MasterChef Matt Preston in Exclusive Podcast with Akhilesh Sheoran
The Friend of the Festival Lounge at Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival in association with Maruti Suzuki, powered by Vida 2025 is set to host an exclusive podcast session featuring renowned MasterChef judge Matt Preston in conversation with Akhilesh Sheoran, Brand Ambassador for Craft Spirits, Diageo India, on January 31, 2025, from 5 PM onwards. This invite-only event will explore the intersection of gastronomy, culture, and fine spirits, offering exclusive insights from two industry experts. Following the session, guests will enjoy a specially guided sensory exploration of Godawan 01 and Godawan 02, highlighting the craftsmanship and unique profiles of these exceptional spirits.
Godawan at Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival in association with Maruti Suzuki, powered by Vida 2025
Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 in Association with Maruti Suzuki, powered by Vida, a prestigious literary and cultural gathering this year places a special emphasis on conservation and the environment. As a brand deeply committed to sustainability and heritage, Godawan aligns with the festival’s vision of fostering dialogue on ecological preservation.
Among the Festival’s notable sessions today, The First Eco-Warriors: The Extraordinary Stories of the Bishnoi brings to light the legendary conservation efforts of the Bishnoi community. Featuring Martin Goodman and Narendra Budhnagar Bishnoi in conversation with Prakash Dan Detha, with an introduction by Akhilesh Sheoran, this session explores the rich legacy of the Bishnoi people in safeguarding wildlife and their environment. My Head For A Tree, by Martin Goodman, tells the inspiring story of the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan, who, for over 600 years, have defended nature with extraordinary dedication, often at great personal cost. From shielding trees against loggers to protecting wildlife from poachers, the Bishnoi way of life exemplifies indigenous activism. As climate change accelerates environmental degradation, Goodman reveals how the Bishnoi’s practices offer a powerful model for sustainable living and resilience.
Conservation & Sustainability: Preserving Heritage and Crafting a Greener Future
The Great Indian Bustard, a majestic bird and the inspiration behind Godawan, symbolizes the brand’s commitment to conservation. Once found across India, this critically endangered species now survives only in Rajasthan, with fewer than 150 remaining. In partnership with Gramodaya Samajik Sansthan (GSS), the Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Godawan has been actively restoring habitats through safe enclosures, water provision, and native grassland development. Every bottle sold contributes to these conservation efforts, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for the bird’s survival.
Godawan’s commitment extends to sustainability at its distillery in the Aravali Hills, which operates using locally sourced ingredients and is Asia’s first spirit distillery with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Core Certification. It employs hydro panels to extract moisture from the air for blending and bottling and runs on 55% solar energy through a 406 KWP rooftop system. By supporting local barley farmers and implementing water-efficient practices, Godawan integrates heritage, conservation, and sustainability into every bottle it crafts.
Preeta Singh, President, Teamwork Arts, said, “With Godawan, we are proud to partner with a brand that offers a refined sensory experience while staying committed to environmental responsibility. Each year, we strive to further reduce our carbon footprint at the Festival, aiming for net zero in the coming years. As a literature festival, we have consistently prioritized environmental themes in our programming and will continue to do so.”
Made in India A Titan Story to Premiere in 2025
Chandigarh, 1st Febraury 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.
India’s Carbon Credit Market Set for Growth Industry Leaders Outline Roadmap
Mumbai,1st Februrary 2025 – India’s carbon credit market is expanding rapidly, valued at millions, as the government, industry, and society collaborate to establish a robust value chain system for sustainable carbon trading.
In a high-impact roundtable discussion organized by FCF India, industry leaders and policymakers deliberated on the need for a comprehensive policy framework and streamlined government regulations to ensure India’s sustainable development goals for 2047.
FCF India, a leading think tank dedicated to sustainable development, convened top sustainability leaders, corporate executives, and subject matter experts to explore the opportunities and challenges within India’s carbon credit ecosystem. The discussions centered around the evolving role of carbon credits in enhancing India’s environmental and economic landscape.
