JBCN Mulund’s Cyclothon Brings 100 Families Together for a Greener Mumbai
1st April, 2025 Mumbai: JBCN International School, Mulund, brought together learners, parents, and staff for an engaging Cyclothon to advocate for sustainable urban living and climate action. This inspiring journey began in December with a masterclass by Mumbai’s first Bicycle Mayor, Firoza Dadan, a climate action trailblazer. She shared her mission for sustainable mobility through the Smart Commute Foundation’s Cycle Chala City Bacha initiative, aiming to make cycling a preferred mode of commute and a way of life in Mumbai, planting the seed for Cyclothon 1.0. Held on Sunday morning, the Cyclothon was an exciting step towards promoting cleaner air and sustainable forms of mobility, especially cycling.
Dr. Viswanathan Iyer, Neurosurgeon and Bicycle Mayor of Mumbai, a proponent of cycling as an eco-friendly and fast mode of transport, spearheaded the event. In support of the movement, Decathlon Viviana partnered with JBCN International School to encourage families and help normalise the practice of cycling in their everyday lives.
The Cyclothon kicked off at 6:30 AM, with more than 150 participants – nearly 100 families – coming together to advocate for change through action. Riding through a thoughtfully curated route, they set a new example for their young learners, highlighting the importance of cyclist-friendly urban spaces and a sustainable lifestyle.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Viswanathan Iyer, said, ” ’Catch them young’ was the mantra. The young children are very aware of sustainability and pollution control, and what better way to show that than a Cyclothon. JBCN International School has taken an initiative worth emulating.”
Ms. Padma Negi, Principal, JBCN International School, Mulund, expressed immense pride in the initiative, stating, “At JBCN, we are proud that our learners are the future, and they understand the importance of sustainable practices from a young age. This Cyclothon is a step towards making eco-friendly commuting an everyday reality. It is truly heartening to see our learners and parents actively participating in this mission.”
The morning concluded with an exciting lucky draw, where two fortunate families won brand-new bicycles, courtesy of Decathlon, Viviana Mall. Adding to the energy of the event, Max Protein partnered to fuel participants with nutritious snacks, further highlighting the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.
With the overwhelming response and impact generated, JBCN International School, Mulund, continues to spearhead initiatives that shape the Changemakers of tomorrow. The school remains steadfast in its mission to inspire young minds to lead by example – one pedal at a time!
BIG FM Hosts 3rd Edition of BIG Impact Awards, Honoring Industry Pioneers
National, 01st April 2025: BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, successfully hosted the third edition of BIG Impact Awards in Delhi, at Pride Plaza Hotel. The event recognized entrepreneurs, visionaries and businesses making significant contributions to their respective industries, leaving a lasting impression on the society. The evening witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Chirag Paswan, Minister for Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, PP/DoPT, Atomic Energy, Space, along with Bollywood actresses Chitrangada Singh and Sayali Bhagat who applauded the achievements of the winners. The event also witnessed the special presence of Globally acclaimed Astrologer and Motivational Speaker Dr. Jai Madaan who received an award of BIG Impact Creator in her field.
Bringing together top industry leaders, innovators and changemakers, the evening was a perfect confluence of networking, recognition and thought leadership. Guided by philosophy of ‘Recognizing Unconventional Excellence’, the BIG Impact Awards have become a leading platform for honouring individuals and organizations that set new benchmarks in business, technology and social impact while driving meaningful change. Winners across multiple categories received the prestigious BIG Impact Trophy, solidifying their leadership in their fields, while the awards fostered collaboration and connections.
Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, shared his enthusiasm for the occasion, stating, “The BIG Impact Awards Delhi isn’t just about recognition—it’s about celebrating the bold thinkers, the risk-takers and the changemakers who are redefining success. Leadership today isn’t measured by titles but by impact, by the ability to challenge the status quo and push industries forward. We’re proud to honour these trailblazers who don’t just adapt to change—they drive it. Congratulations to all the winners for setting new standards of excellence.”
The success of the event was made possible by the unwavering support of its esteemed sponsors. Presented by Finkeda – Digital Banking Services, it was co-powered by Goldiee Group and supported by CCI – India. Powered by Sikho HiiMS, T-Series served as the Associate Partner, while Mann enhanced the experience as the Luxury Fleet Partner. Together, these valued partners played a pivotal role in elevating the event and making it truly memorable.
