Gadgets Now Awards 2024: Countdown Begins for India’s Biggest Tech Awards

NEW DELHI, February 7, 2025 – The Indian tech landscape continues to evolve with remarkable innovations, and the Gadgets Now Awards 2025 are here to recognize and celebrate the best. Voting lines are now open, inviting tech enthusiasts and consumers to vote for their favorite gadgets and devices across multiple categories.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for February 14, 2025, will honor products that not only demonstrate exceptional technical expertise but also redefine how we live, work, and interact with the world around us.

“These awards recognize and honor the latest and greatest advancements in technology that are shaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.” says Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, Times Internet

The Gadgets Now Awards cover a diverse range of categories, including Smartphones (such as affordable, premium, camera-focused, and gaming), Wearables, Laptops and Gaming Devices, Audio Devices (like headphones, speakers, and TWS), as well as TVs and Smart Home Gadgets.

A distinguished jury panel comprising industry veterans—including CP Gurnani (Former CEO, Tech Mahindra), Pankaj Mahindroo (ICEA Chairman), Prasanto Kumar Roy (Advisor, FTI Consulting), and Paavan Nanda (CEO & Co-founder, WinZO)—has evaluated the nominees. Winners will be revealed during the exclusive awards ceremony held in New Delhi on February 14.

The celebration of technological excellence is possible through the support of our valued partners. Housing.com, Crucial by Micron, Godrej Securities, and Stahl have joined forces to help recognize and celebrate India’s most innovative tech achievements. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to spotlight the best in technology.

Rakesh Bohra, COO of Pioneer Urban Land & Infrastructure: RBI’s 25 Basis Points Repo Rate Cut to Drive Economic Growth and Support Urban Development

Rakesh Bohra, Chief Operating Officer, Pioneer Urban Land & Infrastructure Ltd.

“The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% is a timely and much-needed step to provide the long-awaited boost to the economy. This decisive and welcome move is set to drive both sectoral and overall economic growth. The rate cut comes at an opportune moment, aligning with the ongoing decline in inflation, which is expected to ease further. Combined with the strong support for urban development in the Union Budget 2025, this policy shift will have a lasting positive impact on the sector, bringing the industry closer to a more developed and resilient future.”

ACC Break Workplace Silos to Enhance Sustainability Reporting

Chandigarh, 7 February 2025: The latest instalment of ACCA’s sustainability reporting series is Sustainability Reporting: Risk and Materiality, which takes a practical approach to helping businesses determine material information for sustainability reporting.

Author Aaron Saw, head of corporate reporting insights – financial, at ACCA said: ‘Many organisations have siloed management and reporting of financial and sustainability-related matters. As a result, they don’t realise they already have access to insights they need for reporting. To streamline cost and effort and to produce connected information, it makes sense to leverage existing risk-management processes to identify and manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities.’

The article sets out three steps to determine material information to be disclosed:

1. Identify the organisation’s sustainability-related risks and opportunities (SRROs)

2. Assess whether SRROs could affect the organisation’s prospects

3. Determine material information for disclosure

Each step is supplemented with illustrative, anonymised real-life examples to inspire our community of accountants, finance and business professionals to learn, adapt and improve their approaches to identifying and communicating risks and opportunities.

Given the severe operational disruptions that weather-related events are causing many businesses, the examples featured are biased towards climate-related risk. Small and medium sized entities (SMEs) also feature in the examples to demonstrate how smaller organisations approach reporting.

The article emphasises the importance for organisations to take a holistic approach in creating and communicating material information about their SRROs and recommends all organisations to:

  • allocate resources to start identifying SRROs arising from the resources and relationships in the value chains on which they depend and those that their activities would affect
  • provide the most relevant sustainability-related information they can and continue to improve the reporting process over future reporting cycles
  • use knowledge and expertise gained in determining material information in one reporting cycle to improve the communication of material information in the following cycle.

Aaron Saw concludes: ‘We encourage everyone to work collaboratively with peers in the same industry, or within the same value chain. In this way we can further refine the approach to identifying SRROs, manage the risks or realise identified opportunities, and measure the relevant metrics and provide better information to support decision-making.’