Dr. Basanna P., Director of Cambridge Institute of Technology, highlighted the accelerating growth of the carbon credit market and its vital role in sustainable development. He emphasized that regulatory frameworks and carbon credit mechanisms are under active development by the government, while global stakeholders recognize India as a key player in the carbon credit market. He further stressed the need for collaborative efforts to create a greener world for future generations.
Mumbai Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Mr. Kiran Dighavkar, renowned for his work on the Dharavi COVID Model, underscored the city’s waste management and water treatment challenges amidst its rising population and infrastructure growth. He revealed that currently, only one sewage water treatment plant in Mumbai is operating at full capacity, with the rest expected to be completed within the next 2-3 years. Consequently, a significant amount of untreated wastewater is discharged into the sea. He also pointed out that solid waste management remains a pressing issue, with only a fraction of waste being effectively treated. To address these challenges, he advocated for an inclusive approach to convert waste into energy.
Jasmeet Singh, Founder and Director of FCF India, stated, “The roundtable provided a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to gain valuable insights into India’s carbon credit initiatives in light of new central policies and legislation.”
The event under the leadership of Sarah Tantray working as lead for strategic partnerships at FCF India helped put together this roundtable, which witnessed the participation from key industry players, including Reliance, AllCargo, Mahindra Logistics, IDBI Bank, Union Bank, ICICI Bank, MMRDA, IIT Bombay, Wary Solar and carbon credit project developers along with consultants for FCF who are helping companies achieve their net zero goals. Sustainability professionals shared thought leadership and the need for a regulatory framework on corporate decarbonization, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives, and integrating carbon credits into business strategies. The discussion also explored how carbon markets can unlock economic opportunities while supporting India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
As India progresses toward a sustainable future, industry leaders and policymakers continue to emphasize the importance of a well-regulated carbon credit market to drive economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Mumbai Records Surge in Property Registrations, Reaching Highest Level in 13 Years
Mumbai City, under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) jurisdiction has registered its highest January property registrations in 13 years, reflecting the city’s sustained real estate momentum. According to property consultant Knight Frank India, approximately 11,773 properties were registered in January 2025 in Mumbai, marking a 7% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth.
These transactions generated over ₹952 crore in stamp duty collections, witnessing a significant 25% Y-o-Y growth, driven by a notable increase in high-value transactions. However, on a month-on-month (M-o-M) basis, property registrations saw a slight decline of 5%, while revenue collections dipped by 16% compared to December 2024.
The report also highlights a growing preference for premium real estate. The share of registrations for properties priced at ₹2 crore and above increased from 16% in January 2024 to 19% in January 2025. This segment accounted for 2,298 transactions in January 2025, demonstrating strong demand for luxury housing. Conversely, the share of registrations for properties valued under ₹50 lakh declined from 31% to 28% during the same period, indicating a shift in buyer preferences towards higher-value properties.
Mumbai’s western and central suburbs retained their dominance, collectively contributing to 86% of the city’s total property registrations. However, there was a noticeable increase in market share for central suburbs, which rose from 29% to 33%, while the share of the western suburbs declined from 57% to 53%. “This growth reflects a surge in supply and heightened end-user interest in these locations,” the Knight Frank India report stated.
