All posts by Sujata Achary

Ahmedabad, February 8: In a significant step towards fighting hunger and malnutrition, Karma Foundation, has launched its Food Truck Project. The initiative, supported by NK Proteins and Nila Infrastructure, aims to provide free, nutritious, hygienically prepared meals to underprivileged children and homeless individuals across Ahmedabad.

With a strong commitment to ensuring food security for the city’s most vulnerable communities, the Food Truck Project will serve freshly cooked meals daily in pre-selected locations where hunger is most prevalent. Initially, the Foundation aims to feed at least 200 individuals per day, with a vision to scale up the initiative in the coming months.

Ms. Priyanshi Patel, Founder and Managing Trustee of Karma Foundation, said, “Our primary goal is to feed underprivileged children and homeless individuals, ensuring they receive nutritious meals to sustain their health and well-being. Through this initiative, Karma Foundation envisions a community where hunger is no longer a barrier to living a dignified life and where every meal contributes to building a healthier, more hopeful society.”

The food truck will operate daily, visiting selected locations across Ahmedabad to distribute nutritious meals. The initiative focuses on reaching children from slum areas and homeless individuals, ensuring they have access to balanced meals that support their health and development.

Beyond addressing hunger, the Food Truck Project emphasizes sustainability and the efficient use of resources. Any surplus food after serving designated locations will be distributed to other roadside individuals, ensuring no meal goes to waste. The initiative is designed to create a long-term impact by not only feeding those in need but also promoting a healthier community. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the physical and cognitive development of children, directly influencing their ability to learn and thrive.

With its dedication to social impact, Karma Foundation envisions a future where hunger is eradicated, and every person has access to nutritious food. The Food Truck Project is a step towards that vision, ensuring that every meal serves as a source of nourishment, dignity, and hope.

Hyderabad, 8th February 2025: Mujtaba Hasan Askari has been appointed as the Telangana State Head for the Healthcare Professionals Domain under the All-India Professionals Congress (AIPC). He expressed his gratitude to Praveen Chakravarty, Chairman of AIPC, for entrusting him with this responsibility.

In this role, Mujtaba will focus on addressing the concerns of healthcare professionals particularly the Frontline health workers like Asha, ANMs, Emergency Paramedical staff, etc across Telangana and working with the state government to ensure effective solutions. His work will encompass various sectors, including medical and dental practitioners, nursing and allied health professionals, mental health experts, emergency and critical care teams, alternative medicine practitioners, and veterinary professionals. His efforts will be directed toward ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the necessary support.

Mujtaba Hasan Askari is the Founder & Trustee of the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF). Leaving his lucrative career at Infosys Technologies, he dedicated his life to public health and social development. He brings to the table 14 years of IT experience and 18 years in the development sector. He has worked with a mission of making healthcare accessible, equitable, and affordable for the common man by strengthening the public health systems.

He thus set up Help Desk systems with 13 state-run hospitals to enhance patient care services, & later through international charities & local CSR grants set up 20+ urban primary health centers, serving 6-7 lakh poor citizens annually, covering a catchment of 100 plus Urban and Peri Urban slums.

Health is a social good and a fundamental right. Strengthening the public health systems to address health inequities is an acute need in a country like ours. In the responsibility bestowed on me by the AIPC, I would act as the voice of the health professionals particularly the frontline health workers, like the ASHA, ANMs, emergency paramedical staff, rural health practitioners, Ayush health workers, etc. Improving health services by empowering these workers will improve public trust and health delivery, said Mujtaba Hasan Askari – State Head for Health Care Professionals, AIPC.

The All-India Professionals Congress (AIPC) is a platform for professionals from diverse fields who are committed to nation-building and progressive policymaking. As a specialized department of the Indian National Congress, AIPC provides a structured forum for professionals to contribute to governance, policy discussions, and socio-economic reforms. It fosters engagement among doctors, engineers, lawyers, academicians, entrepreneurs, and other experts to drive positive change in society. By empowering professionals like Mujtaba Hasan Askari, AIPC continues to strengthen its role in shaping policies that impact healthcare, education, economic growth, and social justice across India.

Hyderabad, 8th February 2025: India’s paracyclists have once again brought glory to the nation by delivering outstanding performances on Day 1 of the Asian Road & Paracycling Championship held in Phichit, Thailand. Representing various states of India, these exceptional para-athletes showcased unparalleled determination, skill, and resilience, winning hearts and accolades on the international stage.

The Indian contingent displayed a remarkable performance, securing 4 medals, including 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze, against some of the toughest competitors from across Asia.

Winners from India

•  Jyoti Gaderiya from Maharashtra, won Gold in the Individual Time Travel – Women’s C2 Category.
•  Arshad Shaik from Andhra Pradesh clinched Silver in the Individual Time Travel – Men’s C2 Category.
•  Jalaluddin Ansari from Bihar clinched Bronze in the Individual Time Travel – Men’s C2 Category.
•  Prashant Arkal from Maharashtra clinched Silver in the Individual Time Travel – Men’s Handcycling H4 Category.