Mr. Aman Sarin, CEO of Anant Raj Limited: RBI’s Policy Rate Cut to Stimulate Consumption, Boost Real Estate Sector, and Strengthen Economic Growth

Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited

We welcome the RBI’s decision to cut policy rates, a crucial step toward stimulating consumption and strengthening purchasing power.

This rate reduction is set to bring down lending rates, making borrowing more accessible and affordable for consumers. In particular, it serves as a strong catalyst for the real estate sector, encouraging fence-sitting homebuyers to move forward with their purchase decisions. Given the RBI Governor’s assurance that all economic factors will be carefully considered to maintain balanced growth and stability, this cut could be helpful in sustaining economic momentum.

Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO of NIXI: RS. 95,298 Crore IT & Telecom Investment to Strengthen GDP, Digital Inclusion, and Innovation, Paving the Way for India’s USD 1 Trillion Digital Economy

DrDevesh TyagiCEO NIXI

The ₹95,298 crore allocation for IT and telecom will be a game-changer, driving GDP growth and strengthening India’s digital backbone. High-speed broadband for schools and health centers will accelerate digital inclusion, boosting education and telemedicine in rural India. BharatTradeNet will cut trade documentation time by over 50%, enhancing MSME competitiveness in global markets.

The ₹20,000 crore push for private sector-led R&D will fast-track advancements in semiconductors and emerging tech, making India a key player in global supply chains. Meanwhile, a revamped KYC registry and Grameen Credit Score framework will expand financial access for millions. These measures will fuel innovation, attract investments, and propel India toward a $1 trillion digital economy.

For entrepreneurs, the creation of a New Fund of Funds for Startups, with an additional ₹10,000 crore, provides a massive boost, fueling a big push for India’s startup ecosystem and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Tata Power & Bank of Baroda MOU to Finance Residential PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Mumbai, 7th February, 2025: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited and a leader in India’s renewable energy sector, and Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of residential rooftop solar power systems. The MoU will facilitate financing options for residential customers under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY). The collaboration will leverage on the wide branch network and financing capabilities of Bank of Baroda and the market leadership and dealer network of Tata Power Renewable Energy, enabling seamless sourcing and loan processing for customers. This strategic partnership is set to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country by providing affordable and accessible financing, thereby supporting India’s transition to renewable energy.

By providing access to affordable, hassle-free financing options, Bank of Baroda and Tata Power Renewable Energy will enable Indian households to adopt sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Under the MoU, applicants can avail loan amounts up to ₹6 lakh at an attractive interest rate starting at 7% p.a., with both fixed and floating rate of interest options available.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, customers installing residential rooftop solar systems with capacities of up to 3 kW can avail loans up to ₹2 lakh with no income documentation required. The scheme requires only a 10% margin contribution and offers an attractive interest rate of 7% p.a. The loans are collateral-free and come with a flexible repayment tenure of up to 10 years, making solar installations affordable for households.

For larger installations ranging from above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, customers can avail loans of up to ₹6 lakh under the regular scheme. These loans require a margin money contribution of 20%. Bank of Baroda’s Home Loan customers will enjoy special concessional interest rates ranging from 9.15% to 11% p.a. For non-Home Loan customers, interest rates will range from 10.15% to 12% p.a. The loans are collateral-free with a maximum repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers installing rooftop solar systems are eligible for government subsidies, significantly reducing the upfront cost of installation. For solar systems up to 2 kW, customers can avail a subsidy covering up to 60% of the benchmark cost, while for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, the subsidy covers 40% of the benchmark cost. Installations above 3 kW receive a fixed subsidy for the first 3 kW, with additional capacity receiving support as per scheme guidelines. These subsidies, combined with affordable financing options, make rooftop solar more accessible, helping households lower electricity bills while contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, TPREL said, “This strategic collaboration with Bank of Baroda marks a significant step forward in our mission to make clean energy solutions accessible to every household in India. By offering affordable and convenient financing options, we are enabling residential customers to embrace rooftop solar technology with ease. This initiative not only empowers individuals to reduce their energy costs but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future, one home at a time.”

Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, with solar energy accounting for almost 100 GW. This significant growth is driven by robust policy support, enhanced competitiveness, and rising investor confidence. At Bank of Baroda, we are strongly committed to expand our engagement in the renewable energy sector, in line with the government’s vision to maximise power generation through sustainable sources. We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Power Renewable, a key leader in India’s renewable energy landscape.”

