Category news

Bengaluru,  Mar 9: M5 Ecity Mall, the premier shopping destination in Bengaluru collaborated with the Stick to Safety group to host the Stick to Safety and Quality Marathon, in celebration of International Women’s Day. The inclusive community run was inspired by the global theme “Give to Gain.” The event was flagged off by Mrs. Swathi Maurya, Fitness coach and Cultural ambassador for Aesthetic Creation and Mr. Dattatrya, a senior ambassador aged 95, and a veteran runner from 8 years.

The marathon was a purpose-driven initiative promoting women’s safety and equal access to public spaces and community responsibility. While women remained at the heart of the movement, the event also invited men and families to participate as allies, reinforcing that safety and equality are collective responsibilities.

The marathon categories included a 3k Inspire run, 5K Empower run and 10K Endurance run. The event was flagged off at 5:30am on March 8th and saw many people participate in the marathon. Strict safety protocols were followed with hydration intervals at a checkpoint of every 2 kms. The winners were awarded a trophy, and each participant received a medal of participation, followed by a Zumba session for all participants.

Commenting on the occasion, Mahendra Nagaraj, Vice President, M5 Mahendra Group said,

 “On International Women’s Day, we are proud to support initiatives that encourage greater awareness around women’s safety and wellbeing. As a community-centric destination, M5 Ecity Mall remains committed to fostering inclusive and secure public spaces where women feel confident and empowered. Such engagements underline the importance of collective participation in building safer environments and reinforcing shared responsibility towards creating a culture of respect, awareness, and safety within our communities.”

Through this initiative, M5 Ecity Mall strengthens its role as a community-focused destination supporting women’s empowerment, public safety, and social awareness. By encouraging collective participation, the mall remains committed to fostering inclusive spaces and driving meaningful initiatives that contribute to a safer and more responsible urban community. 

Mumbai, Mar 09: In celebration of International Women’s Day, Jio World Drive, in collaboration with The Green Co-Op (TGCO) and Beyond Media Impact (BMI), hosted “The Women’s Day Edit”, an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating women creators, community engagement and meaningful conversations around the growing digital creator ecosystem.

 Held at Jio World Drive in Mumbai, the event brought together creators, entrepreneurs and thought leaders to highlight women’s voices and recognise their contributions to digital storytelling, entrepreneurship and community building.

A key highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking panel discussion curated by Beyond Media Impact, a platform known for building one of India’s most trusted creator communities and fostering impactful brand–creator collaborations. The panel centred around the theme “Glow, Flow & Grow”, exploring how women balance personal wellbeing, professional aspirations and creative expression while navigating evolving roles in leadership and entrepreneurship.

The panel featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Shrea Kapoor, Naima S. Kutty, Bhakti Kapoor and Purvi Todi. The discussion was moderated by Shreya Gautam, Founder of Beyond Media Impact, who guided an engaging dialogue highlighting diverse experiences and perspectives from the world of beauty, nutrition, entrepreneurship and content creation.

The evening also featured a special felicitation ceremony jointly hosted by TGCO and BMI, recognising nano and micro creators for their significant contributions to building authentic digital communities and meaningful narratives online.

The creators were honoured by Caroline Abraham, Head of Jio World Drive, alongside Shreya Gautam.

The winners included Asmita Gaikwad, Mehtab Imran, Sayalee Regmi, Amita Mishra, Pushpa Sonawane, Kranti Gaikwad, Ritika Sonthalia, Gunjan Bambal, Sachi Mody Hegde, Meghal Jhaveri, Tejal Parekh, Jaspreet Kaur, Priti Harne, Tripti Daga, Farhin Mahesaniya, Radhika – Krishna Jaju Agarwal and Aishwarya Lad.

The event stood as a powerful celebration of women supporting women, community over competition and the growing influence of the creator economy. Through meaningful conversations, recognition and shared inspiration, the evening highlighted the importance of empowering voices and nurturing inclusive communities.

With initiatives like The Women’s Day Edit, Jio World Drive, The Green Co-Op and Beyond Media Impact continue to create impactful platforms that celebrate women-led initiatives, encourage collaboration and strengthen the spirit of community within the creator ecosystem.

