31st March 2025 witnessed a very unique event where 17 geniuses from across the country came to Mumbai to discuss India@2047 and how they would shape the future of the country. The brightest minds between the age group of 14-18, are part of the Lodha Genius Programme. In a two hour long chat with Abhishek Lodha, they discussed their vision of India at its 100th year of Independence and also how to retain talent in the country.

Up until now, India@2047 conversation has been limited to bureaucrats, politicians, technocrats and even industrialists, most of whom would have reached certain age by 2047. The event, which was held at World Towers, had the future of country discuss India@2047. The event had children from all strata of the society and from different parts of the country. All the participants are geniuses in their own right, who want to grow up and become researchers, scientists and be part of the change.

The Lodha Genius Programme is a multi-year educational programme that is fully funded and nurtures India’s brightest young minds from Grade 9 to their early career. The programme provides the students with a unique blend of immersive science and mathematics curriculum, practical life skills courses, sustained and regular support from mentors and exclusive access to prestigious internship opportunities.

The programme complements all major examination boards, enabling students to take their studies further and to understand the career paths available to them in their chosen fields. When a student joins the Lodha Genius Programme, they become a member of an exclusive community that grows into a strong, supportive network of mentors and peers as they progress in their studies and careers.

The Programme is a joint initiative between Lodha Foundation and Ashoka University. It is funded by Lodha Foundation. In the past three years, the Foundation has supported over 200 students achieve their potential and continues to work with them closely to take our nation forward.

The Foundation’s core goal is to enable India to become a developed nation by 2047. To realize this vision, the Foundation focuses on three key areas:

• Education & Innovation excellence for India’s most capable minds
• Environment
• Indian Culture

Quotes on the vision of India@2047 (from the event):

Abhishek Lodha, Managing Director and CEO of Macrotech Developers (Lodha):

“Working in close collaboration with the most talented youth of our country, the Lodha Foundation hopes to makes a significant contribution to achieve the goal of India as a developed nation by 2047. We define developed nation status as strong achievement on 3 key indicators: a. GDP per capita b. Happiness and Life Satisfaction ratings c. Environmental Performance Rating. This holistic vision of development, wherein the most capable and gifted serve the rest of society to the fullest, is deeply rooted in the Indian ethos of ‘Parokar

Parmo Dharma’ – Service to others is the highest duty. This is my dream and vision of India@2047 and I am certain that the bright minds will be able to make this happen in the next two decades.”

Anshveer Bindra, Lodha Genius Programme Cohort 2024

“By 2047, I envision an India that is not merely participating in global scientific discourse but leading it, setting the agenda, defining the great questions, and pioneering the most profound breakthroughs of the century. I do not want India to compete with the best; I want India to be the best—better than anything the world has ever seen.

But for this to happen, we must first recognize where the world has failed. Science today, particularly in large economies, is often viewed through the lens of utility. Research is funded based on immediate applications, short-term profitability, and technological spin-offs. This is a fundamental mistake. The most revolutionary discoveries in human history did not arise because someone was looking for profit; they arose because someone was curious.

There was a time when quantum mechanics was seen as an abstract, philosophical puzzle—strange mathematical formalism describing things we could never hope to see. No one imagined it would lead to semiconductors, lasers, or the entire digital world we now live in. General relativity was formulated to understand the nature of gravity, not to make GPS satellites work with extreme precision. When Maxwell unified electricity and magnetism, he had no intention of creating the wireless communication systems that now connect the entire world.

The pattern is clear: the greatest scientific revolutions are never driven by immediate goals. They come from the pursuit of understanding itself. And yet, most of the world has lost sight of this. Research is increasingly tied to short-term economic outcomes, suppressing the kind of deep, fundamental exploration that leads to real transformation.

India has a chance to take a different path. If we choose to invest in curiosity-driven research, if we choose to fund the kind of science that does not have an immediate return but pushes the boundaries of what is possible, we will not just catch up with global scientific leaders—we will surpass them. We will create the world’s most powerful research ecosystem, one that does not just refine old ideas but generates new paradigms of thought.”

 Alethia Rodrigues, Lodha Genius Programme Cohort 2023 and 2024

 “By the time of 2047, I imagine India, as a developed country unique to its own kind, that is a leader in most fields known to mankind. One title or phrase that always echoes in my mind, when thinking about such questions is Homegrown technology, one that drives our aerospace, defense and space industries- where we’re not just launching satellites but leading deep-space exploration missions.

