As a proud organic food brand committed to sustainable farming and promoting India’s organic produce globally, we’re thrilled to see the Union Budget 2025-26 shaping up to prioritize organic and natural farming. The government’s intent to double organic exports to $1 billion by FY26 and the proposed incentives to support farmers reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and global market leadership. These steps not only address challenges like pesticide residue norms but also offer farmers the support they need to transition to organic practices seamlessly.
The emphasis on certification, branding, and bio-input provision through resource centers is a game-changer for the organic industry. It aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver authentic, high-quality organic products while empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
We are equally excited about the proposed push for quality seeds from government universities and climate resilient farming practices. Ensuring farmers have access to localized seed production and improved crop varieties can significantly enhance productivity and strengthen India’s agricultural backbone.
Moreover, the focus on digital literacy, farmer education, and tools like Agri Stack and e-NAM presents incredible opportunities to bridge gaps in precision farming and marketing. The vision of village-level digital kiosks as resource hubs resonates with our belief in empowering farmers with knowledge and market access.
As we await the Union Budget, we remain optimistic about its potential to accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global organic powerhouse. Here’s to a future rooted in sustainability, innovation, and shared prosperity!
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New Delhi [India], January 31: Since 2018, discussions around India’s e-commerce policy have gained momentum. Despite the growing urgency, progress has been slow, with delays hindering the formalization of this critical framework. In 2019, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry released a draft national e-commerce policy after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. However, given the paradigm shifts in the sector, the absence of a formal policy has created challenges.
“The lack of a comprehensive e-commerce policy has been a significant roadblock for the industry. Businesses need clarity and a level playing field to innovate and scale operations. A well-structured policy could unlock the true potential of this sector,” said Mr Subhash Chandra, Managing Director, Sangeetha- India’s leading specialty (Smart Gadgets and Phones) retailer company.
In August 2024, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal assured the industry that the policy would be announced soon. He highlighted key areas of focus, such as ensuring transparency in algorithms used on online platforms to prevent undue influence on consumer decisions. The Minister also emphasized the need for authenticity in online reviews and ratings, eliminating misleading advertisements, and fostering trust and integrity within the digital marketplace.
More and more big players are entering the Quick-Commerce arena to capitalize on the immense potential India offers. Sangeetha has innovatively combined physical stores with quick commerce to deliver electronic smart gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and other devices in record time. This model, however, requires further development to include non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), enabling easier purchasing options for high-value items like electronics. Integrating NBFCs into this ecosystem would provide value-added services that could drive growth across the retail sector as a whole.
“The upcoming budget session offers an opportunity to address the long-pending issues. Reports indicate that the government is in the final stages of drafting the e-commerce policy, with expectations that it may be introduced during this session. Parliamentary discussions are expected to refine the framework further, creating a robust policy that benefits all stakeholders,” said Mr Chandra.
“The upcoming policy must prioritize trust, transparency, and innovation. It should strike a balance between supporting small businesses and empowering large platforms to thrive. Such an approach will create a win-win scenario for all stakeholders,” added the Managing Director of Sangeetha.
The government’s role in fostering a conducive environment for this growth is critical. An effective e-commerce policy introduced during the budget session could resolve the longstanding challenges faced by the industry. By emphasizing transparency, authenticity, and fair practices, the policy could build trust among consumers and businesses alike.
“The industry’s expectations from the upcoming budget remain high. Stakeholders hope for a policy framework that fosters innovation, attracts investment, empowers small and medium enterprises, and holds major players accountable for ethical practices. This is the moment for India to lead the way in e-commerce and quick commerce. A forward-thinking policy framework will not only boost the retail sector but also make a significant contribution to the nation’s economic growth,” concluded Mr Chandra.
Disclaimer: Views expressed above are the author’s own and do not reflect the publication’s views.
New Delhi [India], January 31: Business Mint, a pioneer in recognizing excellence and leadership, is proud to unveil the distinguished winners of the 40 Under 40 – 2025. This marks as the fifth edition of Business Mint’s 40 Under 40, a prestigious initiative dedicated to celebrating the achievements of outstanding professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders under the age of 40. The highly anticipated digital event took place on January 30, 2025.
In an extraordinary celebration of innovation, resilience, and excellence, Business Mint honored a diverse group of trailblazers who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and influence in their respective fields. The virtual event brought together an esteemed audience from across the nation to witness the recognition of these visionaries who are shaping the future.
The Business Mint 40 Under 40 – 2025 spanned a wide range of industries, including Technology, Healthcare, Finance, Education, Real Estate, Fashion, Social Impact, Digital Marketing, and more. The selection process was rigorous, with nominees evaluated based on their impact, innovation, and contributions to their industries.
