Archives January 2025

By Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Spiritual Leader, Yoga Master, Author,  Columnist & Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendra

Winter brings with it cold temperatures and a natural shift in energy, often leaving our bodies more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. Yoga, with its holistic approach to wellness, can be a powerful ally in supporting your immune system during this time. By integrating movement, breathwork, and relaxation into your routine, you can fortify your body and mind against seasonal challenges.

Warming Up Your Practice
Begin your yoga practice with gentle movements to prepare your body for deeper poses. Roll your shoulders in slow circles, stretch your neck from side to side, and rotate your wrists and ankles. These simple actions improve blood circulation, ease stiffness, and bring warmth to your muscles.

Energize with Sun Salutations
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) is an ideal sequence for winter practice. This flowing series of movements generates inner heat, enhances circulation, and energizes the body. Begin with 3-5 rounds at a slow pace, synchronizing your breath with each movement. This flow not only awakens your physical body but also promotes mental clarity and focus.

Immune-Boosting Yoga Poses

Specific yoga poses can directly support and enhance immune function. Incorporate these into your routine:

•  Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): This gentle backbend opens the chest and stimulates the thymus gland, a key player in immune health. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths while maintaining steady breathing.
•  Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): This restorative pose aids lymphatic drainage and calms the nervous system. Sit close to a wall, lie back, and extend your legs up the wall. Stay in this pose for 5-10 minutes, focusing on slow, deep breaths.
•  Forward Fold (Padahasthasana): This standing forward bend soothes the nervous system and brings fresh blood flow to the sinuses and throat. Fold forward from the hips, letting your head hang heavy. If needed, bend your knees for comfort.
•  Twisted Chair Pose (ParivrttaUtkatasana): Twists are excellent for detoxification as they massage internal organs. From a bent-knee chair pose, twist your torso to one side. Hold for 3-5 breaths before switching sides.

Pranayama for Immunity

Breathing exercises (pranayama) are particularly beneficial during the winter months:

• Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana): This practice clears nasal passages and reduces stress. Close your right nostril with your thumb, inhale through the left nostril, then close the left nostril and exhale through the right. Repeat for 5-10 rounds, alternating sides.
•  Warming Breath (Ujjayi): Create a soft ocean-like sound at the back of your throat as you breathe deeply. This technique generates internal heat while filtering the air you inhale.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Winter is a season of introspection and rest. End your practice with calming poses and meditation:

•  Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie flat on your back, arms and legs relaxed, and cover yourself with a blanket to stay warm. Rest here for 5-10 minutes, allowing your body to absorb the benefits of your practice.
•  Meditation: Spend a few quiet moments focusing on your breath. Regular meditation lowers stress hormones, which can otherwise weaken your immune system.
• Practical Tips for Winter Practice
•  Practice during the warmest part of the day.
•  Keep your yoga space warm but ventilated.
•  Wear layers you can remove as your body warms up.
•  Have a blanket nearby for relaxation poses.
•  Stay hydrated before and after your practice.

Consistency is Key

A consistent yoga practice is more impactful than a lengthy session. Even 15-20 minutes daily can strengthen your immune system. Adjust the intensity of your practice based on your energy levels—if you’re feeling under the weather, focus on gentle poses and breathing exercises.

Holistic Winter Wellness

Yoga is just one component of a healthy winter routine. Combine your practice with:

•  Adequate sleep for physical recovery.
•  Nourishing, warming foods that fuel your body.
•  Time spent in nature, even if brief.
•  Social connections to uplift your spirit.

By aligning your yoga practice with winter’s unique demands, you can create a strong foundation for health and well-being. Movement, breathwork, and relaxation come together to balance your body, strengthen your immune system, and keep you resilient during the season’s challenges.

New Delhi, January 23, 2025: Greko India today announced that it is all set to bring Mikel Coffee, one of the world’s fastest growing coffee chains, to India through a partnership that will see the first store being launched in Delhi-NCR.

