Archives March 2025

Mumbai, March 10, 2025: A new report from Great Place To Work reveals a significant shift in workplace culture, with burnout rates dropping from 35% to 22%, showcasing the transformative impact of innovation as a core value in modern organizations. Companies that integrate innovation into daily operations don’t just spark creativity—they boost engagement, improve retention, and reduce burnout. True innovation goes beyond occasional brainstorming or hackathons; it becomes second nature. When innovation shifts from a reactive to a proactive mindset, embedded in decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving, organizations gain agility, motivation, and a culture where employees feel empowered to experiment and take risks. Innovation is no longer an extra—it’s essential for companies to not just adapt to change but lead it.

Recent data reveals a persistent gender innovation gap, with men reporting 47% access to innovation opportunities, significantly more than women at 39%. This structural disparity underscores the need for urgent action to ensure equal access to innovation for both genders, as failing to address this gap could stifle the creative potential of half of the workforce. Additionally, seniority and experience play a crucial role in access to innovation, with employees having over 10 years of experience and senior managers seeing the most opportunities—50% and 57%, respectively—raising concerns about innovation becoming too concentrated at the upper levels of organizations. To truly foster a culture of innovation, it must be embedded across all tiers, ensuring that every employee, regardless of seniority, has the chance to contribute.

Industries Winning at Innovation Know It’s Not a Perk—It’s a Practice. Industries like Biotechnology, IT, and Transportation invest in innovation frameworks but often struggle to fully engage employees. In contrast, Financial Services and Retail prioritize both structured innovation and employee experience, cultivating a culture where new ideas thrive and employees are more deeply involved in the process. Industries like Education & Training, Health Care, and Professional Services face challenges with both innovation practices and employee engagement, resulting in slow progress and resistance to change. On the other hand, sectors like Construction, Infrastructure & Real Estate excel at offering a great employee experience but lack structured innovation processes, limiting their full potential.

For organizations striving to boost their innovation momentum, five key drivers can act as catalysts for success. First, care for employees—when workers feel valued not just as contributors, but as individuals, their motivation and creativity flourish. Second, recognition plays a pivotal role in fueling innovation. When achievements are celebrated fairly across all levels, it encourages a culture of continuous improvement. Third, strong talent attraction practices ensure that diverse perspectives and fresh ideas flow into the organization, propelling innovative thinking. Additionally, leadership development is critical, as well-prepared leaders inspire innovation at all levels. Lastly, action on feedback is crucial. Organizations that listen to their employees, act on their input, and create an environment of trust are more likely to sustain long-term innovation.

Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work®️, India, said,.” Most leaders list innovation as one of their top priorities for business growth in 2025. Leaders understand this requires them to think differently, to challenge assumptions, and to empower their teams to experiment and take risks. A mindset shift that must embed into ways of working and become core to organization’s culture. Our latest study, based on insights from over 57 lakh employee voices, makes one thing clear—when innovation is embedded in workplace culture, everything changes. Burnout drops from 35% to 22%. Retention improves. Engagement rises. When employees know their ideas matter, when they feel safe to take risks, they don’t just follow the rules—they redefine them. They challenge the status quo, experiment boldly, and push the organization forward. Yet, many companies unintentionally slow innovation down. Unclear growth paths, siloed teams, and fear of failure—coupled with outdated policies and a lack of continuous learning—don’t just stifle creativity; they push great talent away.

He also added, “The question isn’t whether we value innovation. The real challenge is: Are we building a culture where innovation thrives? Do our people feel safe to take risks? Are we removing obstacles instead of reinforcing outdated processes? Are we turning ideas into action, or drowning them in endless approvals? The best workplaces don’t just support innovation—they make it impossible to ignore. When innovation is part of an organization’s DNA, it’s not just a competitive advantage. It’s a force that drives trust, purpose, and belonging. That’s the difference between companies that survive and those that thrive.

Research reveals that companies prioritizing innovation are 2.7 times more likely to be ready to innovate than those where it is merely an afterthought. This shift in mindset is crucial to staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. To determine where an organization stands in its innovation journey, companies must look at their Innovation Velocity Ratio (IVR)—a key metric that measures the pace of innovation within an organization. At the Frictional IVR stage, for every two employees hindering innovation, four employees are driving it forward. At the Functional IVR stage, seven employees are leading the charge for every two dragging the company behind. And at the Accelerated IVR stage, eleven employees are pushing innovation forward for every two who hold it back.

