The Architects of 2047: India’s Future and the Unharnessed Female Potential

By 2030, India’s working-age population will surge past 98 crores, a demographic peak that offers a once-in-a-century opportunity. The Economic Survey 2025–26 makes it clear that merely having numbers is not enough; harnessing this dividend requires a decisive structural transition. Currently, only about 2.9 (≈3) out of every 100 working women in India have completed advanced higher education. To achieve the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047), this figure cannot remain an outlier, it must become the norm.

The Economic Survey indeed suggest a necessary shift in policy thinking i.e., from viewing women through the lens of welfare to positioning them as drivers of growth. Hence, the upcoming Budget is expected to prioritize the structural migration of women from low-productivity agrarian roles into high-value manufacturing and technology-driven sectors. Fiscal measures that support skilling, formalisation, and sector-specific employment absorption would be needed to reduce the cost of this transition for both workers and firms.

To bridge the skills gap necessary for this transition, the Budget may introduce a decisive push in STEM education. A new wave of targeted STEM scholarships and vocational hubs could transform today’s 2.9% into a formidable force powering high-value manufacturing and innovation. Acknowledging that empowerment is impossible without physical security, there is a strong anticipation for increased funding to scale urban housing initiatives like Tamil Nadu’s ‘Thozhi Hostels’ and the national ‘Sakhi Niwas’ program. Furthermore, the government is expected to address the need for flexible work environments. By incentivising firms that institutionalise flexible / hybrid work environment, India can unlock a massive, home-bound talent pool, especially among educated women.

Ultimately, the Union Budget must be more than a ledger of expenditures. It must signal national ambition by clearly integrating this transition into its priorities and allocations. If India is to rise to its $30-trillion destiny, it will not do so on infrastructure and innovation alone, it will have to harness the strength of its female workforce.

LinkedIn format

By 2030, India’s working-age population (age 15-59) will surge past 98 crores. The Economic Survey 2025–26 clarifies that sheer numbers are insufficient, and India requires a decisive structural transition to operationalise Viksit Bharat 2047. Currently, only 3 out of 100 working women in India hold advanced educational degrees (Post graduation or above). To achieve the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, this figure cannot remain an outlier, it must become the norm.

As we look toward Budget 2026, we anticipate a policy shift from “women welfare” to “women led growth” that is enabled through targeted interventions such as:

Sectoral Migration: Fiscal support for skilling and formalization to transition women from agrarian roles into manufacturing and tech.

The STEM Leap: Targeted scholarships and vocational hubs to bridge the skills gap and drive industrial innovation.

Urban Mobility: Expanded funding for safe, affordable housing like ‘Sakhi Niwas’ to reduce the barriers to city-based employment.

Flexible Frameworks: Incentivizing firms to institutionalize flexible work models, unlocking the vast talent pool of educated, home-bound women.

Ultimately, the Union Budget must be more than a ledger of expenditures. It must signal national ambition by clearly integrating this transition into its priorities and allocations. If India is to rise to its $30-trillion destiny, it will not do so on infrastructure and innovation alone, it will have to harness the strength of its female workforce.

Cube Highways Trust Announces Proposed Acquisition of 4 Road Assets along with Q3 FY26 Results

New Delhi, Jan 31: Cube Highways Trust managed by Cube Highways Fund Advisors Pvt. Ltd.today announced its results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The Trust reported a total distribution of ₹ 551 crores for the quarter, including ₹ 2.00 per unit as interest, ₹ 0.77 per unit as dividend and ₹ 1.33 per unit as return of capital. The Board of Directors of the Investment Manager approved a Distribution Per Unit (DPU) of ₹ 4.10 for the quarter. Year-to-date FY26 distribution totals ₹ 1,371 crores, with a cumulative DPU of ₹ 10.20.

Pankaj Vasani, Group CFO of Cube InvIT, stated:

“We continued to make strong progress in Q3 FY2026, leveraging our diversified portfolio and demonstrating effective execution and sustainable asset management. Revenue from operations rose to ₹ 30,767 Mn, up 25.01% year-on-year, while total consolidated income reached ₹ 31,696 Mn for the nine months supported by a robust 7.7% year-on- year traffic growth. EBITDA increased to ₹ 23,064 Mn, up 27.64% year-on-year, driven by operational optimization, efficiency gains, and strong cost discipline.

Liquidity remained strong with Net Debt at ₹ 169 Bn and a Net Debt/EV ratio of 46.86%, providing flexibility to pursue value-accretive opportunities. Total Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at ₹ 361 Bn. As we enter the last quarter of FY2026, we remain confident in our business strength and look forward to delivering lasting value for our unitholders.”

