Archives March 2026

Raulane Festival of Himachal Pradesh: A Centuries-Old Himalayan Tradition Celebrating Faith, Nature and Community

Bright and colourful images from Himachal Pradesh have recently gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the Raulane Festival, an ancient winter ritual celebrated in the Kinnaur district. The visuals—featuring masked performers, traditional costumes, and symbolic rituals—have sparked widespread curiosity about this unique cultural tradition rooted in Himalayan belief systems.

A Sacred Winter Festival of Kinnaur

The Raulane Festival is a deeply spiritual and culturally significant winter celebration observed in remote villages of Kinnaur. It is dedicated to “Saunis”, celestial fairies believed in local tradition to be gentle, radiant beings who protect villagers during harsh winters.

According to local belief, these divine beings provide warmth, guidance, and protection when life becomes difficult in the extreme Himalayan climate.

Symbolic Marriage Ritual: Raula and Raulane

One of the most fascinating aspects of the festival is its symbolic marriage ritual. During the celebration, two men are chosen to represent the divine couple:

• The Raula (groom)
• The Raulane (bride)

They are believed to act as spiritual vessels for the Saunis. This ritual is not a real marriage but a symbolic performance representing divine unity and protection.

The participants wear heavy traditional woollen clothing suited for the cold Himalayan weather. Their faces are fully covered with masks, and their hands are gloved, giving the ritual a mysterious and sacred appearance.

The Raulane, representing the bride figure, is dressed in elaborate attire with decorative ornaments, traditional jewellery, and detailed headgear, transforming the performer into a ritual identity rather than an individual.

Ritual Dance and Village Participation

A key highlight of the festival is a slow, meditative ritual dance performed at the Nagin Narayan Temple, one of the important spiritual centres in the region. The movement is calm and symbolic, reflecting devotion and spiritual connection.

The entire village takes part in prayers, gatherings, and celebrations, making the festival a deeply communal event rather than an individual ritual.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

The Raulane Festival is not just a celebration—it is a living expression of Himalayan heritage. It plays a vital role in:

• Preserving ancient oral traditions and folklore
• Strengthening community bonding in remote mountain villages
• Honouring nature-based spiritual beliefs
• Maintaining cultural identity in harsh geographical conditions

Local traditions suggest that the festival may be thousands of years old, with some accounts estimating its origins to be nearly 5,000 years old, though this remains part of oral belief rather than documented history.

Why the Festival Is Trending Now

The festival has recently gained global attention due to:

• Viral social media images and videos
• Unique masked performances and costumes
• Curiosity about Himalayan spiritual traditions
• Increased interest in cultural and heritage tourism

Travel enthusiasts and cultural observers are now highlighting Kinnaur as a destination rich in untouched traditions and deep-rooted beliefs.

Conclusion

The Raulane Festival stands as a powerful reminder of India’s diverse cultural heritage. In the remote mountains of Himachal Pradesh, traditions like these continue to thrive, blending faith, mythology, and community life.

Beyond its striking visuals, the festival reflects a deeper message—of harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality, preserved through generations in the heart of the Himalayas.

Hyderabad, Mar 24: Qaffeine, the ‘Heartmade Indian’ artisanal coffee bistro, swings open its doors to bring authentic Indian coffee flavours to the global stage—with unwavering honesty, masterful craft, national pride, and hospitality like no other. This intentional haven fuses contemporary design, warm earthy textures, and an irresistibly welcoming vibe, where every sip of exceptional coffee meets a perfectly paired food menu, turning moments into memories. Guided by a Heartmade Indian philosophy, each detail from the selection and brewing of beans to the way guests are served reflects care, attention and the spirit of seva.

 At the heart of the cafe is the Baaghini Blend, a signature creation crafted from beans sourced across six distinguished Indian coffee regions: Chikmagalur, Coorg, Wayanad, Yercaud, Koraput and Nagaland. Each region brings its own character shaped by soil, altitude and climate, resulting in a layered cup with a rounded body, gentle bitterness and a smooth lingering finish. Roasted to a medium dark profile, the blend adapts beautifully to strong black brews, espresso-based classics and creamy milk beverages. The coffee menu features timeless favourites such as House Classics (OG Cold Coffee, Cappuccino, Turkish latte, Honey & cinnamon latte alongside signature creations including Aamchi Kokum Brew, Gajak Latte, Esprangi, Cascara san, Kaapi Nariyal, Madras Cold Fashioned,  Baaghini Blend Signature Filter Coffee, Iced Coffee, Cold Brew (in which takes 16 hours to steep) and 3 single estate Pour overs to choose from.

