Category Archives: News

Aptronix Launches Multi-Device Exchange Programme to Boost E-Waste Recycling

New Delhi, Jan 23: Aptronix, an Apple Premium Partner in India, has introduced a new multi-device exchange initiative aimed at strengthening formal e-waste collection and responsible recycling across the country. The programme, titled Limitless Aptronix Exchange, allows customers to exchange up to 10 electronic devices of any brand and condition at Aptronix retail outlets.

Powered by device lifecycle management company Servify and recycling partner Karo Sambhav, a government-authorised Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), the initiative accepts both functional and non-functional devices. Eligible categories include smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, and select household electronics.

Functional devices are assessed instantly through Servify’s diagnostic platform, with the evaluated value redeemable against the purchase of new Apple products. Devices without resale value are routed for responsible recycling, with customers receiving vouchers, along with a tree planted on their behalf.

According to Aptronix, the programme is designed to address India’s growing e-waste challenge by encouraging consumers to responsibly dispose of unused and obsolete electronics. The company expects the initiative to divert a significant volume of electronic waste from landfills during its first year.

Servify’s platform enables transparent device assessment and end-to-end tracking, ensuring devices move through certified refurbishment or recycling channels. Karo Sambhav will oversee recycling operations in compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines, providing traceability from collection to final processing.

Commenting on the launch, Meghna Singh, CEO, Aptronix, said,

“This programme is about making responsible disposal simple and accessible for consumers. By removing friction from the recycling process, we hope to encourage more people to part with old devices responsibly.”

Sreevathsa Prabhakar, Founder & CEO, Servify, added,

“Technology-driven diagnostics, transparent valuation, and traceable recycling are critical to formalising e-waste management at scale.”

The programme is available across all Aptronix retail locations and is open to customers irrespective of device brand. Aptronix will monitor key environmental impact metrics, including the number of devices collected, recycled, and consumer participation levels.

Industry observers note that initiatives such as this align with India’s tightening regulatory framework around e-waste management and reinforce the growing emphasis on producer and consumer responsibility within the electronics ecosystem.

Death of Situationships: 3 in 5 Daters Above 25 Demand Clarity Before Commitment, Finds QuackQuack Study

The era of vague, undefined romantic connections—popularly known as situationships—appears to be losing its appeal among Indian daters. A recent consumer study by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals a significant shift in dating behaviour, with nearly 3 in 5 daters above the age of 25 actively seeking clarity early in a connection to avoid emotional ambiguity and unintentional attachment.

The study, conducted among 11,959 daters aged 25–35 across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, indicates that modern dating is becoming more intentional, transparent, and emotionally aware. While situationships once thrived on low-pressure connections and “let’s see where it goes” dynamics, daters today are increasingly prioritising emotional clarity and aligned expectations.

Survey findings show that 2 in 10 couples were emotionally exclusive but hesitant to commit, often due to fear of labels or long-term expectations. However, this reluctance is now giving way to maturity and decisiveness. Nearly 41% of respondents acknowledged that while situationships may have seemed like a trial phase, the emotional cost of staying stuck without direction outweighs any perceived benefits.

Commenting on the findings, Ravi Mittal, Founder & CEO of QuackQuack, said,

“We’ve seen the rise of situationships, and now we’re clearly witnessing their decline. As a dating platform, our goal has always been to help users find meaningful connections—romantic or friendly. Situationships often end with at least one person getting hurt. It’s encouraging to see daters recognising this and consciously choosing clarity over confusion. Match quality is improving, and so is the value users place on genuine interactions.”

Situationship Burnout Replaces the Thrill

Across cities and demographics, daters reported growing emotional fatigue associated with undefined relationships. The uncertainty, mixed signals, and inability to set boundaries were cited as emotionally draining.

Amrita (27), from Delhi, shared,

“The worst part of being in a situationship was not being able to confront him when I felt insecure. That uncertainty weighed heavily on me. I now believe clarity and commitment—even if it takes longer—are far healthier than staying in emotional limbo.”

