Archives February 2025

Mumbai, February 4, 2025 – In a landmark moment for the future of education, VidyaAI, the world’s first AI-powered personalized learning platform, was officially launched today at the prestigious IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025. The event, known as Asia’s largest entrepreneurial platform, provided the perfect stage for VidyaAI to unveil its transformative potential in revolutionizing education.

A Revolutionary Step in Education:
VidyaAI, proudly conceptualized and developed in India, is a personalized and adaptive learning platform designed to cater to the diverse learning needs of students, educators, and institutions. By combining Generative AI, real-time analytics, and multi-language accessibility, VidyaAI delivers tailored learning experiences, making education more inclusive, efficient, and impactful.

“This is not just a product launch; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in education where every learner, regardless of their background, can access personalized and quality education,” said Dr. Utpal Chakraborty, Co-Founder of VidyaAI. “We are proud that VidyaAI is not only Made-in-India but is also a tool for nation-building, empowering students and educators to achieve their fullest potential.”

Transforming Education, One Learner at a Time:

Key features of VidyaAI include:

• Personalized Learning Paths: Tailored to each student’s unique strengths and needs.
• AI Buddy: Real-time support available 24/7 for clarifying doubts and enhancing understanding.
• AI-Generated Notes and Summaries: Simplifying complex topics for better retention.
• Gamified Learning: Making education interactive, engaging, and fun.
• Multi-Language and Offline Support: Bridging the gap for learners in remote and underserved areas.

Bringing Global Innovation, Rooted in India’s Values:

 Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Salil, Co-Founder of VidyaAI, said, “Education is the backbone of any nation. VidyaAI is our commitment to making India a global leader in ed-tech innovation while addressing the diverse needs of learners across geographies. This platform is a testament to India’s growing influence in the technology space, powered by world-class AI.”

A Grand Launch at IIT Bombay E-Summit 2025:
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Chairman of Infosys, Sonam Wangchuk, renowned innovator and education reformist, and Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director at NRSC ISRO. Other distinguished speakers such as Bharat Desai, Co-Founder of Syntel, Viraj Bahl, Shark Tank India personality, Pulkit Jain, Co-Founder of Vedantu, and Sandeep Jain, Founder of GeeksforGeeks, added to the event’s prestige.

This grand unveiling showcased VidyaAI as a first-of-its-kind personalized learning platform, empowering education through AI-driven solutions and setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive educational future.

IIT Bombay as the Launchpad for Innovation:
The E-Summit provided the ideal platform for the launch of VidyaAI, reflecting IIT Bombay’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. Prof Biplab Banerjee, a distinguished professor at the Centre of Machine Learning and Data Science at IIT Bombay, remarked, “IIT Bombay E-Summit is proud to be part of VidyaAI’s journey. This platform not only represents a technological breakthrough but also highlights how innovation can address critical challenges in education and contribute to nation-building. VidyaAI is a shining example of what India can achieve when education meets technology.”

Empowering Nation-Building Through Education:
VidyaAI aligns closely with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes personalized and technology-driven learning. By bringing adaptive education to millions, VidyaAI is expected to play a significant role in equipping India’s youth with future-ready skills while bridging the educational divide across rural and urban regions.

New Delhi: The media buzzed with excitement, book lovers were pleasantly surprised, and business professionals eagerly awaited the unveiling. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity as Pendown Press proudly launched the World’s Smallest Business Book, titled “Top 10 Reasons Why You Must Write a Book”, at the World Book Fair 2025. As soon as the formal announcement was made, the hustle and bustle began. Amid the enthusiastic crowd, the author of this much-anticipated book, Mr. Dinesh Verma, who is also the Founder and CMD of Pendown Press, emerged on stage with his signature smile. With great fanfare, he officially launched the World’s Smallest Business Book, a game-changer in the realm of business communication.

A Revolutionary Concept: The New-Age Influential Business Card. Mr. Dinesh Verma shared the inspiration behind creating this unique book Today, you all have created your missile. However, as every missile needs a launcher to reach its target, you too need to develop insights on how to use this tool to its optimum potential in the market.”He continued, “Though this is presented to you in the form of a book, it is far more than just a book. It is a New-Age Influential Business Card.”

