Archives June 2025

Oasis Fertility Launches ‘Healthy Man, Happy Father’ Campaign for Father’s Day

Continued Commitment: Oasis Fertility Launches ‘Healthy Man, Happy Father’ Campaign to Celebrate the Spirit of Fatherhood 

Pune,  16 June, 2025 – After the success of its campaign – ‘Oasis Janani Yatra’, the leading fertility chain of India, Oasis Fertility continues its commitment to ‘Awareness building’ about infertility and treatment options available, with the launch of yet another unique initiative, “Happy Father’s-To-Be Day”, on the occasion of Father’s Day to celebrate the spirit of Fatherhood with a theme, “Healthy Man, Father”

Oasis Fertility LogoShockingly, 1 in every 3 men is now estimated to be struggling with infertility. Yet, male infertility continues to remain poorly understood and often ignored, largely due to deep-rooted social stigma, misconceptions, and lack of awareness. Despite being a significant contributor, male infertility rarely receives the attention it deserves — leading to delays in diagnosis and timely intervention.

In this regard, under the empowering theme “Healthy Man, Happy Father”, Oasis Fertility celebrates the journey of men aspiring to fatherhood through its bold campaign. This initiative is a powerful step toward breaking the silence around male infertility, challenging long-held stigmas, and ensuring men have access to personalized, research-driven fertility treatments. It emphasizes that fertility is a shared responsibility in reproductive health and aims to encourage men to actively participate in their fertility journey by offering personalized counseling and comprehensive support covering medical, nutritional, and lifestyle aspects. 

More importantly, it hosts interactive educational sessions that demystify infertility, debunk common myths, and promote awareness about factors like age, stress, diet, sleep, environmental toxins, and delayed parenthood. Modern-day stress, sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, exposure to pollutants, and digital device overuse largely drive male infertility. Through a multi-faceted approach and strong collaboration with traffic police departments, this initiative aims to ensure that compassionate, evidence-based fertility solutions reach all individuals, especially men.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr Durga G Rao, Medical Director of Oasis Fertility, said, “Infertility has traditionally been seen as a woman’s issue, leaving male fertility overlooked and ignored. The ‘Healthy Man, Happy Father’ campaign is here to change that — to break the silence and shatter this stigma. Fertility is a shared responsibility, and it’s time men step forward with confidence and support. Through awareness, science-driven care, and accessible resources, we empower men to take charge of their fertility journey. This Father’s Day, let’s unite to end the taboo, spark honest conversations, and create stronger, healthier families together.”

“Infertility affects millions of couples, yet male infertility remains a misunderstood and often neglected issue. Factors such as poor lifestyle habits, stress, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental toxins, and untreated medical conditions like varicocele and hormonal imbalances significantly contribute to male infertility. At Oasis Fertility, through the ‘Healthy Man, Happy Father’ campaign, we are committed to changing this narrative by raising awareness about the issues and personalized and science-driven fertility treatments. Alongside free fertility assessments and educational initiatives, we strive to make advanced care accessible and to encourage men to engage in their reproductive health proactively. By addressing the root causes with evidence-based solutions, we can help build healthier families and a stronger future.”, expressed Dr. Krishna Chaitanya M, Scientific Head and Clinical Embryologist, Oasis Fertility.

Mr. Pushkaraj Shenai, CEO of Oasis Fertility, said, “At Oasis Fertility, we are committed to harnessing the power of science and personalized care to support men on their fertility journey. With our campaign, ‘Healthy Man, Happy Father,’ we reinforce our dedication to breaking stigmas and providing men with access to expert evaluations, free fertility assessments, and compassionate counselling. Guided by our core belief—that every aspiring father is in the Good Hands of Science—we offer a holistic, evidence-based approach that helps men to take charge of their reproductive health and build stronger families.

