Archives February 2024

Mumbai Duty-Free proudly announces the launch of Nappa Dori at its Departure Store at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This collaboration signifies a remarkable milestone for both entities, with Nappa Dori making its entry into the travel retail sector and Mumbai Duty Free expanding its premium collections to new horizons.

Nappa Dori, which aptly translates to ‘leather and thread,’ is an illustrious Indian-origin brand celebrated for its impeccable handcrafted leather goods and accessories. From an array of bags, including handbags, backpacks, and overnighters, to a spectrum of travel and lifestyle accessories such as passport covers, sunglass cases, luggage tags, utility pouches, tech gear, classic and printed wallets, watches, belts, footwear, personal care, furniture, tools, DIY kits, and even pet accessories, Nappa Dori seamlessly blends tradition and contemporary design in each meticulously crafted product. Collections like Odyssey, Khaki, Nordic, Auburn, and Grenadier further accentuate the brand’s commitment to quality and uniqueness, thereby enhancing the travel experience.

Mumbai Duty Free CEO – Mr. Avishek Bambi Das, “We are excited to introduce Nappa Dori’s diverse experience to our travellers. Their products are truly remarkable bridging Indian and modern sensibilities. Bringing in this unique and luxurious shopping platform, we show our commitment to always enabling the best of the best experience to complement the evolving expectations of our travellers.

Mr. Gautam Sinha- Founder and Creative Director of Nappa Dori expresses, “When I founded Nappa Dori, it was rooted in the belief of redefining the contemporary fashion experience through a unique and Indian lens. Venturing into the travel retail space allows us to share our craftsmanship with a global audience. Mumbai Duty Free provides the perfect space for this journey, and we are eager to offer the travellers with an immersive experience.”

This exclusive launch is set to make the journey of modern travellers interesting and exciting. As both Mumbai Duty Free and Nappa Dori, stand as pillars of excellence, this collaboration will turn out to be promising and unmatched.

India, 10th February 2024- Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and businessperson Ananya Birla has inked a brand-new record deal with world’s fourth largest global music company BMG. This announcement arrives at a time when it is widely reported that India is about to become the world’s biggest streaming market by volume this year.

As part of this major signing, Ananya Birla is premiering her first global crossover single of 2024 titled ‘Cuffed’ (Jo Tha Mila)’ that arrives on all streaming platforms today alongside an animated video.

Featuring an impressive guest appearance from the superstar American rapper Offset, the brand-new single not only noteworthily marks the 32-year-old rapper’s debut collaboration with an artist of Indian origin but also establishes his first female-led collaboration post ‘Freaky’ featuring Cardi B.

The feel-good pop earworm which also enlists Harjaas Harjayi and Saurabh Lokhande on writing credits, is being touted as ‘the first Hindi pop-meets American-hip hop collaboration’. Ananya’s hypnotic vocals and Offset’s fiery verses intertwine with pulsating beats, to present a rhythmic offering that is sure to resonate with listeners who have been in love with a version of someone that doesn’t exist anymore.

Ahead of his upcoming US tour, Offset says, “I’ve always been intrigued by India, the people, the music and the culture. I’m pumped to kickstart a relationship with India with this collaboration with Ananya. Sending a big shoutout to all my Indian fans.”

Ananya Birla shares, “BMG’s trust in my craft, coupled with Offset joining forces on the track, highlights their dedication in spotlighting Indian talent. I’m extremely grateful that I can continue to be a small part of propelling the South Asian narrative and fostering cross cultural collaborative exchanges. In BMG I have truly found an international partner who understands me as an artist and doesn’t want me to be anything other than who I am. It was an absolute pleasure to team up with Offset. I hope you enjoy the song.”

With this long-term partnership that includes licensing, marketing and distribution, Ananya becomes the very first Indian-origin female artist to join a decade-old iconic conglomerate that enjoys a recordings catalogue of artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Black Sabbath, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Iron Maiden, Rita Ora, Louis Tomlinson amongst others. BMG’s recorded music business has tripled its’ revenues over the past eight years.

