Shri. Rahul V. Karad – Executive President, MIT-World Peace University
“Educational institutions hold the immense responsibility of shaping young minds and empowering them to unlock their true potential. At MIT World Peace University, we remain committed to being a ‘University for Students’ Life Transformation,’ guided by the principle that the ‘Union of Science and Spirituality will alone bring peace to humanity.’ Through innovative initiatives like our Peace and Yoga curriculum, we have seamlessly integrated holistic practices into education, nurturing students who are physically fit, mentally alert, intellectually sharp, and spiritually elevated. As we reflect on 2024, the growing emphasis on mental health, mindfulness, and well-being within academic frameworks highlights the necessity of organically embedding these elements to foster societal transformation and personal growth. We are proud to lead by example and share our journey of enabling young minds to blend knowledge, innovation, and cultural values to build a peaceful and progressive world.
India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is witnessing exponential growth, with over 98,000 recognized startups and over 110 unicorns driving innovation across sectors. However, the true potential of Bharat lies in empowering Tier-II and Tier-III cities through increased investments, skill development, and robust Industry-Academia partnerships. As we step into 2025, we must focus on enhancing vocational training, creating structured public-private collaborations, and reimagining education to embrace ‘learning by doing’ in the age of AI and EdTech. By fostering innovation through Centres of Excellence in AI, IoT, and Big Data, and supporting EdTech startups, we can bridge critical gaps in accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity. At MIT-WPU, we envision a future where technology not only educates but also empowers Bharat’s youth, driving sustainable growth and preparing them to compete on a global stage.”
Mr. Farrokh N. Cooper, Chairman & Managing Director, Cooper Corporation Pvt. Limited
“2024 has been a landmark year for Cooper Corporation, marked by several groundbreaking achievements. We are proud to be the first to receive the CPCB IV+ certification for our 10 kVA LPG genset—a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability. On the engine front, our entire range has shown remarkable progress, with approval from the EPA USA to meet stringent American Emission Norms, further strengthening our position on the global stage. Our export journey has accelerated, highlighted by the commencement of gas engine sales in the USA and a strategic partnership with Sinfonia, a distinguished Japanese multinational, to export LPG gensets to Japan, Thailand and other Asian markets.
Additionally, the positive feedback received for our tractors, following successful CMVR tests and exhibitions, has been encouraging as we gear up for regular production in January 2025.
As a vertically integrated organization, we take immense pride in our cutting-edge facilities and our steadfast commitment to Atmairbhar Bharat. By nurturing local talent, we are not only driving innovation but also contributing to India’s self-reliance. Currently, 50% of our production caters to global markets and with a strategic investment of over Rs. 200 crores in advanced cast iron and aluminum foundries at Satara, we are set to generate more than 500 new jobs.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cooper Corporation stands as a debt-free, resilient organization, growing through its own resources. We are poised for sustained growth, driven by a focus on expanding our global footprint and delivering unparalleled value to our customers and communities. The future is bright and we remain committed to excellence, innovation and progress.”
Mr. Yash Munot, President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI)
“2024 has been a remarkable year for the Indian forging industry, marked by major progress in exports, technology adoption and skill development. We’ve seen a 25% rise in companies adopting advanced technologies, helping them improve productivity and reduce costs. AIFI has worked hard to bring the industry together through events like ‘Innovative Technology Solutions and Skill Development,’ which provided practical guidance for staying competitive. Our ‘GenNxt’ initiative has also got a good response, inspiring young leaders to step up.
The industry’s resilience and collaboration have stood out this year. India has strengthened its position as a global forging hub, contributing to key projects in defense, automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. We have also seen more partnerships between major industry players and the government, which has presented increased growth opportunities.
Looking to 2025, the focus will be on adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI, automation, and additive manufacturing to improve efficiency and precision. Sustainability is also a top priority, and AIFI is working to help companies adopt greener practices, such as reducing waste, investment options in renewal energy and optimizing their energy consumption. CBAM implemention will also play a major role affecting exports.
AIFI firmly believes that government support through well-designed policies, financial assistance, and focused skill development programs will play a crucial role in driving the industry’s growth for the future and as we move toward greener manufacturing, sustainability will become a key focus area, with efforts to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce environmental impact.
Mr. Shiv Parekh, Founder, & CEO.
As we approach the end of the year, it’s inspiring to reflect on India’s remarkable journey, especially the growth in commercial real estate, and anticipate the promising horizons ahead. While the world navigates geopolitical crises and uncertainties, India is uniquely poised for robust growth, with the CRE sector ready to thrive. The resilience of India’s economy—driven by strong domestic consumption, significant investments in infrastructure, and a burgeoning middle class—underscores this potential.