Galgotias University Launches Indian Knowledge Systems Centre with Heartfulness Trust

Galgotias University, in collaboration with Heartfulness Education Trust, Sets New Benchmark in Holistic Education with Launch of Indian Knowledge Systems Centre

India, June 16, 2025: Reinforcing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Galgotias University inaugurated the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara Kendra, also known as the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS), in partnership with Heartfulness Education Trust, an educational & volunteer-based non-profit spiritual organization. The university also signed an MoU with the organisation to promote collaborative research, educational programs, and community outreach programs.

Galgotias University, in collaboration with Heartfulness Education Trust, Sets New Benchmark in Holistic Education with Launch of Indian Knowledge Systems Centre

The centre will help to integrate India’s traditional knowledge systems and spiritual wisdom with contemporary innovation and artificial intelligence, creating a transformative space for learning, innovation, and consciousness.

Shri Kamlesh D. Patel ji (Daaji)President, Heartfulness Education Trust, emphasized the spiritual and educational synergy at the heart of this initiative, stating, “In today’s fast-evolving world, it is vital that education goes beyond information and nurtures inner transformation. The establishment of CIKS is a forward-thinking step that brings together spiritual wisdom and scientific inquiry. Through this partnership, we hope to inspire students to lead with awareness, empathy, and clarity, with values deeply rooted in our ancient traditions but essential for tomorrow’s world.”

At the launch of CIKS, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University stated, “The inauguration of the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara Kendra (CIKS) is a proud moment for us. This marks a significant step towards bridge the gap between ancient knowledge and present-day advancements. The centre will empower students and researchers to draw from India’s timeless wisdom while embracing the possibilities of modern science and technology. We remain committed empowering Indian students with transformative education, contributing to the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat and global excellence.”

The inauguration of the centre is aligned with the Ministry of Education’s efforts to systematically embed India’s vast intellectual heritage into the higher education ecosystem. This represents a significant milestone in both preserving and promoting the country’s rich knowledge traditions while building future-ready institutions.

As a key part of the initiative, the beautifully designed Heartfulness Lounge was also inaugurated within the AI Block of the campus. A serene and thoughtfully curated space, the lounge has been envisioned as a place for reflection, dialogue, and inner transformation. It will serve as a dedicated zone where students, faculty, and visitors can explore guided meditation, value-based conversations, and well-being programs — creating a bridge between ancient practices and contemporary campus life.

Under the banner of CIKS, a series of academic courses, research collaborations, workshops, and spiritual development programs are planned to be launched. These initiatives aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of Indian Knowledge Systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Sanskrit, Consciousness Studies, and AI-integrated traditional knowledge, empowering students with both inner clarity and outward innovation.

The establishment of CIKS is another step forward towards Galgotias University’s commitment to delivering holistic, future-focused education that seamlessly blends India’s ancient wisdom with cutting-edge research, technology, and mental well-being. With this launch, Galgotias University advances the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat by preparing globally competent leaders rooted in India’s rich knowledge heritage.

JSW MG Motor Celebrates its sixth anniversary in India

Announces special one-time limited-period offer on MG ZS EV

Gurugram, June 16, 2025JSW MG Motor India today announced the celebration of brand MG’s six years in India – a journey that has introduced several innovations to the auto industry. With a sharp focus on clean mobility solutions, the MG brand launched the ZS EV as its second offering in India, a bold move that makes the car even more special. The decision proved to be revolutionary, unlocking the true potential of India’s steadily growing EV segment.

Commenting on this development, Rakesh Sen, Head of Sales, JSW MG Motor India, said, “I would like to thank all our customers and other related stakeholders who have helped us chart a growth story in the dynamic Indian automobile market for the last six years. The foundation of the company is based on innovation, and the ZS EV stands as a true testament of what the MG brand was truly capable of back in 2020. It was a car that redefined traditional mobility with the inclusion of tech-driven innovations in it. To commemorate our 6th anniversary in India, we have made the MG ZS EV even more accessible for customers looking to upgrade to a stylish electric SUV. Our other two EVs are already at an accessible price point, and with this special pricing, the ZS EV will also attract customers seeking a premium ride. We remain confident that with an attractive overall packaging and pricing, the MG ZS EV will surely captivate Indian car buyers.” 

