Kolkata, 3 February 2025: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted a Union Budget 2025-26 Analysis Session, to discuss and interpret the union budget’s impact on amendments in direct and indirect taxes and industry perspectives on The Finance (No. 2) Bill, 2025. The session witnessed valuable insights from Mr. Aditya Hans, Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP; Mr. Pallav Gupta, Head-Taxation (Retired), ITC Limited & Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee on Taxation; Prof. Sahana Roy Chowdhury, Professor, Economics, IIM Kolkata; Mr. Vaibhav Jajoo, Associate Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP; Mr. Basant Gadhyan, Principal, Dhruva Advisors LLP; and Mr. Vishal Jain, Principal, Dhruva Advisors LLP.

Mr Aditya Hans, Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP, in his assessment of the budget stated that the overall focus of the budget has been more on MSMEs & Startups for boosting manufacturing and services. He also mentioned that the budget has given sharp focus on agriculture. According to him the budget delves into putting more money into the hands of the consumers in order to tide over the anticipated global slowdown. The budget, he felt, reflected the Government focus on simplified taxation, boosting investment, ensuring compliance and reducing friction.

Prof Sahana Roy Chowdhury, Professor & Area Chair, Economics, IMI Kolkata stated that the Budget was in tune with the economy survey presented the day before. The Budget, she felt, emphasised to boost urban demand through direct tax cut and enhancing disposable income. She also said that fiscal prudence was at the heart of the budget to accommodate the foregone revenue from direct and indirect taxes proposed in the budget. For managing fiscal deficit, she explained, that the budget tried to unlock the potential of private sector through structural reforms by incentivise in areas such as research and development.

Mr Vaibhav Jajoo, Associate Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP remarked on the implications of time line to finalise provisional assessment; Voluntary revision of custom duties and the custom tariff rationalisation.

Mr Basant Gadhyan, Prinicipal, Dhruva Advisors LLP welcomed the move to exemption of long term capital gains arising to Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds. He also welcomed the boosting of entrepreneurial spirits etched in budget to promote startup ecosystem by extending the period of incorporation for a period of 5 years.

Mr Vishal Jain, Prinicipal, Dhruva Advisors LLP in his clarification of the tax implication touched upon time limit to file updated return; decriminalisation of TCS default; and rationalisation of TDS/TCS changes.

Mr Pallav Gupta, Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Taxation, ICC in his address mentioned that rationalisation of custom duties on life saving drugs and components of EVs are commendable. He hoped for a shorter and simpler version of the income tax laws.

GURUGRAM, 03 February 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced the rollout of ‘Namaste World’, a worldwide sale to offer attractive promotional fares across cabin classes on domestic and international routes.

Air India’s ‘Namaste World’ sale is open from 0001 Hrs of 02 Feb 2025 until 2359 Hrs of 06 February 2025, for travel between 12 February and 31 October 2025. Bookings under the sale are available at international points of sale bookings made in foreign currencies, in addition to Indian points of sale.

“Our ‘Namaste World’ sale comes at the perfect time, enabling customers to make their upcoming summer holiday travel plans for domestic or international destinations. With a wide booking window, we are confident that our customers will benefit from this special promotion, and experience Air India’s transforming products and services across our worldwide network” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Special fares for premium cabins

‘Namaste World’ sale offers unmissable fares in premium cabins such as Business Class and Premium Economy, making luxurious flying experiences accessible to more travellers. In addition to the premium cabins, the sale fares are also available for Economy Class.

All-inclusive, one-way domestic fares start from INR 1,499 for Economy Class, INR 3,749 for Premium Economy, and INR 9,999 for Business Class. On international routes, Economy return fares start from INR 12,577, Premium Economy from INR 16,213, Business Class from INR 20,870.

Web-Exclusive Day 1

The ‘Namaste World’ sale is exclusively available on Air India’s website and mobile app on 02 February 2025. Subsequently, bookings under the sale will be available across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, customer contact centre, and travel agents.

Extra benefits on website and mobile app bookings only
During this sale, Air India customers can enjoy extra benefits on bookings made via the airline’s official website and mobile app. These benefits include:

• Zero Convenience Fee: From 02-06 February 2025, Air India will not levy any convenience fee. This enables travellers to enjoy further savings of INR 999 on international bookings and INR 399 on domestic bookings, in addition to the promotional fares offered as part of the sale.
• Bank Offers: Air India has also enabled more discounts via multiple payment offers in association with bank partners for travellers to choose from, helping them to unlock further savings.

Celebrated author and filmmaker Dr. Deepak Singh has been awarded the prestigious Golden Book Award 2025 for his book Bravo Yadav, earning the title of Best Biopic Author. This recognition underscores his outstanding contribution to literature and storytelling, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Honorary Captain Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav.

Bravo Yadav narrates the inspiring journey of Yogendra Singh Yadav, a war hero whose courage and dedication have left an indelible mark on the nation. The book has resonated deeply with readers worldwide, securing the No. 1 spot in Amazon’s global bestseller category. Its success highlights the power of literature in preserving and honoring stories of extraordinary valor.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Deepak Singh stated, “It is an honor to receive the Golden Book Award 2025 for Bravo Yadav. Literature serves as a vital medium to share heroic tales, and through this book, I aimed to immortalize the courage and sacrifices of Yogendra Singh Yadav. This recognition motivates me to continue bringing such inspirational stories to the world.”