 Greko India is the exclusive master franchise partner for Mikel Coffee in India. It offers a comprehensive gateway to Europe through the Greece Golden Visa program. The company aims to strengthen partnerships between India and Greece through economic partnerships and cultural exchanges.

 Mikel Coffee, which is headquartered in the Greek city of Larissa, has created a strong wave in five continents, across 19 countries with 375 stores in its network. This expansion in India will be Mikel Coffee’s first footprints in South Asia.

 Known for its rich aroma, distinct flavours, and exquisite experiences, Mikel Coffee was started in 2008 from Larissa, Greece by its Founder and CEO, Eleftherios Kyriakakis. It is celebrated across the world for its artisanal brewing techniques and will now offer Indians a slice of authentic Greek coffee culture.

 Commenting on the entry of Mikel Coffee in India, Founder & CEO of Greko India, Gaurav Wadhera said, “We are extremely thrilled to announce that one of the world’s most loved coffee chains, Mikel Coffee, is coming to India. Despite being a tea-loving country, India’s coffee market has been growing exponentially. As per industry estimates it is expected to touch $1.2 billion growing at a CAGR of 9.8%. Since 2008, Mikel Coffee has made a strong reputation worldwide by setting new benchmarks for cafe culture. We are committed towards unlocking exceptional value for Mikel Coffee in India.”

 Speaking on the partnership, Eleftherios Kyriakakis said, “We are excited to be finally in one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Our presence in India offers us immense possibilities as the coffee market is expanding fast. The Indian market has evolved over the last few years with a growing appreciation and taste for an artisanal brewing experience. Our partnership with Greko India in bringing Mikel Coffee is a testament to our commitment of offering the finest in rich Greek heritage to Indian consumers.”

 After launching the first outlet in Delhi NCR with a concept of a cafe-restaurant, Mikel India has an aggressive expansion plan. The brand is keen on making inroads in key markets like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai and Bengaluru in coming years. Each outlet will offer coffee aficionados Mikel Coffee’s distinctive aesthetics and warm, welcoming ambience. The partnership also underlines Greko India and Mikel Coffee’s commitment to sustainability and community development.

23rd January 2025: Smashing boundaries both on and off court, Sports Brand PUMA India has just made its biggest serve yet! The brand recently welcomed PV Sindhu, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, as its newest brand ambassador, and in style! Upon taking the court today at the 2025 Badminton India Open in New Delhi, Sindhu debuted in a voluminous, custom-made, black PUMA jacket layered over a court-dress, and paired with Accelerate Nitro Indoor Court Shoes by PUMA on feet. Completing her look, Sindhu also carried a customised black PUMA bag, adorned with sport-inspired shoelaces, baddy-themed charms and miniatures, including a PV doll and a racquet-shaped face mirror.

PUMA’s tribute jacket for Sindhu is a result of the brand appointing Rhycni, a contemporary Indian homegrown brand launched in 2022, to style one of its existing black jackets. Together, the two brands reimagined the classic black PUMA jacket, incorporating ruched design on the sleeves. This unique feature allows the sleeves to transform into different styles by simply adjusting the strings around the shoulders and arms, adding a versatile and innovative edge to the design.

Sharing her excitement on the partnership, PV Sindhu said,“I’ve always pushed boundaries on the court, and now, I’m thrilled to push those boundaries off the court as well. My partnership with PUMA will create a platform to bring a whole new dimension of style to the badminton court, merging sports and fashion for the first time in the country. I feel, what we wear is more than just an outfit—it’s a statement and a great tool of self-expression. I love athleisure, it’s an everyday essential for me. With PUMA’s versatile range in my wardrobe now, I am excited to mix and match and create looks that are both functional and stylish.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Rhycni, the co-creator of the jacket said,“At Rhycni, we thrive on the idea of spontaneity, crafting designs fueled by instinct and raw creativity. Every piece is a burst of inspiration, unplanned but with real purpose behind it. Collaborating with PUMA for PV Sindhu has been a thrilling experience. PUMA’s ability to blend performance, innovation, and style really resonates with our approach, making this partnership the perfect platform for creative experimentation. The inspiration behind the jacket is Sindhu—a legendary athlete who embodies femininity in a way that’s subtle yet powerful. We love how our design, and the fabric capture her balance of strength and softness, bringing our shared vision with PUMA to life.”

