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  • Veganuary takes India by storm- ranks 3rd globally

    Veganuary takes India by storm- ranks 3rd globally

    2022 biggest year ever with participants in every country

    New Delhi (India), February 1: Veganuary, the movement supporting people to try vegan in January and beyond, has proved to be a huge hit in India, which registered the third highest number of participants globally. This year, Veganuary has welcomed participants from every country in the world* for the first time. More than 6,25,000 people from 229 countries and territories officially signed up to try vegan for 31 days, making this the biggest Veganuary ever.

    Veganuary was officially launched in India in December 2021, and the campaign immediately received support from popular vegans, influencers and brands alike. See the India launch video here- https://youtu.be/4fHEmANyDNE. The response confirms the findings of a recent YouGov survey** that 65% of Indians plan to eat more plant-based/vegan foods in the new year. India is only behind the US and UK in the global rankings.

    Reflecting on the success of the 2022 campaign, Veganuary’s India Head Prashanth Vishwanath says: “It is incredibly inspiring to see Veganuary received so well in India. As more people become aware of the large impact our food choices have on our health and the planet, attitudes towards veganism are changing everywhere, and Veganuary’s growing popularity reflects this shift. We have indeed become a true desi phenomenon.”

    Veganuary has also improved the accessibility of veganism by working with more than 40 Indian brands to launch new products and introduce special offers in January. Popular brands like Funfoods by Dr. Oetkar, Good Dot, Axia Foods, Alt foods, Pro Meat, Piperleaf, Bombay Cheese Company, Pilk, Sante Spa Cuisine, Bodhi Greens launched new plant-based products and menu items. Attractive Veganuary deals and bundles were launched by Rare Earth, Vegan Dukaan, Vegan Daily, Vezlay Foods, Hello Tempayy, Blue Tribe Foods, Greend, Vegan World, targeting the increased percentage of Indians now eating more at home.

    Good Dot, the popular vegan brand launched Egg Bhurji for Veganuary to support Veganuary participants. Abhishek Sinha, founder of Good Dot said, “GoodDot is proud to partner with Veganuary to encourage people to try going Vegan this January. Towards this, we have offered a flat 20% discount on all purchases made from our website. Veganuary is a great way to encourage people to witness for themselves that going vegan is very easy these days and everyone can contribute to a better planet by trying vegan”.

    Siddharth Ramasubramanian, founder and CEO at Hello Tempayy. Which launched special offers for Veganuary, said, “Veganuary has been a great success in India this year, and we, at Hello Tempayy, were thrilled to be a part of it. Our mission is to offer tasty, versatile and nutritious food across cuisines which is critical to delivering the choice that Indian consumers increasingly are looking for.”

    Sweta Khandelwal, co-founder Alt Foods, which launched new plant-based beverages for Veganuary says, “Veganuary has absolutely made it a lot easier for people to be more aware of and to try vegan products. Through our mission of creating great-tasting alternatives, alt foods hope to continue supporting the journey of individuals seeking a better diet for themselves and the planet.”

    Pointing at increasing interest in plant-based eating in India, the YouGov survey says more than 60% of Indians have a more positive perception of plant-based/vegan diets compared to 2 years ago. Industry projections also confirm this. India’s plant-based meat market, which is at $30-40 million, is estimated to grow to $500 million in the next three years. According to a study by the Good Food Institute, plant-based dairy in India is projected to grow from $21 million presently at a CAGR of 20.7% to reach $63.9 million by 2024. With the growing demand, meat and dairy alternatives are already competing with their animal-derived counterparts, even in price and availability.

    This past year, the climate emergency and health were among the top concerns on everyone’s mind. Indians have shown that they are ready to take action where it is most impactful- by changing how they eat.

  • Challenges, Opportunities and the Future of Cinema- In Conversation with Filmmaker Extraordinaire, Gaurang Doshi

    Challenges, Opportunities and the Future of Cinema- In Conversation with Filmmaker Extraordinaire, Gaurang Doshi

    February 1: It is rightly said that a creative mind can never be on a break no matter the circumstances because creativity is never at rest. Given the challenges being confronted by everyone in the past year, we were left with no choice but to move on together as a community. This is what makes us who we are, turning hurdles into opportunities. And the mantra, “if you conceive it, you can achieve it”, holds much power and truth for anyone who works dedicatedly and passionately.

