Why This Play School Franchise Has India's Best Preschool
'The idea was never just to expand,' says Ajay Gupta, CEO of Bachpan. 'It was to empower and build a system that supports local business owners in delivering early education to both urban and local areas, that's both accessible and consistent.' Mr. Ajay Gupta, Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play Schools with teachers and students of Bachpan Play School.
The franchise structure is designed to keep initial costs manageable, with some franchisees reporting faster ROI cycles compared to other education-based ventures. Its operational model spans Tier I to Tier III cities, where demand for preschool education varies widely.
For local entrepreneurs, this might be an opportunity to lead as a head, with full support and guidance from the franchise model of their central team. While for others, this model has become a pathway into the education space, particularly in regions where branded preschools are still emerging.
Post-pandemic, the world saw a huge shift in the market industry, which started focusing attention towards businesses that are more flexible and meaningful. Recent investments in branding and digital upgrades have aligned with a large number of opportunists and entrepreneurs.
The release of NEP 2020 brought renewed attention to foundational learning — a space where Bachpan has seen notable growth. A strong emphasis on foundational learning and early childhood care amplified public interest in private preschool education.
Bachpan's widespread presence across urban and rural markets with over 1,200 branches, has helped establish a structured system that includes assistance with setup, staffing, and training. Franchisees benefit from their ongoing teacher development programs and curriculum support, designed to maintain consistency and quality across centers. The integration of educational technology such as robotics kits, smart books, and AI-based learning tools, reflects the brand's push toward innovation.
In a country where early education continues to evolve, models like Bachpan offer insight into how private players are contributing to structured preschool access across diverse regions. With a mix of entrepreneurial opportunity and institutional support, such models are becoming a significant part of the broader educational landscape.
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Chicago Tribune
3 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Plan commission member cleared by Chesterton Town Council for conduct during meeting
Chesterton Advisory Planning Commission member James Kowalski, criticized by a councilwoman for his treatment of a developer and uttering a vulgarity during a public meeting, stated that he was cleared of misconduct allegations after a June 13 Town Council executive session. Chesterton Town Council President Sharon Darnell, D-4th, confirmed by email that Kowalski was told he had been cleared by the Town Council. She had no further comment. Kowalski, 73, a veteran member of the Advisory Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, was thankful when he learned about the council's decision. He admits that he was worried and had some 'sleepless nights' before the council rendered its decision. 'I've got a job to do. I put the community in front of my own opinions. That's my creed,' Kowalski said. 'I try to do the right thing. Do you have to pay the price for doing the right thing for what you thought?' Councilwoman Jennifer Fisher, R-5th, at the May 30 Town Council meeting requested the executive session, citing state code that it was to receive information concerning an individual's 'misconduct.' She didn't publicly name whom she was talking about, but Kowalski, who was at that May 30 meeting, told the Post-Tribune that she clearly was 'throwing him under the bus.' Fisher said the council did have an executive session on June 13 to discuss allegations of misconduct. 'I'm not sure what he (Kowalski) means by cleared,' Fisher said. 'There were no pending charges.' Fisher said a result of the meeting is that board members were going to be reminded of their obligations under the Shared Ethics Commission rules that the town follows. Some of the standards of conduct include treating every person with dignity and respect and acting in a professional, responsive and courteous manner. Fisher was upset with Kowalski after a May 15 Advisory Plan Commission meeting, when the proposed development of the Brassie Golf Club property was discussed. During the presentation by PMM Chesterton, Kowalski was sharply critical and at one juncture used the vulgarity for bull waste. After the meeting, Fisher told the Post-Tribune, 'It is really inappropriate for an advisory plan commission (member) to be yelling and cussing when talking to people.' Kowalski apologized for using the word 'BS.' But Kowalski said his real concerns dealt with the proposed density of the project — 600 housing units on 200 acres — and its impact on the community. PMM Chesterton is currently reworking its proposal for the Brassie property. Councilwoman Darnell, during the May 30 council meeting, seemed to come to Kowalski's defense, noting that people should have a 'First Amendment' right to express their opinion during a meeting. She is a plan commission member who shares Kowalski's concerns about the proposed density of housing on the Brassie property. Fisher has made it a point that Chesterton needs to improve its reputation in the economic development community. The town last year created the position of economic development and operations, appointing Rebecca Parker. The town also retained two consultants to help with economic development-related issues. Fisher said they are striving to have a more collaborative approach with prospective developers. The town's economic development team met with PMM Chesterton before the plan for the Brassie Golf Club property was presented. Fisher also noted Chesterton's Advisory Plan Commission has been known for its adversarial approach to developers.