Elaborating further Brandon Riester, VP, A&R BMG adds, “When collaborating with an artist, it is crucial for me to adopt a global perspective. Ananya’s remarkable artistry, exceptional musicality, and visionary approach perfectly align with BMG’s mission to make inroads into the rapidly expanding streaming market in India.”

In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, the concept of remote work has become more prevalent than ever. With the rise of distributed teams and flexible work arrangements, organizations are increasingly relying on remote workforces to stay agile and competitive in their respective industries. However, along with the benefits of remote work come new cybersecurity challenges. As remote employees access company networks and sensitive data from various locations and devices, the risk of cyber threats and data breaches significantly increases. To mitigate these risks and ensure the security of organizational assets, it’s crucial for companies to implement robust cybersecurity measures tailored specifically for remote workforces. In this listicle, we’ll explore five essential cybersecurity best practices designed to safeguard remote work environments in 2024.

Secure Remote Access:

One of the fundamental aspects of cybersecurity for remote workforces is ensuring secure remote access to corporate networks and systems. Implementing a reliable virtual private network (VPN) is essential for encrypting data transmissions between remote employees’ devices and the company’s network. By using VPNs, organizations can create a secure tunnel through which data can travel safely, protecting it from interception by cyber attackers. Additionally, enforcing strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing sensitive information.

Regular Software Updates:

Maintaining up-to-date software applications and operating systems is critical for mitigating cybersecurity risks in remote work environments. Outdated software can contain known vulnerabilities that cyber attackers exploit to gain unauthorized access to devices and networks. By regularly installing security patches and updates, organizations can patch known vulnerabilities and protect remote devices from potential security threats. Encouraging remote employees to enable automatic updates and perform regular checks for pending updates ensures that their devices are equipped with the latest security enhancements.

Employee Training and Awareness:

Human error remains one of the leading causes of cybersecurity incidents, making employee training and awareness crucial components of any cybersecurity strategy. Providing comprehensive cybersecurity training to remote employees educates them about potential threats, such as phishing attacks, malware, and social engineering tactics. Additionally, promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness encourages employees to adopt best practices for data protection and report any suspicious activities promptly. By empowering remote employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches.

Endpoint Security Solutions:

Securing endpoint devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, is essential for protecting remote work environments from cyber threats. Deploying robust endpoint security solutions, such as antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, and mobile device management (MDM) solutions, helps detect and prevent malware infections, unauthorized access attempts, and data breaches. Endpoint security solutions provide organizations with real-time visibility into device activity, allowing them to identify and mitigate security threats proactively.

Data Encryption and Secure File Sharing:

Encrypting sensitive data and enforcing secure file-sharing practices are critical for protecting confidential information in remote work environments. Encourage remote employees to use encryption technologies to protect data both at rest and in transit. Secure file-sharing platforms and cloud storage solutions with built-in encryption and access controls provide remote employees with secure methods for sharing and accessing files from any location. By implementing data encryption and secure file-sharing practices, organizations can safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access and data breaches.

Hyderabad, 09th February, 2024: Hyderabad Black Hawks are pleased to announce the Vijay Deverakonda Black Hawks Open ‘24 tournament (finale), which is the biggest tournament the sport has seen across the two Telugu states – Telangana & Andhra Pradesh!

Rupay is the official sponsor for The VD Black Hawks Open. Hyderabad Black Hawks, who are a professional volleyball team competing in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL), India’s premier top-flight volleyball tournament, aim to promote talent, scout for aptitude and groom players from both the Telugu States who can then showcase their talent and make a career in volleyball.

Speaking about the VD Black Hawks Open, Vijay Deverakonda, Co-owner of Hyderabad Black Hawks said, “Black Hawks aim to engage with the local/rural community and pay the two Telugu states back, standing by them through thick and thin in their journey in the Prime Volleyball League. With teams across 16 cities in the Telugu states, the VD Black Hawks Open ’24 tournament is primed to promote volleyball at the grassroots level and bring about an understanding and appreciation for the sport across all strata of society. We extend our best wishes to all the team competing in the finals at Gachibowli Stadium.”.