Mar 09: Marking International Women’s Day 2026, the UK-based international NGO Youth Charter has called for a new partnership between the Commonwealth of Nations and the African Union to empower women and girls through sport, martial arts and community leadership programmes.

The organisation emphasized that alongside stronger laws and enforcement to tackle gender-based violence, prevention through community-based empowerment initiatives must play a central role. According to Youth Charter, programmes delivered through sport and education can help build confidence, resilience and leadership among women and girls, equipping them with essential life skills and strengthening community safety.

To support this vision, the organisation has proposed delivering one million hours of free self-defence, leadership and confidence training for women and girls across Commonwealth and African nations. The initiative would be implemented through the Youth Charter’s Community Campus model, which integrates sport, education, culture and digital skills to promote youth empowerment and social development.

For more than three decades, Youth Charter has advocated the role of sport as a powerful tool for development and peace. Participation in sport—particularly martial arts and self-defence disciplines—can help young women develop personal awareness, emotional resilience, leadership abilities and teamwork skills.

The initiative is being led by Janice Argyle Thompson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Youth Charter and a former world karate champion. Drawing from her experience in youth development and martial arts, she has long championed the role of sport in building confidence and empowerment among women and girls.

“Martial arts are not about teaching violence – they are about teaching awareness, discipline and self-belief. These qualities empower women and girls to feel confident in their communities and in their own lives,” Thompson said ahead of International Women’s Day.

Youth Charter said the proposed programme aligns with global and regional development goals, including United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 priorities and the Commonwealth’s commitment to youth empowerment and social inclusion.

The initiative would be delivered through Community Campuses, which act as local hubs for youth engagement by combining sport and physical activity with education, leadership development, cultural programmes and digital skills training. By embedding empowerment programmes within communities, the model aims to create sustainable, locally driven solutions that support safety, dignity and opportunity for women and girls.

Youth Charter is urging governments, development agencies and sporting institutions to invest in prevention strategies that empower women and girls and strengthen social cohesion. The organisation believes International Women’s Day 2026 offers a timely opportunity for global leaders to expand the role of sport as a platform for empowerment and community development.

“If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, prevention must begin in the community – on the training mat, the playing field and in the spaces where confidence, dignity and respect are learned,” the organisation.

Mar 09: Nike reveals ‘Born to Beat the Odds’, which highlights larger-than-life heroes of Indian Cricket alongside potential future stars of the game and looks to inspire the next generation that they too can follow in their giant footsteps. 

 The campaign film reflects a truth many young athletes in India experience: in a country of 1.4 billion people, it can be hard to see yourself as “the next one”. ‘Born to Beat the Odds’ speaks directly to that truth, reminding athletes that while the road to the top can feel intimidating, self-belief is the first step in proving the odds wrong. The campaign highlights how the same pressures, challenges, and expectations shape India’s greatest cricketers into becoming the world’s most elite, high-pressure competitors in the game and are also what forge the next generation of athletes. 

“Growing up, there were many times people told me what I dreamed of wasn’t possible. Too focused on the challenges and odds stacked against me, versus the belief that I could get there. But this is what drove me, it is what shaped me into the athlete I am today. I hope my story, celebrated in Born to Beat the Odds, helps another young girl or boy see it, believe it, and think ‘why not me?’,” says Jemimah Rodrigues. 

“When you grow up in a country filled with cricketing heroes, it’s easy to think greatness belongs to someone else. But every athlete has a moment when they decide to trust themselves and do it anyway. That belief is where everything changes,” says Shubman Gill.

In a nation that spotlights its celebrities through larger-than-life out-of-home installations, Nike will give this same treatment to Cricketers of all levels and honor them through the same iconic medium. These Giants feature a mix of elite and everyday athletes, drawing attention to their similar tenacious spirit at each level of the game. 

Giants of the game who will be featured include Shubman Gill, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma and Shafali Verma. It is their grit and determination as they strive to bring home Cup after Cup that inspires this next generation of athletes in India.