Winners of Business Mint 40 Under 40 – 2025
Vivek Loganathan, EVP – Growth & Media – Social Beat – Digital Marketing Startgiest
Kanthi Sripathy, AVP – Creative Design – Social Beat – Creative Visualization
Dr. Kavyachand Yalamudi, CEO – Khavyaa Hospitals, Khammam – Women in Health Care
Roshan Reddy, Director – Anaya Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre – Healthcare in Surgery & Rehabilitation
Sushil Kumar, CEO – MPF Style Club – Lifestyle Club
RC Rahul, Chairperson – Magnifiq Capital Trust – Portfolio Management
Ashish Kumar Mishra, General Manager Sales – ASBL – Real Estate Sales & Marketing
Vinay Kanth Korapati, Founder & CEO of Business Mint, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, acknowledging their outstanding contributions that set new benchmarks in their respective domains. He emphasized that the winners’ commitment, innovation, and perseverance serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with vision and determination, limitless achievements are possible.
As a leading platform dedicated to recognizing excellence across various industries, Business Mint has successfully organized 61 events and honored over 6000+ awardees. With a remarkable reach of over 100+ million audiences in just six years, Business Mint continues to provide a premier platform for professionals and organizations to showcase their excellence, establish industry leadership, and foster meaningful collaborations.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and networking opportunities, Business Mint remains at the forefront of recognizing and celebrating excellence. Through its distinguished awards programs and events, the platform continues to inspire, connect, and empower professionals, driving forward progress and innovation in diverse sectors.
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MoU Signed at ‘UAE – India: Partnership for Enduring Prosperity’ event in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
Aims to Enhance Investment, Facilitate Business and Strengthen Economic Ties Between the UAE and the Indian State
Dubai [United Arab Emirates], January 31:In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral trade and investment, the UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Government of Maharashtra, have entered a strategic partnership, formalized through the signing of a MoU.
The MoU was signed during the “UAE – India: Partnership for Enduring Prosperity” event, held at the Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah yesterday, aimed at highlighting growing ties between India and the UAE across sectors like manufacturing, tourism, and hospitality. This event was part of a wider celebration of India’s 76th Republic Day organized by the Consulate General of India.
Aimed at opening new doors for investment and trade between the UAE and Maharashtra and fostering deeper collaboration between UIBC-UC members and the state, this powerful partnership is supported by the UIBC-UC’s network of 18 founding members, representing a collective force of leading Indian and Emirati businesses. With over USD 1 trillion in assets under management, these organizations are poised to significantly influence the economic growth and prosperity of both regions.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation, encouraging regular interactions between UIBC-UC members and Maharashtra government officials, including the Hon. Chief Minister of the state. The collaboration will focus on improving the ease of doing business for UAE companies in Maharashtra. Both parties will also work to actively promote investment opportunities in the state to UAE businesses. Moreover, the MoU will facilitate the annual exchange of business delegations between the UAE and Maharashtra, fostering stronger ties and business relationships.
The agreement was exchanged between H.E. Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman of Sharaf Group & Vice Chairman of UIBC-UC & Mr. Velrasu, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Shri Uday Samant, Hon. Minister of Industries and Marathi Language, Govt of Maharashtra
The agreement signed by Mr. Kshitij Korde, Head of Corporate Affairs at UIBC-UC and Mr. P. Velrasu, CEO of MIDC, was later exchanged between H.E. Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman of Sharaf Group & Vice Chairman of UIBC-UC & Mr. Velrasu, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Shri Uday Samant, Hon. Minister of Industries and Marathi Language, Govt of Maharashtra, and H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and Northern Emirates.
This MoU signing was preceded by a closed-door meeting held between Shri Uday Samant, Hon. Minister of Industries and Marathi Language, Govt of Maharashtra; Mr. Deependra Singh Kushwah (I.A.S.) Development Commissioner (Industries); Mr. P. Velrasu, CEO of MIDC; Dr. Vijay Rathod, Joint Chief Executive Officer of MIDC; and UIBC-UC members including H.E. Maj Gen (Retd) Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman of UIBC-UC and Vice Chairman of Sharaf Group; Mr. Ankur Gupta, Board Member of UIBC-UC and Head of Corporate Affairs & Growth MENA at Tata Sons; Mr. Neeraj Tekchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, representing UIBC-UC Board Member Mr. Nilesh Ved; and Mr. Pankaj Khandelwal, CFO UAE & India of EFS Facilities Group, representing UIBC-UC Board Member Mr. Tariq Chauhan. Mr. Kshitij Korde – Head of Corporate Affairs at UIBC-UC, and Ms. Neha Sahni – Research Specialist at UIBC-UC, were also present at the meeting.
Mr. Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of UIBC-UC and KEF Holdings remarked, “This MoU marks a major milestone in strengthening the economic relationship between the UAE and India. By working closely with the State of Maharashtra, we aim to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment that will benefit businesses on both sides.”