Statements from the Athletes

Para-athletes expressed their happy emotions about the victory and their gratitude towards supporters, support staff, and the country

Support and Mentorship

The victory is a testament to the para-athletes’ hard work, the guidance of their coach Mr. Aditya Mehta & the support staff at Aditya Mehta Foundation, and the relentless support from organizations like the Invesco, Aditya Mehta Foundation, Alcon, GMMCO. These organizations have been pivotal in providing access to training, equipment, and rehabilitation services for India’s para-athletes.

Future Plans

These victories mark a significant milestone in Indian parasports and serve as a stepping stone towards preparing for larger platforms like the World Championships and the Paralympics 2028.

by Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, MD & CEO, Manappuram Finance Limited
“The RBI’s 25 basis point cut in the repo rate to 6.25%, after five years marks a pivotal move to boost liquidity in the financial system. With the Standing Deposit Facility now at 6% from 6.25% and the Marginal Standing Facility and Bank rates at 6.50%, this decision is expected to ease borrowing costs and fuel credit demand. It offers a timely boost for sectors such as housing, MSMEs, and consumer finance, positively impacting individuals and businesses in their growth journeys.”

Who needs roses when you can have burgers? This Valentine’s, let Burgrill be your ultimate comfort with mouthwatering burgers, crispy fries, and refreshing sips. The limited-edition menu is to make your day extra delicious & promises a perfect feast for every kind of love story.

This Valentine’s Day, let love and flavors take center stage! Whether you’re in a situation, getting ghosted, or simply celebrating self-love, Burgrill has the perfect meal for every kind of love story. Hog on the specially curated Valentine’s combos, packed with juicy burgers & crispy fries.

The Situationship Meal – Mixed signals but bold flavors! Enjoy 2 Grilled Chicken Burgers, Portuguese Fries & 2 Pepsi cans, no labels, just good vibes.

The Ghosting Meal – Left on read? Let 2 Ultimate Snacker Burgers, Portuguese Fries & 2 Pepsi cans comfort you because great food never ghosts!

⚖️ The Benching Meal – Not the first choice? Your meal is! Enjoy 2 Chicken Quarter Pounder Burgers, Portuguese Fries & 2 Pepsi cans, and stay in the game.

The Orbiting Meal –They watch, react, but never text? Grab 2 Cheesy Cheddar Paneer Burgers, Portuguese Fries & 2 Pepsi cans at least your meal is worth it!

Rishi Anand, MD & CEO, Aadhar Housing Finance Limited

“Today’s rate cut by 25 basis points after a gap of nearly five years is much in line with our expectations and set to provide overall support as well as be a catalyst to growth enablers outlined in the recent union budget. The benefits of this rate cut will begin to accrue on an immediate basis and are expected to be fully realized in the next 3 to 6 months, benefiting customers. This step is in the right direction aligning with the sustained central bank assurance of proactive liquidity support and allay concerns of liquidity crunch, thereby accelerating growth.”

Samir Bhandari, Co-founder, CFO, hBits

“The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25 % for the first time in 5 years underscores its commitment to financial stability while balancing inflation and growth. This is particularly significant for commercial real estate investors, as it ensures access to capital at predictable costs, allowing for long-term strategic investments in premium assets. With inflationary pressures moderating and liquidity remaining steady, investor confidence in structured real estate investments, including fractional ownership, is expected to strengthen. At hBits, we see this as a positive shift, as more institutional and retail investors look for stable, inflation-hedged assets with strong rental yields. Given the global economic uncertainties, commercial real estate remains a resilient and income-generating asset class, and the RBI’s policy direction will play a key role in shaping future investment trends in this space.”

Viram Shah, Founder & CEO, Vested Finance

“RBI’s decision to cut rates is in line with expectations. The dovish stance follows most global major central banks that have also cut rates or have shown an indication to do so. The rate cut will likely further narrow the US-India bond yield spread which is already at a 20-year low, making the US bonds more attractive for foreign investors. This may lead to more outflows in coming months leading to investments in US bonds and stock markets. A weak rupee also makes a case for investing in US markets as investors will benefit from the strong dollar. At the time the Indian market has been struggling, investors should consider investing in global equities, especially US-listed, as they may not just provide alpha but also help diversify their portfolio. Domestic focused stocks in the US, such as utilities, steelmakers, etc. look attractive.”

Vapi, Gujarat, 8th February 2025: Arete Group is all set to bring the excitement of cricket again with the much-awaited AretePremier League (APL) Season 5, scheduled to take place between February 5-8, 2025, at Meril Cricket Ground in Vapi, Gujarat. This high-energy tournament is more than just a sporting event as it celebrates teamwork, camaraderie, and the energetic culture that defines AreteGroup.

The APL Season 5 is set to have six very powerful teams, including Arete Royal Strikers, Arete Titans, Casa Super Kings, Retail Rising Stars, Hospitality Warriors, and Sigma Thunders. It promises fierce competition and electric moments on the field, as it all comes down to one team at the grand finale of the tournament.