    Today, we are in conversation with one such man who did not let any stumbling block slow him down. Filmmaker par excellence, Gaurang Doshi is one such perfect example of how to turn the tide and carry on with much vigour and passion like never before. He started his journey as an ardent cinema lover and learnt the art of filmmaking from his father Mr. Vinod Doshi, who produced blockbuster films like Dil, Beta, Raja. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that filmmaking is in his genes.

    Fast forward to the new millennium, and Gaurang was churning out cult cinemas like Bawandar, Aankhen, Deewar, which have left a lasting impression on everyone’s mind. He has always been known to bring his visions and exciting new ideas to life, no matter the challenges. In our conversation with him, he candidly tells us about his current propositions and his future game plan.

    Talking about his much-deserved sabbatical, he rightly points out, “Officially I was on a break but unofficially for a producer, it’s never a break because we always have things running behind the scene in order to create yet another history. Therefore all this time that I was away from the camera, I was occupied with other several activities and also creating some extraordinary content for our audience who much awaits every Friday to see what’s releasing next.” Speaking about the present scenario and everything that is happening due to Covid, he said, “looking at the current trend where cinemas have taken a back seat due to the massive covid situation globally”.

    The young producer was also ecstatic about his foray into the world of OTT, saying, “OTT has become the new normal, and so here I’m stepping into something new. It’s a drastic change, but it’s never too late to start with something different yes, I decided to keep my format for a multi starrer project ongoing may it be OTT or feature films. Covid can create closure for cinema halls, but it can’t impact the love for the cinema for the producer and the people!”

    When asked if he will try a different approach when it comes to a web series vis-a-vis a film, he said, “It’s just about the mental perspective, creating a web series is more of a task because you need to keep the audience entertained at each episode or else they won’t wish to continue watching.” He added that he is enjoying this new experience but also said, “cinema is a never-ending trend and will eventually rise like a phoenix overcoming all the difficulties producers like us are going through because of the covid restrictions.”

    Being a man of vision who always takes the road less travelled and tries to make cinema that are larger than life and extraordinary masterpieces by envisioning an unusual role for Mr. Bachchan or telling a courageous story like Bawandar. Because according to Mr. Doshi, it’s not always about money. At the end of the day, it’s your passion that really matters.

    As he plans a stupendous comeback, he excitedly tells us about the initial minor hiccups and his megaprojects, “I have cleared the air and controversies about what happened in the past when I initiated the web series project 7th sense. Phoenix is not someone who burns itself in the fire; instead, it rises from its own ashes. I would not in my wildest dream, consider having the tag of a shelved project on my name. The project was not shelved to begin with, but it was put on hold because of the massive covid situation globally. Now, as things are getting better and social distancing and masks have become the new normal, I’m ready to start the project with a larger cast and some very influential names from the industry. There are some surprises surrounding the project, but for that, you will need to wait for the official announcements, which will be coming very soon.”

    Speaking about his future master plans and what’s in store for the audience, he said, “There are multiple projects in the pipeline, mainly web series starting with 7th Sense itself, which we are aiming for this year. For mainstream cinema, I’m waiting for the covid situations to settle down a little more so the theatres can start in full swing. There are some eye-popping collaborations which I will be disclosing with an official announcement sometime soon till then I would just like to say stay home, stay safe and enjoy cinema.”

    Gaurang Doshi is a name to reckon with in the Indian Film Industry whose extraordinary filmmaking skill leaves the audience wanting more. Here’s hoping we see more of Doshi very soon.

  • Shri Krishna Milan Shukla honored by the Governor for the work of environmental protection

    Shri Krishna Milan Shukla honored by the Governor for the work of environmental protection

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 1: Environment Protection Day was organized at Raj Bhavan. On this occasion, the Governor honoured the renowned industrialist and National Vice President of the Republican Party of India, Shri Krishna Milan Shukla ji, who planted 11,000 saplings in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

    In this dignified program, along with Governor H.E. Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale was also present. He honoured Shri Krishna Milan Shukla by giving him a memento for the work done for environmental protection. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai, Mr. Mangane, as well as a large number of Maharashtra government officials were present during the program. It is noteworthy that every year environmental protection is organized across the country. By preserving the deteriorating environment, clean air and water can be provided to the next generation.

