Archives January 2025

Kumortuli Artisans Shape Prachi Bansal’s Transformation in Shrimad Ramayan

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Mumbai, January 31, 2025: Sony SAB’s Shrimad Ramayan continues to captivate audiences with its narration of the epic tale of Lord Ram (Sujay Reu) and Sita (Prachi Bansal). Recently, the show delivered a powerful moment where Sita transformed into the fierce Maa Kali to save Lord Ram from Sahastramukh Raavan (Praneet Bhatt). This dramatic scene left viewers in awe, and the story of creating Maa Kali’s iconic look is just as compelling.

Inspired by the artistry of Kumortuli, Kolkata’s famed hub for crafting idols, immense effort went into ensuring authenticity. A skilled makeup artist traveled from Kolkata to the set at Umbergaon to design Prachi’s striking transformation, while exquisite jewelry pieces, including mund malas and chand males, were shipped within 48 hours. To further elevate the look, artisans from Kumortuli themselves arrived in Umbergaon to ensure every detail was perfect, from the ornaments to Maa Kali’s symbolic features.

Speaking about the experience, Prachi Bansal shared, “I am overwhelmed by the level of detailing that has gone into my look as Kaali Maa. Every small detail, from the makeup which went on for 4-5 hours, to the jewelry and the props, everything has been done meticulously and the Kumortuli artisans added a lot of their influence. Bringing Maa Kali to life on-screen was a divine journey, and I truly felt her power resonate within me during the process of this powerful transformation.”

Hansa Research Secures ISO Certifications, Reaffirms Global Standards in Quality and Security

Praveen Nijhara,

Mumbai, 31st January, 2025: Hansa Research Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of R K SWAMY Ltd., has received ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information security, and ISO 20252:2019 for research project management across its offices. These certifications confirm the company’s adherence to global standards and reliable processes. For clients, this translates into greater confidence in the services provided, with enhanced operational efficiency, information security, and high-quality outcomes.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification is the globally recognized benchmark for quality management. It ensures the company consistently maintains standards, complies with regulations, and delivers exceptional services, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is the leading standard for Information Security Management Systems. This reflects the company’s commitment to safeguarding customer data, enhancing cybersecurity practices, and mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access and cyber threats.

The ISO 20252:2019 certification is the global standard for market, opinion, and social research, including insights and data analytics. This ensures the company’s processes are transparent, consistent, and error-free, delivering reliable, high-quality outcomes for clients.

Praveen Nijhara, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hansa Research Group, said, “These certifications are a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional services to our clients, in line with international standards and our growth strategy.”

From Plant to Product to You: Forever Living Products Redefines Health

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Forever Living Products offers the best consumable products based on Aloe Vera to the public, products that are proven to promote lasting wellness and health. Forever is the world’s largest producer, manufacturer and distributor of Aloe Vera products worldwide and manages its own production and commercial chain, “from plant to product to you”. They are constantly developing innovative products and a wider range of products aimed at both helping people to adopt a healthy lifestyle but also offering an income opportunity for those with business ambitions.

Founded by Rex Maughan, Forever Living Products (1978, USA) has offices worldwide in over 160 countries and is active in Direct Sales through self-employed entrepreneurs (Forever Business Owners). Since then, Forever Living Products has been dedicated to seeking out nature’s best sources for health and beauty and sharing them with the world. They have a passion for helping others look better and feel better, and pride that comes from doing things a little differently. They own their own aloe fields, manufacturing facilities, research and development, quality control laboratories and even our own distribution channels. They use clinically tested ingredients, with innovative technology.

Forever Living Products India is transforming lives under the leadership of Mr. Harish Singla. Mr. Singla has been responsible for providing strategic, financial and operational inspired leadership for various FMCG organizations. He holds a degree in Engineering and is an alumnus of prestigious IIM Ahmedabad. Having an exceptionally strong leadership ability, Strategic mindset, professional business acumen, outstanding problem solving skills, excellent ability to lead and manage and continually drive effective results, Mr. Singla is a dynamic thought leader who drives revenue growth through employee engagement.