“We aimed to create a cup that could carry a country. Baaghini Blend is the result of that belief. By uniting six diverse regions in a single roast, we celebrate the richness of our land and the people who tend it. We hope every sip brings exceptional flavour and a sense of pride in Indian coffee. We intend to present coffee in a way that is bold, confident, refined and deeply rooted in our culture. Baaghini Blend symbolises quiet strength and harmony. By bringing regional coffees together, we celebrate the scale and variety of our land”, says Amar Ohri, Owner, Ohri’s Group.

The food menu complements the coffee and elevates the overall experience. Artisanal small plates include those that are Indian at heart & at the same time Global in appeal. To name a few, Avocado Sev Puri, Katifi Cottage Cheese Batons, Vada Au Croissant, Prawn Chilli Oil, Adana Kebab & Beetroot Bombas.

Apart from Small plates, they have Handcrafted Neapolitan Pizza made with Artisan Napoli flour and a fully hydrated dough, creating a light, airy base with a gentle char. It is served with a House special signature Ra-Q Chilli Oil. For Quick meals, they have Open toast sandwiches, which are built on their signature bread, Ciabaccia Bread, handcrafted & balancing an airy crumb of Ciabatta with Focaccia-like richness. For someone looking for comfort, there are Mains – reinvented classics built on familiar flavours, crafted the Qaffeine way. To end the hearty meal, they have Baaghini espresso tiramisu, Mississippi Mud Pie, Lavender Treleches . Each dish and beverage is carefully paired to create a harmonious and satisfying journey for the senses.

The ambience at Qaffeine Bistro reflects calm, warmth and intimacy. Earthy textures, natural materials and soft lighting create a space where contemporary design meets familiar comfort. Curated corners and communal areas encourage conversations and connections. Every detail, from seating arrangements to visual aesthetics, has been conceived to make guests feel welcomed, cared for and part of a space that celebrates Indian coffee, culture and mindful experiences.

According to Ms Sonal Ohri, Co-owner, Qaffeine Bistro,

“At Qaffeine Bistro, our goal is to ensure every guest feels welcomed and valued. From the precision in brewing to the care in every plate, each detail reflects our commitment to seva. We want every visit to be more than just coffee. It should feel like a thoughtful and immersive experience that nurtures and delights. Qaffeine Bistro is a place where craft, cuisine and ambience come together to create moments that are deeply satisfying and meaningful.”

 

The state government of Odisha has stepped up efforts to address the issue of labour migration by promoting the DALKHAI initiative, a programme aimed at creating more employment opportunities within local communities and improving rural livelihoods.

The initiative focuses on ensuring that people, especially in rural and tribal regions, can find work closer to home instead of being forced to migrate to other states in search of daily wages. Officials said the programme is being implemented through coordinated efforts of multiple departments to support income generation and skill-based employment.

The main objective is to build stronger village-level economies by promoting self-reliance and creating sustainable livelihood options. The government believes that when employment is available locally, families can remain together and maintain better social and economic stability.

Under the initiative, emphasis is being placed on encouraging small-scale enterprises, supporting agricultural and allied activities, and expanding rural infrastructure-related work. Skill development and capacity-building programmes are also being integrated to help youth and workers access better job opportunities within their own regions.

Officials highlighted that migration is often driven by lack of stable income opportunities in local areas. By addressing this gap, the DALKHAI initiative aims to reduce economic pressure on families and improve overall living conditions in rural communities.

The government has described the programme as part of its broader commitment to inclusive development, where growth is not limited to urban centres but extends equally to villages and remote areas.

Experts note that such initiatives can help strengthen rural economies, increase local spending power, and reduce dependency on external labour markets. Over time, this is expected to contribute to more balanced regional development and improved quality of life.

In essence, the DALKHAI initiative is being positioned as a step towards ensuring that people can earn a dignified livelihood in their own villages, reducing the need for migration and supporting long-term rural development.

by Samer Hasn, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com

WTI crude oil futures rose more than 4% today, while Brent futures increased by 3.5% after both benchmarks fell over 10% yesterday.

Today’s spike in oil prices probably shows that the market has dismissed President Trump’s recent statements as a strategic move to control energy costs. Even though the President claims there are productive negotiations underway, the reality remains the same: Tehran officially denies any talks, and the core issues of the conflict, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, continue uninterrupted.