  • Dharamik brings you a new Age Institute of the stock market: AISM Guarantees you excellence in stock market training

    Dharamik brings you a new Age Institute of the stock market: AISM Guarantees you excellence in stock market training

    February 1: There’s no know who Doesn’t know Dharamik Name in Industry. The name is synonymous with the best strategist in intraday trading. With almost 90% accuracy, the founder and its firm are set to impart knowledge and assist beginners in stock market trading to meet their monetary goals through their new embodiment as AISM- Age Institute of the stock market.

    Dharamik has already earned a legacy with bigger and better Services to its 5000 plus active members and handling the accounts of many well-known people in business in Gujarat. It has a potential for 100X more growth for everyone.

    Dharamik wants to Bring new things to the table, so they are coming with the new Age Institute of the stock market (AISM) with a complete educational plan that focuses on real-world applications. This institute will upgrade your insight into all aspects of financial trading.

    It’s challenging for an amateur in the stock market to grasp the frequent market fluctuations and volatility to turn into a favourable scenario. One requires a piece of proper knowledge, tools, techniques, skills and strategy that will develop an intelligent mind. Dharamik and his firm AISM impart online training for stock market analysis, especially in the intraday stock trading portfolio.

    According to Dharamik, “Nothing can stop you from following your passion, and if you work hard towards it, you will definitely succeed.” He is a testimony of this fact. The man has inborn expertise in understanding the stock market playoffs. Despite financial limitations and parental pressure, he took the risk to invest in the stock market. For his outlay, he picked up his college semester fee fund and gave his knowledge a chance to explore. The result was encouraging and gave Dharamik’s career route and goals a tremendous push. From that day, books on the financial / stock market and online resources became a routine. He started his Instagram handle a few years back to share his knowledge with people. His precise analysis earned him thousands of followers looking for advice for their potential investments. In exchange for a share in the profit, Dharamik started handling their accounts. He later conceptualised it into a venture identical to name, wherein he provides online training for stock market analysis by offering memberships to traders. He and his team act as real-time stock trading consultants and give trade signals to thousands of members with almost 90% accuracy.

    Dharamik says, “I did have my share of limited backfires in my initial trading days, but that helped me in devising my own strategies and developing myself as a good stock analyst. Today I am at a stage where I am able to achieve maximum profit and growth not only for my firm but for my millions of Instagram followers & enrolled members with the right trades in the market. I believe people should learn how to bypass mistakes in their trading journey, and it’s possible if they learn from the experts.”

    With the establishment of AISM, Dharamik is all set to achieve his above-mentioned mission. In the near future, the same will be perceived as a magnificent foray in the stock market industry.

  • Ziad Abdelnour – One of the most influential New York based American Financial Entrepreneurs

    Ziad Abdelnour – One of the most influential New York based American Financial Entrepreneurs

    February 01: Wizard Entrepreneur Ziad Abdelnour, an American investment banker, financier, social activist, and author of best-selling books “Start-Up Saboteurs” and “Economic Warfare” was born on December 3, 1960, in Beirut, Lebanon. He hails from an influential familywith his father Khalil Abdelnour being a former MP in the Government of Lebanon in the year 1992-2000 and his fraternal uncle Salem Abdelnour a former financier and MP too in Lebanon’s government during the period (1960 – 1964 and 1972-1992).

    Mr. Abdelnour did his primary schooling from a private boarding school in France and further studies in Switzerland. He further graduated from the American University of Beirut with a BS in Science and did his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.

    Even with such a strong background in politics, Mr. Abdelnour moved into finance and trading back in his early twenties. So right after graduation in 1984, ace Entrepreneur Ziad Abdelnour, worked as a junk bond trader under Michael Milken followed by 20 years on Wall Street advising people, structuring highly complicated transactions and investing in the market. This valuable experience made him what he is today.

    In the year 2008 Mr. Abdelnour established his own investment and trading company by the name of Blackhawk Partners Inc. Today this company is one of the fastest growing investment companies in the US advising, partnering with and investing along Ultra High Net Worth individuals across the world in project finance, bitcoins and other alternative assets. His influence in the market and the USA has been growing ever since.

    Presently Mr. Abdelnour also serves as a chairman of the Board of “Hawkstorm Global”, an elite executive protection firm focusing on High-Net-Worth Personal Security Protection, Asset Protection, Security investigation, Consulting and High-Intensity Conflict Intervention. He is also the founding member of OMV Capital, engaged in financing multimillion real estate and corporate acquisitions on a global basis and the founder & president of the Financial Policy Council (FPC); a nonprofit organization that was created to formulate and promote sound public policy based on the principles of free enterprise and wealth creation as envisioned by the ideals of the American Founding Fathers.