Additionally, PUMA will soon unveil images from an exclusive photoshoot where Sindhu will bring a bold, stylish edge to the badminton court like-never-before.

With her trailblazing journey and unstoppable spirit, PV Sindhu has cemented her place as a global icon, becoming the most-followed badminton athlete on Instagram with an impressive 4 million fans. As the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, Sindhu continues to inspire excellence both on and off the court. By teaming up with Sindhu, PUMA India is reimagining and redefining badminton, not just as a sport but as a movement rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and bold, cutting-edge style.

In India, Badminton is a vibe! From matches in local lanes to the roar of fans at national tournaments, it’s become the ultimate cultural flex, especially for the youth and millennials. It is the second-most played sport in the country, after cricket, and has seen a remarkable 65% rise in active participation over the past four years. This fast-paced, adrenaline-packed game has everyone hooked, bringing people together across age and gender. The partnership with Sindhu reflects PUMA’s bold vision to unlock badminton’s untapped potential as a high-performance sport in India and build a thriving badminton ecosystem.

To cater to the growing popularity, PUMA will also be launching an exclusive badminton-inspired collection for enthusiasts later this year. From high-performance gear to sleek badminton shoes, the range will cater to players and fans alike, combining top-notch functionality with heavy dose of design.

PUMA has been a driving force in elevating sports culture and championing women in sports across India by collaborating with athletes from cricket, boxing, football, para sports, and badminton. The brand’s commitment to this narrative goes beyond the game itself, celebrating its women athletes as icons of strength and individuality. PUMA’s groundbreaking collaborations with cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, boxing legend MC Mary Kom, para shooter Avani Lekhara, and most recently cricketer Richa Ghosh, have left an indelible mark, showcasing the perfect fusion of sport and style.

by Samer Hasn, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com

Gold continues its remarkable advance for the third consecutive day, reaching its highest level since October of last year, near $2,764 per ounce.

Gold’s gains come amid the weakness of the US dollar as the market reassesses the future of the upcoming trade war, in addition to the prevailing uncertainty about the future of the global economy with the escalation of this tension and the lack of a near horizon for settling the ongoing wars.

Where the new US President Donald Trump renewed his threats to impose tariffs on China and Europe next February. This is likely to deepen the state of uncertainty in those countries about the ability of their economies to confront this trade war, especially amid the state of weakness that the global economy is suffering from.

Various surveys anticipate this trade escalation and reveal the prevailing state of uncertainty. The ZEW Economic Sentiment index in Germany recorded a weaker-than-expected reading in January. How the report revealed the continued decline in economic expectations due to the ongoing recession, inflationary pressures, weak household spending, and uncertainty about the political and economic reality with the return of Trump. However, European stock indices continued.

Despite the prevailing concerns about tariffs, we still see signs of the possibility of negotiating to prevent a comprehensive trade war around the world. The Chinese foreign ministry said that it seeks to strengthen stable and sustainable relations with the United States, and this was a follow-up to steps described as conciliatory that had appeared during Trump’s inauguration with the presence of the Chinese Vice President. Experts believe that these signs, in addition to Trump’s talk about his hesitation regarding imposing tariffs on all countries, indicate an intention to negotiate to improve trade terms and obtain a suitable deal, in addition to fears of consequences for the United States itself, according to what was reported in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. This is what causes the US dollar and Treasury yields to weaken, which opens the way for gold to advance further.

These factors seem to contradict each other, as on the one hand there are concerns about the consequences of tariffs and on the other hand, we see signs of the possibility of negotiating favorable terms for all parties away from onerous tariffs. In any case, we should focus on what Trump does, not what he says.

As for the likely path of monetary policy in the United States, despite what we have talked about, the markets have not changed their expectations about the pace of interest rate cuts this year. The Fed is still not expected to cut rates before next June, according to CME FedWatch Tool figures.