Vinay Sekar, CEO of Cube InvIT, stated: “Adding to the continued robust performance of our operations, we are pleased to announce the proposed strategic acquisition of four operational road assets – three toll and one annuity. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the Trust’s revenue base, enhance yield and NAV, expand debt capacity and improve portfolio diversification with the addition of predictable annuity cash flows and high-quality toll assets. These transactions are subject to, inter alia, unitholder and customary regulatory / third-party approvals.”

Cube InvIT continues to maintain AAA/Stable credit ratings from CRISIL, India Ratings, and ICRA.

The record date for the distribution is February 4, 2026, and the distribution payout will be made on or before February 11, 2026.

Pre-Budget 2026: Industry Leaders Seek Boost for Urban Connectivity and Green Manufacturing

As the countdown to the Union Budget 2026-27 begins, a sense of optimism is taking hold across India’s industrial and residential landscapes. With real GDP growth estimated at a steady 7.4% for the current fiscal year, industry leaders see this upcoming financial blueprint as a chance to synchronize the nation’s economic momentum with the practical aspirations of middle-class families and the needs of a modernizing manufacturing sector.

The Government’s focus on infrastructure is essential to improving overall economic growth. One key project is the Delhi-Panipat-Karnal Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which is entering a critical stage. This 130km high-speed rail line will link Delhi to Panipat and Karnal in 90 minutes. These projects go beyond transportation, encouraging a new model of growth and turning urban corridors into busy residential and industrial areas.

While physical connectivity expands, there is a shared vision for supporting the financial health of the people moving into these new homes. The Cost Inflation Index (CII) has climbed from 240 in 2014-15 to 376 for the 2025-26 cycle. This shift suggests a natural opportunity to update home loan interest deductions under Section 24(b) to align with today’s market , effectively restoring the level of relief that families relied on a decade ago.

Supporting the Aspirations of Homeowners

Real estate and construction continue to play an outsized role in urban employment and in India’s gross value added. With the government outlining a longer-term vision of a developed economy by 2047, the sector is increasingly viewed as a bridge between infrastructure-led growth and the aspiration of home ownership for middle-income families. 

Mr Ravi Saund, Founding Director of Emperium Group, said the upcoming budget offers a chance to reinforce this link. “Budget 2026 is an opportunity to push the decongestion of major metros by incentivising investment in emerging urban corridors,” he said. “Measures such as rationalising GST or reintroducing input tax credit for under-construction homes would help early investors and support momentum in regions like Panipat and Gurugram. 

“There is also room to better align fiscal benefits with current realities. Enhancing the home loan interest deduction limit from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh would ease pressure on salaried households and help more families move from renting to owning, which remains central to the Housing for All objective.”

Building a Competitive and Sustainable Industrial Future

Manufacturing firms are facing a related set of decisions as export markets place greater emphasis on sustainability benchmarks. For domestic producers, the challenge is increasingly one of cost and timing rather than intent alone. Solar investments have become progressively more viable, with capital requirements expected to settle around ₹3.5 crore per megawatt by 2025. For MSMEs, which account for roughly 45 % of India’s total exports, policy clarity in this area can materially influence how quickly adoption moves from planning to execution.

Commenting on the sector’s expectations, Mr. Divyam Shah, Whole-Time Director and Chief Financial Officer of Euro Panel Products Limited, said,

“The upcoming budget is an opportunity to align industrial growth with environmental responsibility. We expect a clear roadmap that supports domestic manufacturers, especially MSMEs, in shifting their production towards renewable energy. On the operational front, easing norms for domestic players and removing hurdles in GST input credits will be vital to free up working capital. By increasing depreciation benefits and simplifying tax structures, the government can provide the robust support system Indian manufacturers need to scale up and compete in international markets.”

This Union Budget is expected to be a milestone for India’s holistic growth, providing the structural support needed to sustain the current economic momentum. By addressing key areas in urban connectivity, middle-class tax relief, and sustainable manufacturing, the budget can facilitate a new chapter in India’s progressive trajectory toward becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2027.

Nit Happens, A New Clinically Proven Non-toxic Lice Treatment By Healthcare Brand, Cartwheel, Available Nationwide

Jan 31: Cartwheel, a healthcare brand developed by moms for moms, is today announcing the launch of its inaugural consumer product, Nit Happens. The over-the-counter lice treatment uses only non-toxic, naturally-derived ingredients to eliminate lice and nits, avoiding the pesticides and synthetic ingredients found in many traditional treatments. 

“I have three kids, and all of them have had lice at some point,” said Joanna Shu, CEO of Cartwheel. “What frustrated me most was how difficult lice are to treat and the fact that the products that promised results were filled with harsh pharmaceutical ingredients I didn’t feel comfortable using on young kids. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between safety and effectiveness, and Nit Happens was developed so you don’t have to compromise.”

