Category Archives: Business

Inception Grant Show 2025 by Art Incept

The 5th edition of Inception Grant Show organised by Art Incept is taking place in the Capital from Mar 8th – 16th 2025 at Triveni and Shridharini Gallery, Mandi House, New Delhi. It is an exclusive showcase featuring the artworks of the 13 finalists from over 800 applicants from all over South Asia.

“Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 800 talented artists from across South Asia, these finalists represent the very best of emerging creativity in the region. The selection process was both rigorous and inspiring, as our esteemed internal jury faced the challenging task of narrowing down such a diverse and remarkable array of artistic talent”, says Gayatri Singh, Founder Art Incept.

Art Incept is a platform committed to showcasing South Asia’s most promising emerging artists, creating an environment where talent can thrive through focused mentorship, expert guidance, and ample opportunities for growth. Our ‘mentors-first’ approach prioritizes the artist’s journey, offering a nurturing space to explore, evolve, and achieve their full potential.

The Inception Grant was initiated by Art Incept in the year 2020 in response to the challenges faced by emerging artists during Covid. More than a financial aid, the grant provides access to Art Incept’s mentors and curators, facilitating year-long development for awardees. The Grant has evolved into a significant stepping stone for South Asian artists, receiving over 1,000 applications annually.

“We are proud to present the Inception Grant 2025 Finalists—Arindam Manna, Ayesha Sultana, Badush Babu, Bhanu Srivastav, Bhavin Patel, Chaitali Paranjape, Debajit R Paul, Malinda Jayasinghe, Megha Singh, Riya Chandwani, Rohan & Roshan Anvekar, Rohit Varekar, and Shremoe D Prasad—each of whom brings a unique perspective, innovative approach, and compelling vision to their work. Their artistic expressions reflect the dynamic and evolving landscape of contemporary art in South Asia, and we are honored to celebrate their journey”, adds Singh.

India Today Group Takes the Music World by Storm with AI Pop Stars

A-POP is fluid, electronic, collaborative, and democratic. A-POP is not robotic. It is humans partnering with machines to create a new sound. Lyrics written by humans, composed by AI, sung by AI. Or sometimes, an AI-generated song could mean lyrics by a machine, composed by humans, sung by AI.

Staying true to our industry leadership position in using cutting-edge technology to drive innovation, the India Today Group (ITG) is taking another historic leap today. Two years ago, ITG unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with India’s first AI news anchor, Sana. Since then, we have continued to evolve. Our AI news anchor has grown manifold, and so have our efforts to stay ahead of the curve.

 Today, we are announcing A-POP – a new genre that we expect will soon create a new frontier in the music industry. As part of this launch, we are introducing two AI Pop Stars. We call them AI Pop Stars.

 “A-POP is more than a genre — it is a fluid, evolving, and collaborative creative process. It merges human imagination with AI capabilities, producing music that is unrestricted by conventional limitations,” Kalli Purie, Managing Director and Vice Chairperson, India Today Group said.

 Aishan: A 22-year-old from Delhi with roots in Bareilly and Jodhpur, he’s been creating music since 17, blending indie acoustic, pop and R&B music vibes. Inspired by new people and sounds, his lyrics reflect his thoughts and experiences. An ambivert, he connects with fans but values his quiet moments. A Nainital soul, he’s drawn to the mountains, while also being a dog lover, bike enthusiast, sneakerhead, and food explorer, all with a classy, old-money style.

 Ruh: At 24, this Delhi native is free-spirited, independent, and all about living life to the fullest. With an extroverted, vibrant personality, she embraces adventure and travel, exploring new cultures to create new-age pop music. A passionate music lover, she uses it to express herself boldly and authentically. Driven by personal freedom, self-expression, and individuality, she inspires others to live authentically and pursue their passions without fear of judgment.

  “ITG has always led the industry with its groundbreaking initiatives, which go beyond simple automation, fostering a symbiotic relationship between human expertise and cutting-edge AI to revolutionize news delivery. Our latest foray into music is also a result of the same belief and effort that we put into our daily work to create engaging and entertaining experiences for our audiences,” said Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group.

 The initiative is a sterling example of what the fusion of human creativity and AI can produce. A team of music professionals spent relentless hours over several weeks working with AI-led technology to create this pioneering work.

 A-POP is fluid, electronic, collaborative, and democratic. A-POP is not robotic. It is humans partnering with machines to create a new sound. Lyrics written by humans, composed by AI, sung by AI. Or sometimes, an AI-generated song could mean lyrics by a machine, composed by humans, sung by AI.

 Our AI pop stars too, are a result of what AI can produce in response to the limitless human mind. Both Aishan and Ruh have an existence, albeit virtual. They can produce music in multiple languages, engage with fans 24/7, and personalize content based on audience preferences. They offer an alternative to traditional artists by breaking the barriers of physical limitations and performance fatigue.

