Urbanisation has resulted in overpopulated cities, stretched infrastructure, and lower living standards in most countries, including India. Cities continue to be centers of economic activity, but the demand for housing, transport, and basic services keeps mounting. The only way to achieve this is to improve urban infrastructure and revive and develop rural regions, encouraging balanced development in areas.

Urban-Rural Balance: Learning from Global Models to Decongest Cities

Case Study: Spains Rural Renewal Investment

Spain is an excellent case study in rural regeneration. Over the last few years, the government in Spain has invested heavily in infrastructure, digital connectivity, and economic incentives to persuade people to return to rural locations. Examples are:

• Grant and tax relief for businesses to relocate to the countryside.

• Installation of high-speed internet and digital connectivity to bring remote working possibility.

• The revival of agriculture and craft sectors with the maintenance of traditional ways and the development of sustainable employment.

Thus, Spain has experienced a reverse migration trend, as individuals and families moved to rural regions from populated urban areas to achieve an improved standard of living. This shift relieved the pressure on the towns and strengthened the languid rural economies.

Relevance to India: The Way to Equitable Development

India can replicate this strategy to reduce city congestion, given its extensive rural terrain and ever-growing urban population. Here, I feel could be possible measures, which include:

• Economic Incentives: Attract industries, entrepreneurship, and qualified professionals to the countryside with tax incentives and advantages.

• Infrastructure Development: Creating roads, digital connectivity, and stable utilities to make rural life appealing and viable.

• Job Facilitation: Facilitating agro-based industries, rural tourism, and small-scale industries to provide employment opportunities beyond urban areas.

• Smart Villages: Developing well-planned townships with education, health, and recreation complexes for overall development.

Rethinking Rural Growth

• Strong communities arent just built in cities-strong communities are all about opportunities, everywhere. Empowering the countryside is the secret ingredient of a balanced future, and heres the recipe:

• Self-sufficient communities – Planned townships that combine housing, schools, and business centers to trigger local development.

• Advanced infrastructure: Roads, piped water, and clean energy choices that bring basic services to underserved areas.

• Smart housing solutions – Affordable, sustainable housing that makes rural living possible and desirable.

A Smarter Future

Conquering city congestion is not just about smarter cities; its about reimagining where and how development happens. Investment in the countryside can create a future where cities flourish without overflowing and villages are thriving economic hubs.

A stronger, more balanced tomorrow begins with building where it matters.

The author of this article is Mr Sujit Mule, Managing Director of Rachana Construction Ltd.

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) hosted the maiden edition of the IFCCI MARCOM Fest 2025. The event, organized under the aegis of the IFCCI Marcom Committee, consisting of CMOs brought together leading marketing and communications professionals from both French and Indian companies, highlighting the ever-developing commitment of French businesses towards the Indian market.

Mr. Jean Touboul, President IFCCI and CEO, Pernod Ricard India​

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Jean Touboul, President, IFCCI & CEO, Pernod Ricard India said, “We are proud to unveil the inaugural edition of the IFCCI MarCom Fest 2025, a pioneering initiative by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In an era where marketing transcends traditional boundaries, this platform serves as a catalyst for thought leadership and innovation, bringing together strategy, creativity, and brand storytelling. The IFCCI Marcom Committee has been a hub for transformative ideas, fostering collaboration to redefine modern marketing. With this dynamic event, we aim to elevate this vision by bringing together industry pioneers and leading marketing and communication experts from India and France to explore emerging trends, unlock new opportunities, and strengthen Indo-French business synergies.”

Designed to foster collaboration and innovation, the event provided a dynamic platform for top-tier CMOs, communication heads, and other industry leaders to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping cutthroat marketing campaigns across industries. The event underscored the importance of AI algorithms, adaptable Machine learning models, Virtual Try-Ons, cross-border collaboration and demonstrated how French companies are betting big on India’s vast and growing market with key marketing campaigns incorporating Gen a.i. led innovation.

Mr. Pierre de Greef, Chief Digital Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India showcased some of the most innovative and impactful marketing campaigns by Pernod Ricard and other global brands during a session that captured the creative processes behind their successes using AI and innovation as key. In a similar vein, Decathlon India shared its entry strategy and omnichannel retail marketing approach, offering valuable lessons in how brands can adapt to the unique retail environment in India. It also witnessed a live Gen AI survey which was extremely engaging and spontaneous. The event culminated in a networking session, organised by Pernod Ricard & Monin, alongside corporate games by Airfrance and Decathlon.

The event emphasized on the importance of rapidly evolving marketing landscape and cutting-edge case study-based presentations and themes exploring critical topics such as Protecting innovation and intellectual property in an ever-competitive global market, Succeeding as a French Brand in the Indian Market, GEN AI’s Unique capabilities & Case Studies, The Science and Impact of Storytelling detailing how AI is revolutionizing the way brands approach consumer engagement.