However, the path to innovation is not without its challenges. Five major barriers impede innovation momentum: lack of recognition and growth opportunities, siloed teams, fear of speaking up, an overemphasis on policies and tracking, and insufficient investment in continuous learning and development. Overcoming these obstacles will be essential for organizations to unlock their full innovation potential.

National, 10th March 2025: – Bonjour, India’s leading socks brand, proudly unveils its Women’s Day campaign, #TheStrengthWeCarry, honouring the resilience, strength, and unstoppable spirit of women. Through a compelling video tribute, the campaign captures the journey of women across different walks of life, showcasing their unwavering determination as they move forward with confidence in every step.

The video highlights powerful narratives of women breaking barriers in their everyday lives—be it in the workplace, sports, caregiving, or entrepreneurship. As they stride forward, each moment reflects their dreams, challenges, and triumphs, reinforced by an inspiring message:

“She dares. She dreams. Strength isn’t just in muscles, but in resilience. Every step she takes is a step toward change. She is unstoppable, unshakable, and undeniable. Here’s to her. Today and every day. Happy Women’s Day!”

The campaign’s core message emphasizes that true strength lies in perseverance and spirit. Bonjour is proud to support this journey by providing products that ensure comfort and confidence in every step.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Rajkumar Jain, Managing Director of Bonjour, said, “Women inspire change every day with their strength and determination. Through the #TheStrengthWeCarry campaign, we celebrate their resilience and honour their journeys. Our goal is to encourage women to keep moving forward fearlessly, knowing they have the support they deserve.”

By-Dr. Rohit Udaya Prasad, Lead & Senior Consultant – ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgery, Aster RV Hospital

 Hearing loss in elderly is an issue which is seen in almost every household in our country which can range from mild to severe – profound levels.

 It’s generally the elephant in the room and is least expressed by the elderly and addressed by the family. Visual impairment has the immediate attention of the person who has it but hearing loss in elderly is addressed late or never. In our society hearing impaired elderly aren’t sympathized and assisted as much as you see with visually impaired people.

 Hearing loss progressively leads to poor socializing skills where the elderly isolate themselves from day-to-day conversations and prefer solitude. Many a times while conversing with hearing impaired elderly we notice they smile when unable to have the clarity in a conversation or would reply differently. Day to day activities need listening spoken language and active conversations especially in the elderly as it’s one such activity which isn’t physically demanding.

 This keeps them mentally engaged and helps to have a good memory with recent activities. Usually, the family of the hearing impaired find the conversations tasking and bring them for a hearing assessment. Some of the hearing impaired do visit on their own accord and get an assessment as they are more socially active and also professionally engaged.

 Appropriate hearing evaluation with continuous engagement of the patient with hearing loss is needed to make them understand the nature of hearing loss and the possible solutions. Hearing solutions can range from as simple as a hearing aid to a cochlear implant surgery.

 Cochlear implants in the geriatric age group is done in cases where they no more benefit with a hearing aid due to the severe/ profound nature of hearing loss. Providing the cochlear implant device via surgery to the elderly also has its challenges when they have other health issues. Optimizing the patient with a good multi-disciplinary approach prior to surgical intervention is done prior the cochlear implant surgery. Intervening at the right time without worrying about hearing assistance as a taboo is much needed in today’s society.

 Dementia, depression is worsened due to hearing loss in elderly which can be tackled with simple hearing solutions at the right time.

New Delhi – The Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has launched two transformative initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and strengthening disaster preparedness across India. The Divyang Shakti Project and the Life Saviour (Aapda Mitra Bal) Initiative are designed to equip educators, students, and youth with critical skills to drive meaningful societal change.

The Divyang Shakti Project is a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering educators and students across 18 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kerala. This program has successfully trained 33,498 physical education teachers, special educators, and B.Ed and B.P.Ed students in implementing play-based sports programs for children with disabilities. By integrating inclusive physical education methodologies, the project enhances both the physical and mental well-being of children, ensuring they thrive academically and socially.

Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Mr. Tahsin Zahid, CEO of SPEFL-SC, stated, “In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, the project has instilled an ‘Inclusive Culture’ by incorporating activities that improve teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence. The program was implemented in government schools, special needs institutions, and teacher training colleges to establish best practices for inclusive education. Our goal is to ensure that children with disabilities receive equal opportunities to develop and excel.”

By equipping educators with specialized training, the Divyang Shakti Project contributes to a more inclusive learning environment, helping children with disabilities integrate seamlessly into mainstream education and society.

Parallelly, the Life Saviour (Aapda Mitra Bal) Initiative has been launched to build a resilient volunteer force capable of responding to emergencies and disasters. Under this initiative, 20,317 youth volunteers underwent an intensive six-day training program focused on life-saving skills such as first aid, search and rescue operations, and crisis management.