“The state visits between the leaders of both countries in the last 4-5 years have been remarkable, with each side visiting more than four to five times, showing the strength of this relationship. Investments have jumped from $40 billion to $60 billion, then to $80 billion, with a target of $100 billion. This reflects the geopolitical shifts and growing economic ties between India and the UAE,” added Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf.
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As we eagerly anticipate the Union Budget of India 2025, Insta Food remains optimistic about the opportunities it presents for growth and innovation within the ready-to-cook food sector. The food industry is at a crucial juncture, with rapidly evolving consumer demands, an increasing focus on sustainability, and a need for technological advancements to keep pace with the ever-changing market. At Insta Food, we believe the forthcoming budget can serve as a catalyst to drive significant progress in these areas, enabling us to continue delivering high-quality, convenient meal solutions to our customers across India.
One of our primary hopes for the 2025 Union Budget is that it will focus on creating policies that foster innovation in food processing. Food processing plays a pivotal role in improving food quality, extending shelf life, and ensuring that healthy and nutritious meal options are accessible to a broader population. By encouraging the development of new technologies and processes, we can unlock new possibilities for food preparation and packaging, making ready-to-cook meals more affordable, accessible, and convenient for consumers. Additionally, we hope to see support for initiatives that promote the streamlining of supply chains. Efficient, well-connected supply chains are essential for reducing costs, improving product availability, and minimizing food waste – all of which contribute to a more sustainable and consumer-friendly food system.
In line with this, investments in digital infrastructure and technology will be crucial to furthering our mission. As consumer preferences shift increasingly towards online shopping and tech-driven solutions, the digital transformation of the food sector is imperative. We anticipate that the 2025 budget will allocate resources towards enhancing digital capabilities in food processing, distribution, and retail. This will enable companies like ours to better serve our customers, improve our operational efficiency, and expand our reach to untapped markets, both locally and internationally. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, we can not only improve the quality of our offerings but also enhance the consumer experience, ensuring that we meet the ever-growing demand for quick, healthy, and delicious meal options.
Another key area of focus for us is sustainability. As a company committed to quality and environmental responsibility, we strongly believe that the 2025 Union Budget should incentivize sustainable packaging and eco-friendly practices in the food industry. With growing concerns over plastic waste and its impact on the environment, it is crucial that the food sector adapts to more sustainable solutions. Whether through investments in biodegradable packaging, support for innovative recycling technologies, or providing tax breaks for companies that adhere to green practices, such initiatives will go a long way in encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprint.
Ultimately, we see the Union Budget 2025 as an opportunity to foster an ecosystem where food innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation can thrive in tandem. With the right policies and incentives, Insta Food is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the evolution of India’s food landscape, driving forward the growth of the ready-to-cook sector while remaining committed to our core values of quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to navigate the changing needs of our consumers, we are confident that the budget will support our vision of making delicious, healthy, and sustainable meals more accessible to all.
Author: Piyush Sheta is the CEO of Insta Food, a B2B and B2C brand for food and beverage.
In an era where urban growth is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, the role of technology in shaping sustainable cityscapes has become more crucial than ever. Among the emerging innovations, digital twins have risen as a groundbreaking technology, driving transformative changes in urban operations and infrastructure management. This innovation is particularly reshaping the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, enabling cities to achieve greater sustainability, efficiency, and resilience.
Digital twins are intelligent, virtual replicas of physical assets that use real-time data to simulate, monitor, and optimize performance. By creating these virtual counterparts, stakeholders gain actionable insights that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. These models enable predictive analysis, helping to forecast outcomes, pinpoint inefficiencies, and refine operational processes in a variety of contexts, from individual buildings to entire urban infrastructures.
For urban development, where sustainability is now a critical priority, digital twins offer a potent tool to address pressing environmental challenges. They provide insights into energy consumption, waste management, and resource allocation, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions. By monitoring energy efficiency and optimizing resource usage, digital twins play a pivotal role in reducing carbon footprints and promoting greener construction practices throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Beyond enhancing sustainability, digital twins are revolutionizing how projects are executed. Construction delays, inefficiencies, and budget overruns, which are all too common in the AEC industry, can be significantly mitigated with the integration of this technology. By offering a centralized platform for real-time collaboration, digital twins allow project teams to track construction progress, foresee potential bottlenecks, and allocate resources effectively. The inclusion of IoT devices and sensors ensures that real-world data is continuously captured and analyzed, enabling teams to address issues proactively, minimize downtime, and deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
The value of digital twins extends well beyond project completion. In the operations and maintenance phases, these models are instrumental in predictive maintenance, allowing facility managers to monitor critical systems such as HVAC, lighting, and elevators in real time. This proactive approach not only extends the lifecycle of built assets but also reduces operational costs and resource consumption. Urban planners, too, are leveraging digital twins to simulate and optimize city infrastructure, including traffic flows, water distribution networks, and energy systems. Such applications pave the way for smarter, more efficient cities that improve the quality of life for their residents.
