18th February 2025: Snuggle into ultimate comfort with the Boyfriend’s Hoodie Collection! From oversized hoodies to soft sweaters, these stylish layers are perfect for both lounging and living. Whether you’re wrapping up for a cozy evening or making a statement on the go, these hoodies bring warmth and love into every moment.

12th February 2025

Bottega Veneta

This Valentine’s Day, say Ciao to effortless elegance with the Ciao Ciao Bag, a symbol of love, movement, and timeless craftsmanship.

Representing the gold standard of Bottega Veneta’s artisanship, the Ciao Ciao bag takes cues from the iconic Andiamo family, blending sophistication with playful versatility. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a cherished reunion, or simply celebrating yourself, Ciao Ciao is designed to move with you.

Jimmy Choo

This Valentine’s Day, channel your inner boss woman with Jimmy Choo’s fiery red edit! From the adorable Faceted Heart Clutch to the bold red Cinch Bag and the sleek Callie, we have got the perfect arm candy for your power moves. Pair them with cute Scarlett heels to turn heads from boardrooms to date nights. This season, it’s all about power, elegance, and Jimmy Choo.

COACH

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or a little treat for yourself? Coach has got you covered with timeless pieces that are as charming as they are stylish. Coach has something for everyone, timeless bags, trendy backpacks, charming heart-shaped purses, sleek wallets, and playful charms to personalise your style. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or indulging in self-love, Coach adds a touch of elegance to every moment.

New Balance

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with New Balance’s perfect blend of innovative technology and exceptional craftsmanship. With stunning silhouettes and a range of styles, these sneakers make the ideal gift for any partner—whether they’re a fashion fanatic or a sports enthusiast. New Balance has got it all!

VIRGIO

Love is in the air—and in your wardrobe! VIRGIO’s ‘Falling For You’ Valentine’s Day Collection brings flirty silhouettes, romantic hues, and bold styles perfect for date nights and Galentine’s. Made with luxurious recycled fabrics and sustainable principles, this collection is all about flattering curves, intricate details, and effortless romance.

Tommy Hilfiger Travel Gear

To celebrate the joy of love and shared journeys, Tommy Hilfiger Travel Gear at Bagline has curated an essentially beautiful selection featuring signature luxury luggage, backpacks, and easy to carry accessories that perfectly embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day! Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or seeking an ideal gift, this Valentine’s Day surprises your loved ones with the blend of functionality and style from Tommy Hilfiger!

kate spade new york

With Valentine’s Day approaching, kate spade new york brings a gorgeous collection of handbags, jewelry, and more—featuring heartfelt, floral designs that are perfect for gifting. Whether you’re treating yourself, your best friend, or someone special, these charming pieces are the ideal way to celebrate love and friendship!

ALDO

Indulge in the joy of expressing affection to your better half. What better than Aldo’s exclusive Valentines collection to celebrate love and friendship. This exciting range of trendy shoes, chic handbags and fun accessories is ideal for your valentine as well as your galentines, so what are you waiting for!

Mumbai, February 2025: Dr Anuja Luniya, a stress strategist, physiotherapist, and behavioral health coach, launched her groundbreaking book, “Relax Play Thrive,” at the Ministry of New, Mumbai, on February 6th, 2025. This innovative interactive activity book is the first of its kind in India, designed to help individuals effectively regulate stress and cultivate resilience. Dr Anuja Luniya’s vision is to create a less stressed India by equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to regulate stress and live more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Anuja Luniya and the Relax Play Thrive team unveiled the book. Dr. Anuja gave the keynote address. Notable attendees like Dr S Natarajan, a renowned eye surgeon and a Padma Shri awardee, witnessed the moment. The attendees participated in numerous interactive and immersive activities inspired by the book. “Relax Play Thrive” uniquely blends the elements of a health planner, puzzle book, journal, and activity guide into one engaging package. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Anuja’s childhood experiences – puzzles, arts and crafts, stories, and games – “Relax Play Thrive” demonstrates that stress regulation can be enjoyable and not just another chore.

The Urgent Need for Stress Regulation in India
India ranked 126th out of 146 countries in the 2024 World Happiness Report—lower than all its neighboring nations. Around 77% of Indians had shown at least one symptom of stress. These statistics caused Dr. Anuja to take action to equip individuals to fight this invisible epidemic. The book is a perfect blend of theory and application, providing an overview of the biological reasoning behind our stress responses and dedicated activities for unique stress behaviors.“Stress clouds your vision. Regulate it, and you’ll feel better, make better decisions, and spark a ripple of clarity, empathy, and authenticity that can transform families, communities, and nations.” said Dr Anuja Luniya, urging us to understand the importance of stress regulation.