Unlike harsh chemical formulas, Nit Happens works through physical disruption and dehydration. Its gel combines coconut oil, mild cosmetic abrasives, and limonene derived from orange peels to kill lice and nits when combined with gentle brushing. 

The results are clinically proven. A clinical study reported a 95.8% efficacy rate when the label instructions were followed. With treatment-resistant lice becoming more prevalent, these results point to a strong alternative for families who need reliable outcomes without harsh chemical exposure. 

An estimated 6 to 12 million children in the U.S. get head lice each year, and misdiagnosis is extremely common. Parents often confuse dandruff, sand, debris, and scalp conditions with lice, leading to unnecessary stress and unnecessary treatment. Cartwheel is positioning Nit Happens as part of a larger effort to improve education and awareness around lice. The company is currently developing a new smartphone application to help parents better determine if their child actually has lice using guided check steps.

The Nit Happens OTC Lice Treatment Kit includes: 

• 4 oz treatment gel (two full applications)
• 1 oz post-treatment shampoo
• Metal lice comb
• Applicator brush
• Gloves

Nit Happens is currently available for purchase on Cartwheel’s website, the link to which is copied below. The product will also be available nationwide at Walgreens, on March 16.

Shoppers Stop Unveils ‘Gifts of Love’ Campaign Premium Valentine’s Day Experience Rooted in Thoughtful Gifting

Mumbai, Jan 31: Shoppers Stop, India’s leading premium fashion, lifestyle, beauty and gifting destination, presents its Valentine’s Day campaign, ‘Gifts of Love’, running from January 30 to February 15. Thoughtfully curated to make gifting effortless, elevated and heartfelt, the campaign invites couples to celebrate love through meaningful gestures and shared moments.

With over 500+ premium brands across watches, fragrances, women’s apparel, handbags, accessories, beauty and more, Gifts of Love offers customers a seamless, one-stop destination for Valentine’s gifting, designed for modern relationships that value thoughtfulness and mutual exchange.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Jiten Mahendra, Customer Care Associate and CMO, Shoppers Stop said, said, “This Valentine’s Day with our campaign ‘Gifts of Love’, we’ve brought together premium brands, curated categories and engaging in-store moments to make gifting effortless and rewarding. Our focus is to ensure every customer finds something that resonates emotionally while enjoying the comfort and trust that define Shoppers Stop.”

Rooted in the belief that little gestures can create big moments, the campaign highlights curated gifting ideas for modern couples who value mutual gifting, watches and fragrances for him, stylish apparel and statement pieces for her, while tapping into contemporary romance cues, aesthetics and soft, intimate storytelling. A key highlights this season is Fossil, the campaign’s principal brand partner, spotlighting its premium watches as timeless expressions of love, thoughtful gifts designed to be cherished long after Valentine’s Day.

At the heart of the campaign is a specially designed in-store engagement activity that transforms stores into spaces of expression and connection. Customers are invited to write heartfelt messages for their loved ones on beautifully designed postcards, which are then displayed on a ‘Gifts of Love’ wall, creating a living, visual celebration of love within the store. By scanning a QR code and uploading their postcard, participants stand a chance to win exciting rewards, while also taking home a thoughtful thank-you card as a lasting brand memory.

Adding to the excitement, is the ongoing Sale across the campaign period bringing together value and indulgence, making premium gifting even more compelling. With Gifts of Love, Shoppers Stop continues to make Valentine’s gifting simpler, more thoughtful, and truly rewarding, because love, when expressed well, always leaves a lasting impression.

Sri Lanka Tourism to Engage Indian Travel Trade at Mumbai Networking Evening

Mumbai | Jan 31: As part of its focused promotional initiatives in India, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), together with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), will host a Sri Lanka Tourism Networking Evening in Mumbai on 03 February 2026.

The event is designed as a business-to-business networking platform, bringing together Indian travel trade decision-makers—including tour operators, travel agents, MICE specialists, corporates, OTAs, airlines, and media—with Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders to explore partnerships and strengthen market engagement.

The networking evening will showcase Sri Lanka’s positioning as a versatile and high-value destination, offering leisure, luxury, weddings, MICE, and experiential travel within close proximity and strong air connectivity from India. The programme will feature destination presentations, interactive networking opportunities, and cultural highlights, facilitating meaningful conversations and collaboration.

With India remaining one of Sri Lanka’s most important tourism markets, the initiative underscores SLTPB’s commitment to trade-led destination promotion, knowledge exchange, and relationship building with Indian industry partners.

The Mumbai networking evening forms part of SLTPB’s ongoing efforts to maintain consistent market presence and reinforce Sri Lanka’s appeal among Indian travellers through strong trade partnerships.