Archives September 2025

Nirala World Sells Studio Apartments Worth 275 Crore in Soft Launch of Nirala Gateway, Greater Noida West

Delhi-NCR, 12th September 2024: Nirala World, a prominent real estate developer in India, announced that it sold studio apartments worth INR 275 crore at its Nirala Gateway project in Sector 12, Greater Noida West. Following the soft launch, all 400 studio apartment units released for sale were sold out.

Nirala World (1)
The project spans 10,400 sq. meters and is accessible by 3 sides via 130-meter, 80-meter, and 24-meter-wide roads and is situated  at Sri Rajesh Pilot Chowk with sector 12 and adjoining sector 10 in Greater Noida West which is a rising  hub of premium residential projects .

The  USP of the Project  is its location which is  in a prime corner of Sector 12, surrounded by a dense catchment of residents from established societies, institutional area, data centre and 150 acre IT hub  The Project also enjoys excellent connectivity to Noida, Gaur Chowk, the upcoming metro station in the area, the FNG Expressway, Delhi–Meerut National Highway, and is just a 40-minute drive from the upcoming Jewar Airport.  Nirala Gateway offers excellent connectivity, visibility and footfall.

The Nirala Gateway includes studio apartments ranging from 612 to 1,122 square feet in size. Prices start at INR 65 lakh, with delivery expected by 2029. The studio apartments feature a double-height lobby, restaurant, gym, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi, lending them a premium and ambient appeal.

Nirala Gateway is a comprehensive commercial project located in Sector 12, Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh. It is designed as a five-stage high-street shopping mall, featuring retail shops, anchor stores, restaurants, offices, and studio apartments. The project will include high-speed elevators and escalators, CCTV surveillance, and a modern gymnasium. The building will also be equipped with high-performance glazing and LED lighting.

According to Suresh Garg, CMD of Nirala World: “We are delighted with the tremendous response received during the soft launch of the studio apartments in Nirala Gateway. This project represents our inaugural large-scale commercial venture in Greater Noida West. It is expected to incur a construction cost of approximately ₹300 crore, with completion anticipated around 2029. We are confident that the project will become a landmark in Greater Noida West once completed.”

Since its inception in 1996, Nirala World has set new benchmarks in the real estate sector and earned a leading name among elite developers. Over nearly three decades, the company has successfully delivered more than 7,000 residential units. Committed to quality, timely delivery, and innovation, Nirala World continues to shape the real estate landscape with a rich portfolio of completed projects and a strong pipeline of future developments—consistently striving to exceed customer expectations.

Gartner Reveals Top Technologies Shaping Government AI Adoption

GOLD COAST, Australia, September 12, 2025 – Sovereign AI and AI agents are expected to shape public sector adoption of AI within the next two to five years, according to Gartner, Inc., a business and technology insights company. Both have reached the Peak of Inflated Expectations on the 2025 Gartner Hype Cycle for Government Services. 

Gartner Hype Cycles provide a graphic representation of the maturity and adoption of technologies and applications, and how they are potentially relevant to solving real business problems and exploiting new opportunities. Gartner Hype Cycle methodology gives a view of how a technology or application will evolve over time, providing a sound source of insight to manage its deployment within the context of specific business goals.

“Public sector leaders face mounting pressure to meet rising citizen expectations, navigate geopolitical uncertainty and do more with less resources,” said Dean Lacheca, VP Analyst at Gartner. “AI agents can address these challenges, but success will depend on bridging the gap between innovation ambitions and broader government priorities to ensure investments strengthen services, trust and resilience.”

Among the innovations Gartner has identified as having high potential for government organizations, prompt engineering is expected to reach mainstream adoption within the next two to five years and machine customers within five to 10 years (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Hype Cycle for Government Services 2025

Source: Gartner (September 2025)

Sovereign AI 

Sovereign AI refers to the efforts of nation states to invest in and progress their own development and use of AI to achieve their unique sovereign objectives. It enhances government operations through automation, modernizes processes to improve employee experience and accelerates citizen engagement.

Gartner predicts by 2028, 65% of governments worldwide will introduce some technological sovereignty requirements to improve independence and protect from extraterritorial regulatory interference. Sovereign AI aims to maximize AI value while reducing associated risks, especially for sovereign states that collaborate to achieve common goals. 

