All posts by Neel Achary

The race welcomed 30,000 fans over the weekend which saw António Félix da Costa win, and Jaguar TCS Racing secure a one-two finish  

Dubai, UAE,  March 22: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain to Madrid’s inaugural hosting of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.  

King Felipe VI’s presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainable motorsport and Spain’s role in embracing innovative, electric racing technologies. 

The event marked a historic milestone for a championship that is currently in its twelfth season, and which since its inception has had innovation embedded in its DNA. 

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “It was an honour for the FIA to welcome His Majesty King Felipe VI to the Circuito de Madrid-Jarama for the city’s inaugural ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race. 

“This landmark event reflects the growing global appeal of electric racing and underscores our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge motorsport. 

“Madrid has embraced Formula E with great enthusiasm, and hosting the championship here for the first time allows us to showcase the excitement of electric racing while promoting cleaner mobility solutions. 

“We are thrilled to bring fans from around the world to the Spanish capital and inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and innovators.” 

Jaguar TCS Racing secured a one-two finish in the race as Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa secured victory ahead of New Zealander Mitch Evans. 

Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the FIA Senate and President of the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE), said: “Bringing Formula E to Madrid for the first time is a historic moment for our city and for Spanish motorsport.

“The CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix showcases not only racing at the highest level but also the importance of sustainable mobility. We are proud to have welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI to experience this unique event, which celebrates innovation, excitement, and Spain’s commitment to a greener future in motorsport.” 

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation in global sport, combining high-performance racing with a clear purpose: to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Since it began, the championship has served as a platform for cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, driving advancements in energy efficiency, battery development and urban mobility solutions.

Formula E not only brings world-class motorsport to fans but also demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, supporting the FIA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while inspiring the next generation of mobility. 

The Championship will continue for Rounds 7 & 8 in Berlin from the 2^nd May 2026.

Mumbai: Flair Writing Industries Limited, in collaboration with Schbang, has launched a new DVC campaign for its Flair Move 2MM Mechanical Pencil, turning a routine stationery purchase into a smarter, more value-driven, and environmentally conscious decision.

Built on a simple yet powerful consumer insight—that value matters as much as quality in everyday stationery—the campaign highlights a clear shift towards mechanical pencils as the future of writing, while positioning traditional wooden pencils as an increasingly outdated choice.

Conceptualised and executed by Schbang, the film captures a familiar, real-life retail moment. Set inside a stationery store, it reflects how consumers instinctively compare price, quantity, and overall value before making a purchase. By spotlighting the cost advantage of the Flair Move 2MM Mechanical Pencil, the campaign positions it as a practical and economical solution for students, professionals, and frequent users.

Beyond value, the campaign subtly layers in a larger narrative. The refillable 2MM mechanical pencil is visually placed above stacks of wooden pencils, gently reinforcing its “no trees cut” advantage. Rather than overt messaging, the sustainability aspect unfolds organically—making the environmental benefit feel intuitive and relatable.

Through this approach, the campaign shifts the conversation from simply buying a pencil to making a smarter stationery choice.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Rathod, Whole-Time Director, Flair Writing Industries Limited, said, “At Flair, we are constantly looking to make everyday writing smarter and more accessible. With the Flair 2MM Mechanical Pencil, we are introducing a practical alternative to traditional wooden pencils—one that retains familiarity while offering greater value. Priced at just ₹30, one pencil with four lead tubes delivers the writing length equivalent of up to 10 wooden pencils, making it highly cost-effective. As a wood-free alternative, it also contributes to reducing the demand for wood in pencil manufacturing, supporting a more sustainable future.”

Vaibhav Das, Creative Lead at Schbang, added, “We built the narrative in layers—starting with what drives consumer choice at the shelf: price and value. We then reinforced it with everyday practicality, and finally introduced sustainability in a subtle way, allowing audiences to arrive at that realisation themselves. The idea was to make affordable sustainability feel intuitive.”

By combining value, familiarity, and sustainability, the Flair Move 2MM Mechanical Pencil campaign repositions a simple writing tool as a smarter, more responsible everyday choice.

Mumbai, March 22: This season, Triune—founded by Jaipur-based designer Prasoon Sharma—returned to Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 with Fragile Dreams, a collection that unfolded as a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of change, vulnerability, and self-expression.

