by Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia, MD & CEO, SK Finance Limited
“This marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s economic backbone, focusing on MSMEs and the middle class while maintaining fiscal prudence. The revision of MSME classification is going to be a major game changer for the manufacturing sector. With over 1 crore MSMEs already driving 45% of India’s exports, the enhanced investment and turnover limits will empower these businesses to scale up operations and embrace technological innovation.

Enhancement of the credit guarantee cover for MSMEs to Rs 10 crore; term loans for exporter MSMEs to Rs 20 crore and start-ups to Rs 20 crore, will provide a big fillip to the industry. These measures will enable NBFCs in scaling up their operations, and will drive inclusive growth. The announcement of customized credit cards with a Rs. 5 lakh limit for micro-enterprises will increase liquidity and lead to establishment of new entrepreneurs. All in all, Budget 2025 will have a positive impact on India’s economic growth trajectory, with MSMEs driving growth,” says Rajendra Kumar Setia, MD & CEO, SK Finance Limited.

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.”

Bengaluru, 3rd February 2025: Titan Company Ltd., a leading retail conglomerate, is thrilled to announce the upcoming premiere of ‘Made in India – A Titan Story,’ a six-part series that delves into the brand’s extraordinary journey from its inception to becoming a symbol of Indian innovation and excellence. The series will premier exclusively on Amazon MX Player in 2025. This compelling series chronicles Titan’s remarkable journey from its inception to becoming one of India’s most iconic consumer brands.

Produced by Almighty Motion Picture and T-Series Films, the series is directed by Robbie Grewal and written by Karan Vyas. The stellar cast features renowned actors Naseeruddin Shah and Jim Sarbh, bringing depth and authenticity to this inspiring story. Adapted from Vinay Kamath’s acclaimed book, TITAN: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand, the series offers an intimate portrayal of Titan’s evolution. Through the visionary leadership of its first CEO, Xerxes Desai, and the embodiment of JRD Tata’s philosophy, the series highlights, how Titan navigated early challenges to achieve entrepreneurial success. The narrative captures pivotal moments, including the creation of the world’s slimmest watch, highlighting Titan’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

C.K. Venkataraman, Managing Director, Titan Company Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm, “Titan’s journey is a testament to the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship and the passion of everyone involved in building a brand that resonates with millions. We are excited to share our story with the world through this compelling series.”

Prabhleen Sandhu, Founder, Almighty Motion Pictures, the producer of the series, shared her sentiments, “It’s an honour to get an opportunity to tell such an important chapter of history. Titan’s story is one of perseverance and innovation, and we are proud to bring it to the screen.”

Bhushan Kumar, Founder, T-Series Films, also the producer of the series, added “We are honoured to present this prestigious project—ATitanStory,—an extraordinary narrative that brings to light one of India’s most treasured stories, one that truly deserves to be told in this era.”

Amogh Dusad, Head, Content – Amazon MX Player, said, “We are excited to bring our vision to life with this compelling story featuring talented cast. The story around the journey of Titan brand building is inspiring and would be a treat for the Amazon MX Player customers to watch and appreciate. We begin filming this soon and it’s a special project for all of us.”

Each episode will unveil the essence of Indian entrepreneurship and its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s spirit of innovation. The show will be premiering exclusively on Amazon MX Player in 2025.

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.

New Delhi, February 2025: The newly reopened Chor Bizarre at Asaf Ali Road serves regional Indian cuisine and authentic signature Kashmiri dishes in a setting that is unabashedly Indian. Originally debuting in 1990 as India’s first theme restaurant, Chor Bizarre gained iconic status with its unique ‘thieves market’ ambience and authentic regional Indian cuisine.

It is especially known across the world for its Kashmiri dishes and was the first to bring the Kashmiri Wazwan as well as other delicacies from Kashmiri pandit cuisine, out of the valley. Chor Bizarre has taken its pop-ups across the country and the world. However, the restaurant has always been proud of the ever-changing regional favourites too on its menu.