President Trump announced a five-day delay on U.S. military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure following “productive” talks with Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he described the conversations as positive and indicated he had instructed the Pentagon to postpone the strikes, contingent on the success of ongoing discussions.

However, Iranian and Arab officials expressed skepticism about the chances of success for Trump’s diplomatic push, saying it appeared to be an attempt to dampen oil prices, which fell sharply after the president said there was progress in the talks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Arab officials said they have been talking separately with both sides, but that Iran has set a high bar for ending hostilities that is preventing discussions from gaining traction, according to the Journal.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry earlier denied talks with the U.S., IRIB reported. “Yes, there are initiatives from regional countries to reduce tensions, and our response to all of them is clear: We are not the party that started this war, and all these requests should be referred to Washington.”

President Trump seems unable to find a viable way out of the conflict (assuming he wants to) without achieving a key strategic goal. Whether it’s failing to weaken Iranian missile capabilities, falling short of regime change, or struggling to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which stayed open before the war, the administration has lacked a clear victory. As a result, the most straightforward approach has been to try market manipulation, aiming to artificially lower oil prices despite little progress on the ground. On the other hand, the Iranian side doesn’t want to end the war before ensuring that it will never happen again, especially during Trump’s term.

Recognizing that the operational situation remains unchanged despite President Trump’s claims, market participants are shifting their focus to the growing risks posed by the next phase of the conflict. Specifically, the potential for broader targeting of regional energy infrastructure poses a threat that could take years to resolve and could keep oil and gas prices high for longer. For instance, recent Iranian strikes on the Ras Laffan complex have already incapacitated 17% of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas export capacity, resulting in an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue losses and creating a long-term supply vacuum for European and Asian markets.

In the absence of a tangible shift in the military landscape, the prevailing market trend is unlikely to reverse. President Trump’s statements currently serve only to delay the inevitable realization of the war’s impact, further distorting natural market mechanisms. While the only factor capable of reversing the upward price trajectory may be the manifestation of the conflict’s broader economic consequences, specifically heightened fears of stagnating global growth or a looming recession.

Today’s S&P Global Flash PMI surveys may provide the first definitive signals regarding the impact of surging energy costs on corporate sentiment and industrial outlooks. Should the data reveal a significant negative surprise or a sharp spike in business pessimism, oil prices could encounter their first authentic and crucial bearish headwind.

New Delhi, Mar 24: AWL Agri Business, one of India’s leading integrated agri-business companies, continues to strengthen its presence in the value-added foods segment with the launch of Fortune Atta with Multigrains. Following the successful foray into premium flour market with Fortune Premium Sharbati Atta, it has now expanded into the fast-growing multigrain atta category to cater to consumers seeking healthier everyday staples without altering tradition.

 The multigrain atta segment is witnessing strong growth as urban and semi-urban consumers increasingly move beyond conventional chakki atta to nutritionally enhanced alternatives. With higher margins and growing relevance among health-conscious families, the category represents a strategic growth opportunity for AWL Agri Business’ flour portfolio.

Fortune with Multigrains Atta combines the goodness of eight carefully selected grains, including soy, chana, wheat, maize, fenugreek, oats, barley and psyllium husk, offering a balanced nutritional profile. The product, high in protein, fibre and iron, also contains beta-glucan, a known prebiotic that supports gut health. Designed for daily consumption, it enables consumers to add multiple health benefits to regular meals such as rotis, without compromising on taste or texture.

Commenting on the launch, Mukesh Mishra, Joint President, Sales & Marketing from AWL Agri Business said,

“At Fortune, consumer preferences are always at the heart of everything we do. With Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta already ranked No. 2 in India, we have built a strong foundation of trust and quality in the category. As Indian consumers become increasingly conscious about the nutritional quality of everyday foods, ‘Fortune Atta with Multigrains’, will help us to bridge the gap between health and habit by offering a nutritionally superior atta that fits seamlessly into the Indian kitchen. This launch marks an important step in strengthening our premium and value-added flour portfolio and will give an added boost to the category. Known for consistently matching evolving consumer preferences, we are confident that this product will strongly appeal to today’s discerning, health-conscious consumers.”

The product is currently available in a 5-kg consumer pack across leading quick commerce and e-commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart in select cities. AWL Agri Business plans to rapidly expand availability across key urban markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru with a plan to expand to other major cities across India as well. Subsequently, AWL plans to expand distribution through general trade and modern trade channels over the coming months.

