by Mr. Ronak Morbia, Chairman & Managing Director, ArisInfra Solutions Ltd:

“The Union Budget 2025 reinforces India’s commitment to infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), with each ministry proposing three PPP projects and ₹1.5 lakh crore allocated as interest-free loans for capital expenditure. The provision of term loans up to ₹20 crore for MSMEs is a crucial step in fostering financial inclusion and enabling small businesses to scale operations.

“We welcome these reforms that align with our mission of streamlining the construction materials supply chain. Through our vendor network and digital procurement platform, we connect over 1,600 suppliers (as of September 30, 2024), including MSMEs, with customers engaged in large infrastructure and real estate projects, helping MSMEs expand their reach. Additionally, with India’s infrastructure spending projected to exceed ₹143 lakh crore by 2030, we remain committed to leveraging our expertise in construction materials procurement and logistics to support sustainable growth. We believe that the government’s focus on infrastructure and credit access will further strengthen the role of MSMEs, paving the way for economic resilience and expansion.”

by Mr. Umesh Uttamchandani, Managing Director, Dev Accelerator Limited (DevX).

“DevX Applauds Budget 2025’s Focus on Innovation and Infrastructure for Startups. The Union Budget 2025 underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and promoting digital transformation. The push for increased capital expenditure, ease of doing business, and technology-driven growth will significantly benefit co-working spaces, accelerators, and innovation hubs.

At DevX, we see these initiatives as key enablers for startups and enterprises looking to scale in a dynamic business environment. As India’s leading managed office space provider, we continue to support businesses with state-of-the-art infrastructure, collaborative workspaces, and growth-driven solutions. The Budget’s emphasis on digital and physical infrastructure will further strengthen India’s position as a global startup powerhouse, and we remain committed to facilitating this transformation”.

by Mr. Amith Agarwal, Whole Time Director & CEO

“The recognition of agriculture as the first engine of growth and MSMEs as the second growth engine in the Union Budget 2025 reflects the government’s strategic vision for India’s economic development.

The comprehensive reforms announced, particularly the Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, demonstrate a holistic approach to agricultural transformation through enhanced irrigation, credit access, and skill development across 100 agri districts, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers, while initiatives like the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds and Cotton Productivity Mission create a robust framework for sustainable agricultural growth.

As part of the StarAgri Group, we are well-positioned to support this proposed reform through our technology led integrated agricultural value-chain services such as procurement, trade facilitation, warehousing, collateral management, financing solutions, digital marketplace and technology based value added services, to farmers, traders, millers, processors and corporates. With our network of 2,189 warehouses which enables us to create and benefit from a networking effect and our technology driven integrated platform offering key services to the agricultural sector, we remain committed to redefining the agricultural landscape, providing transparency, efficiency, and security to all stakeholders involved.”

Mr. Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO, CIEL HR Services Limited

The Union Budget 2025 aligns with the principles of fiscal discipline by reducing the deficit further. Secondly, it lays emphasis on innovation, skilling, and industrial growth. The push for AI Centers of Excellence, National Skilling Centers, and capacity expansion in institutions of higher education such as IITs, reflects a commitment to equipping the workforce for the evolving job market. Thirdly, investments in manufacturing, particularly in MSMEs and new technologies such as clean tech and MSMEs, alongside support for new technologies such as clean tech show a well-rounded approach to job creation and economic resilience. The focus on employment-led development is encouraging.

While the tax reforms will certainly boost consumer spending and influence market sentiment, the real transformation lies in the government’s commitment to skills development and job creation. The success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on how effectively we can bridge the skills gap and create an agile workforce ready for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder of Make Calcutta Relevant Again and Chief Innovation Officer of Techno India Group.
The announcement of a new Rs 10,000 crore Fund for startups is a game-changer for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Funding has always been one of the biggest challenges for startups, especially those outside metro cities. With Rs 91,000 crore already committed through Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), this fresh infusion of capital is a much-needed boost that will help startups scale, innovate, and take bigger risks.

More importantly, this initiative signals the government’s belief in young entrepreneurs and the power of homegrown innovation. It’s not just about financial support—it’s about creating an environment where startups, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, can access the resources they need to thrive.