Lately, the company ventured into local manufacturing and has launched products in Nutrition, Personal and Skincare category – Forever Bhringraj Hair fall Control Oil, FAB Energy drink, Energy bars, Radiance by Forever, Hand Sanitizer and Aloe Herbal Infusion.

Vero Moda Unveils Revamped Store at Palladium Mall, Mumbai, Redefining Retail Experience

Mumbai, India – 31st January: VERO MODA, one of the leading western wear fashion brands in India, is setting a new standard in retail by revamping the store at Palladium Mall, Mumbai. Designed to redefine the customer journey, the store spanning across 2,275 sq. ft. offers a seamless blend of aesthetics, functionality, and interaction.

VERO MODA new concept store

The newly revamped store boasts an innovative layout crafted to captivate and immerse customers in a truly elevated shopping experience. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a dynamic LED screen showcasing captivating brand stories and product highlights, setting the stage for a seamless journey. The store’s interior features warm, textured corrugated walls and clay-finished display tables that add depth and character, complemented by sleek stainless-steel matte finishes and light-tone facades that evoke a refined, contemporary allure. Thoughtfully curated displays and distinctive design elements create a harmonious blend of style and functionality, encouraging exploration and interaction. This customer-focused approach enhances the store’s premium appeal, transforming the space into a truly immersive shopping destination.

The store’s design integrates sustainable materials like clay finishes and energy-efficient LED lighting, promoting eco-friendly practices while enhancing the ambiance. Its modular layout ensures future adaptability, and the use of low-maintenance materials supports long-term sustainability, creating a space that is both innovative and environmentally conscious.

Amazon MX Player’s StreamNext event charts out the future of free entertainment in India; Unveils a slate of over 100 new shows

The first edition of Amazon MX Player’s – StreamNext event featured global marketing leaders like Sir Martin Sorrell, Benedict Evans and prominent entertainment industry personalities. The star-studded event showcased the evolving landscape of content consumption in India and how Amazon MX Player is becoming a transformative partner to advertisers for building strong and memorable brands. Amid stellar appearances by Bobby Deol (Aashram 3), Suniel Shetty & Jackie Shroff (Hunter 2), Remo D’Souza & Malaika Arora (Hip Hop India 2), Ashneer Grover (Rise and Fall) and more, Amazon MX Player showcased its remarkable slate of over 100 new shows for 2025.

“Today’s gathering is all about bringing together the vast reach of Amazon MX Player, with ad tech that leverages Amazon’s trillions of customer signals,” said Girish Prabhu, Head of Amazon Ads India. “It’s about enabling all brands, not just the ones selling on Amazon, to reach and deliver relevant advertising to over 250 million unique users in India. It’s about directly measuring outcomes from the very top of the funnel to the very bottom. Full funnel advertising is here!”

With hit Originals, reality shows, and MX Vdesi content that includes K-dramas, Mandarin, Turkish shows and more, Amazon MX Player is one of India’s largest entertainment destinations. “There is no other streaming service in India that offers such a massive selection of content for free,” said Karan Bedi, Head of Amazon MX Player.

Bedi also highlighted that the MX Player app is one of the most downloaded apps in India with over 1.4 billion downloads on Play Store. In addition, Amazon MX Player can be seamlessly accessed across a wide range of surfaces including India’s largest eCommerce app Amazon.in, on Prime Video, and Fire TV. This widespread availability ensures that customers can enjoy shows on their preferred channel. “Amazon MX Player is uniquely positioned to drive the shift from linear television to video streaming, its reach is already at par with some of the leading general entertainment channels in India.”