Dr. Deepak Singh is a multifaceted storyteller, excelling in both literature and cinema. His acclaimed works include the biographical sports drama Soorma, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu, and the international film Tiger, featuring Mickey Rourke. Additionally, his satirical film Bad President (2021) and thought-provoking short Rakshaday Everyday (2022) have garnered critical appreciation. Dr. Singh holds a doctorate in mass media communications from The American University, further cementing his expertise in storytelling and media.

With Bravo Yadav set to be adapted into a feature film, Dr. Singh continues his mission of bringing real-life heroes to the forefront. The Golden Book Award 2025 serves as a testament to his literary prowess and dedication to impactful storytelling.

Bengaluru 3rd Feb 2025 : PhysicsWallah, (PW), an education platform, honored 1,581 students who emerged as top performers in the National Scholarship Admission Test (PWNSAT) 2024 from all over the country. In Bengaluru alone, PW felicitated 24 students. As part of its pursuit to make education accessible, PW awarded these students a total of ₹2.2 crore in cash prizes at the felicitation ceremony, recognizing their academic achievements. The event marked the culmination of PWNSAT 2024, with over 15.5 lakh students appearing for the exam, making it a significant scholarship initiative in the country.

The PWNSAT 2024 scholarship fund, amounting to ₹250 crore, represents a vision by PW to assist students gain access to coaching without the burden of tuition fees. Through PWNSAT 2024 the aim is to provide JEE and NEET aspirants the access to the faculties, resources, and learning environment. The scholarship program is extended beyond financial assistance, offering accommodation support, and mentorship, allowing meritorious students to pursue their academic goals. This year, over 5 lakh students received at least a 50% scholarship.

Alakh Pandey, Founder & CEO of PW, said, “When we started, the aim was simple, to make education accessible and affordable. PWNSAT 2024 is one of the ways we try so that financial constraints are not a hurdle for talented students. This ₹250 crore scholarship amount isn’t just a number, it represents our commitment to help a students’ future. The 1,581 students we are felicitating today have worked hard, and this is our way of recognizing their efforts. The real success will be when they achieve their dreams and help others do the same.”

The felicitation ceremony was an event celebrating the perseverance, dedication, and achievements of these students. It brought together students, parents, educators, and academic leaders to recognize and reward exceptional talent. With this initiative, PW continues to redefine access to education in India, and reinforce its aim to make learning equitable, affordable, and empowering .

Hyderabad, February 02, 2025- The three-day 7th Edition of PETEX India 2025, India’s largest Pet Expo for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish & Exotic Pets the 17th Hyderabad Kids Fair—2025 and the Inaugural Edition of Kids Business Carnival concluded in the city at Hitex on Sunday night.

Some of the exhibitors were from different countries such as Turkey, Czech Republic, Japan, Singapore, and Germany. The expo brought together pet parents, pet lovers and enthusiasts, parents, children, educationists, skill development professionals

Many experts in the show observed that the Pet Care Industry is growing. Pet adoption is on the rise in the city. More and more pet-friendly products, and services are being launched. More startups are getting into the Pet Care Space. Pet grooming is becoming a big domain. Pet grooming is blooming. Pets have become a very important family member in many families. Pet parents are more concerned about the health and well-being of their pets.

During the show, an investor meeting was held. It is the first-ever investors meet, especially people in the pet care industry. The angel investors who participated include Mr Kuldeep Mirani, Co-founder and CEO of Beyond Seed; Mr Rameswar Misra, Co-founder and CEO of Bigphi Technologies; Dr Madhurita Gupta, Founder & CEO of Goa Angel Network and Mr Ramakrishna from Growel Feeds.

The International Cat Champion Show, Investors Meet Specific to the Pet Industry; Show Jumping Competition on Horses by Children, India Bake Show; Kids Marathon and others were organised as part of the three shows during the past three days.

Over 200 Cats competed in the International Championship show, of which some of them will be rare breeds such as 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. 100+ varieties of ornamental fish were showcased

The visitors witnessed Horses, Birds, a Fashion Show of Dogs, Agility & Obedience Demonstrations by K9 School, and Free Basic Grooming for Dogs and Cats by Scoopy Scrub etc

The highlights of the three were the Kids Business Carnival featuring 90 StudentPreneurs, who showcased their innovations, and creations. One such innovation was a foldable pocket-friendly mobile phone stand made from card paper. The stand had cartoon characters to make it interesting to kids. These mobile stands are made available to 1.2 lakh passengers of Vandebharath Trains from Secunderabad to Vizag

Another enterprising Kid Preneur was Charvik who made the novel Refrigerator Magnets under the supervision of his artist mother Tejaswi. The magnets have thought-provoking messages such as “Don’t wish for it, work for it”, “Worry less, smile more”, and “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you” said 10 years old Charvik who is studying in 5th class.

