Archives February 2026

Feb 10: Sunburn, Asia’s premier electronic dance music (EDM) platform, is set to deliver a landmark moment for India’s techno community as Klangkuenstler makes his exclusive one-night-only Outworld India debut this June at the iconic NSCI Dome, Mumbai.

Rooted in Berlin’s underground club culture, Klangkuenstler’s sound is unapologetically raw—defined by relentless kick drums, industrial textures and hypnotic repetition. Eschewing polish for pure emotion, his music is visceral, intense and purpose-built for dark, immersive dance floors.

Tickets for the highly anticipated show go live on February 11 at 11:30 PM IST, exclusively on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination.

One of the most influential names in contemporary hard techno, Michael Korb, professionally known as Klangkuenstler, has built a formidable global reputation for his high-octane live performances that seamlessly bridge underground grit with mainstage energy. Known for his uncompromising sonic identity, relentless BPMs and hypnotic grooves, the Berlin-based artist has become a cult favourite across Europe’s most iconic clubs and festivals.

With viral tracks such as Toter Schmetterling, Ihr Werdet Weinen and Weltschmerz, Klangkuenstler has amassed millions of streams worldwide and commanded dance floors from intimate club spaces to major festival stages. His explosive Boiler Room sets and consistently sold-out headline shows have firmly positioned him as a leading force in the global hard techno movement, redefining the genre for a new generation of ravers.

Speaking about bringing his Outworld production to India for the first time, Klangkuenstler said,

“I feel a special connection to India since my first gig there in 2024. The energy, the curiosity for this music and how passionate the people are is amazing. I received so many messages asking me to bring Outworld. Now that we’ve found the right location, Sunburn feels like the perfect partner to translate my vision and the Outworld production for India.”

For Sunburn, the show marks another milestone in its mission to introduce cutting-edge global electronic talent to Indian audiences.

Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, shared,

“India’s electronic music audience has evolved rapidly, with a growing appetite for deeper, harder and more authentic sounds. Klangkuenstler’s debut reflects that shift. This isn’t just about bringing a global techno heavyweight to India—it’s about recognising where the culture is headed and offering fans truly world-class experiences.”

The Mumbai debut promises a fully immersive Outworld showcase—Klangkuenstler’s creative universe brought vividly to life. The venue will transform into a living infrastructure of architecture, light and visual storytelling, blurring the boundaries between body and sound. Designed as a 360-degree immersive experience, Outworld treats space, light and sound as a single expressive system, amplifying Klangkuenstler’s raw, uncompromising techno into a powerful sonic ecosystem.

Widely recognised for its narrative progression, sustained energy and immersive production design, Outworld has established itself as one of the most distinctive conceptual formats in the global techno scene—and this June, it arrives in India for one unforgettable night.

Alliance City Performs Bhoomi Pujan for Alliance Harmony in Matunga: Where Exclusivity Meets Smart Luxury

Mumbai, Feb 10:  Alliance City Developers Realtors Pvt. Ltd., one of Mumbai’s most dynamic real estate development companies, performed the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for Alliance Harmony on February 7th, 2026, marking the auspicious commencement of construction for this exclusive residential project in the heart of Matunga. This boutique development redefines luxury living in one of Mumbai’s most coveted neighbourhoods with its unique concept of privacy and smart luxury.

Alliance Harmony brings a fresh perspective to urban living with its distinctive proposition of one residence per floor, offering residents unparalleled privacy and direct elevator access to their homes. The project features thoughtfully designed 3 BHK apartments and signature 4 BHK villas, each crafted for abundant natural light, cross ventilation, and a serene lifestyle.

Located on Balkrishna Sule Marg opposite the ICT library in Matunga, the project enjoys exceptional connectivity while being tucked away in a peaceful neighbourhood. Residents will be just minutes from premier educational institutions, including VJTI College (1 minute), Don Bosco International  School (2 minutes), and Khalsa College (2 minutes), Having five gardens close by, Matunga Railway Station about five minutes away, and important commercial centers conveniently accessible.

“Alliance Harmony represents our vision of peaceful coexistence through thoughtful design and sustainable construction,” said Ankita Luharuka, CEO of Alliance City Developers Realtors Pvt. Ltd. “We’re creating homes that nurture wellbeing and lasting value by blending modern aesthetics with community-focused amenities. The one-residence-per-floor concept ensures that every homeowner experiences true exclusivity and privacy—a rare offering in today’s Mumbai real estate landscape. With smart home technology, Vastu-compliant planning, and premium finishes throughout, Alliance Harmony is where intelligent design meets beautiful living.”