Chor Bizarre recently hosted a pop up of Mangalorean cuisine by Chef Shriya Shetty. Prior to that, it showcased Odia cuisine by actor-filmmaker Nandita Das. Last year, it also held a pop-up featuring Purani Dilli cuisine as well as brought its sister restaurant, Hosa from Goa, for a pop up to New Delhi. Another recent pop-up featured 40 dishes from the Kashmiri Wazwan for its regulars.

Starting February 7th, Ladakhi cuisine will take centre stage at Chor Bizarre, offering a rich exploration of this unique culinary tradition in collaboration with Stok Palace, Leh. This pop-up promises to bring authentic, time-honoured recipes from Ladakh to Delhi, further enriching the culinary experience for its regular guests.

Says Stanzin Jigmed Namgyal, Prince of Ladakh,‘’We, at Stok Palace, endeavour to honour Ladakh’s culinary heritage by presenting guests with an authentic taste of the royal kitchens. We try to deliver a genuine experience, keeping the dishes simple and thoughtfully prepared. We look forward to doing the same for our esteemed guests during this weekend in New Delhi.”

At its core, Ladakhi food is comfort food—rooted in the use of indigenous, organically grown ingredients that flourish in the unique environment of Ladakh. Each region within Ladakh brings its own variation and flair to the table, with dishes that tell the story of the land and its people. For instance, Yarkhandi Pulao, a delicacy with origins tracing back to the Silk Route era, showcases the historical exchanges and influences that have shaped Ladakhi culinary traditions. Other delights on the menu include Khambir with Tangthur, a traditional sourdough flatbread; Gyathuk, a Chinese-style Thupka; O-Skyu, thumbprint pasta; Pheymarr and more, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Ladakhi cuisine, deeply rooted in the region’s geography and traditions, reflects its people’s resourcefulness and deep connection to nature. The food is based on locally sourced ingredients like barley, wild herbs, and apricots, prepared with techniques passed down through generations. This pop-up will showcase a variety of dishes that capture the heart and soul of Ladakhi culinary culture.

Says Chef Srinivas, Brand Chef of Chor Bizarre: “We’re thrilled to introduce Ladakhi cuisine to our guests in Delhi. This is a wonderful opportunity for our diners to discover the authentic and distinctive flavors of Ladakh, which are not often found in the city. With the culinary expertise of Stok Palace combined with Chor Bizarre’s touch, we’re excited to offer a truly memorable dining experience.”

India, 2025

In a groundbreaking celebration of art, culture, and spirituality, Atelier Ajanta proudly announces its pan-India launch with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece: Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. Created by visionary Dutch artists Hans Goedoen and Jerrel Goedoen, the piece is a striking interpretation of Lord Shiva, a modern piece of art symbolizing resilience, faith, and cultural continuity. Founded in Amsterdam, Atelier Ajanta is named after the iconic Ajanta caves; the birthplace of Indian art. The studio serves as a creative hub where the Goedoen brothers blend the intricacies of Hindu iconography with modern European design. Their art bridges the past and present, the spiritual and the material, making ancient traditions accessible to contemporary audiences.

Hans & Jerrel’s journey is a testament to the strength of identity across continents and centuries. Descendants of Hindu indentured laborers transported to Suriname during British rule in India, the Goedoen brothers’ family migrated to The Netherlands in the 1970s. Despite the upheavals of migration, their Hindu faith remained a guiding force, shaping their identity and artistic expression.

“It’s incredible how our ancestors carried Lord Shiva in their hearts across oceans and generations,” says Hans. “This connection to Sanatan Dharma became the foundation of our art. Our sculpture is more than art; it’s a homecoming,” adds Jerrel. “Shiva’s journey mirrors our own—from India to Suriname, to The Netherlands, and now, back to India. Hinduism is not just a religion; it’s a way of life that has stood the test of time. In fact, our piece of art is a true manifestation of the meaning of Sanatan Dharma – eternal truth. Sanatan Dharma is regarded as eternal because it embodies the timeless, universal laws governing the cosmos and human existence. It recognizes truths that transcend time, place, and culture. Across continents, generations, and diverse cultures, the essence of this dharma has remained unchanged—its enduring nature is vividly reflected in our timeless piece of art that stand as evidence to this phenomenon. Through this masterpiece, we aim to share this strength and spirituality not only with India but also the rest of the world.”

