By Mr Sunil Sisodiya, Founder, Geetanjali Homestate
Goa has been in the news for years as the ultimate holiday destination due to its beautiful beaches and cultural lifestyle. This paradise by the coast is fast turning out to be the hub for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in luxury real estate across India and worldwide.
Premium properties in Goa are in high demand, driven by a combination of factors. The pandemic has forced people to work from home, and affluent professionals have been looking for homes that can provide them with serenity and a better quality of life. Goa, with its serene environment and modern amenities, fits the bill perfectly. Industry reports indicate that luxury property transactions in the state increased by 30% year on year in 2024, and this trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

The influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) has led to the development of upscale residential projects, particularly in areas like Assagao, Anjuna, and Morjim in North Goa. These locations are gaining popularity for their boutique villas, gated communities, and sea-facing apartments. The average price per square foot in these prime areas has risen by approximately 20% over the past year, reflecting strong market confidence.

Government policies have also contributed significantly to the growth of Goa’s real estate industry. The ease of doing business and smooth property registration process have made it easier for investors to enter the market. Moreover, the infrastructure development projects undertaken by the state, such as the expansion of the Dabolim Airport and the upcoming Mopa International Airport, have improved connectivity to Goa, making it an even more attractive destination.

Another driving factor is the robust rental market in Goa. With its thriving tourism industry, luxury properties often double as lucrative vacation rentals, offering investors steady returns. Industry estimates suggest that high-end villas in prime locations can yield rental incomes of up to 8-10% annually, a significant draw for buyers seeking both lifestyle and financial benefits.

However, experts would caution that there is due diligence in the process from the part of the prospective buyer. Legal clearances, property titles, and other environmental regulations would have to be cleared before a smooth transaction.

As Goa continues to evolve as a luxury real estate hub, it remains a testament to the growing trend of lifestyle-driven investments. The state’s unique charm, coupled with promising economic indicators, positions it as a preferred choice for discerning homebuyers in 2025.

Hyderabad, 23 January 2025: Master Minds Co-Founder CA Mohan Mattupalli, speaking about the remarkable achievement of his student securing All India Rank 1 in the CA finals, on the podcast “Backbenching with Vivek” with his characteristic candor, remarked, “Top ranks don’t come from fancy buildings; they come from exceptional teachers.” Master Minds, a leading coaching institute, has become synonymous with success, guiding thousands of CA/CMA aspirants each year to achieve their dreams. This latest triumph further cements their reputation for excellence and unwavering commitment to quality education. The platform “Backbenching with Vivek” has carved a remarkable niche, boasting a commanding reach of over 100,000 engaged YouTube subscribers.

In a candid conversation with the host Vivek Kandula, CA Mohan Mattupalli delved into critical yet overlooked aspects of education, the misplaced priorities of parents when selecting training institutes. “Parents often prioritize flashy facilities and premium ambiance while overlooking the most crucial factor, faculty quality. This approach leaves many students falling short of qualifying for CA/CMA by a wide margin,” he remarked. He urged parents to look beyond glossy brochures and flashy promises of coaching institutes and emphasized the need to focus on what truly matters, quality coaching. CA Mohan unveiled the secret behind Master Minds’ incredible success in consistently cracking the top CA/CMA ranks, as a formula built on a foundation of exceptional teaching, unwavering dedication, and a relentless focus on student success.

“CA Mohan sir doesn’t just run an institute – he’s building India’s future CAs/CMAs,” says Vivek Kandula, founder of STRUX Digital and host of Backbenching with Vivek. “His success with Master Minds shows that focusing on strong fundamentals beats chasing fancy infrastructure.”

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.

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.

Pre-Budget  by Ketan Munoth, co-founder of Plush

As the founder of a young startup, I see the Union Budget 2025 as an important opportunity to support MSMEs, which are key drivers of India’s economy. Beyond funding and financial incentives, what we truly need is a streamlined regulatory framework that simplifies clearances and processes, saving valuable time and resources for businesses like ours.

The current regulatory landscape, while improving, can still be challenging for startups navigating compliance, licenses, and approvals. Simplifying these processes, creating single-window clearance systems, and offering sector-specific guidelines would significantly reduce operational roadblocks and allow businesses to focus on innovation and growth.

Support for R&D in sectors like personal care and hygiene, where innovation is key, would provide a competitive edge for businesses catering to evolving consumer needs. While we seek to improve menstrual health for all menstruators, support, and resources in R&D to enhance and upgrade are key for startups like us.