Key Features of Relax Play Thrive

•  India’s first interactive stress regulation activity book
•  111 engaging activities and 140+ science-backed strategies
•  Interactive QR codes for self-assessments and guided techniques
•  A unique blend of a health planner, puzzle book, journal, and activity guide
•  Gamified elements like treasure maps, ciphers, arts & crafts, and interactive stories

“Relax Play Thrive” is a compassionate companion, empowering individuals to navigate the challenges of modern life.

Signature Global has reduced its net debt by 29 percent in the October-December quarter to Rs 720 crore on strong pre-sales and collections from customers. The net debt of Signature Global stood at Rs 1,020 crore at the end of the second quarter of this fiscal year.

In its latest operational update, Signature Global mentioned that the net debt has come down 38 percent to Rs 720 crore as of December 31, 2024, from Rs 1,160 crore at the end of the 2023-24 financial year.

The company’s collection of funds from customers has risen 54 percent to Rs 3,210 crore in the first nine months of this fiscal from Rs 2,090 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year. Signature Global sold properties worth Rs 8,670 crore during the April-December period of this fiscal, registering a sharp rise from Rs 3,120 crore in the year-ago period.

Average pre-sales realization for the April-December period of 2024-25 increased to Rs 12,565 per square foot compared to Rs 11,762 per square foot in the entire 2023-24.

Signature Global has set a target of achieving sales booking of Rs 10,000 crore in the current fiscal year as against Rs 7,270 crore in the preceding year.

Last month, Signature Global Chairman Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal expressed confidence that the company would be able to meet pre-sales targets easily.

Signature Global has so far delivered 120 lakh sq ft of housing area and has a robust pipeline of 350 lakh sq ft of saleable area in its forthcoming projects, along with 158 lakh sq ft of ongoing projects.

The company has been buying land to expand its business amid strong demand.

Last month Signature Global bought a 16.12-acre land in Gurugram for nearly Rs 300 crore to develop a housing project, comprising 27-28 lakh square feet of developable area.

It is also looking to expand its presence in the Noida and Greater Noida markets of the Delhi-NCR region.

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marks a significant stride in fostering innovation, inclusivity, and economic resilience. With a dedicated focus on strengthening India’s startup ecosystem, healthcare sector, and entrepreneurship landscape, this budget sets the stage for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

A Game-Changer for Startups

One of the most notable highlights of the budget is the introduction of a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds, designed to address the funding challenges faced by startups. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support, enabling early-stage ventures to scale, innovate, and contribute to job creation. Additionally, the budget introduces a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh first-time entrepreneurs from women, SC, and ST communities, ensuring a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Adeeb Jamal, Founder of A’raf PR, sees this as a crucial step in empowering startups:

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a significant boost for India’s startup ecosystem, with the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds and a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh women, SC, and ST first-time entrepreneurs. These initiatives will unlock new opportunities, providing much-needed financial support and mentorship to aspiring business owners. As a PR firm and a startup, we understand the challenges of building a business from the ground up. This move not only fosters innovation but also ensures inclusivity, allowing diverse entrepreneurs to thrive in India’s growing economy. With increased accessibility to capital, startups can scale faster, contribute to job creation, and enhance India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship. A’raf PR is excited about the future this budget envisions and looks forward to supporting brands that drive meaningful change in the business landscape.”

Sakshi Shah, Founder of GoodLives, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of diversity in entrepreneurship “The Union Budget 2025-2026 demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing India’s startup ecosystem. The additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds is a crucial step in addressing the funding challenges that many startups face, helping them scale and sustain growth. What stands out even more is the dedicated support for first-time women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Building a business requires not just capital but also confidence, and this initiative will encourage more diverse voices to enter the entrepreneurial space. At GoodLives, we believe in holistic growth both personal and professional and this move will empower many to take the leap into entrepreneurship with greater assurance. It’s heartening to see such inclusive steps being taken to fuel innovation and progress in India.”

Strengthening India’s Healthcare Landscape

The government has also prioritized healthcare, with a significant focus on infrastructure, medical research, and public health initiatives. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, backed by a ₹20,000 crore boost for tourism, aims to position India as a global hub for medical tourism, offering world-class healthcare services at competitive costs.