In his masterclasses, Mr. Verma emphasizes the power of handing out a book instead of a traditional business card. He explained how sharing a book can make a lasting impression, help build authority, and create deeper connections during networking events, seminars, and meetings. Solving a Common Business Challenge. However, some professionals expressed concerns about the practicality of always carrying full-sized books to events. Acknowledging this genuine challenge, Mr. Verma said:

“I started thinking—how can I solve this problem? After weeks of brainstorming, countless iterations, and permutations, I finally came up with what you see today: the World’s Smallest Business Book.” This pocket-sized book is designed to fit easily in a pocket or bag, making it convenient for professionals to carry and share at any time. It serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping business owners establish authority effortlessly.

Inspiring the Business Community. Mr. Verma concluded his address with an inspiring message: “I am truly blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to address you all from this prestigious platform on the very first day of the World Book Fair. Let us celebrate this occasion with joy, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the written word. I wish you all Grand World Book Fair Days ahead! Pendown Press: Leading the Way in Authority-Building

Pendown Press has long been recognized as a pioneer in helping business owners and professionals build authority through books. The launch of the World’s Smallest Business Book is yet another testament to their innovative approach to publishing.

Southern Cross University (SCU) is proud to announce the Access25 initiative, which will make international education more accessible for students in 2025. The initiative sets tuition fees for international students at an affordable $25,000 per year, ensuring students receive the best value for their investment while pursuing high-quality education. The university aims to build a diverse and vibrant student community by offering competitive, accessible pricing without compromising academic excellence.

The Southern Cross Delegation led by Prof Mary Spongberg, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor is currently in India to meet their key academic and research counterparts. They will be engaging with colleagues from IIBT Bombay, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India, and Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences on sustainability and partnerships in this space between universities. Professor Jon Wardle and Associate Professor Christina Aggar will host discussions on fostering sustainability partnerships, and Professor Aggar will also visit the Asha Community Health and Development Society to further explore healthcare collaboration opportunities.

Speaking about the visit, Prof Mary said, “Southern Cross University has always had a strong presence in the Indian market, and we wish to maintain and expand that presence, through collaborations in research and with industry and community. Any vision we have for our presence in the Indian market must be underpinned by genuine partnership, impactful research collaboration, co-designed projects, and curricula, and shared experiences with students. I believe that working together, forming international teams, and sharing postgraduate students, builds trust, friendships, and cooperation.”

With the ever-changing landscape for visas, Australian universities have also faced some challenges. Prof Mary emphasized that the university continues to thrive despite these obstacles and said, “While the visa situation has been challenging for many universities, it has not negatively impacted SCU. We are open for business and remain confident that our region, with its well-established Indian communities in the Northern Rivers and Coffs Harbour, offers a supportive and welcoming environment for Indian students.”

In the past few years, SCU has been broadening its research across the sciences and engineering, in nursing and education. Currently, SCU has several projects in India and researchers who frequently work with Indian colleagues and communities. Over the last six years SCU researchers have published around 5000 articles with researchers from Indian institutions -including the National Botanical Institute, the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Science, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Public Health Foundation of India, the Universities of Calcutta, Delhi and IIHMR Jaipur. These articles represent research across all the disciplines and are evidence of SCU’s longstanding engagement and collaboration with Indian partners.

By -Kapeel Barsaiyan & Kshipra Simon, Buddh Jyoti Foundation

Charity and service have always been integral to Indian culture, where helping the weak and contributing to creation is seen as a fundamental dharma. In fact, the world’s biggest donor, Jamsetji Tata, was an Indian. The country takes pride in being home to some of the world’s most prominent philanthropists.

With the implementation of mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the Companies Act of 2013, corporate philanthropy gained a structured approach in India. This legislation requires companies to allocate 2% of their average net profits to CSR initiatives. Over the past decade, this mandate has encouraged businesses to act more ethically and sustainably, fostering a more strategic and impactful approach to community engagement.