Our masterpiece named “Devon Ke Dev Mahadev” is a bold, contemporary tribute to the essence of Hinduism and a celebration to its resilience. Crafted from hand-spray painted dry cast resin and standing at 35 cm tall, the 12kg solid sculpture embodies both Shiva’s cosmic power and meditative stillness. Each piece is signed by the artists and comes with a certificate of authenticity, making it both a collector’s item and a profound statement of faith and heritage. Atelier Ajanta issues only a limited number (hundred pieces), keeping it exclusive and rare.

By returning their interpretation of Lord Shiva to India, Hans and Jerrel complete a spiritual and cultural circle that began generations ago. The launch of Devon Ke Dev Mahadev in India represents not only their personal journey but also the resilience of Hinduism, which has flourished across continents and adversities.

In a time when the pride in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage is resurging under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the story of Hans and Jerrel Goedoen becomes even more symbolic. Their journey and art are a testament to the unmatched resilience of Hinduism—a religion and way of life that has survived time, distance, and adversity to emerge stronger than ever. How powerful is Hinduism, if it can withstand generations of migration, crossing oceans and continents, yet remain unbroken and eternal? The Goedoen brothers’ masterpiece exemplifies this strength, inspiring pride in every Hindu who reflects on the unshakable truth of Sanatan Dharma.

Devon Ke Dev Mahadev is now available across India for both progressive members of the Hindu community and art enthusiasts. Each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Limited edition.

February 1st: Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

The Department of Tourism, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, partners with Miss India Organization, Times Group, to proudly launch the breathtaking calendar “Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh.” This calendar pays tribute to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, India’s first dawn-lit state, at a spectacular launch event held at Dorjee Khandu State Convention Center, Itanagar.

The Times Group has engaged with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to partner with and highlight the various pillars that make Arunachal Pradesh an arresting destination across all industry verticals. The first such engagement is with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, to conceptualise and produce a magnificent calendar that encapsulates time with the state’s natural beauty.

The calendar “Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh” is a heartfelt tribute to the alluring beauty of Arunachal Pradesh with the graceful exuberance of Femina Miss India winners through a visual story captured in this calendar, featuring 13 exquisite images. Each month showcases Arunachal’s scenic topography and landscape – its majestic mountains, lush valleys, and serene rivers – intensified by the elegance of Miss India queens. “Rise” symbolises Arunachal’s periodic embrace of the sun, while “Shine” underscores the glowing achievements of Femina Miss India winners. Together, “Rise and Shine” is a tribute to Arunachal’s rich treasury of beauty, culture, and India’s luminous and promising future.

The event commenced with ceremonial lamp lighting, signifying an auspicious start to the occasion, followed by a welcome speech by the Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Ranphoa Ngowa. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, First Lady of the State Smt Anagha Parnaik, the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri Kardo Nyigyor, the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona; Guest of Honour Neha Dhupia. Additionally, an array of esteemed dignitaries attended the event, namely the Hon’ble MLA Shri Topin Ete, the Hon’ble MLA Shri Tseten Chombay Kee, the Hon’ble MLA Smt Nyabi Jini Dirchi, the Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Dasanglu Pul, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Shri Nyato Dukam, the Minister of Housing, Shri Balo Raja, and the Secretary, Department of Tourism, Shri Ranphoa Ngowa.

In his keynote address, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona – Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in promoting tourism, saying, “Through this collaboration with Times Group and Miss India Organization, we proudly showcase the wonders of our state to the world. This calendar celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s natural splendour and these remarkable women. It is an invitation to experience the warmth of our people, the richness of our traditions, and the magic of our landscapes. We welcome travellers to explore Arunachal Pradesh – where every journey is a memory waiting to be made.”