Check out the complete list of winners below:
Category | Winner |
BIG Impact Creator with excellence in Health & Wellness Manufacturing | Amandeep Singh, Director, Amaara Botanicals Pvt. Ltd |
BIG Impact Creator in the Category of Exceptional Eye Care in India | Team of Sharp Sight |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Events & Celebrity Management | Sanjay Malik, Managing Director, Malik Music Events |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Content Creation Gadgets Industry | Mr. Amit Kumar Saraff, Managing Dierctor, Digitech |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Seven Generations of Excellence in jewellery industry | Devansh Dave, Director, Unison Jewels |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Frozen Chaap Manufacturer and Exporter | Mr. Chanderkant Gupta, Owner, Maharaja Chaap |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Iconic Pure Veg North Indian Restaurant | Deepak Chadha, Owner , Punjabi Angithi by Vegorama Group |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Innovation of Food & Snacks | Sanjeev Aggarwal, Founder, Aggarwal Namkeen |
BIG impact creator in the category of building luxury residences – Navraj Group | Nitin Yadav, Director, Navraj Group |
BIG Impact Creator In the category of Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery | Uttam Kedia , Owner, Aparna Diamonds |
BIG Impact Creator in Numerology & Vastu | Kaneeka Narendra Dhillon, Owner, Kaneeka N Bansal |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Popular Cafe & Gelato | Rinchen Wongdhen, Owner, Wongdhen Cafe |
BIG Impact Creator in the Category of Most Durable Kitchens and Wardrobes |
Rohan Sharma, Founder, FAMA LUXURY |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of 360 Degree Advertising & Branding Solution | Rajesh Joshi, Director, Chariot Media |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Luxury Real Estate Consultancy | Dilpreet Singh, Owner, 30YARDS.IN |
BIG impact Creator in the Category of residential & commercial projects in Real Estate | Ravi Kumar, Owner, RK Realty |
BIG Impact Creator in Orthopediatrics, Dwarka and Najafgarh | Dr. Harsh Singh |
BIG Impact Creator in Orthopediatrics, Shalimar Bagh | Dr. Kuldeep Malik |
BIG Impact Creator in Orthopediatrics, South Delhi | Dr. Apoorv Dua |
BIG Impact Creator in Gynaecology, South Delhi | Dr. Sunita Arora |
BIG Impact Creator in Gynaecology, Punjabi Bagh | Dr. Sandhana Singhal |
BIG Impact Creator in Paediatrics | Dr. Subhash Chandra |
BIG Impact Creator in the field of IVF, Delhi | Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour |
BIG Impact Creator in Diabetology and Primary Care | Dr. Abha Mishra |
BIG Impact Creator in Gynaecology, Gurgaon | Dr. Ankita Wanchoo Khatri |
BIG Impact Creator in IVF, Delhi NCR | Dr. Abha Majumdar |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Most Trusted AI Based Tele ICU Services | Dr. Niraj Mishra, Founder and CEO, and Mr. Nigam Gupta, Founder and Managing Director, NNIAC |
BIG Impact Creator in the category of Excellence Prestigious & Renowned University in North India | On behalf of Dr. Mahipal Yadav, Chancellor, Sanskaram University, Jhajjar |
BIG Impact Creator for excellence in play area and party zone in kids | Anushree Mehrotra,Founder-Kinderland Company |
BIG Impact Creator Astrology and Motivational Speaking |
DR. Jai Madaan |
Mumbai Real Estate Sees Record Stamp Duty, Premium Sales in FY25
Mumbai’s real estate market capped off FY 2024–25 on a robust note, clocking over 15,603 property registrations in March 2025, a 10.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase, according to data from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) accessed by Knight Frank India.
Stamp duty collections for the month touched ₹1,597 crore, the highest ever recorded in a single month, reflecting a 45% YoY surge. The record-breaking revenue was primarily driven by a notable rise in high-value property transactions and sustained demand for premium homes.
On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, March saw property registrations rise by 29%, while stamp duty collections jumped 71%, making it the most active month for Mumbai’s real estate market in the past year. Residential properties accounted for 80% of the total registrations in March, underscoring the strong sentiment among homebuyers.
The daily stamp duty collections grew from ₹35 crore in April 2024 to ₹52 crore in March 2025, while daily property registrations rose from 388 to 503 units during the same period, reinforcing the trend of increased traction in the mid-to-premium housing segments.
For the entire financial year FY 2024–25, Mumbai recorded 143,948 property registrations, marking a 9% YoY growth compared to 132,723 registrations in the previous fiscal. Stamp duty collections for the year increased by 22%, further validating the market’s shift towards higher-value transactions.