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Associated Press
Why Central Banks Around the World Are Piling on Their Gold Reserves – And What It Means for Retail Investors
07/02/2025, London,England // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In recent years, central banks have been making a quiet yet powerful move: buying gold—lots of it. From China and India to Turkey and Poland, countries are adding to their gold stockpiles at the fastest rate in decades. But why is this happening now, and what should retail investors make of it? Let's dig into the motivations behind this global gold rush and what it means for you, especially in the age of the so-called 'Gold Bank'. 𝑨 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒚 The world's central banks added over 1,000 tonnes of gold to their reserves in 2023 alone—the highest annual purchase on record, according to the World Gold Council. What's driving this move isn't just financial. It's strategic. Gold has always been a hedge. Against inflation. Against currency collapse. Against geopolitical tension. Central banks—whose job is to manage national currencies and monetary policy—are increasingly uneasy about the US dollar's dominance and the state of the global economy. That unease is translating into action. Take China, for instance. The People's Bank of China has been steadily increasing its gold reserves month after month. Part of this is about diversifying away from the dollar. Holding gold insulates a country from the whims of US interest rate hikes and political decisions like sanctions. It's a buffer. A statement. And in times of global friction, it's insurance. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑫𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒎𝒂 Many central banks are nervous about their over-reliance on the US dollar. With the dollar still accounting for around 60% of global reserves, any volatility in the American economy sends shockwaves worldwide. But the geopolitical weaponisation of the dollar—sanctions, asset freezes, and trade restrictions—has made some countries wary of holding too much of their wealth in greenbacks. Gold, in contrast, is neutral. It doesn't rely on the performance of any one country. It can't be frozen, blocked, or sanctioned. It's physical. It's universal. And in uncertain times, that's exactly what institutions crave. 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 Even in developed markets, central banks are under pressure. Inflation may be slowing, but the damage from the post-COVID monetary expansion is still lingering. Interest rates remain volatile. Bond markets have been unpredictable. And while fiat currencies lose value to inflation, gold maintains purchasing power over the long term. Central banks are now viewing gold as a way to stabilise their reserves. Unlike currencies or bonds, gold doesn't carry credit risk or default risk. It's a passive, enduring store of value. In a world full of uncertainty, it's a safety net. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 There's another angle to this: reputation and trust. In many ways, central banks are behaving more like what some are calling a " Gold Bank "—institutions that safeguard real, tangible wealth rather than abstract monetary tools. Think of it this way: if a central bank holds only paper assets—foreign currencies, debt instruments, and derivatives—its reserves are essentially IOUs. But gold is real. Gold is owned. And that's a powerful message to markets, investors, and citizens. The term Gold Bank is starting to gain traction as more national institutions look to gold not just as a reserve asset but as a backbone of financial credibility. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 If central banks are loading up on gold, what should everyday investors take from that? 1. 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚 Gold has always been part of the financial ecosystem, but for years it was sidelined by equities, tech stocks, and crypto. That's changing. The fact that institutional players are reinforcing their gold holdings should signal that it's time for retail investors to reassess their own diversification strategies. Gold is not about explosive gains—it's about protection, preservation, and patience. But with so much institutional demand, even price growth is becoming a factor. Retail investors who get in early may benefit not just from safety, but from steady upside. 2. 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒔 𝒂 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 Whether you hold pounds, euros, or dollars, your money is under threat from inflation and government policy. Central banks know this—and that's why they're moving to hard assets. For retail investors, this should serve as a wake-up call. The value of your savings isn't guaranteed. Gold provides a way to hedge against the erosion of fiat value. 3. 𝑷𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒔. 𝑷𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 There are many ways to invest in gold—ETFs, mining stocks, futures contracts, and physical bullion. The growing appetite among central banks is overwhelmingly for physical gold, not paper proxies. This trend may drive up the premium on physical gold and increase competition for reliable storage. Retail investors should take note: if institutions are opting for real metal over paper, it might be wise to follow their lead. The rise of the Gold Bank mentality means physical custody is back in fashion—for reasons that go beyond price. 4. 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑪𝑺 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 Countries like Russia, India, and Brazil are actively building their gold reserves. This could signal a long-term trend of realignment in the global financial system. If BRICS nations begin to trade with each other in gold-backed instruments or local currencies tied to gold, it could reduce global reliance on the dollar and shift the balance of financial power. For investors, this creates both risk and opportunity. Currency markets may become more volatile. Commodities may see increased speculation. And gold could see growing demand—not just as an investment, but as a geopolitical tool. 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔: 𝑨 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒓𝒂? The central bank gold rush isn't just a financial trend—it's a political and strategic one. It reflects the cracks in the old monetary order and the rise of a new one where trust, security, and sovereignty are paramount. The term Gold Bank captures this shift—a move away from fiat dependence and towards real assets. Retail investors should read the writing on the wall. When the most powerful financial institutions in the world start snapping up gold, it's not a fad. It's a signal. Diversification isn't optional anymore—it's essential. Gold isn't just for doomsday preppers or hedge fund managers. It's becoming mainstream again. And for anyone serious about protecting wealth in uncertain times, it might be the smartest play in the book.