This initiative, supported by MSDE under the SANKALP Scheme, equips volunteers with essential emergency response tools, including helmets, first aid kits, and iron hammers. The trained volunteers receive Government NCVET certifications under NEP 2020 and are linked with district administrations and state disaster management cells to actively participate in relief and emergency response operations.

Mr. Tahsin Zahid emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Life Saviour Initiative ensures that youth are well-prepared to respond to natural and man-made disasters. By training volunteers in disaster management and first-response techniques, we are fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across India.”

By developing a network of trained first responders, the Life Saviour Initiative empowers communities to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies, significantly strengthening India’s disaster resilience.

Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing key social challenges through skill development and community-driven programs. The Divyang Shakti Project ensures that children with disabilities receive the support needed for their educational journey, while the Life Saviour Initiative empowers youth to play a crucial role in safeguarding their communities.

Amid India’s fast-growing semiconductor sector—expected to reach USD 79.20 billion by FY2031, the global industry is poised to become a trillion-dollar market by the end of the decade. This growth presents unprecedented opportunities for talent, with the Indian semiconductor sector projected to generate 1 million jobs by 2026. However, reaching this scale demands a more inclusive workforce as the industry cannot thrive alone as a male-dominated field. Women’s participation will be essential in propelling its growth and innovation.

Currently, women comprise just a fourth of India’s 220,000-strong chip design and engineering workforce, but this figure is expected to surpass 30% by 2027. Despite this, men continue to dominate key semiconductor roles. For instance, in the Chip Semiconductor Fabrication, men and women engage stands at 60:40 (men to women); Chip Design is at 70:30, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) stands at 80:20, and so forth. The gap extends to leadership as well—men hold 93%-95%% of leadership roles in the sector, while women account for only 5%-7% at the top levels. Bridging this divide is essential for building a sustainable and diverse semiconductor ecosystem in India.

This gender gap in India’s semiconductor sector can be bridged through upskilling programs, pay parity, and inclusive employee benefits such as maternity leave, career break support, flexible work options, and project-based roles. Commenting on this gap, Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services added, “There is a need for both mindset and infrastructural shifts to increase the participation of women. This implies that gender-neutral policies and equal opportunities need to be prioritized. Additionally, Infrastructural shifts in the form of worker housing, healthcare facilities, and efficient transport will also play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining skilled workforce. Collaboration between the government and private sector will be key in building safe, sustainable, and worker-friendly environments. As India accelerates its electronics manufacturing ambitions, integrating women into the design and manufacturing ecosystem will be essential.”

New Delhi March 10, 2025 ; Judiciary Gold by Toprankers, one of India’s top online platforms offering online coaching classes for judicial services competitive examinations, is proud to celebrate the phenomenal success of its students in the Delhi Judicial Services (DJS) Examination 2024. Leading this achievement is Samriddhi Talwar, a Judiciary Gold student, who has secured Rank 1 in DJS 2024.

 The list of Judiciary Gold achievers in DJS 2024 includes:

• Rank 1: Samridhi Talwar
• Rank 11: Pranshu Shukla
• Rank 19: Shalabh Deep Goyal
• Rank 26: Shreya Mishra
• Rank 28: Niharika Diwan
• Rank 31: Anusha Sharma
• Rank 33: Bhavya Phutela

This phenomenal achievement reflects Judiciary Gold’s unwavering commitment to providing the most comprehensive, structured, and student-centric preparation platform for judicial services aspirants across India. Through expert-curated study materials, personalised mentorship, regular mock tests, and a results-driven approach, Judiciary Gold has empowered thousands of students to fulfil their dream of joining the esteemed judicial services, and they have trained 8000+ aspirants in the last 4 years.

Speaking on this proud occasion, Mr. Harsh Gagrani, Co-Founder, Toprankers said: “At Judiciary Gold, our primary mission has always been to guide students with concept clarity, strategic preparation, and emotional resilience. Our innovative teaching methods and strong mentor-student connection have enabled students to excel, even in one of the toughest examinations like DJS. We are immensely proud of our achievers and congratulate each one of them for their hard work and dedication.”

Since its inception, Judiciary Gold by Toprankers has built a reputation as India’s most trusted platform for judicial exam preparation, mentoring thousands of aspirants and 550+ selections in the last 4 years across 14+ States The DJS 2024 results are yet another testament to Judiciary Gold’s expertise and its student-first philosophy.