Delhi, 23 January 2025: Agilus Diagnostics, India’s largest and most trusted diagnostic network, announces a ground-breaking achievement in genomic testing with its industry-leading 3-day turnaround time (TAT) for test results in myeloid malignancies.

The genomic testing market in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in technology, increasing awareness, and the rising demand for personalized medicine. Currently valued at approximately USD 150 million, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% in the next five years. Genomic testing is transforming cancer diagnostics by revolutionizing targeted therapy and personalized medicine. By providing actionable insights into an individual’s unique genetic profile, it enables clinicians to identify specific mutations, tailor treatment plans, and select therapies that offer the highest efficacy. As the future of cancer diagnostics, genomic testing empowers early detection, precise interventions, and better disease management, marking a significant shift in how cancer care is delivered. With these advancements, Agilus Diagnostics’ cutting-edge offerings place it at the forefront of this expanding market. By delivering unparalleled speed and precision, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for genomic testing in India, establishing itself as a leader in the space.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is revolutionizing genetic testing by enabling precise, comprehensive analysis of genetic variations, empowering clinicians with actionable insights for personalized patient care. While genomic testing has traditionally been a lengthy process, often taking weeks to deliver results, Agilus Diagnostics has set a new benchmark by delivering individualized reports—meticulously crafted by expert molecular pathologists—in just three days (for myeloid malignancies). This rapid turnaround ensures faster clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient outcomes and setting us apart as leaders in precision diagnostics.

The Myeloid Genomics Testing and Precision Assay is designed to offer faster, more precise insights into cancer and myeloid disorders. The Myeloid Genomics Testing covers 79 genes, including those linked to inherited risks, to detect key genetic changes like mutations and fusions. This enables personalized treatment recommendations for conditions like Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Reports are reviewed by expert pathologists and include internationally recognized risk assessment tools and therapy suggestions tailored to the patient.

The Genomic Profiling Precision Assay provides comprehensive genomic profiling for cancers like lung, colon, breast, and melanoma by analyzing 50 critical genes. It identifies mutations, amplifications, and fusion genes, offering actionable insights for targeted treatments. With optimized panels for tissue and blood samples, the test ensures accurate results within 2 days for liquid biopsy samples and 7 days for tissue block samples, making it a powerful tool for precision medicine.

“Our 3-day genomic testing initiative for myeloid malignancies addresses one of the biggest challenges in precision oncology —Time. With this breakthrough, Agilus Diagnostics is not only setting a new industry standard but also transforming patient care by enabling faster diagnoses and treatment,” said Dr. Anand K, Managing Director & CEO of Agilus Diagnostics.

Currently, the labs in the genomic testing space often take up to 2 -3 weeks to deliver results for myeloid malignancies, which can delay critical clinical decisions. In contrast, Agilus Diagnostics’ rapid testing approach significantly shortens the diagnostic timeline, reducing hospital visits and enhancing the patient experience.

Driving Global Standards in Genomic Testing

Agilus Diagnostics’ commitment to speed and precision extends beyond technological advancements. The company ensures that every report is individualized, with expert molecular pathologists meticulously interpreting results. This personalized reporting approach ensures that physicians receive not just data but clinically actionable insights that support timely and effective patient management.

Agilus Diagnostics is setting new benchmarks in genomic testing, aligning with global standards in personalized medicine. The combination of advanced technology, rapid turnaround times, and expert oversight positions the company as a leader in precision diagnostics. By offering unparalleled speed, accuracy, and patient-focused care, Agilus Diagnostics reaffirms its commitment to bringing world-class diagnostic services to India.

“With our advanced genomic testing capabilities, we aim to provide clinicians with the tools they need to make timely, informed decisions. This not only improves outcomes but also sets a new benchmark for the healthcare industry in India,” added Dr. Anand K.

Agilus Diagnostics’ industry-leading solutions continue to pave the way for innovations in healthcare, ensuring that Indian patients have access to cutting-edge diagnostic services that meet global standards.