Adding to the occasion, a specially curated audio-visual presentation of the state’s tourism attractions was premiered, offering an immersive glimpse into the cultural and natural wealth of Arunachal Pradesh. The captivating visuals drew applause from the audience, setting the perfect tone for the evening, followed by a mesmerising cultural dance performance representing Arunachal Pradesh’s rich traditions, featuring Femina Miss India winners: Nandini Gupta – Femina Miss India World 2023, Nikita Porwal – Femina Miss India World 2024, Aayushi Dholakia – Femina Miss India 2024 – 2nd Runner-up, and Tadu Lunia – Femina Miss India Arunachal Pradesh 2024, and Guest of Honour Neha Dhupia.

Addressing the congregation at the calendar launch, the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, said, “I extend my warm greetings to all participants in this launching of the ‘Rise and Shine’ calendar 2025. I am confident that this tourism and travel initiative will go a long way in reflecting the true cultural diversity of Arunachal Pradesh and harnessing the tourism potential of the State.

I commend our Hon’ble Minister Shri PD Sona, officers and officials of the State Tourism Department and Miss India Organization, Times Group for this joint venture. Through this collaboration with Times Group and Miss India Organization, we proudly showcase the wonders of our State to the world. This calendar celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s natural splendour and these remarkable women. It is an invitation to experience the warmth of our people, the richness of our traditions, and the magic of our landscapes. We welcome travellers to explore Arunachal Pradesh, where every journey is a memory waiting to be made.”

The highlight of the event was the grand unveiling of the calendar – “Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh“. Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri Kardo Nyigyor, the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, the evening’s Guest of Honour, Neha Dhupia and other esteemed dignitaries, came together to launch the calendar. Each page features iconic locations of Arunachal Pradesh, captured with the poise and elegance of the Femina Miss India winners, making it a collector’s item that inspires wanderlust.

Towards the end of last year, the members of the Miss India Organization, along with the Femina Miss India winners, embarked on an extraordinary journey across various cities of Arunachal Pradesh to capture the state’s unparalleled beauty through a spectacular calendar and content shoot. Over two weeks, the team explored and shot at five breathtaking locations—Namsai, Mechukha, Tawang, Ziro, and Anini—showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

This calendar features the stellar cast of Femina Miss India winners: Nandini Gupta – Femina Miss India World 2023, Shreya Poonja – Femina Miss India 2023 – 1st Runner-up, Strela Luwang – Femina Miss India 2023 – 2nd Runner-up, Nikita Porwal – Femina Miss India World 2024, Rekha Pandey – Femina Miss India 2024 – 1st Runner-up, Aayushi Dholakia – Femina Miss India 2024 – 2nd Runner-up, and Tadu Lunia – Femina Miss India Arunachal Pradesh 2024.

Speaking of the partnership, Mr Rohit Gopakumar, Director – Worldwide Media and CEO – ZENL and Times Digital Network, said, “The Times Group has been working closely with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to partner and collaborate on promoting the state’s offering to the larger Indian Audience. We are proud to kick off this collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in conceptualising and producing a beautiful calendar which marries the power of femininity through the Femina Miss India and the scenic Natural beauty of the state to create a magnificent masterpiece, the ‘Rise and Shine’ calendar of 2025 for Arunachal Pradesh. It points to the state’s unparalleled beauty, where nature has blessed the state of Arunachal Pradesh with attractive gems for tourists, such as rolling hills, glimmering lakes, and waterfalls under the clear blue sky and crisp Himalayan air. It is a commitment to spotlighting our country’s unexplored treasure like Arunachal Pradesh, its rich diversity, boundless dreams, and the indomitable spirit of its people.”

Beyond the stunning calendar visuals, this collaboration also resulted in the filming of captivating content (videos and still images) featuring stunning landscapes, topography, heritage, and culture, among other aspects of the state, to promote the prospect of its tourism and build positive optics and interest. The content will be promoted and amplified across the digital properties of Femina Miss India, the Worldwide Media group network and Arunachal Pradesh Tourism.