WIRED
5 hours ago
- WIRED
Affluent Travelers Are Ditching Business Class for Business Jets
Jul 2, 2025 11:00 AM With a rise in 'semiprivate' carriers, new booking tech, and commercial airline partnerships, it's never been easier to fly private. We're cruising 35,000 feet over the French Riviera, the plane's wing cutting through billows of white. Below us, the sea is sparkling, and I spot a cluster of yachts anchored along the coastline. A ray of light hits my glass of Champagne and turns it to liquid gold. I take another sip. So this is what it feels like to be on cloud nine. I'm flying from London to St. Tropez with the private aviation company Wheels Up, and for the first time in my life, I don't want a flight to end. Once you've gotten a taste of the private jet lifestyle, it becomes easy to understand why wealthy travelers are so taken with it—despite the hefty price tag and contentious carbon footprint. But, as Leona Qi, president of Vista US, a private aviation company that owns VistaJet and XO, tells me, a large group of private jet travelers are not, in fact, ordering Champagne and caviar on their way to the South of France. Instead, they're more likely to be taking board meetings en route to the Midwest for a multi-million dollar IPO deal. For today's business travelers—whether we're talking C-suite execs or Taylor Swift—the appeal of flying private lies in its efficiency, more so than luxury. Without being constrained by commercial flight routes and airports, you can 'visit three cities in a day and come back home to sleep in your own bed, and the next day you can present to the board or to your executive team,' says Qi. With the return of in-person meetings and office mandates, more business travelers and corporate clients are seeking out private aviation solutions. ILLUSTRATION: Alex Green Private aviation's first post-Covid boom mainly included leisure travelers who transitioned away from commercial airlines during the pandemic for reasons of health, explains George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up. 'You had a bunch of new people in private aviation,' he says. 'And once you try it, you generally don't want to stop.' Despite that, because of the rise of remote work, business travel remained below pre-pandemic levels. That's changing. With the majority of companies implementing hybrid or full-time office mandates, business travel has resumed and, with that, business jets are back in business. So far this year, worldwide private jet activity has been up year-over-year for 20 out of the past 24 weeks, per WINGX data. According to Qi, VistaJet has received three times as many RFPs (request for proposals) from corporations looking for private aviation solutions during the first six months of 2025 compared to the first six months of 2024. 'You can save a lot of time—and time, ultimately, is money.' But business travelers aren't the only customers driving the surge in demand. Private carriers have long been a popular option for reaching leisure destinations that lack commercial connections. According to aircraft charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, harder-to-reach destinations like Scotland's Hebrides, and the French and Italian islands of Corsica and Ischia, are trending this summer, alongside perennial favorites like the Hamptons and Ibiza. The biggest spikes in worldwide private jet activity in recent months have coincided with major sporting events and holidays; over Memorial Day weekend, private jet flights in the US hit an all-time record compared to previous years. This story is part of The New Era of Work Travel , a collaboration between the editors of WIRED and Condé Nast Traveler to help you navigate the perks and pitfalls of the modern business trip. There's still room for growth—according to 2021 data, the majority of US households who can afford to fly private, in fact, do not. One reason for this is that private aviation requires a relatively manual booking process. From calling up brokers and comparing jet card memberships to purchasing fractional ownership models, it's often easier to purchase a $10,000 business class ticket than to go through the motions of reserving a private charter. So-called semi-private carriers combine the reliability of scheduled flight services with the exclusivity of private aircraft and terminals. ILLUSTRATION: Alex Green The industry is now beginning to address those pain points with new products and tech. A handful of start-ups are vying to become 'the Uber of private jet travel,' such as Kinectair, which offers real-time pricing and route search features, without charging membership fees. This summer, Uber itself launched a helicopter booking feature in the Amalfi Coast. The intersection between commercial and private aviation is continuing to grow. In an industry-first, Delta Air Lines is now connecting its international business class passengers with Wheels Up charter flights throughout Europe. Meanwhile, 'semi-private' carriers like JSX, XO, and Aero offer scheduled services aboard private aircraft that travelers can book by the seat—a model that's proven a hit among premium travelers. Tradewind Aviation—which offers both book-by-the-seat scheduled flights and private charters in the US and the Caribbean—says it's seeing roughly a 33% year-over-year increase in scheduled service bookings across its routes; However, private charters are seeing 'less of an increase' this summer compared to last, a Tradewind spokesperson tells Traveler . As demand for scheduled services increases, carriers like these are expanding their route maps. This May, Aero launched a bicoastal Los Angeles to New York flight (featuring in-flight Erewhon meals and Starlink Wi-Fi). The company says the new route was 'built for business travelers, flying from Los Angeles to New York on Monday mornings and returning to Los Angeles on Thursday afternoons.' Mattson, of Wheels Up, believes even more travelers will be making the leap from business class to business jet in the years to come. Above all else, the core draw of private aviation—whether used for a corporate or leisure trip—remains a simple one, he says: 'You can save a lot of time—and time, ultimately, is money.'