CSR’s Impact in Numbers

Mandatory CSR has significantly boosted spending across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Over the years, CSR spending in India has shown a consistent upward trend:

• FY 2017-18: ₹17,096 crore
• FY 2018-19: ₹20,217 crore
• FY 2019-20: ₹249.65 billion
• FY 2020-21: ₹262.10 billion
• FY 2021-22: ₹26,278 crore
• FY 2022-23: ₹29,986.92 crore

The Economic Survey 2024 highlighted that CSR spending increased by an impressive 53% between the financial years 2017-18 and 2021-22. However, in 2023, CSR spending fell slightly below the mandated 2% of net profits.

Multifaceted Benefits of CSR

Beyond contributing to national development, CSR offers extensive benefits to businesses themselves, impacting stakeholders in numerous positive ways:

1. Builds Corporate Reputation and Trust

Active CSR initiatives enhance a company’s reputation and build stakeholder trust. Companies with robust social responsibility practices are perceived as moral and reliable, improving their overall brand image.

2. Promotes Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability-focused CSR projects help minimize carbon emissions and conserve natural resources. These initiatives not only protect the planet but also align with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly practices and products.

3. Boosts Employee Satisfaction

Employee morale is significantly enhanced when companies demonstrate a commitment to societal values. Employees who feel appreciated and aligned with their company’s ethical stance are more motivated, leading to improved performance and loyalty.

4. Enhances Customer Loyalty

Consumers increasingly prefer businesses that share their values. Companies with strong CSR initiatives often build a loyal customer base willing to pay more for their products and services due to shared principles and trust.

5. Advances Community Development and Social Equity

Investments in community infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development create long-lasting benefits that go beyond short-term profits. CSR activities can tackle pressing societal issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Collaboration between businesses, governments, and non-profits can amplify these impacts, creating programs that provide jobs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities in underserved communities.

Driving Social Change through Leadership

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a cornerstone of modern leadership. Businesses increasingly recognize their potential to drive meaningful change by addressing societal challenges and fostering environmental sustainability. Through well-implemented CSR strategies, companies not only advance social equity and community development but also achieve a competitive edge in today’s values-driven market.

By leveraging their resources and expertise, corporations can create a profound and lasting impact, demonstrating that business success and social good can go hand in hand.

This Valentine’s Day, express your love with the gift of timeless elegance—Frederique Constant’s exquisite timepieces. A luxury watch is more than just an accessory; it’s a symbol of enduring love and impeccable craftsmanship.

Classic Worldtimer Manufacture – For Him

Now available in a striking forest green, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture expands its legacy of refined style. Housed in a 42mm steel case (limited to 718 pieces), it features a world map dial, date window, and a luxurious dark green leather strap. The in-house caliber effortlessly tracks 24 time zones, all adjusted via the crown, making it the perfect companion for the modern gentleman.

Highlife Ladies Quartz – For Her

Expanding the flagship Highlife collection, the new ladies’ Quartz models combine elegance and innovation. Featuring a slim 31mm case with a 5-year battery life, the collection includes five stunning variations—ranging from a mother-of-pearl dial to sunburst dials with diamond accents. Each timepiece comes with two straps: a steel or steel-and-gold bracelet and a matching rubber strap, offering versatility for any occasion.

Celebrate love with Frederique Constant and make this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable.

Mr. Kahraman Yigit, Co-founder & CEO of Olive by Embassy.

“The Union Budget 2025-26 recognizes tourism as a key driver of employment-led growth and extending infrastructure benefits to hotels in 50 select destinations is a welcome move. The sector anticipated infrastructure status, GST reforms, tourism incentives, and increased investment in travel infrastructure to drive growth and ease financial access. The focus on spiritual and medical tourism, visa waivers, and regional connectivity through the UDAN scheme will further boost domestic and international travel, unlocking new opportunities for the hospitality sector. At Olive by Embassy, we see these initiatives as a step toward creating a more vibrant, accessible, and investment-friendly ecosystem for hospitality in India.”

Please find below the company profile and spokesperson’s profile for your reference.

Olive by Embassy:

Introduced in 2019, Olive by Embassy is the co-living and hospitality wing of the Embassy Group. Olive is a multi-brand hospitality tech operating platform with multiple revenue avenues from management, design, and technology.

Olive’s vision is to organize & institutionalize the accommodation market in India and beyond. The company’s mission is to become the largest hospitality company in India.