TPREL, recognised as India’s No. 1 solar rooftop company, leads the market with over 100,000 satisfied customers. The total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 10.9 GW (PPA capacity is 8.9 GW) including 5.5 GW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, which includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind.

India’s Leading Health Guru Dr. Mickey Mehta Partners with IndoScot Group of Schools for Grow Tall Initiative

New Delhi February 7th, 2025- India’s leading Holistic Health Guru Dr Mickey Mehta signed a Grow Tall pact with IndoScot Group of Schools with a vision to create Ramas Krishnas, Christs, Arjuns, Mohammeds, Mahadevs, Zarathustras, Lakshmis, Durgas,and Saraswatis. The Vishwa gurus of Tomorrow from the students of Today. Grow Tall is a program which focusses on developing Sanskaras, Bhavas and Gunas for children. Dr Mehta says, “Every child is born with a predetermined genetic disposition, which when altered with conscious intervention, can change the genetic expression of the child too.”

With the science of epigenetics, neuroplasticity, mind-gut axis, and many other sciences and ancient wisdom traditions, we execute this program.” Dr Mickey Mehta and his team have successfully done this for the last 45 years with many high-net-worth and individual schools. However, this is the very first time that it has been integrated in the CAS curriculum. Dr Mehta continues “Everyone is born with a genetic code which determines your growth. But, we humans being the marvel of creation can alter the pre-set patterns with our conscious responsible behaviour and alter the predetermined genetic disposition. It is important to not only guide a child how to grow taller just in height but one should also teach them to grow taller in stature with a good positive attitude which results in good thoughts, good words and good deeds.”

Specifically for children Dr. Mickey Mehta – global leading holistic health guru and a corporate life coach has created a holistic wellness module titled Dr. Mickey Mehta’s ‘Grow Tall’ is specially designed, researched and developed with scientific inputs by Dr. Mickey Mehta.

We are all born with predetermined genetic dispositions. Genes hold the gun, the environment pulls the trigger, but life can still get larger and bigger with your conscious intervention. We can change the program of the source code of the body and we can change the expression of our genes with good means.

Dr. Mickey Mehta says, ‘make wellness the religion no. 1’. He says ” Wellness is the biggest integrating force.” Grow Tall is aimed at children up to 18 years of age, and will help facilitate children’s height growth with the support of specific exercises, nutritional advice, sensible and effective supplementation, lifestyle changes like – appropriate rest, deep breathing, meditation and time-to-time positive affirmations. “Sleep and relaxation are just as important as exercise and food. They complement one another and we should ensure we provide our bodies with adequate rest in order to regenerate, revitalise and to have an overall healthy disposition,” he says.

Dr Mehta proclaims, “It is important to not only guide a child how to grow taller just in height but one should also teach them to grow taller in stature with a good positive attitude which results in good thoughts, good words and good deeds. This program will help children to explore their own human potential, which according to Dr. Mehta “can rise above Gods” and blossom into “fragrant flowers” and nurture into “sweet fruits with strong roots” when nourished correctly.

L&T Dispatches Third Steam Generator for Kaiga Atomic Power Station

Chandigarh, February 07, 2025: The Heavy Engineering arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has achieved yet another milestone by despatching the third Steam Generator (SG), ahead of schedule, for the indigenously developed 10 x 700 Megawatt-electric (MWe) Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) fleet programme.

The despatch ceremony took place at L&T’s A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex at Hazira, Gujarat, in the presence of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) Director Technical Mr Rajesh V and his team.

The SG is for the Karnataka-based Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAIGA) Units 5 & 6. L&T had achieved a global benchmark by delivering the first SG in just 33 months.

Mr Anil V Parab, Whole-time Director & Senior Executive Vice President of L&T Heavy Engineering & L&T Valves, appreciated both L&T and NPCIL teams for consistent fast-track deliveries, in line with the Department of Atomic Energy’s (DAE) target to install 22 GWe nuclear power by 2032 and Viksit Bharat vision of 100 GWe by 2047. L&T is committed to deliver 6-8 nos 700 MWe Steam Generators every year and for the success of 220 MWe Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) programme to ensure net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

The globally benchmarked, state-of-the-art, fully integrated and digitally-enabled A M Naik Heavy Engineering Manufacturing Complex at Hazira continues to produce critical equipment with worldclass quality and speed.