Mr. Rajat Abbi, Vice President, Marketing, Greater India, Schneider Electric & Chairperson, IFCCI Marcom Committee, said, “IFCCI MarCom Fest 2025 marks a significant milestone in our journey to create a dynamic platform for marketing and communications leaders. It is incredibly rewarding to see this initiative evolve into a space where industry pioneers come together to exchange ideas, explore trends, and drive innovation in brand storytelling and engagement. The committee recognizes the power of marketing in shaping business transformation, especially in an era defined by digital acceleration and sustainability, that not only strengthens Indo-French business synergies but also redefines the future of marketing.“

Other participating brands who added knowledge, experience and value to the sessions were Sopra Banking Software, centdegrs India, IDEMIA, upGrad Enterprises, Schneider Electric India, Monin, Pernod Ricard India, Airfrance, Ahujasons, Kairali Ayurveda, Le Creuset, FreshoKit, NASO Profumi, Tan & Loom, 4700 BC, and Monks Interactive. The session also witnessed the Green Yodha Sustainability Campaign pledge by Schneider Electric India. IFCCI Marcom marks as milestone b/w India & France as digitalization, AI and digital marketing is shaping. 2026 year was announced as a year of Innovation b/w India & France by Honorable P.M. Mr. Narendra Modi in the recent A.I Summit in Paris.

About Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI):

Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the most active bilateral chambers in India. The Chamber has six offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune. IFCCI represents a dynamic business platform of over 750 member companies and 17 Sector Committees offering an extensive range of business services and giving access to people and information. www.ifcci.org.in

In line with the stated strategy, the promoters of Aster DM Healthcare have successfully reduced their share pledge from 99% to 41% after completing a debt refinancing transaction from top-tier global financial institutions.

As part of the refinancing process, the new reputed lenders – JP Morgan, HSBC, and Barclays provided fresh funding, enabling Aster DM Healthcare promoters to refinance its existing loans at better terms as well as loan-to-value (LTV).

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “The reduction in Aster’s pledged shares is a significant testament to our financial strength as promoters, especially in light of the volatile global market conditions. It reflects the strong confidence we have in our company’s growth trajectory, operational excellence, and strategic direction. This milestone also reinforces trust among our stakeholders, investors, and partners as we continue to expand our footprint in India.“

About Aster DM Healthcare

Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest healthcare service providers operating in India with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through 19 hospitals with 5,128 beds, 13 clinics, 203 pharmacies (Operated by Alfaone Retail Pharmacies Private Limited under brand license from Aster), and 254 labs and patient experience centers across 5 states in India, delivering a simple yet strong promise to different stakeholders: “We’ll Treat You Well“.

Healthy Planet TGA Early Years School, located in Sector 131, Noida, has been recognised as India’s Best Preschool 2024-25 by the EducationWorld India Pre-School Rankings. This prestigious honour underscores the school’s commitment to transforming early childhood education through a research-driven, future-ready learning experience.

Atrium, Healthy Planet TGA Early Years, Noida

The EducationWorld India Pre-School Rankings assess institutions based on key parameters such as learning environment, faculty excellence, innovative teaching methodologies, and parental involvement. By securing the all India number 1 Pre School position, Healthy Planet has reaffirmed its role as a leader in early education, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the sector. Among the other notable pre-schools recognised in this year’s rankings are Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School – Early Years Campus, Mumbai; Kai Early Years, Bengaluru; CHIREC, Hyderabad and Vaels International School – Nursery & Primary, Chennai.

Barely a year into its operation, Healthy Planet heralds a new wave of early education. As India’s first early years programme in collaboration with The Glasgow Academy, Scotland, the school integrates global best practices with a research-backed, tested curriculum. This approach fosters independent thinking, problem-solving, and a deep love for learning in young children.

While the school’s research-driven curriculum is designed to empower children with the skills, mindset, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world, its intergenerational practices ensure that parents and families actively participate in shaping their children’s learning. A notable highlight of this approach is the Intergenerational Learning Program, which connects young learners with senior citizens, encouraging storytelling, empathy, and social-emotional intelligence.

Furthering its vision of pioneering early learning, Healthy Planet Early Years School played an active role at the EducationWorld Early Childhood Education National Conference 2025, held in Hyderabad. Co-founders Dr. Arunabh Singh and Dr. Suhasini Kanwar shared their insights on Building the Preschool of the Future, engaging educators and policymakers in discussions on the evolving landscape of early education.

The school’s Learning Lab serves as a hub for pedagogical research and educator training, collaborating with global early education experts to enhance teaching methodologies across India.

As Healthy Planet Early Years School embarks on this exciting journey, it continues to push the boundaries of early childhood education. With a strong focus on child-led learning and community engagement, the school is setting new standards while actively contributing to educational discourse through its Learning Lab, an academic research centre dedicated to advancing innovative teaching practices.

To learn more about Healthy Planet’s vision and initiatives, visit its official website or follow its social media channels.