To students who could not clear this year’s examination, Judiciary Gold extends a message of hope and encouragement:
“Success is often just around the corner. Stay focused, stay determined, and most importantly, believe in yourself. With the right strategy and guidance, success will soon be yours.”

Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian Idol 15 is all set to bring a vibrant Holi special episode, featuring the legendary Hema Malini as a special judge. Adding to the festivities are judges Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Badshah, along with hosts Abhijeet Sawant and Meiyang Chang. The episode promises a delightful blend of music, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments! The spotlight shines on ‘Idol Ki Basanti’ aka Ritika, who delivers a heartwarming rendition of the evergreen classic ‘Mere Naseeb Mein’. Impressed by her dramatic expression and singing, Shreya Ghoshal lovingly states, “I call her a drama queen because she catches the drama in a song so well.” The performance sets the tone for a nostalgic journey as Badshah takes the opportunity to ask Hema Malini about her experience of working on the star-studded film ‘Naseeb’.

Hema Malini reveals her initial hesitation about joining a multi-star cast, stating, “When they signed me in a multi-star cast, I got scared, but there was no problem at all. The target was to complete the film within a year, but all the artists were busy—Amit Ji, Rishi Kapoor, Reena Roy, Amjad Ali Khan Ji, Shatrughan Sinha, even the supporting actors. t was very difficult to shoot the scenes where everyone was together because we all had many film shootings at the same time and we had to travel, but we managed very well thanks to the producer and the team, and I think it was completed in one year.”

Adding to the evening’s nostalgia, Meiyang Chang recalls a heartwarming story that Fardeen Khan previously shared about Hema Ji and Firoz Khan Ji, prompting her to share her side of the incident. She says, “It was during the shoot of the song ‘Kya Khoob Lagti Ho, Badi Sundar Dikhti Ho’. Feroz Khan ji was a very passionate filmmaker, and during a blast scene at the end of the song, there were people laughing in the background, because of which he got angry and kicked something out of anger. He later realized that it was my makeup box”. She jokingly adds, “There was pin-drop silence after that for two days because everyone was scared. He said sorry after he realized it was mine.”

New Delhi, India – March 10, 2025 — Organic Tattva, a leading brand in organic food, launched a powerful Women’s Day campaign, “Woh Ghar Se Nikalti Hai Ghar Banane,” a tribute to women across various walks of life who, through their hard work and determination, are building homes both in their professional lives and within their own families. The campaign, a heartfelt montage, showcases women in different roles, emphasizing that no matter the nature of their work, each woman is tirelessly contributing towards creating a better home, a better world.

Kriti Mehrotra, Co-Founder of Organic Tattva, emphasized the essence of the campaign:

 “At Organic Tattva, we understand the daily balancing act women undertake. As a woman entrepreneur myself, I recognize how difficult it is to be expected to excel at work and at home simultaneously, without much acknowledgment. This campaign is our small, but powerful way to honour those efforts. It’s a reminder that whether we’re managing a team, running a business, or managing a home, we are building something meaningful every single day. It’s time the world recognizes that.”

The campaign has been conceptualized and delivered by Maximus Collabs, an innovative advertising agency, with women co-founders who understand the complex emotions of working women today. The montage highlights how women, regardless of their profession, bear the burden of societal expectations and guilt, but always rise above it—creating safe, loving homes in every capacity they serve.

Manisha Singh, Co-Founder of Maximus Collabs, shared her thoughts on the campaign:

 “As women, we constantly face the challenge of balancing professional aspirations with the pressures of being the pillar of our homes. The societal narrative often makes us feel guilty for working, yet we persist. This campaign is a reflection of that resilience. Every woman is a force that creates and nurtures, whether she’s a teacher, a doctor, an entrepreneur, an armed force, a cleaner or a homemaker. She doesn’t stop; she doesn’t give up. This is the real story we wanted to tell—one of strength, sacrifice and perseverance.”

The campaign aims to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of women and to celebrate their courage, strength and determination to make a difference, both in their homes and in the workplace. Organic Tattva, a company that advocates for holistic well-being, is proud to support women in all their roles—nurturing families while fostering their careers.

The “Woh Ghar Se Nikalti Hai Ghar Banane” campaign is a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards every woman who, despite societal pressures, works hard and creates homes in every sense of the word. Organic Tattva and Maximus Collabs hope that this campaign will inspire others to appreciate and empower women, not just on Women’s Day, but every day.