The company is currently present in 42 locations across Bengaluru, and Goa, with 1,921 keys, and is aiming to add another 4,500+ keys within the next 12 months, including entry into new markets like Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Currently, Olive runs four brands — Olive Life, Olive Zip, Olive Hotel, and Select Olive — ranging from co-living and budget stays to luxury resorts, hotels, and villas. Each Olive property operates in both short-term and long-term stay formats while providing the comfort of the home as well as the flexibility of a hotel.

Olive by Embassy aims to become the next-gen living community in India.

Gurugram, February 4, 2025: An unparalleled universe of fashion, glamour, glitz and revelry came to life at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2025’s inaugural edition in Gurugram, with a magnificent celebration of the extraordinary life of Rohit Bal – India’s one true fashion icon. A remarkable partnership with Rohit Bal, that saw the Fashion Tour create several stunning showcases, saw an incredible culmination, as it honoured the artistic genius, craftsmanship, and vision, that transformed the very essence of Indian couture. Fashion icon Sonam Kapoor also celebrated the life of Rohit Bal by becoming the showstopper for the special show.

In collaboration with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the tour spotlighted Bal’s impeccable sense of fashion, his passion for art, his Kashmiri roots, and his epic persona that knew no bounds. From Sumant Jayakrishnan’s tastefully decorated spaces inspired by Bal’s signatory motifs, celebrated Chef Suvir Saran’s curation of Kashmir’s culinary traditions, to soulful music designed by Vibha Saraf and Deveshi Sahgal, the evening was crafted just as Bal would have. Donning the ramp were over a 100 of Bal’s closest tribe in Fashion, Bollywood, and Media with illustrious names like Kalyani Chawla, Varun Bahl, Rajiv Makhni, Madhur Bhandarkar, JJ Valaya, Rahul Dev, Mugdha Godse, Esha Gupta, Malini Ramani, Vijender Singh, Sonam Kapoor and many more, as their diverse stories filled up the room with larger-than-life projections of Bal’s pictures & videos, bringing raw emotions on one iconic runway.

Kartik Mohindra, CMO Pernod Ricard India, said, “This celebration of Rohit Bal’s legacy, was one for the ages. It reflected our long-standing commitment to shining the spotlight on the iconic voices shaping Indian fashion. We’ve had an incredible partnership with Bal over the years, and it was only befitting for the Fashion Tour to celebrate him in a way that truly reflected his impact on the world of fashion. As the tour moves ahead, the upcoming experiences will continue to showcase the evolving face of fashion, as ‘The One and Only’ platform converging innovation and iconicity like never before.”

Actor Sonam Kapoor shared, “It has always been an honour to be Rohit’s muse, donning his extraordinary creations for many years. Being a part of this unique celebration of his legacy at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour has been a true honour and one that will be etched in my memory forever.”

“The Gurugram edition was a perfect example of the iconic world of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, and the impact it creates with bringing the most remarkable names in fashion & style. As curator of the tour, it’s exciting to see how it continues to take shape as ‘The One and Only’ platform of en vogue experiences”, says curator Ashish Soni.

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI expressed, “FDCI couldn’t have been prouder to partner with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, in creating the most awe-inspiring celebration of Rohit Bal, that beautifully captured his legacy. As two powerhouses in fashion, we’re committed to shaping the future of fashion experiences.”

Sundaram Finance logs highest-ever 9M disbursements of Rs. 21,532 crores; AUM grows 19% to Rs. 50,199 crores

The Board of Directors of Sundaram Finance Ltd. (SFL) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the nine months ended Dec 31, 2024, at its meeting held on Feb 03, 2025, in Chennai.

“Economic activity in the festival season that marks Q3 has been below expectations. Team Sundaram has delivered a terrific Q3 with 19% growth in AUM to Rs. 50,199 crores, improving asset quality with net stage 3 at 0.97% vs 1.02% last year and profits from operations growing 22% year-on-year. Our Group companies in asset management, general insurance and home finance have continued their trajectory from FY24 and recorded strong results. We continue to rely on our time-tested approach of steady and sustainable growth with best-in-class asset quality and consistent profitability,” said Harsha Viji, Executive Vice Chairman.