‘Time-Pass’ Dating Losing Relevance

While dating in one’s early 20s is often exploratory, respondents above 25 expressed a growing awareness of time and emotional investment. 36% of daters aged 28–35 said they are now more intentional about whom they spend their limited time with.

The study also revealed that 49% of women and 44% of men are less willing to invest in connections that remain undefined beyond the one-month mark. While casual dating remains relevant, daters increasingly reject casual ambiguity, emphasising the need for transparency and mutual intent.

Past Experiences Driving Stronger Boundaries

Nearly 22% of respondents who had previously been in a situationship said the experience shaped stronger boundaries in their current dating lives.

Kirti (30), a social activist, said,

“Being emotionally invested without reciprocation left a mark. I wish I had recognised it sooner. Today, I’m clear about what I want, and if it doesn’t align, I’m prepared to walk away.”

The findings highlight a broader cultural shift in Indian dating—one that values clarity, emotional safety, and intentional connection over uncertainty. As dating continues to evolve, situationships may soon become a relic of the past rather than a modern norm.

USD 30B Investment Partnership Announced by RMZ and Maharashtra at WEF

RMZ Announces Strategic Investment Partnership with the Government of Maharashtra at WEF Davos 2026 to Facilitate Investments up to USD 30 Billion

Davos, Switzerland / Mumbai, Jan 23: RMZ, Asia’s leading integrated alternative-assets platform owned by the Menda family, today announced a strategic investment partnership with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and City & Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

Under this long-term partnership, RMZ plans to facilitate investments of up to USD 30 billion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over the next ten years in a phased manner. The initiative has the potential to generate approximately 3 lakh direct and indirect jobs throughout the project lifecycle. The collaboration is designed to drive economic growth through foreign direct investment (FDI) in urban, regional, and infrastructure development.

As part of the partnership with MMRDA, RMZ will lead investment structuring and capital mobilisation, alongside master planning, project development, and long-term asset management, leveraging global best practices across real estate, infrastructure, logistics parks, and data centres. MMRDA will support land identification and aggregation, provide policy-level support, and facilitate approvals and planning for the projects.

In collaboration with CIDCO, RMZ will develop new data centre and commercial projects in Navi Mumbai, with project execution expected to commence in FY 2026-27. CIDCO will support RMZ in obtaining necessary permissions, land allotments, approvals, and clearances from relevant government authorities in line with Maharashtra’s policies and regulations.

A CIDCO spokesperson said,

“We are excited to announce this partnership with RMZ, which aligns with Maharashtra’s vision to attract large-scale, technology-led infrastructure projects, strengthen digital resilience, and meet India’s growing demand for data-driven services. Navi Mumbai is fast emerging as a preferred hub for high-value data centres and digital infrastructure. This collaboration will enable planned, future-ready development by providing the necessary infrastructure, approvals, and ecosystem support for long-term digital and economic growth.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manoj Menda, Chairman – Supervisory Board, RMZ, said,

“Large, long-duration investments require more than capital; they demand alignment, trust, and strong institutional frameworks. Maharashtra’s focus on planned development and long-term economic value creation provides an ideal foundation. This strategic investment partnership reflects RMZ’s commitment to patient capital, sound governance, and building infrastructure platforms designed to deliver enduring economic outcomes.”

Mr. Deepak Chhabria, President – RMZ Infrastructure, added,

“Mumbai and its surrounding regions are emerging as critical hubs in India’s digital infrastructure and data-driven economy. RMZ already has approximately 230 MW of colocation capacity across its digital infrastructure platform, including assets in and around Mumbai. The partnership with MMRDA and CIDCO supports the next phase of expansion for future-ready data centre and AI infrastructure aligned with global standards. Our focus remains on developing efficient, sustainable platforms to support India’s growing digital economy over the long term.”

The collaboration aims to transform strategic locations into thriving growth hubs, enhance connectivity, and accelerate the implementation of key infrastructure projects, driving economic growth and long-term investment certainty for global capital.