As part of its integrated launch strategy, the brand will roll out a new digital video commercial (DVC), supported by social media amplification and influencer collaborations across health and food creators. The campaign aims to drive awareness, encourage trials and build repeat consumption, while positioning ‘Fortune Atta with Multigrains’ as a credible and preferred choice in the premium value-added flour segment.

With this launch, Fortune continues to evolve its flour portfolio in line with changing consumer preferences, reinforcing its commitment to delivering trusted, high-quality food solutions that combine nutrition, taste and everyday convenience.

India’s iconic heritage monuments are emerging as popular destinations for film shootings and international tourism, reflecting a growing blend of culture, cinema, and sustainable travel promotion across the country.

Among the most prominent examples is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar, which has recently witnessed a rise in film shoots, documentary productions, and visual storytelling projects. The monument’s architectural grandeur and historical significance continue to attract filmmakers seeking authentic backdrops for cinema and digital content.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Tourism officials report that increased media exposure and cinematic visibility of heritage sites have contributed to a steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals. International visitors are showing greater interest in India’s cultural landmarks, history, and architectural heritage, with sites like Qutub Minar becoming key attractions in travel itineraries.

Experts say this growing trend is not only boosting tourism but also strengthening India’s cultural and eco-tourism ecosystem. By promoting responsible tourism practices, authorities aim to ensure that heritage conservation goes hand in hand with visitor engagement and economic development.

The government and tourism bodies have been encouraging controlled film shootings at protected monuments under strict guidelines to ensure that heritage structures are not damaged. These initiatives are designed to balance creative use of historical sites with long-term preservation.

Tourism stakeholders believe that film shoots play a major role in global destination branding. When Indian monuments appear in films, documentaries, or digital media, they generate international curiosity and encourage more foreign travelers to explore these destinations in person.

Alongside cultural tourism, eco-tourism efforts are also being strengthened. Sustainable travel practices such as regulated visitor flow, improved cleanliness standards, and awareness campaigns are being implemented at major heritage sites to reduce environmental impact.

Officials note that this integrated approach—combining heritage conservation, film tourism, and eco-friendly travel—supports local employment, boosts small businesses, and enhances India’s global tourism profile.

With rising international interest and increasing creative use of historical sites, India’s heritage monuments are evolving into dynamic cultural spaces that connect history, cinema, and sustainable tourism.

Libraries are undergoing a major transformation in the digital age, evolving from traditional book storage spaces into dynamic, technology-driven knowledge hubs. Digital libraries are now playing a key role in reshaping how information is accessed, shared, and preserved across education, research, and public learning systems.

Pic Credit: Pexel

A digital library is a collection of information resources—such as e-books, journals, research papers, audio-visual content, and archives—stored in electronic form and made accessible through computers and mobile devices. The primary aim is to make knowledge available anytime and anywhere, removing the limitations of physical location and opening access to a wider audience.

Experts say the objectives of digital libraries go beyond convenience. They are designed to preserve rare documents, improve information retrieval through advanced search systems, and support education and research by providing instant access to reliable academic content. They also help reduce costs associated with printing, storage, and physical maintenance of books.

In recent years, digital libraries have gained significant importance, especially with the expansion of online education and remote learning. Educational institutions, universities, and government initiatives have increasingly adopted digital platforms to ensure students and researchers can access updated learning materials without barriers.

In India, initiatives such as the National Digital Library of India have made millions of academic resources available to students across the country. Similarly, universities and public library systems are integrating digital catalogues and e-learning tools to enhance accessibility and improve learning outcomes.

Globally, institutions like the World Digital Library and academic databases such as JSTOR have expanded access to historical documents, research papers, and scholarly publications, supporting global knowledge exchange.

Digital libraries also play a crucial role in bridging the information gap between urban and rural learners. With the help of internet connectivity and mobile technology, students in remote areas can now access the same educational resources as those in major cities.

The rise of mobile applications such as Kindle has further simplified access to digital books and reading materials, making learning more flexible and personalized.

However, experts also point out challenges such as the digital divide, limited internet access in rural areas, and the need for digital literacy training. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure equal and effective use of digital library systems.

Overall, digital libraries represent a major step forward in modern education systems. By combining technology with knowledge sharing, they are helping build a more accessible, efficient, and inclusive learning environment for the future.