Disbursements for 9MFY25 recorded a growth of 8% over 9MFY24 with 19% growth in disbursements for Q3FY25 over last year. Gross stage 3 assets improved over the previous year. Gross stage 3 assets as of December 31, 2024, stood at 1.70% with a provision cover of 43% as against 1.77% as of December 31, 2023, with a provision cover of 43%. Core operations performed strongly with profit from operations up by 22% in 9MFY25. Profits after tax at Rs. 997 crores registered an increase of 5% in 9MFY25 as against Rs. 948 crores in 9MFY24, primarily due to a shift in the timing of dividends in the prior period (Rs. 43 crores in 9MFY25 vs Rs. 181 crores in 9MFY24). Return on assets closed at 2.49% in 9MFY25 as against 2.79% for 9MFY24 and capital adequacy at 20.0% remains quite comfortable.

“It has been a strong quarter for the company despite a relatively muted Q3 for the industry. We have gained market share across nearly all asset classes that we focus on, resulting in 19% growth in disbursements for the quarter YOY and 19% AUM growth. Our asset quality continues to improve, even as the collections environment for the sector tightens. Operating profits (excluding dividends and one-time gains) have grown strongly by 22%. Looking ahead, we are well positioned to continue our marathon running – steady growth, best-in-class asset quality and continued resilient profitability – and in delivering the Sundaram experience to our customers, people and partners,” said Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director.

STANDALONE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 9MFY25

• Disbursements for Q3FY25 grew by 19% to Rs. 7,764 crores as compared to Rs. 6,524 crores registered in Q3FY24. Disbursements for 9MFY25 grew by 8% to Rs. 21,532 crores as compared to Rs. 19,954 crores registered in 9MFY24.
• The assets under management grew by 19% to Rs. 50,199 crores as on 31st December 2024 as against Rs. 42,172 crores as on 31st December 2023.
• Net interest income grew 21.4% to Rs. 2,040 crores in 9MFY25 from Rs. 1,681 crores in 9MFY24.
• Gross stage 3 as on 31st December 2024 stood at 1.70% with 43% provision cover as against 1.77% with provision cover of 43% as on 31st December 2023. Net stage 3 as on 31st December 2024 closed at 0.97% as against 1.02% as on 31st December 2023.
• The Gross and Net NPA, as per RBI’s asset classification norms for NBFCs, are 2.46% and 1.62% respectively as against 2.61% and 1.82% as of 31st December 2023.
• Profit from operations increased by 22% in 9MFY25 as compared to 9MFY24.
• Cost to income ratio closed at 31.37% in 9MFY25 as against 35.12% in 9MFY24.
• Profit after tax registered a 5% rise in 9MFY25, with net profit at Rs. 997 crores. The company had registered a net profit of Rs. 948 crores in 9MFY24.
• Return on assets (ROA) for 9MFY25 closed at 2.49% as against 2.79% for 9MFY24. Return on equity (ROE) was at 14.3% for 9MFY25 as against 15.5% for 9MFY24.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 20.0% (Tier I –16.6%) as of 31st December 2024 compared to 20.0% (Tier I – 16.0%) as of 31st December 2023.
• The Company has declared an interim dividend of Rs. 14/- per share (140%).

CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 9MFY25

The consolidated results of SFL include the results of its standalone subsidiaries Sundaram Home Finance, Sundaram Asset Management and joint venture company Royal Sundaram General Insurance.
• The assets under management (AUM) in our lending and general insurance businesses stood at Rs. 75,708 crores as on 31st December 2024 as against Rs. 63,658 crores as on 31st December 2023, a growth of 19%. The assets under management of our asset management business stood at Rs. 76,038 crores as on 31st December 2024 as against Rs. 67,272 crores as on 31st December 2023, a growth of 13%.
• Profit after tax for 9MFY25 grew by 14% to Rs. 1,326 crores as compared to Rs. 1,168 crores in 9MFY24.

GROUP COMPANY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Our group companies continued to perform well.

• The asset management business closed the nine months ended 31st December 2024 with assets under management of Rs. 76,038 crores (over 80% in equity) and consolidated profits from the asset management businesses was at Rs. 107 crores as against Rs. 74 crores in 9MFY24.

• Royal Sundaram reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 2,965 crores as compared to Rs. 2,792 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a growth of 6%. The Company reported a profit after tax of Rs. 134 crores for 9MFY25 as against a profit of Rs. 178 crores in 9MFY24.