KLAY Launches Republic Day Campaign ‘What Is India?’, Showcasing How Children Perceive The Nation At An Early Age

This Republic Day, KLAY, one of India’s leading and most trusted early childhood education and care brands, has launched its Republic Day digital campaign, ‘What Is India?’ The campaign draws from the innate curiosity of preschool children, exploring how early ideas of belonging and national identity begin to form long before children formally understand the concept of a nation.

Designed to spark reflection among parents, educators, and communities, the campaign highlights how young children perceive India—not through history lessons or national symbols, but through the behaviours, emotions, and relationships they observe in their everyday lives. By centring the voices of preschoolers, the campaign reimagines nationhood as a lived experience rooted in inclusion, care, and shared social moments.

Preschoolers may not yet grasp abstract concepts such as governance or geography. However, exposure to national celebrations like Republic Day and witnessing adults express pride and emotion naturally prompts children to ask questions about what India represents. The campaign’s central question, “What Is India?”, emerges from this early curiosity, recognising that children derive meaning from lived experiences rather than formal explanations.

The campaign is anchored in KLAY’s belief that a child’s environment plays a critical role in shaping their worldview. At this formative stage, ideas of identity and belonging are shaped through relationships, community interactions, and emotional security within familiar spaces such as classrooms and homes.

Speaking on the campaign, Arshleen Kalra, Head of Academic, KLAY Preschools and Daycare, said,

“While the idea of a nation may still be abstract for young children, they are highly perceptive to behavioural patterns and interpersonal relationships. When children witness pride in India around them, they naturally seek to understand what India stands for. This campaign interprets that curiosity through children’s everyday experiences and interactions.”

Through ‘What Is India?’, KLAY reiterates its commitment to early learning that extends beyond academic readiness to include social awareness, emotional development, and a strong sense of community. The campaign reinforces the belief that the foundations of citizenship are laid early in life—quietly shaped by the environments in which children grow, observe, and absorb the world around them.

Salaam Namaste Community Radio Completes 16 Years of Empowering Communities

Noida, Jan 22: IMS Noida’s community radio Salaam Namaste has successfully completed 16 remarkable years of community broadcasting and social transformation. To mark this milestone, a programme focusing on women entrepreneurship and youth empowerment was organized at the institute campus. During the event, homepreneur units such as Nani’s Potli and Aventra, along with representatives from NGOs Sadarg and Mera Sahara, shared their inspiring success stories. Discussions were also held on the preservation and promotion of Indian art and culture.

In his message, IMS Noida President Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta stated that it is the result of sustained efforts that Salaam Namaste has so far received four National Awards from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for thematic interventions, community engagement, and promotion of local art and culture. Since its inception, Salaam Namaste has continuously played an active role in empowering the local community. He added that the radio station will continue to be the voice of the community, promoting social change, empowerment, and positive thinking in the years to come.

Speaking on the occasion, IMS Noida Director General Professor (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan said that the institute is celebrating the 16th anniversary of its success today. He highlighted that Salaam Namaste, the first community radio of Noida and Ghaziabad, has been broadcasting programmes focused on social issues since 2009. Over the years, the station has been honored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, for its programmes “Chak De Chhotu” (focused on underprivileged children) in 2016 and “Salaam Shakti” in 2019. Other award-winning and popular programmes of Salaam Namaste include Second Inning Ko Salaam, Med Didi, Salaam Sehat, Radio Tuition, Salaam School, Career Express, Nanhi Awaaz Badi Seekh, and Noida Ke Saarthi.

Station Head Ms. Varsha Chhabaria shared that Salaam Namaste Community Radio works extensively in key areas such as health, women empowerment, environmental conservation, Vocal for Local, and art and culture, with a strong focus on social welfare, education, and community empowerment. Popular programmes like “Sehat Sahi Laabh Kai” (health awareness), “Maati Ke Geet” (local folk music), and “Second Inning Ko Salaam” (focused on senior citizens’ welfare) have been highly appreciated by listeners.

She further informed that in 2025, Salaam Namaste Community Radio received its fourth National Award at WAVES 2025 held in Mumbai for the programme “Med Didi”. In addition, the station was also honored by the Bureau of Indian Standards on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day 2025 and World Standards Day for its significant contributions.