AI Agents

AI agents are autonomous or semiautonomous software entities that use AI techniques to perceive, make decisions, take actions and achieve goals in their digital or physical environments. They can help governments enhance service delivery, from processing citizen applications against policies and interpreting legislations, to automating routine tasks. 

Gartner predicts by 2029, 60% of government agencies globally will leverage AI agents to automate over half of the citizen transactional interactions, up from less than 10% in 2025. 

Government leaders must incorporate AI agents into strategic planning by first identifying where they can deliver the most value,” said Lacheca.Then run targeted pilots to manage expectations and address concerns from within the organization and from citizens. This should be followed by a clear roadmap to ensure initiatives progress beyond the pilot phase.” 

Prompt Engineering 

Prompt engineering involves providing text or image inputs to GenAI models to guide and constrain their responses, with well-structured prompts significantly enhancing response quality, performance and reliability. Governments can maximize returns on AI productivity tools by fostering AI literacy in their organizations by investing in context-specific prompt engineering skills and creating reusable prompt libraries to support effective prompt development.

“Governments are investing in AI solutions that work best when users create clear context-specific prompts,” said Lacheca. “They shouldn’t invest in AI solutions if they’re not willing to invest in the development of strong prompt engineering capabilities within their organizations.”

Machine Customer
Machine customers are nonhuman economic actors that purchase goods or services on behalf of people or organizations. Gartner predicts three billion B2B internet-connected machines can act as customers today, growing to eight billion by 2030. Governments will need the ability to authenticate, provide services and regulate machine customers. For example, the proposed electric vehicle road use tax in Australia could be administered by the vehicle reporting operations directly to the government.

“Government leaders need to identify where adoption of machine customers by citizens and industries will require the reimagination of regulatory enforcement and service delivery,” said Lacheca. “Existing government service delivery models will be disrupted, creating ethical, legal and accountability challenges. Governments can’t afford to be caught unprepared for the rise of machine customers.”

Gartner clients can read more in the report Hype Cycle for Government Services, 2025.

Learn more about how governments are adopting AI to improve service delivery to their citizens in the complimentary Gartner webinar Government Leaders, Is Your Data Ready to Enable Secure AI Initiatives?

 

Mahesh Sharma Returns with NAR + NARI – A Dialogue of Masculine and Feminine Energies

12 TH SEOTEMBER 2025; Renowned artist and designer Mahesh Sharma is set to unveil his latest exhibition, NAR + NARI, a powerful exploration of the eternal balance between masculine and feminine energies. Representing the dichotomy of yin and yang that is celebrated across literature, the arts, crafts, and culture in our country, this show by Mahesh interprets the concept of symbolic balance, fertility, and forces that sustain the cosmic order. Drawing inspiration and inferences from Mahesh’s personal journey of spiritual exploration, this unique show is divided into four powerful sections, showcasing aesthetics, paintings, sculptures, and installations, transporting audiences into a world of self-reflection, transformation, and balance.

Artist Mahesh Sharma ..

Opening with an exclusive preview evening on September 12, 2025, at Bikaner House, New Delhi, the exhibition promises to be a landmark event in the city’s cultural calendar. NAR + NARI will continue at the LTC, Exhibition Hall, Bikaner House, Gate No. 3, Pandara Road, New Delhi, from the 13th to 17th September, between 11 AM and 7 PM.

A celebrated artist and space designer, Mahesh Sharma has long been acclaimed for his evocative works that bridge Indian aesthetics with contemporary thought. NAR + NARI continues this journey, presenting a solo exhibition that delves into the dualities of masculine (Nar) and feminine (Nari) energies through layered, soulful compositions.

Known for his distinct visual language that is rooted in Indian traditions and essayed with contemporary ease. Mahesh’s works invite viewers to reflect on identity, duality, and harmony. This latest body of work is an embodiment of the visitors ‘ experience, an artistic dialogue between man and woman as envisioned through the artist’s distinctive lens. This exhibition offers not only a showcase of creativity but also a space for reflection on balance, identity, and harmony.

K Formula Launches India’s First Molecular Haircare Brand with Peptide Technology

India, 2025: India’s beauty industry is about to experience a seismic shift with the launch of K Formula, the country’s first peptide-powered molecular haircare brand. Founded by entrepreneur Anoushka Adya, the brand introduces a science-driven, six-step repair ritual that promises visible transformation in as little as five minutes.