• Sundaram Home Finance continued to grow strongly with disbursements up by 29% to Rs. 4,588 crores in 9MFY25. The profit for 9MFY25 was Rs. 173 crores, as against Rs. 179 crores in 9MFY24.

Sushanto Mitra, CEO, Lead Angels

“The Union Budget 2025-26 takes promising steps to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem with a dedicated Startup Fund of Funds and enhanced credit guarantees for SMEs, improving capital access and fostering innovation. The National Manufacturing Mission creates new opportunities for startups aligned with ‘Make in India.’ Simplified regulations and reduced income tax will ease compliance burdens, allowing founders to focus on scaling their businesses while managing salary costs more effectively. However, broader tax incentives for startup investors could have further boosted capital inflows. We look forward to policy refinements that drive sustained entrepreneurial growth.”

— Hanuman Tripathi, Partner – Fintech, Lead Angels

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a boost for startup founders, strengthening ease of doing business and improving access to capital. The dedicated Startup Fund of Funds and enhanced SME credit guarantees will help founders secure much-needed funding, while streamlined regulations reduce compliance burdens. The focus on manufacturing through the National Manufacturing Mission also creates new opportunities for startups aligned with ‘Make in India.’ With these measures, founders can spend less time navigating red tape and more time building and scaling their ventures. This is a step in the right direction for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Dr. Apurba Ganguly, Founder, Chairman & Chief Scientist Officer – Nano Phyto Care & bioGAN

The 2025 Budget underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and accessibility. At VarcoLegCare, we welcome the increased allocation towards digital health initiatives, preventive care, and medical R&D. These measures will enhance patient outcomes and drive innovation in the sector. The emphasis on public-private partnerships aligns with our mission to deliver advanced, patient-centric solutions. We remain dedicated to leveraging these opportunities to expand quality healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. This budget is a step forward in building a resilient, technology-driven healthcare ecosystem for a healthier future.

Abhi Sinha, Co-Founder, HealSpan

The 2025 Budget highlights a progressive approach to healthcare and insurance technology, reinforcing the need for digital transformation in the sector. At HealSpan, we applaud the government’s focus on expanding health coverage, AI-driven diagnostics, and interoperability of medical records. The push for insurtech innovation and greater accessibility to affordable policies will empower millions. Strengthening data security frameworks will also ensure patient trust in digital healthcare solutions. This budget paves the way for a more inclusive, tech-enabled ecosystem, and we remain committed to leveraging these advancements to enhance seamless, efficient, and personalized healthcare experiences for all.

Prashant Thacker, Partner at Thacker & Associates (CA Firm)

“This Budget strikes a balance between immediate tax relief and long-term structural reforms that will shape India’s economic path. The no income tax announcement up to ₹12 lakh is a transformative move, directly benefiting millions of salaried individuals and significantly boosting disposable income. This step is expected to stimulate private consumption, which is already a key pillar of India’s GDP, accounting for nearly 60% of economic activity.

On the corporate front, the rationalization of TDS and TCS addresses long-standing compliance challenges, making tax administration more efficient and reducing friction for businesses. The introduction of a three-year block approach for transfer pricing aligns India with global best practices, providing multinational companies with greater certainty and encouraging further investment in the country.By simplifying merger approvals, widening the fast-track merger framework, and expanding safe harbor provisions, the Budget takes meaningful steps toward reducing regulatory bottlenecks.

The government’s continued push for the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat, with incentives now extending to shipbuilding, ship leasing, and global treasury operations, signals India’s intent to strengthen its presence in international finance. This will make India a competitive player in the global financial ecosystem, challenging established hubs like Singapore and Dubai. Similarly,increasing the FDI cap in insurance from 74% to 100% is a strategic decision that encourages foreign investment while ensuring that premiums remain within the country—a balanced approach to attracting global capital without risking domestic outflows.
Beyond taxation, the ₹10 lakh crore asset monetization plan offers a structured financing model for infrastructure projects, particularly through the sale of road assets. This initiative is expected to unlock significant capital for infrastructure development, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Overall, this Budget does not merely introduce incremental changes—it lays the groundwork for a more streamlined and investment-driven economy.”