JSW MG Motor India remains committed to the rapid adoption of clean mobility solutions in India. As the category continues to mature, the company is actively working to make all its electric offerings more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. With MG’s reliability fueled by greater customer confidence, streamlined production efficiencies, and the adoption of innovative marketing solutions, the company will continue setting new industry benchmarks, aimed at enhancing consumer delight.

BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA 2025 Sets the Stage for Regional Bio Leadership with Launch of Asia Bio Connect

BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA 2025 (BIX), Asia’s leading bio-industry platform, is proud to announce the successful launch of Asia Bio Connect, a groundbreaking trilateral conference bringing together biotech leaders from Korea, China, and Japan. Spearheaded by RX Korea, with close collaboration from RX Japan and Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions (RSE), the inaugural edition was held on May 22 in Guangzhou, China, setting a new benchmark for cross-border cooperation in the region’s life sciences sector.
Asia Bio Connect 2025 Hosted by the China Biopharmaceutical Industry Association (CBPIA), RSE and supported by the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO) and RX Korea, marks a strategic milestone in BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA’s continued efforts to strengthen regional ties and drive innovation. By uniting three of Asia’s most advanced biotech economies under one forum, the event laid a solid foundation for collaborative R&D, regulatory harmonization, and global market integration.
“Asia Bio Connect is a visionary platform designed to align regional strengths and spark international collaboration,” said J.B. Son, Country Managing Director of RX Korea. As we look ahead to Asia Bio Connect 2026 in Seoul, hosted alongside BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA, our mission is to amplify Asia’s voice in the global bio dialogue.”
This year’s inaugural conference drew top scientists, industry experts, and policy leaders from the three countries, spotlighting emerging technologies and cross-sector insights. Distinguished speakers included Prof. Guanghui Ma of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Akihiro Shimosaka of the Asian Cellular Therapy Organization (ACTO), Dr. Yoon Hee Choi of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET), Dr. Younggyu Kong of Dong-A ST, and Ji Yeon Hong of IMBiologics. Topics ranged from advanced drug delivery systems to gene and exosome therapies, as well as Korea’s thriving bioeconomy and global partnership strategies.
“Asia Bio Connect has the potential to be a bridge—not just across Korea, China, and Japan—but to the wider global biotech community,” added Seungkyou Lee, Vice President of KoreaBIO. “The knowledge shared here is already influencing regional strategy and long-term planning.”
Korea, through RX Korea and BIX, played a leading role in shaping the conference agenda and thematic direction, reinforcing the country’s position as a central hub for bio collaboration in Asia. With the full support of national and local government bodies, BIX is committed to expanding the conference’s reach and attracting key players from the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
Asia Bio Connect 2026 will return as a flagship conference during BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA 2026, set to take place October 28–30, 2026, in Seoul. In the lead-up, BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA 2025, running from October 15–17, 2025 at COEX, will provide a critical touchpoint for industry stakeholders to explore collaborative opportunities, new technologies, and global biotech trends.
As BIX continues to grow in scale and influence, Asia Bio Connect stands as a key pillar in its mission to shape the future of biotechnology—not only in Asia but across the globe.

Delhi-NCR Defies National Trends: Unsold Inventory Plunges Amid India’s 48% Housing Price Surge

Delhi NCR: India’s residential real estate sector has entered a new era of growth, as highlighted by the latest 1 Finance Housing Total Return Index. Over the past five years, average housing prices across major Indian cities have soared by 48%, marking one of the most robust growth phases in the country’s property market history. Yet, amid this nationwide boom, Delhi-NCR stands out for a different reason—its remarkable 30% decline in unsold inventory, signaling a surge in demand and a unique market dynamic

Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, Founder and Chairman, PRIME Developments

Delhi-NCR: Demand Outpaces Supply

While cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai have made headlines for record price jumps and costliness, Delhi-NCR’s story is about absorption and efficiency. The region’s unsold housing inventory has dropped sharply, with a 30% reduction over the last five years, even as prices have risen by around 31% in the past year alone. This trend is in stark contrast to cities such as Hyderabad, where unsold stock has ballooned, or Chennai, where new launches outpace sales.