The project will feature a dedicated amenities floor spanning the entire level, offering residents state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including a modern gym, yoga deck, walking tracks. The landscaped terrace garden with sit-outs and walking paths provides a green oasis above the city, while podium-level car parking ensures seamless, effortless access for residents.

Alliance Harmony’s residences will include designer flooring, Vastu-compliant planning, natural light and cross ventilation in every home, intercom and video door phone systems, and smart home technology integration. The grand entrance lobby with premium finishes and a welcoming concierge, along with 24/7 CCTV surveillance, ensures both elegance and security.

Alliance City’s Proven Track Record Across Mumbai

With approvals secured and construction now underway following the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, Alliance City continues its legacy of transforming Mumbai’s residential landscape. The developer has established a strong presence across key Mumbai locations with a diverse portfolio of completed and ongoing projects.

The company’s ongoing projects include Alliance Sea Breeze in Santacruz West, Alliance Kanchan Krupa in Mulund West, Alliance Tanvi in Vile Parle East, and 22 Alliance House in Vile Parle East. Projects nearing possession include Alliance Vista in Vile Parle East, Alliance Eternis in Borivali West, and Alliance Abhimanyu in Malad West, demonstrating the company’s commitment to timely delivery.

Alliance City’s portfolio of completed projects showcases its expertise across Mumbai’s prominent neighbourhoods. In Vile Parle East, the company successfully delivered Alliance Nirmal Milan, which recently received the Distinguished Redevelopment Project award from The Times of India. In Matunga East, Alliance Legacy stands as a testament to the company’s understanding of this prestigious neighbourhood. The developer has a strong footprint in Mulund with completed projects including Swati Sadan Alliance, Alliance Sudeep, Alliance Mandarpushpa, Amardeep Alliance, Alliance Ravikiran, and Alliance Mathuresh in both Mulund East and West. In Malad West, Alliance Bhaskar, Alliance Saawai, and Alliance Ruia have been successfully handed over to satisfied homeowners.

This extensive portfolio across diverse Mumbai locations—from the western suburbs of Borivali, Malad, and Santacruz to the central locations of Vile Parle and Matunga, and the eastern suburb of Mulund—demonstrates Alliance City’s deep understanding of Mumbai’s real estate landscape and varied homebuyer preferences. The developer carefully oversees every aspect of the development process from land acquisition through design, construction, and interior arrangements, ensuring strategic locations and amenities that ease the way residents live their lives in the city.

Alliance City has successfully delivered over 1.2 million square feet of development across Mumbai, creating homes for over 700 happy families. The company’s consistent focus on quality construction, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction has established it as a trusted name in Mumbai’s competitive real estate market.

Gurugram, Feb 10: Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School (LPSSS) successfully hosted its Annual Sports Day 2025–26 at the school playground, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and parents for a vibrant celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The event gained special significance with the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Harsh Gill, leading Indian professional boxer and one of the country’s top cruiserweight contenders.

Mr. Gill was felicitated during the opening ceremony and interacted warmly with students. Addressing the gathering, he praised the school’s thoughtful organisation and the energy of the young participants. He reminded students that teachers and parents play an equal role in shaping their future and encouraged them to pursue their goals with discipline, hard work, and consistency.

Founder of Lotus Petal Foundation, Mr. Kushal Chakravorty, highlighted the importance of sports in holistic development. He observed that a person’s conduct on the field often mirrors their character in life, and that sports nurture integrity, perseverance, and teamwork. He urged students to balance academics and sports to grow into confident and well-rounded individuals.

The programme commenced with a formal welcome, followed by the torch lighting ceremony, march past, oath taking, and the National Anthem. Cultural performances added colour to the day, including a Tiny Tots dance, a synchronized Mass PT display by primary students, and an energetic Zumba performance by the senior wing.

A series of track and field events showcased the enthusiasm of young athletes, featuring skipping races, hurdles, obstacle courses, bean balance races, combat races, and inter-house relays. Medal ceremonies across segments celebrated student achievement and fair play. Alumni and PLC participants joined select events, while staff relays and a lively tug-of-war between students and teachers became crowd favourites.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a victory lap by the winning house. For Lotus Petal Foundation, Sports Day remains more than a competition—it is a platform to strengthen resilience, teamwork, and determination among students.