India’s office market registered the highest January-to-September leasing activity on record. Office absorption is projected to maintain its momentum, reaching an estimated 70 million sq. ft., with about 58-60 million sq. ft. of new completions expected by the end of the year.
We are witnessing what can be termed the ‘mutual fund’ moment in real estate. Just as mutual funds opened up equity markets to the masses, innovative platforms and investment vehicles are making real estate accessible to individual and middle-class investors. Investing in Indian real estate is increasingly seen as a long-term strategy. Regulatory reforms like Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (SM REITs) have enhanced transparency and accountability in the sector. This regulatory maturity provides investors with confidence and safeguards their interests, making real estate a compelling addition to a diversified investment portfolio.
Mr. Krishan Agarwal, Director, DigiHaat, a subsidiary company of ONDC
2025 outlook for the E-commerce sector
2025 will be the year e-commerce transcends transactions to deliver immersive, personalized, and seamless experiences. As AI-driven personalization becomes the norm, shoppers will expect retailers to anticipate their needs, creating tailored journeys that blend online convenience with human-like interactions. The rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will redefine how customers try before they buy, while fast-evolving logistics networks will make same-day delivery a global standard. Sustainability will no longer be optional, with consumers gravitating toward brands that champion eco-friendly practices and transparent supply chains. In this competitive landscape, businesses that invest in cutting-edge technology, data-driven insights, and genuine customer relationships will lead the charge in shaping the future of e-commerce.
E-commerce sector’s outlook for 2024
The year 2024 has been a transformative one for e-commerce, characterized by growing consumer demand for personalization, transparency, and inclusivity. Platforms have embraced cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences, from AI-driven insights to seamless payments, a continuous and unwavering appetite for innovation. The ONDC network has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of India’s digital economy, empowering countless businesses to succeed online. Their on-network Logistics has already proven to be a catalyst for growth, and an increasing focus on financial services promises to usher in the next wave of enablement for stakeholders. We remain committed to leveraging the power of the Network and collaborating to redefine customer experiences like never before.
Mr. Sitashwa Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Stockal
According to Sitashwa Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Stockal, as we close out 2024, cross-border education payments have emerged as one of the most significant challenges for students and institutions alike. The rising costs and complexities are a direct result of regulatory constraints, high transaction fees, and traditional financial systems that struggle to accommodate global transactions efficiently. For students, this translates to increased expenses, while for educational institutions, the process becomes cumbersome and slow.
The trend in 2024 has been a growing push towards digital solutions that aim to address these challenges. Technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency are beginning to play a crucial role in overcoming these barriers. By leveraging these advancements, financial systems can be more agile, transparent, and cost-effective, ultimately benefiting students, educational institutions, and service providers. Despite the potential, regulatory compliance remains a critical factor in ensuring that these solutions are sustainable and universally accepted.
Looking ahead to 2025, I believe we’ll see a continued shift toward a borderless financial ecosystem. Digital currencies and blockchain will become more mainstream in the cross-border education space, facilitating faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions. The real challenge, however, will be the balancing act between innovation and regulation. As governments and regulators catch up with technological advancements, we expect smoother, more streamlined processes for education payments across borders.
For students, the outlook is promising. We’re moving towards a time when paying for education abroad will be as simple as transferring money locally, with fewer barriers, better exchange rates, and less waiting time. The financial ecosystem is evolving, and the pace of change will only accelerate in the coming year.
Mr. Mehul Agarwal, Director & CEO, Dorby
“As we wrap up the year, one standout trend in the surface décor industry has been the remarkable growth fuelled by strong consumer demand for functionality, personal expression, and the seamless immersion of global trends. Consumer insights have been pivotal in shaping this journey. Take Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse—a warm, comforting tone that reflects a desire for stability and elegance. We are already planning to incorporate this shade into our upcoming catalogue, aligning with the industry’s commitment to timeless and contemporary designs.
Innovation has also taken centre stage, with breakthroughs like anti-fingerprint surfaces, synchronized textures, and eco-friendly materials becoming industry standards. Complementing this progress are government initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, which have streamlined supply chains, reduced lead times, and boosted responsiveness to market demands. Looking ahead to 2025, sustainability will no longer be a choice but a core principle. From greener materials and circular design systems to AI and AR technologies transforming customer engagement, the future of surface décor will be defined by a harmonious blend of creativity, technology, and sustainability to shape the spaces of tomorrow.”