Here is what real estate industry leaders have to say on the registrations numbers in January 2025:
Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra
“Mumbai’s property market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, as evidenced by the highest January property registrations in 13 years. The 7% year-on-year increase in transactions and a significant 25% rise in stamp duty collections highlight the enduring confidence of homebuyers. The rise in high-value transactions reflects evolving buyer preferences, particularly towards premium housing. However, there is a need for continued policy support, including rationalization of stamp duty and interest rates, to sustain momentum in the sector.”Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director, CCI Projects
“The latest data underscores the strength of Mumbai’s real estate market, particularly in the premium segment. The increase in transactions for properties priced at ₹2 crore and above showcases a growing appetite for larger apartments. While the western and central suburbs continue to dominate, the rising market share of these suburbs highlights the demand for well-connected, evolving micro-markets. This trend reinforces the importance of delivering high-quality projects that cater to modern homebuyer aspirations.”Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers
“The significant rise in high-value transactions and the consistent dominance of western and central suburbs indicate that homebuyers are prioritizing location, connectivity, and lifestyle-driven amenities. Despite a slight month-on-month dip, the long-term trajectory remains positive, fueled by strong end-user demand. We remain committed to delivering premium and sustainable living spaces that align with these market trends.”Mr. Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group
“The Mumbai property market’s performance in January 2025 reflects a healthy demand trajectory, especially in the premium housing segment. The shift towards higher-value properties highlights the evolving aspirations of homebuyers, with a preference for larger, well-appointed residences. The growth of central suburbs further emphasizes the need for integrated developments that offer connectivity, modern infrastructure, and elevated living. Moving forward, stability in interest rates and continued infrastructure development will be crucial in sustaining this demand.”Mr. Abhishek Jain, COO, Satellite Developers Private Limited (SDPL)
“The growing demand for premium housing is a testament to Mumbai’s evolving real estate landscape. The increased share of transactions in the ₹2 crore and above segment signifies that homebuyers are willing to invest in quality, space, and long-term value. With the western and central suburbs continuing to drive most transactions, developers must focus on delivering high-end projects that cater to this demand. Sustained policy support, such as stamp duty benefits, could further accelerate this positive trend.”
Ramayana Kalpavrksam A 3-Day Cultural Extravaganza
Hyderabad, 1st February 2025: The third edition of the iconic 3-day music and dance extravaganza, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, conceived and curated by Hyderabad based acclaimed dancer Padmashri Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, a celebrated artist and cultural ambassador, was inaugurated by Sri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament. The festival scheduled from 31st January 2025 to 2nd February 2025, at the CCRT campus, Hyderabad, is a unique signature festival that is a unique confluence of art, tradition, and scholarship, being presented by Shankarananda Kalakshetra and Natyarambha, in collaboration with Brhat, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India.
According to Ananda the creator of the annual festival, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam brings Sri Rama Chetana back into our lives, a 3-day immersion into all things Rama through the prism of top class performances, of dance, music and Harikatha, by stars and doyens in the field, inspiring and scholarly talks, by renowned and young scholars, learning workshops on Indic knowledge, exhibitions, crafts and more’.
The highlights performances in the evening segment, ‘Ramarasa’ promises to be a mesmerizing celebration of art and devotion, featuring an array of stellar performances from the worlds of Carnatic music, classical dance, and storytelling, with the renowned Carnatic duo Ranjani-Gayatri, premiering their much-anticipated musical feature, ‘RAMA by RaGa’; Vishaka Hari, the Harikatha legend, will enchant the audience with ‘Ramayana: The Life-Giving Tree’; a breathtaking presentation of Rukmini Devi Arundale’s iconic dance choreography, ‘Sabari Moksham,’ brought to life by the Kalakshetra Foundation; the rare and vibrant Manipuri Raas, Pung and Dhol Cholam, performed by the JN Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal, transporting audiences to the cultural heart of Manipur and a soulful invocation, ‘Takkuvemimanaku,’ performed by the Shankarananda Kalakshetra ensemble. Each performance is a testament to the timeless legacy of Indian art forms, weaving together music, dance, and storytelling in an unforgettable homage to Lord Rama.
The morning sessions, ‘Ramamrita’ brings together six remarkable and scholarly speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the timeless epic of the Ramayana. Yashodeep Deodhar, creator of the widely popular 21 Notes, sharing innovative insights into the Ramayana; Ami Ganatra, acclaimed author of bestselling books on the Ramayana, known for her fresh and thought-provoking interpretations; Dr. Anupama Kylash, a celebrated dance scholar, illuminating the Ramayana through the lens of classical Indian dance and culture; Dr. DK Hari and Dr. DK Hema, creators of the Bharat Gyan series, bringing their extensive research on India’s ancient wisdom and the Ramayana to life. Amritanshu Pandey CEO Brhat and Vikram Sridhar, a gifted young storyteller, weaving the magic of the Ramayana with their compelling narratives. This exceptional lineup promises to delve into the myriad facets of the Ramayana, blending scholarship, creativity, and storytelling to inspire and enlighten.