With a total number of 307 teams participating from 16 districts across the two states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which include a total of 3,200 players and coaches, the tournament also saw more than 15,000 fans attend and have a gala time. The teams that participated in this tournament were invited to register themselves from the following districts:

Telangana: Adilabad, Rangareddy, Mahbubnagar, Khammam, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Karimnagar, Warangal – 8 cities

Andhra Pradesh: Guntur, Vijayawada, Nellore, Kadapa, Rajahmundry, Kurnool, Vishakapatnam

Eluru – 8 cities

“The VD Black Hawks Open ‘24 is the first of its kind in the two Telugu states, and the Black Hawks intend to inspire thousands of kids to pick up volleyball as a sport and showcase their talent. The main intention in conducting the VD Black Hawks Open ’24 is to primarily promote the sport of volleyball at the grassroots level across the Telugu states and also help scout talent for further grooming and development,” said Mr. Abhishek Reddy, Principal Owner of Hyderabad Black Hawks.

“Having the proper set of mechanisms to encourage participation at the grassroots level and identifying the right talent is what the Black Hawks are keen on doing,” he added.

Fans from across the two Telugu states are also invited to the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium to cheer for their respective teams on the championship weekend of February 10 and 11. The tournament has been held in two stages- district level and championship level. While the three phases of the district level were held on January 19-21, 26-28 and February 2-4, the final stage- the championship weekend- will be held in the capital city of Hyderabad on February 10 and 11 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.

To further inspire participation from the grassroots, the teams have been encouraged by the Black Hawks with the prospect of prize money. The winners’ prize money at the championship level is INR 1 lakh, while the runners-up will be awared by INR 50,000. The two teams who lose in the semifinals will end up pocketing INR 25,000 each. Winners of the VD Black Hawks Open ’24 will be invited to train with Hyderabad Black Hawks.

The prize-distribution ceremony will be conducted by Mr. Vijay Deverakonda, actor and co-owner of Hyderabad Black Hawks on February 11. An exhibition match will also be played by the Black Hawks, which the fans can watch and enjoy.

Renowned for her portrayal of Jogeshwari in Shemaroo MarathiBana’s captivating mythological series ‘Jogeshwaricha Pati Bhairavnath,’ actress Kshama Deshpande has won the audience’s heart. Stepping into the role of a choreographer, Kshama infuses the current and upcoming sequences with a fusion of ‘Tandav’ and ‘Classical Dance, eliminating the need for an additional choreographer due to her exceptional talent.

Kshama Deshpande said, “After a year and a half, I’m back to dancing and teaching, and it brings me immense joy. While many know me as an actor, this opportunity allows them to witness more of my passion. Teaching dance to my co-actor Pratik, a non-dancer, has been a delightful challenge. His dedication shines in his exceptional performance, leaving the audience in disbelief.”

Despite facing challenges in finding time between scenes as lead actors, Kshama and Pratik collaborated seamlessly to deliver outstanding efforts. Even a minor knee injury during a dance sequence couldn’t deter Kshama’s determination.

In the upcoming track, audiences will witness Bhairavnath’s performance in the presence of Mahadev and Parvati, accompanied by the character Bhairavi, portrayed by Kshama. Bhairavi, representing Jogeshwari’s strength, unbeknownst to Jogeshwari herself, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Stay tuned to witness the flawless performances by Kshama and Pratik in ‘Jogeshwaricha Pati Bhairavnath’ every Monday to Saturday at 8:30 PM on Shemaroo MarathiBana

Hyderabad, 09th February 2024 – New Balance, a brand renowned globally for its authentic craftsmanship and running excellence, is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural store in Hyderabad, at Sarath City Capital Mall, on 7th February 2024. This milestone represents a notable stride in New Balance’s strategic expansion within India. The new store is first of its kind in the country since the establishment of the brand’s Indian subsidiary.

The innovative retail concept store is crafted to prioritize people, placing them at the core of the consumer experience. Structured around focal seating arrangements, the store seeks to foster a sense of gathering, encouraging customers to interact and connect, draw inspiration and explore their personal style, ultimately cultivating a communal atmosphere. This unique retail space embodies New Balance at the intersection of sports and culture, making it particularly appealing to the youth.

