December 04, 2025, Bengaluru: Victoria University (VU) today marked a major milestone in its global expansion plans by laying the foundation for its Delhi NCR Campus, located in Gurugram, Haryana. Once operational, it will become India’s first international campus to teach entirely through VU’s Block Model®, a modern learning approach designed to improve student success and readiness for the future. VU was among the first Australian universities granted a licence by the Indian Government to establish a comprehensive campus in India under the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Over 1.7 million Indian students score above 80 per cent in school annually, but limited access to institutions and high overseas study costs leave many without global education options.

This initiative offers VU the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to India’s human capital development. By delivering globally relevant curricula, engaging with local industries, and nurturing skilled graduates, VU can play a transformative role in the country’s educational and economic progress.

The campus is expected to open by mid-2026, launching with undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, information technology, and research. Inspired by VU’s modern City Tower Campus in Melbourne, which was purposely-designed to teach the VU Block Model, the new India campus aims to bring high-quality Australian education closer to Indian students at an affordable cost, reducing the need for expensive overseas travel and accommodation.

Internationally renowned, the award-winning VU Block Model sees students study one subject at a time, across four-week blocks in small, workshop-style classes. VU is the first Australian university to introduce this unique learning model and remains the largest university to do so.

With a strong equity focus VU Block Model is already delivering outstanding results in Australia – undergraduate and postgraduate pass rates are high (94%) – excellent outcomes have also been achieved through student retention, progression and success.

The VU Block Model has proven particularly powerful for first-in-family and disadvantaged students, and it is internationally recognised as a breakthrough in inclusive education, with uptake in Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

The traditional lamp lighting ceremony, mango tree planting and foundation laying for what will eventually be the VU Campus in Delhi NCR, was attended by the Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Julian Hill, VU Chancellor the Hon Steve Bracks, VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, and senior government officials from India and Australia.

The Hon Julian Hill, Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs said, “Victoria University is a leader in teaching, learning and the student experience, including its unique VU Block Model – and now its new campus in Gurgaon, India will connect Indian students with these innovations.”

Steve Bracks, Chancellor, Victoria University said, “This campus is about opening doors to opportunity. High overseas study costs and limited access to institutions leave many students in India without global education options – VU’s education and research offerings aim to help change that. Bringing our VU Block Model to India offers students a proven pathway to success – one that is inclusive, industry‑connected, and designed for the future.”

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After the phenomenal success of the Hisar store, Craftier aims to take giant leaps in expanding the brand throughout Delhi NCR. Further, the brand plans to put up more boutiques in the region, with the commitment to offer conscious consumers a luxury experience of shopping, with simultaneously protecting environment by encouraging sustainability.

The brand offers IGI- certified jewelry, featuring excellent craftsmanship with contemporary designs that supports modern-day styling preferences. With a firm focus on affordability, responsible sourcing, and sustainability, the brand ensures that its every creation is both ethically sourced and stylish.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Achal Gupta, Founder of Craftier, said, “This boutique is a promise for us to provide lab-grown diamond jewelry that is elegant, of high quality, and in tune with today’s conscious lifestyle choices. Thus, our aim is not just to sell beautiful jewelry but to empower women and create a positive community impact.”

Craftier is bringing innovation to the jewelry industry with its contemporary designs, vast collection, and responsible craftsmanship. The latest boutique at the Elan Mall is in line to become a preferable centre for new age customers who understands the importance of sustainability & knows the value of smart buying by saving their pocket and Mother Earth.

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The handing over and signing ceremony was held at the National War Memorial at India Gate in New Delhi, in the presence of General Manoj Pande (Chief of Army Staff, S M Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil and senior officials. General Pande said, we will be testing one of the hydrogen buses, and we thanks Indian Oil for choosing the Indian Army as their partner.”

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Every year the Monsoon season in Delhi NCR brings a host of challenges and difficulties for its residents. This time again it pounded Delhi-NCR badly and paralyzed daily life of people dropping bombshells on the hustling bustling of weekend markets. Schools in Delhi NCR remained closed and administration appealed residents not to leave their houses except for essential work. The incessant rains caused catastrophic devastation in the hill and plains of North India for the last three days. It unleashed death and destruction, with around 38 lost their lives in landslides and other rain-related incidents. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on their toes in four North Indian states (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana) to fend off challenges of heavy downpours and floods.