Luxury Segment Fuels Growth

One of the main forces behind this change has been the luxury housing market in Delhi-NCR. The region’s overall house sales value surpassed Hyderabad and Mumbai in 2024, rising 63% year over year to ₹1.53 lakh crore. More than two-thirds of this value came from Gurugram alone, driven by the strong demand for upscale buildings. This increase is supported by shifting post-pandemic buyer tastes, as families look for bigger homes with better amenities.

Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, founder and chairman of PRIME Developments said, Delhi NCR’s real estate market is witnessing a remarkable transformation, as evidenced by a 30% decline in unsold inventory—an unmistakable indicator of heightened demand and robust absorption rates. Gurugram, in particular, exemplifies this trend with its limited inventory in prime locations and vigorous value appreciation, especially in sectors adjacent to new infrastructure projects. Enhanced connectivity, the proliferation of luxury and sustainable housing, and a rising preference for integrated townships are driving this momentum. The surge of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and non-resident Indians (NRIs) seeking premium amenities and long-term investment opportunities further underscores Gurugram’s appeal. These factors have positioned Gurugram as one of the most dynamic and attractive real estate destinations within Delhi NCR’s thriving, high-demand market.”

Outlook: A Market in Balance

The sharp decline in unsold inventory, combined with robust price appreciation, positions Delhi-NCR as one of India’s healthiest real estate markets in 2025. The developers of NCR have handled launches carefully, maintaining supply in line with actual end-user demand, in contrast to other metro areas that are struggling with overstock. Delhi-NCR’s emphasis on quality, prompt delivery, and opulent options guarantees that it will continue to draw in both investors and purchasers as the national housing cycle develops.

In summary, while India’s housing market celebrates a historic price rally, Delhi-NCR’s realty sector is scripting its own success story—one defined by high demand, falling inventory, and a thriving luxury segment.

Smart Gifts for the Man Who’s Always Been Your Hero This Father’s Day

He taught you how to ride a cycle. Stayed up through the night when you were unwell. Cheered your every milestone, big or small. This Father’s Day, celebrate the man who was, is, and will always be your hero.

He’s not one for gimmicks; he values simplicity, reliability, and the kind of thoughtful design that quietly fits into his everyday life. Whether it’s about staying connected, tracking his health, or enjoying his music in peace, these tech offerings from Lava are designed to fit seamlessly into his everyday life.

Here’s a guide to thoughtful gifts that care for him, just like he always has for you.

LAVA SHARK 5G

The perfect smartphone for fathers who value clarity and performance without the clutter. The Lava Shark 5G offers a clean, bloatware-free Android 15 experience on a large 6.75” HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate. Powered by a UNISOC T765 5G processor, it brings lightning-fast connectivity, and its Antutu score of 400K+ ensures reliable performance for daily tasks.

Key features like a 13MP AI rear camera, 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, IP54 dust and water resistance, and face unlock make it a well-rounded everyday companion. The diamond sparkle finish adds a premium touch, and at ₹7,999, it delivers unmatched value.

PROWATCH XTREME

For the dad who’s always chasing excellence, whether in wellness, or productivity, the Prowatch Xtreme makes for a bold and brilliant gift. With a 1.43-inch AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and over 110 customizable watch faces, this smartwatch blends durability and style with ease. It features a lightweight aluminium alloy body with a sandblasted, oxidized finish and an IP68 rating, making it perfect for daily wear, or even outdoor adventures.