Beyond technological advancements, I also hope for an India, where education is implemented through a broad array of lenses beyond just textbook learning- a learning similar to the kind we received at Lodha Genius Program. I believe that, like how my interest was fueled by the experiences I had pertaining to my field through the course of these two years, developing a sheer passion and ability to go beyond conventional thought processes, would motivate young minds to tackle real-world problems.

Being someone currently experiencing this dilemma, I believe, one very crucial thing India lacks today is educational capacity. Therefore, for my vision of India in another decade of years, something I dream of, is an India that is an educational hub, with competent universities, where students don’t have to go abroad for opportunities, but have the world looking to us for expertise. With increased R&D investments and funds allocated to the research sector, India has the scope to foster a revolutionary education system that propels innovations and scientific investigations.”

Sadhika Naorem, Lodha Genius Programme Cohort 2024

“In 2047, I envision an India where, alongside conventional education, skill-based learning is also emphasised. I believe that students should be exposed to a whole spectrum of jobs, and be made to learn the skills that are applied in each. They should be made aware of job creation possibilities, be able to think outside the box and even have a start-up based on their own unique talents and abilities. School should be an enabling environment that hones their abilities, so that in the future, they aren’t just job seekers but job providers too. In 2047, I want India to be a global superpower—not merely in terms of science and technology, but in terms of humanitarian values.

Patience, humility, acceptance for all, etc. should be ingrained in us from the very beginning. And I envision a future where initiatives like Lodha Genius Programme are a part of school itself, and are not required separately. LGP is, without a doubt, an excellent initiative, but its benefits are only available to a microscopic percentage of students. If this exposure can be integrated into school systems, then not only will the student populace benefit, but India as a whole can grow.”

 Yaadvi Chopra, Lodha Genius Programme Cohort 2024

“By 2047, India will have established itself as a global leader in achieving the SDGs and will have reduced poverty to nearly half of its current level, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society. I envision India as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, where poverty is eradicated through large-scale job creation. With a thriving startup ecosystem and strong government-industry collaboration, India will be the birthplace of groundbreaking businesses that drive economic growth and social change. Investment in technology, education, and sustainable industries will ensure that every citizen has access to good healthcare facilities, quality education, financial stability, and a high standard of living. Through proper skill development and a vast entrepreneurial pool, India will not only retain its brightest minds but also attract global talent, making it a leader in innovation and prosperity.”

 Yash Varshney, Lodha Genius Programme Cohort 2024

In 2047, a century hence, I want to see an India that is prosperous, self-reliant, and yet sorry for its own. My vision about the future of India is founded on three simple pillars- empowered individuals, sustainable communities, and intellectual resilience which I aim at contributing to during my journey from now until 2047. Despite technology paving the way for progress, I still believe that it is people at the end of the day who shall make the difference toward total upliftment. I dream of enlightened classrooms where critical thinking and emotional intelligence have made holistic education beyond the reach of a subject or syllabus-the textbooks and tests become non-sensorial. To me, leadership is not all about technical know-how, but empathy with strong emotional quotient and depth of thought and reflection. Enabling spaces for students to realize their expression, argumentation, and real-world problem solving is a part of my ambition to contribute to a future where Indian youth has both intellectual resilience and the necessary empathy to lead with compassion. I envision India in 2047 as a care-oriented innovator and resilient society-a society in which technology and growth touch on human-centeredness. My contribution will be minimal but will focus on those things that will have long-term impacts that I can make through nurturing people, promoting sustainability, and building a bridge between communities, urban and rural.

The Delhi-NCR real estate market has witnessed a remarkable transformation since 2021, with capital values surging dramatically while rental appreciation follows at a more measured pace. According to recent data from ANAROCK, this growing disparity between capital and rental appreciation is reshaping investment perspectives across the region’s micro markets.

The most notable illustration of this pattern is Sector-150 in Noida, which has seen an astounding 128% rise in capital prices since 2021. There is a notable discrepancy between the two growth rates, though, since rental prices for typical 1,000 square foot, two-bedroom apartments in the same area have increased by just 66% over this time.

Several additional noteworthy locations in Delhi-NCR that exhibit comparable trends are highlighted in the ANAROCK research. The capital and rental prices of Gurugram’s Golf Course Extension Road have risen by 112% and 73%, respectively. In contrast, Dwarka Expressway saw a 70% increase in rents and a 98% increase in capital values.

Rental yields in these micro-markets have been directly influenced by the disparity in growth rates. Before 2021, rental yields in Delhi-NCR’s upscale neighbourhoods were between 3 to 3.5%. Pure rental income is now less appealing to investors due to the present situation, which has squeezed these returns to about 2-2.5% in most places.