It was a rare occurrence that monsoons landed in Delhi and Mumbai last weekend on the same day. But it is not rare that mayhem follows every arrival of the monsoon. Roads turning into rivers, drains overflowing, traffic congestion and failure of signals, accidental fall into invisible coverless manholes, waterlogging, downstairs houses being inundated with rainwater even in posh areas of Delhi-NCR, falling trees, and electrocution: these are annual phenomenon that taxpayers of national capita and surrounding areas have to confront. The administrative slackness and civil society apathy are exposed once again. In every such situation, “Tu-Tu, Main-Main” over political claims surfaces rubbing salts over the wounds of people who are bound to suffer monsoon woes every year.

Delhi deluge

The monsoonal rainfall caught civic authorities in Delhi vastly unprepared to handle the water woes. Delhi witnesses waterlogging and poor drainage system annually during the monsoon. However, the national capital is yet to get a Drainage Master Plan to tackle such a situation. Delhi’s drains are said to be quite old which cannot handle deluge-like situations. People strongly feel that the lackadaisical attitude of MCD has caused such sufferings as drains are clogged and they have not been desilted before the arrival of monsoon.

Gasping Gurugram

People in Gurugram underwent a harrowing experience as torrential rains caused severe waterlogging that led to huge inconvenience to commuters. Waterlogging also caused power outages in some parts of the satellite town. The Gurugram administration had to issue a work-from-home advisory to corporate and private offices in the face of heavy rainfalls. As per media reports, civic agencies have spent over Rs 1000 crore on drainage, yet people have to face the threat of waterlogging. A single heavy bout of rain turns roads into rivers. Residents have poured out their anger saying that the situation remains the same despite authorities spending crores on upgrading infrastructure every year.

Rampant urbanization

Delhi NCR has experienced rapid population growth and urban expansion over the years, leading to the construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. This rampant urbanization has encroached upon lakes, ponds, and wetlands, which traditionally served as natural water reservoirs and helped in water absorption during heavy rains. The loss of these natural water bodies has resulted in reduced water retention capacity and increased surface runoff, exacerbating the problem of waterlogging.

Administrative apathy

The pollution levels in Delhi NCR also contribute to Monsoon woes. The region already battles severe air pollution, which is primarily caused by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust. During the Monsoon season, when the air is cooler and heavier, the pollutants get trapped closer to the ground, worsening the air quality. This phenomenon, known as the “Monsoon pollution trap,” leads to reduced visibility, respiratory problems, and overall discomfort for the residents. Additionally, the Monsoon season often exposes the inadequate solid waste management practices in the region. Improper disposal of waste, including plastic bags, bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials, leads to their accumulation in drains and water bodies. These clogged drains prevent proper water flow, exacerbating the problem of waterlogging. Furthermore, the stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying vectors, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Need of monsoon wedding between words & actions

A combination of factors leads to Monsoon woes in Delhi NCR. These include inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization and encroachment of natural water bodies, pollution levels, improper solid waste management practices, the impact of climate change, slackness of authorities concerned and lack of political will. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving investments in infrastructure development, sustainable urban planning, improved waste management practices, and measures to mitigate climate change. Instead of playing blame games, there must be a monsoon wedding between words and actions to make Delhi NCR more vibrant and livable. By addressing these challenges, Delhi NCR can better prepare itself to tackle Monsoon-related issues and ensure the well-being of its residents during the rainy season.

– RAMAKANT CHAUDHARY

Ramakant Chaudhary works with PR Professionals as DGM-Content Development, and has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes on politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, social issues, lifestyle, and health

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Sustainability has become a buzzword and crucial consideration for individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations worldwide. Whether it is meeting between Modi and Biden in Washington DC, or class sessions in schools — the talk on climate change and environmental concerns inevitably comes out to save the Earth from the vagaries of nature and calamities. From green energy to green homes, environment sustainability has caught the attention of people in droves. The stand of consumers has changed diametrically as they are increasingly becoming conscious of climate change and its impact on the environment and society, seeking products and services that align with sustainability. Businesses that prioritize sustainability can attract and retain customers, build brand loyalty, and gain a competitive edge in the market. From real estate to railway and from hospital to hospitality, climate change-&-sustainability has taken centre-stage of discussion across the industrial spectrum.