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, unveiled an exciting lineup of more than 100 new shows set to launch in 2025, including 40 new Hindi originals and returning seasons of India’s beloved and award-winning shows like Aashram, Hunter, Jamnapaar, Half CA, Hip Hop India, Sixer, Who’s your Gynac and Playground. New series with innovative story lines were also announced, such as Bhay centering around an Indian paranormal investigator, The Titan Story, which tells an inspiring tale of India’s first super brand, along with a new reality show – Rise and Fall, a unique competitive format where players begin as equals, vying to become a ruler or remain a pauper. Viewers can also look forward to a new MX Vdesi series every week, dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, alongside an extensive movie library. Dusad shared how the service leverages deep consumer insights to craft fresh storylines that are rooted and authentic, while rapidly experimenting with new content formats. “We are committed to keeping India entertained—free of charge!”

The event also showcased the marketing fraternity an expanded suite of new interactive and shoppable ad formats for Amazon MX Player. These formats include in-stream shoppable ads where viewers can browse a product during ad breaks, immersive formats where brands can effectively communicate their message. Viewer interaction with such native ad formats is 6-7 times higher as compared to other industry offerings. “Our audiences are highly engaged viewers and we have a strong understanding of their shopping patterns, an advantage that only Amazon MX Player can provide. Even brands that don’t sell products or services on Amazon can connect to customers through this premium world of content and by levering our first-party shopping signals, to enhance their campaign effectiveness”, said Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player. Om Jha, Director of Media & Partnerships at PepsiCo, shared insights on how the service has contributed to their brand’s success.

A Foodie’s Guide to Healthy Eating

the pantry

Blabber: For those seeking the comforting warmth of a bowl of soup, Blabber offers a delightful selection of nourishing and flavorful options. The Quinoa & Avocado Salad is a light and refreshing choice, a perfect accompaniment to the hearty Asparagus & Potato Soup, a creamy and comforting delight ideal for a chilly evening.

The Pantry: For the health-conscious foodie, The Pantry offers a delightful array of healthy and delicious options. Indulge in their signature Guilt Free Pizza, featuring a vegan delight with a gluten-free flourless cauliflower pizza base topped with tomato sauce, reduced-fat cheese, mushrooms, roasted garlic, and arugula. For those seeking a flavorful twist, try the Arabian Rooster Pizza, featuring zataar-infused grilled chicken, Le Farme Lofabu, and homemade ricotta. The Keto Pesto Gnocchi is a must-try, featuring keto creamy pesto sauce and herbed ricotta gnocchi with grilled peppers and broccoli. The Keto Fit Fab Bowl, with turmeric cottage cheese, scrambled, sliced avocados, broccoli, and red peppers served with almond crips, is a perfect option for a light and nutritious meal. And for a sweet treat, don’t miss their decadent yet guilt-free Gluten Free Cheesecake. The Pantry proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Si Nonna’s: Experience the authentic flavours of Italy at Si Nonna’s, where healthy eating meets delicious dining. Savour the Casareccia, a classic salad dish featuring a medley of black olives, plump tomatoes, and aged Parmesan cheese. This wholesome combination offers a burst of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. For those seeking heartier options, indulge in the succulent Contadina in Roasted Chicken or the flavorful Roasted Pork Bacon, both served with a generous portion of the same delectable medley of black olives, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, arugula, sesame seeds, balsamic vinegar, and EVOO. Si Nonna’s offers a true taste of Italy, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of classic Italian cuisine while prioritizing wholesome ingredients.

Two Gud Sisters: Two Gud Sisters offers a unique blend of flavours, a culinary fusion that will tantalize your taste buds. The Kyoto Klear Soup, a refreshing and revitalizing broth, is a perfect way to cleanse the palate and nourish the body. And for a delightful combination of sweet and savoury, the Fennel & Orange Salad is a must-try, a vibrant and refreshing dish that showcases the harmonious interplay of flavours.