The store presents a thoughtfully curated array of products accompanied by visual narratives. Consumers in Hyderabad will get a chance to experience the brand’s innovative Fresh Foam and FuelCell technologies firsthand and the collection will also feature New Balance’s iconic franchises such as the 1080, 550, 327, and 9060.

“Our new store in Hyderabad symbolizes more than just a retail space. It’s a testament to our commitment to bringing the New Balance experience closer to our customers” said Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, India, at New Balance. “Hyderabad, with its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, stood out as the Key city to expand our footprint in India. The vibrant and active lifestyle of the people aligns with our brand ethos seamlessly. We want to welcome patrons to discover New Balance and immerse themselves in the spirit of sport, performance, and culture.”

A similar retail concept store of New Balance is set to be launched in Pune next month.

National, 9th Feb, 2024: BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation and University at Buffalo (UB), The State University of New York (SUNY)  signed an MoU to expedite long-term collaboration and further foster the continued synergy between research and education.

 The signing took place during a luncheon hosted by President Satish K. Tripathi, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two esteemed institutions.

 As part of this MoU, BITS and SUNY-Buffalo will jointly develop a 2+2 joint Undergraduate Program in engineering and related fields. Students enrolled in these programs will complete their first two years at BITS and then transfer to the University at Buffalo for the final two years. Specific details such as courses, study plans, fees, scholarships and course features will be finalized in a separate agreement to be signed at a later date.

 Additionally, the institutions are also working towards establishing “2+3” cooperative Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) programs. Under this novel plan, students will finish their first two years of undergraduate studies at BITS before transferring to UB to complete prerequisites for both the B.S. and M.S. degrees.

 This collaboration goes beyond undergraduate programs. Both BITS and UB are considering collaborating on postgraduate programs that could include PhD programs. The MoU expresses the commitment to promote collaboration among academics in the areas of teaching, research, publications, discussion and networking. These initiatives are designed to foster academic and faculty exchange while exploring new areas of collaborative teaching and research.

 Leading UB researchers, Professors Paras Prasad, Jonathan Bird and Mark Swihart, hosted a workshop at which UB and BITS Pilani faculty explored potential areas for research collaboration in the area of semiconductors.

Speaking on the development, Prof Ramgopal Rao, VC, BITS Pilani said, “We are delighted to begin this transformative journey of academic collaboration with the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Through this MoU, we hope to give our students access to top-notch education, promote global perspectives, and equip them to face the difficulties of a fast-changing global environment. This collaboration is a prime example of BITS Pilani’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and advancing global knowledge.”

 President Tripathi, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York said. “BITS Pilani has a rich heritage of innovation and intellectual excellence, that aligns well with the University at Buffalo’s commitment to cutting-edge research and education. Collectively, our aim is to offer students an extraordinary and enriching educational journey that surpasses geographical limitations. This collaborative effort holds immense potential to nurture world-class leaders who will significantly impact the fields of engineering and related subjects in the future.”

 This major collaboration between BITS Pilani and the University at Buffalo is a major step in advancing research capacities, expanding the scope of education globally, and giving students access to unmatched chances for academic advancement. The partnership is evidence of the academic institutions’ common dedication to innovation, academic quality, and equipping students for success in a world that is becoming more interconnected by the day.

 Moderated by Professor Jeff Errington, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and Professor Nojin Kwak, Vice Provost for International Education, the meeting included Chris Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Enrollment Management; Dr. John Wood, Senior Associate Vice Provost for International Education; Danielle Lamarre-Smith, Director of Curriculum, Undergraduate Education; Allison Suflita, Assistant Director for Academic Advisement, SEAS, along with the Departmental Directors of undergraduate study from SEAS.

09th February, Mumbai: Mukand Limited, a distinguished Bajaj group company and a leading manufacturer of Alloy and Stainless-Steel long products, along with heavy machinery in India, has inked a groundbreaking Power Delivery Agreement (PDA) with Amplus Phoenix Energy Pvt Limited (APEPL), a proud member of the PETRONAS Group. This collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering clean energy solutions and sustainable practices in the steel manufacturing industry.

