Category Archives: News

B. Prabhakaran Applauds Visionary Leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and Nitin Gadkari for Transforming Gadchiroli

Mumbai, Feb 10: Gadchiroli and the wider Vidarbha region have long been recognised for their vast mineral wealth and human potential. For decades, however, this promise remained largely untapped. Today, that narrative is decisively changing—driven by focused governance, policy clarity, and a long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

Encouraging words from Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji, and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari ji, have deeply resonated with stakeholders working on the ground in the region. Their leadership reflects a development approach where industrialisation is not pursued in isolation, but as a catalyst for employment generation, infrastructure creation, and regional integration.

The sustained push by CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji to unlock Gadchiroli’s industrial potential while ensuring balanced regional growth has brought renewed confidence to Vidarbha. His focus on enabling large-scale investments, strengthening governance frameworks, and ensuring that development reaches local communities has been central to the region’s transformation.

Complementing this, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari ji’s long-standing emphasis on infrastructure-led growth and decentralised industrial development has provided critical momentum. His consistent advocacy for Vidarbha has helped position the region on the national economic map, encouraging industry participation and long-term capacity building.

A powerful symbol of this transformation is the Lloyds Fellowship programme, under which 12 additional students from tribal and underprivileged backgrounds in Gadchiroli have been selected to pursue higher education at Curtin University, Perth, Australia. These students have undergone rigorous academic and language training and will now access world-class education—marking a significant shift from local constraints to global opportunities for the region’s youth.

The emergence of a robust steel ecosystem across Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Wardha, Nagpur, and Bhandara further underscores this inflection point. The vision of developing a Green Steel Hub reflects a forward-looking industrial strategy anchored in sustainability, efficiency, and global competitiveness positioning Vidarbha as a key manufacturing and industrial hub for India.

Commenting on the transformation, Mr. B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, said:

“The leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji has been instrumental in bringing focus, speed, and confidence to Gadchiroli’s development journey. His commitment to ensuring that industrial growth translates into real opportunities for local communities is clearly visible on the ground.”

He added,

“The encouragement and vision of Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari ji have further strengthened this momentum. His emphasis on infrastructure, sustainability, and regional equity has helped create an enabling ecosystem for long-term industrial growth in Vidarbha.”

Mr. Prabhakaran further noted,

“The selection of 12 additional students under the Lloyds Fellowship programme reflects our shared belief that true development lies in empowering local youth with global exposure and education. These initiatives ensure that the next generation from Gadchiroli becomes an active participant in India’s growth story.”

The growing national and international focus on Vidarbha—further reinforced by platforms such as Advantage Vidarbha 2026, which brings together global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers signals the region’s readiness for its next phase of growth. With strong political leadership and collaborative intent, such efforts are expected to accelerate investments, deepen industrial ecosystems, and ensure development remains people-centric and future-ready.

Kalidas ka Kathalok Festival Concludes at Purana Qila, Delhi

Kalidas ka Kathalok, a two-day cultural festival curated by Samay Yaan in collaboration with IGNCA, concludes at Purana Qila, New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 10: Delhi witnessed a rare cultural immersion into India’s ancient civilisational consciousness as Kalidas ka Katha Lok, a two-day cultural festival curated by Samay Yaan in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), concluded successfully at Purana Qila on 7–8 February 2026.

Rooted in the theme “Kalidas and His India,” the festival invited audiences to experience the world of Mahakavi Kalidas not as distant history, but as a living, breathing continuum of ideas, aesthetics, and social thought. Over two days, thousands of visitors, students, scholars, artists, and families engaged with India’s classical heritage through theatre, music, storytelling, workshops, installations, and scholarly dialogue.

The festival was inaugurated by Shri Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Minister of State for Language, Culture and Tourism, along with Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Justice (Retd.) S. N. Dhingra, Founder of Samay Yaan; Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi; and Shri Chittaranjan Tripathi, Director, National School of Drama.

Held within the historic landscape of Purana Qila, the festival transformed the venue into a symbolic passage into the India of nearly 2,000 years ago. Visitors were welcomed with immersive entry experiences, thematic décor, poetic installations, and curated experiential zones that evoked everyday life, trade, art, and learning from Kalidas’s era.

