All posts by rekha nair

A Model Community in Sustainable Waste Management

Delhi, 23 February 2025 – Lajpat Nagar 3 RWA is proving that sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s a way of life. The neighborhood recently hosted the Zero Waste Awareness Meet, a community-driven initiative that has transformed waste management practices, ensuring that over 95% of waste is either composted or recycled. Residents have embraced the movement wholeheartedly, proving that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant environmental change.

Launched in 2023 by the Zero Waste Committee under the leadership of Mr. Charanjeet Singh, the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Lajpat Nagar 3 Residents Welfare Association (RWA) team, including Mr. SB Singh, Mr. Lalit Vohra, Mrs. Sujata Bahal, Mrs. Meeta Chaddha, and Mr. Sundeep Chaddha. The event was attended by MCD officials and the DDSIL team, who elaborated on the significance of this drive and its long-term impact on waste reduction.

Since becoming fully operational in February 2024, the initiative—managed by Tozero Sustainable Solutions, founded by IIT-Delhi alumnus Ajay Agarwal—has achieved remarkable milestones, including composting 48 tons of wet waste on-site, recycling 76 tons of dry waste, and providing sustainable employment to 12 waste pickers.

At the event, Councilor Sharad Kapoor, a passionate advocate for the project, praised the RWA’s dedication. “The people of Lajpat Nagar 3 are leading the way in responsible waste management. Their efforts serve as an example for the entire city. A cleaner Delhi starts with each of us, and this initiative proves that when a community comes together, real change happens.”

“Our community is proving that zero waste living is not just a vision but a tangible reality,” said Mr. Charanjeet Singh, speaking at the event, stated, “Our community is demonstrating that zero waste living is not just a concept but an achievable goal. Through consistent waste segregation, composting, and recycling, we are not only reducing landfill waste but also creating a sustainable blueprint for other communities to follow.”

Mr. Lalit Vohra, while speaking at the meet, remarked, “Waste management is often an afterthought, but this initiative proves that with a well-structured system, we can make a significant difference. Our efforts today will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for the coming generations.”

Mrs. Sujata Bahal reflected on the impact of the event, saying, “It’s heartening to see our community so engaged in this movement. When sustainable habits start at home, they spread throughout the city, inspiring others to be more responsible with their waste.”

A key message emphasized throughout the event was that “My waste is my responsibility.” This initiative aims to instill a sense of ownership among residents, ensuring that waste management is not just a community effort but a personal commitment for everyone.

The final phase of the initiative, set to launch in March 2025, will fully transition Lajpat Nagar 3 into a 100% Zero Waste Community, serving as a model for sustainable urban living. This will serve as a model for other urban neighborhoods, proving that with the right strategies and community participation, sustainable living is truly within reach.

More than 100 juried artists from throughout the country will participate in the St. Charles fair.

(St. Charles, Mo., Feb. 16, 2025) The 30th annual Mosaics Fine Art Festival will be held on Fri., Sept. 12 from 4 to 9 p.m., Sat., Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free family-friendly event will be held along several blocks of North Main St. in Historic St. Charles, Mo. where more than 30 restaurants and over 75 shops are located.

The three-day festival includes over 100 juried artists from more than 15 states exhibiting and selling their artwork. Media categories include clay, drawing, glass, leather, metal, pastel, oil/acrylic, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, and wood. A total of $5,000 will be awarded to the top nine artists.

The Children’s Village area will feature hands-on art experiences for children to create their own make-and-take art masterpieces. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. Mary Hediger’s Memorial Art Shop for Kids is a kids-only gallery where children ages 14 and younger can buy professional artwork. Designed to foster art appreciation at a young age, all pieces are donated by participating festival artists and can be purchased for a nominal fee.

The H. Robert Pank Memorial Music Stage will showcase a variety of performing artists throughout the weekend. The Artists for Adoption Pet Pavilion, located at the north end of the festival, will be open to families interested in adopting pets from Stray Paws Adoptables.

The Joyce Rosen Founder’s Scholarship art display will include select high school students’ works of art. Scholarships will be presented in memory of Joyce Rosen, the original festival founder and a longtime supporter of St. Louis artists and events.

