21st edition of India’s longest-running water and wastewater exhibition brings together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers and water-sector stakeholders

New Delhi, August 6, 2026: The 21st edition of EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026, India’s longest-running water and wastewater exhibition, was inaugurated today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by the Earth Water Foundation, the three-day Expo is centred on the theme, “Shaping the Future of Water Through Innovation, Sustainability and Collaboration.”

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The programme began with the Jal Kalash Ceremony, followed by the inaugural session, “India Water Mandate 2030,” which set the agenda for discussions on India’s evolving water priorities, technology, policy and sustainability.

The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Ms. Shivani Ghorawat, Founder , Earth Water Foundation, followed by a leadership address by Dr. Ambika Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, ASSOCHAM. Mr. Siddharth K. Desai, Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Water and Joint Managing Director, KISHOR Pumps, presented the context for the discussions, while Mr. Turbaashu Bhattacharya, Co-Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Water, delivered the vote of thanks.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, said: “Water is at the heart of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Achieving this vision requires a collective approach where government, industry, technology innovators, researchers and communities work together to build sustainable, resilient and future-ready water systems. Innovation, policy and circular water management will play a defining role in ensuring long-term water security and inclusive development.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Shivani Ghorawat, Founder, Earth Water Foundation, said: “When we started this platform, India’s water conversation happened in silos. Twenty-one editions later, EAW has become a platform where policymakers, industry, technology providers and water professionals come together to transform ideas into action for a more sustainable water future.”

Day one also featured the ASSOCHAM Water Leaders Summit on “Navigating India’s Water Transition: Technology, Policy and Circularity,” with discussions on industrial water security, AI-driven water management, circular economy practices and climate-resilient infrastructure. The CEO’s Water Leadership Forum, moderated by Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran, brought together leaders from IOTA Group, WOG Group, VA Tech Wabag and Microfilter Polymers Limited to discuss innovation and collaboration for industrial water security.

The Expo integrates five key platforms—Exhibition, Conference, Business, Market Access and Knowledge—bringing together policymakers, utilities, technology providers, startups, MSMEs and researchers. Alongside business networking through the Global Water Business Lounge, the Innovation Spotlight Arena is showcasing new technologies, product launches and startup solutions.

Over the next two days, the Expo will host the World Sustainable Water Summit, discussions on water infrastructure, financing, rainwater harvesting, water reuse and regional collaboration, along with technical masterclasses under the EAW Water Academy. EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 aims to strengthen partnerships, promote innovation and accelerate sustainable water solutions for India’s future.

In an era where India’s smaller cities are emerging as powerful economic engines, visionary entrepreneurs are redefining traditional industries. Among them is Zulfi Azad, a globally exposed business strategist who is now reshaping the real estate sector with a structured and organized approach — particularly across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
With a professional journey rooted in branding, media management, and strategic consultancy, Zulfi Azad built his foundation during his tenure at PLAN MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, where he worked closely with globally respected institutions. His portfolio includes collaborations with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bank of America, FUJIFILM, DLF Limited, Ansal Group, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). These engagements sharpened his understanding of corporate governance, brand positioning, and structured business execution.

Global Exposure, Strategic Perspective
Zulfi Azad’s professional footprint extends far beyond India. Across the African continent, he provided consultancy services to leading industrial giants including the Dangote Group, African Industries Group, Mikano International, and HFP Engineering Nigeria Limited. His extensive travels and advisory roles in developing economies gave him first-hand exposure to high-growth infrastructure markets.
In the Middle East, his consultancy extended to organizations such as VALAF, Indemnity Insurance, and ALfaan Interior, further strengthening his cross-border business acumen.

The Real Estate Shift
After years of working with structured global enterprises, Zulfi Azad identified a significant gap in India’s real estate ecosystem — particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. While metropolitan hubs have long benefited from organized developers and transparent advisory systems, smaller cities often operate through informal networks with limited professional structuring.
Recognizing this opportunity, he launched a new business initiative focused on organizing the real estate sector in emerging urban centers. His model emphasizes transparency, ethical practices, proper documentation, digital systems, and strategic investment planning.