The festival was graced by several dignitaries including Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi – Member Secretary, IGNCA; Dr. Sandhya Purecha – Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi; Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal – Founder Director of CSIR-NIScPR; Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi – Member of Parliament; Prof. Kapil Kumar – historian and author; Capt. Praveen Chaturvedi – CEO of Prachyam Studios; and Sushri Bharti Dixit, storyteller.

Speaking at the event, Justice (Retd.) S.N. Dhingra, Chairman, Samay Yaan, said,

“Kalidas ka Kathaalok is our attempt to bring ancient India out of textbooks and make it a live experience. We are not recreating history as a spectacle, but opening a space where stories, ideas, and emotions from 2000 years ago can be felt again. By combining performance, craft, music, and conversation, the festival allows people, especially young audiences, to engage with Kalidas and his world and feel the vibrant Bharat of his era.”

Ms. Bharti Dhingra, Project Head – Katha Lok, said,

“This festival is built around listening to stories, to places, and to the questions ancient India was curious about: love, power, nature, and society. Kalidas ka Kathaalok does not tell audiences what to think about the past. Instead, it creates the atmosphere that allows reflection and dialogue.”

Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, National School of Drama, said,

“At the National School of Drama, we believe theatre is one of the most powerful ways to understand society and history. Through Kalidas ka Kathaalok, we are engaging with young performers and storytellers to explore life in ancient India, not as mythology, but as a living reality. This festival gave opportunity and chance to express and reinterpret classical themes through contemporary performance, ensuring that Indian dramatic traditions continue to grow, evolve, and speak to new generations.”

Shri Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, said,

“To envision a literary festival devoted to Mahakavi Kalidasa is an inspired endeavour. Kalidasa enriched literary traditions through the vast reach of his genius. Our youth readily know Shakespeare, yet remain largely unaware of Kalidasa. This moment calls for reintroducing Kalidasa to the new generation, so they may engage with and take pride in our rich literary heritage.”

Pandit Abhay Sopori, Santoor Maestro & Music Composer, said,

“Indian classical arts have always carried history not as memory alone, but as lived experience. Kalidas ka Kathaalok created a rare space where poetry, music, and thought come together to awaken that continuity. Just as a raga unfolds emotion beyond words, this festival allows ancient ideas to resonate with contemporary sensibilities. It reminds us that our cultural inheritance is not something to be preserved in silence, but to be listened to, felt, and rediscovered by every generation.”

One of the festival’s key highlights was its experiential haat, where audiences explored ancient Indian practices, from attar-making and traditional board games to Brahmi script calligraphy, dhoti-tying, and forgotten culinary and craft traditions. These hands-on spaces enabled visitors to engage with civilisation through touch, scent, sound, and movement, rather than observation alone.

The intellectual core of Kalidas ka Katha Lok was anchored by curated conversations and storytelling sessions featuring eminent thinkers, historians, authors, and cultural practitioners. Discussions explored themes such as ancient Indian trade routes, governance systems, science, philosophy, aesthetics, and the enduring relevance of Kalidas’s literary imagination in contemporary times.

The performing arts formed a powerful narrative arc across both evenings. A specially curated National School of Drama production on the life and works of Mahakavi Kalidas brought classical literature alive through contemporary theatrical expression.

The much-anticipated Taal Yudh witnessed master percussionists engage in a rhythmic dialogue across traditions, reviving India’s ancient language of rhythm and conversation.

Musical reinterpretations of Kalidas’s works found expression through The Kalidas Bands, an inter-college competition that blended classical and folk traditions with modern musical sensibilities.

The festival concluded with Sur Samay Yaan, a grand musical journey mapping India’s sonic evolution, from the earliest philosophical conception of sound to classical and folk traditions, performed by a large ensemble of renowned musicians and vocalists including Pandit Abhay Sopori, Smt. Ragini Rainu, Dr. Avinash Kumar, Dr. Rindana Rahasya, Pt. Dr. Samit Mallick, and Shri Nitin Sharma.

Greenspace Launches Ashwagandha QA, Pioneering Quantum Ayurveda

Greenspace Herbs Unveils Ashwagandha QA, the World’s First Quantum-Physics–Applied Ayurvedic Supplement

Bengaluru, Feb 10:  Greenspace Herbs has announced the launch of Ashwagandha QA, a next-generation Ayurvedic ingredient positioned as the world’s first clinically evaluated “Quantum Ayurveda” ashwagandha. The innovation combines engineering-led signal discovery with acoustic science to embed supportive frequencies into the botanical matrix—without chemical modification—offering enhanced performance at lower doses.