Kenvue Strengthens Hydration Portfolio in India with ORSL™ and eRZL™ for Complete Hydration ORSL™ for Diarrheal Dehydration, eRZL™ for Everyday Hydration

Kenvue today announced a dual brand strategy with ORSL™ and eRZL™, reinforcing its leadership in India’s hydration category. This move offers consumers scientifically backed solutions for both diarrheal and everyday hydration, addressing dehydration as an increasingly important public health concern.

Under its “Double Power for Complete Hydration” strategy, Kenvue will now provide two distinct, science-driven brands:

• ORSL™: The rebranded ORS portfolio, formulated according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, targets diarrheal dehydration. It is available in Ready-to-Drink and Powder formats.

• eRZL™: Previously part of the ORSL electrolyte drink portfolio, eRZL™ is now a standalone brand for everyday hydration and recovery, catering to tiredness, exhaustion, heat stress, and mild to moderate dehydration.

eRZL™ – New & Improved Composition
The new eRZL™ formula delivers faster hydration than water, with 1.4x more electrolytes and 8x less sugar than the previous version, combining Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Vitamin C, and real fruit juice for a tasty, guilt-free hydration experience. Designed for daily hydration, eRZL™ helps consumers replenish fluids, restore electrolytes, and recover from physical stress or fatigue.

Commenting on the dual brand strategy,

Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue, said:

“For years, we have led India’s hydration category by understanding consumer needs and leveraging science. With dehydration emerging as a key health concern, we are proud to introduce a two-brand strategy—ORSL™ for diarrheal hydration and eRZL™ for everyday hydration. These brands will strengthen awareness about proper hydration and complement broader public health efforts.”

Prashant Shinde, Business Unit Head – Self Care, Kenvue India, added:

“As health and wellness trends accelerate, consumers are seeking low-sugar, low-calorie, science-backed hydration options. The all-new eRZL™ with its improved composition offers a healthier solution to feel better faster when depleted or fatigued.”

Dr. Nikhil Bangale, Head of Medical & Safety Sciences, Kenvue India, highlighted:

While diarrheal dehydration is widely recognized, everyday dehydration often goes unnoticed, particularly under rising heat and physical stress. Rehydration today goes beyond water and home remedies, requiring scientifically formulated electrolyte solutions. Consumers should choose drinks based on optimal electrolyte concentration, key nutrients, and energy to ensure faster and effective hydration.”

With ORSL™ and eRZL™, Kenvue continues to innovate and expand its hydration portfolio, delivering scientifically validated solutions for consumers across India, whether addressing illness or supporting daily hydration needs.

Standard Chartered launches the second phase of “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign with CIO insights

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of the second phase of its “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” global wealth campaign, reinforcing its role as the strategic partner for global-minded investors who want insight and confidence across markets, cycles, and every decision that shapes their financial future. In India, the campaign is aimed at the growing wealth and affluent segment, including ‘Global Indians’.

This second phase of the campaign introduces a suite of CIO-powered intelligence through content formats designed to give investors direct access to the bank’s high-frequency market outlooks, expertise-backed sector calls, and timely cross-market guidance. This includes new editorial partnerships, digital content releases aligned to market movements, amplifying the CIO’s views to a wider affluent audience. At the heart of the campaign is a bold delivery of real-time, world-class investment insight, when it matters most.

The campaign calls out three key pillars Cross Border Wealth, Wealth Expertise, and Navigating Volatile Times, highlighting Standard Chartered’s strengths as a global wealth partner.

This 360° Integrated Marketing Campaign will run across various touchpoints: Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, Linear TV and Connected TV, Digital Media (Google Search,  Programmatic buys and Social Media platforms), and Owned Media, targeting and engaging different investor audiences, in more personalised ways.

Haymans Fung, Global Head of Marketing for Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered, commented,

“Investors today are navigating a far more complex landscape, with geopolitical developments and market shifts influencing decisions across borders. With this next phase of our ‘Now’s Your Time for Wealth’ campaign, we aim to give clients clearer access to the insights and connections that matter most. By combining our international network with our 170 years of expertise, and timely perspectives from our Chief Investment Office, we are committed to supporting clients in making confident, well-informed decisions wherever they are in their wealth journey.”