The nonprofit Mosaics Fine Art Festival showcases local and regional artists while educating the community about how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a diverse range of artwork from emerging, mid-career, and established artists across all media. For more information, call (314) 406-2067 or visit http://www.stcharlesmosaics.org.

Hyderabad’s start-up ecosystem is collaborative and provides an array of collaborative spaces to foster innovation and collaboration: Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Govt of Telangana.

 

Hyderabad, February 14, 2025.….Hyderabad’s start-up ecosystem is collaborative and provides an array of collaborative spaces that foster innovation and collaboration said Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government speaking at the Hyderabad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Collective organised by TiE on Thursday night in the city at Anvaya Conventions at Financial District in Gachibowli

“Hyderabad’s transformation from 200 startups in 2014 to over 9000 today showcases Telangana’s focus on fostering an ecosystem for entrepreneurs. There are many factors such as supporting government, vibrant ecosystem partners and collaborative spaces that led this growth by empowering startups in their journey with resources, investors, mentors, and support systems”, Jayesh Ranjan added. He appreciated the efforts of TiE in bringing together the city’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. Each ecosystem partner works in silos in their organisational interest. A collective like this helps work with, for, and around each other to keep the system growing, and productive and drive collective benefits, he said.

Over 40 ecosystem partners such as Incubators Accelerators, Investors, VS, Government, Industry Bodies, GCCs, Corporates, Consuls, Embassies and startups participated in the rectangular conference setup. Some of the noted participants include Ms. Jennifer Larson, the Consul General in Hyderabad; Mr. Sreekant Lanka, CRO, Govt. of Telangana Mr Vikram Jain, Trade Commissioner, Canadian High Commission; Mr Sujit Jagirdar, CEO, T-Hub; Mr Joginder Tanikela, CEO, T-Works; Mr VVR Raju, Vice Chair, FICCI Telangana; Mr Rama Iyer, Head – Innovation, GMR Group; Mr Pradeep Dhobale, Chairman, Hyderabad Angels; Ms Ramadevi, President, ALEAP; Dr Sriharsha Reddy K, Director & Professor, IMT Hyderabad

All the participants felt the need for such an initiative for the common good

Earlier, TiE Hyderabad Chapter honoured Murali Bukkapatnam, on his election as the Chair of the TiE Global Board of Trustees, the largest entrepreneurial organization in the world for the year 2025. He is the first member of TiE Hyderabad to reach such a top level, first from TiE South India and second from across India. TiE is a Global entity spread across the globe in 65 cities in 15 countries and has 10,000 members.

Responding to the felicitation, Murali Bukkapatnam in his emotional address said that his journey started from a small town Hindupur in AP. The Rayala Seema region was once regarded as the Ratanala Seema (land of precious stones), but it remains just barren land now. He spoke about an incident which changed his course of journey. “ The youth came up to me and told me that he was longing to take a selfie with me”. If a small entrepreneur from a tier 2 or 3 city like Hindupur could make such an impact on the youth, why should I not be a catalyst for the inspiration for many others? Since then I never looked back, he shared.

TiE is my Karma Bhoomi. I say it with absolute certainty. Murali listed out a few major contributions of TiE to Hyderabad city. TiE Hyderabad was instrumental in creating the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH). The seeds for it were sown on the sidelines of TiE ISB Connect in the year 2017. RICH today acts as a facilitator and aims to foster greater collaboration between various entities in the research and innovation space. Another important contribution TiE made was in the creation of the incubator incubators-T-Hub, Murali added

Referring to Kali Prasad Gadiraju’s remarks about his “Na bhuto na bhavishyati” (meaning neither was nor will be) initiatives in his introductory address, Murali, the Founder and Chairman of Volksy Technologies, a venture development firm, said there were many such never before, ever after initiatives were on the anvil. Besides the long pending and sweeping administrative changes, TiE Global aims to impact over a million entrepreneurs in 100 cities across the globe, create over 100bn US $ wealth and help to generate 10 million jobs over the next five years. We gave a huge cry of making TiE a 100-chapter body with over 5000 charter members by the end of December 2025, by the time I left my office.

Hyderabad Angels also felicitated Murali Bukkapattnam. Speaking on the occasion Mr Pradeep Dhobale, Chairman, Hyderabad Angels said over the years since its inception in the year 2010, Hyderabad Angels funded 76 startups to the extent of INR 100 crore. He recalled Murali’s contribution to the development of the Hyderabad Angels network.