The Corrner Room: For those seeking an elevated dining experience, The Corrner Room offers a sophisticated and refined culinary journey. The Beetroot Chevre Salad is a work of art, a vibrant and visually stunning dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. For a truly elegant and flavorful experience, the Tomato Quinoa Soup is a must-try, a sophisticated and refined dish that showcases the culinary artistry of the chef.

University of Southampton Delhi announces prestigious scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in India

National, 31st January 2025: University of Southampton Delhi has announced two prestigious scholarship schemes, Delhi Presidential Scholarship and Future Talent Scholarship.

These are competitive scholarships for aspiring undergraduate and graduate Indian students with an aim to recognise, nurture and encourage exceptional talent. Eligibility criteria information and scholarship applications will be available in the last week of February to all those applying to study at the University from August 2025.

The Delhi Presidential Scholarship is a competitive scholarship awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate and covers tuition fees for the entire course duration. Aspiring students must exhibit continuous academic rigour and exemplify the University’s community spirit and values to attain the scholarship and to sustain it throughout their respective course duration. The recipients of the scholarship will be announced in June 2025 for the graduate programme and in July 2025 for the undergraduate programme.

The Future Talent Scholarship is a competitive scholarship designed and offered by University of Southampton Delhi for up to 12 undergraduate and graduates, offering INR 220,000 contribution towards the first-year tuition fees. The scholarship is available to applicants across all the six programmes offered by the University for August 2025 entry. Recipients will be awarded based on strong past academic achievements and their scholarship application. The shortlisted recipients will be announced in two tranches, in June 2025 and then in July 2025.

Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said: “We are proud to offer these scholarships, which are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence and will provide real, tangible support for students embarking on their higher education journey.

“A considerable proportion of tuition fees will be invested in scholarships making it possible for many of those who enrol to receive financial support when they meet our academic excellence or widening participation criteria.

“By studying at University of Southampton Delhi, students will be part of a global academic community, with access to the same high-quality resources, expert faculty, and UK-style education that Southampton is renowned for.

“These scholarships will empower our students to excel in their academic pursuits and become future leaders and innovators, prepared to make a lasting impact on society.”

Tipai: The Perfect Eco-Conscious Getaway for a Romantic Valentine’s Day

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This Valentine’s Day, escape to Tipai, an exclusive wildlife sanctuary nestled in the serene Tipeshwar Forest of Maharashtra. A perfect blend of romantic luxury and eco-conscious living, Tipai offers a truly unique and holistic experience for couples seeking a getaway that celebrates both nature and well-being. Spanning 34 acres on the edge of the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tipai promises a haven of peace and indulgence. Luxurious accommodations, private bio-pool villas with outdoor bathrooms and a commitment to sustainability in all its offerings. Tipai is the ultimate destination for a romantic retreat that urges you to reconnect amidst nature.Built on the pillars of sustainable design, responsible tourism, and wellness, Tipai offers a personalized approach to each guest. This Valentine’s Day Tipai offers The Perfect 3 Day, 2-Night Valentine’s Day Staycation for Couples looking for an enchanting getaway for a celebration of love, offering a memorable stay filled with romance, adventure, and luxury

The journey begins with a warm and inviting welcome on the open deck, where the serene view of a blooming lotus pool sets the stage for an unforgettable retreat. Indulge in a delectable Maharashtrian Thali at Perch, their all-day dining restaurant for lunch followed by a scenic sunset trail or an immersive nature walk through the captivating Tipeshwar Forest. For those with an appreciation for wildlife, a bird-watching trail offers a rare opportunity to witness a diverse range of avian species. In the evening, delight in an exquisite dining experience at Talaabwali, where award winning Chef Amninder Sandhu presents a selection of comforting Indian delicacies, including succulent kebabs, fragrant biryanis, and the rich, slow-cooked Dum Biryani. Begin your day with a thrilling guided safari to spot the elusive Talaabwali tigress and explore the sanctuary’s vast biodiversity. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your villa’s private veranda, cocooned by nature. Unwind with a rejuvenating spa session, followed by a DIY pizza-making experience with fresh garden produce. Take a romantic lakeside stroll for a sunset picnic, set against the serene backdrop and end the day with a curated degustation experience at Palaash, showcasing Chef Amninder’s culinary artistry and served by locally trained women from neighbouring communities. For an extra touch, enjoy a breakfast in bed with eco-friendly, nature-inspired decorations. Tipai’s thoughtful, personalized touches ensure a luxurious, mindful Valentine’s Day getaway, filled with romance, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Pre Budget Expectation Quotes by Experts