 Aditya Mandloi, Managing Director, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, said, 

“At Standard Chartered, we empower our affluent clients with deep market insights and expertise to invest confidently. Through Standard Chartered Group’s extensive international network and four wealth hubs, timely intelligence from our Chief Investment Office, and tailored investment opportunities, we help our clients take advantage of the right opportunities at the right time.”

The first rollout of the “Now’s Your Time for Wealth” campaign in January 2025 ran in a mix of out-of-home advertising across airports and in-city sites, print advertising, film and content partnerships with leading international, regional and local media across seven key markets – Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, UAE and India.

Healthcare Experts and Industry Leaders Urge Stronger Investment Ahead of Union Budget 2026–27

New Delhi, Jan 22: As India gears up for the Union Budget 2026–27, healthcare experts and industry leaders have called on the government to significantly scale up public spending on healthcare, highlighting persistent gaps in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and access to affordable care across the country.

In FY 2025–26, the government allocated ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an 11% increase over the revised ₹89,974.12 crore in FY 2024–25. While this rise was welcomed, the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) noted that public health expenditure remains well below the National Health Policy target of 2.5% of GDP and lags behind benchmarks in comparable developing economies.

India’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure from a dual disease burden—communicable and non-communicable conditions—alongside growing demand for specialty, preventive, and long-term care services. AHPI emphasised that Budget 2026–27 should prioritise strengthening healthcare delivery in rural, semi-urban, and underserved regions, advancing the nation’s goal of universal health coverage.

According to National Health Accounts, households still bear nearly 48% of healthcare costs out-of-pocket, exposing families to financial vulnerability during medical emergencies. AHPI has urged higher public investment to expand medical and nursing education, establish training institutions, accelerate adult immunisation programmes, and scale up mental health, geriatric care, emergency services, and telemedicine networks. The association also highlighted the need to rationalise GST on healthcare services and reform insurance regulations to improve affordability and coverage.

Key Voices from the Healthcare Sector:

• Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, said,
  “To secure a healthier future for India, it is imperative to invest in robust health systems today. Budget 2026–27 must enhance funding to expand infrastructure, strengthen the workforce, and ensure equitable access to quality services, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

• Mr. Probal Ghosal, Founder & Managing Partner, GCV; Co-Founder and former Chairman, Ujala Cygnus, commented,
  “The upcoming budget is a pivotal moment for India’s healthcare. Sustainable public healthcare schemes, digital integration under Ayushman Bharat, rational package rates, and prompt reimbursements are critical to maintain quality care in the hinterlands and expand patient access nationwide.”

• Dr. Sunil K. Khetarpal, Deputy Director General, AHPI, added,
  “India’s healthcare demands are evolving faster than current systems can support. The budget must accelerate investments in technology-driven care, quality assurance, and hospital capacity-building to create a resilient, future-ready ecosystem.”

• Dr. V. K. Gupta, Founder-Director, Silverstreak Superspeciality Hospital, stated,
  “Budget 2026–27 offers a crucial opportunity to bridge regional healthcare disparities. Targeted fiscal incentives and easier access to long-term capital can encourage hospitals to expand into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, improving care access and easing pressure on metropolitan healthcare systems.”

AHPI further emphasised that private sector participation in healthcare infrastructure development will be key to complement public investment. With India’s doctor-to-patient ratio still below WHO norms, the association views Budget 2026–27 as a decisive moment to strengthen healthcare system resilience, improve preparedness for future public health challenges, and ensure equitable access to quality care nationwide.

MentorCloud Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Amritkaal Mentors Movement inspired by Viksit Bharat

Gurugram, India, Jan 22:  MentorCloud, the world’s leading Human+AI mentoring and coaching platform, today celebrated the first anniversary of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement, a nationwide initiative aimed at democratizing access to career and life mentorship for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India.