Mumbai, 23 January 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is thrilled to announce the India tour of the CRF450 Rally, the ultimate off-road machine & Team Honda Racing Corporation’s weapon of choice for the legendary Dakar Rally. The CRF450 Rally will be on display at Honda BigWing Topline dealerships and Adventure Camps across India, giving enthusiasts and motorsports fans a unique opportunity to experience Honda’s championship-winning spirit up close.

As Honda embarks on this India tour, the company reaffirms its commitment to motorsports and its pursuit of excellence. The Honda CRF450 Rally, a champion born for the toughest terrains, will traverse key cities in India, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Indore, and Gurugram. The tour will take place from January 2025 to March 2025, and it is aimed at igniting the spirit of adventure and performance that defines Honda’s DNA.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, of Sales and Marketing, at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to bring the CRF450 Rally to India, a country with a growing passion for motorsports and adventure biking. With this tour, we aim to bring the essence of world-class rally racing closer to our customers, inspiring the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. The CRF450 Rally is not just a motorcycle – it is a symbol of Honda’s relentless pursuit of excellence and dominance in motorsports. We recently completed a showcase in the city of joy, Kolkata, and received an overwhelming response from enthusiasts. This tour is our way of sharing Honda’s Dakar-winning legacy with Indian enthusiasts and inspiring everyone to push boundaries and realize the power of dreams.”

The CRF450 Rally has been a symbol of Honda’s engineering excellence, with a remarkable record of success in some of the world’s most grueling rally events. Since its debut in 2013, the motorcycle has undergone continuous improvements based on valuable insights gained from rigorous competition. Most recently, Honda achieved a runner-up position at the prestigious 2025 Dakar Rally, reaffirming its leadership in global motorsports. There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina & Adrien Van Beveren took second and third place at the 47th edition of the world-famous motorsport event.

‘The Dakar’ has tested man and machine to the extreme since its inception in 1978. Honda’s first victory came in 1986 on an NXR750, which was followed by three consecutive wins up to 1989. The Dakar has been won three times by Honda in Saudi Arabia. Ricky Brabec was victorious in 2020, giving Honda its first victory in 31 years. Kevin Benavides claimed top honours in 2021 and Brabec scooped his second victory at the Dakar in 2024 – where Monster Energy Honda Team’s riders won eight out of the 13 stages. The World Rally Raid Championship sees competitors battle dunes, riverbeds, and navigational tests in a variety of countries including Abu Dhabi, Mexico, Argentina, and Morocco.

Honda has established itself as a powerhouse in motorsports since its debut at the Isle of Man TT races in 1959, driven by founder Soichiro Honda’s vision to lead in technology. Over the decades, Honda has consistently participated in and triumphed across various motorcycle and automobile races globally. In 2024, Honda achieved significant victories, including winning the Dakar Rally and the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. Despite challenges in MotoGP, Honda remains committed to enhancing its performance and competitiveness. In 2025, Honda will continue its legacy of excellence, with a focus on innovation and sustainability, striving for victories in major championships and supporting its riders and drivers in their pursuit of success.

By Clelia Cecilia Angelo, Founder & CEO, Surya Brasil

Winter is the time when most of us suffer from dry, brittle, frizzy hair. Due to the cold weather, the moisture of the hair depletes, leading to all these problems apart from hair fall as the roots weaken. Harsh chemical-based hair care products are a big factor that adds to more problems, and often just simply shifting to natural, vegan, and organic products cuts down most of these problems.

Henna that has been used to cover the greys is also a great way to provide hair and scalp with nutrients. It is a natural source of Vitamin E and tannin; thus, it is being used as a hair mask as well to soften hair. It works as an excellent conditioner, and also curbs down the frizz, and makes hair stronger. Henna cream, or premixed henna is also now available in the market which makes the henna application process mess-free with its easy-to-use applicator. Those who have been using chemical-based conditioners to make hair smooth will find henna to be more useful, as it has multiple benefits and no side effects.