Here is what real estate industry leaders have to say:
Mr. Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra
“The consistent rise in Mumbai’s property registrations, surpassing the 15,000 mark in March 2025, is a strong testimony to the city’s enduring real estate appeal. The 10.3% YoY growth in registrations and a remarkable 45% surge in stamp duty collections reflect both the growing aspiration for homeownership and the significant momentum in premium housing. This performance, driven by stable economic conditions, robust infrastructure development, and growing confidence in the market, reaffirms that Mumbai continues to lead India’s real estate transformation. We expect this momentum to accelerate further with anticipated interest rate easing and continued government push for urban infrastructure.”Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers
“The impressive growth in property registrations and stamp duty collections in March 2025 clearly indicates a shift in buyer sentiment towards quality living and long-term investment. With a rise in transactions for high-value homes and an increasing preference for larger apartments, it’s evident that homebuyers are prioritizing comfort, lifestyle, and future-ready infrastructure. We have seen a similar uptick in demand across our premium developments, especially in well-connected suburban micro-markets. This data underlines the growing maturity of Mumbai’s real estate market.”Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner, Sugee Group
“The March 2025 property registration numbers is a reflection of Mumbai’s real estate strength and the increasing buyer confidence in long-term investments. A 22% YoY growth in stamp duty collection for the full financial year clearly shows an upswing in high-value transactions, and we’re witnessing this trend across premium micro-markets including Central Suburbs. The rise in demand for larger homes is particularly encouraging, as it reinforces the growing preference for spacious living in the city’s evolving urban fabric. Our projects have been strategically positioned to cater to this very need, and the market response has been very encouraging.”Mr. Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group
“Mumbai’s increased property registration numbers and rising demand for spacious apartments are indicative of a strong, evolving housing market. The surge highlights the aspirational shift of today’s homebuyer, who is now more inclined toward investing in premium, well-located properties. We have always believed in offering value with design, and the current trend validates the need for thoughtfully designed homes that align with changing lifestyle aspirations.”
Gartner Forecasts GenAI Spending to Hit INR 644 Billion in 2025
STAMFORD, Conn., April 1, 2025 — Worldwide generative AI (GenAI) spending is expected to total $644 billion in 2025, an increase of 76.4% from 2024, according to a forecast by Gartner, Inc.
“Expectations for GenAI’s capabilities are declining due to high failure rates in initial proof-of-concept (POC) work and dissatisfaction with current GenAI results,” said John-David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “Despite this, foundational model providers are investing billions annually to enhance GenAI models’ size, performance, and reliability. This paradox will persist through 2025 and 2026.
“Ambitious internal projects from 2024 will face scrutiny in 2025, as CIOs opt for commercial off-the-shelf solutions for more predictable implementation and business value. Despite model improvements, CIOs will reduce POC and self-development efforts, focusing instead on GenAI features from existing software providers.” said Lovelock.
GenAI spending is poised for significant growth across all core markets and submarkets in 2025 (see Table 1). GenAI will have a transformative impact across all aspects of IT spending markets, suggesting a future where AI technologies become increasingly integral to business operations and consumer products.
Table 1. Worldwide GenAI Spending Forecast (Millions of U.S. Dollars)
2024 Spending |
2024 Growth (%) |
2025 Spending |
2025 Growth (%) |
|
Services | 10,569 | 177.0 | 27,760 | 162.6 |
Software | 19,164 | 255.1 | 37,157 | 93.9 |
Devices | 199,595 | 845.5 | 398,323 | 99.5 |
Servers | 135,636 | 154.7 | 180,620 | 33.1 |
Overall GenAI | 364,964 | 336.7 | 643,860 | 76.4 |
AI Capable Consumer Devices to Drive GenAI Spending
GenAI spending in 2025 will be driven largely by the integration of AI capabilities into hardware, such as servers, smartphones and PCs, with 80% of GenAI spending going towards hardware.
“The market’s growth trajectory is heavily influenced by the increasing prevalence of AI-enabled devices, which are expected to comprise almost the entire consumer device market by 2028,” said Lovelock. “However, consumers are not chasing these features. As the manufacturers embed AI as a standard feature in consumer devices, consumers will be forced to purchase them.”
Gartner’s GenAI spending forecast methodology relies heavily on rigorous analysis of the sales by over a thousand vendors across the entire range of GenAI products and services. Gartner uses primary research techniques, complemented by secondary research sources, to build a comprehensive database of market size data on which to base its forecast.
The Gartner GenAI spending forecast delivers a unique perspective on GenAI spending across the hardware, software and IT services segments. These reports help Gartner clients understand market opportunities and challenges. The most recent GenAI spending forecast research is available to Gartner clients in “Forecast Alert: GenAI IT Spending, 2023-2028, Worldwide.”
