Archives 2025

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.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 which includes important steps to support India’s MSME sector and startup ecosystem. The government has launched a number of financial programs, credit facilitation initiatives, and incentives that aim to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the nation in recognition of their significance as important engines of economic growth.

Enhancing Startup Development with a ₹10,000 Crore Fund of Funds

The additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for entrepreneurs is one of the budget’s most notable announcements. By addressing the enduring problem of financial availability, this action seeks to empower both new and established companies to expand their operations and spur innovation.

Mr. Roshan Aslam, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats, views this as a pivotal move for the startup landscape, stating, “The Union Budget 2025 outlines a clearly defined future for India’s growing startup ecosystem by extending critical policies. The announcement of an additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be a critical boost for the growth of India’s startup ecosystem in FY 25-26. As the investment limit for MSME classifications are made 2.5 times and the turnover limits doubled, this will help the financial viability of startup businesses in the country. As easier credit lines are extended to MSMEs, it will provide the essential confidence to grow and generate employment opportunities, directly contributing towards the growth of the Indian economy.”

This infusion of funds will play a crucial role in encouraging risk-taking, technological advancements, and sustainable business models, helping Indian startups make a mark on the global stage.

Diversity and Financial Inclusivity in Entrepreneurship

The budget’s emphasis on advancing equality and diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is another admirable feature. More fair prospects in the industry are anticipated as a result of a new program designed to assist SC and ST business owners and first-time female entrepreneurs.

Mr. Ravi Mittal, Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, welcomed this initiative, stating, “The Union Budget 2025-2026 takes a strong step toward strengthening India’s startup ecosystem with the additional ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds. Access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles for emerging businesses, and this fresh infusion of funds will provide critical support for startups to innovate, expand, and create jobs. Additionally, the new scheme for first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs is a commendable move toward fostering inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape. At QuackQuack, we understand the challenges of building something from the ground up, and we believe such initiatives will empower more founders to take bold steps toward their dreams.”

By ensuring financial assistance to underrepresented groups, the government is promoting a level playing field and encouraging a broader range of entrepreneurs to contribute to the economy.

Increased Credit Access and Investment Limits Give MSMEs a Big Push

This budget has significantly increased the MSME sector, which is sometimes considered to be the foundation of India’s economy. Businesses can now more easily qualify as MSMEs and receive related benefits thanks to the 2.5-fold rise in investment classification limitations and the doubling of turnover standards.

Mr. Jigar Kirtibhai Patel, Managing Director of G3+ Fashion, emphasized the impact of these measures, stating, “The Union Budget 2025’s forward-looking perspective to support Indian MSMEs is a commendable initiative as these businesses account for over 45% of the country’s total exports. The budget positions Indian MSMEs with enhanced scalability prospects, technological upgradation, capital accessibility, investment, and turnover growth—contributing towards their long-term success. As MSMEs grow, they will also provide millions of new employment opportunities for Indian youth, directly impacting India’s per capita GDP going forward, helping to meet the country’s target to become a developed nation by 2047.”

With easier access to credit, these enterprises can now focus on expansion, digital transformation, and innovation, which in turn will generate employment and strengthen India’s economic foundation.

Electronics Sector Gets a Major Boost
Apart from startups and MSMEs, the budget has also introduced incentives for the electronics industry. The reduction of customs duty on open cells and other critical electronic components to 5% is expected to encourage local manufacturing and make electronic products more affordable.

Mr. Prashant Bora, MD & CEO of OTEK (A Bora Multicorp Venture), highlighted the significance of these measures, saying, “The FM’s proposal to reduce the customs duty on open cells and other critical electronics components to 5% will help boost the Make in India initiative. This will help electronics brands to support customers with more cost-effective pricing, leading to enhanced scalability and growth. Furthermore, the budget’s emphasis on positioning India’s aspirations to become a global electronics hub through the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for electronics and IT hardware manufacturing, further boosted by PM Narendra Modi’s target of $500 billion by FY30, coupled with the government’s bid to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem with an additional INR 10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be a catalyst for growth going forward.”

The government’s commitment to supporting India’s MSMEs and startups through improved funding, easier access to finance, and sector-specific incentives is reaffirmed in the Union Budget 2025. A more robust and globally competitive business ecosystem is made possible by these policies, which promote innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth. India is getting closer to its goal of being a $5 trillion economy and a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship as companies use these policies to expand.