TiE organised its first Leadership Series in the year 2025. Mr Abhay Deshpande, Founder and CEO of Recykal was in conversation with Abhijit Banerjee, Co-founder of Upwisery.

From Malamall’s first venture to MartJack’s Multimillion-Dollar Exit, Abhay, a Serial Entrepreneur shared his 25-year journey of entrepreneurship, challenges, failures, and successes.

Recycle is a unicorn in the making. It hopes to become the first Indian Unicorn in the Waste Management space. It is our dream. This space is huge and has a lot of potential. It demands solutions. This is a futuristic space that has huge scope for at least four or five companies to turn unicorns, Abhay declared. We channelise 1.5 mn metric tonnes of waste every day, he added.

I felt like crying when a deal fell through in the nick of the moment during my second venture MartJack. I was considered a villain who couldn’t handle deals. I bounced back and made a successful exit by selling it to Capillary Technologies, a leading multi-channel commerce platform. The 272 people who stood by me during the thick and thin of those two years’ phases were suitably rewarded, he shared.

I realised that one man can’t build the company. You need a good team. This was the first lesson I learnt in Malamall. Another lesson I learnt during and after COVID was no matter how big you or your company is, you are nothing in front of nature.

Abhay shared that they embarked on a most exciting behavioural change program called The Digital DRS Solution, a tech-led sustainability solution that incentivises consumers to bring back empty containers, bringing about a behavioural change towards waste segregation and encouraging consumers to dispose of waste responsibly. , Abhay added.

He also shared that their novel scheme is now being implemented by the Government of Goa from October 2nd this year. Goa has become the first state in India to implement a Deposit Refund System (DRS). This innovative system aims to reduce the burden on oceans, forests, and beaches by incentivizing consumers to recycle non-biodegradable packaging, he said. Soon they will roll out this initiative in the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently, we will roll out this ambitious initiative across the country, he quickly added.

Rajesh Pagadala, President and Murali Kakarla, Vice President of TiE Hyderabad facilitated the various activities held during the evening. Speaking about Murali Bukkapatnam, Rajesh said he is a true giver. Whatever he does, he leaves an indelible mark and creates an impact.

My focus for 2025, he added, would be on deepening the chapter’s engagement with startups and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation through targeted programs, and creating pathways for sustainable growth.

The vehicles were launched by the company’s Senior President – Marketing, K. Vijayvardhan Rao.

Telangana, February 9, 2025 : My Home Industries has taken another significant step forward in bulk supply by introducing heavy trucks and trailers. These vehicles were launched at the company’s new plant in Srinagar, Mellacheruvu, in the Suryapet district. The launch event was flagged off by the company’s Senior President – Marketing, K. Vijayvardhan Rao. The fleet includes 14 Wheels Trucks – 100 (30 MT capacity); 16 wheels Trucks – 100 (Bulk 35 MT capacity) & Trailers – 50 (Bulk 41 MT capacity)

These vehicles are expected to enhance the services provided by My Home Industries and strengthen its position in the market. They will play a key role in enabling the company to supply products to customers quickly and on time. With India’s logistics sector rapidly growing, this move by My Home Industries will play a critical role in strengthening infrastructure development.

The parent company of My Home Industries, the My Home Group, operates from its headquarters in Hyderabad. The group has established a strong presence across diverse industries, including cement, real estate, construction, power, media, and education.. Over three decades, the group has earned the people’s trust by providing valuable services. Directly and indirectly, the group has created employment opportunities for over 10,000 people. The group has customers across various regions and sectors in India. Known for its commitment to quality in products and services and adherence to business standards, My Home Group has established its uniqueness. Dr. Rameshwar Rao Jupally, a visionary and philanthropist, is the founder of this organization, and under his leadership, the company continues to progress. Under the dynamic leadership of Jupally Ranjith Rao, Managing Director, My Home Industries Private Limited is experiencing significant growth and expanding its reach.