Up-and-coming academy and elementary players including Zaina Ahmed Baig, Ishan Deshpande, Debark Maity, and Ramra Chaudhary are also featured and will help spotlight the potential of cricket athletes across India. No matter if they’re playing the sport on a national level or in crowded maidans and gullies, they serve as a reminder that India’s sporting strength is in its resilience and defiance in the face of any challenge or odd stacked against them. 

The campaign kicks off with a teaser film and a towering near-40-feet-tall installation of three-year-old Indian cricket prodigy Debark Maity — a viral sensation whose raw talent and remarkable batting skills have captured the hearts of millions – showing it is never too young to dream big. 

Complementing the Giants installations and teaser is an anthem film titled, “The Odds”. As the tournament progresses, the month-long campaign will continue to drop social-first extension films that correspond with the next wave of Giants across popular Mumbai locations. A subtle but important detail is that famous Indian cricket commentator, Harsha Bhogle, is the voice over for the films in the campaign.

This Holi, divorced and separated individuals looking for a second chance at love share the lal gulal along with red flags they once ignored. In the survey by India’s first matchmaking and matrimony app for previously married singles, 8784 people opened up about the subtle behaviour they dismissed, which ultimately piled up and inevitably blew up. 8 out of 10 respondents shared that, unlike cheating or conflicts, these were quiet, but they built equally big cracks that no amount of compromise could fill in ultimately. The app’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, “Our users have loved deeply, trusted wholeheartedly, and learned the hard way. The red flags they share don’t come from any grudge but rather from lived experiences. They don’t want young daters to make the same mistakes as them. The goal of this study is not to scare them but empower young singles with emotional clarity and knowledge.”
The survey was conducted among divorced and separated individuals between the ages of 25 and 45, from metros and suburban towns of India. Participants reflected on their previous marriage and identified toxic patterns that went unnoticed, and the difference it could have made had they been recognized earlier.

Emotional availability based on their schedule. Everyone wants an emotionally available partner, but for 34% of divorced singles, that availability came only when it suited their partner. They disclosed being supported only when their partner was in a good mood, like during celebrations. They were mostly present in public, but in private, they have been more indifferent than attentive. Many respondents shared normalising this behaviour in the name of mood swings. Kashis (32) from Delhi, shared, “My ex-wife was only warm to me in public, or on certain days when she was very happy. I craved that all the time, but never complained when she pulled away. Only when I was going through a very dark time, and she was completely indifferent, did I realize that her unpredictable emotional availability was taking a huge toll on me.”

Conflict Avoidance Disguised as Keeping the Peace. Toxic traits don’t have to be loud. Some are as subtle as refusing to fight it out in the name of peace. 27% of divorced and separated singles shared that their ex-partner hated conflicts. At first, avoiding a fight seemed like maintaining peace, but then, slowly, important issues were being swept under the rug. It only built resentment and kept the same fight going on in a loop because it was never resolved in the first place. 29 year old Jayashree, divorced for a year, said, “I recently realised that I was so stupid because I felt proud for being the ‘no drama, no fight’ couple. Reality was that my partner didn’t care about the marriage enough to address and work on our issues. And I was being gaslit for being the one who always looks for conflict.”

Micro Control One significant insight came from 22% of women between 25 and 35, who shared subtle controls masked as caring. Smita (27) said, “My ex-husband would always say, ‘ Don’t do this, it’s not good for you; don’t meet them, they are not good for you.’ He would even question my choice of posts on social media and say people might judge me. Actually, he was the one judging.” 9 out of 10 participants explained that they initially felt they were being “looked after” but slowly realized that they were being constantly monitored.

“I was testing you.” 24% of divorced and separated singles from Tier 1 and 2 cities reported that they were always being put through “tests.” Playfully checking their phones to see how they react, or sending romantic texts from unknown numbers to see how they respond. Everything seemed trivial and “out of love” at first, but collectively, it formed a pattern of entitlement over personal space and general distrust.

Mar 7: Tata Capital has launched its new campaign #StopBlamingHer, bringing attention to the subtle yet pervasive biases women across India continue to experience in everyday conversations. The campaign seeks to highlight the casual and conditioned blame often directed at women in workplaces, public spaces, and even within families.