Presented on March 21, the collection redefined vulnerability—not as fragility, but as a source of creative momentum. Moments of uncertainty, nostalgia, and growth translated into colour-saturated silhouettes and tactile surfaces, where garments felt less like statements and more like stories in motion. With Fragile Dreams, Triune moved beyond conventional fashion narratives, presenting clothing as something lived in—intimate, expressive, and instinctively human.

At Lakmé Fashion Week 2026, the collection came alive through a 16-look menswear and unisex lineup that balanced fluid tailoring with relaxed ease. Bomber jackets layered over airy tanks, easy trousers paired with playful shorts, and separates transitioned seamlessly from day to night. Designed with travel and transition in mind, the silhouettes embodied an understated freedom—adaptable, seasonless, and quietly confident in their versatility.

Colour played a central emotional role. Drawing from nature’s shifting landscapes, the palette moved through earthy reds, sun-warmed yellows, and muted greens, accented with soft hints of gold. Rather than dominating, colour flowed organically across looks, mirroring cycles of renewal and evolution that informed the collection’s narrative.

Textiles brought the story closer to the body. Raw, unfinished denims contrasted with breathable cottons, creating a dialogue between structure and softness. Triune’s signature dori work—developed in-house—introduced dimensional textures that captured light and movement with subtle drama. Here, craft felt alive: less decorative, more experiential, allowing texture to emerge as a language of emotion.

Rooted in a seasonless philosophy, Triune continued to blur boundaries across gender and occasion. Prints appeared spontaneous yet intentional, silhouettes resisted rigid definition, and styling encouraged individuality—reflecting a generation that dresses by instinct rather than expectation.

Speaking about the showcase, Prasoon Sharma shared, “Fragile Dreams is very personal to me. Over the years, the brand has gone through phases, and I began noticing how similar that felt to the cycles we see in nature. There are moments of stillness, moments of chaos, and moments of renewal—and this collection is my way of translating those experiences into something everyone can connect with. I wanted the clothes to feel honest and lived-in—pieces that carry emotion yet remain light, joyful, and free.”

The story of Triune begins far from fashion capitals, in Dholpur, Rajasthan, where Sharma’s early inspirations were shaped by observation, travel memories, and a deep connection to nature. Now based in Jaipur, he translates these influences into garments that feel both escapist and personal—pieces imagined for journeys, transitions, and the in-between moments that shape identity.

With Fragile Dreams, Triune creates a world where softness leads without hesitation—transforming emotion into form and reminding audiences that strength can be gentle, expressive, and quietly radiant through colour, texture, and silhouette.

CHENNAI, MARCH 22, 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues to advance its sustainability and social impact agenda through Paathya, its ESG+ framework.

Photo caption: Dr. S. Armstrong, Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East, and Ian Dubier, Area Director Operations for Tamil Nadu and General Manager of Taj Coromandel, flagging off IHCL’s Bharat EkSaath Walkathon at University of Madras in Chennai.

Marking its fourth year, IHCL reinforced its commitment to responsible tourism with Bharat EkSaath Walkathon – Tamil Nadu edition, an inclusive 3 km walk that brought together associates, their families, local partners, vendors and community members. This was held simultaneously across 14 countries in over 200 locations. The funds raised through the walkathon support the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT), reinforcing IHCL’s approach to social impact.

Teams from Taj Coromandel, Taj Connemara, Taj Club House, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa Chennai, Taj Wellington Mews Chennai, Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway, Ginger Chennai, OMR, Ginger Chennai, Vadapalani, Ginger Chennai, IITM, TajSATS, Vivanta Coimbatore, Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions, Gateway Madurai and Gateway Coonoor participated in the 3-km walk.

The Walkathon commenced from the University of Madras and was flagged off by distinguished guests, Dr. S. Armstrong Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, and Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East. The route began at the University of Madras, proceeded along Madras Beach Road, and concluded back at the University campus.  The event concluded with a hearty breakfast, followed by the distribution of medals and certificates to all participants.

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday inaugurated the International Conference on Carbon Markets, Prakriti 2026, and launched the Indian Carbon Market Portal, underscoring India’s commitment to advancing climate action alongside economic growth.

The two-day conference, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is being held in the national capital as part of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.

The event brings together global experts, policymakers, industry leaders and researchers to deliberate on carbon markets and their role in supporting climate goals and green growth. The theme of this year’s conference is “Unlocking Carbon Finance for NDC Implementation through Global Partnerships and Digital Pathways.”