 Pankaj Dhingra, Managing Partner, FinTram Global LLP

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

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

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

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

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

Mike Capone, CEO, Qlik

“The AI race won’t be won by creating the most sophisticated model; it’ll be won by embedding AI into business systems to generate tangible economic value. Global leadership in AI should be measured by its application, not just its invention.”

Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director,  Delta Electronics India 

 We are optimistic about measures to propel India’s technology and AI sectors, which are pivotal for the nation’s economic transformation. Advancements in AI, machine learning, and digital infrastructure are driving global competitiveness, and this budget presents a unique opportunity to reinforce India’s leadership in these domains.

Opportunities such as higher R&D incentives, policies to promote AI adoption across industries, and investments in digital upskilling will help build a future-ready workforce. Upgrading digital infrastructure—particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—could effectively democratize access to technology and spur regional growth.

By incentivizing sustainable technologies and AI-driven solutions for energy management and manufacturing, economic growth can be aligned with environmental goals. A robust focus on collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector will be key to accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global technology hub.

At Delta Electronics India, we are committed to supporting India’s digital ambitions through innovative, energy-efficient solutions that empower industries to achieve operational excellence and sustainability.”

 “We want Union Budget 2025, to focus on driving India’s transition to a greener, more sustainable economy. At Delta Electronics India we are particularly keen on seeing robust measures aimed at accelerating the growth of the EV sector, which plays a pivotal role in reducing the country’s carbon footprint. We are positive about the upcoming budget and are expecting it to offer good incentives to facilitate the growth of EV infrastructure, particularly charging networks, which is an essential element for such wide adoption.

One of our major expectations is the implementation of financial incentives and tax rebates that would promote both public and private investments in EV charging infrastructure. This would form a good foundation for the adoption of EVs throughout the country. Furthermore, we expect to see more focus on public-private partnerships, which will help ease the process of charging station rollouts, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where infrastructure development has been relatively slow.

We also look forward to increased funding on R&D initiatives that push energy-efficient technologies, especially in making renewable integration with the infrastructure for EVs. This will not only meet the objectives of Delta in supporting an enhanced greener India but most importantly ensure long-term sustainability and innovation.

We are looking forward to a budget that not only supports the EV ecosystem but also puts India at the forefront of global sustainable energy and mobility. And at Delta, we will be committed to actively playing a part in this transformation, building a sustainable future for India.”

 “India stands at the unique juncture where the demographic dividend has offered an unparalleled opportunity for nations economic growth and for social transformation. The Union Budget 2025-26 can support the nation potential, particularly through sectors like electronics and telecom that are critical to India’s technological and economic future.

To add more value and increasing the domestic production, the government can expand the scope of PLI schemes to cover a broader range of components and technologies. Strengthening the supply chain ecosystem with focused investments in infrastructure, skill development, and capacity building will be important. Research and development incentives through tax benefits can accelerate innovation and make India a global leader in advanced technologies.

We also believe that sustainability should form the core of India’s growth strategy. The government can introduce benefits and reform in form of performance-based incentive system to recognize companies that consistently exceed environmental standards and investing continuously in sustainable practices. Expedited environmental and forest approvals, clearances, and permits to such organizations will not only encourage sustainable practices but also attract long-term investments.