K Formula Creative 02

K Formula introduces a science-first, six-step ritual that doesn’t just coat hair but rebuilds it from within, at the molecular level. Powered by cutting-edge peptide technology, the range promises visible transformation in as little as five minutes. The brand’s bold claim? “New Hair in 5 Minutes.” For years, Indian haircare has been defined by oils, masks, and cosmetic quick-fixes. K Formula disrupts this narrative with what it calls the “Peptide Revolution”, reconnecting broken keratin chains to deliver lasting repair, resilience, and shine.

Anoushka Adya is an accomplished entrepreneur, the Founder of Relier Media Group. With a graduate degree in Marketing & Strategy from Warwick Business School, UK, Anoushka brings both academic rigor and creative flair to her ventures. She has built highly effective teams, driven innovation in content and design, and launched initiatives that merge purpose with impact. At the core of her mission is a desire to elevate Indian narratives while incorporating global standards.

“K Formula is deeply personal to me. For years, I searched for solutions that went beyond cosmetic quick fixes, and I knew Indian consumers deserved better. With peptides, we finally have the science to deliver true repair transformation you can see and feel in minutes. For me, this isn’t just about products; it’s about shifting the way we think about hair health in India,” says Anoushka Adya, Founder and CEO of K Formula.

Adding to its credibility, Delhi’s top celebrity hairstylist, Sahib Mongia, who has joined K Formula as the brand’s first official ambassador, calls it a game-changer: “As a stylist, I’ve tested every major global product on my clients over the years, but nothing has excited me like K Formula,” says Sahib Mongia, Hair Stylist, Ranked in Top 5 Best Hair Stylists and Founder of NOIR SALON. “The results are instant, visible, and lasting. This is the first Indian brand that genuinely competes with global science-backed products, and I believe it’s going to transform how Indians approach haircare.”

The brand makes its debut with a curated six-product collection, including a Peptide Hair Corrector (pre-shampoo), Peptide Shampoo, Peptide Conditioner, Molecular Leave-In Magic Mask, Molecular Repair Hair Oil, and a Peptide Dry Shampoo. Designed as a complete molecular repair system, each formula is vegan, sulphate-free, cruelty-free, and color-safe, priced between ₹700 and ₹1,500, making advanced peptide-powered haircare both premium and accessible.

In consumer trials, over 90% of participants reported that their hair felt softer, smoother, and healthier-looking after just one wash. The brand’s claim of “New Hair in 5 Minutes” is rooted in this data, reflecting its unique approach of molecular repair rather than cosmetic masking. Consumers today demand transparency, efficacy, and performance. With its science-first ethos and strong focus on education, K Formula is poised to lead this change. With a promise that’s both aspirational and accessible, K Formula positions itself as the brand India didn’t know it was waiting for. The first of its kind, it’s set to ignite conversations, spark a new wave in haircare, and put India at the forefront of the global peptide revolution.

This is the first Indian brand that genuinely competes with global science-backed products, and I believe it’s going to transform how Indians approach haircare.” Anoushka’s vision extends beyond bottles and boxes. “We’re not just selling formulas; we’re reimagining haircare for a new generation. It’s about creating a culture of hair health in India, where repair, strength, and longevity matter as much as beauty,” says Adya.

With a promise that’s both aspirational and accessible, K Formula positions itself as the brand India didn’t know it was waiting for. The first of its kind, it’s set to ignite conversations, spark a new wave in haircare, and put India at the forefront of the global peptide revolution. K Formula isn’t just another brand. It’s science. It’s culture. And it’s haircare, redefined.

Hair Fall in Chennai Isn’t Just About the Scalp — Traya Links It to Sleep, Stress, Digestion, and Nutrition

Chennai, 12th September 2025: Chennai is facing a silent wellness crisis that is showing up in its hair. Traya’s latest nationwide data study, analyzing inputs from over 4 lakh anonymized Hair Test respondents across India, reveals that Chennai sits at the center of India’s hair fall map. The four key parameters; sleep, stress, gut health, and energy levels show a troubling imbalance in the city, with women consistently scoring lower than men.

TRAYA

A Multi-Root Problem, Not Just Hair

Hair fall is often seen as a cosmetic concern, but Traya’s data reveals it as a symptom of deeper internal issues. In Chennai, only 53% of men and 44% of women report getting peaceful sleep, placing the city mid-tier among metros but still alarmingly low. The gender gap in sleep quality is clear, with women struggling significantly more. Stress compounds the problem, with 51% of men and 47% of women reporting high stress levels meaning nearly half the city is living under constant pressure.