As digital twins continue to bridge the gap between physical and digital realms, they are becoming an essential component of the AEC industry’s future. This technology enables smarter and more sustainable urban operations, redefining how cities are designed, constructed, and managed. For professionals in the AEC sector, adopting digital twin technology is no longer a choice but a necessity to remain competitive and drive meaningful transformation.
As urban centers expand and sustainability becomes an indispensable part of planning, digital twins are poised to lead the charge in creating a more sustainable and resilient future. Their ability to optimize city operations, enhance infrastructure management, and reduce environmental impact positions them as a cornerstone of innovation in urban development. By embracing digital twins, the AEC industry not only unlocks new opportunities for operational excellence but also contributes to building smarter, greener cities for generations to come.
About Author:
Mr. Vijay Gupta, an IIT Mumbai alumnus, is the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of SoftTech Engineers Limited. He holds an M. Tech degree from IIT Mumbai. Vijay strongly believes that technology has to be leveraged extensively to bring speed, efficiency and transparency in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry for private as well as public sector organizations. He has a rich experience of about 35 years in the development of cutting-edge BIM/ CAD/ CAE /Project Management Enterprise Software in the AEC domain.
About SoftTech Engineers:
A leading IT company (www.softtechglobal.com) facilitating business and technology transformation across the AEC industry through innovative software products and solutions. The company proudly supports over 1300 organizations and serves a user base of more than 400,000 individuals. Notably, SoftTech’s solutions have facilitated the approval of over 2 million building permits, encompassing a staggering area exceeding 30 billion square feet.
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New Delhi [India], January 31: As we approach the Union Budget, the expectations from policymakers are higher than ever. The rapid advancements in technology, the push for digital transformation, and the global economic shifts have created an inflection point where strategic fiscal decisions can accelerate India’s growth trajectory.
One of the key areas to watch is the semiconductor and electronics sector, which is critical for India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness. With ongoing geopolitical shifts and supply chain disruptions, the government must focus on incentivizing domestic chip manufacturing, fostering R&D, and strengthening the existing semiconductor ecosystem. Programs such as the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes need further expansion and simplification to encourage global players to invest in India. The budget should also address challenges in skill development, ensuring that India’s workforce is ready for the next wave of semiconductor and AI-led transformation.
One of the key highlights of India’s AI journey has been the announcement of a new indigenous AI model in next 10 months, a milestone that reinforces the country’s commitment to digital transformation. This development aligns with global trends where AI is driving efficiencies across industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and mobility.
To sustain this momentum, the government must introduce incentives and a structured policy framework, combined with tax incentives for AI-driven startups, can position India as a global leader in AI innovation. Moreover, investments in AI infrastructure—such as high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and national AI research hubs—will drive deeper integration of these technologies into core sectors, unlocking new efficiencies and capabilities.
Digital infrastructure remains another focal point. While India has made remarkable progress in digital payments, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity, there is still a pressing need to expand rural digital connectivity. Incentives for 5G adoption, edge computing, and data center expansion will be crucial to bridging the digital divide. The budget must also include measures to boost cloud-native and serverless computing adoption across enterprises, which will enhance efficiency and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
For the automotive and IoT sectors, the budget should focus on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and smart mobility solutions. Reducing import duties on semiconductor components essential for EVs and connected cars can drive cost efficiencies. Additionally, increased funding for smart city projects will provide a boost to IoT-based applications in urban planning, traffic management, and public safety. A structured approach toward incentivizing software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and embedded system innovations will further strengthen India’s position in automotive R&D.
Startups and MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy, and they require continued policy support. Simplifying tax compliance, increasing access to credit, and providing incentives for innovation-led entrepreneurship will fuel the next wave of economic expansion. A special focus on deep-tech startups, particularly those working in semiconductor design, AI, and quantum computing, will help build a sustainable technology ecosystem within the country.
Lastly, the importance of sustainability cannot be overlooked. The government must push for incentives that encourage green technology adoption, energy-efficient computing, and circular economy models in manufacturing. Given India’s ambitious net-zero goals, the budget should introduce tax benefits for companies investing in renewable energy, carbon-neutral operations, and responsible electronic waste management.
The upcoming budget must strike a balance between short-term economic recovery and long-term strategic investments. A forward-looking approach that fosters innovation, strengthens digital infrastructure, and enhances skill development will ensure that India not only keeps pace with global technology trends but emerges as a leader in the digital economy.
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