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India Today
10 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Why U.S. universities are opening campuses in India and the Gulf
When 17-year-old Aanya Sharma began dreaming of studying computer science at a top U.S. university, she imagined four years in a snow-dusted college town, far from her home in Gurugram. What she didn't imagine was that just two metro stops away, a global university would soon be setting up a full-fledged campus offering the same degree, the same faculty, and nearly the same prestige, without the $60,000 price tag or a student visa decades, Indian students have flocked to the United States in pursuit of the "American degree dream." In 2024 alone, more than 1.3 million Indian students studied abroad, over 65% of them in the U.S., spending upwards of Rs.5 lakh annually per student on tuition and living expenses. But now, the tide is beginning to by policy reforms, growing demand, and strategic expansion goals, several top-ranked U.S. universities,, including the Illinois Institute of Technology, are setting up shop in India. At the same time, elite institutions like Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, and Northwestern have long-established operations in Qatar's Education City. The move represents a broader shift in how education is delivered, where students no longer need to cross oceans to earn global U.S. UNIVERSITIES ARE GOING GLOBAL The motivation for U.S. institutions is multi-layered:Enrolment pressures: Rising visa uncertainties, political tensions, and post-COVID enrolment dips have made international student mobility less predictable. Setting up branch campuses abroad allows universities to reach students where they diversification: With declining domestic enrolments and increasing competition, international campuses offer a way to maintain financial sustainability while expanding brand balance: In an increasingly multipolar world, universities are realigning their internationalisation strategies to hedge against regional to C-BERT (Cross-Border Education Research Team), over 320 international branch campuses exist globally today, with more than a quarter hosted by U.S. THE EDUCATION GOLDMINEIndia presents a particularly attractive proposition. It has:A youth-heavy population (over 50% under age 30)A growing higher education market, projected to cross $300 billion by 2030An unmet demand for quality education only ~30% of college-age youth are currently enrolledThe game-changer, however, was the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which opened India's doors to foreign universities. In 2023, the UGC released regulations allowing top 500 global institutions to establish fully autonomous campuses in India, with their own admission criteria, fee structure, and degree COMING TO INDIA? Illinois Institute of Technology (USA): Will open a campus in Mumbai by 2026, offering STEM and business programs. It's the first American university to do of Southampton (UK): Set to begin classes in Gurugram by August 2025, offering degrees in computing, law, business, and more. It expects to enroll up to 5,500 students of Liverpool, Aberdeen, and York (UK) and University of Western Australia have received Letters of Intent to open campuses, most by late Europeo di Design (IED, Italy) is opening in Mumbai, offering fashion, product, and visual design degrees at 25-30% lower cost than its European to the UGC, 15 foreign universities could begin operating in India by GULF MODEL: U.S. CAMPUSES IN QATARMeanwhile, in the Gulf, the U.S. has long maintained a strong education footprint:Carnegie Mellon University - Qatar (est. 2004)Georgetown University in Qatar (since 2005)Northwestern University in Qatar (since 2008)Texas A&M - Qatar, which will wind down by 2028These campuses are fully funded by host governments, like the Qatar Foundation, allowing U.S. institutions to maintain quality while eliminating financial IN IT FOR INDIAN STUDENTS?advertisementWorld-class degrees, closer to home: Global qualifications at local campuses eliminate visa hassles and drastically reduce travel and living costs: Tuition fees are expected to be 25-40% lower than on main campuses. The University of Southampton will charge students about two-thirds of UK tuition (~25,000-30,000 in the UK).Globally mobile careers: These campuses often offer pathways for semester exchanges, internships abroad, or even final-year transfers to the main U.S. competition = better education ecosystemAs global institutions arrive, Indian colleges may be forced to innovate, collaborate, and compete. CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS Affordability gap: While cheaper than studying abroad, these programs still remain out of reach for a large portion of India's and curriculum parity: Maintaining the same academic standards, infrastructure, and faculty quality as the home campus is ambiguity: As this is new terrain for both foreign universities and Indian regulators, policy clarity and transparency will be key to long-term success. THE FUTURE IS GLOCALWhat was once considered a one-way ticket to succeeding, an American degree, is now becoming a two-way street. As the demand for global education rises and political barriers harden, universities are going "glocal" offering international standards within national boundaries. India is no longer just an exporter of students. With top U.S. and global universities arriving on its shores, it is emerging as a global education destination in its own right.- EndsMust Watch
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Goldman's CEO is finding his groove after years of challenges. Here are 4 reasons David Solomon is optimistic.