Through the initiative, Tata Capital aims to shed light on common phrases and assumptions that many women have heard at some point in their lives — comments made casually but remembered long after they are spoken. Statements such as “Must be a girl driving” or “Did your wife pick a fight again?” reflect deeply ingrained biases that persist in everyday language.

The campaign film, conceptualised and executed by Schbang, portrays a series of slice-of-life moments set in offices, social gatherings, and public spaces. Each scene captures familiar situations where women are casually blamed or judged, illustrating how these remarks often go unnoticed yet reinforce long-standing stereotypes.

By presenting these scenarios drawn from real-life experiences, the campaign aims to encourage audiences to reflect on everyday language and recognise the impact of unconscious bias.

Speaking about the initiative, Kaushik Chakraborty, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Tata Capital, said:

“#StopBlamingHer is not about words spoken in anger — it is about the things we say casually, without even thinking. That is where the real problem lies, and where real change must begin. At Tata Capital, enabling women goes beyond financial empowerment. It also means challenging the everyday judgments women face and helping build a culture of respect and accountability.”

Adding to this, Dipshika Ravi, National Creative Director at Schbang, said the campaign reflects a reality that exists alongside conversations about empowerment.

“India exists in two realities at once. One celebrates female ambition and empowerment, while the other still reflexively assigns fault to women in everyday moments — often not deliberately, but out of conditioning. This campaign focuses on one of the most dangerous biases — the one we don’t even realise is a bias. Through a film rooted in everyday reality, we are encouraging people to become more mindful.”

Positioned as more than a Women’s Day initiative, #StopBlamingHer aims to spark a broader conversation about unconscious bias and everyday language. The campaign underscores a simple message: while words may not always be spoken deliberately, individuals can always choose to be mindful.

Through this initiative, Tata Capital reinforces its commitment to supporting women across geographies, professions, and life stages — emphasising that a woman’s potential should never be defined by labels or assumptions.

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu to Speak at Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi; To Highlight Technology-Driven Governance and Position AP as Global Innovation Hub

Amaravati, Mar 6: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will address a high-level session at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi tomorrow, where he will speak on the theme “Technology, Governance & the Future.”

The Raisina Dialogue is widely regarded as India’s premier global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, bringing together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, academics and strategic thinkers from across the world. Organized annually by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Dialogue has emerged as one of the most influential policy forums globally, often compared to platforms such as the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue.

The 2026 edition of the Dialogue is being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with participation from global leaders, senior policymakers and technology innovators from across continents.

During his address, Chief Minister Naidu will speak about the transformational role of technology in governance, drawing on Andhra Pradesh’s experience in deploying digital tools for public service delivery, real-time governance, and data-driven policy making.

He is also expected to outline Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to emerge as a global destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, highlighting initiatives such as the state’s push for AI ecosystems, data centers, clean-energy manufacturing, and next-generation technology corridors.

Chief Minister Naidu, widely recognized for his pioneering role in integrating technology with governance in India, is expected to emphasize how technology-enabled governance can accelerate economic growth, enhance transparency, and improve citizen services at scale.

The session will bring together international policymakers, technology leaders and strategic experts to discuss how governments worldwide can leverage emerging technologies to address complex governance challenges while shaping the future of economic growth and global cooperation.

Naidu’s participation at the Raisina Dialogue underscores Andhra Pradesh’s growing engagement with global policy conversations and its ambition to position the state as a forward-looking hub for innovation, technology and investment in the Indo-Pacific region.

Amazon India Signs MoU with Army Women’s Welfare Association to Boost Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Women from Military Families

Bengaluru, Mar 6: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Amazon India announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Army Women’s Welfare Association to expand entrepreneurship opportunities for women from Army families. The partnership aims to support hundreds of women entrepreneurs associated with AWWA in launching and scaling their businesses on Amazon marketplace Amazon.in by 2029.

The announcement was made during Amazon’s annual ElevateHER event, a platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals. Through the collaboration, women entrepreneurs registered with AWWA—including spouses of serving Army personnel, veterans’ spouses, Veer Naris, and widows—will receive structured support to build sustainable online businesses and reach customers across India.