The Union Budget has the potential to enable MSMEs to scale operations, contribute to economic growth, and generate employment. A clear focus on simplifying processes and improving ease of doing business will not only benefit MSMEs but also strengthen India’s position as a hub for entrepreneurial success.

Pre-Budget by Yousuf Rangoonwala, Founder Kakkoii Entertainment Pvt. Ltd

The advertising and creative industries in India are facing significant challenges due to high taxation, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is among the highest in developing nations. This, along with poor economic performance, has led to reduced marketing budgets and a decline in consumer purchasing power. India’s GDP is at its lowest in 21 years, and the FMCG sector, a key indicator of consumer spending, is struggling. This reflects the financial pressures many people are facing, with purchasing power limited outside the wealthiest 200 million. The government needs to reassess its fiscal policies to stimulate economic growth. As we look ahead to the Union Budget 2025, there is a clear demand for lowering both direct and indirect taxes, creating more employment opportunities for lower-income groups, restoring investor confidence by addressing bureaucracy and high taxes, and easing compliance burdens for businesses. These steps are essential not just for the advertising sector but for the broader economy to recover and grow.

Pre-Budget  by Tuhin Arya, Co-founder & Chief Creative of Bandstand Media

The spending power that consumers have right now is directly linked to the advertising industry. The more a consumer consumes a good or service, the better the chances that a specific brand will increase its advertising budget every year. This means the advertising industry gets its share. However, in recent developments, we’ve seen that many taxations have come into effect, which are, in one way or another, hampering the buying power that consumers have. This is a threat, and I would like to see it addressed in this Union Budget. The taxation the public is facing right now should be looked into, especially considering that millennials, who are spending most of their money on goods and services, are also burdened with taxes, EMIs, and rising interest rates. This is an area I would want the Union Budget to focus on.

As for the overall perspective, while the government is doing enough for startups and funds, I believe more funds should be allocated to startups to encourage more people to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. This would also benefit the advertising industry. At the same time, there should be some relaxations or tax cuts for the advertising industry. The advertising sector is often neglected, and startups aren’t truly considered startups in this industry. Any special rebates or tax cuts the government can provide for this industry would be extremely beneficial.

Pokkido Jr., an international brand renowned for delivering innovative and engaging play experiences has emerged as one of the most loved destinations among its kids. India’s first Pokkido Jr. located in Lower Parel, Mumbai, will serve as a destination where kids can step into a world of limitless possibilities. From becoming doctors, firefighters, or chefs in realistic roleplay scenarios to zooming through exciting play racing tracks, the brand’s offerings are carefully crafted to inspire and educate while ensuring endless fun.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure at Pokiddo Jr., the coolest new spot for kids in Mumbai! This vibrant hotspot, spanning an incredible 11,000 sq. ft., was created by the fantastic team at Pokiddo and Prasuk Jain Hospitality and is bursting with thrilling experiences for children up to 12 years old. Let the fun begin, and discover a world of excitement waiting just for your little ones!

• Princess Power!

Say goodbye to ordinary playdates and get ready for an enchanting experience! Step into the extraordinary Princess Room, where your dreams sparkle to life! Slip into glamorous gowns, experiment with stunning makeup, and accessorize with fabulous sparkly purses. In this magical space, You’ll feel like royalty in no time!

• Vroom! Vroom! It’s Race Time!

Get ready to rev your engines, little racers! The kiddie-karting track is waiting just for you. Feel the exhilarating rush of wind in your hair as you speed past your friends, racing towards victory. It’s an action-packed adventure to the finish line—who will be the ultimate champion? Buckle up and let the race begin!

• Shop ’til You Drop!

Ever wanted to run your supermarket? Now’s your chance! Step into the Supermarket Room, brimming with an incredible selection of goodies, shopping carts, and more just waiting for you. Who knows? You might just unlock the entrepreneur within you!

• Barnyard Buddies Await!

Head over to the Farmland and tend to some adorable animals. Learn how to take care of them and have some fun on the farm. Every moment is packed with joy and laughter as you discover the magic of caring for these delightful creatures. This isn’t just about fun; it’s a heartwarming experience that teaches kids about responsibility and the joy of caring for creatures.

• Futuristic Fun Galore!

The arcade games here are nothing short of extraordinary. With vibrant lights flashing and exhilarating sounds ringing out, each game lures you in with the thrill of epic challenges and the chase for legendary high scores. It’s an unforgettable, immersive experience that will leave you breathless and wanting more!

Pokiddo Jr. is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories with your little ones. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to have a blast! the story of Pokiddo Junior will forever remain a celebration of the magic of childhood, waiting to welcome those who believe in the endless possibilities of their imagination.