    As a successful entrepreneur with years of experience, Ziad Abdelnour has been very actively passing his knowledge to the next generation being an avid writer on wealth creation. For his immense influence in the market, he was awarded as one of the ‘500 most influential CEO in the world’ by Richtopia in 2016 and in the following year as a ‘Global Shaper from the World Economic Forum’ in 2017.

    Ziad Abdelnour believes that for any kind of success one must toil hard. There is no shortcut for success. Overnight success is 15 years.

  • Bilal Kazi: The Influential and Genius Entrepreneur

    Bilal Kazi: The Influential and Genius Entrepreneur

    February 01: There is a wave of entrepreneurship in the whole world. Though the biggest ripples are only made by such able entrepreneurs who have worked hard to get where they actually are. Bilal Kazi is one such name. Bilal is the founder and CEO of Gulf Good News which is one the most clicked news websites in the gulf. Gulf Good News has more than 72k followers on instagram. He is also the founder of Bahrain Bloggers Group, a web page solely dedicated for the people to share their content.

    The position where Bilal Kazi stands today is a position he has toiled hard for his life. Bilal Kazi studied hotel management and he started his journey in 2013 as a food blogger. The ace entrepreneur who hails from Bahrain, saw great opportunity in the field of marketing in Bahrain, hence he started his career as a Marketer and worked close to many big press and PR firms. He has the experience of working for hundreds of celebrities during his time as marketer. He gradually started his own Marketing Agency and also grew his name in the web space as Blogger and Affiliate Marketing. He had worked throughout India specially for top celebs in Mumbai and Bahrain.

    Airing his own wews website was like a dream come true for Bilal and he sees the Gulf Good News as one of the most prominent news sources in the coming future. This is certainly going to be true because looking at the potential of Bilal and his experience in the field of media it can be set for a fact that the content in gulf good news comes after many checkpoints. It is also evident by the number of followers of “gulf good news” on Instagram which is a whooping 72k. If you wish you seek guidance from this Genius Entrepreneur you can follow him on his Instagram where he constantly gives tips and motivation for the young and budding entrepreneurs.

  • Entrepreneur Asif Bezalel, aka Deduction, makes massive noise in the gaming world

    Entrepreneur Asif Bezalel, aka Deduction, makes massive noise in the gaming world

    In Lenovo Israel’s gaming academy for Fortnight players, Asif served as the captain of the team as a veteran fighting fox (Fortnite) in 2020

    February 01: It is amazing to know and learn about all those individuals who make sure to attain excellence before clinching success. All these individuals and professionals ensure to give in their best and go ahead in attaining massive momentum and success in all that they choose to lay their hands on. Among the many industries rocked by such talented beings, the gaming niche is one which has perhaps seen the maximum rise of such individuals. We couldn’t help but notice the rise of one such extremely passionate and driven professional, gamer, content creator, and entrepreneur named Asif Bezalel, aka Deduction (DED) from Israel.

    Over the years, Asif says that it is commendable to notice how the gaming industry has shown incredible signs of growth, which has given rise to many gamers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and content creators like him. Creating great content in the niche can be, however, quite challenging, but when one cracks the code of success and works around offering the “unique” to others, everything becomes possible, says the young talent.

    This young guy has always shown his “A-game” in the industry, which is why today he is known as one of the most prominent names in the vast and ever-evolving industry. In 2020, interestingly, Lenovo Israel’s announced the establishment of a gaming academy for Fortnight players. The program was all about inviting players for joining a customized training program, allowing them to become a part of it without any costs and attain personalized training experience for them to turn from being ordinary players to professional ones. In the program, built by the startup Novos (known for developing advanced technologies for training gamers), gamers were invited to compete for a place in the same in a six-week period. The captain of the team was none other than Asif Bezalel, the veteran fighting fox (Fortnight) and a content creator known for creating compelling gaming content on his YouTube channel with currently 241K subscribers.

    He says that in entrepreneurship, be it in any industry; one needs to always create something that can add more value to the people and the audiences they serve. This will help them create their unique selling point and also give an edge to them over others in the industry, known for fierce competition. Since the last few years, Asif Bezalel, aka Deduction (DED) (@asif_bezalel), has been creating content and in such a short span has already created a massive fan following for himself across social media, be it on Instagram or YouTube which he credits to his constant efforts and tenacity in the industry.