At Delta Electronics India, we align our efforts with the nation’s vision for a self-reliant and sustainable economy. A bold and inclusive budget that supports domestic manufacturing, technological innovation, and sustainability will pave the way for India to become a global manufacturing and technology hub, driving economic resilience and environmental stewardship for years to come.”

Ms. Rachna Kango, Senior Director, ESG and Strategic Marketing, Delta Electronics India

 “The Union Budget 2025 presents a fantastic opportunity to accelerate India’s energy transition and bolster its energy security. To meet the ambitious 2030 target of achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity, enhanced budgetary allocations for emerging sectors like offshore wind and green hydrogen are crucial. Viability gap funding and financial support for solarizing MSMEs can drive wider adoption of clean energy solutions.

Incentives for the domestic manufacturing of solar panels, cells, and storage batteries will further strengthen the “Make in India” initiative and reduce import dependency. Additionally, a comprehensive energy transition policy is needed to outline a clear roadmap for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and integrating diverse energy sources for a balanced energy mix. Such measures will play a pivotal role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals and ensuring sustainable growth.”

 Kalpana Apte, Director,FPA India

“The Union Budget 2025-2026 should facilitate the required resources for initiating HPV vaccination among eligible young girls under 15 years of age, in India, besides scaling population-based screening for cervical cancer among eligible women, through capacity building of mid-level providers, investment in HPV DNA testing and technology to improve the quality of screening in the outreach.

FPA India, has been actively engaged in promoting public awareness and action to prevent cervical cancer through our ongoing campaign Race To Erase Cervical Cancer.

We have provided over 1000 doses of HPV vaccines and more than 20,000 screenings for cervical cancer since the launch of the campaign in September 2023.

We envisage stepping up the campaign to complement and supplement the efforts of the Government of India towards early diagnosis and complete treatment for improving cervical cancer survival rates.

Budgetary allocation for procurement of HPV vaccines, roll-out of the vaccination drive through a targeted communication campaign, coupled with investment in highly sensitive screening tests and competency-based training of providers in the screen, triage and treat protocols in the public sector, will be a game-changer for improving equity and access to Cervical Cancer prevention in India.”

Ruchi Sogarwal, Director, Corporate Affairs – Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd

“The upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 holds immense potential to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector and position India as a global pharmaceutical leader. By increasing public healthcare spending, fostering innovation through public-private partnerships, and investing in advanced research and development, the government can accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge therapies. These initiatives will enhance internal capabilities, drive drug discovery, and improve the accessibility of innovative medicines. Additionally, a robust allocation towards healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, will ensure that quality care reaches underserved regions. We are optimistic that this budget will build upon the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier India while ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.”

Naresh Kumar, Director of Sigma-HSE (India) Pvt. Ltd

We anticipate the Union Budget to emphasize industrial safety and compliance, particularly in high-risk sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, and manufacturing. Increased budget allocations for safety initiatives, stricter enforcement of compliance standards, and subsidies for safety audits, training, and equipment are critical expectations. Tax benefits for industries investing in advanced safety protocols and equipment can further encourage proactive adoption of risk mitigation measures. Additionally, policy frameworks that mandate periodic safety audits and promote global best practices will create opportunities for service providers to support industries in achieving compliance and operational excellence.

The sector also looks forward to government incentives for digital transformation in safety, including the adoption of IoT, AI, and predictive analytics for risk management. Support for R&D in innovative safety technologies and skill development programs for safety professionals can address talent gaps and drive innovation. Including safety equipment manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme would boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. By addressing these areas, the Union Budget can foster a culture of safety, enhance industrial resilience, and support sustainable growth for process safety services providers in India.

