Brian Carvalho

We assist with early technical work, programme design, and certain costs, particularly around planning, bidding, and selecting partners. We don't cover the capital costs, as philanthropy alone can't solve the problem in India. Commercial capital is necessary. To illustrate, I met a farmer who developed a one-megawatt grid at a cost of around $400,000 (Rs 3.31 crore).

Actors, filmmakers, sportspersons… yes, it’s that time of the year for our Showstoppers list, of 75 outperformers from the world of cinema, its domesticated counterpart streaming, sports and music. They’ve competed, with the best in the world, and with themselves. It was a year in which India bagged a consecutive hockey bronze medal at the Olympics, the Paralympians returned with a record haul, Dommaraju Gukesh won the World Chess Championship and the cricketers won the T20 World Cup.

Forbes India’s Neha Bothra, who spotted the bustle in beauty—along with much hustle—and conceived this package, points to what’s driving furious growth and investment: Higher disposable incomes and exposure in the metro cities coupled with brands focusing on affordability in smaller towns (as well as in the less pretentious nooks and crannies of the big cities). And the growth is being fuelled by all generations, from Gen Alpha to the baby boomers.