Gut health is where Chennai shows resilience: 54% of men and 49% of women record healthy gut markers, among the best nationwide. Yet women continue to lag behind men even in this stronger area. Energy levels tell a similar story: 45% of men and 38% of women report consistently high energy, higher than many Tier-1 metros like Delhi and Kolkata but still shadowed by a persistent gender gap. Together, these numbers reveal a multi-root wellness challenge that manifests visibly as hair fall.

The Science of Stress, Sleep, and Gut Health

Traya’s medical experts explain that poor sleep quality spikes cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which in turn disrupts digestion, hormonal balance, and the hair growth cycle. Gut imbalances weaken nutrient absorption, and deficiencies in iron, protein, and vitamins accelerate hair loss.

“Traya’s latest nationwide study is an alarming wake-up call for Chennai and many metros. Across sleep, stress, and energy, the city consistently fares among the lowest, with only gut health showing some resilience. What shows up as hair fall is really the body raising a red flag. At Traya, our ideology has always been to address all these interconnected factors so our hair health and internal health are restored together, and the body can function at its best.” says Saloni Anand, founder Traya.

Traya’s insights position Chennai as a wellness paradox: the city’s strengths in diet and energy are being undermined by stress and sleep deprivation. Across every parameter, women fare worse than men, highlighting a gendered wellness gap that urgently needs attention. By mapping over 4 lakh users’ health inputs, Traya’s study underlines the need for holistic solutions combining Ayurveda, Nutrition, and Allopathy to restore balance from within.

IIITH’s Social Tech Incubator launches cohort of GreenTech Startups with EPAM Systems

IIITH’s Social Tech Incubator launches cohort of GreenTech Startups with EPAM Systems:
Leverages AI, IoT, Robotics and GIS

Hyderabad, September 12, 2025: AIC-IIITH has launched the 3rd Akash EPAM Social Impact Innovation Program (ESIIP) to support GreenTech startups in areas like Green Energy, Smart Cities, Climate Tech, Sustainable Agriculture, and Mobility. The program also leverages IIITH’s strong research ecosystem to drive cutting-edge innovation in areas like AI/ML, Robotics, GIS etc to advance India’s UN SDG commitments with a focus on Climate Action (SDG 13). The program recognises the importance of research-led tech and entrepreneurial innovation towards sustainable climate action.

Startup-led innovation is a critical driver of climate action, especially in developing countries like India. Yet an analysis by Cambridge Associates shows that Emerging Market Greentech startups attract only 9% of total investment in the sector. As per AIC-IIITH’s research, a mere ~0.2% of total CSR spending has been spent on Innovation.

Through this program, AIC-IIITH Foundation and EPAM Systems, Inc., a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company, have selected 12 Startups. The program will provide these Greentech Startups with equity-free grants of up to INR 5,00,000 and Incubation Support. There is a special focus on helping these startups connect with Professor and researchers at IIITH and leverage institutes expertise in tech areas AI/ML, IoT, Robotics, GIS. Especially these Startups have good synergies with Smart City Labs at IIITH.

Congratulating the selected startups and these efforts, Prof. Ramesh Loganathan, Director of AIC-IIITH said, “Tech innovation is key to solving the climate crisis and as a leading Information Technology university in India focused on research that matters, this program fits perfectly with our overall vision. We look forward to actively supporting these startups with our expertise.”

T0 date AIC-IIITH has run 8 cohorts and supported 60+ startups with incubation support and INR 3+ Cr of funding. AIC-IIITH’s startups are solving pressing challenges in sectors like agriculture, education, accessibility, climate and creating 430+ jobs.

The key highlights of this year’s program include milestone-based grant support of up to INR 5 Lakhs, incubation support, business coaching and access to IIIT-Hyderabad’s Smart City Labs.

“Bold, early-stage ideas in climate tech often struggle to move forward due to limited access to capital, technical depth or networks. At EPAM India, we see it as an opportunity to close that gap. Our partnership with AIC-IIITH is designed to support entrepreneurs who are solving real-world problems with technology, and to create an ecosystem where purposeful innovation is rightfully enabled.”Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director, EPAM Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

Oriel Academy launches BONDING!