Bengaluru, Feb 09 : Reap Benefit, a leading nonprofit building India’s largest movement of youth changemakers known as Solve Ninjas, will host the 10th edition of SolveCon on 21 February 2026 at PES University, Bengaluru. The national gathering will bring together over 1,500 young people and 80+ organisations, including Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), Azim Premji University, and Teach For India, alongside practitioners from across sectors for a one-day, youth-led festival of action and learning. SolveCon 2026 will feature interactive spaces and creative experiences focused on civic action, climate, mental health, science, art, and community-led problem-solving. The event will also host renowned speakers such as Kailash Nadh, CTO, Zerodha, and Board Member, Rainmatter Foundation; Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, RNP; Ashwini Hiremath, Founder, Wild Wild Women; and Deepak Dhananjaya, Organisation Coach, Psychotherapist, and Founder, Prabhava Institute of Inclusive Mental Health (PIIMH).

SolveCon ’26 marks the first national edition of SolveCon—an initiative that has grown over the past 18 months through nine editions across multiple cities. Built around three simple ideas—Connect, Learn, and Lead—the event is designed to help young people meet like-minded peers, try hands-on learning and real-world problem solving, and explore ways to step into leadership and action in their own communities. This edition also celebrates the shared journey of Reap Benefit and thousands of Solve Ninjas over the years, recognising young people who have consistently driven change in their cities and neighbourhoods.

Across nine previous editions, SolveCon has engaged close to 1,700 youth from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, hosted over 40 short, hands-on learning sessions, and enabled more than 40 young changemakers to publicly share their journeys in civic and climate action. Around 20 organisations—including funders, educators, and civic groups—have participated not as observers but as collaborators, creating interactive spaces, mentoring young participants, and sharing practical tools and experiences.

Speaking on the upcoming edition, Kuldeep Dantewadia, Co-Founder and CEO of Reap Benefit, said,

“SolveCon was born from what we were witnessing on the ground through Reap Benefit’s Solve Ninja programme. When young people are trusted to act, they deliver real outcomes—over 1.5 lakh youth have taken more than 1 lakh civic actions, initiated thousands of local campaigns, and built hundreds of community solutions across India. As this work grew, we realised that reports couldn’t fully capture what youth-led changemaking actually feels like. SolveCon was created to make that lived experience visible—bringing young people and the ecosystem together to learn by doing, act collectively, and see what becomes possible when the right conditions are created for youth leadership.”

For many participants, SolveCon becomes a starting point for continued civic and climate action helping them find peer networks, mentors, and pathways such as Reap Benefit’s Solve Ninja programme.

SolveCon ’26 will bring these experiences together through three core spaces:

• A Mela with interactive stalls and installations hosted by partner organisations and Solve Ninjas
• Short, hands-on learning sessions across themes such as civic action, climate, mental health, art, and science
• Addas, or small reflection circles focused on sharing lived experiences and peer learning

The event will close with a leadership forum and a collective cultural programme celebrating youth voices and creativity.

From flawless sets to fresh fades, Tip & Toe – pioneers in nails, lashes, brows and hair – bring HAIRMECHANIXX, redefining men’s grooming with a luxury street edge.

Feb 10: Mumbai-born premium beauty destination for nails, lashes, hair and brows, Tip & Toe Unisex Salon, introduces Hair Mechanixx at its Meherchand Market outpost, signalling the hair brand’s Delhi debut. Known for its meticulous nail, lash, hair and brow artistry, Tip & Toe’s entry into Delhi marks a strategic expansion into one of India’s most design- and experience-driven beauty markets.

Spanning 1,200 sq. ft. across three thoughtfully designed floors, the new Tip & Toe × Hair Mechanixx space brings together precision-led beauty services and focused grooming under one roof – offering a seamless, high-quality self-care experience tailored for modern, global clientele. The salon is designed to cater especially to foreign and well-travelled MBC customers who seek consistency, hygiene, and premium results without compromise.

Tip & Toe enters Delhi with a clear purpose: to address a noticeable gap in the beauty and nail salon space – the lack of premium, reliable, full-service nail, lash, and brow destinations that combine technical expertise with a refined, confidence-boosting experience. The brand’s Delhi expansion builds on its Mumbai roots, translating its signature craft-first philosophy into a new market without diluting quality or intent.