The key now is in the execution. If this fund is distributed transparently and inclusively, reaching a diverse pool of founders across industries, it could set the stage for India to truly become a global startup powerhouse. As someone passionate about nurturing talent and innovation, I am excited to see the impact this will have on the next generation of changemakers.

By Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance

Life Insurance 2025 – Exploring New Frontiers

As we reflect on the transformative journey of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we are heartened by the steady growth of the Indian life insurance sector. With an 11% CAGR over the past three years, the industry has reached premiums of $107 billion, cementing its crucial role in driving financial security and inclusion.

The Assets Under Management (AUM) of the insurance industry forms a formidable part of the Indian financial markets, highlighting its significant contribution to capital formation and economic stability. Beyond its economic impact, insurance plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of society at large by fostering resilience and safeguarding livelihoods.

Despite global economic uncertainties, the sector has shown remarkable resilience by embracing technology and innovative distribution models to cater to a digitally savvy population. Looking forward, we anticipate the sector will continue to grow at 11% to 13%, fuelled by GDP expansion, urbanization, and a rising demand for savings and protection products.

To further accelerate this growth and move towards the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ we urge focusing on key reforms in the upcoming Budget:

Tax Relief for Annuity Plans:
With the retirement savings gap projected to reach $85 trillion by 2050, simplifying or removing taxes on annuity and pension products, including those under the National Pension System (NPS), will encourage greater participation in retirement planning. Extending the ₹50,000 tax exemption for NPS contributions to annuities and pensions will help millions secure post-retirement income.

Enhanced Tax Benefits for Life and Health Insurance:
Many Indian families still face financial vulnerability in case of an untimely loss of a breadwinner. Offering a separate limit for deductions under Section 80C for insurance premiums will make insurance more accessible and attractive, helping bridge the coverage gap.

GST Reforms for Greater Access:
Revising the GST on term life insurance policies will reduce the cost of essential protection plans. A ‘zero rating’ for schemes like Pradhanmantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, smaller policies (up to ₹2 lakh), and annuity products for NPS subscribers will expand access to insurance, ensuring inclusivity and sustaining growth.

Universal Digital Insurance Accounts:
Establishing a government-backed Digital Insurance Repository System to store and manage all insurance policies on a single platform can simplify claims processing and policy management, improving transparency and trust.

Retirement Security Bonds:
Introducing long-term Retirement Security Bonds that combine insurance and guaranteed returns, will encourage long-term savings with tax-free maturity benefits.

Flexible Microinsurance Framework:
Implementing flexible microinsurance guidelines will encourage insurers to design products for underserved rural areas and informal sectors, supported by targeted government subsidies.

Incentives for InsurTech Innovation:
Providing fiscal benefits to companies investing in InsurTech startups and AI-driven solutions will modernize underwriting, claims, and risk management systems.

Public-Private Partnerships for Insurance Awareness:
Allocating funds to promote insurance literacy through joint campaigns involving the government and insurers, especially targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

In 2024, Ageas Federal Life Insurance demonstrated its commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions through innovative initiatives such as the launch of the MAGIC Savings Plan, Golden Years Plus Plan (GYPP), and strategic partnerships like our association with PhonePe. These efforts were further complemented by grassroots initiatives like Bima Vahak and Bima Vistaar, along with the digital platform Bima Sugam, underscoring the company’s focus on customer-centricity and financial inclusion. We remain agile in adapting to regulatory changes to ensure the success of these efforts. As we reflect on the past year’s achievements and challenges, these milestones inspire us to move towards a future where insurance is not just a transaction but a vital component of financial well-being for all, making a meaningful impact on lives.

New Delhi, 30th January 2025: Raymond Lifestyle Limited today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024.

Amidst weak consumer demand and subdued sentiments, Raymond Lifestyle Limited reported a decent quarterly performance in Q3 FY25 with a total income of ₹ 1,796 Cr. EBITDA stood at ₹ 221 Cr in Q3 FY25 with an EBITDA margin of 12.3% during these challenging market conditions. Additionally, we have reclaimed our net debt-free status, which had gone into borrowing in the previous two quarters. Our primary objective remains to establish a long-term sustainable business, by continued investments in our retail store expansion, product innovation, and marketing.