Additional leadership trends will be presented during Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, the world’s most important conference for CIOs and other IT executives. Gartner analysts and attendees will explore the technology, insights and trends shaping the future of IT and business, including AI, business transformation, cybersecurity, customer experience, data analytics, executive leadership and more. Follow news and updates from the conferences on X using #GartnerSYM, and on the Gartner Newsroom.
Upcoming dates and locations for Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo include:
September 8-10, 2025 | Gold Coast, Australia
October 20-23, 2025 | Orlando, FL
October 28-30, 2025 | Tokyo, Japan
November 10-13, 2025 | Barcelona, Spain
November 17-19, 2025 | Kochi, India
MSM Unify Expands with New Office in Gurugram
Gurugram, April 1st, 2025 – Global education and edtech leader MSM Unify has announced the opening of a new office in Gurugram, Sector 32, as part of its ongoing expansion in India. This new office, covering 10,000 sq. ft., will facilitate MSM Group’s growing presence in the country. The new facility aims to streamline the application process and provide a dedicated platform for Indian students aspiring to study abroad.
MSM Group is looking to hire 250 employees to strengthen its Global Marketing Office (GMO) for its partners and Franchise expansion team. Apart from Gurugram, MSM has laid ambitious expansion plans across India to open two offices in Noida and Ahmedabad, leasing over 20,000 sq. ft. of area to set up these operations.
Commenting on the launch Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Group, said, ” India is a key hub for international institutions seeking talented students, with one of the youngest and most inspirational populations globally. We are investing in infrastructure to empower both students and institutions in India and around the world. Our Gurugram expansion will play a vital role in supporting Indian students on their journey to pursue global education opportunities. We aim to strengthen our education sector partners and offer a sustainable, scalable growth platform within India.”
This expansion is part of MSM Group’s broader strategy to launch franchise opportunities for partners in the education sector, leveraging its expertise as a leader in sustainable recruitment and internationalization solutions. MSM’s solutions include in-country offices, the AI-powered edtech platform MSM Unify, pathways, public-private partnerships, and global education services, supporting over 1,500 partner institutions in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. MSM has helped more than 190,000 students worldwide since its inception in 2012.
Wonderla Bengaluru Unveils ‘Mission Interstellar’ India’s Largest LED Screen
Bengaluru, April 1, 2025: Wonderla Holidays Ltd., India’s largest amusement park chain, is proud to introduce Mission Interstellar—a next-generation flying space voyage experience at Wonderla Bengaluru. Designed to transport visitors beyond the stars, this state-of-the-art attraction is India’s largest LED-based immersive screen theatre, promising to redefine amusement and leisure in India. The entire installation and integration have been executed by Wonderla’s in-house engineering team, ensuring precision, quality, and world-class safety standards. To celebrate this milestone, Wonderla hosted an exclusive launch event at Wonderla Bengaluru featuring popular actress Ashika Ranganath, Arun K. Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & MD, Dheeran Choudhary, COO, Rudresh H S- Park Head- Bangalore, Wonderla Holidays Ltd.
Key Highlights of Mission Interstellar:
- Massive Immersive Screen: The ride features a 22m x 15m curved LED screen, offering unparalleled clarity and a 3500 sq. ft. enclosure that mimics a realistic spacecraft
- Cutting-Edge Motion Technology: A hydraulic lift seating system for 60 guests, imported from Italy, elevates riders 40 feet into the air, synchronizing movement with high-tech laser projections and environmental effects such as wind for a fully immersive flying sensation
- Powerful Sound System: A 46,000-watt sound system delivers a multisensory experience, amplifying the realism of space travel
- Architectural Marvel: Housed within an 8-story dome-shaped structure with a 23-meter-high roof, this attraction is a first-of-its-kind in India
- Comfort and Convenience: A 6500 sq. ft. air-conditioned space with a preview hall and queue area ensures guest comfort
The launch of Mission Interstellar comes just ahead of Wonderla’s 25th anniversary, underscoring its legacy of innovation and excellence in amusement park experiences. Since its inception, Wonderla has revolutionized the entertainment industry, bridging the gap between thrill-seeking adventures and family-friendly fun. With over 43+ million visitors and counting to date across its park, Wonderla remains India’s most-visited amusement park chain, continually setting new benchmarks for immersive entertainment.