According to the analysis, there are a number of reasons for this increase in capital value, including as the increased demand for bigger homes after the pandemic, the scarcity of new supply in desirable areas, and rising building prices. The rise in premium sectors’ capital has been further stimulated by the influx of NRI investments.
End users will face more obstacles to becoming homes as a result, and investors will need to adjust their expectations for returns. According to the analysis, rental income no longer accounts for a larger portion of total returns than long-term capital gain.

According to ANAROCK, steady demand and growing development expenses will likely keep capital values on their upward trend even though the gap between capital and rental growth may narrow slightly in the future. However, as more completed inventory becomes available and job prospects grow in commercial centres around Delhi-NCR, rental prices are anticipated to increase more quickly in the upcoming quarters.

Sudeep Bhatt, Director – Strategy, Whiteland Corporation, says, “The significant disparity between the growth in capital values and rental values in real estate markets like Gurugram can be attributed to various factors. For instance, the market is driven by demand from both domestic and international buyers, rapid infrastructure development and government-led initiatives that support growth. The primary reason behind this trend is investor confidence and the high ROI seen in luxury and high-end developments, which fuel capital appreciation more than rental yield. Gurugram’s position as a corporate hub continues to drive housing demand—especially in the premium and luxury segments—leading to sharp capital value appreciation. This strong focus on upscale developments and infrastructure expansion enhances Gurugram’s appeal as a major real estate destination, driving capital values more significantly than rentals.

This evolving dynamic underscores the changing nature of real estate investment in the region, where timing and location selection have become increasingly critical factors for maximizing returns in a market characterized by divergent growth patterns.

Mr. Abhishek Singh, Director- V3 Infrasol “The widening gap between capital appreciation and rental growth in Delhi-NCR highlights a crucial shift in investor sentiment. While capital values continue to surge due to strong end-user demand, infrastructure upgrades, and NRI investments, rental yields have been unable to keep pace. This dynamic suggests that investors must now adopt a more long-term perspective, focusing on wealth creation through capital gains rather than relying solely on rental income. Markets like Gurugram and Noida remain prime destinations, but strategic asset selection will be key to optimizing returns in this evolving landscape.”

Mr. Gaurav K Singh, Founder and Chairman, Womeki Group , “The sharp rise in capital values across Delhi-NCR, particularly in premium micro-markets like Noida and Gurugram, is a testament to strong investor confidence and the region’s rapid infrastructure growth. While rental yields have not kept pace, capital appreciation remains a major driver for real estate investments. Developers are adapting to this trend by focusing on premium and high-end residential projects that cater to evolving buyer expectations. As connectivity improves and commercial hubs expand, we anticipate a more balanced growth trajectory, with rental demand catching up in the coming years.”

March 31,2025:Get ready for a week packed with drama, twists, and edge-of-the-seat moments in &TV’s Bheem – Andhkaar se Adhikaar Tak, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai! With shocking revelations and unexpected turns, the upcoming tracks will keep you hooked till the end. Tejaswini Singh aka Bheema shares, “Bheema (Tejaswini Singh) takes a stand against upper-caste men who destroy a poor child’s home, exposing the deep-seated social injustices. In a surprising twist, Kailasha Bua (Neeta Mohindra) declares Bheema as the divine leader (Agua), creating a major rift in the village. While some villagers support Bheema, her parents suspect a hidden conspiracy. At school, Bheema faces mockery, leaving her heartbroken. Seeking solace, Dhaniya (Smita Sable) consoles her. As the village gathers for a crucial panchayat, Meera (Ayushi Jha) and Vishambhar (Vikram Dwivedi) try to help Bheema escape but get stopped. To protect her, Dhaniya locks Bheema inside. However, inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar’s teachings, Bheema refuses to stay silent. Kailasha Bua warns her that this is not just a battle against one person, but an entire village bound by rigid beliefs. Despite Dhaniya’s desperate pleas, Bheema steps out with unshakable determination, ready to face the storm while Dhaniya watches with a heavy heart. What will happen next?”