On the fitness front, it supports 110+ sports modes, VO₂ Max measurement, heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring, HRV tracking, and even Body Energy Monitoring. The inclusion of a 6-axis G-sensor, GPS, barometer, altimeter, and compass makes it ideal for dads who love trekking or cycling. With 10 days of battery life, 17 hours of GPS activity time, and Bluetooth 5.3 support for calling and quick replies, the Prowatch Xtreme, priced under ₹5,000, is a high-performance companion for a high-achieving dad.

PROBUDS T24

If your dad is always on the move and appreciates good audio, the Probuds T24 is a great choice. Priced under ₹1,500, these earbuds come with a quad mic and Environmental Noise Cancellation for crystal-clear calls and offer up to 45 hours of total playtime with the case. A quick 10-minute charge gives 150 minutes of usage, perfect for those last-minute dashes.

Designed for immersive sound with a 10mm dynamic driver and deep bass, these also feature 35ms ultra-low latency for a seamless gaming experience, along with an IPX4 rating to withstand sweat and splashes. A great pick for dads who balance work calls, exercise, and winding down with music.

PROBUDS N32

If your dad is someone who’s always on the go and prefers neckbands for convenience, the Probuds N32 might be the perfect gift. With a massive 40-hour playtime and a 10mm driver enhanced by acoustic suspension for punchy bass, these neckbands offer both performance and comfort.

The magnetic Hall switch lets the device turn on or off simply by snapping the earbuds together, while a 10-minute charge delivers up to 12 hours of use. Its IPX6 rating means it can keep up with sweat, splashes, or a bit of rain, ideal for dads who walk, jog, or commute regularly.

PROBUDS N31

For a dad who enjoys long listening hours, or binge-watching, the Probuds N31 is a worthy pick. With a staggering 45+ hours of playtime, it can power through over 700 songs or 18 full-length movies.

On Father’s Day, Mpower Highlights Sharp Rise in Men’s Mental Health Struggles

Bengaluru, June 16, 2025: On the occasion of Father’s Day 2025, Mpower—an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust—unveiled new insights into a critical yet often overlooked issue: the mental health of men in India.

A comprehensive five-year analysis of Mpower’s mental health helpline data shows a steady rise in male callers from 2020 to 2024. This trend highlights a significant shift in how men are approaching their emotional well-being, signaling a slow but meaningful erosion of stigma around seeking mental health support. Over this period, the helpline has provided a total of 141,212 hours of counseling, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting mental health across diverse demographics.

Key Insights from the Helpline:

  • Total Male Callers (2020–2025): 19,750
  • Peak Year: 2024, with 8,362 male callers
  • Average Call Duration: 7.15 minutes for men, compared to 9.55 minutes for women
  • Total Calls Received (All Genders): 114,776

Over the years, the concerns reported by male callers have evolved. In 2020, top issues included abuse, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. By 2021, anxiety and depression took center stage. Since 2022, relationship issues have increasingly emerged alongside anxiety and depression, with persistent concerns about psychological distress becoming more common.

This changing emotional landscape, coupled with a dramatic spike in male callers in 2024, underscores a shift in how men experience and express emotional vulnerability—especially among new fathers who increasingly report feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated.

Rima Bhandekar, Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Mpower Helpline at Mpower—an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust—stressed the urgent need for inclusive mental health reform: “The data from our helpline is a wake-up call. As we celebrate fathers today, we must also acknowledge the silent emotional struggles many of them face. Beneath the image of strength and responsibility often lies unspoken anxiety, self-doubt, and isolation.We’re increasingly coming across young, new fathers who feel overwhelmed—unsure of their ability to care for their child and burdened by expectations. These emotions are not signs of weakness, but clear indicators of mental health distress that deserve our attention and care.

It’s time we move toward Acceptance, Action, and Advocacy—to break the stigma and build a mental health ecosystem that supports everyone, irrespective of gender. It’s essential that we extend mental health resources—such as counselling, emotional support, and peer networks—to fathers as a standard part of care, not an exception. Recognizing their emotional needs is not indulgent; it’s integral to building resilient families and healthier communities.”