Gaurav K Singh, Founder and Chairman- Womeki Group

The Indian real estate sector is a vital contributor to the GDP. The upcoming budget will focus on various measures to boost growth, affordability, and sustainability. The industry is expecting policies promoting affordable housing, rationalisation of GST, and incentives to promote green real estate. For Delhi NCR, infrastructure development and smart city initiatives remain key. Better road networks, metro expansion, and seamless connectivity to Delhi and surrounding areas will further enhance the region’s position as a top real estate investment destination. The growing commercial and luxury residential segments highlight the need for reforms which enable ease of doing businesses and streamlined approvals. The real estate market will reach new heights if the upcoming budget addresses these areas, attracting domestic and international investors. With supportive policies, Delhi NCR is poised to remain at the forefront of India’s real estate growth.

Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited

“The oil and gas sector has experienced considerable momentum in recent months, and sustaining this growth hinges on focused policymaking in the Union Budget 2025. First and foremost would be the passage of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which can mark a turning point for the industry. The proposed changes will expedite approvals, simplify arbitration processes, and particularly benefit unconventional hydrocarbons like shale and coalbed methane, improving not only investments but also enhance resource utilization. Collaboration between public and private players must also be a priority. Initiatives like OLAP, DSF, and PEC have demonstrated the benefits of partnership in unlocking India’s hydrocarbon reserves. Expanding these frameworks and incentivizing private participation will further boost domestic production and reduce import dependency. The recent collaboration between ONGC and BP in Mumbai High can serve as a blueprint for public-private synergies for technological innovation and enhanced production outputs going ahead.

Another important aspect to consider is the need to rationalize gas pricing formulas to minimize price distortions faced by producers and consumers under the existing multi-pricing mechanisms. By adopting a more streamlined formula that aligns with previous frameworks linking gas prices to crude oil benchmarks, India can enhance accessibility to cleaner fuel. These moves would be even more effective if implemented alongside the long-pending inclusion of oil and gas in GST, particularly natural gas. Its implementation would simplify taxation, improve the fuel’s competitiveness, and foster greater adoption of natural gas as a cleaner energy source, in line with India’s energy transition goals. The industry would also benefit from capital allocations for expanding midstream infrastructure, including pipelines and gas terminals. India’s current pipeline network, at approximately 20,000 kilometers, falls short of meeting future demand. Expanding this network and modernizing fuel transport infrastructure are critical to de-bottlenecking supply chains and unlocking production potential in newly explored basins.

COLORS by Rupa Launches DRY FIT Collection – Wear Your Energy

India, 31st January 2025 – COLORS by Rupa, a trusted name in quality and innovation under the esteemed Rupa & Company Limited, has embarked on a journey to redefine the boundaries of athleisure wear with the newly launched DRY FIT Collection. This masterpiece within the dynamic ‘PLAYSURE’ range is designed to seamlessly blend comfort, performance, and style, transforming everyday moments into an experience.

The DRY FIT Collection is engineered for versatility, catering to the active lifestyle of today’s individuals. Imagine a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from intense workouts to relaxed strolls. Crafted with advanced Polyester fabric, elastane-based materials, and strategically placed mesh panels, it offers exceptional stretchability, breathability, and a feather-light feel. The ergonomically engineered fabrics are designed to provide a flawless fit, effortlessly moving with your body.

rupa

The collection offers the perfect blend of comfort and breathability, designed with ergonomics in mind to ensure superior performance. Catering to both men and women, it features a stylish and vibrant line-up, including women’s round neck t-shirts, polo t-shirts, tank tops, leggings, and cycling shorts, as well as men’s raglan sleeve round neck t-shirts, polo t-shirts, tank tops, track pants, joggers, and shorts. Beyond functionality, the collection’s vivid spectrum of colors brings vibrancy and individuality, making each piece more than just apparel—it’s a bold statement of style. Whether you’re breaking a sweat at the gym or soaking in the tranquillity of nature, this collection is a seamless fusion of playfulness and leisure.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Mukesh Agarwal, Director, Rupa & Company Limited, says “DRY FIT Collection from Colors by Rupa blends innovative design with vibrant aesthetics to meet the evolving needs of today’s dynamic consumers. We are confident that this collection will inspire people to embrace both functionality and leisure with unmatched style.”