HerDayEveryDay by Spykar: Because Women’s Day is Every Day, Not Just 8th March

India, March 2025
This year, Spykar, India’s leading denim brand, is turning the idea of Women’s Day on its head with its latest campaign, #HerDayEveryDay. Because let’s be honest—why should celebrating women be limited to just one day when they own every single one?

Spykar isn’t here to preach about empowerment. Instead, it’s making a statement: whether at work, at play, or just kicking back, every day is already a woman’s day. With #HerDayEveryDay, the brand is championing this simple truth through fun, engaging initiatives, real conversations, and a whole lot of denim.

“At Spykar, we don’t believe in setting reminders to celebrate women on a specific day,” said Sanjay Vakharia, CEO and Co-Founder at Spykar. “Women own their space every single day, and we’re here to acknowledge that in a way that feels natural, smart, and unapologetically real.”

Spykar is teaming up with dynamic women across entrepreneurship, fashion, lifestyle, and beyond to highlight their everyday wins—big or small. Through social media takeovers, digital storytelling, and interactive content, the brand is keeping the conversation fresh, witty, and engaging.

Encouraging its audience to join in, Spykar is inviting people to share those everyday moments where women are just being their amazing selves—whether that’s killing it in a boardroom, acing street style, or simply saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve them. Using the hashtag #HerDayEveryDay, these moments will be featured across Spykar’s platforms, because every day deserves its own highlight reel.

AutumnGrey and Luminous Power Champion Gender Equality in STEM with WomenInEnergy Campaign

India, 11th March, 2025:
On this year’s International Women’s Day, AutumnGrey, a Grey company, and Luminous Power Technologies, have launched the #WomenInEnergy campaign.

 In its third year of impactful storytelling, the #WomenInEnergy campaign aims to shatter the subconscious bias that exists in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

 How often do we assume that when a child excels in a science project, it is the father who provided the expertise? Amongst many Indians, there’s an unspoken assumption that STEM-related homework and projects are primarily the father’s domain, subtly undermining women’s potential and capabilities in these fields.

 This is the bias AutumnGrey and Luminous Power Technologies intend to shatter.

 The film depicts a seemingly ordinary school science exhibition. A young girl presents her impressive solar energy model. However, the judges and teachers, instead of immediately recognizing the potential of her project, are quick to question whether her father helped her. This subtle yet pervasive assumption highlights the ingrained societal bias that automatically associates men with STEM expertise, overlooking the potential and capabilities of women. The film gently challenges this notion by revealing that the girl’s mother is a chief engineer at Luminous Solar and a role model who defies these limiting stereotypes.

 “People often talk about empowering women, but true empowerment means facing hidden biases that hold them back. This film explores this reality, highlighting how even well-meaning individuals can support stereotypes subconsciously. Our humble effort, through this film, is to create a world where every girl overcomes these biases and shines brightly.” said Anusha Shetty, Chairperson & group CEO of Grey India.

 Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation & Marketing Officer at Luminous Power Technologies, shared her insights “The #WomenInEnergy campaign has been a journey of showcasing the remarkable contributions of women in energy, a sector that has long been perceived as male dominated. Through this film, we want to celebrate the women who continue defying expectations, leading innovations, and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in energy and STEM. This campaign is just one part of our broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With our month-long celebration of Inclusion Month, Luminous is driving real, measurable change across our organisation, empowering women, fostering allyship, and ensuring that inclusion becomes a way of life.”

 During Inclusion Month, we go beyond discussions and workshops to drive actionable change, setting the stage for sustained progress throughout the year. This initiative features candid dialogues, leadership discussions, employee workshops, and events across multiple locations, each designed to drive impact and solidify inclusion as a way of life. This commitment is what helps us move beyond targets and statistics, making inclusion an integral part of who we are.”

Recode Studios Expands Horizons with New Store in Guwahati

Recode Studios, one of India’s renowned beauty and skincare brands, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest store in Guwahati. Located at Sarojini Complex, GS Road, opposite Aayakar Bhawan, Christian Basti, PIN 781006. This store brings Recode Studios’ extensive range of high-quality beauty products closer to customers in Assam and the Northeast.

With a strong focus on innovation and affordability, Recode Studios has built a reputation for delivering premium cosmetics and skincare products that cater to diverse beauty needs. The new Guwahati store will offer a carefully curated selection of cosmetics, including foundations, lipsticks, eyeliners, and skincare essentials, ensuring beauty enthusiasts find everything they need under one roof.

Speaking about the expansion, Dheeraj Bansal, Co-Founder of Recode Studios, said, “We are excited to introduce Recode Studios to Guwahati and provide beauty lovers with access to our premium range of cosmetics. Our goal is to make high-quality beauty products available to everyone, and this store is a step forward in our journey to reach more customers across India.”

Recode Studios has been rapidly expanding its retail presence, with stores across major cities, reinforcing its commitment to bringing professional-quality beauty products to every corner of the country. With this launch, the brand aims to cater to the growing demand for premium yet affordable beauty solutions in Assam.