Henna cream also balances the pH of the scalp while calming down the sebaceous glands thus curbing extra oil production that makes hair oily. Henna is rich in anti-oxidants and protein, supplying the hair follicles with much needed nutrients and strengthening them. Regular application of henna also curbs dandruff. Moreover, you are saved from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as ammonia and its byproducts- Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine and Ethanolamine. EDTA, Gluten, PPD, GMOS, TEA, resorcinol, hydrogen peroxide, paraben, DEA, sulphates are also found in harsh chemical-based hair dyes. Switching to henna cream will save you from their harmful effects.

Henna cream when mixed with Brazilian herbs such as Babassu oil, Jaborandi, Guarana, Malva, Jua, Aca etc can give smooth hair and result in gorgeous colors like copper, black, brown, burgundy and blonde. The color stays on for about 10 washes, and all you need to do is color the root growth. One can use henna cream as often as needed, without any mandatory gap. Infact, post coloration products that are gentle on the hair will enable you to ensure that the color stays longer.

In fact, use a natural, vegan, and organic shampoo that is devoid of sulphates, parabens, and harsh chemical dyes and is loaded with herbal extracts and fruits from India and Brazil’s biodiversity. You can pair it with a conditioner that contains nourishing components such as Amazonian vegetable oils and butters and rice protein. To ensure your hair have a beautiful finish, make sure that the shampoos and conditioners are free of mineral oil, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and chemicals.

Another habit that must be changed is, washing hair with warm or hot water, especially during winter. During the winter, we all enjoy taking lengthy, hot baths since it feels like the best way to beat the chill. Hot water, on the other hand, can cause dry skin and further damage to the hair. It causes brittle hair and flaky, itchy skin on the scalp. This might also result in dandruff that is obstinate and does not go away. It is actually advisable to wash your hair with cold water and an organic, natural, and vegan shampoo. A relaxing hot oil massage to improve the blood circulation helps the scalp to absorb these nutrients in a better way. Small changes along with the goodness of henna cream will make sure that your hair thrive this winter and are ready to take on the challenges that life throws at you.

Chandigarh, January 23, 2024: The Energy Solutions business of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has announced its strategic focus on driving significant investments towards power infrastructure projects supporting India’s clean energy drive. Aligning with the company’s broader vision of “Nation Building” to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions, the business will prioritize Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh for its Power Infrastructure and green energy projects. With a strong focus on these states, Godrej Enterprises Group seeks to play a key role in building power infrastructure for renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the country’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030. The business is targeting to grow at a CAGR of over 20% in the next 3-5 years, driven by its growing portfolio of Extra High Voltage Power Transmission Projects up to 765kV and strategic investments in solar power and green energy infrastructure.

Raghavendra Mirji, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Energy Solutions business of Godrej Enterprises Group said, “As the world accelerates its transition to clean energy, India’s ambitious climate goals are setting the stage for an unprecedented shift. At Godrej Enterprises Group, we are proud to contribute to this movement through our strategic investments in Power Infrastructure projects across key states. These states are key to India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power by 2030. Through our innovative solutions & capabilities, we aim to reduce carbon emissions, foster energy independence, and play a leading role in shaping India’s energy landscape for the future.”

Maharashtra, one of the states in focus, has already seen a major boost in renewable energy initiatives. Godrej Enterprises Group recently commissioned a 25MW AC solar project in Dhule, in partnership with the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MahaGenco). The business is executing one of the largest greenfield 765/400kV GIS in Maharashtra.

Gujarat has set a target to achieve 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030, and in line with this goal, GEG is executing a 765kV GIS & 400kV GIS substation projects in Khavda. Madhya Pradesh state also aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, with a focus on solar. In line with this vision, GEG has already commissioned a 12.5MWp rooftop solar project at a textile facility in Madhya Pradesh, covering over 1 million square feet, making it one of the largest installations in India and the largest in Madhya Pradesh.

Godrej has successfully commissioned over 5.2 MW of rooftop solar projects for an automobile company in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and multiple rooftop installations exceeding 2 MW for real estate companies and malls in Gurgaon, Haryana. Additionally, it is executing large-scale greenfield 765kV AIS substation projects to evacuate power from renewable energy source from a GW-scale solar parks, reinforcing its commitment to advancing India’s renewable energy infrastructure both in Haryana and Rajasthan.