Mumbai, 10 March 2025: Every day, we look up at the sky and admire the moon, captivated by its glow. But beyond the moon, the stars are quiet, constant, and unwavering, truly lighting up the night. In much the same way, while some achievements capture headlines, there are countless women who brighten our lives every day—without seeking recognition. This Women’s Day, Mahindra Rise, in collaboration with Schbang, is inviting us to celebrate them with ‘SheIsOnTheRise, ’ a campaign that shifts the focus to the women who show up, support, and make a difference in ways big and small.

Whether it’s a mother juggling responsibilities, a house help ensuring a smooth-running home, a teacher shaping young minds, or a colleague who always shows up, these women deserve to be celebrated. And this Women’s Day, Mahindra Rise is making sure they are.

At the heart of the campaign is an evocative film featuring Gul Panag, drawing a beautiful analogy between the moon and the stars. While the moon gets all the attention, it’s the countless stars that light up the night, just as everyday women brighten our lives, quietly and consistently. The film reminds us that these women, too, deserve the spotlight.

Too often, familiarity blinds us to what’s truly valuable, while distance magnifies glamour. The women who shape our daily lives may not demand attention, but their presence is irreplaceable. We look up to the extraordinary, yet often forget to appreciate the steady hands that hold everything together.

To make this appreciation tangible, Mahindra Rise has launched a unique AI-powered microsite where anyone can create a personalized thank-you poster for the women who impact their lives.

The ‘SheIsOnTheRise’ campaign isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. Too often, Women’s Day celebrations remain confined to social media tributes and corporate events. Mahindra Rise and Schbang wanted to create something more personal and interactive, a platform where people could actively participate in celebrating the women who impact them daily.

The campaign aims to spark a culture of appreciation, encouraging people to recognize and honor the women who make a difference

Rohan Hukeri, Executive Vice President, Brand Solutions, Schbang says “Stories have the power to change perceptions, and with this campaign, we wanted to spotlight the women whose stories often go untold. ‘SheIsOnTheRise’ is not just a celebration; it’s an invitation for people to actively acknowledge and appreciate the women who make their lives better, every single day. The film serves as a heartfelt reminder that recognition shouldn’t be limited to women in leadership positions but should extend to every woman who supports, nurtures, and uplifts.”

Huzefa Roowala, Creative Consultant, Schbang, “True celebration isn’t just about acknowledgment—it’s about action. With ‘SheIsOnTheRise,’ we wanted to move beyond grand gestures and create a campaign that makes appreciation personal and real. The film serves as a reminder that recognition shouldn’t be reserved for milestones; it should be an everyday practice. By giving people a way to actively thank the women who shape their lives, we’re turning gratitude into something tangible, ensuring that every woman—whether at home, at work, or in the community—feels seen and valued.”

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), known for their commitment to sustainable hospitality, have taken a significant step in environmental responsibility by installing a cutting-edge solar power system. With 1,818 solar panels spread across 48,904 square feet, this state-of-the-art installation boasts a capacity of 1000 KWp, generating an impressive 4,000 units per day and 1,460,000 units annually—accounting for 50% of HICC’s energy consumption.

Harnessing the power of renewable energy, this initiative is set to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,022 tons per annum. The investment of INR 2.6 crores into this sustainable energy system is projected to yield savings of INR 1.17 crores annually, with an outstanding return on investment (ROI) of just 2.22 years. This milestone aligns with the property’s long-term vision of integrating eco-friendly solutions into its operations, reaffirming its role as a leader in responsible hospitality.

The solar panel installation is part of a larger sustainability framework that Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and HICC have been actively developing. With 287 rooms and a sprawling 65,000 sq. ft. pillar-less convention centre, the property stands as a beacon of sustainable hospitality, driven by its commitment to green practices.

“The installation of our solar power system is not merely about adopting renewable energy; it signifies a deeper commitment to pioneering a greener future for our industry, our city, our country, and our planet,” Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, reflecting Accor’s global ethos of responsible hospitality. By embracing innovative solutions, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also setting a benchmark for sustainable operations in the hospitality sector.”

NHCC is the first hotel in the region to adopt atmospheric water generation technology with O by Aria Life Water, which extracts and remineralizes water from the air, reducing dependence on groundwater. Additionally, the implementation of a dual solar power and water heating system allows the property to generate electricity while heating 4,000 liters of water daily, contributing to substantial energy conservation. Food waste management is another key area where NHCC has made significant progress, with the use of Orbisk technology to track and optimize food consumption, reducing overall waste.

Reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality, NHCC & HICC have earned the prestigious Green Key Certification, an internationally recognized eco-label. By reducing reliance on conventional energy sources, NHCC & HICC aim to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy movement while maintaining the highest standards of guest experience.