Commenting on the performance, Sunil Kataria, Managing Director of Raymond Lifestyle Limited said; “Q3FY25 continued to be a challenging quarter for our business. Despite weaker market conditions, our efforts have resulted in low single-digit revenue growth. Our continued focus on retail expansion led to the opening of 135 new stores during the current financial year, reaching a total of 1,653 stores including 143 stores in Ethnix by Raymond. During the quarter we have expanded into the Innerwear Category by launching Park Avenue Innerwear, which has received positive feedback from the trade channel. Our focus remains on our strategy to build a long-term sustainable and profitable business.”

Q3 FY25 Segmental Performance (Post IND AS 116)

Branded Textile segment revenue declined by 6% to ₹ 856 Cr in Q3 FY25 vs ₹ 909 Cr in Q3 FY24 predominantly on account of weaker consumer demand. EBITDA margins at 18.0% were impacted due to scale deleverage.

Branded Apparel segment revenue stood at ₹ 458 Cr in Q3 FY25 as compared to ₹ 437 Cr in the same quarter last year. The performance was on account of the new range of product launches during challenging market conditions and muted consumer demand. The segment reported an EBITDA margin of 9.6%, impacted by upfront investments in retail store expansion.

During the quarter we have opened 61 new stores including 14 ‘Ethnix by Raymond’ stores. The total retail store network now stands at 1,653 stores as of 31st December 2024.

The garment segment reported revenue at ₹ 309 Cr in Q3 FY25 as compared to ₹ 261 Cr in the same quarter the previous year. EBITDA margin for the quarter was 7.8%, impacted on account of adverse sales mix, higher freight costs, and additional cost of training of manpower for the new lines within our manufacturing facilities.

High-Value Cotton Shirting segment reported revenue of ₹ 201 Cr in Q3 FY25 as compared to ₹214 Cr in Q3FY24, lower on account of weak consumer demand. The segment reported an EBITDA margin of 10.3% due to scale deleverage.

National, January 30, 2025: Shriram General Insurance (SGIC) has launched its first-ever indemnity health insurance plan – Shri Health Suraksha Insurance, designed to cover a wide variety of treatments, including modern procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), offering flexible options to meet the insured’s diverse healthcare needs. The new offering provides nationwide coverage, allowing access to cashless treatments at over 13,000 network hospitals with a range of options enabling individuals to choose a plan suitable to their needs.

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO, of Shriram General Insurance Company, says, “Apart from being emotionally depleting, health emergencies or conditions can drain your finances. Shri Health Suraksha offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium with easy-to-understand terms, safeguarding one’s finances against any untoward medical emergencies. It enables the customer to provide medical treatment to their loved ones, unhindered by any financial challenges. We have priced premiums competitively for a family floater plan. The offering aligns with our vision to allow every Indian to access comprehensive and quality medical care.”

Key features of Shri Health Suraksha Insurance:

• Coverage for a wide variety of treatments, including modern procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) for greater flexibility and versatility.
• Nationwide access to cashless treatments across over 13,000 network hospitals.
• Multiple sum-insured options to suit individual needs.
• The policy is available as individual coverage or as a family cover, with coverage for children aged 3 months or above, and parents and in-laws.
• Coverage for a wide range of hospitalization costs, including room charges, ICU fees, doctor and surgeon’s fees, blood and oxygen costs, and more.
• Comprehensive coverage for long-term hospitalization, including pre and post-hospitalization expenses and ambulance costs, besides daycare procedures involving anesthesia.
• Increase in the sum insured in the of form a cumulative bonus on every claim-free year.
• Grace period of 15/30 days as per the mode of premium installment to maintain continuity benefit on a waiting period.
• Yearly policy term with the option of annual renewal.

Shriram General Insurance has been writing benefit-based health insurance products such as the Shri Criticare Policy, which provides a lump-sum payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified critical illness or medical condition. In the event of a health emergency, it covers 22 critical diseases including cancer, open heart surgery, permanent paralysis of limbs, loss of speech, blindness, major head trauma, and more.

When there is required due to a medical emergency, the daily expenses often exceed the coverage provided by the health insurance policy. SGIC’s Shri Hospital Daily Cash Benefit helps address these daily cash needs during the hospitalization period.