Yogesh Tripathi aka Daroga Happu Singh reveals, “Rajesh (Geetanjali Mishra) starts doubting her marriage when a friend tells her that the spark is gone and that Happu (Yogesh Tripathi) has lost interest in her. Feeling insecure, Rajesh vents her frustration on Happu, leaving him puzzled. Meanwhile, the kids come across an advertisement for a marriage counsellor promising to fix troubled relationships. They insist that Happu seek his help. Taking the counsellor’s advice, Happu plans a surprise date for Rajesh at a hotel, hoping to rekindle their romance. But things take a shocking turn when a mysterious woman shows up instead! Confusing her for Rajesh, Happu interacts with her—only to get blackmailed with incriminating photos later! Soon, Happu realizes that the so-called marriage counsellor is a fraud, and the woman demands he kidnap Commissioner Resham Pal (Kishore Bhanushali) or risk his marriage. Trapped, Happu turns to Beni (Vishwanath Chatterjee) for help, and together, they hatch a plan. But there’s another twist—Resham Pal has a newly appointed bodyguard, a martial arts expert! To execute their mission, Happu and Beni enlist Malaika (Sonal Panwar) to keep the bodyguard occupied. While Malaika succeeds, Happu and Beni kidnap the Commissioner and force the blackmailer to delete all evidence. Just when they think they’re in the clear, Malaika arrives with the bodyguard, setting off a chain of unexpected events! How will Happu get out of this mess?” Aasif Sheikh aka Vibhuti Narayan Mishra shares, “Vibhuti’s kind gesture deeply impresses Angoori (Shubhangi Atre), making her declare, ‘There is no one more noble and honest than Vibhuti in all of Kanpur!’ Anita (Vidisha Srivastava) is so convinced of Vibhuti’s loyalty that she tells Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour) that she would divorce him if he ever cheated on her. Meanwhile, Anita suggests adding excitement to their love life. Around the same time, a mysterious washerwoman (dhoban) arrives in the neighbourhood, always veiled. This sparks a mischievous idea—Anita disguises herself as the washerwoman and approaches Vibhuti!At the same time, Ammaji (Soma Rathod) advises Angoori on a new remedy for conceiving—she must feed sesame laddoos to a noble and honest man. That night, Anita (still disguised as the washerwoman) is in the bedroom with Vibhuti when Tiwari walks in! Seeing this, he assumes Vibhuti is having an affair and vows to expose him. Meanwhile, Angoori hears rumours about Vibhuti and, feeling betrayed, stops talking to him. Poor Vibhuti is clueless about why Angoori is ignoring him! Adding to the chaos, Tika (Vaibhav Mathur) and Tillu (Salim Zaidi) fall for the new washerwoman, but when they believe she is having an affair with Vibhuti, they beat him up in a jealous rage! Tiwari shares the scandal with Anita, convinced of Vibhuti’s betrayal. But Anita, unable to reveal her disguise, scolds Tiwari instead. Now, Tiwari is determined to prove Vibhuti’s guilt, while Anita struggles to keep the truth hidden. How will Vibhuti clear his name?

Tune in to Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, Monday to Friday, only on &TV! Don’t miss out!

March 31,2025:In a grand celebration of womanhood, Wordloom, in association with celebrity author Karan Puri, successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the Women Achievers’ Awards – SUTAA at the prestigious Radisson Hotel, Sec 29 Gurugram. This landmark event brought together inspiring women from various fields, recognising their remarkable contributions to society.

“SUTAA is not just an award ceremony; it’s a movement to celebrate and empower women. Through this platform, we aim to spotlight their journeys, struggles, and successes,” said Author Karan Puri, co-organiser of the event.

Adding to the prestige of the evening, Ms. Rajrani Malhotra, Mayor of Gurgaon, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event brought together an inspiring lineup of women achievers, including the actress Sayali Bhagat, globally renowned grooming expert Rita Gangwani, and acclaimed dancer Sangeeta Chatterjee, among many other prominent personalities and leading socialites of Delhi like BJP Spokesperson Vinay Chaudhary, Former BJP National Vice President Shyam Jaju.

The evening also featured insightful panel discussions, inspiring narratives, and engaging cultural performances, making it a memorable occasion. The presence of Delhi’s leading socialites and esteemed personalities further elevated the event’s significance.

Tapobrati Das Samaddar, Founder-Director of Wordloom Creative Ventures, exclaimed, “The 1st edition of SUTAA was a resounding success, setting the stage for future editions that will continue to honour and empower women from all walks of life. We are proud to bring together such remarkable women and look forward to growing this initiative in the future.”

With a stellar guest list and an unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, SUTAA has firmly established itself as a premier event, dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in India.

March 31, 2025, The “Let’s Spread Warmth at Puga” initiative, spearheaded by the Headlight Foundation in collaboration with Giesecke & Devrient MS India Pvt Ltd. (G&D), was successfully inaugurated today at the Govt. Nomadic Residential High School, Puga. This transformative project marks a significant milestone in addressing the educational and infrastructural challenges faced by the children of Ladakh’s high-altitude, remote regions.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Tsering Angchuk, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council  (LAHDC), Leh, and Mr. Karma Namdak, Councillor, Karzok to empower the future generations of Ladakh.