Greenspace Herbs frames this launch as a new frontier in supplement innovation, emphasizing convergence across multiple scientific faculties. By reducing oxidative stress, Ashwagandha QA enables faster and more efficient absorption of botanical benefits, reflecting the principle that less can be faster when the body’s resistance state is lowered.

Designed with performance efficiency in mind, Ashwagandha QA delivers improved bioavailability and functional outcomes compared with conventional extracts. Lower effective dosing not only supports consumer adherence but also promotes sustainability through optimized raw-material use. The platform shifts the industry focus from milligrams per serving to outcome per milligram, positioning it as a precision-oriented, performance-led ingredient.

Greenspace Herbs also highlighted ongoing research exploring targeted energy modulation to guide botanical benefits more precisely in the body, marking a step toward a new era of high-efficiency nutraceutical formulations.

George Fernandes, Chief Scientist at Greenspace Herbs, said,

“Ashwagandha QA represents a bold intersection of classical Ayurveda and modern engineering principles. Our aim is to enhance the functional performance of botanicals, making supplementation faster, more efficient, and aligned with the body’s natural pathways.”

Ashwagandha QA is part of Greenspace Herbs’ vision to redefine how Ayurvedic ingredients are applied in modern supplements—emphasizing precision, energy-based efficiency, and measurable, reproducible outcomes.

Gifts to Make Your Loved Ones Smile This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, love is found in the little things—the thoughtful gestures that bring comfort, confidence, and joy to everyday moments. Beyond grand plans and candle-lit dinners, the day is about celebrating connection in all its forms: romantic, personal, and heartfelt.

Whether it’s getting ready for a special date night, planning a cosy evening at home, or indulging in self-care, the right gifts can make these moments even more meaningful. From beauty and fragrance to fashion care and smart kitchen solutions, this curated Valentine’s Day edit brings together thoughtful picks designed to enhance everyday living and celebrate love, your way.

Philips STH5030/20 Handheld Garment Steamer
A perfect blend of practicality and elegance, the Philips STH5030/20 Handheld Garment Steamer is designed to simplify daily wardrobe care. Ready in seconds, it smooths out wrinkles quickly without the need for an ironing board. Its powerful steam output, dual detachable water tanks, and precision tip make it ideal for everything from everyday outfits to travel-ready looks. With thoughtful accessories and a sleek design, it’s a gift that adds ease and confidence to every morning.

Oriflame Essenza Supreme Perfumed Body Cream
Indulgent body care takes centre stage with the Essenza Supreme Perfumed Body Cream. Crafted to deliver deep nourishment with a luxurious sensory experience, its rich, velvety texture leaves skin soft, hydrated, and delicately scented. Ideal for special evenings and self-care rituals, it brings an elegant touch to Valentine’s Day preparations.

Cellecor Aurifry Air Fryer
For couples who cherish shared moments at home, the Cellecor Aurifry Air Fryer makes healthy cooking effortless. Designed for convenience and performance, it allows users to prepare flavourful meals with minimal oil. Its transparent, illuminated basket, intuitive touch controls, and versatile cooking options make everyday meals enjoyable, turning home-cooked food into moments of togetherness.

Every Me Sweetheart Rose Eau de Toilette
Romantic and refreshing, the Sweetheart Rose Eau de Toilette captures the emotion of Valentine’s Day through fragrance. With delicate rose notes balanced by soft fruity accents, it offers a light yet memorable scent. Perfect for both date nights and personal celebrations, it adds a charming finishing touch to any look, leaving behind a gentle, lingering impression.

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love through gifts that elevate everyday experiences—because the most meaningful presents are the ones that bring joy, comfort, and a little extra sparkle to daily life.

Lotte India Turns This Valentine’s Day Into Palentine’s Day

Chennai, Feb 10: This Valentine’s Day, Lotte is flipping the script on traditional love with Palentines a celebration that puts friendship first. With its Pepero Palentine’s campaign, the brand moves beyond romantic clichés to honour the everyday bonds that Gen Z values most, proving that the sweetest moments are often shared with friends. While romance may be sweet, it’s the friendship you share with your closest people that’s even sweeter- and that’s exactly the sentiment driving Lotte’s Palentine’s Day celebration.