During the inaugural session, the Indian Carbon Market Portal (www.indiancarbonmarket.gov.in
) was launched by Manohar Lal, along with Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik and other dignitaries. The portal is designed as a central platform for implementing and administering the country’s carbon market.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister said India has demonstrated that climate responsibility and economic development can progress together. He highlighted initiatives such as the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency programmes as key steps toward building a transparent and credible carbon market framework.

He noted that the country has already notified nine methodologies under the CCTS, with over 40 entities registering projects in sectors such as biogas, hydrogen and forestry. Additionally, greenhouse gas emission intensity targets have been set for nearly 490 entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.

Emphasising the economic potential of carbon markets, Lal urged businesses to view them not merely as compliance mechanisms but as opportunities for innovation, investment and entrepreneurship.

Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik highlighted three key pillars for robust carbon markets — credibility through digital monitoring, reporting and verification systems, capital mobilisation for clean technologies, and international collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

He said India’s progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency demonstrates that climate action and economic growth are complementary, adding that carbon markets can empower MSMEs and farmers while enabling transparent global cooperation.

The conference will feature discussions on global carbon markets under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, compliance frameworks, digital technologies, carbon border policies and financing clean technologies.

Officials said Prakriti 2026 reflects India’s growing role as a global leader in climate action and its efforts to develop a transparent, inclusive and innovation-driven carbon market ecosystem.

Agartala, 20 March 2026 (BNP): The Odia community residing in Tripura celebrated Pakhala Paraba (Pakhala Divas), a traditional festival of Odisha, with great enthusiasm, cultural pride, and collective joy on 20th March 2026.

The celebration was organized under the aegis of Odia Samaj, Tripura, where members gathered at Sangam to mark the occasion in a spirit of unity and festivity. The event witnessed active participation, especially by the women members of the community, who played a central role in showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Odisha.

On this occasion, the lady members prepared a wide variety of traditional Odia cuisine at their respective homes. More than twenty different dishes were presented, reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of Odia food culture. The celebration was further enriched by joining the live telecast of Pakhala Paraba festivities from Odisha, creating a sense of connection with their cultural roots.

Following the presentation, all participants shared the meal together. The food was lovingly served by the women members, symbolizing warmth, affection, and community bonding. The gathering was marked by joy, togetherness, and a deep sense of cultural identity.

The event concluded on a cheerful note, with all attendees expressing happiness and satisfaction at celebrating their traditional festival away from their home state, yet with equal fervour and authenticity.

New Delhi, Mar 21: On the occasion of World Water Day, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, announced that its flagship Jal Jeevan water stewardship initiative has enabled the recharge of over 5 trillion litres of groundwater and strengthened irrigation systems across 117,620 hectares of farmland in India. The initiative has improved water security, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods across 16 states, benefiting millions of people in water-stressed regions.

 Implemented in partnership with local communities, technical organisations, and Hinduja Group companies, the Jal Jeevan initiative adopts an integrated approach to water management – spanning watershed and springshed management, improved domestic water access through rainwater harvesting, water ATMs and restoration of water sources, revival of traditional water bodies, and promotion of climate-resilient agriculture. These interventions collectively enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen community resilience to climate variability.

Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, said: “Water security is closely linked to livelihood security in rural India. Through the Hinduja Group’s Jal Jeevan initiative, we are working with communities to build sustainable water infrastructure that improves domestic water access, supports agriculture, and strengthens resilience against climate uncertainty. Our focus is on community-driven solutions that ensure long-term, responsible, and efficient use of water resources.”

The Foundation’s work has reduced the burden of water scarcity, improved crop yields, enhanced livestock management, and significantly lowered the time women and families spend fetching water. It has also encouraged community-led maintenance of water assets ensuring sustainability long after implementation.

Jal Jeevan initiative – Impact at a glance

• 6 million lives impacted
• 4,000 villages covered across 16 states
• 20,000 open wells revived or recharged
• 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems installed
• 125 lakes restored
• 450 springs restored

A notable intervention under the initiative is at the 40-acre Holy Jhulelal Tirthdham campus in Kutch, Gujarat, where a network of freshwater reservoirs developed around the Shri Jhulelal Temple has helped restore ecosystems, strengthen resilience to rising sea levels, and support local biodiversity.