The salon houses multiple nail technician stations and premium pedicure chairs, alongside four hairstyling stations and two backwash units operated by Hair Mechanixx. By integrating Hair Mechanixx into the Tip & Toe ecosystem, the brand evolves beyond a single-service destination into a holistic beauty and grooming lifestyle space, allowing clients to complete their entire grooming journey in one place.

Hair Mechanixx functions as a focused, specialist hair and grooming studio within the salon – offering high-impact services that complement Tip & Toe’s beauty-led experience rather than overcrowding it. Together, the two brands cover both transformation and finishing, ensuring the experience remains seamless, aspirational, and efficient.

Hygiene, safety, and service consistency form a core pillar of the Tip & Toe × Hair Mechanixx philosophy. From sanitisation protocols to repeatable service systems, quality and cleanliness are designed into every touchpoint of the experience – reinforcing trust and delivering consistent results across services. Tip & Toe uses professional-grade nail lacquers and products, selected for performance, formulation quality, and long-lasting finish.

The salon’s design aesthetic is modern, intentional, and quietly confident steering clear of loud luxury or typical salon energy. Thoughtful details, intuitive layouts, and client-first comforts elevate the in-salon experience, making each visit feel personal, unrushed, and considered.

This Delhi launch reflects the brand’s larger vision: to build a new standard in beauty and grooming, one that values craft over shortcuts, experience over excess, and confidence over trends, while making premium self-care personal, accessible, and memorable.

Services at the salon are priced from ₹1,000 onwards. To celebrate the launch, Hair Mechanixx is offering a flat 50% off on all services, while clients availing any Tip & Toe service will receive a complimentary hair wash from Hair Mechanixx during the opening period.

Speaking on the expansion, Sharmila Thanki, Founder Tip & Toe said,

“Delhi was a natural next step for us. With this launch, we wanted to bring the same level of precision, hygiene and personalization that Tip & Toe is known for in Mumbai, while responding to the expectations of a more global, experience-led audience.”

Montie Thanki, Founder-Hair Mechanixx added,

“This partnership allows us to stay focused on specialist grooming while being part of a larger, lifestyle-driven beauty destination. Tip & Toe and Hair Mechanixx share a commitment to craft and consistency, which makes this collaboration seamless.”

Lab-grown diamond jewellery brand Ethera raises 25 crores from BlueStone to accelerate growth and retail expansion

Ethera, a Bengaluru-based laboratory-grown diamond jewellery brand, has raised ₹25 crore from Bluestone, which has doubled down on its investment to support the brand’s next phase of growth and expansion. The development marks a continued commitment towards scaling Ethera’s market presence.

India’s lab-grown diamond jewellery market is witnessing a rapid momentum, driven by evolving consumer behaviour, rising demand for everyday jewellery, and a growing preference for ethical and transparent luxury. The lab-grown diamond (LGD) segment in India represents an estimated ~$500 million revenue opportunity today and is growing at 35–40% year-on-year. By 2030, LGDs are expected to form a meaningful share of the overall diamond jewellery market, underpinned by structural shifts in purchasing preferences.

Ethera is well-positioned to serve this shift with a strong design pipeline, launching over 200 new designs every month, supported by a rigorous 40-point quality check across every piece.

Founded in 2024 by Nitesh Jain and Sharad Arora, Ethera is a design first contemporary jewellery brand built for the modern, confident woman. Rooted in the belief that jewellery shouldn’t be locked away but worn and lived in, Ethera offers a wide range of classic and modern everyday designs crafted using IGI certified lab-grown diamonds and BIS hallmarked gold across categories including earrings, bracelets, solitaires, pendants, and necklaces. Ethera’s collections are designed to move seamlessly from everyday wear to personal milestones, reflecting individuality, confidence, and evolving personal style. The brand caters to women who value thoughtful design, curated wardrobes, and quality.

The fresh capital will be primarily deployed to expand Ethera’s physical retail footprint. In a span of 1 year, the brand has already expanded and currently operates five retail stores in Bengaluru and Delhi, with multiple new locations set to go live in the coming weeks and several more already in the pipeline. Alongside retail expansion, Ethera will continue to invest in deepening its in-house design creation capabilities, strengthening its technology stack, and accelerating brand awareness to support sustained omnichannel growth.