Customers visiting the new store can expect expert beauty advice, personalized recommendations, and a hands-on experience with the latest beauty trends. Recode Studios also continues to strengthen its online and offline presence, ensuring seamless accessibility for all beauty lovers.

YFLO to host a unique event featuring Princess in one program

Hyderabad, March 10, 2025:India has many royal families. They have transitioned from being monarchs of kingdoms to wealthy members of a post-colonial society. Despite the abolition of princely states and discontinuation of royal privileges, the royal families have not only preserved their heritage but still continue their influence on us. The Royal families too have adopted along with the changing times.

In a rare and first-of-its-kind attempt, YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation) has planned a unique session ‘The Regal Empowerment’, a confluence of Indian Royalties. This rare and unique program is scheduled on 12th March at The Leela Hyderabad

The esteemed speakers Maharaj Kumar Sahib Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar– Royal Family of Udaipur, Rajasthan; H.H. Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad – Royal Family of Baroda, Gujarat Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi – “Dinosaur Princess,” Royal Family of Balasinor, Gujarat; Rani Preeti Singh – Royal Family of Nabha, Punjab; Princess Meenal Kumari Singh Deo – Royal Family of Dhenkanal, Odisha will participate, deliberate

We are blessed to be surrounded today by women whose legacies speak of royal heritage, but whose actions are the true measure of leadership.

It is not another YFLO event. This is different from our regular programs. The contributions of these distinguished royal people echo through time, showing us that true royalty is not defined by titles, but by the way we uplift others and make a difference in the world says Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO

Women like them have not only inherited royal legacies, but have transformed them into platforms for empowerment. These women were not just queens—they were warriors, educators, and visionaries—trailblazers who reshaped history, and whose voices continue to inspire new generations, Ridhi Jain added.

Go Colors Unveils ‘Own It With Pants for Every You’ – A Women’s Day Tribute to Confidence and Individuality

This Women’s Day, Go Colors celebrates the many facets of modern women with its latest campaign, ‘Own It With Pants for Every You.’ The campaign highlights how every woman embodies a unique blend of boldness, playfulness, elegance, professionalism, and relaxation. No matter the occasion or mood, Go Colors offers the perfect pair of pants to complement every version of her. The campaign reinforces the brand’s belief: Own Your Style, Own Your Confidence.

At the heart of the campaign is a digital brand film that narrates the inspiring stories of women from diverse walks of life. Featuring Dipika Pallikal, international squash player & Mom; Arpita Aditi, CEO of Dil Foods; and Ami Shroff, Mixologist & Flair Artist, the film captures seemingly ordinary moments that evolve into powerful symbols of empowerment. Their journeys reflect resilience, passion, and an unwavering spirit to break boundaries.

To further amplify the message, Go Colors installed an interactive booth at Mall of Asia, Bengaluru, for two days, inviting women to embrace their own identity. The experience encouraged self-reflection and reaffirmed the belief that their biggest role model is themselves.

The campaign also features content creators and puts the focus on behind-the-scenes moments of their lives. It offers an unfiltered look at the dedication, effort, and unseen work that goes into their craft and how Go Colors effortlessly adapts to their lifestyle.

Additionally, Go Colors is hosting an exclusive Women’s Day Brunch with Bestie, celebrating the spirit of sisterhood and empowerment. The event will bring together influencers and their besties for a day of connection, fun activities, interactive games, and a stylish photobooth. PR kits were sent to attendees, encouraging them to style their looks for the brunch.

As a meaningful step toward women’s empowerment, Go Colors will contribute 5% of its total sales on March 8, 2025, across all 750+ exclusive stores and its website to women’s welfare initiatives. The funds will be directed to programs supporting underprivileged women, providing them with better opportunities and resources to thrive.

Vatsal Koolwal, CMO of Go Colors, shared his thoughts on the campaign: “At Go Colors, we believe that fashion should empower, not dictate. ‘Pants for Every You is a celebration of individuality, giving women the freedom to express themselves in their own unique way. This Women’s Day, we are not only championing confidence through style but also taking meaningful action to support women’s welfare.”

Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat, added: “With ‘Pants for Every You,’ we have curated a campaign that seamlessly blends Go Colors’ commitment to inclusivity with a powerful narrative of self-expression. It’s been an exciting journey bringing this vision to life, and we’re proud to partner with Go Colors in celebrating women in such a meaningful way.”

With this campaign, Go Colors reaffirms its commitment to celebrating women beyond fashion, empowering them to feel confident in their own skin while making a difference in the lives of others.

For more details, visit www.gocolors.com or follow us on social media @GoColorsIndia.

Workplace Burnout Drops from 35% to 22% with Innovation as DNA, Finds Great Place To Work

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.

Bonjour Highlights Women’s Resilience with TheStrengthWeCarry Campaign on Women’s Day

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.”

New Initiatives by SPEFL-SC and MSDE Aim to Empower India’s Youth and Educators

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.