Key impact areas:

The Jal Jeevan programme has been implemented across some of India’s most water-stressed geographies. Key interventions include:

·Creation of ponds, check dams, recharge pits, and rainwater harvesting structures, replenishing over 5 trillion litres of groundwater

·Rejuvenation of 267 springs in rural Uttarakhand, enhancing long-term water security for Himalayan communities

·Improved agricultural and livestock water access, leading to higher productivity and increased household incomes

·Sanitation and hygiene initiatives, contributing to healthier communities

As climate-related water challenges intensify across India, the Hinduja Foundation is committed to expanding the Jal Jeevan initiative through partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and local institutions to develop scalable and sustainable water solutions.

Water has always been more than a natural resource. It is life, movement, and meaning. On World Water Day, observed every year on 22 March, the world reflects on the importance of water—not only for survival, but for balance, dignity, and harmony in human life.

Water is often symbolically linked with the feminine. It is nurturing, sustaining, and deeply life-giving. Like the feminine principle, water carries quiet strength. It flows gently, yet it shapes entire landscapes over time. It sustains life in silence, yet holds immense power within it.

This dual nature—calm and powerful, soft and unstoppable—makes water a powerful reflection of feminine energy. Rivers that nourish fields, rain that renews life, and oceans that connect continents all represent both care and strength in motion.

The connection becomes even more meaningful in the context of the theme “Water and Gender.” Across the world, women are often the primary managers of household water. They walk long distances, collect water, and ensure its use for families and communities. This daily responsibility reflects resilience, patience, and care—qualities often associated with both water and femininity.

Yet this also highlights an important truth: water inequality affects women and girls the most. When access is limited, it is they who carry the burden. When access improves, entire communities move toward dignity, education, and opportunity.

Water can also be forceful and unpredictable. Floods and storms remind us of its strength and ability to transform landscapes. In the same way, feminine strength is not limited to gentleness—it also carries the power to change, rebuild, and endure.

On World Water Day, this symbolism becomes a reminder of responsibility. Water must be protected, shared fairly, and valued not just as a resource, but as the foundation of life. Recognizing its connection to gender equality helps us understand a deeper truth: sustainability and justice go hand in hand.

Ultimately, water teaches balance. It shows that strength does not always mean force, and care does not mean weakness. In its flow, stillness, and power, water reflects life itself—and invites us to protect it with respect and awareness.

Patna, March 21, 2026 (BNP) — The Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), Patna Chapter, on Friday organized a seminar on “National Security: Policy, Strategy and Contemporary Challenges” at the CIMP Auditorium in Patna, bringing together academicians, security experts and public figures to deliberate on evolving threats and policy responses.

The programme commenced at 4:00 PM with a welcome address by Shri Kumod Kumar, CAO, CIMP and General Secretary of the FANS Patna Chapter, who greeted the dignitaries and participants and outlined the objectives of the seminar.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, elaborated on the concept of strategy in national security and highlighted emerging threats, including nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological risks. He underscored the importance of indigenous research and digital preparedness, noting the role of DRDO in strengthening secure networks and advancing technological sovereignty to reduce dependence on external systems.

Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar Choudhary, President of the FANS Patna Chapter, described national security as a multi-dimensional concept encompassing economic stability, social harmony and technological strength. He called for an integrated approach, emphasizing that citizens also play a crucial role in building national resilience.

Chief Guest Dr. Dinesh Chandra Rai, Vice Chancellor of B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, spoke on the need to preserve cultural values alongside promoting self-reliance. He highlighted the role of technology in agriculture, integrated farming practices and training, while stressing rural development as a cornerstone of national progress. He also raised concerns over the influence of western culture on Indian heritage.

Distinguished Guest Shri Vikramaditya Singh, National Organization General Secretary of FANS, addressed issues related to interstate coordination, international dimensions of national security and the need to create protective environments for sustainable development.

Keynote Speaker Shri Golok Bihari Rai, member of the National Steering Committee of FANS, emphasized citizen security, peace and societal well-being. He spoke on challenges such as population pressure, the alcohol-crime nexus and policy transparency, linking economic growth with national sovereignty.

Guest of Honour Shri Alok Raj, retired IPS officer and former Director General of Police, Bihar, discussed both traditional and emerging security challenges. He referred to threats from neighbouring regions, cyber and digital attacks, and the misuse of social media for propaganda. He lauded the role of security forces and stressed the importance of public awareness, preparedness and coordinated action.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Kumod Kumar. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on strengthening India’s national security framework in the face of contemporary challenges.