The 23.89 MWp Group Captive Solar project, nestled in the picturesque Hulkoti village in the Gadag district of Karnataka, embodies Mukand Limited’s commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency. Expected to generate 36 MUs annually, this solar venture is projected to offset approximately 28,440 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The collaboration with APEPL underscores Mukand’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing non-conventional energy solutions. Scheduled for commissioning by March 2024, this solar power plant adheres to stringent quality standards and specifications, ensuring reliability and operational excellence. The aim of the installation is to meet the growing energy requirements of Mukand Limited and contribute to making their steel manufacturing processes and production greener. APEPL will undertake the construction, operation, and maintenance of this group captive solar power plant.

Mr. Shashibhushan Upadhyay, President of Mukand Limited, conveyed appreciation for the concerted endeavors of Amplus Phoenix Renewables and Mukand Limited. He remarked, “We express our gratitude and recognize the collaborative initiatives between Amplus Phoenix Renewables and our organization, Mukand Limited, to unlock the potential of clean and green energy through the execution of this strategic Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This partnership aligns with our mission to procure clean energy to power our manufacturing operations and aids us in fulfilling our climate change commitments.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sharad Pungalia, MD & CEO of Amplus Group said, “Greening energy-intensive sectors like steel manufacturing is critical for a sustainable future, and we at Amplus are happy to contribute with our experience and expertise. We are confident of providing a stable and reliable source of green electricity to Mukand Limited as they contribute to the region’s environmental and economic development. With this agreement, we collectively commit ourselves to achieve a sustainable energy future.”

The adoption of green energy through this project marks a significant stride in Mukand Limited’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By harnessing clean and renewable energy sources, this initiative is poised to substantially reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier and greener planet. Embracing the principles of responsible corporate citizenship, this agreement not only underscores Mukand’s dedication to meeting climate change commitments but also exemplifies the pivotal role the corporate sector plays in driving positive environmental change. The transformative impact of this endeavor extends beyond the organization, fostering a collective responsibility to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Mumbai, 9 February 2024: Colors Bangla Cinema is set to spread love and joy this Valentine’s season with its upcoming movie festival, ‘Love Unlimited’. From 10th to 14th February 2024, at 4:00 PM on Houseful Bikel, viewers can immerse themselves in a captivating cinematic journey celebrating the myriad shades of love.

Featuring a curated selection of heartwarming, romantic, and timeless movies, ‘Love Unlimited promises an impressive viewing experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you walk through life with ‘rose-coloured glasses’ or simply looking to indulge in some feel-good entertainment, this festival has something special in store for everyone.

• Shedin Dekha Hoyechilo starring Dev and Srabanti
• Premi starring Jeet, Jisshu Sengupta and Chandana Sharma
• Sangee starring Jeet, Priyanka Upendra and Silajit Majumder
• Raja Rani Raji starring Bonny Sengupta and Rittika Sen
• Premer Kahini starring Dev, Jisshu Sengupta and Koel Mullick

“From heartfelt stories to thrilling dramas, we are your steadfast companion, ensuring an inclusive experience for all,” said Vivek Modi, Business Head, Colors Bangla and Colors Bangla Cinema. ‘Love Unlimited’ is our tribute to the Colors Bangla Cinema community and their unwavering love for Bengali cinema over the years.”

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s week with your significant other, friends, or family, tuning in to ‘Love Unlimited’ promises to be a delightful experience for all. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable cinematic journey filled with love, laughter, and heartwarming moments. Don’t miss ‘Love Unlimited,’ exclusively on Colors Bangla Cinema from 10th to 14th February 2024.

09th February 2024: CNBC-TV18, India’s No. 1 English business news channel, is excited to announce the second edition of CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective presented by HSBC India. The season will kick-off with a dynamic launch event on 10th February 2024, in New Delhi, resonating with CNBC-TV18’s commitment towards celebrating female power and promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the business landscape.