The scope of work will encompass the design and construction of solar power plants and the creation of substations up to 765kV to ensure efficient evacuation of renewable energy. The business plans to undertake major power infrastructure projects in the five states mentioned above, which are contributing majority of the RE projects in India. GEG’s Energy Solutions’ business unit will contribute not only to the installation of solar power plants but also to the construction of high-voltage substations, with transmission capacities designed to evacuate more GW scale renewable projects.

Chandigarh, 23 January 2025: The Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) successfully hosted the 13th Annual Convention at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. This prestigious event, themed “IPOs in Emerging Global Superpower,” brought together over 1000 delegates, including industry stalwarts, regulators, and market experts, to discuss the pivotal role of IPOs in India’s economic ascent.

Graced by esteemed leaders such as Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson, SEBI, Mr. Ashwani Bhatia, Wholetime Member SEBI, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Executive Director, SEBI, Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, and Mr. Sundararaman R., MD & CEO, BSE, the convention spotlighted India’s record-breaking IPO achievements and its emergence as a global hub for capital market activity.

Keynote sessions from NSE and BSE leadership underscored the transformative role of stock exchanges in driving economic growth, while an interactive session with the Chairperson of SEBI focused on regulatory innovations shaping India’s IPO ecosystem. Engaging panel discussions explored critical themes, including scaling startups to IPO success, growth opportunities in SME IPOs, enhancing India’s IPO framework for global competitiveness, global benchmarking of IPO diligence, and market trends shaping the future of capital markets.

AIBI unveiled a series of landmark initiatives designed to further strengthen the merchant banking ecosystem and support India’s growing capital markets:

•  AIBI 1st Annual Magazine: A publication featuring industry insights, legal updates, and an overview of India’s primary market, along with a report on AIBI’s past and future initiatives.
•  SME Manual: A guide to standardising the preparation of offer documents for SME IPOs, developed in consultation with stock exchanges.
•  White Paper on Capital Formation: An exploration of India’s journey toward becoming a ten-trillion-dollar economy, highlighting liquidity trends and the role of merchant bankers in economic growth.
•  AIBI Membership Database: A tool for tracking merchant banker performance, including operational metrics and transaction track record.
•  Certificate Program in Merchant Banking: A six-month residential program in collaboration with NISM to address the growing need of skilled investment banking professionals in merchant banking.
•  MOU between AIBI and MBAN: A partnership with the Merchant Bankers Association of Nepal to foster cross-border collaboration.

Elaborating on insights from the 13th Annual Convention, Mr. Mahavir Lunawat, Chairman, AIBI, said, “The initiatives launched at this year’s Convention mark a significant step toward building a robust and future-ready merchant banking ecosystem. New initiatives aim to address critical gaps, such as growing need of skilled professionals and the need for standardising practices. These efforts underscore AIBI’s commitment to fostering innovation, transparency, and cross-border collaboration to support the nation’s ambitious economic growth agenda.”

“As we look forward to the Union Budget 2025, we are optimistic about transformational initiatives that will further propel India’s hospitality sector to new heights. The sector holds immense potential, as evidenced by an impressive occupancy rate of 68% in the last financial year—the highest in a decade—driven by a surge in both leisure and business travel. However, despite over 230 million international arrivals recorded in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, India accounted for just 7.2 million, highlighting significant untapped opportunities. To capitalize on this potential, continued investments in robust infrastructure development are essential. We anticipate that the Union Budget will prioritize policies that accelerate infrastructure growth, streamline approvals, and encourage private sector participation. Granting the industry full sector status could be an effective way to fast-track financing and approvals, and strengthen India’s position as a global tourism hub.

Policies which will foster innovation in sustainable tourism and introduce incentives for adopting green practices, which will not only benefit businesses but also ensure long-term environmental stewardship could add another dimension to the progress of the industry.”