Mumbai, September 12th, 2025: Oriel Academy, an executive coaching firm, today announced the launch of a new training module in Patient Relationship Management. BONDING! is designed for healthcare, medical, paramedical, hospital support and administration staff. The programme aims to enhance service quality, strengthen patient relationships, and build a stronger reputation for healthcare organisations.

Oriel academy logo

While hospitals deliver advanced medical care and diagnostics, many still struggle to establish meaningful connections with patients. To bridge this gap, Oriel Academy has introduced Bonding!, a specialised training module crafted around real-world challenges faced by healthcare professionals. The programme focuses on equipping staff with essential interpersonal skills to better manage difficult situations and improve patient interactions and experience.

The goal of this program is to foster a culture of efficiency, empathy, and patient-first service. By building strong soft skills, healthcare professionals can address challenges more effectively and create positive experiences for both patients and staff,” said Mr. Khalid Jamal, Principal Consultant at Oriel Academy.

BONDING! is designed for non-medical staff, paramedical staff, doctors, diagnostic centre employees, nursing home and clinic staff, and others involved in patient care. It emphasises professional conduct, effective communication, empathy and sensitivity towards patients and their attendants, and the ability to handle patients and families with professionalism.

Through this program, healthcare organisations can expect measurable improvements such as enhanced patient services, greater satisfaction among patients, a reduction in complaints from patients and visitors, stronger relationships between staff and patients, and improved professionalism across healthcare teams.

Force Motors Announces Revised Prices Reflecting Full GST Reduction Benefits

Pune, September 12, 2025: Force Motors Limited, a key automotive player and India’s largest van manufacturer, today announced revised prices across its entire range of vehicles including Traveller, Trax, Urbania, Monobus, and Gurkha, effective 22nd September 2025. Coinciding with the onset of the festive season, the company will be passing on the full benefit of the revised 18% GST to its customers.

Making this announcement, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors Limited said, “The proposed GST rate rationalization is a landmark reform for the automotive industry and we at Force Motors welcome the reduction of GST rates from 28% to 18%, a move that will make a meaningful difference across critical mobility segments. Mass mobility solutions such as the Traveller, Urbania, and Trax will become more accessible, enabling safer and more reliable public transport, while ambulances too will benefit from the relaxation, easing the financial burden on healthcare providers and strengthening critical care infrastructure.

Moreover, the removal of Compensation Cess is a step in the right direction as it would help in bringing down the total incidence of GST taxation. This structural change is expected to further stimulate demand across the sector and provide a timely boost to festive season buying sentiment. The iconic Force Gurkha too stands to gain from the rate rationalization, making purpose-built, rugged mobility more attainable. Additionally, lower rates on engines, parts, and components will strengthen the supply chain and provide a strong impetus to the Government’s ‘Make-in-India’ vision”, he concluded. 

With demand rising in the festive period, customers are encouraged to confirm their bookings early to ensure on-time delivery of their vehicle.

Indifi Reports 22 Percent YoY Growth, Boosted by Better Monetisation; Supports 55,000+ MSMEs Nationwide

September 12, 2025, Gurugram: Indifi Technologies, one of India’s leading digital platforms for MSME lending, today announced its FY25 financial performance, reflecting a year of strategic realignment, deeper technology integration, and sharper credit risk management.

Despite macroeconomic challenges across the MSME credit ecosystem, Indifi delivered a 22% year-over-year increase in operational revenue, driven by improved monetisation and platform activity. Over 55,000 MSMEs across India are now actively working with Indifi, with growing traction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Over the past year, Indifi has strengthened its credit portfolio, with a 30% improvement in the quality of disbursals during the last two quarters (Q3 FY’25 and Q4 FY’25), compared to the previous two quarters. This follows the tightening of risk policies and a strategic shift toward more resilient customer profiles. FY25 included provisioning-led losses due to wider credit stress and a change of accounting standards from IGAAP to IND AS. Additionally, Indifi’s portfolio recorded a 15% improvement in credit quality during Q1 FY’26, compared to the preceding two quarters.

 Building on this momentum, Indifi expanded its lending portfolio by scaling working capital and supply chain finance, and introducing sector-focused solutions for D2C, packaging, and retail. Over 50 per cent of new disbursals were covered under credit guarantee schemes, providing an added layer of protection against volatility.