Since he took over the bank about seven years ago, he's faced a volley of challenges: Questions over his leadership, an unsuccessful consumer banking push, and a post-COVID dealmaking downturn that never really thawed. Through it all, he's pushed ahead with his vision for a leaner and more efficient bank that could provide a return for investors in any environment — rain or shine. On Wednesday, he appeared to have gotten his wish. The bank posted strong results across its business lines, including 71% jumps in M&A advice, even as overall deal volumes slumped. Solomon's optimism was evident as he spoke on a conference call about the bank's plans to become even more efficient while continuing to grow returns for investors. He said the bank has grown the stock dividend by 400% since he took over in 2018, including a recent increase of 33%. When asked whether that would continue, he sounded optimistic. "I do think given what's going on with the capital stack and the capital regime and given the way we're executing on our strategy, which is allowing the firm to grow, there is room for us to continue to drive that dividend higher," he said. Here are four key areas that Solomon was eager to tout for shareholders. Big deals are back M&A activity is still down from last year, but large deals are making a comeback, which benefits Goldman. The bank's advisory revenue jumped 71% year-over-year to $1.17 billion. Overall investment banking fees rose 26% from a year ago. Solomon used the conference call to tout a string of deal wins, including the bank's work on Salesforce's $8 billion purchase of Informatica and 11 stock listings the bank managed for clients like Circle, Chime, and eToro. "Though uncertainty could persist in some pockets, particularly in industries highly sensitive to trade policy, we are optimistic on the overall investment banking outlook," Solomon said. Focus on efficiency Efficiency has been a driving theme of Solomon's tenure, including plans to eliminate duplicative roles and move people to lower-cost centers like Dallas and Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, Solomon said the bank is taking its efficiency efforts to the next level with the rollout of an artificial intelligence tool called Devin. The tool, created in conjunction with Cognition Labs, is geared at helping its software engineers work faster and more efficiently, he said. "Operating efficiently is one of our key strategic objectives, and these efforts will allow us to continue to enhance the client experience while improving productivity," he said. Regulatory changes Solomon sounded upbeat on the regulatory environment under President Donald Trump and said optimism over looser oversight is already boosting the firm's dealmaking prospects. When talking about the bump in M&A advice, he said one reason is regulatory. "There's a confidence level on the part of CEOs that significant scaled industry consolidation is possible," he said, adding, "And so people are very engaged in that across a range of industries. Scale continues to be incredibly important to businesses broadly." "We are encouraged by recent statements from regulators that a holistic review of the regulatory and capital regime for the financial services industry is warranted," he added. Uncertainty Investors don't love uncertainty — but Goldman certainly benefits from it. Recent uncertainty rattles investors and financial sponsors — but who do they call when they feel the jitters? The banker. On Wednesday, the bank posted its best trading result ever, with equities revenues of $4.3 billion for the second quarter (up 36% year over year) and revenue from fixed income, currencies, and commodities of almost $3.5 billion (up 9% over last year).
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Goldman's CEO is finding his groove after years of challenges. Here are 4 reasons David Solomon is optimistic.
For David Solomon, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, the last few years haven't always been smooth sailing. Since he took over the bank about seven years ago, he's faced a volley of challenges: Questions over his leadership, an unsuccessful consumer banking push, and a post-COVID dealmaking downturn that never really thawed. Through it all, he's pushed ahead with his vision for a leaner and more efficient bank that could provide a return for investors in any environment — rain or shine. On Wednesday, he appeared to have gotten his wish. The bank posted strong results across its business lines, including 71% jumps in M&A advice, even as overall deal volumes slumped. Solomon's optimism was evident as he spoke on a conference call about the bank's plans to become even more efficient while continuing to grow returns for investors. He said the bank has grown the stock dividend by 400% since he took over in 2018, including a recent increase of 33%. When asked whether that would continue, he sounded optimistic. "I do think given what's going on with the capital stack and the capital regime and given the way we're executing on our strategy, which is allowing the firm to grow, there is room for us to continue to drive that dividend higher," he said. Here are four key areas that Solomon was eager to tout for shareholders. Big deals are back M&A activity is still down from last year, but large deals are making a comeback, which benefits Goldman. The bank's advisory revenue jumped 71% year-over-year to $1.17 billion. Overall investment banking fees rose 26% from a year ago. Solomon used the conference call to tout a string of deal wins, including the bank's work on Salesforce's $8 billion purchase of Informatica and 11 stock listings the bank managed for clients like Circle, Chime, and eToro. "Though uncertainty could persist in some pockets, particularly in industries highly sensitive to trade policy, we are optimistic on the overall investment banking outlook," Solomon said. Focus on efficiency Efficiency has been a driving theme of Solomon's tenure, including plans to eliminate duplicative roles and move people to lower-cost centers like Dallas and Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, Solomon said the bank is taking its efficiency efforts to the next level with the rollout of an artificial intelligence tool called Devin. The tool, created in conjunction with Cognition Labs, is geared at helping its software engineers work faster and more efficiently, he said. "Operating efficiently is one of our key strategic objectives, and these efforts will allow us to continue to enhance the client experience while improving productivity," he said. Regulatory changes Solomon sounded upbeat on the regulatory environment under President Donald Trump and said optimism over looser oversight is already boosting the firm's dealmaking prospects. When talking about the bump in M&A advice, he said one reason is regulatory. "There's a confidence level on the part of CEOs that significant scaled industry consolidation is possible," he said, adding, "And so people are very engaged in that across a range of industries. Scale continues to be incredibly important to businesses broadly." "We are encouraged by recent statements from regulators that a holistic review of the regulatory and capital regime for the financial services industry is warranted," he added. Uncertainty Investors don't love uncertainty — but Goldman certainly benefits from it. Recent uncertainty rattles investors and financial sponsors — but who do they call when they feel the jitters? The banker. On Wednesday, the bank posted its best trading result ever, with equities revenues of $4.3 billion for the second quarter (up 36% year over year) and revenue from fixed income, currencies, and commodities of almost $3.5 billion (up 9% over last year). This quarter, clients forged ahead with deals and repositioned their portfolios, some actually spurred by the volatility, Solomon said. "Our global client franchise has never been stronger," he said, "and I'm proud of how we've helped our clients navigate periods of heightened uncertainty."