Amit Gupta, MD & Founder of Leeford Healthcare, highlights the potential impact “The Union Budget 2025 shows an improved focus on strengthening India’s healthcare system. The push towards better infrastructure, medical research, and public health programs will always be a step in the right direction for improving overall well-being. The ‘Heal in India’ initiative, backed by a ₹20,000 crore boost for tourism, is a smart move as it will not only attract medical tourists but also showcase India as a hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare, which has been the foundational vision of Leeford Healthcare in making healthcare accessible and affordable in every corner of the country.”

Fostering Innovation and Self-Reliance

With this budget, the government reiterates its commitment to making India a global leader in entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The infusion of funds into the startup ecosystem will encourage innovation across various industries, helping businesses scale efficiently.

Aman Chourasia, Founder of Own it Pure, believes this is a defining moment for Indian startups “The Union Budget 2025-26 brings a strong push for entrepreneurship with the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds, doubling the government’s commitment to supporting startups. Access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for early-stage ventures, and this move will provide a much-needed financial cushion to help startups scale, innovate, and contribute to economic growth. The introduction of a dedicated scheme for 5 lakh first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs is a game-changer, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that diverse talents and ideas get the platform they deserve. This budget reinforces the government’s vision of making India a global leader in innovation, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship.”

Hyderabad, India – The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Hyderabad acknowledges the presentation of the Finance Bill 2025. While the government has introduced several provisions aimed at fiscal stability, the budget falls short in recognizing the real estate sector’s crucial role in economic growth and employment generation.

The recently released Economic Survey 2024-25 underscores the significance of the real estate sector, which, along with financial and professional services, contributed nearly 45% to the total services GVA in the first half of FY25. Furthermore, real estate is one of the largest employment

generators in the country, directly and indirectly supporting numerous ancillary industries. Despite these contributions, the Finance Bill 2025 does not adequately address the pressing needs of the sector.

Key Concerns and Policy Gaps:

1. Lack of Targeted Tax Incentives: While the retention of current income tax rates is noted, the absence of specific tax incentives for real estate investment is disappointing. Targeted

measures, such as enhanced tax deductions on home loans and reduced GST on construction materials, would have significantly boosted sectoral growth.

2. Insufficient Infrastructure and Housing Support: The allocation of ₹1 lakh crore for urban development is a step forward, but it remains insufficient to address the rising infrastructure demands of an urbanizing India. The housing demand in India is projected to reach 93 million units by 2036, necessitating greater financial support and policy initiatives.

3. Inadequate Funding for Stalled Projects: The ₹15,000 crore allocation under SWAMIH Fund- 2 for completing stalled housing projects is welcome, but it raises concerns about whether

this funding is sufficient to tackle the current backlog.

4. Affordable Housing and Mortgage Reforms: While the budget includes provisions to support affordable housing, CREDAI Hyderabad urges the government to introduce more

comprehensive policies, including interest subvention schemes and relaxation of mortgage conditions, to make home ownership accessible to a larger population.

5. Need for Greater Digital and Infrastructure Integration: While the expansion of the Gati Shakti portal for better urban planning is promising, its effectiveness in streamlining approvals and project execution for real estate developers remains to be seen.

6. Investment in Ancillary Industries: The real estate sector directly impacts numerous ancillary industries, including cement, steel, and construction technology. Policies that support these industries, such as production-linked incentives, can lead to a cascading positive impact on the economy.

7. Second Property Investment Benefits: The removal of notional rent on second properties is a positive step, but further incentives to encourage investments in rental housing and commercial properties are required to stimulate market demand.

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society

“We are immensely thankful to Govt of India & especially Hon’ble Finance Minister for great work done for Sickle Cell disease in the previous budgets, wherein allocations have been made for its eradication by 2047, but unfortunately, the bigger evil the most lethal and dreaded disease “Thalassemia”, which is also a genetic blood disorder like sickle cell anemia fails to find any mention in the previous budgets, which is a very grave blunder, which needs to be rectified with immediate effect in the coming budget.

Both, Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia are same type of disease with a little difference, thalassemia is much more severe and the methodology for eradicating them are the same and in both cases, patients survive by periodic blood transfusion for a life time, which is horror in itself and both of them can be eradicated and nations have eradicated them, by simple HbA2 blood test, which needs to be made mandatory by the Government. Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia are two sides of same coin, both of them are to be taken together for eradication efforts, kindly rectify the error.”