As part of the vibrant three-day festival, an array of engaging learning workshops and unique experiences await participants, in ‘Kala Charan’: a Sanskrit Learning workshop, led by Udaya Shreyas of the Sanskrit Channel, offering an immersive dive into the beauty and essence of Sanskrit. A hands-on fabric painting session will have the young and talented artist Anusha Namburi, exploring the art of adorning fabric with creativity and traditional Cheriyal Painting session brought to life by acclaimed Cheriyal artist Madhu Merugoju. The fest will also have a captivating display of vintage lithographs from the treasured collection of Pratima Sagar and MC Mohan, showcasing the divine in Indian households, ‘Framing Divinity – Devas in Our Homes’ as well as ‘Kala Grama’ , a bustling bazaar celebrating the craftsmanship of talented artisans, offering a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and artistry, Ramayana Kalpavrksam is a not to be missed festival that captivates attendees and leaves them enriched by India’s timeless traditions.
Transforming Aesthetics: Advanced GroHair & GloSkin Clinic Opens in Rajahmundry
Rajamahendravaram, 31st January 2025: With unwavering dedication to redefining beauty and confidence, Advanced GroHair & GloSkin Clinic proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Rajahmundry. This landmark occasion not only marks another milestone in the clinic’s journey but also stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for individuals seeking world-class hair regrowth and skin rejuvenation solutions.
Pioneering Innovation in Hair and Skin Treatments
At the forefront of aesthetic medicine, Advanced GroHair & GloSkin Clinic brings a harmonious blend of advanced technology and compassionate care. The clinic offers an extensive range of groundbreaking treatments, including Percutaneous FUE Hair Transplant, Stem X 27 Pro™ (PRP Pro+), LASER Hair Therapy, Regen Pro 9™, and more — all meticulously designed and US-FDA approved for safety and efficacy.
For radiant and youthful skin, the clinic introduces a suite of revolutionary treatments like Glutathione IV, HydraFacial, Q Switched Laser, Botox, Fillers, Thread Lift, and Full Body Laser services, all performed with precision and expertise by renowned professionals. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and supported by a team of skilled aesthetic experts, the clinic promises transformative results that redefine standards in wellness.
A Celebration of Commitment and Vision
The grand inauguration was graced by an illustrious lineup of dignitaries, Including Chief Guest Shri Adrireddy Srinivas, MLA, Rajahmundry; Guest of Honor Mr. Saran Vel J, Brand Founder & Managing Director; and Franchise Partners Kasi Kailash Ventures lent their support to this auspicious occasion, reflecting the brand’s ethos of collaboration and growth.
Empowering a Community Through Accessible Wellness
The launch of the Rajahmundry clinic signifies more than an expansion; it represents a commitment to empowering individuals with the confidence that comes from exceptional care and remarkable outcomes. With this new facility, Advanced GroHair & GloSkin Clinic continues to make high-quality, accessible wellness solutions available to all, setting the stage for a brighter, more confident future.
Discover the Transformation at Advanced GroHair & GloSkin Clinic Step into a world where innovation meets care, where science enhances beauty, and where every individual is empowered to look and feel their best. Join us at our newest location in Rajahmundry and experience firsthand why Advanced GroHair & GloSkin Clinic is a trusted leader in aesthetic wellness.
Piaggio Vehicles Debuts First Motoplex Dealership in Pune
Pune, January 31, 2025: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of the Italian auto giant Piaggio Group, renowned for its iconic Vespa and sporty Aprilia range of scooters and motorcycles, is thrilled to announce the inauguration of its first Motoplex dealership in Pune, Maharashtra. The newly launched Motoplex – Long Miles will showcase and retail the complete range of products under Vespa, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi along with exclusive official merchandise and CBUs. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ajit Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, along with Mr Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director at Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, and Mr. Ajay Raghuvanshi, EVP of 2-Wheeler Domestic Business at Piaggio India and with Mr. Vishwajeet Baravkar, Managing Director of Long Miles.