There was another youth Abhishek Thekuru. He is a Pixel Artist. He also claims to be a Rubrics Artist. He displayed a huge 8-foot by 8-foot art creation using 1860 Rubrics. It cost him rupees one lakh. An Engineering student who is planning to pursue his Master’s took two days to make the art piece. He has many such priceless art creations and installations. He also made customised artwork for RS Brothers and others. He is called the Wonder Boy of ruby cubes.

The other highlights were 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

Akshayakalpa Organic supported the 17th Edition of the Kids Expo which had over 60 exhibitors. It featured products and services related to kids, careers, personality development and activities.

Gigglemug organised Kids’ runs in three different run categories such as 4K, 2K and 1K. Over 1000 kids aged between 3 to 13 years will participate.

Adoptions for Hyderabad, a stall setup by a student-driven NGO attracted a lot of crowds. Ms. Hima, Yasaswini of Adoptions for Hyderabad 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.

New Delhi: Pendown Press, widely regarded as the business community’s top choice for publishing, held a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony at their stall in Hall 5, Stall Number G-08, during the opening day of the prestigious World Book Fair 2025. The ceremony was a significant moment for Pendown Press, as the publishing house earned the rare distinction of hosting a book launch on the very first day of the fair. This honor underscores Pendown’s unwavering commitment to empowering business owners and professionals by helping them establish authority through books.

Addressing an enthusiastic audience comprising media representatives, book lovers, and dignitaries from far and wide, Mr. Dinesh Verma, Founder and CMD of Pendown Press, delivered an inspiring speech:“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow book lovers, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the World Book Fair. This annual event celebrates the power of the written word, uniting people from all corners of the globe.

We are here today to officially open our stall and mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and enriching journey for all of us at this remarkable fair. The event brings together a vast array of authors, publishers, educators, and readers, all united by their love of books and their desire to share ideas and insights. As we cut the ribbon, let us remember that books are more than just objects on shelves. They are keys to Power, Popularity, and a Passport to a world where solutions to business challenges are unlocked effortlessly. Books open doors to opportunities, foster connections, and establish authority.

So, let us celebrate the opening of the World Book Fair with joy, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the written word. Let us explore the exhibits, meet new people, and discover fresh ideas. Above all, let us never forget the importance of books in shaping our lives and the world.

Pendown Press: A Leader in Authority-Building

Pendown Press has earned a reputation for being more than just a publishing house. It is a trusted partner in helping business owners and professionals build lasting authority in their respective fields. By offering end-to-end publishing solutions, from ideation to book marketing, Pendown Press has empowered numerous authors to turn their expertise into a powerful brand asset. The World Book Fair 2025 marks another milestone in Pendown’s journey as it continues to lead the way in publishing impactful books that inspire, educate, and transform.

New Delhi/Mumbai February 01, 2025: The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) today welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26 presented by the Honourable Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman. The Budget presents a commendable vision for India’s economic growth emphasising rural and urban development, increased infrastructure investment, employment led growth and strategic investments in people, economy, and innovation.

Commenting on the Budget, Mr Neeraj Akhoury, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, Shree Cement Limited, stated, “CMA hails the Union Budget, announced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development. The Budget reinforces a transformative journey towards building a resilient economy for advancing India’s development goals. The various initiatives announced by the Government balance people’s aspirations with the future requirements for the Country’s economic growth. The focus on increased investments on infrastructure across States amplifies opportunities and avenues for the growth of the Cement sector. We appreciate the sustained core focus on infrastructure and reiterate our commitment to being partners in Nation’s progress.

The increased spending on large scale housing and infrastructure projects will drive demand for construction materials allowing capacity expansion and promotion of innovation in sustainable practices. We are certain that despite challenges these measures will support the Cement Industry in achieving a consistent CAGR growth rate of more than 6 per cent of installed cement capacity in the present financial year. Policy reforms in Budget 2025-26 signal a  reaffirmation of the Government’s intent to augment socio economic growth across core sectors.”

Mr Parth Jindal, Vice President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) and Managing Director, JSW Cement Limited, said, “The Budget presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman is a forward-looking roadmap that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s cement industry, in line with the country’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. It prioritizes growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. The increased investment in technology will accelerate advancements in green cement solutions, driving both sustainability and innovation within the industry. Notable allocations, including ₹20,000 crore to foster innovation and ₹1.5 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure on infrastructure development, are expected to significantly bolster growth in the core sectors, including cement sector.

He further added, “The Budget’s focus on a three-year pipeline of projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model will incentivize private sector investment and catalyze a transformation in the infrastructure landscape. Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for skill development, as part of the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative, will ensure that India’s emerging workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.”

CMA applauds the Government’s steadfast commitment to a modern, people centric, trust based regulatory framework with a focus on ease of doing business, which will support businesses in accelerating growth.

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated, the next five years present a unique opportunity to realize ‘Sabka Vikas’, fostering balanced growth across all regions. As a key driver of nation building, the Cement Industry remains committed to supporting the Government’s vision through innovation, and technological integration.