Commenting on the launch, Arun K. Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & MD, Wonderla Holidays Ltd. said, “With Mission Interstellar, we are ushering in a new era of immersive entertainment that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with excitement. Over the years, Wonderla has evolved to meet the ever-changing expectations of visitors, and Mission Interstellar is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class experiences. As we look forward to celebrating 25 years of Wonderla this year, this launch marks a flagship addition to our journey and sets the stage for an ambitious roadmap ahead. At the same time, safety remains our top priority—from ride selection and installation to rigorous daily inspections and staff training, we adhere to the highest global standards to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience for our guests. With this unwavering focus on innovation, safety, and guest satisfaction, Wonderla continues to redefine entertainment, bringing joy, thrill, and magic to millions of visitors.”
IREDA Loan Sanctions Up 27% to Rs 47,453 Crore in FY 2024-25
Mumbai, 1st April 2025: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) today reported significant growth in its financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, as per provisional data.
Loan sanctions for FY 2024-25 stood at ₹47,453 crore, marking a 27% increase from ₹37,354 crore in the previous year. Loan disbursements rose by 20% to ₹30,168 crore, compared to ₹25,089 crore in FY 2023-24. The outstanding loan book also expanded by 28%, reaching ₹76,250 crore as of March 31, 2025, up from ₹59,698 crore in the previous year.
Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA, stated, “Announcing IREDA’s annual performance on the last day of the financial year underscores our strong commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance and transparency with our investors. IREDA’s consistent growth in loan sanctions, disbursements, and loan book reflects our strong dedication to financing renewable energy projects. We remain committed to supporting India’s clean energy transition through innovative and accessible financing solutions.”
“I sincerely thank Hon’ble Union Minister; Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy; Secretary, MNRE; our Board of Directors; Regulators; and officials of MNRE and other ministries for their unwavering support. I appreciate the dedication and relentless efforts of the Team IREDA, whose commitment drives our success”, Shri Das added.
Dalmia Bharat Hits 49.5 MTPA Production Capacity Target by FY25
Mumbai, 1st April 2025: Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), India’s leading cement company, has achieved its target of 49.5MTPA for FY25 with the commencement of commercial production of an additional 0.5 MTPA at its Rohtas Cement Works (RCW) plant in Bihar effective 30th March 2025. This strategic expansion with an investment of Rs. 96 crores at the existing integrated unit increases the plant’s total capacity to 1.6 MTPA. The commissioning of Line 2 reinforces DBL’s commitment to strengthening its market presence in the Eastern region and aligns with its long-term vision of scaling capacity to 110-130 MTPA by 2031.
Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said: “Our growth in the East reflects our strong belief in the region’s development potential. With this expansion, we are enhancing our ability to support key infrastructure projects and contribute to economic progress in the region. This milestone reinforces our long-term vision for sustainable and strategic growth. I am pleased to announce that we have successfully reached our target of 49.5 million tonnes by FY’25, marking another key achievement in our expansion journey.”
Dalmia Bharat has a strong footprint in the East with manufacturing units in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. This expansion will enhance the company’s ability to cater to the increasing infrastructure demands in the East, across sectors such as roads, railways and airports. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to the region’s economic development. Dalmia Bharat remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability and delivering high-quality cement solutions to meet India’s growing infrastructure needs.
Hitchki Launches The Big Bollywood Trivia Night Every Tuesday
Mumbai, [1st April , 2025]: Hitchki, known for its Bollywood-inspired vibe and innovative experience, is set to turn up the drama with ‘The Big Bollywood Trivia Night’, a weekly celebration of Hindi cinema, nostalgia, and friendly competition across outlets in Mumbai.
In collaboration with Ace of Pubs, this exciting trivia night promises an engaging mix of Bollywood-themed questions, covering iconic films, unforgettable dialogues, legendary actors, and chartbuster songs. Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or simply love a good challenge, this event guarantees an evening of entertainment, laughter, and great food.
Event Details:
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Hitchki BKC, Thane, Powai
How It Works:
- Multiple themed trivia rounds covering Bollywood movies, songs, dialogues, and more.
- Teams compete by writing down their answers as the host presents exciting challenges.
- The team with the highest score at the end of the night wins a LIIT from Hitchki’s menu.
Why You Can’t Miss It:
- The Ultimate Bollywood Showdown – Test your knowledge of Hindi cinema in a high-energy, interactive format.
- Break the Midweek Blues – Enjoy a lively Tuesday night out with friends.
So, gather your team, brush up on your filmy gyaan, and get ready to own the trivia stage. Visit Hitchki every Tuesday at 8 PM and prove you’re the true ‘Bollywood Boss’!