Real estate donning green skyline

India’s real estate sector is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability and environmental consciousness. With the growing concern for climate change and the need for energy efficiency, green and sustainable homes are emerging as the future of the country’s real estate industry. These homes not only contribute to environmental conservation but also offer numerous economic and health benefits to residents. A green and sustainable building is considered to be environmentally sustainable to maintain the quality of the environment. It uses environmentally friendly and recycled building materials, focussing on efficient use of energy, water and construction materials. According to studies, green buildings could save up around 30 percent of energy and 50 percent of water.

Green buildings going for higher occupancy rates

In order to combat climate change and frequent nature’s catastrophe, millennials and youngsters are religiously batting for eco-friendly and sustainable projects. According to a study conducted by Colliers and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), developers have put spotlight on green real estate and high-performance buildings in the face of new inclination of buyers towards sustainable homes. As per the report, green buildings have witnessed higher occupancy rates and rental premiums. According to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a US-based global building rating and certification system, the expansion of LEED certified buildings underlines a significant change in the attitudes of buyers in India. Delhi-NCR, especially Gurugram, is said to be the topmost LEED building growth place among other big cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad.

Modi Govt’s initiatives and cascading impact on real estate

In a bid to ensure sustainable development and preserve the ecosystem, the Modi government has taken several initiatives and steps to tackle climate change and rise in temperature. The BJP-led ruling establishment at Centre has over the past nine years launched various schemes to address the challenges of climate change: Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), Green Credit programme, Green Hydrogen Mission, GOBARdhan, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar among others. During India’s National Statement at CoP26, organised in Glasgow in October-November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a global call for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Aiming at youth around the world, who take climate initiatives aligned with the concept of LiFE, the Union Ministry of Environment last year launched the “In Our LiFEtime” campaign to encourage young population aged 18 to 23 year to become messengers of sustainable lifestyles. Such concerted efforts of the Modi government have created an ambience of sustainability in India which has had cascading impact on the real estate industry as well.  The government has encouraged, emphasized and incentivized sustainable home projects. Real estate experts say that the government initiatives promote sustainable housing practices and contribute to the rising demand for green homes.

What real estate players doing for sustainable homes

The government initiatives and growing awareness among people have driven the demands for green buildings. In line with the vision of the Modi government, developers have embraced the significance of green real estate, incorporating advanced technology to minimize environmental impact, innovative construction designs with zero emission, sustainable materials, and use of green energy. Builders, especially in Delhi-NCR, have started work with renewable energy sources such as wind energy and solar power. These efforts will lower carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels as well. They have also prioritised energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The Delhi-NCR real estate players have signified rainwater harvesting systems and waste water treatment plants to encourage water conservation. Green spaces, vertical gardens and rooftop gardens are featured in housing societies in Delhi-NCR. Real estate players have focussed on electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle lanes, community gardens, sustainable infrastructure and amenities. Such initiatives of builders have encouraged people to follow eco-friendly practices, and create community engagement towards the environment.

Green homes: Cost savings for homeowners

One of the primary reasons green and sustainable homes are gaining traction in India is the potential for long-term cost savings. While the initial investment may be higher, the operational costs of such homes are significantly lower. Energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy systems reduce electricity bills, water-efficient fixtures minimize water expenses, and better insulation lowers the need for heating and cooling, resulting in reduced utility costs for residents. Additionally, government incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for green buildings further enhance the financial benefits for homeowners and developers, making sustainable homes a financially attractive option. Delhi-NCR homebuyers are of the firm view that the higher price of green homes could be redeemed with long-term cost savings on the maintenance of sustainable housing apartments.

Wrapping up of words

The future of India’s real estate sector lies in the adoption of green and sustainable homes. With their focus on environmental conservation, energy efficiency, cost savings, and improved quality of life, these homes offer a multitude of benefits to both residents, especially in Delhi-NCR, and the nation as a whole. The growing demand for eco-friendly living spaces coupled with government support through incentives and certifications are driving the transformation of the real estate landscape. By embracing green and sustainable practices, India can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, setting an example for the rest of the world to follow. Gurgaon-based real estate honchos have played commendable roles to keep the momentum of sustainability going as the skyline in Gurugram is getting blurred in a green and sustainable ecosystem — harbinger of effort to save the earth.

-Ramakant Chaudhary

Ramakant Chaudhary works with PR Professionals as DGM-Content Development, and has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes on politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, social issues, lifestyle, and health

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