~Elevating Tradition and Luxury for Delhi’s Refined Tastes~

New Delhi, February 7th 2025 – Prithviraj Jewels, renowned for its luxury craftsmanship, recently hosted a private exhibition at Taj Palace, New Delhi, offering an exclusive glimpse into its exceptional collection. The event featured an exquisite range of diamond, Polki, and bridal jewelry, each piece reflecting the brand’s signature blend of tradition and modern elegance.

The showcase exemplified Prithviraj Jewels’ dedication to timeless luxury, with meticulously crafted pieces that captivated the most discerning guests. From diamond necklaces to intricately designed Polki earrings, the collection seamlessly merged traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, catering to a sophisticated audience.

“We are thrilled to share our creations in such a memorable setting,” said Kanika Agrawal, Founder of Prithviraj Jewels. “Each piece of jewelry tells a unique story—one of craftsmanship, heritage, and beauty. This exhibition was the perfect platform to present our vision of timeless luxury for the modern woman.”

In addition to the showcase, guests were offered personalized consultations to explore the craftsmanship behind each design. The exhibition also highlighted the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that every piece reflects not only luxury but also environmental and ethical responsibility.

Founded in 2012 by Kanika Agrawal, Prithviraj Jewels has established itself as a leader in the luxury jewelry market. Known for its exquisite diamond, Polki, and bridal collections, the brand blends traditional Indian techniques with contemporary design to create timeless pieces. With showrooms in Chandni Chowk and South Extension II, Prithviraj Jewels continues to set the standard for responsible luxury, using only the finest materials while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.

About Prithviraj Jewels

Prithviraj Jewels is a luxury jewelry brand founded by Kanika Agrawal in 2012, renowned for its diamond, Polki, and bridal jewelry collections. With a focus on traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, the brand offers luxurious, timeless pieces that are ethically sourced and crafted with precision. Prithviraj Jewels continues to lead the fine jewelry industry, offering creations that embody both beauty and responsibility.

Bhubaneswar, India – January 30, 2025 – Shreyas Webmedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd. took part in an insightful interactive session on SME Funding and IPO Listing today, organized by the World Trade Center Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Affinity Global Services Pvt. Ltd. The event was held at the IDCO Conference Hall, 5th Floor, New Annex Building, IDCO Towers, Janpath, Bhubaneswar.

The session brought together prominent industry experts and financial leaders who provided valuable insights into SME funding avenues, IPO preparation strategies, and the advantages of stock exchange listings. The discussions empowered businesses to explore new financial opportunities while gaining a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework for public listing.

The session commenced with a warm welcome from Nimishika Natarajan, Assistant Director of WTC Bhubaneswar, followed by an engaging discussion on SME funding and IPO listing dynamics.

Key Speakers and Their Insights

The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including:

Sanjeev Mahapatra, Secretary of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd., who inaugurated the session with a warm welcome and insightful remarks on SME funding challenges. He highlighted why SME projects often struggle, the need for financial support in Odisha, and various funding sources available for SMEs.

Avik Gupta, Senior Manager of Primary Markets Relationship at NSE, who provided a comprehensive overview of NSE Emerge. He discussed the advantages of listing on NSE, eligibility criteria, post-listing compliance, SME listing incentives by the state government, and the step-by-step process for companies to get listed on NSE Emerge.

Sanjay Baoltia, CA, Chairman of Affinity Global Services Pvt. Ltd., who emphasized the importance of technology adoption, AI integration, and resource allocation for SMEs. He also detailed the eligibility criteria for listing, share dilution requirements, compliance management, and transitioning from SME listing to the main board.

Neeraj Agarwal, representative of Vdeal System Pvt. Ltd., who shared his personal journey and struggles with financial constraints and collateral challenges in securing bank funding. He encouraged SMEs to explore IPO listings as a viable growth strategy.

Representing Shreyas Webmedia Solutions at the event were  Ms. Gouri Achary, Director (Finance), Ms. Rekha Nair, Director (HR & Operations), and Mr. K Sai Krishna. Their presence underscored the company’s commitment to staying informed about emerging financial trends and exploring new growth opportunities. Shreyas Webmedia Solutions continues to stay proactive in gaining industry knowledge and leveraging networking opportunities to enhance its business strategy.

The event concluded with a networking session and a luncheon, allowing attendees to connect with industry professionals, financial experts, and peers in an informal setting.