“We are very much positive towards the upcoming Budget as the govt has been considerate with its allocations for conditions such as sickle cell anaemia and unfortunately thalassemia has been left out in the previous budgets. The most noteworthy one was the allocation of significant budget towards tackling sicklecell anemia, aiming to eliminate it by 2047, with a focus on universal screening, counseling, and comprehensive management programs. However there is a greater need for Budget 2025-26 to broaden its scope. As we approach the upcoming Union Budget 2025-2026, Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society urges Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman, Finance – Govt of India to prioritize advancements in medical diagnostics, particularly for genetic blood disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell. We expect targeted investments in affordable, accessible diagnostic services, as well as enhanced funding for research and healthcare infrastructure. The need for early detection, specialized care, and patient-centered solutions has never been more pressing. We hope the budget reflects a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions at large.

Mr. Randhir Chauhan, Managing Director, Netafim India

The Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to reshape India’s agriculture sector by prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Focused investments in infrastructure, water efficiency, and technological innovation, combined with supportive policies, can unlock significant growth potential for farmers. These measures will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also drive broader economic progress, contributing to a more resilient agricultural future for India.

Granting infrastructure status to the micro-irrigation industry will help the sector and allied industries to flourish, which is predominantly made up of MSMEs, accounting for 95% of the overall Agri sector. It can substantially reduce operational costs, lower equipment prices, and drive expansion. Integrating renewable energy, such as solar installations, with micro-irrigation systems can further enhance energy efficiency, cut costs, and boost profitability for farmers.

India’s agricultural R&D investment is currently below 1% of its Agri-GDP. This needs urgent redressal. Allocating more funds to the Agri Innovation Fund would stimulate Agri-tech startups, foster digital solutions, and promote the adoption of smart farming, precision agriculture, and cutting-edge irrigation technologies.

Additionally, targeted schemes like Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) aim to tackle pressing issues in irrigation, mechanization, and agricultural infrastructure. After being subsumed under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in the 2022-23 budget, the PDMC has become a flagship program. With subsidies ranging from 45% to 55% for micro-irrigation systems, and several states offering top-up subsidies, this scheme holds immense promise. Yet, to unlock its full potential, it must remain a centralized and standalone initiative. Centralizing PDMC ensures uniformity in implementation, offering clear guidelines and reducing the inconsistencies caused by state-level variations in subsidy distribution. This oversight will allow for strategic prioritization of regions facing severe water scarcity, which is crucial to combating India’s growing water crisis.

Moreover, there is vast untapped potential to improve water efficiency, especially in oilseed cultivation. Despite oilseeds occupying only 13% of cropped area, they contribute a mere 6% in value terms. Adopting drip irrigation and other high-efficiency methods could conserve up to 60% of water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance productivity. Expanding micro irrigation into canal command areas and incentivizing crop diversification into oilseeds, oil palm, and millets would not only increase climate resilience but also bolster farmer incomes.

With ever depleting Ground water table, we need to have a push for adoption of Drip in water guzzling crops like Rice, wheat, and sugarcane. When we export sugar or Basmati rice, we are exporting water which is very scarce resource. Also, in crops like rice, we can reduce the release our GHGs by adoption of Drip Irrigation.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, MD Capri Global Capital Ltd.

“As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the NBFC sector looks forward to policy measures that will bolster its pivotal role in India’s economic growth. NBFCs play a crucial role in extending credit to underserved segments such as MSMEs, Housing, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy, contributing significantly to inclusive development. Establishment of a dedicated liquidity facility through the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), aimed at ensuring affordable credit flow to priority sectors would be beneficial. This initiative would support small and mid-sized NBFCs by providing competitive-rate funds, reducing dependency on high-cost borrowing. Empowered with steady capital, NBFCs can effectively meet the credit needs of sectors crucial for job creation, rural development, and sustainable economic growth.

Anticipated reforms like reducing the SARFAESI Act’s loan threshold to ₹1 lakh, could expedite asset resolution and bolster financial resilience. Additionally, a proposed market-making mechanism could streamline funding access, enhancing the ability to serve priority sectors effectively. Such reforms if implemented, would further help NBFCs to contribute significantly to India’s economic aspirations, ensuring inclusive and sustainable progress.”

Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO, CARE Hospitals

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a key opportunity to strengthen India’s healthcare system by making it more affordable, accessible, and innovative. At CARE Hospitals, we hope to see a higher allocation for public healthcare spending to close gaps in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. Expanding Ayushman Bharat to cover outpatient care and diagnostics, along with promoting preventive health programs, can help address the growing challenges of both communicable and non-communicable diseases while ensuring quality healthcare for everyone.

Cancer is a major health concern in our country, putting a heavy financial and emotional strain on people. To make cancer care more affordable, reducing customs duties and GST on essential equipment like LINACs would improve access to advanced treatment in underserved areas. It’s also important to revise reimbursement rates under government schemes like CGHS, PMJAY, and ECHS by linking them to inflation, as many rates have stayed the same for nearly a decade.

To position India as a global healthcare hub, creating a dedicated fund to promote high-quality healthcare and medical tourism is essential. Such measures can not only enhance our healthcare system but also boost India’s stature globally. The government should also prioritize funding research and development in the MedTech sector, incentivizing innovation, and transitioning to quality-linked procurement standards for value-based care.

Encouraging digital health solutions, medical research, and public-private partnerships can help India stay ahead in healthcare innovation. Providing tax benefits and supportive policies for healthcare providers will also be crucial in meeting new health challenges. At CARE Hospitals, we are committed to patient-focused care and hope this budget will empower healthcare providers to reduce gaps, improve outcomes, and make healthcare a key driver of national growth.”

Dr Rohan Dutta, Associate Professor, Anant School For Climate Action

“As India strives to achieve its climate action goals and transition towards a sustainable future, the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to prioritise climate education in alignment with the visions of the National Education Policy 2020, and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. I expect increased budgetary allocations to incorporate climate literacy at all levels of education, from primary schools to higher institutions. This must include curriculum redesigns focused on sustainability, renewable energy, conservation, and practical skill-building programs for green jobs. Investments in teacher training and digital resources can enhance the reach and effectiveness of climate education, especially in rural and underserved areas. Collaboration with industries and research institutions can foster innovation hubs within educational institutions, promoting climate solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges.

Climate change is no longer abstract – it directly affects livelihoods, health, and economies. Therefore, empowering the next generation with knowledge and solutions is an investment in long-term resilience. The 2025 Union Budget must demonstrate a commitment to making climate education a cornerstone of national development, aligning with global best practices and India’s ambitious sustainability commitments. Only with informed citizens can India truly lead in creating a sustainable and climate-resilient world.”

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, CEO and Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd.

“As we look towards Union Budget 2025, we expect strong focus on sustainable economic growth driven by domestic consumption, green manufacturing incentives, and skill development. Revising the income-tax rebate threshold can enhance disposable income, improving demand in sectors like housing and interiors, which are key to economic expansion.

At the same time, targeted tax benefits for sustainable manufacturing—such as incentives for green building materials and responsible forestry practices—would not only support industrial growth but also reinforce India’s climate commitments. Equally critical is investment in skill development, particularly in carpentry and allied trades, to bridge the workforce gap in India’s expanding furniture and infrastructure industries.”

Mr. Pankaj Dhingra is the CA & US CPA, Managing Partner, FinTram Global LLP

“Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to make tax filing more accessible and transparent for everyone. Leveraging AI-based income tax systems can not only streamline processes but also help identify fraudulent practices efficiently, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Further, revising outdated tax slabs and increasing the 80C deduction – that has remained unchanged for years – will provide a much-needed relief to taxpayers.

Next, to boost entrepreneurship, introducing tax holidays and other benefits for startups and young entrepreneurs can provide the necessary impetus for innovation and job creation for common man.

Additionally, reducing GST on education to 5% will make learning and skilling more affordable, empowering students to invest in their future.

If implemented thoughtfully, these measures can create a simplified, inclusive, and growth-oriented tax framework for all.”

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society

“We are immensely thankful to Govt of India & especially Hon’ble Finance Minister for great work done for Sickle Cell disease in the previous budgets, wherein allocations have been made for its eradication by 2047, but unfortunately, the bigger evil the most lethal and dreaded disease “Thalassemia”, which is also a genetic blood disorder like sickle cell anemia fails to find any mention in the previous budgets, which is a very grave blunder, which needs to be rectified with immediate effect in the coming budget.

Both, Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia are same type of disease with a little difference, thalassemia is much more severe and the methodology for eradicating them are the same and in both cases, patients survive by periodic blood transfusion for a life time, which is horror in itself and both of them can be eradicated and nations have eradicated them, by simple HbA2 blood test, which needs to be made mandatory by the Government. Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia are two sides of same coin, both of them are to be taken together for eradication efforts, kindly rectify the error.”