AU Financial Review
a day ago
- AU Financial Review
Turnaround story for motels, hospitality's Cinderella asset
Most Australians think of motels as drive-to-the-door, overnight pit stops in lesser-known regional towns, perhaps where parents took them as kids, lying on plastic banana lounges by the pool on hot summer days. But the boom in these city-fringe assets that started with the post-COVID surge in domestic tourism has taken a new turn, driven by travellers opting for shorter breaks, the rise of 'bleisure' – the blend of business and leisure travel – Instagram and influencer culture, and the rediscovery of nostalgic, retro-style motels.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's bond market grows at 25% CAGR in 10 years: Jiraaf data shows surge in private sector issuances
India's bond market is witnessing remarkable growth, with data from the Jiraaf Bond Analyser highlighting an accelerating trend over the past decade. Jiraaf, an online bond investment platform, provides critical insights into this evolving asset class, which is now increasingly favored by both institutional and retail investors . Once largely dominated by government and PSU issuances, India's bond market is undergoing a significant transformation. Bonds Corner Powered By India's bond market grows at 25% CAGR in 10 years: Jiraaf data shows surge in private sector issuances India's bond market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by increased private sector involvement and investor demand for stable returns. Jiraaf Bond Analyser data reveals a decade-long expansion, accelerating post-2020. In 2024, listed bond issuances surpassed ₹9.5 lakh crore. Non-PSU issuances exceeded PSU issuances for the first time, indicating improved private sector credit profiles and investor confidence. India bonds steady as traders await fresh cues India bonds steady as traders await fresh cues Indonesia launches 5-year US dollar Islamic bond, 10-year green sukuk, term sheet shows India's long-term bonds decline before debt sale, Treasury moves pinch Browse all Bonds News with Driven by rising private sector participation and increasing investor appetite for stable, fixed-income products, the market is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Data from the Jiraaf Bond Analyser—part of the online bond investment platform Jiraaf, founded by Saurav Ghosh and Vineet Agrawal—shows that India's debt capital market is no longer just an institutional playground, but an evolving opportunity for retail investors as well. Live Events A decade of growth, with acceleration post-2020 Over the last decade, India's bond market has expanded at a CAGR of around 25%, with growth accelerating over the past four years as both corporate and public sector issuers increasingly turned to debt markets to meet their funding needs. In 2024 alone, listed bond issuances crossed Rs 9.5 lakh crore (US$110 billion), signaling growing depth and liquidity in India's debt markets. A key inflection point was the post-COVID era, particularly after 2021. The global search for yield—combined with abundant liquidity and ultra-low interest rates—encouraged both institutional and high-net-worth investors to seek alternative, stable investment avenues. Indian corporates, especially in the private sector, capitalized on this shift to diversify their funding sources. Private players overtake PSUs in bond issuances What's particularly noteworthy is the changing market composition. Traditionally seen as a space dominated by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), India's bond market is now seeing a surge in private sector activity. According to Jiraaf data, non-PSU issuances crossed Rs 4.9 lakh crore (US$56 billion) in 2024, surpassing PSU issuances for the first time. This shift reflects two important trends: Improved credit profiles of private corporates post-deleveraging and operational efficiency improvements. Increased confidence among institutional and retail investors in private sector issuers, driven by regulatory reforms and better corporate governance standards. The move also underscores a structural shift: as India's economy diversifies and formalises, more companies outside the public sector are now using debt markets for growth capital, refinancing, and working capital needs. Lessons from the IL&FS crisis and post-pandemic reforms The IL&FS crisis of 2018 was a watershed moment, exposing over-reliance on concentrated sources of funding like banks and NBFCs. This led to greater awareness around capital diversification. Regulatory reforms post-crisis and proactive steps by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have made bond markets more accessible and transparent. Bonds 101: Why retail investors should care For individual investors, bonds present a compelling alternative to traditional instruments like fixed deposits or equities. Simply put, bonds are fixed-income instruments where governments or corporations borrow money from investors, promising regular interest payments and principal repayment at maturity. Unlike equities, bonds offer: Predictable income streams through periodic interest payments. Capital preservation due to predefined maturity. Lower risk compared to equities, while delivering competitive returns. Portfolio diversification, acting as a stabilising force during market volatility. With platforms like Jiraaf simplifying access to bonds, even retail investors can now participate in what was earlier a domain reserved for large institutions. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