India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26 with great enthusiasm, patriotism, and grandeur. In 2025, the nation will commemorate its 76th Republic Day, marking 76 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. This significant occasion transformed India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Republic Day is not just a national holiday but a moment to reflect on the nation’s journey, its achievements, and its collective vision for the future.

The Historical Significance

On January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the country’s governing document. The date was chosen to commemorate January 26, 1930, when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal. This transition marked the culmination of India’s freedom struggle and symbolized the country’s commitment to upholding democracy and justice.

Grand Celebrations Across the Nation

The 76th Republic Day celebrations are centered in the capital city, New Delhi, where a grand parade is held along the Rajpath, now renamed Kartavya Path. The parade showcases India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and technological advancements. The event begins with the hoisting of the national flag by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, followed by a 21-gun salute and the singing of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

Highlights of the Parade

Theme for the Tableaux: This year’s Republic Day tableaux will follow the theme “स्वर्णिम भारत – विरासत और विकास” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress). The displays will highlight India’s glorious past, rich cultural traditions, and strides in modern development, reflecting the nation’s legacy and aspirations.

Tableaux Display: Each state and union territory presents vibrant tableaux depicting their cultural heritage, historical milestones, and achievements.

Military Might: The parade features a display of tanks, missiles, and other defense equipment, alongside marching contingents from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police.

Cultural Performances: School children perform folk dances and patriotic songs, reflecting India’s diversity and unity.

Flypast: The grand finale is the much-awaited flypast by the Indian Air Force, with fighter jets painting the skies in the colors of the national flag.

A Special Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto

This year, the Republic Day celebrations will witness the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest. Marking his first visit to India since taking office in October 2024, President Subianto’s attendance reflects the strengthening of ties between India and Indonesia. The visit is expected to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and regional security.

India’s tradition of inviting foreign dignitaries as chief guests for Republic Day underscores the country’s diplomatic outreach and highlights its relationships on the global stage. The presence of the Indonesian President, representing one of India’s key partners in the Indo-Pacific, adds special significance to the 76th Republic Day celebrations.

Celebrations Across the Country

While the Delhi parade is the focal point, Republic Day is celebrated across India with equal fervor. Schools and colleges organize flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and competitions. Housing societies and communities come together to honor the spirit of the day through patriotic songs, speeches, and activities.

The Beating Retreat Ceremony

The 76th Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29. Held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, this musical extravaganza features performances by the bands of the Indian Armed Forces. The ceremony ends with the national flag being lowered, marking the official conclusion of the Republic Day festivities.

A Day of Reflection

Republic Day serves as a reminder of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution: justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to building a progressive, inclusive, and united nation.

As India continues to march forward on the global stage, the 76th Republic Day remains a beacon of hope, pride, and unity for every Indian.

Mumbai, January 24, 2025: This Republic Day, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to celebrate the nation’s spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage.

With vibrant tricolour-themed decorations, traditional music and dance performances and specially curated menus, select properties are set to offer unique experiences to honour India’s 76th Republic Day. Guests can enjoy culinary delights such as tricolour sandwiches, dumplings, and idlis, complemented by vibrant desserts and mocktails inspired by the Indian flag, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Through these specially curated offerings, The Fern Hotels & Resorts aims to create an experience that brings our guests closer to the heart of India and the ideals that make our nation truly great.

Celebrate the essence of India with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, where every detail reflects the pride and diversity of our great nation.

23rd January 2025: Smashing boundaries both on and off court, Sports Brand PUMA India has just made its biggest serve yet! The brand recently welcomed PV Sindhu, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, as its newest brand ambassador, and in style! Upon taking the court today at the 2025 Badminton India Open in New Delhi, Sindhu debuted in a voluminous, custom-made, black PUMA jacket layered over a court-dress, and paired with Accelerate Nitro Indoor Court Shoes by PUMA on feet. Completing her look, Sindhu also carried a customised black PUMA bag, adorned with sport-inspired shoelaces, baddy-themed charms and miniatures, including a PV doll and a racquet-shaped face mirror.

PUMA’s tribute jacket for Sindhu is a result of the brand appointing Rhycni, a contemporary Indian homegrown brand launched in 2022, to style one of its existing black jackets. Together, the two brands reimagined the classic black PUMA jacket, incorporating ruched design on the sleeves. This unique feature allows the sleeves to transform into different styles by simply adjusting the strings around the shoulders and arms, adding a versatile and innovative edge to the design.