Commenting on the announcement, Sharad Arora, Co-Founder Ethera, said,

“Everything we’re building at Ethera starts from first principles: understanding the customer, the category and the long-term opportunity. That clarity is shaping Ethera into a brand defined by strong design, transparent values and a consistent experience across channels. BlueStone’s strategic backing strengthens our ability to expand our retail presence, deepen our supply-chain capabilities and build the operational backbone needed for the scale ahead.”

Nitesh Jain, Co-Founder Ethera, added,

 “Jewellery today is a powerful form of self-expression, and women are increasingly choosing pieces that reflect their individuality and life journeys. At Ethera, our focus has always been on design, quality, craftsmanship, and consistency. This capital enables us to expand our retail reach while continuing to invest in systems that deliver consistency and trust at every touchpoint.”

As Ethera enters its next phase of growth, the brand remains focused on its philosophy of jewellery as self-expression, designed to be worn every day and become a part of lived experiences.

New Delhi, Feb 10:  Indian kickboxing sensation Sudhir Saxena has once again elevated the nation’s standing in combat sports by securing a Silver Medal at the 5th India Open International Kickboxing Cup. The elite championship, sanctioned by the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, took place at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from February 4th to 8th, 2026.

Facing a grueling draw against some of the world’s most formidable fighters, Saxena displayed a masterclass in resilience and technique. His silver-medal performance is a testament to his “never-say-die” spirit, proving that grit and discipline can overcome the toughest odds on the international stage.

A Victory Built on Family and Faith

Behind Sudhir’s explosive performance in the ring lies a foundation of immense personal sacrifice and family support. Saxena dedicated this victory to his father, Mr. Suresh Saxena, and his wife, Priyanka Gautam, whose relentless encouragement served as his primary motivation during the most exhausting hours of training.

“Every punch I landed and every round I survived was for my family,” Saxena stated. “My father, Suresh Saxena’s vision and my wife, Priyanka Gautam’s unwavering support have been my greatest strengths. This medal is as much theirs as it is mine.”

Fueling the Dream: PNB and Gauravi Foundation

Success at this level requires world-class infrastructure, and Sudhir highlighted the pivotal role of his sponsors. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the Gauravi Foundation for their continued financial and moral sponsorship. Their commitment to nurturing Indian sporting talent has been a cornerstone of his journey from local rings to international podiums.

The Road to Gold

While the silver medal is a significant milestone, Saxena is far from satisfied. With his eyes firmly set on the top of the podium, he is already transitioning back into training mode. “I fought well, but the hunger for gold remains. I am immediately shifting my focus to my upcoming matches, refining my technique to ensure the Indian tricolor flies highest in the next competition,” he added.

Sudhir Saxena continues to be an inspiration for aspiring martial artists across India, proving that with the right backing and a dedicated family, no goal is out of reach.

Bangalore, Feb 10: SWITCH Mobility, a global leader in electric buses and light commercial vehicles and part of the Hinduja Group, today flagged off 272 SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Bus for city transport under the CESL (Convergence Energy Services Limited) tender from the Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi.  The flag-off forms part of a centralised rollout of 950 electric buses in the Capital city.

The flag-off was undertaken by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, Ms. Rekha Gupta, in the presence of Mr. Nitin Nabin, National President, BJP; Mr. Pankaj Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of NCT of Delhi; Ms. Niharika Singh, Commissioner, Transport; and Mr. Jitender Yadav, Managing Director, DTC. The occasion underscores Delhi’s continued commitment to strengthening sustainable urban mobility and improving air quality for its citizens, in line with the Government of India’s vision for “Disabled-Friendly means of transport” and “No Emission Buses”.

Under the CESL tender for Delhi, SWITCH Mobility will deploy a total of 950 electric buses across key depots in the national capital, supporting the city’s transition to a cleaner public transport system. Deployment will be undertaken in phases across Okhla Srinivas Puri (SNP) Depot, Grand Trunk Road Depot and Rajghat Bus Terminal and other depots. Ohm Global Mobility will support operational deployment and service readiness for the fleet, enabling integration into Delhi’s public transport network.

Manufactured at SWITCH’s state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu, the SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Bus embodies the company’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, bringing together cutting-edge global technology and Indian manufacturing excellence to serve the nation’s capital.