For those seeking immediate, confidential support, Mpower’s 1on1 mental health helpline is available 24/7 at 1800-120-820050. The service has become a crucial resource for thousands, offering a safe space for individuals to share and seek help without judgment.

This Father’s Day, Mpower urges families, communities, and policymakers to not only celebrate the fathers in their lives, but also to support their emotional well-being—creating a future where mental health care is accessible, normalized, and prioritized as an essential component of holistic well-being.

Hon’ble Assam Governor Graces ICSI’s 26th National Conference in Guwahati

Hon’ble Governor of Assam, gracesthe ICSI’s26thNationalConference of Practicing Company Secretaries in Guwahati

Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam inaugurated the 26th National Conference of Practicing Company Secretariesof the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) on 14 June 2025, in Guwahati, Assam.

Organized on the theme, Dynamic Regulatory Landscape: CS @Excelling Strategies, the two-day Conference will witness the presence of Industry Leaders, Senior Corporate Professionals, and Senior Officials from the Regulatory Bodies. 

Addressing the Company Secretaries as the backbone of the corporate ecosystem, Hon’ble Governor said, “Company Secretaries’ meticulous scrutiny and accurate reporting ensure that companies comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law. In today’s dynamic regulatory landscape, Company Secretary’s role has become more crucial, strategic, and value-adding than ever before and I am pleased to know that the conference has been designed to enhance your knowledge and skills for enabling real value creation.”

Outlining the theme, CS Dhananjay Shukla, President, the ICSI, contemplated on the role of Practicing Company Secretaries in shaping sustainable governance amidst rapidly changing regulatory environment. He said, “As guardians of compliance, architects of secretarial audit and custodians of governance, Company Secretaries are building a legacy of ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in the corporate sector.” He also highlighted ICSI’s various capacity building programmes.

Aimed at reinforcing national unity and inclusion, the Conference is set to provide a platform for meaningful dialogues on the following thematic sessions, leveraging collective expertise and fostering regional professional growth:

  • Secretarial Audit and Annual Secretarial Compliance Report
  • Opportunities under Taxation Regime
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Expanding Horizons: Leveraging Various Opportunities

On the occasion, the ICSI announced theupcomingICSI National Sustainability Conference to be held on 26-27 July in Udaipur, Rajasthan and ICSI 4th Board Mentorship Programme to be held from 18-21 September 2025, in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

The Conference also witnessed the gracious presence of Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita, Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha and Shri Dilip Saikia, Hon’ble Member of Lok Sabha.

The ICSI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC)and furtherunveiled the following at the Conference: 

  • Souvenir of 26th National Conference of Practicing Company Secretaries
  • Publication on Corporate Governance from Compliance to Excellence (Handbook on Best Practices), Version 4.0
  • Publication on Professional Reboot: Returning to Company Secretarial Roles 
  • Flyer on Capacity Building Series
  • Chartered Secretary Collector Series – A Compendium of Selected Articles on Direct Taxes and GST
  • Publication on Registered Valuers Toolkit (For the asset class of Securities and Financial Assets-SFA)
  • Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Rules and Regulations) Version 1.10 updated upto May, 2025
  • Flyer on Skill Based Courses on SWAYAM /SWAYAM plus platform under MoU with IIT Madras
  • Flyer of MSME & Start-up Helpline 
  • Flyer of MSME & Start-up Catalyst

CS Pawan G Chandak, Vice President, The ICSI,CS Praveen Soni, Council Member &Chairman PCS Committee, The ICSI, CS Sandip Kejriwal,Council Member & Programme Director, The ICSI,CS Rupanjana De, Council Member,The ICSI,CS Anuj Saraswat, Chairman, EIRC, The ICSI, and CS Lohit Bagaria, Chairman, NE (Guwahati) Chapter, The ICSI, also addressed the gathering. CS Asish Mohan, Secretary, The ICSI, presented the Vote of Thanks.