Sharing her excitement on the partnership, PV Sindhu said,“I’ve always pushed boundaries on the court, and now, I’m thrilled to push those boundaries off the court as well. My partnership with PUMA will create a platform to bring a whole new dimension of style to the badminton court, merging sports and fashion for the first time in the country. I feel, what we wear is more than just an outfit—it’s a statement and a great tool of self-expression. I love athleisure, it’s an everyday essential for me. With PUMA’s versatile range in my wardrobe now, I am excited to mix and match and create looks that are both functional and stylish.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Rhycni, the co-creator of the jacket said,“At Rhycni, we thrive on the idea of spontaneity, crafting designs fueled by instinct and raw creativity. Every piece is a burst of inspiration, unplanned but with real purpose behind it. Collaborating with PUMA for PV Sindhu has been a thrilling experience. PUMA’s ability to blend performance, innovation, and style really resonates with our approach, making this partnership the perfect platform for creative experimentation. The inspiration behind the jacket is Sindhu—a legendary athlete who embodies femininity in a way that’s subtle yet powerful. We love how our design, and the fabric capture her balance of strength and softness, bringing our shared vision with PUMA to life.”

Additionally, PUMA will soon unveil images from an exclusive photoshoot where Sindhu will bring a bold, stylish edge to the badminton court like-never-before.

With her trailblazing journey and unstoppable spirit, PV Sindhu has cemented her place as a global icon, becoming the most-followed badminton athlete on Instagram with an impressive 4 million fans. As the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan, Sindhu continues to inspire excellence both on and off the court. By teaming up with Sindhu, PUMA India is reimagining and redefining badminton, not just as a sport but as a movement rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and bold, cutting-edge style.

In India, Badminton is a vibe! From matches in local lanes to the roar of fans at national tournaments, it’s become the ultimate cultural flex, especially for the youth and millennials. It is the second-most played sport in the country, after cricket, and has seen a remarkable 65% rise in active participation over the past four years. This fast-paced, adrenaline-packed game has everyone hooked, bringing people together across age and gender. The partnership with Sindhu reflects PUMA’s bold vision to unlock badminton’s untapped potential as a high-performance sport in India and build a thriving badminton ecosystem.

To cater to the growing popularity, PUMA will also be launching an exclusive badminton-inspired collection for enthusiasts later this year. From high-performance gear to sleek badminton shoes, the range will cater to players and fans alike, combining top-notch functionality with heavy dose of design.

PUMA has been a driving force in elevating sports culture and championing women in sports across India by collaborating with athletes from cricket, boxing, football, para sports, and badminton. The brand’s commitment to this narrative goes beyond the game itself, celebrating its women athletes as icons of strength and individuality. PUMA’s groundbreaking collaborations with cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, boxing legend MC Mary Kom, para shooter Avani Lekhara, and most recently cricketer Richa Ghosh, have left an indelible mark, showcasing the perfect fusion of sport and style.

Nonprofit shares data analysis to demonstrate Missouri’s child care system evolution since COVID-19.

(St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 22, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently released its “Child Care Landscape in Missouri” report which examines the region’s child care system from 2020 to 2024.

The up-to-date report explores how Missouri’s child care system has been significantly shaped by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various challenges addressed include an increase in child care deserts, child care affordability, limited resource accessibility, and the expiration of federally funded programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit organization that focuses on comprehensive early childhood education and its impact on families, child care professionals, businesses, and communities. CCAMO holds exclusive statewide licenses for Show Me Child Care Resources, a web-based portal providing more than 2,000 resources for child care educators and business owners, as well as T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships across Missouri since its inception.

CCAMO’s report provides researched solutions and actionable recommendations such as expanding affordable care access with a focus on rural and underserved areas; investing in workforce retention through better wages and benefits; sustaining public funding to stabilize and grow the sector; and promoting innovative child care models to meet diverse family needs.

“Our detailed analysis depicts numerous barriers in Missouri’s child care infrastructure since the pandemic,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “We have addressed these issues – from workforce development resources to policy recommendations – to assist our region in its quest for quality answers to our current child care climate.”

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options.