The Low Floor Bus features an ultra-low entry design with kneeling and tilting for effortless boarding, supported by floor-mounted batteries that ensure a low center of gravity and superior stability. Rear-mounted charger ports enable quick and ergonomic charging, while a large manual or automated wheelchair ramp enhances accessibility. Panoramic glass creates a spacious, airy interior, complemented by a Fire Detection and Suppression System for safety. Advanced SWITCH iON technology monitors 140+ parameters with low latency and 80+ alerts, alongside dual gun fast-charging for quick turnarounds and silent operation delivering inclusive, comfortable mobility for seniors, people with special needs, and parents with prams.

Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer of SWITCH Mobility, said,

“The flag-off of 200+ SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Buses electric buses in partnership with CESL is a significant milestone in strengthening Delhi’s electric public transport ecosystem. SWITCH Mobility is committed to collaborating with city transport authorities to deliver dependable, high-performance electric buses that can scale rapidly. Deployments like these demonstrate how electric mobility can be seamlessly integrated into urban operations while delivering tangible benefits in emissions reduction and passenger experience.“

The phased deployment of 200+ buses from Srinivas Puri Depot aligns with the Delhi Government’s ambitious vision to make Delhi the city with the highest number of electric buses in operation. This strategic rollout is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and provide safer, more comfortable commutes for Delhi’s millions of daily bus commuters while setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban transportation.

Valentine’s is a special time to celebrate love and share memorable moments with your loved ones. As Valentine’s is a time for togetherness and creating cherished memories, Barista Coffee aims to make every moment meaningful for couples and loved ones. This season, India’s iconic café brand, Barista Coffee Company, invites you to indulge in sweetness and irresistible flavours through its special ‘Currently Romantic’ menu.

As a part of “Currently Romantic”, Barista brings crafted  Valentine’s limited-time offerings, available from 1st February onwards across all Barista outlets. Customers can treat their love with the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, a heavenly mix of fruity and chocolatey goodness, the Brownie Latte, a rich, creamy, and indulgently comforting coffee, and much more. For those who want to celebrate the spirit of love by indulging in a sweet treat, the Valentine’s Cake is a thoughtful way to share a piece of love that can be relished and remembered.

Speaking on the campaign, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said,

“As we enter into a season of love, our intent is to make people feel special, and our aim is to spread warmth, happiness, and indulgence across cities and bring our customers close to their loved ones. With these specially designed treats, we are ensuring that everyone can celebrate love, whether it is a quiet café experience, a fun date, or a treat for yourself.”

The campaign embodies the essence of Barista’s brand identity, full of life, energy, and experiences giving customers the opportunity to make memories over cups of coffee and desserts that are not only delicious but also ‘gram-worthy. The exclusive Valentine’s menu will be available at select Barista cafes across the country, starting 1st February, and is an invitation to everyone to indulge, celebrate, and fall in love with every sip and bite.

Sandhya Haribal, Sr. Program Manager – CDD Society and a member of the NFSSM Alliance

“The Union Budget 2026-27 provides a road map for India by ensuring continued growth to reach the ambitious target of becoming a global financial hub. While impetus is being focussed on achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’, there is an equal focus on ensuring inclusion and sustainability to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Initiatives like high-speed rail corridors, 20 national waterways, City Economic Regions, Infrastructure Risk Guarantee fund, SASCI scheme etc. would help in further boosting development of cities across the country. However, it is also important to understand what this means in terms of equitable and uniform access to basic services like water and sanitation for all citizens.”

While there seems to be either a stagnation or reduction in the populous schemes in the water and sanitation space like AMRUT, SBM – Urban & Rural, JJM etc., allocation of Rs. 20,000 Crore over next 5 years for Climate Action could be planned in a strategic manner by the cities and villages to make them resilient to climate change impacts. Keeping in mind the sustainable development of necessary infrastructure, the provision of Rs. 1.4 lakh Crores for Rural and Urban local bodies and Disaster Management Grants could be a game-changer.

To conclude, the budget rightly indicates reforms over rhetoric- from the experiences over the past few schemes, this means that while big numbers and ambitious budgets are being set out, the implementation and regulation at the ground level become equally crucial through alignment of all the key stakeholders; Public-Private-People-Partnerships. While budget is being guided by the three Kartavyas, inclusion of the water-sanitation-climate nexus.”