“We are very much positive towards the upcoming Budget as the govt has been considerate with its allocations for conditions such as sickle cell anaemia and unfortunately thalassemia has been left out in the previous budgets. The most noteworthy one was the allocation of significant budget towards tackling sicklecell anemia, aiming to eliminate it by 2047, with a focus on universal screening, counseling, and comprehensive management programs. However there is a greater need for Budget 2025-26 to broaden its scope. As we approach the upcoming Union Budget 2025-2026, Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society urges Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman, Finance – Govt of India to prioritize advancements in medical diagnostics, particularly for genetic blood disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell. We expect targeted investments in affordable, accessible diagnostic services, as well as enhanced funding for research and healthcare infrastructure. The need for early detection, specialized care, and patient-centered solutions has never been more pressing. We hope the budget reflects a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions at large.

Mr. Randhir Chauhan, Managing Director, Netafim India

The Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to reshape India’s agriculture sector by prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Focused investments in infrastructure, water efficiency, and technological innovation, combined with supportive policies, can unlock significant growth potential for farmers. These measures will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also drive broader economic progress, contributing to a more resilient agricultural future for India.

Granting infrastructure status to the micro-irrigation industry will help the sector and allied industries to flourish, which is predominantly made up of MSMEs, accounting for 95% of the overall Agri sector. It can substantially reduce operational costs, lower equipment prices, and drive expansion. Integrating renewable energy, such as solar installations, with micro-irrigation systems can further enhance energy efficiency, cut costs, and boost profitability for farmers.

India’s agricultural R&D investment is currently below 1% of its Agri-GDP. This needs urgent redressal. Allocating more funds to the Agri Innovation Fund would stimulate Agri-tech startups, foster digital solutions, and promote the adoption of smart farming, precision agriculture, and cutting-edge irrigation technologies.

Additionally, targeted schemes like Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) aim to tackle pressing issues in irrigation, mechanization, and agricultural infrastructure. After being subsumed under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in the 2022-23 budget, the PDMC has become a flagship program. With subsidies ranging from 45% to 55% for micro-irrigation systems, and several states offering top-up subsidies, this scheme holds immense promise. Yet, to unlock its full potential, it must remain a centralized and standalone initiative. Centralizing PDMC ensures uniformity in implementation, offering clear guidelines and reducing the inconsistencies caused by state-level variations in subsidy distribution. This oversight will allow for strategic prioritization of regions facing severe water scarcity, which is crucial to combating India’s growing water crisis.

Moreover, there is vast untapped potential to improve water efficiency, especially in oilseed cultivation. Despite oilseeds occupying only 13% of cropped area, they contribute a mere 6% in value terms. Adopting drip irrigation and other high-efficiency methods could conserve up to 60% of water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance productivity. Expanding micro irrigation into canal command areas and incentivizing crop diversification into oilseeds, oil palm, and millets would not only increase climate resilience but also bolster farmer incomes.

With ever depleting Ground water table, we need to have a push for adoption of Drip in water guzzling crops like Rice, wheat, and sugarcane. When we export sugar or Basmati rice, we are exporting water which is very scarce resource. Also, in crops like rice, we can reduce the release our GHGs by adoption of Drip Irrigation.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, MD Capri Global Capital Ltd.

“As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the NBFC sector looks forward to policy measures that will bolster its pivotal role in India’s economic growth. NBFCs play a crucial role in extending credit to underserved segments such as MSMEs, Housing, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy, contributing significantly to inclusive development. Establishment of a dedicated liquidity facility through the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), aimed at ensuring affordable credit flow to priority sectors would be beneficial. This initiative would support small and mid-sized NBFCs by providing competitive-rate funds, reducing dependency on high-cost borrowing. Empowered with steady capital, NBFCs can effectively meet the credit needs of sectors crucial for job creation, rural development, and sustainable economic growth.

Anticipated reforms like reducing the SARFAESI Act’s loan threshold to ₹1 lakh, could expedite asset resolution and bolster financial resilience. Additionally, a proposed market-making mechanism could streamline funding access, enhancing the ability to serve priority sectors effectively. Such reforms if implemented, would further help NBFCs to contribute significantly to India’s economic aspirations, ensuring inclusive and sustainable progress.”

Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO, CARE Hospitals

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a key opportunity to strengthen India’s healthcare system by making it more affordable, accessible, and innovative. At CARE Hospitals, we hope to see a higher allocation for public healthcare spending to close gaps in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. Expanding Ayushman Bharat to cover outpatient care and diagnostics, along with promoting preventive health programs, can help address the growing challenges of both communicable and non-communicable diseases while ensuring quality healthcare for everyone.

Cancer is a major health concern in our country, putting a heavy financial and emotional strain on people. To make cancer care more affordable, reducing customs duties and GST on essential equipment like LINACs would improve access to advanced treatment in underserved areas. It’s also important to revise reimbursement rates under government schemes like CGHS, PMJAY, and ECHS by linking them to inflation, as many rates have stayed the same for nearly a decade.

To position India as a global healthcare hub, creating a dedicated fund to promote high-quality healthcare and medical tourism is essential. Such measures can not only enhance our healthcare system but also boost India’s stature globally. The government should also prioritize funding research and development in the MedTech sector, incentivizing innovation, and transitioning to quality-linked procurement standards for value-based care.

Encouraging digital health solutions, medical research, and public-private partnerships can help India stay ahead in healthcare innovation. Providing tax benefits and supportive policies for healthcare providers will also be crucial in meeting new health challenges. At CARE Hospitals, we are committed to patient-focused care and hope this budget will empower healthcare providers to reduce gaps, improve outcomes, and make healthcare a key driver of national growth.”

Dr Rohan Dutta, Associate Professor, Anant School For Climate Action

“As India strives to achieve its climate action goals and transition towards a sustainable future, the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to prioritise climate education in alignment with the visions of the National Education Policy 2020, and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. I expect increased budgetary allocations to incorporate climate literacy at all levels of education, from primary schools to higher institutions. This must include curriculum redesigns focused on sustainability, renewable energy, conservation, and practical skill-building programs for green jobs. Investments in teacher training and digital resources can enhance the reach and effectiveness of climate education, especially in rural and underserved areas. Collaboration with industries and research institutions can foster innovation hubs within educational institutions, promoting climate solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges.

Climate change is no longer abstract – it directly affects livelihoods, health, and economies. Therefore, empowering the next generation with knowledge and solutions is an investment in long-term resilience. The 2025 Union Budget must demonstrate a commitment to making climate education a cornerstone of national development, aligning with global best practices and India’s ambitious sustainability commitments. Only with informed citizens can India truly lead in creating a sustainable and climate-resilient world.”

Chandigarh, January 31, 2025: Black Box Limited (BSE: 500463) (NSE: BBOX), Essar’s technology arm, today announced its order wins across industry verticals. A leading global digital infrastructure integrator, Black Box is trusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide.

Black Box, with a presence across 35 countries and six continents, empowers businesses to accelerate growth and enhance user experiences through cutting-edge solutions in network integration, digital connectivity, data center services, modern workplace, and cybersecurity. Serving key industries like Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, and Manufacturing, the company delivers transformative solutions driving success in the digital age.

Black Box has made significant investments in its go-to-market strategy, focusing on both industry verticals and horizontal solutions to expand its share of wallet from the top 300 customers across diverse industries. The company’s pipeline for digital infrastructure, across industry verticals including hyperscalers, continues to grow, positioning Black Box for sustained growth and market leadership.

Black Box is continuing to see strong and sustained demand from hyperscalers in its Technology vertical. The company continues to gain momentum in its data center infrastructure projects, highlighted by recent allocation of three large sites in the United States by one of the world’s largest hyperscaler for their new data center build-out. In addition, the company has won orders worth INR 250 crore from this long-term hyperscaler customer.

Black Box continues to work with large hyperscalers, who have reiterated that they are continuing to enhance their capital spending on creating next-gen digital infrastructure. The company believes that the efficiencies in AI and AI driven models will accelerate the demand for IT infrastructure due to higher adoption and consumption of AI, across various industries.

Continuing with its focus and momentum on other digital infrastructure solutions and industry vertical Black Box has also recently won a cybersecurity order of around INR 100 crore from a large municipal corporation, a large network integration project from a global telecom operator and an airport order amounting to around INR 45 crore. The company believes the demand for digital infrastructure across industry verticals will remain robust driven by the need for better end-user experience.

Black Box remains focused and committed towards building the next generation digital infrastructure for its global clients as it sees this decade as the era of a highly digital world, offering a sustained business growth opportunity.