L&T, with its six-decade-long association with NPCIL and the DAE, is committed to contributing to India’s nuclear power capacity in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Orkla India Names Girish Kumar Nair as CEO of Eastern Operations

India, February 7th, 2025: Orkla India, a subsidiary of Norwegian industrial investment firm Orkla ASA, announces the appointment of Girish Nair as the Chief Executive Officer for the Eastern Business Unit. Eastern is one of the well-known brands in Kerala’s pure spices and masala market.

Based in Kochi, Girish Nair will lead the Eastern business team, focusing on expanding Orkla India’s presence in Kerala and driving strategic growth initiatives for the Eastern brand. With more than three decades of expertise in the food and consumer goods industry, Girish brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership to his new role.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, of Orkla India, stated, “We are excited to welcome Girish Nair to the Orkla India family as the new CEO of Eastern Business Unit. His extensive industry expertise makes him uniquely positioned to guide the Eastern to its next phase of growth and success.”

In his new role, Mr. Girish Kumar Nair said, “Taking the helm at Orkla India for its Eastern Business Unit is both an honor and a responsibility I deeply value. I am eager to work alongside the team to explore new markets and bring innovative products that resonate with our consumers.”

Girish joins Orkla India from Olam Group, where he was part of the leadership team that established the packaged foods business for Olam in West Africa. Girish is an alumnus of IIT Madras and IIM Bangalore. Previously he has worked with organizations such as Wipro Consumer Products, Bacardi, Britannia, and Dabur.

Girish firmly believes in the importance of purpose-driven brands, the strength of collaboration and the transformative impact of passion in building business. His deep understanding of the market and strategic vision will play a pivotal role in shaping Eastern’s future success.

NSE Academy & NISM Launch Joint Certificate Program

Chandigarh, February 7, 2025: NSE Academy Limited (NAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) have entered into a strategic partnership to provide joint certificate program designed to improve the skills and knowledge of both students and professionals in the securities and financial markets.

This collaboration between two industry leaders seeks to address the growing demand for quality education for capacity building in BFSI sector in India, equipping individuals and businesses with the necessary tools and expertise to thrive in the dynamic financial ecosystem. The joint certificate program will be designed to cater to a wide spectrum of learners, from beginners seeking foundational knowledge to experienced professionals looking to upgrade their skills. PG Certificate program in Fintech, a weekend program with campus immersion and capstone projects is the first joint program being offered under this collaboration. NAL and NISM will further offer other programs in areas such as Capital Markets, Risk Management, Financial Analysis, and Regulatory Frameworks, among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Director NISM Shri Sashi Krishnan said: “We are delighted to collaborate with NSE Academy to launch the PG Certificate Program in Fintech, a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in the financial sector. This program, carefully curated with specialized modules such as AI, Block chain, Cybersecurity, Generative AI, and Data Analytics, provides a robust foundation for understanding and applying emerging technologies in finance. At NISM, we remain committed to excellence in financial education, and this collaboration marks a transformative milestone in preparing future-ready talent for the financial markets.”

Speaking on the occasion, Registrar NISM Shri Sunil Kadam said: “We are proud to collaborate with NSE Academy to launch the PG Certificate Program in Fintech. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation and building a future-ready workforce for the financial sector. By combining cutting-edge technologies like AI, Block chain, and Cybersecurity with hands-on learning and real-world applications, this program equips participants with the skills needed to excel in the dynamic fintech ecosystem. Together, we aim to empower professionals to lead the transformative changes shaping India’s financial markets.”

Speaking on the occasion, CEO NSE Academy Ltd. Shri Abhilash Misra said: “NSE Academy and NISM have a shared vision of building future ready talent, and this partnership represents a significant advancement in fostering a more knowledgeable and proficient workforce within India’s rapidly evolving BFSI sector. It is a privilege to collaborate with NISM, nation’s premier institution to provide these specialized programs, which will address the skill gap in the markets.”