At the heart of the campaign, Pepero teams up with six popular creators who bring Palentine’s Day to life through fun, unfiltered moments shared with their closest friends. From inside jokes to everyday chaos, the content captures the kind of real, relatable friendships that Gen Z actually celebrates-no roses, no clichés, just genuine connections and good vibes. Lotte India is celebrating friendships that feel natural and enduring- the kind that add sweetness to life without asking for anything in return.

Taking the celebration beyond screens, Pepero invites its community to join the Palentine’s movement by tagging their own Palentines and turning friendship into the real love language of the season.

Adding to the ease of sharing, Pepero’s availability on quick-commerce platforms makes it possible to send a sweet surprise in minutes-perfect for spontaneous plans, last-minute gestures, and friendship-powered celebrations. With Pepero Palentine’s, the brand reinforces its role as a modern, shareable treat for Gen Z and young consumers-proving that when it comes to love, friends always deserve the first bite.

Blutic, Neokred’s Consent Management Platform, Gets Google Tag Manager Verified

Bengaluru, India, Feb 10:   Blutic, Neokred’s in-house cookie management platform, has been officially verified on Google Tag Manager (GTM), making Neokred one of the few Indian companies to receive this recognition. The certification is awarded after Google’s rigorous technical evaluation, highlighting Blutic as a secure and reliable platform that enterprises can confidently leverage for DPDP Act-compliant cookie management.

The GTM verification allows enterprises to deploy the cookie management platform, Blutic, with ease. It helps follow privacy laws like the DPDP Act, capturing customer consent for data usage like ads or analytics, without friction to the user experience. For everyday end-users, it means simple cookie banner pop-ups to choose what data to share, building trust as their choices are respected across sites without slowing things down. This matters now with rising data privacy discussions.

What is Blutic, and why does the GTM Certification matter?

Blutic is designed to help digital platforms capture granular, purpose-driven consent on how customers’ cookie data is collected and used. In line with regulatory requirements, it enables end users to easily accept, deny, customize, withdraw, or modify their consent at any time, giving them clear visibility and control over their data choices. 

With Google Tag Manager verification, Blutic has cleared Google’s technical and security checks and is now listed in the GTM gallery, reinforcing trust and reliability for clients. This makes it easier for businesses to deploy consent directly through GTM and ensures smooth compatibility with Google Analytics, Ads, and other GTM tags. The pre-approved template also reduces implementation errors and compliance risks.

For enterprises, this means faster setup with minimal engineering effort. It also ensures tags are fired only after the right user consent is captured. Teams get centralised control to manage consent and tag behaviour from one place, while collecting cleaner and more reliable analytics data.

The recognition comes at a pivotal time, as organisations across India fast-track their efforts to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework. With regulatory expectations becoming stringent around consent, data usage, and auditability, enterprises are looking for platforms that can operationalise compliance without compromising customer experiences.

“This recognition reinforces what we’ve always focused on building reliable, compliance-ready infrastructure that enterprises can trust,” said Rohith Reji, Co-founder & CEO of Neokred. “Our teams have worked relentlessly to build a platform that makes consent management practical with ease. Customer feedback has played a key role in shaping Blutic, and this certification gives us even more confidence to keep working to make compliance easy for organisations.”

“I believe this is an important milestone for us,” emphasises Tarun Nazare, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Neokred.  Tarun adds, “It enables our customers to get their hands on valuable insights without compromising user trust. This recognition is a testament to  our commitment to building accurate, dependable infrastructure that aligns with global standards while staying rooted in India’s DPDP requirements.”

Neokred operates as a modular digital infrastructure provider, supporting enterprises across profiling, payments, consent, and privacy-led data flows. Its solutions are built for organisations across BFSI, ecommerce, healthcare, and other regulated sectors, helping them implement compliance at a system level rather than through fragmented manual processes. With Blutic now GTM Verified, Neokred continues to strengthen its position as a privacy-first infrastructure partner for enterprises in India and beyond in this ever-evolving, complex regulatory environment. 

Alliance City Performs Bhoomi Pujan for Alliance Harmony in Matunga

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.

SWITCH Mobility Flags Off 200+ Electric Buses in Delhi, Further Strengthening City’s Electric Public Transport Network

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.

Barista Coffee Spreads the Love with “Currently Romantic” – A Special Valentine’s Campaign

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.

Expert Says Union Budget 2026-27 Balances Growth, Inclusion, and Climate Action

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.”