As part of the initiative, Amazon will provide onboarding support and training on e-commerce and marketplace best practices. Entrepreneurs will also gain access to Amazon’s fulfilment and logistics network, enabling them to efficiently manage and deliver products to a nationwide customer base. Their products will be showcased through the Amazon Saheli storefront, which promotes women-led businesses across the country.

The Amazon Saheli program provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive support, including training sessions covering key aspects of online selling such as inventory management and customer experience. Participants also receive assistance with product photography, cataloguing, and access to analytics tools and business reports that help them make informed business decisions. These capabilities empower entrepreneurs to focus on innovation, product development, and brand growth.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sunita Dwivedi, President of AWWA, said

“We are excited to work with Amazon and help our members turn their entrepreneurial aspirations into sustainable, scalable businesses. Through this MoU, we aim to create new opportunities for women from Army families. We hope this collaboration will enable them to pursue entrepreneurship with greater confidence and connect with customers across the country.”

Deepti Varma, Vice President, PXT, Amazon Stores India, Japan and Emerging Markets, added,

“We are honoured to partner with AWWA to support women from military families in pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities. At Amazon, we are committed to providing access to markets and the support needed to build sustainable businesses online. Through this collaboration, women entrepreneurs will be able to access Amazon.in along with structured onboarding and guidance to help them establish and grow their business.”

ElevateHER 2026 Event Highlights

ElevateHER 2026 brought together women professionals and leaders for meaningful discussions on career growth and leadership. More than 150 participants engaged in small-group mentoring sessions with Amazon leaders, focusing on emerging sectors such as AI, fintech, and technology-driven careers.

The event also featured a fireside chat on “Navigating Career Resilience” with acclaimed actor and author Kalki Koechlin alongside Deepti Varma. Additionally, fintech entrepreneur Aly Hajiani conducted a workshop on financial independence, sharing insights on managing finances and building financial confidence.

Mar 06: In a fashion landscape increasingly shaped by speed and mass production, a quiet yet powerful movement is emerging—one that celebrates slowness, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the handmade. Across India, a new generation of artisanal labels is redefining contemporary fashion, proving that traditional craft can remain vibrant, expressive, and deeply relevant in today’s world.

 Among the emerging voices in this movement is Tilasmi Studio, founded by Sakshi Sinha. The label transforms everyday memories, textures, and colours into wearable expressions of creativity, blending storytelling with handcrafted artistry.

A Tribute to Craft

After spending more than two decades in the fashion industry, Sakshi Sinha felt a natural pull to create something more personal and meaningful. This vision led to the launch of Tilasmi Studio in February 2025—a craft-driven label where individuality, colour, and storytelling take centre stage.

The name Tilasmi, meaning “magic,” reflects the spirit of the brand. Much of this philosophy traces back to Sakshi’s earliest inspiration—her mother, a homemaker whose effortless ability to transform simple things into something beautiful shaped Sakshi’s appreciation for creativity that exists beyond traditional definitions of design. In many ways, the brand stands as a tribute to this quiet artistry and acknowledges homemakers as the original creators of everyday magic.

Craft, Colour, and Contemporary Expression

This philosophy is reflected in every creation by Tilasmi Studio. The label’s designs range from vibrant colour-blocked cotton kurtas inspired by the lively hues of Indian streets to expressive upfashioned tote bags made from repurposed nylon jholas. By reimagining everyday materials, the brand transforms them into contemporary pieces that carry stories and textures.

Each design features visible handcrafted details such as katran patchwork, hand embroidery, beadwork, and thoughtfully placed buttons, highlighting the beauty of human craftsmanship. The brand also collaborates with artisans and homemakers who help convert leftover fabric scraps into textured design elements. This approach not only gives new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste but also supports a collaborative craft ecosystem.

Through its bold and expressive aesthetic, Tilasmi Studio challenges the conventional perception that artisanal fashion must be understated or traditional. Instead, the label embraces a vibrant indie-core aesthetic that feels modern, playful, and full of character.

Redefining the Future of Fashion

As conversations around slow fashion and mindful consumption continue to gain momentum, brands like Tilasmi Studio are helping reshape the narrative around Indian craftsmanship. By combining sustainability with storytelling and contemporary design, the label demonstrates that fashion’s future may not lie in producing more—but in creating with greater care, purpose, and imagination.