International Day of Women in Mining: Vedanta celebrates India’s largest cohort of Women in Mining

New Delhi, 16th June 2025: On the International Day of Women in Mining, Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL) celebrated India’s largest cohort of women in underground mining. Vedanta and Hindustan Zinc were the first in India to induct women in underground mining in 2019. Over 550 women work in core mining operations across the company’s various businesses. India’s leading energy transition metals, critical minerals, energy & technology conglomerate, Vedanta is spearheading gender inclusivity across its operations in the country. With over 22% gender diversity, Vedanta’s workforce includes more than 3,000 women employees who are making significant contributions to the sector. This is a substantial representation of women in the metals & mining sector when compared to Vedanta’s domestic peers.

The natural resources sector has historically faced glaring under-representation of women in its workforce. However, Vedanta has achieved many firsts in this sector such as the country’s first underground women miners and all-women underground mine rescue teams at Hindustan Zinc. Also, Hindustan Zinc has the distinction of having three all-women underground mine rescue teams, the highest in India. In addition to mining, the company has a high representation of women in core metal production operations as well. For instance, the company has an all-women aluminium production line (potline) and an all-women locomotive operations unit. 

This has been possible due to Vedanta’s commitment to providing rich job content powered by a tech-first approach through Industry 4.0, robotics and automation that have standardized work processes and eliminated manual intervention associated with this sector. The company provides differentiated career enhancement opportunities in this high-growth sector with the global boom in critical minerals and energy transition metals. 

Vedanta is actively bridging the skill gap within this sector by offering exciting career options irrespective of gender. Along with that, Vedanta operates digital mines, featuring surface-based underground mining (tele-remote) operations, drone-based surveillance, real-time analytics, and automation, which have led to a significant rise in the number of women professionals choosing careers at Vedanta in mining. 

Speaking on the occasion, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director – Vedanta Ltd & Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc Ltd, said, “At Vedanta, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive workplace that ensures equal opportunity for all. Women-led development is now central to sustainable growth in India, and we are dedicated to advancing this cause. Metals & mining is going to be intrinsic to a low-carbon future, and we need to bridge the skill gap in this sector. From India’s first unground women miners to India’s first women rescue team – the women at Vedanta are breaking the glass ceiling.  Through progressive policies we hope to leverage and empower this talent pool of women. We are building a future where diversity fuels innovation, inclusion accelerates progress, and every individual is empowered to make a meaningful, lasting impact.”

In the early 20th century, women working in metals and mining were a common sight. However, the Indian Mining Act of 1923 restricted their entry into underground mines, and a complete ban was imposed in 1937 under British rule. Although the restriction was briefly lifted from 1943 to 1946 – allowing nearly 70,000 women to work underground – the perception of metals & mining as an unsuitable profession for women persisted for over 80 years. It was only in 2019, after a petition by a group of seven mining engineering students, that the Indian government finally lifted the ban and Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc swiftly emerged as the first company ever to deploy women mine engineers in their underground mines.

Sharing her thoughts, Yogeshwari Rane, India’s first woman to clear the first-class examination in both underground and opencast mining, currently working at the company’s Iron Ore mine in Goa, said, “Coming from the mining rich area of Goa, I was always fascinated with this field. And with Vedanta’s pool of opportunities, I got a chance to explore this field fully beyond textbooks. I’ve had a chance to work in both the underground and opencast mines with multiple growth prospects within this field. From the Zawar Group of Mines in Rajasthan, Sandhya Rasakatla, India’s first underground woman mine manager, shared her journey: “I was always fascinated with the world of metals and mining. It is a proud feeling to be here because, as a woman, I was the first in the mining industry to get this exposure. Moreover, working with the same opportunities as our male counterparts in an environment ready to adapt, learn, and aid personal and professional development adds to it.” 

Vedanta offers a comprehensive suite of supportive workplace policies, including a spouse hiring policy, a year-long sabbatical for childcare, and ‘No-Questions Asked’ leave policy prioritizing mental and physical health. Beyond policies, employees live in world-class townships offering all modern amenities in proximity to the plants. These include schools, hospitals, daycare centres, creches, places of worship, sports and recreational facilities like swimming pools, golf courses, and movie theatres, which foster vibrant social life.

