India’s push to improve urban wastewater and stormwater management is gaining momentum with a proposed investment of nearly ₹93,000 crore across 22 cities. However, concerns over project delays, inadequate sewage treatment capacity and weak implementation have raised questions about whether the funding will translate into cleaner rivers and better urban sanitation.

The initiative includes ₹56,100 crore in Special Infrastructure Grants recommended by the 16th Finance Commission, with additional contributions expected from state governments and urban local bodies. The funding aims to strengthen wastewater treatment and stormwater infrastructure in cities with populations ranging from one million to four million. Despite the scale of the proposed investment, the effectiveness of the programme will depend on how quickly projects are implemented and whether the infrastructure can operate efficiently over the long term.

India continues to face significant challenges in managing urban sewage. According to figures cited in recent reporting, a substantial proportion of sewage generated in cities remains untreated, contributing to pollution in rivers, lakes and other water bodies. Incomplete sewer networks, insufficient treatment capacity and maintenance problems have further complicated efforts to address the issue.

Several urban infrastructure projects have also experienced delays, highlighting weaknesses in planning, approvals and coordination among government agencies. Examples involving pollution-control initiatives in Pune, sewage infrastructure in Patna, the Buddha Nullah project in Ludhiana and treatment upgrades in Faridabad illustrate the difficulties associated with delivering large-scale wastewater projects.

Experts and urban infrastructure planners have long emphasised that constructing treatment plants alone will not solve the problem. Sewage must be collected through properly connected networks, transported to treatment facilities and processed according to environmental standards. Inadequate maintenance or incomplete supporting infrastructure can leave expensive facilities underused.

The proposed funding offers cities an opportunity to address these shortcomings through better project preparation, stronger monitoring and clearer accountability. Linking project payments to measurable outcomes, including treatment efficiency and compliance with pollution-control standards, could help ensure that public spending produces tangible results.

Wastewater reuse is another area with considerable potential. Properly treated water can be supplied to industries, used for landscaping and municipal cleaning, and deployed in other applications that do not require drinking-quality water. Such arrangements could reduce pressure on freshwater sources while creating additional revenue for urban utilities.

Cities will also need to plan for recurring operating costs, including electricity, equipment maintenance and staffing. Without reliable financial support and technical expertise, newly constructed facilities may struggle to deliver consistent results. The five-year funding window presents a significant opportunity to improve India's urban water management. However, officials will need to balance timely implementation with adequate planning, regulatory approvals and long-term operational requirements. The success of the initiative will ultimately be measured not by the amount of money allocated or the number of projects announced, but by the volume of sewage treated safely, the reduction in water pollution and the availability of reliable sanitation services for urban residents.

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A home is more than its rooms, amenities and design. While these elements create the physical foundation of a residence, the people who live there and the experiences they share are what gradually turn a development into a community. For Prateek Group, this idea is reflected in its approach to residential living, where architecture, craftsmanship, nature, lifestyle and community engagement come together to create experiences that go beyond a physical address.

This philosophy is reflected through Life at Prateek, an initiative built around the belief that the relationship between a developer and its residents can continue well beyond the delivery of a home. Through cultural events, wellness programmes, environmental activities and social gatherings, the initiative creates opportunities for residents to participate, interact and build memories together. The approach places equal importance on how people experience a residential environment and the spaces themselves. Instead of viewing shared areas simply as facilities within a project, the idea is to make them part of everyday community life, where residents can meet, celebrate occasions and develop a stronger connection with their surroundings.

Community experiences form an important part of this approach. Life at Prateek brings residents together through festivals, cultural programmes, national celebrations, wellness sessions and social events. Celebrations such as Lohri Carnival 2026, the Christmas Mela at Prateek Grand City, Independence Day programmes and Togetherness at Prateek Stylome have provided residents with opportunities to gather in common spaces and celebrate together.

Entertainment and family-oriented activities add another layer to these experiences. Live music can create relaxed settings for residents to spend time together, while puppet shows and storytelling sessions for children introduce creativity and learning into the residential environment. Flea markets similarly offer residents an opportunity to explore, interact and meet neighbours outside their usual routines. Over time, these small encounters can help make a residential community feel more familiar and connected.

Nature is another important part of this community experience. At Prateek Grand City, the Harit Ghar initiative encouraged residents to explore vertical and balcony gardening, helping families bring more greenery into their homes. The workshops combined environmental awareness with practical participation, giving residents ideas that could be continued after the programme ended. This approach reflects a broader understanding of how nature can become part of everyday residential life. Rather than being limited to landscaped areas around buildings, greenery can become something residents actively engage with and experience within their own homes.

The Group's project planning also places emphasis on nature-oriented and wellness spaces. At Prateek Canary in Sector 150, Noida, the published plans include landscaped areas, an outdoor reading space, a yoga and meditation lawn and a wellness garden. Such features demonstrate how residential planning can incorporate spaces for recreation, relaxation, reflection and interaction alongside the homes themselves.