The sprawling dealership boasts a state-of-the-art showroom spanning 2,400 sq.ft. and a dedicated service workshop of 2,400 sq.ft., designed to deliver a premium customer experience that reflects the rich Italian heritage of the respective brands.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director at Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, said – “I would like to thank Shri Ajit Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for gracing the occasion. Pune is like a home city for Piaggio India and I am excited about the expansion of the Motoplex to the city. Through Long Miles, we are excited to strengthen our connection with customers in Pune by providing a world-class experience with Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. The response from Pune has always been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to inaugurate our first Motorplex in the city, enhancing accessibility for our customers. At Piaggio India, we continually strive to deliver high-quality products and ensure the best ownership experience for our clientele.”
Adding his thoughts, Mr. Ajay Raghuvanshi, EVP of 2-Wheeler Domestic Business at Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd said, “The new Motoplex located at Chinchwad, is not only a new retail touchpoint for the company, but also a significant step in its retail strategy. With the launch of the Motoplex, we’re placing the needs of our customers in Pune at the forefront. The showroom will have trained manpower that caters to our customer’s every need. We are confident that this showroom will not only empower our customers with the freedom of choice but also ensure complete peace of mind throughout their ownership journey.’’
Sharing his views, Mr. Vishwajeet Baravkar, Managing Director of Long Miles said, “I am excited to be joining hands with Piaggio India for their most premier dealership offering – the Motoplex. We are keen to showcase and retail a complete range of models from 125cc to over 1000cc for every type of customer looking to fulfill their riding dreams from the best brands available today. Vespa, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi are marquee brands of the Piaggio Group, and we are proud to bring these close to consumers in Pune.”
With the addition of Long Miles, Piaggio now boasts over 250 touchpoints for Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi across India, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its footprint in the country.
Tajurba Business Network Hosts Empowering IPO Workshop for MSMEs
Delhi,February 1, 2025 – Tajurba Business Network, led by founders Suresh Mansharamani and Uma Mansharamani, successfully hosted a transformative SME IPO workshop at the Crowne Plaza,Okhla, New Delhi. The event aimed to educate India’s SME owners on the challenges and opportunities associated with listing on the SME Stock Exchange.
The workshop, attended by over 50+ SME owners, featured prominent industry experts, including Mr. Suresh Mansharamani, renowned Merchant Banker Mr. Vipin Aggarwal (MD, Narnolia Financial Services Ltd.), and Mr. Manprit Singh Chadha (Founder, Satkartar Shopping Ltd., a NSE-listed company).
The event began with an insightful keynote by Mr. Suresh Mansharamani, who shed light on common challenges faced by SMEs, eligibility criteria for IPOs, and essential SEBI regulations. His presentation served as a valuable guide for entrepreneurs exploring IPOs as a growth strategy.
Speaking about the event’s purpose, Mr Mansharamani, stated: “It is a privilege to educate and empower so many SME owners. SME IPOs have the potential to transform businesses and drive entrepreneurial success in India. We are committed to continuing this journey of education and empowerment through similar workshops in the future.”
Mr. Vipin Aggarwal, an eminent Merchant Banker, delved into the comprehensive criteria and regulations surrounding SME IPOs. His session provided attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on key aspects of the IPO process. Addressing the audience, Mr. Aggarwal said:
“India’s economic growth is closely tied to the strength of its SMEs. By empowering SME owners with knowledge about SME exchanges and SEBI regulations, we are paving the way for a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.”Adding a practical perspective, Mr. Manprit Singh Chadha shared his journey of successfully leading an IPO for Satkartar Shopping Ltd. His session covered the opportunities and challenges faced during the listing process, along with actionable strategies for success. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked:
“Listing a company is a rigorous yet rewarding journey. The compliance requirements may seem daunting, but the long-term benefits for growth and credibility are unparalleled. I am thrilled to see SME owners recognizing the value of SME exchanges and the potential they hold for their businesses.”