Conceptualised by Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder & CEO, MentorCloud, the movement draws inspiration from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Amritkaal Mentors was formally launched on 12 January 2025, marking Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary, celebrated nationally as National Youth Day—a fitting tribute to youth empowerment and nation-building.

Over the past year, seasoned mentors from India and the United States, spanning disciplines such as Engineering, Technology, AI, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Finance, and Human Resources, have delivered impactful sessions to thousands of students from 1,340 degree and engineering colleges across the country. More than 85% of participating students rated the sessions as extremely relevant and valuable, with 1,482 students receiving certificates of attendance, strengthening their employability and interview readiness.

“Equipping students with the right vocabulary and confidence to articulate their skills during job interviews is one of the core objectives of this movement,” said Dr. Ravishankar Gundlapalli, Founder of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement and Founder & CEO of MentorCloud.

Distinguished Speakers and Topics

The first year of Amritkaal Mentors featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders and practitioners, including Sadhguru (Founder, Isha Foundation); Dr. Velumani Arokiaswamy (Founder, Thyrocare); Navi Radjou (Author and Frugal Innovation Expert); MR Rangaswami (Founder, Indiaspora); Ramesh Vaswani (Serial Entrepreneur, IIT Madras); Sanjeev Sharan (CHRO – Director HR, ZTE); Geetha Murthy (Ex-HR Head, Collins Aerospace); Geetha Kannan (Ex-HR Head, Infosys), among several others from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem.

These mentors delivered engaging, hour-long sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Career Mapping, Interview Skills, Personal Finance, Mental Health, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Skills for Employability, India as Vishwa Guru, and crafting a 100-year life journey.

“Amritkaal Mentors showcases the true democratization of mentoring and knowledge-sharing by ensuring every aspiring Indian youth has access to the wisdom of global experts,” Dr. Gundlapalli added. “By breaking jargon and sharing real-life experiences, the movement is helping ignite the potential of our youth to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by or before 2047.”

Sharing their experience, Sanjeev Sharan, CHRO – Director HR, ZTE, said,

“Amritkaal Mentors is a powerful initiative democratizing knowledge by connecting learners with experienced mentors. I was honoured to be part of the movement as a launching mentor.”

Geetha Murthy, former HR Head at Collins Aerospace, added,

“I am honoured to contribute to the Amritkaal Mentors talk series by addressing mental health and hustle culture, in support of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.”

Voices from the Student Community

Students across institutions highlighted the practical impact of the sessions. One participant shared,

“The session offered valuable perspectives on robotics, automation, and future career opportunities. It was both insightful and inspiring. I am grateful to the Amritkaal Mentors initiative for creating such meaningful learning experiences.”

Tilak M. K., a student from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, added,

“It was an insightful webinar on wealth creation, long-term value thinking, and aligning skills with market needs. I’m grateful to Amritkaal Mentors and MentorCloud for enabling such impactful learning.”

Looking Ahead

As the movement enters its second year, MentorCloud, along with key partners Pod.ai, Become.Team, and Verbinden.ai, plans to significantly scale the initiative. The goal is to onboard 100+ experienced mentors from leading organizations and academic institutions and reach over 10,000 students across Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities and towns.

MentorCloud extends its sincere gratitude to all mentors, students, and partners who contributed to making the first year of the Amritkaal Mentors Movement a resounding success.

Knauf India CEO Calls for Budget 2026 Push on Sustainable, Low-Carbon Construction

By: Mr. Sumit Bidani, CEO, Knauf, India

“While the continued focus on infrastructure is welcome, the Union Budget 2026 must now look beyond ‘what’ we build to ‘how’ we build. To meet India’s urban housing and commercial demands, we need to transition from labor-heavy, resource-intensive traditional methods to modern, dry-construction technologies. We expect the government to incentivize circularity in construction – specifically rewarding the use of recyclable materials like gypsum that minimize waste and reduce the ’embodied carbon’ of our cities. By providing fiscal support for energy-efficient building systems and prioritizing ‘Value over Lowest Cost’ in public procurement, the Budget can accelerate India’s path to a Net-Zero built environment while ensuring faster, world-class project delivery.”