1. Overall view on Budget, 2025:

•  “The Union Budget 2025-26 demonstrates a balanced and strategic approach towards India’s continued economic development. It effectively lays out a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable growth while maintaining fiscal prudence – a crucial balance needed at this juncture of our nation’s progress.
•  The government’s enhanced focus on GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari Shakti) is particularly commendable, as it addresses core segments that form the backbone of our economy. The targeted interventions in agriculture, healthcare, investments, exports, and MSME, show promise in boosting rural income and creating new opportunities. These sector-specific initiatives are likely to contribute significantly to our country’s overall economic resilience.
•  We anticipate positive outcomes from the proposed income tax rates, particularly the advantage extended to middle class individuals earning up to ₹12 lakhs. This reform reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the middle class while maintaining a progressive tax structure.
•  From a life insurance industry perspective, the increase in FDI limits in the insurance sector is positive in attracting fresh capital inflows that will enhance industry competitiveness, drive innovation, and expand insurance accessibility. As government initiatives boost income levels across Bharat, we expect to see increased financial awareness and capability among citizens to invest in their long-term financial security. This aligns perfectly with our mission at Bajaj Allianz Life to extend life protection to every Indian household in alignment with Government’s vision of insurance for all by 2047.
•  The government’s strong push for rural development, including increased investment in agri-infrastructure, digital connectivity, and financial empowerment, will create a more conducive environment for financial security solutions. As rural incomes rise and financial awareness deepens, the demand for life insurance is expected to grow, ensuring better protection for families across Bharat. At Bajaj Allianz Life, we remain committed to leveraging these enabling conditions to expand insurance accessibility and provide comprehensive financial protection to individuals across the country.”

2) Impact of new tax regime on business:

•  “Over the years, customers have become more financially aware and no longer view life insurance solely as a tax-saving tool. They recognize its value as a powerful and versatile financial instrument for long-term security. With the industry continuously innovating and reinventing itself with simple and relevant products, life insurance is naturally becoming an integral part of their financial portfolios.
•  The regulator has also introduced a slew of reforms to ensure there’s increased awareness, accessibility and affordability. They are all directed towards customers getting optimum value from life insurance products. Therefore, customers are increasingly looking beyond just tax benefits when purchasing life insurance and this should not impact the life insurance sector.”

3) Change in definition of capital assets with respect to ULIPs:

•  “The proposed clarification on ULIP taxation is a welcome step towards greater transparency and consistency in tax treatment. ULIPs where aggregate annual premium is less than ₹2.5 lakhs and do not qualify for exemption under Section 10(10D) are now proposed to be defined as capital assets and taxed as capital gains instead of applicable slab tax rates.
•  This shift from taxation under ‘income from other sources’ to capital gains brings more clarity and fairness, reinforcing ULIPs as a compelling long-term investment option. We view this as a progressive move that will enhance customer confidence and encourage disciplined financial planning. At Bajaj Allianz Life, we remain committed to offering innovative insurance and investment solutions that align with evolving regulations and policyholder needs.”

4) Change in FDI Limits:

•  “The Union Budget has clearly focused on driving consumption led growth and foster inclusive development. A key highlight is the increase in the FDI limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, a move set to bring in fresh capital and bolster the industry’s financial strength. The decision reflects the government’s continued commitment to making India a prime investment hub for stable, long-term capital.
•  Greater foreign participation, will accelerate the adoption of global best practices, introduce innovative products, and elevate customer service standards. Additionally, the mandate to invest premiums within India ensures that these funds contribute to domestic economic growth and infrastructure development.
•  The next five years present a significant and an exciting opportunity to propel the industry forward onto greater heights.

Vivek Merchant, Director, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited:

“The Union Budget 2025-26 sends a strong message about India’s ambitions in shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. The ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is a game-changer, signaling the government’s serious intent to make India a global hub for shipbuilding. This investment, coupled with the push for port-led development and logistics efficiency, will drive growth for companies like ours. The ₹1.5 trillion allocation for infrastructure development is another positive step, ensuring better connectivity for shipyards and ports, which is crucial for scaling up operations.

However, the industry still needs policy reforms that encourage private sector participation and reduce dependency on imports for critical components. A clear roadmap for defence shipbuilding and incentives for indigenous manufacturing will further strengthen India’s maritime ambitions. The increased defence budget allocation and emphasis on modernization present a significant opportunity for private players in the defence sector. Encouraging strategic partnerships and fostering a robust domestic ecosystem for naval defence manufacturing will be key to enhancing India’s self-reliance in maritime security.

At Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, we are excited about these developments and look forward to leveraging these opportunities to contribute to India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding, maritime defence, and overall strategic capability.”

Rohit Mehrotra, Co-founder of Organic Tattva:

The budget announced today opens on a positive note with a focus on empowering farmers. Agricultural reforms aiming to strengthen supply chains, promote balanced nutrition, and enhance food security, & indirectly curbing long-term food inflation. This will support lower yields, boosting financial sector resilience to better sustain the broader economy. The launch of six-year mission to increase pulses and cotton production, will help to reduce import dependency. The inclusion of enhanced credit guarantee coverage for small and medium enterprises and an 8% increase in subsidies for food, fertilizer, cooking gas and infrastructure development aims to boost agricultural productivity, support farmer’s financial well-being.