education. This collaboration aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022, emphasising a holistic approach to early learning focused on curiosity, well-being, and the joy of discovery. The collaboration aims to provide young learners with age-appropriate curricula and activities to help them explore their potential.

The partnership will leverage Burlington English’s Burlington Magic of Early Years kit with developmentally appropriate curricula and the Marion Richardson font to simplify early literacy and numeracy. The program aims to address critical learning gaps identified by studies like ASER, which revealed significant literacy challenges among first-grade students in rural pockets of the country.

“Burlington English is dedicated to raising the bar in early years education.” says Mr. Amit Baveja, Managing Director of Burlington English in India and Southeast Asia, “This partnership with the Clay Group is a significant step towards reaching young learners across the country. Our Burlington Magic of Early Years course, designed with a deep understanding of child development, fosters choice, joy, and wonder in young learners while focusing on essential development skills like literacy and numeracy. With great pride, I share that our early years kit, designed as per the NCF-FS 2022, is the only kit to have received a five-star rating from ECA-APER. With this, we aim to empower children by making strong foundation skills accessible to all, especially to learners in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.”

The “Burlington Magic of Early Years” program utilises Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Marion Richardson font to support early literacy, recognising the developmental limitations of young children’s motor skills. Engaging resources like rhymes, music, and hands-on activities enhance learning while promoting healthy habits through dedicated wellness materials.

Shobhan Soi, CEO of Clay Group of Schools, commented, “At Clay, we believe in nurturing every child’s natural curiosity and potential. This collaboration with Burlington English reflects our shared vision of empowering young learners with a robust foundation for future success. Integrating globally acclaimed resources like the Burlington Magic of Early Years kit with our experiential, discovery-based learning philosophy is a game-changer. Together, we aim to equip children with essential life skills, fostering joy, mindfulness, and a lifelong love for learning.”

Burlington English’s approach emphasises a three-way collaboration between parents, teachers, and learners to support holistic child development, focusing on emotional intelligence and relationship building. The partnership with Clay Group of Schools aims to equip children with essential skills for future success through high-quality, care-centred, and discovery-based learning.