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, 24 March 2026 – Southeast Asia’s power markets are showing resilience to the ongoing Middle East conflict, but the crisis is reinforcing energy security as a central pillar of long-term power planning across the region. While regulated pricing and long-term LNG contracts are expected to shield most markets from severe near-term price shocks, the disruption is likely to accelerate a reassessment of generation strategies, according to the latest analysis from Wood Mackenzie. 

Imported LNG demand for power sector in Southeast Aisa and exposure to spot LNG in 2025 

“While Southeast Asia is relatively insulated from immediate price shocks, the current crisis is a clear reminder of the region’s structural exposure to global fuel markets,” said Yanqi Cao, senior analyst, Asia Pacific power and renewable research at Wood Mackenzie. “Energy security is moving back to the top of the agenda, and this will have lasting implications for how power systems evolve in the region.” 

Short-term impacts manageable, with uneven exposure 

Rising gas and LNG prices are expected to feed into Southeast Asian power prices through Q2 2026, though impacts will remain manageable and vary significantly across markets. 

Singapore and the Philippines are likely to experience the earliest effects. Singapore’s wholesale electricity prices have increased by around 20% in the third week of March compared to pre-conflict levels, while prices in the Philippines are following similar trend over the same period. In both markets, price caps are expected to limit the impact on end consumers. 

Elsewhere, regulatory mechanisms and subsidies will delay or dampen price increases. According to Wood Mackenzie, Thailand’s fuel tariff adjustment is not expected until May, while in Peninsular Malaysia, the impact is estimated at around a 1% increase in total power bills. Vietnam’s exposure remains limited, with gas accounting for just 9% of its power mix, and Indonesia’s fully subsidised tariff structure is expected to shield consumers from near-term changes. 

Limited flexibility constrains fuel switching 

If elevated fuel prices persist, most Southeast Asian markets will have limited ability to switch away from gas and LNG. 

Vietnam and Indonesia may partially offset higher gas costs through increased coal generation and power imports. However, Singapore and Thailand where gas and LNG account for approximately 85% and 65% of generation capacity, respectively have more limited short-term alternatives. Malaysia and the Philippines also retain coal capacity, but plants are already operating near maximum utilisation levels. 

Energy security concerns to accelerate structural shifts 

Prolonged market disruption is likely to accelerate policy and investment shifts across the region, particularly in nuclear power and firmed renewable energy. 

All six markets analysed have announced nuclear ambitions for 2030 – 2037, ranging from 1.2 GW in the Philippines to 4.0 – 6.4 GW in Vietnam. While these targets face execution challenges, heightened energy security concerns could drive renewed policy focus. 

Firmed renewables combining wind and solar with battery storage are also emerging as a more scalable near-term solution. Policy momentum is building across the region, including higher tariff caps for hybrid projects in Vietnam, battery requirements for new renewables in the Philippines, storage auctions in Malaysia, and ambitious solar-plus-storage targets in Indonesia. Singapore is also advancing plans to import up to 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035. 

“Southeast Asia’s power markets are relatively well insulated from immediate shocks due to existing contractual and regulatory structures,” concluded Cao. “However, sustained volatility in global energy markets is likely to sharpen the region’s focus on energy security, accelerating investment in nuclear and firmed renewable capacity as alternatives to gas-fired generation.” 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is witnessing rapid and broad-based growth, driven by major improvements in infrastructure, economic performance, and global influence.

Speaking at an event, he pointed to the sharp expansion of infrastructure as a key sign of progress. India now has over 160 airports, alongside growing road networks, railway modernization, and digital connectivity—developments that are improving mobility and boosting economic activity across regions.

The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s growth is no longer limited to policy announcements but is visible on the ground. He said faster execution of projects and time-bound delivery have helped shift the country from gradual progress to accelerated development.

On the economic front, he noted that India has remained resilient despite global challenges, including geopolitical tensions in regions such as West Asia. Stable growth, rising investments, and continued focus on manufacturing and exports have supported this momentum.

He also highlighted India’s increasing global standing, stating that the country is being seen as a reliable economic partner. According to him, consistent policy decisions and reforms have strengthened confidence among international investors and institutions.

Referring to governance, the Prime Minister said several key decisions taken in recent weeks reflect the government’s intent to maintain growth despite external pressures. He added that India’s ability to move forward even during global uncertainty demonstrates its economic strength.

Earlier in the day, while addressing the Lok Sabha, he also assured that India is prepared to handle global disruptions, including energy challenges, through strategic planning.

Overall, the Prime Minister presented India’s growth as a combination of faster infrastructure development, economic resilience, and rising global credibility, signaling a shift toward sustained, high-speed progress.