APL is not just about cricket; it is an integral part of Arete Group’s employee engagement initiatives, fostering collaboration, networking, and a shared spirit of excellence. The event is curated to help employees from diverse verticals build connections, propagate the feeling of belonging, and engage with the organization.

Adding to the excitement, APL Season 5 will have live match highlights, live scoring, fun engagement booths, and on-ground entertainment that will shape this tournament into a cricket festival. It is all fun and thrilling for the audience as well as the participants.

Commenting on the official launch of APL Season 5, Virendra Kumar, Vice President – of Marketing, Arete Group said “APL is so much more than a competition it is really what teamwork and passion mean in action. A tradition that keeps uniting employees of our firm while promoting an attitude of cordial competition toward teamwork. Witness this energy as the teams in competition strive to emerge victorious, vying for that championship win.”

As Arete Premier League Season 5 was inaugurated, everyone became enthusiastic, and excitement was palpable as employees geared up with eagerness to demonstrate their cricketing talent and sportsmanship. With an action-packed schedule, engaging activities, and a strong community spirit, APL continues to set a benchmark for employee-driven sporting events.

New Delhi, 8 February 2025: As India’s art market continues to expand and gain international recognition, addressing the legal complexities of ownership, transactions, and artist rights has become crucial to its sustained growth. Art continues to evolve into a significant alternative asset class, transcending borders through sales, loans, and exhibitions, and navigating this complex landscape demands deep legal and market insights.

The 16th edition of the India Art Fair in New Delhi has philanthropist, collector, and Director at Nature Morte, Aparajita Jain and Roshnek Dhalla, Counsel at Khaitan & Co. engaging in conversation on the legal intricacies shaping the art market. Scheduled on 7 February 2025, the session will explore various topics that will be of interest to the art community such as title disputes, cross-border transactions, estate structuring, intellectual property rights, and artist protections, offering valuable insights to stakeholders.

With India’s art market gaining international prominence, safeguarding the interests of artists, museums, collectors, and other stakeholders has become paramount in today’s interconnected, and digital age. Legal expertise is vital in steering art investments, estate planning, CSR strategies, and the import/export regime.

India’s dynamic artist community also faces the need to protect their intellectual property, secure resale rights, and navigate estate planning. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of both domestic and international legal frameworks. With its comprehensive approach, Khaitan & Co and Nature Morte will offer critical insights for creating a transparent and secure art ecosystem. Such efforts are instrumental in ensuring a robust and legally sound future for India’s vibrant art landscape.

Rising Raebareli, the fifth event in the Rising 100 Cities series, was held at Senanai Hotel, Uttar Pradesh. Organized by Network18, presented by Maruti Suzuki, and in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the event provided a platform to discuss Raebareli’s journey toward progress through sustainability, road safety, and skill enhancement. Known for its cultural depth, Raebareli is steadily embracing innovation and technology to drive forward-thinking development.

The event featured an esteemed panel of speakers, including Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh, Ms. Harshita Mathur (DM, Raebareli), Dr. Yashvir Singh (SP, Raebareli), Mr. Manoj (ARTO), Mr. Naveen Singh (DPRO), Poet Sandip Shararti, Prof. Amit Singh (Cyber Security Expert, Firoz Gandhi Institute of Engineering & Technology), Prof. Priyanshu Shrivastava (AI Expert), and Eng. Preeti Sinha (AGM, NTPC). They deliberated on topics such as fostering sustainable urban development, improving road safety measures, and equipping the youth with essential skills to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

The Rising Cities series aims to highlight the distinct strengths and aspirations of India’s growing urban landscapes. From Raebareli, the initiative moves on to Varanasi, Faridabad, Bhadohi and beyond, creating a mosaic of stories that reflect the collective progress and potential of the nation’s cities.

In the inflation-growth trade-off, the RBI tilted towards supporting growth by cutting the policy rate by 25bps today. This decision was underpinned by the governor’s emphasis on the “flexibility” in the inflation target framework, a deviation from the previous assertion of reaching the median target of 4% by the central bank.

While the policy rate was reduced, the MPC kept the stance unchanged at neutral. This could imply a more cautious approach toward the extent of rate cuts going forward in this rate-cutting cycle.

The stance also suggests that while the central bank is likely to provide sufficient liquidity – both transient and durable — to the system, it has abstained from providing a liquidity bonanza. Therefore, lingering pressures on liquidity could weigh on the transmission process for now.

The pressure on liquidity conditions is anticipated to linger on as we move into the end of the month and year-end drags including advance tax outflows weigh in. We expect this to be met by appropriate liquidity infusion measures including further OMOs, buy/sell swaps, and longer-duration repos.

The RBI showed confidence in the disinflation process, pegging the inflation rate to average at 4.2% in FY26 while growth is projected to be at 6.7% — which is towards the higher end of the range set out in the economic survey of 6.3-6.8% for FY26.

The governor set out a more balanced approach towards regulations which would strike a balance between the associated benefits and costs. However, it fell short of providing any clarity on the implementation of the new LCR norms.

We expect the RBI to frontload its rate cuts and deliver another rate cut in the April policy of 25bps. The space for rate cuts beyond this would hinge on how domestic and global headwinds pan out.