The company continued to invest heavily in technology, deploying Document AI to automate classification and fraud detection, and integrating with consent-based platforms such as Account Aggregator, GSTN, and DigiLocker to streamline underwriting. It also introduced AI-powered tools to boost development efficiency. Together, these innovations reduced disbursal time, minimized human intervention, and strengthened the digital delivery experience. Financially, Indifi maintained capital adequacy well above the mandated thresholds, held a conservative debt-to-equity ratio, and kept elevated provisioning in line with the long-term health of its portfolio.

Commenting on the development, Alok Mittal, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Indifi, said: “The past year has been transformative for us at Indifi as we took proactive steps to reinforce the fundamentals of our business. We strengthened our credit filters early, diversified our offerings toward secured lending, and invested in technology and risk management. FY25 was not about chasing scale, but about building a more resilient and future-ready platform. Our ability to grow through this phase reflects the depth of our model and the strength of our long-term commitment to India’s MSMEs.”

As India’s MSME landscape becomes more structured, digital and growth-oriented, Indifi is scaling with strategic intent. The company aims to expand its secured lending footprint, enhance its AI-led credit infrastructure and deepen outreach to high-potential yet underserved small businesses. The objective is to enable responsible credit access while creating long-term value for MSMEs, ecosystem partners and the broader economy.

Bihar Urban Symposium 2025 – Bihar 2030

 12th september,Bihar;The Bihar Urban Symposium 2025 was organized on 11th September 2025 at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), in collaboration with RERA Bihar and UNICEF, where policymakers, administrators, and thought leaders deliberated on the condition and direction of Bihar’s urban future in the coming years. The session began with the Welcome Address by Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director, CIMP, who highlighted the institute’s commitment to fostering dialogue on inclusive and sustainable urban development.

‘Bihar Urban Symposium 2025

Shri Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, in his Presidential Address, spoke about Bihar’s rich history and cultural heritage, citing Mithila paintings as a symbol of tradition and pride. He emphasized Bihar’s potential to emerge as a hub of education, culture, and self-reliance by striking a balance between heritage and modern progress. Stressing on education, infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning, he shared his vision for greener and more resilient cities. Following the inaugural session, Shri Tokhan Sahu also engaged in a policy dialogue with CIMP students, offering detailed insights into government initiatives.

Shri Jibesh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Urban Development and Housing Department, Government of Bihar, outlined major initiatives under the Swachh Bihar Mission. He announced plans to generate electricity from plastic waste, establish ‘Pink Toilets’ for women, and initiate priority corridors to improve urban mobility and public amenities.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, IAS, Former Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India & Former Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, underlined innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and green financing as crucial tools to address the challenges of rapid urbanization.

During the discussions, Dr. S. Siddharth, IAS, Development Commissioner, Bihar, highlighted that improvements in regulatory frameworks and their effective implementation can transform urban landscapes. He noted that the Patna Metro Project, expected to be completed by the end of this month, will be a milestone in modernizing urban transport and reducing congestion. He also emphasized efforts to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Inquiry Commissioner, RERA Bihar, stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in real estate regulation to enhance homebuyers’ confidence and ensure orderly urban development. Shri Anand Iyer, Chief Policy and Insights Officer, Janaagraha, emphasized governance reforms and citizen participation, noting that sustainable urban development can only be achieved through active public engagement.

In the first thematic session, discussions focused on developing satellite cities around existing urban areas. Eminent architect Kavi Jain highlighted the vision of creating quality, aesthetic, and livable urban infrastructures. In the second session, discussions centered on investment in future urban needs. Shri Vivek Kumar Singh, Chairman, RERA Bihar, and noted economist Prof. Alakh Narayan Sharma discussed capital requirements for urban growth and strategies to mobilize investment toward achieving sustainable city goals.

The third session deliberated on urban disaster preparedness and resilient living. Dr. Uday Kant Mishra, Vice-Chairman, Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, in his presidential address, stressed the importance of preparedness and preventive measures to mitigate urban disasters. Akash Jha, Director, Institute of Town Planners, emphasized the crucial role of urban planning in sustainable city development.

The symposium collectively reflected on shaping Bihar’s urban future with a vision grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and cultural pride. It also underlined the need to work further in detail on these themes in the times ahead.

The symposium concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Kumar, Professor, CIMP, who extended heartfelt gratitude to all distinguished dignitaries and participants. The event was attended by faculty members, students, staff, and several eminent guests.