The connection between residential design and nature also relates to the concept of biophilia, which describes the natural human inclination to connect with the living world. By incorporating greenery and nature-led spaces into everyday surroundings, residential environments can create a closer relationship between the built environment and nature. In this context, landscaping becomes more than a visual feature and can contribute to the overall experience of living.

Community wellbeing extends beyond recreation and lifestyle activities. As part of its CSR initiatives, Prateek Group, through Prateek Foundation Aakar, organised a COVID-19 vaccination camp at Prateek Edifice in June 2021. The initiative included residents, society staff, Group employees and third-party workers, bringing healthcare support directly into the community. The Group has also organised health camps involving residents, security personnel and workers. Such efforts reflect a wider view of community wellbeing, recognising the different groups of people who contribute to the functioning of a residential environment.

Wellness activities have also encouraged residents to participate collectively. Yoga Day sessions at Prateek Grand City provided residents with an opportunity to come together around health and movement. When combined with gardening activities and other community programmes, such initiatives make personal wellbeing part of the broader community experience. The idea of belonging is not limited to residential spaces. It can also be seen in workplace activities. During its Navratri celebrations, Prateek Group documented an office dandiya evening where employees came together for music and festivities. Such occasions give colleagues an opportunity to interact outside their usual professional responsibilities and add a social dimension to workplace culture.

The underlying idea remains similar: spaces become more meaningful when people have opportunities to share experiences within them. Whether it is an office or a residential development, collective participation can help create a stronger sense of identity and familiarity. Cultural celebrations are particularly relevant in residential communities because they bring together people from different backgrounds, regions and traditions. Events can provide residents with an opportunity to share their own customs while experiencing those of others.

The Uttarayani Mahotsav at Prateek Grand City, where women and children from the community participated in folk performances, is one example of how cultural activities can bring different generations together. Festivals, music programmes, storytelling sessions and national celebrations can create a regular rhythm of participation, helping neighbours become more familiar with one another over time. This is where community living takes on a meaning beyond the physical development. Repeated interactions, shared celebrations and everyday experiences can help residents develop relationships and memories associated with the place they call home.

For Prateek Group, the experience of a home therefore extends beyond possession. It is also shaped by the environment residents encounter every day, the activities they participate in, the people they meet and the memories they create. Thoughtful design and craftsmanship remain central, but they are complemented by nature, greenery, wellness and opportunities for social interaction. Community responsibility is another part of this broader approach. Regular safety drills across Prateek societies encourage residents to participate in preparedness exercises and become familiar with emergency procedures and response protocols. Such activities highlight the importance of awareness and collective responsibility in maintaining a safe and well-connected community.

Together, cultural programmes, wellness initiatives, environmental activities, CSR efforts and resident participation give substance to the idea behind Life at Prateek. They represent an approach in which residential spaces are considered not only in terms of their physical features but also in terms of the experiences they enable. Buildings provide the setting for everyday life, but people give those spaces their identity. The relationships residents develop, the celebrations they share and the experiences they create together can transform a collection of homes into a community. For Prateek Group, this represents a broader vision of fine living—one that brings together thoughtful spaces, nature, wellbeing, meaningful experiences and a lasting sense of belonging.
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Footwear in India has always been more than a basic necessity. From ancient wooden sandals to handcrafted juttis, mojaris and Kolhapuri chappals, shoes and sandals have quietly recorded the country’s cultural evolution, social changes and artistic traditions. Often overlooked in discussions about heritage, footwear offers a unique glimpse into India’s history through the materials, designs and craftsmanship passed down across generations.

For centuries, Indian footwear has reflected the lifestyle and identity of different communities. The country’s diverse geography and climate played an important role in shaping footwear styles. While some regions developed lightweight sandals suitable for hot weather, others created durable designs meant for agriculture, travel and daily labour. Over time, these practical creations evolved into cultural symbols.

One of the oldest examples of Indian footwear is the paduka, a simple wooden sandal associated with ancient spiritual traditions. Worn by sages and religious figures, the paduka represented simplicity and detachment from material comforts. Its presence in Indian literature, art and religious traditions highlights the importance footwear has held beyond everyday use.

As kingdoms flourished, footwear became a part of royal fashion and craftsmanship. Traditional designs such as mojaris and juttis gained popularity among royal families and aristocratic communities. Skilled artisans decorated these shoes with embroidery, colourful threads and detailed patterns, transforming them into pieces of wearable art. These styles later became closely associated with weddings, festivals and cultural celebrations.

The story of Indian footwear is also a story of regional diversity. The Kolhapuri chappal, known for its handmade leather work and durability, emerged from the Maharashtra-Karnataka region and became popular among rural communities because of its comfort and practicality. Over the years, it moved beyond its traditional roots and found a place in contemporary fashion, with designers incorporating its classic style into modern collections.

Handcrafted juttis from Punjab and Rajasthan continue to represent India’s artistic heritage. Their bright colours, intricate embroidery and traditional designs have made them popular not only within India but also among international audiences interested in ethnic fashion. Beyond fashion, footwear has also reflected India’s social and economic history. The making of traditional footwear created livelihoods for artisan communities that developed specialised skills over generations. From selecting materials to stitching and decorating each pair, the process represents years of knowledge and craftsmanship.