The event underscored Tajurba Business Network’s unwavering commitment to fostering business growth and creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. By addressing critical topics like SME IPOs, the workshop equipped attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve sustainable success.
In a bold step towards empowering India’s MSMEs, Mr. Suresh Mansharamani has committed to helping 500 MSMEs achieve IPO success within the next five years. This workshop marks the beginning of that ambitious and transformative journey.
A Trio of Shows Begins at Hitex: India’s Largest Pet Expo, 17th Kids Fair, and First Kids Business Carnival
Hyderabad, 1 February, 2025- Three shows—the 7th edition of India’s largest Pet Expo; the 17th Edition of Kids Fair and the maiden edition of Kids Business Carnival began at Hitex on Friday. Beginning today the expos are open for the next three days till Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. 25000 visitors are expected to visit the three shows during the next three days.
Exhibitors from 12 states and five countries are exhibiting their products and services. 2500 business visitors are pre-registered to attend the Petex.
Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honble Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Hyderabad formally inaugurated the three shows in the presence of Mr TG Sreekanth, Business Head, Hitex; Dr Madhurita Gupta, Founder & CEO of Goa Angel Network and Mr Ramakrishna from Growel Feeds and others.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan said pets are good friends. They are stress busters. Where there are pets, there is mental peace. Post covid pet adoption has grown many folds. The horse was first domesticated in the world in Kazakhstan. Children are our future. Extracurricular activities and skill development as important for even more kids, he said.
Giving his opening remarks, Mr. TG Srikanth, Business Head, Hitex said Petex, India’s premier pet trade fair will run along with Kids Fair and Kids Business Carnival. Supported by Carniwel, Petex has 60-plus exhibitors. Some of the exhibitors are from different countries such as Turkey, Czech Republic, Japan, Singapore, and Germany. It has brought together pet parents, pet lovers and enthusiasts.
The visitors can expect 70-plus varieties of ornamental fish on display, a Horse Jump Show, Birds, the International Cat Championship, a Fashion Show of Dogs, Agility & Obedience Demonstrations by K9 School, and Free Basic Grooming for Dogs by Scoopy Scrub, Srikanth added
The Cat Championship is being organised by the Indian Cat Club as part of the Petex show. It is featuring 200-plus varieties of cats. Some of them are rare breeds including Mainecoon (considered the largest-sized domesticated cat in the world). They have very long ears and bodies with thick heavy coats. They are priced in the range of Rs 1.1 lakh to 2 lakhs. Another rare breed is British short hair. This breed is a growing breed in India. These breeds are short and thick-haired cats with unique full cheeks. Most of them are blue with copper-coloured eyes. They are priced in the range of Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Akshayakalpa Organic supports the 17th Edition of the Kids Expo has over 60 exhibitors. It features products and services related to kids, careers, personality development and activities.
First time a Kids Business Carnival is being organised on February 1st and 2nd. It is supported by Meru International School. It is showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of children. It has a business plan competition, product display etc. The interesting creations and inventions of children’s products and services such as a card game on electronics; DIY (Do It Yourself) Robotic Projects, Pebble Art and Games; Magnetic Bookmarks; Books Authored by Students (Authorpreneur); Handmade Coconut shell products are showcased their products. 90 kidspreneurs are participating in it.
Kids run will be organised into three different run categories such as 4K, 2K and 1K. It will be conducted by Gigglemug on 1st February at 5 pm. Over 1000 kids aged between 3 to 13 years will participate.
The 6th edition of the Masqati India Bake Show is also being held all three days. It is being organised by The winner of the show will walk away with Rs 1.4 lakh prize money.
Some of the highlights of the exhibitors include Barkitecture, a dog furniture stall. The startup behind the Barkitecture products is SVAG Homes, a Hyderabad-based start-up in the pet space that displayed a huge line of Barkitecture products. These include –Dog Castles, Villas, Pods and Barkkey Furniture
Giving details, Vishal Bothra one of the founders of the startup said they have 25 SKUs. 50 more designs and patterns are in the pipeline. They have introduced the Barkitecture concept. They are the only Barkitecture company in the country. What architecture is to human beings, architecture is for Dogs.