The inaugural season of this initiative garnered appreciation and participation from India’s top policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders alike. Season 2 promises to take cause further to its goal through this integrated campaign consisting of sustained events, content, conversations, engagements, and partnerships. The mission is clear – Equitable Gain. Equal Participation. Infinite Growth.

The event will see a powerful leadership panel, inspiring fireside chats & keynotes, along with honouring remarkable achievers, called “The FFF ICONS”, who have shattered the glass ceiling and inspired millions across the nation. Notable names that will be present at the launch event include Smriti Irani, Minister of Women & Child Development of India; Amitabh Kant; Former CEO of NITI Aayog; Roshni Nadar, Chairperson of HCLTech; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India; Ravi Kumar, CEO, Cognizant; Meera Shankar, Former Indian Ambassador to USA, Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India; Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India; Naina Lal Kidwai, Former President, FICCI; Commander Prerna Deosthalee from the Indian Navy; Col. Bindu Nair from the Indian Army, Tamil Nadu; Dr Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics; Nigar Shaji, Scientist at UR Rao Satellite Centre; Suman Nalwa, DCP & PRO, Delhi Police; Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels; Kami Viswanathan, President – Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx; Ghazal Alagh, Co-Founder, Honasa Consumer; Upasana Taku, Co-Founder of Mobikwik; Rani Rampal, Member, Indian Hockey Team & Coach; Hephzibah Pathak, Global Brand Director, Ogilvy & Mather among others.

The evening will commence with a spectacular musical performance by the Delhi Police’ award-winning all-women band, who the caught the nation’s eye by their fantastic performance and display at this year’s Republic Day parade. Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 will be doing the opening note for the event, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Smriti Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development of India, where she would deep dive into India’s alliance for global good and advancing gender equity & equality. The logo for Season 2 will be unveiled in a unique and grand fashion, showcased through a custom-made live plant version of the Future. Female. Forward. logo, symbolizing how this crucial movement is alive and thriving across the country.

The launch event will also see an insightful Fireside chats on crucial topics such as ‘Fostering Parity in the New World Order’, with Jenny Johnson, President & CEO, Franklin Templeton, and on “Championing Gender Inclusion” with Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, in conversation with Shereen Bhan. The Leaders’ panel on ‘Bridging the Gender Gap: Strategies for Equality & Inclusion’ will see Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India; Ravi Kumar, CEO, Cognizant; Kami Vishwanathan, President – Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa, FedEx and Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC and Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India share their insights and ideas on the topic.

Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, said, “CNBC-TV18 has been the leader in fostering & advancing conversations on gender parity, empowering female entrepreneurs and providing a playbook on creating an equal-opportunities workplace. With the second edition of Future. Female. Forward, our goal is to continue to showcase a diverse pool of women achievers and engage with leaders on the measures needed to create a more balanced & inclusive workplace. With Season 2, we aim to ignite conversations that lead to concrete actions for a more equitable future. We also plan to recognize and applaud the accomplishments of exceptional champions, the FFF Icons, who have broken barriers and stereotypes, and have inspired millions of women across the country to follow their dreams. “

Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, emphasised, “Diversity and gender parity are vital for longevity, quality and business growth. At HSBC, we believe embracing inclusivity isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a culture where all individuals are valued and empowered. With supportive policies, inclusive workplace cultures, societal awareness and overcoming personal biases, we can wholeheartedly embrace gender parity and foster innovation. By prioritizing diversity, companies can tap into a wealth of perspectives and experiences, driving innovation and success in today’s dynamic marketplace. We are delighted to partner with CNBC-TV18 to play the role of a Catalyst to make gender parity a reality for the larger community.”

Smriti Mehra, CEO of Business News, Network18, said, “The second edition of Future. Female. Forward Season 2 plans to explore solutions to create a gender-equitable workforce for women, sparking conversations that bring diverse perspectives and value to every individual. This season is all about taking inspiration and turning it into action, as it is our endeavour to make the world a more inclusive space for all. It’s not just a continuation but a big step forward, a sign for all of us working together to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal and fair chance. We would like to thank our partners HSBC India, HCLTech, ITC and FedEx for associating with us on this meaningful initiative.”