The survival of these traditions faces challenges in the modern era. Machine-made footwear, changing consumer preferences and limited opportunities for artisans have created pressure on traditional crafts. Many craftsmen are now adapting by combining traditional techniques with modern designs to reach wider markets. The renewed interest in sustainable fashion has also brought attention back to handmade Indian footwear. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that have cultural value, support local craftsmanship and offer an alternative to mass-produced goods.

Today, Indian footwear stands at the intersection of history and innovation. Traditional designs are appearing on fashion runways, online marketplaces and global platforms, proving that heritage crafts can continue to evolve without losing their identity. Every pair of traditional Indian shoes carries a story — of artisans, communities, regions and generations that shaped its journey. While footwear may seem like a small part of everyday life, in India it has become a living record of the nation’s cultural past and its changing present. From ancient pathways to modern streets, these footsteps continue to tell the story of India.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

India’s approach to wildlife conservation should evolve beyond the traditional “man versus wild” mindset, with experts calling for a more inclusive model that combines technology, financial security and community participation to protect ecosystems. For decades, conservation efforts have often focused on creating protected areas and restricting human activities around forests to safeguard wildlife. While this approach has played an important role in protecting endangered species, experts believe that modern environmental challenges require a broader strategy that considers both ecological needs and human realities.

The idea behind the changing conservation philosophy is that humans and wildlife do not always have to be seen as opponents. Instead, experts suggest that conservation efforts should focus on creating a balance where local communities, economic development and environmental protection can progress together.

India’s forests support a large population of people who rely on natural resources for their livelihoods. Completely separating communities from forests can sometimes create challenges, especially when people face restrictions without alternative sources of income. Conservation specialists believe that providing economic opportunities to these communities can encourage greater participation in protecting biodiversity.

Technology is emerging as one of the most important tools in this transformation. Artificial intelligence, satellite-based monitoring, drones, camera traps and digital tracking systems are helping authorities collect accurate information about wildlife and ecosystems. These technologies are being used to monitor animal movements, detect illegal activities, identify changes in forest cover and improve responses to human-wildlife conflicts. Experts believe that the use of advanced tools can make conservation efforts more efficient while reducing pressure on both wildlife and local communities.

Financial stability is also becoming a key part of conservation discussions. Experts argue that protecting forests cannot be separated from improving the economic conditions of people living near them. Sustainable tourism, environmentally friendly businesses, forest-based industries and alternative livelihood programmes can help communities benefit from conservation rather than viewing it as a restriction.

Several successful conservation efforts have shown that local communities can become important partners in protecting nature. Traditional knowledge about forests and wildlife, when combined with scientific research and modern technology, can create stronger and more practical conservation solutions.

India’s growing population, rapid urban expansion and infrastructure development have increased pressure on natural habitats. As the country continues to pursue economic growth, experts say conservation policies must find ways to protect biodiversity without ignoring social and economic realities.

The future of wildlife protection may not depend on choosing between humans and nature but on finding ways for both to coexist. A conservation model built on innovation, technology and community involvement could offer a more sustainable path for India’s forests and wildlife. Experts believe the goal should no longer be a battle between “man and wild” but a partnership where protecting nature also helps secure the future of people who live alongside it.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

The Flydubai incident has raised questions about how airlines recruit and screen pilots, particularly after reports that the co-pilot had previously been grounded by another airline. Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Aerospace Lead at Frost & Sullivan, outlines the standard checks pilots undergo, including licence verification, medical assessments, employment history and security screening. He also discusses whether stronger international information-sharing is needed, speaking to Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

When Jackson Pollock created Blue Poles, one of the defining works of American abstract expressionism, he could hardly have imagined that the painting would later become the centre of a major cultural and political debate in Australia. The artwork drew the attention of figures ranging from former prime minister Gough Whitlam to the Shah of Iran before ultimately finding a home at Canberra’s National Gallery, where it came to represent Australia’s growing embrace of modern art and cultural ambition. As Blue Poles prepares to move from Canberra to Perth, Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy joins Rafqa Touma to explore the remarkable intersection of art, politics and national identity surrounding the painting. Their discussion draws on McIlroy’s book, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting That Changed a Nation, which examines how one American artwork became deeply woven into Australia’s cultural and political history.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

A new survey by TOUCH Community Services found that although six in 10 parents reported that their children had faced mental health challenges, only about one in six believed these issues were moderately or directly connected to their online experiences. Hairianto Diman and Justine Modd examine what parents may be overlooking and explore ways to better support children as they navigate the digital world. They also speak with Dr Chew Han Ei, an online safety researcher at the Institute of Policy Studies, about the issue.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Every Wednesday and Friday throughout August, we’re revisiting some of the standout audio long reads from 2026, giving listeners another chance to experience stories they may have missed. Each feature is accompanied by a note from our editorial team explaining why it earned a place among this year’s highlights. This edition revisits a story first published in February, chronicling one writer’s decades-long search for answers to a mysterious illness before finally receiving a diagnosis. The piece also explores whether techniques aimed at retraining the brain could offer a path toward recovery.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.