  • Ahmed Mazon, An unique entrepreneur from the fitness industry

    Ahmed Mazon, An unique entrepreneur from the fitness industry

    February 01: Ahmed Mazon is one of the top Training / Coaching influencers in Egypt. He is a personal trainer to many famous individual personalities. He is one of the most renowned fitness models in Egypt. Ahmed was the founder of 5likfit. 5likfit is one of the most known sports clubs in Egypt. He has helped many people to transform into perfect bodies.

    He works out up to several clients per day. He is recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques. As a personal trainer, he does one-on-one sessions with workouts. This practice is tied to his emphasis on functional training. Ahmed is serving up body positivity fitness tips. His workout hacks are founded on his bachelor’s of science in athletic training and knowledge as a licensed and certified athletic trainer. The trainer is spreading unique messages about inclusivity and body positivity, and his account is dedicated to answering your burning fitness questions and serving much-needed motivation. Almost without any exception, the most sought after and well-known personal trainers don’t just earn their salaries solely as personal trainers. They can demand $300.00 or more per hour.

    Ahmed Mazon was a fitness PRO who turned him into a famous entrepreneur. To learn more about 5likfit, follow @5lik_fit.

  • Actor Mukesh J Bharti and Director Partho Ghosh released the first look poster of Pyar Mein Thoda Twist, releasing on 18th February

    Actor Mukesh J Bharti and Director Partho Ghosh released the first look poster of Pyar Mein Thoda Twist, releasing on 18th February

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 01: Actor Mukesh J Bharti who was last seen in Mausam Ikrar Ke Do Pal Pyar Ke along with the director Partho Ghosh has released the poster of the upcoming Romcom and action-drama Pyar Mein Thoda Twist, which has already become a topic of discussion amongst the movie buffs. The film revolves around the Love chemistry of Actor Mukesh J Bharti and Actress Richa Mukherjee. The star cast of the film is Rajesh Sharma, Atul Srivastava, Govind Namdev, Alka Amin, Santosh Shukla, Soma Rathod and Arpit Bhadauria Rajeev Pandey, Onkar Das Manikpuri, Sahebdas Manikpuri, Manju Bharti.

    Mukesh J Bharti said, “Today I’m So happy my upcoming movie Pyar Mein Thoda Twist Poster has been out, and I’m getting very good response from people, family and friends. I would like to thanks my director Partho Ghosh for his trust and believe. Today is a very big day for me and my team”.

    Pyar Mein Thoda Twist is a Romcom and action-drama film. It’s a story of a town near Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh). Hero of the film Mukesh J. Bharti and Heroine Maya loves each other even after knowing the old rivalry between their families. A twist comes with the entry of Jwala Singh, aka Mr. Wanted. Everyone in the town and police is looking for Mr. Wanted how the life of everyone changes with Jwala Singh’s aka Mr. Wanted entry.

    The film has been directed by renowned director Partho Ghosh and produced by Manju Bharti and Co-produced by Vijay Singh Bhadauria, Noor Fatima, Ajita Singh Bhadauria, under the banners of Vivek Films Production House in association with VSB Pictures Pvt Ltd ‘Pyar Mein Thoda Twist’ has been shot entirely in the City of Nawabs – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and the foot-tapping music score for this film has also been composed by Disco King Bappi Lahiri!. ‘Pyar Mein Thoda Twist’ is a remarkable comedy-drama which is guaranteed to impress audiences. Pan India distribution by Sarthak Cinema. The film will hit the theatres on February 18, 2022.

  • India awaits a forward-looking Budget where policymakers should reciprocate in full spirit

    India awaits a forward-looking Budget where policymakers should reciprocate in full spirit

    Author – Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India 

    January 31: The Finance Minister is expected to come with the provisions for economic revival, as the third wave of COVID-19 has gripped the country and added to the dejection of the previous two waves that caused unimaginable losses of lives and livelihoods. The Union Budget 2022-23 should essentially focus on demand generation, job creation, public healthcare, hand-holding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enabling the economy to regain the lost thrust of ideally double-digit growth.