The “Let’s Spread Warmth at Puga” project focuses on installing high-efficiency heating systems in classrooms, ensuring a safe and warm learning environment for over 100 students who previously braved sub-zero temperatures to pursue their education. The newly inaugurated systems now provide much-needed relief from the harsh climatic conditions, allowing children to focus on their academic growth uninterrupted.

Rajendra Prasad, Co-Founder of the Headlight Foundation & Co-founder of Royal Bikers, shared, “Today’s success is a reflection of our collective efforts of everyone who believed in this mission. By creating a warm and supportive environment, we are giving the children of Puga a real opportunity to thrive.”

Manish Bhaskar, Co-founder of Headlight Foundation & Royal Bikers, stated, “Our love for Ladakh goes beyond its landscapes. It is about its people, its communities, and its future. Projects like this one are our way of giving back to a place that has given us so much.”

This initiative was supported by Giesecke & Devrient MS India Pvt Ltd. under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. G&D’s involvement reflects its commitment to fostering sustainable development in remote and underserved communities, driving meaningful change through targeted educational and infrastructural initiatives.

The Headlight Foundation draws its roots from the Royal Bikers community, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts whose journeys through Ladakh inspired a mission of giving back. Over the years, they have combined their passion for exploration with a deep sense of purpose, driving transformative projects like this one.

The inauguration event featured heartfelt speeches from the dignitaries and captivating cultural performances by the students of the school, symbolizing the warmth and joy this initiative brings to their lives.

March 31, 2025 – JSW MG Motor India, has announced a bold new stance for the MG Astor as ‘The Blockbuster SUV’ with its MY2025 Edition. This marks a paradigm shift highlighting the brand’s commitment to bringing an auto-tech masterpiece for its customers – blending exciting performance, sophistication, innovation and technology all into one package.

The Astor ‘Blockbuster SUV’ caters to discerning customers and early adopters with its MY2025 edition. The MG Astor is now the only SUV in its segment to offer a panoramic sunroof under INR 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom) with its new Shine variant. Further, the Select variant comes in with six airbags and premium Ivory Leatherette seats, for enhanced safety and comfort. SUV enthusiasts can visit their nearest JSW MG Motor India dealerships to enquire and book ‘The Blockbuster SUV’ at a starting price of INR 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 MG Astor is available with 1.5L MT & CVT and 1.3 Turbo AT powertrains.

Commenting on the development, Rakesh Sen, Director Sales and Operations, JSW MG Motor India, said, “Taking on a bold new stance, the MG Astor is the perfect car for early adopters looking for a perfect SUV. For those who seek more than practicality – the desire for elevated driving experience & sophistication. We understand that they are on the lookout for a car that reflects their rise, balances their aspiration with pragmatism, and turns every commute into a journey. The MG Astor delivers precisely that – a Blockbuster in motion.”

‘The Blockbuster SUV’ comes with over 50 Safety features, with the premium interiors and panoramic sunroof elevating the memorable driving experience to a new level of comfort. With a host of features paired with a pleasurable driving experience, MG Astor is also the first SUV in India to get a personal AI assistant and a host of 14 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.

MG Astor also offers a series of advanced teach features – Ventilated Seats in the front row, Wireless Charger, Wireless Android Auto & Apple Car Play, and Auto-dimming IRVM for additional security and convenience, along with an updated i-SMART 2.0 with Advanced User Interface for a holistic driving experience and 80+ connected features for a seamless and convenient driving experience. Among its standout features is the JIO Voice Recognition system, enabling advanced voice commands for Weather, Cricket updates, Calculator, Clock, Date/Day information, Horoscope, Dictionary, News and knowledge. The Anti-Theft feature, coupled with Digital Key functionality, ensures security even without a network connection.

Mr. Udit Jain, director, ONE Group Developers

Home loans play a pivotal role in home buying, particularly for end-users, as the majority rely on financing to purchase their dream homes. A reduction in interest rates directly impacts affordability, making homeownership more accessible and boosting demand across all segments of the housing market.

In its last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) review meeting, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points after maintaining a consecutive status quo for eleven meetings. This marked the beginning of a much-anticipated rate cut cycle, and we expect further reductions in the upcoming MPC meetings.

A sustained decline in interest rates is expected to act as a catalyst for the residential real estate sector in FY 2025-26. Lower home loan rates will not only reduce the overall cost of borrowing but also enhance loan eligibility, encouraging more buyers—both first-time homeowners and upgraders—to enter the market. Additionally, with increasing urbanization and strong demand for quality housing in metro and Tier II cities, favorable lending conditions will further accelerate the growth of the housing sector in the coming year.