SVAG Pet Homes aims to sell 1,00,000 pieces in the next year. Prices for these designer pet homes range from Rs15,000 to Rs5 lakh, and products are available through the company’s website, Amazon, and Instagram.
Speaking about pet adoption in Hyderabad two of the four co-founders –Ms. Hima, Yasaswini of Adoptions For Hyderabad, a Hyderabad-based volunteer-driven Non-Profit body said 300 to 400 Indie Dogs are being adopted through their NGO in Hyderabad. An equal number of dogs are being rescued. Nearly 15 NGOs such as Blue Cross, Stray Animal Foundation India; Jeeva Vaatsalya Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre; Deven’s Hope Society and Shree Aadya Animal Shelter are working in this space of adoption of dogs in Hyderabad alone. Nearly 1000 Indian breed dogs (Indie Dogs) are being adopted in Hyderabad every year they said.
Beyond Boundaries: Harnessing Geospatial Innovation for a USD 1 Trillion Global Future
New Delhi, 1 February 2025 – The Association of Geospatial Industries (AGI), in collaboration with its member Geospatial World, organized an impactful Investors Roundtable on Investors Roundtable, brought together key industry players, including investors, technology providers, and service companies, to discuss opportunities and challenges in the rapidly evolving geospatial sector.
In his welcome address, Nikhil Kumar, President of AGI, highlighted the transformative role of geospatial technology in India’s economic growth. “2021 was a watershed moment for India’s geospatial industry with the release of the National Geospatial Policy, unlocking new sectors and space-driven growth. Today, we gather to demystify and simplify these opportunities,” he said.
Kumar emphasized that geospatial technology is pivotal across multiple sectors, from boosting agricultural productivity by 25-30% to enhancing broadband networks, improving urbanization, and increasing access to clean drinking water. He added, “From planning to design, development, operation, and maintenance—every stage of infrastructure and urban projects is directly influenced by geospatial technology.”
The discussions also explored key themes around data collection, crowdsourced data, and the need for unified platforms to integrate and aggregate diverse data sources. “The digital transformation of geospatial applications is accelerating, driven by AI, digital twins, big data analytics, and deep tech,” Kumar noted.
Srikant Sashtri, Chairman of the Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC), explained the committee’s critical role in driving liberalization within the sector. He elaborated on the GDPDC’s efforts to revamp India’s outdated mapping and data infrastructure, noting that this modernization is a priority to ensure India keeps pace with global developments.
“Our vision is to build a robust data and technology infrastructure that enables seamless access to location-tagged data, fostering innovation and economic value within India’s private sector and startup ecosystem,” Sashtri added.
The roundtable also touched on pivotal questions regarding the support needed for geospatial startups, bridging the gap between startups and investors, and creating a conducive policy environment. The event also addressed how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and specialized funding models can drive further investment and innovation in the geospatial sector.
Sanjay Kumar, CEO of Geospatial World, spoke about the changing dynamics of the global order post-COVID and how geospatial technology is integral to managing challenges in this shifting landscape through a detailed presentation. “Geospatial technology is a system of systems—it allows us to measure, model, monitor, and manage change. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” Kumar said.
He further discussed how geospatial innovations are reshaping industries, such as autonomy and robotics, and noted that geospatial is set to become a $1 trillion market global by 2030, with significant growth in sectors such as GNSS and positioning, Earth observation, and spatial analytics.
In the closing remark, Sreeramam Raghavan, CEO of NeoGeo Info Pvt Ltd., elaborated on the growing diversity of geospatial applications. “Geospatial solutions must evolve to meet the diverse needs across sectors—agriculture, defense, infrastructure, finance, and more.” Raghavan emphasized that the sector’s growth is being driven by the demand for simplified, diversified, SaaS-based models that offer long-term cash flow potential and adhere to compliance standards.
This roundtable event served as a crucial platform for investors, startups, and technology providers to discuss actionable strategies and investment opportunities in the expanding geospatial sector.