    As Covid-19 has severely impacted the economy in the second consecutive year, it is time for well-thought actions for maximizing the revenue while keeping public expenditure as rational as possible. As the growth drivers, investments should be leveraged by allocating relief packages to key sectors including Housing & Infrastructure, Energy, Agriculture and Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Education & Skill Development, Automobile, Tourism, Civil Aviation, Hospitality, Information Technology, Banking, Financial Service and Insurance (BFSI), Financing Growth and Sustainability, Strengthening MSMEs, Supporting Exports, Research & Development (R&D).

    The Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and compliance should be made smoother as India’s pursuit is to maintain its edge as a prominent global economy and further enhance its global positioning. The impact of economic reforms has been most visible on the primary sector (services), where India emerged as the major power in comparatively a new sector like IT & ITeS. It is time for progressive reforms in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors to avail their true potential.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has globally impacted lives and livelihoods in an unprecedented manner. As the crisis has global nature, India is severely impacted as well. While the world is self-assured to see a sort of re-set, it is the time for the government and industry to reckon the urgency of figuring out their immediate priorities, including on supporting the MSMEs and Exports, the backbones of the economy. A change in approach is much needed now, before the fundamentals of the world order go into reset mode, there should be the determination to revive the MSMEs and Export Ecosystems to support the much-needed demand factor of the economy. This is the time for proactive collective action to come out of the trying time with a blueprint for the revival of the economy.

    Budget 2022 expectations will be in the face of a lot of unprecedented constraints that the government must override to achieve its aim of boosting India’s infrastructure. The government must focus on infrastructure investment and provide a booster dose to the economy. The road to development relies on infrastructure that is undoubtedly the backbone of every economy and is a distinguishing factor between developed and developing nations. India is now about a $3.1 trillion size economy, and it aims to touch the $5 trillion mark by 2025. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to target a double-digit growth which must come from all the sectors – manufacturing, trade, services, agriculture coupled with an increase in export volumes.

    India’s travel and tourism industry, among the worst casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic now in its third year, expects the government to announce a raft of incentives and relief measures and increase the budgetary allocation for the tourism ministry in Budget 2022. The industry has asked the government to consider a waiver of e-visa fees for all foreign tourists in the financial year 2022-23 to support a revival of travel and tourism. It also wants tourism earnings to be treated on par with exports. The Travel Agents Association of India has urged the government to adopt a ‘One India, One Tourism’ approach to the industry in the Budget, including a one-tax structure. The industry body said this would require both the central and state governments to work in tandem and agree to move tourism to the concurrent list of the Constitution from being a largely state subject. Such a move will help the sector receive the status of an industry and become more structured.

    Low public health expenditure has led to the stage that India’s out-of-pocket expenditure is one of the highest. This amounts to about 63 per cent of total spending on health. The pharmaceutical sector has played a pivotal role in recent times while responding to unprecedented health adversities. Challenges for the sector ranged from allocating Capex, R&D and manufacturing for COVID-related drugs and managing the raw material supply chain, particularly those flowing from abroad. The Pharma industry would be looking for incentives for innovations and affordability. Research-linked incentives can provide the impetus to industry for increasing investment in R&D investment and build the much-needed linkages with academia to co-innovate. Life-saving drugs should be brought down at the lowest rate of GST and “zero-rating” of GST for health care services. The Budget should focus on increasing public spending on healthcare, considering India’s demographics and growing population. The Budget outlay for the healthcare sector should be increased to 2.5 per cent or around Rs 150,000 crore to drive the health sector forward. This will help expand the network while providing affordable healthcare facilities to beneficiaries. The industry also hopes the government will announce incentives in the budget to encourage setting up bulk drug manufacturing units in the country, in addition to scale-up of spending on healthcare.

    India’s VC space is growing by leaps and bounds- and there is great enthusiasm among domestic investors to participate in venture funding of start-ups. However, a couple of issues seem to stand in the way of rapid development in this area. The financial services sector is the pillar of the economy. Timely and specific policy measures will go a long way to boost and strengthen this sector while also paving the way for financial inclusion.

    The changing world necessitates creating a firmer ground for defeating poverty and inequality and making sustainability the steering force of business and our social action. While imagining a post-pandemic world and coping with transitory challenges, adopting the inclusive and sustainable development framework is much needed. The Union Budget 2022-23 will be defining for India in emerging from the crisis and reassuring its stake to sustainable growth. A balancing act with recognising the growth impetus and inclusiveness would do immensely well for the Indian economy in the short, medium, and even long term. While the fundamentals are still strong and supportive, the right policy measures will decide how India comes out from a crisis in the post-pandemic world.