Building the Future in Emerging Cities
Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are fast becoming the backbone of India’s next economic expansion. With expanding infrastructure, improving connectivity, and rising aspirations among young populations, these markets present immense investment potential.
Zulfi Azad’s venture is committed to identifying high-growth residential and commercial opportunities in these cities while offering investors structured advisory support. The focus is not merely on property transactions but on creating a reliable, organized ecosystem where buyers and investors feel informed, secure, and strategically guided.

A Vision Beyond Transactions
For Zulfi Azad, real estate is not just about land and buildings — it is about systematizing opportunity. His mission is to elevate the standards of consultancy in developing markets and to bring corporate-level professionalism to cities that represent India’s next growth frontier.
As smaller cities rise and economic decentralization accelerates, leaders like Zulfi Azad are setting the foundation for a more organized, transparent, and trustworthy real estate future.

To Redefine Youth-Centric Offline Retail

New Delhi, 3rd March 2026: Archies, a legacy brand in the social expression industry, has announced the launch of Archies Express, a new-age retail format designed to connect with today’s fast-evolving, style-conscious consumers. As part of this strategic expansion, the brand plans to open 20 Archies Express stores across India in the current financial year, marking a significant step in its retail transformation journey.
For decades, Archies has been synonymous with emotions, memories, and thoughtful expressions. With Archies Express, the brand is reimagining its legacy for a younger audience while staying rooted in its core philosophy of connection and self-expression. The new format places a stronger focus on lifestyle accessories, trendy collectables, stationery, and everyday expression-led products, reflecting changing consumer preferences that lean towards personalization, immediacy, and design-led purchases.
Commenting on the launch, Varun Moolchandani and Hanisha Gandhi, Executive Directors, Archies, said, “Archies Express is our way of evolving with the times while remaining true to the emotional DNA of the brand. Today’s consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, seek products that blend style, function, and personal expression. With this format, we are creating a retail experience that is faster, more accessible, and deeply relevant, while still
carrying forward the warmth and nostalgia that Archies is known for.”
The first Archies Express store is set to open at Unity One Elegante Mall, Netaji Subhash Place, a location chosen for its vibrant mix of young professionals, sRe.tudents, and families. The mall’s high footfall and lifestyle-driven
The ecosystem make it an ideal launchpad for introducing the youthful and dynamic identity of Archies Express. Distinct from traditional Archies outlets, the Archies Express store features a modern, minimalist, and vibrant design language. The curated product mix focuses on fast-moving, high-appeal categories such as contemporary
gifting essentials, lifestyle accessories, stationery, soft toys, chocolates, fragrances, and seasonal collections. The format is designed to encourage discovery and impulse buying, while offering an engaging, feel-good in-store experience.
In an era increasingly dominated by e-commerce, Archies Express reinforces the brand’s belief in the enduring power of offline retail. By creating compact, experience-led stores, the brand aims to revive the joy of browsing,
discovery, and emotional connection that has always defined the Archies experience—now tailored for a faster, more dynamic retail environment.
Looking ahead, Archies’ expansion strategy will focus on a balanced mix of metros and high-potential Tier 2 cities, with a strong emphasis on mall-based formats in high-footfall locations. Archies Express is designed to complement the brand’s existing stores, strengthening its overall retail presence rather than replacing the traditional format.
The new retail identity follows a cost-efficient, scalable model with lower capex per store, enabling faster rollouts and quicker breakeven. This approach aligns with Archies’ long-term growth strategy, focused on optimized operations, efficient inventory planning, and strong unit-level economics.

As Archies continues to bridge generations, Archies Express stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve with changing times, bringing together nostalgia and modern retail sensibilities, and connecting those who grew
up with Archies and those discovering it anew.
About Archies
Archies Limited operates a chain of stores that sell greeting cards and gifts for the past 45 years. The company retails photo albums, baby books, jewellery and accessories, gift hampers, perfumes, stuffed toys, and other gifts.
Archies has grown with the spread of modern culture, increasing urbanization, and improving standards of living. Adorability and sentiment drive its brand appeal across all age groups and demographics. The company has established exemplary mastery over its large network of distributors, retailers, and franchisees, with a conscious focus on targeting malls and other prime retail spaces for store openings. Network of 1000+ sales points including company owned stores, retailers, franchise and distributors.
Website Link: https://archiesonline.com/