Modern home lifts are no longer just functional utilities; they’ve evolved into integral components of contemporary architecture. With advancements in surface customization, today’s home lifts from companies like Nibav Lifts offer superior finishes such as hydro-dipped textures, leather wrapping, and carbon fiber coatings. These innovative technologies elevate lifts from purely functional devices to design elements that add value and sophistication to your home. Here’s why:

1. Precision-engineered customizable Surface Finishes
   Modern lifts employ technologies like powder coating and hydro-dipping to achieve seamless application of patterns such as wood grain or metallic effects. These finishes are precision-engineered for durability, ensuring they maintain their aesthetic appeal while resisting wear and fading. The ability to tailor surfaces to match other interior elements ensures a cohesive aesthetic while meeting rigorous engineering standards.
2.  Enhanced Durability and Longevity
   Home lifts today are designed to withstand demanding conditions while retaining their finish quality. Advanced materials and processes, like UV-resistant coatings and wear-resistant surfaces, ensure that the lift remains functional and visually appealing over the long term.
3.  Blending Functionality with Design
   A high-quality home lift doesn’t compromise on either functionality or aesthetics. Smooth, silent operations paired with customizable finishes ensure that lifts integrate seamlessly into residential layouts. They enhance accessibility while maintaining a sophisticated, high-performance appearance.
4.  Architectural Impact
   With the ability to incorporate advanced surface finishes, a home lift becomes a striking architectural feature. Whether placed in a central living area or an entryway, its design can complement or elevate the overall interior theme, making it a standout element in the home.
5.  Staying Ahead with Modern Lighting in Home Lifts
   Investing in a home lift equipped with advanced LED lighting options ensures your space remains stylish and adaptable to future design trends. LED lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides functional benefits like energy efficiency and customizable ambiance. Modern lifts now offer a range of LED color options, allowing homeowners to personalize the lighting to match changing interior aesthetics or set a specific mood. These lights can be adjusted to complement seasonal decor, special occasions, or even specific times of the day, adding a dynamic touch to your living space.

Conclusion
Home lifts are no longer confined to basic functionality; they are now key contributors to modern interior design. Technologies such as hydro-dipping, leather wrapping, and carbon fiber finishing offer homeowners the opportunity to combine practicality with cutting-edge style. By investing in a home lift that incorporates these advanced finishes, you enhance both the usability and visual appeal of your home, creating a solution that is as durable as it is elegant.

The global baby care market has witnessed significant growth, with projections indicating that India’s Baby Care Product Market will reach USD 24.27 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 14.35%. A key factor driving this surge is the increasing disposable income of middle and upper-middle-class families, alongside the changing priorities of millennial and Gen Z parents. Today, parents are not just looking for functionality—they are seeking products that offer premium quality, and sustainability, and reflect their ethical values.

This demand for premium baby products is reflected in the rise of brands that combine luxury with eco-conscious craftsmanship. The Baby Trunk, a leading luxury baby essentials brand, is setting a benchmark in this sector by offering sustainable, handcrafted, and organic products. The Baby Trunk’s latest product lineup includes:

Dreamland Reversible Quilts: Designed for children aged 5 and above, these quilts are hand-painted on GOTS-certified organic Egyptian cotton, offering a blend of comfort and imaginative design.

Mascot Collection: A charming range of plush companions crafted from natural materials, offering comfort and joy while promoting sustainability.

Plush Co-Ord Sets: Made from breathable, natural fabrics, these velour sets keep babies warm and stylish, with playful prints that resonate with modern parenting.

The Baby Trunk is not just meeting market demand but also addressing the rising consumer concern for the environment. Their products are free from harmful chemicals and made using sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier world for future generations. By prioritizing eco-conscious materials, fair trade craftsmanship, and minimalistic packaging, The Baby Trunk is aligning with the growing consumer preference for responsible luxury.

With India’s upper-middle class expected to make up more than 50% of overall consumption by 2030, the luxury baby product market is set for further expansion. Brands like The Baby Trunk are well-positioned to cater to this underserved segment, offering families a combination of style, comfort, and sustainability.

We would be delighted to discuss how The Baby Trunk is contributing to this booming market and the rising demand for luxurious, eco-friendly baby products. Please let us know if you’d like to explore this growing sector and the exciting opportunities it holds for both brands and consumers.