Vedanta Limited is a global leader in critical minerals, energy and technology operating a diverse portfolio of world-class assets. It is the world’s largest integrated producer of zinc, the fourth-largest global producer of silver, amongst the world’s top aluminium producers, India’s only private oil and gas producer, and one of its largest private power producers. With an eye on the future, the company is strategically expanding its business portfolio by venturing into rare earths, other critical minerals, and renewable energy. 

Influencers, short-form videos, and messaging are disrupting how offline retailers sell and scale in India

National, 16 June 2025: With social media increasingly playing an important role in guiding purchase decisions, Meta has unveiled key consumer insights from a study on the Retail industry. The Meta-commissioned study by GWI highlights how consumers are increasingly seeking online experiences even in offline purchases, how they are discovering new products and brands online, and relying on online touchpoints such as influencers, short-form video content, and messaging to determine their shopping experience and purchase decisions. 

According to the study, which was done with 2,548 internet users aged 16-64 across India, nearly 8 in 10 shoppers discover new products through social media, with 96% of these discoveries happening on Meta platforms, underscoring the role of Facebook and Instagram in today’s retail landscape. The influence is so significant that even in-store shoppers are increasingly relying more on online and particularly Meta platforms for discovery and research than just on physical retail displays.

“Indian shoppers today are social-first, mobile-first, and video-first irrespective of whether the purchase happens offline or online” said Meghna Apparao, Director, E-commerce and Retail at Meta in India, “With consumers increasingly relying on Reels, messaging, and influencer content to discover and evaluate products, offline retailers have an opportunity to reach their customers across multiple touch points simultaneously and harness the power of our platforms to build unique online and phygital experiences that also move metrics across the funnel.”

The study highlights the powerful impact of video content on purchase behavior. Two to three-minute videos and Reels on Meta platforms are proving highly effective, with nearly a third of surveyed viewers purchasing products featured in the brand videos. This trend is particularly prominent in luxury categories, where visual storytelling through short-form content significantly influences buying decisions.

Influencer marketing has emerged as a key driver of retail action across India. The study found that 6 in 10 shoppers follow national influencers, with this category of content creators having the biggest impact on both product discovery and purchase decisions. National influencer recommendations are driving sales both online and in physical stores, demonstrating the cross-channel influence of social media personalities.

Meta’s messaging platform WhatsApp is also playing a crucial role in the purchase journey. Nearly 60% of users are likely to buy a product after seeing an offer on WhatsApp, highlighting how business messaging leads to tangible retail action and drives store visits.

In line with these consumer shifts, Meta recently also announced new omnichannel advertising capabilities that help brands better connect the dots between online engagement and in-store actions. These solutions enable retailers to optimize campaigns for real-world outcomes such as store visits and in-store sales by integrating Meta’s performance tools across both digital and physical customer journeys.

Said Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, We’ve always believed in meeting our customers where they are — both online and offline. Meta’s solutions like Click to WhatsApp (CTWA) have helped us in that journey. By combining conversational commerce with tailored messaging, we’ve seen over 14x offline ROAS. What’s even more exciting is the potential of Meta’s omnichannel ads — allowing us to drive both online and in-store sales through a single, unified campaign. As one of the first to test the solution with offline CAPI, we’re seeing a 40% jump in ROAS for online purchases and an improvement in offline purchases. Meta’s retail solutions are helping us not just drive omni sales — but truly connect with our customers, wherever they are in their buying journey.”

Said Aishwarya Omprakash, Head of Marketing, Taneira, “In our pilot campaign utilizing Meta’s omnichannel ads, we observed a significant boost in performance, achieving 3.5x higher purchase conversions and 4.3x higher Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) compared to campaigns optimized solely for purchases. This encouraging outcome reinforces the value of a multi-touchpoint strategy, and we’re excited to take this experiment further in the coming year.”