Category Archives: News

ICMAI Unveils Plans for RISE India Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi

New Delhi, March 17, 2026: 

The The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament and functioning under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, is organising the RISE India Leadership Summit 2026 on March 18, 2026, at Shangri-La Eros.

(L–R): CMA Navneet Kumar Jain, Council Member, ICMAI; CMA Manoj Kumar Anand, Council Member, ICMAI; CMA Vinayaranjan P, Chairman, Career Counselling & Placement Committee, ICMAI; CMA Rajendra Singh Bhati, Council Member, ICMAI; CMA Dr. Debaprosanna Nandy, Secretary Officiating, ICMAI

The announcement was made today during a press conference hosted by ICMAI at its headquarters in New Delhi.

The Summit will focus on the theme: “Strategic Leadership for Global Capability Centre – CMAs as Architects of Value Creation & Capability Augmentation.”

The Leadership Summit aims to provide a dynamic platform for thought leadership and meaningful dialogue on the evolving role of strategic leadership in driving organisational transformation, enhancing global competitiveness, and creating sustainable value. The event will highlight the critical contribution of Cost and Management Accountants (CMAs) in strengthening Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and modern enterprises.

The Summit will witness participation from an eminent gathering of CEOs, CFOs, Directors, senior corporate leaders, HR professionals, senior government officials, and industry representatives, making it a significant forum for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic insights.

The event is being spearheaded by the leadership of ICMAI, including TCA Srinivasa Prasad, President; Neeraj Dhananjay Joshi, Vice President; Vinayaranjan P, Chairman, Career Counselling & Placement Committee; along with Council Members including Manoj Kumar Anand, Rajendra Singh Bhati, Navneet Kumar Jain, Dr D P Nandy, Secretary, and Rakesh Yadav, Chairman, ICMAI-NIRC, along with other Council Members, who are contributing to make the event a grand success.

Eminent speakers from leading organizations such as Microsoft India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Accenture, Apple India Private Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, BHEL, National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), REC Limited, Central Warehousing Corporation, Cement Corporation of India Limited, KRIBHCO Green Energy Pvt Ltd, TPM Consultants Pvt Ltd are expected to deliver insightful sessions at the summit.

WaterCAN to Launch 2026 Schools Water Testing Week to Promote Safe Drinking Water

Environmental organization WaterCAN has announced its upcoming 2026 Schools Water Testing Week, a nationwide initiative designed to engage schools in monitoring the safety of their drinking water and raising awareness about potential contamination risks., according to media reports.

The program invites students, teachers, and community volunteers to participate in hands-on water testing activities, using specially designed kits to examine drinking water sources at schools. Schools and participants can also access professional testing support through facilities such as Water Testing Lab in Bhubaneswar, which provide accurate water quality analysis and guidance on maintaining safe drinking water. By involving young people directly, WaterCAN aims to foster scientific curiosity, encourage civic responsibility, and highlight the importance of maintaining safe water for health and learning.

Water testing is crucial because contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants that pose serious health risks, especially to children. Regular testing helps identify unsafe water sources, prevent waterborne diseases, and ensure compliance with national and international safety standards. In schools, where students spend significant time consuming drinking water, routine testing is a key measure to protect health, enhance learning, and promote overall well-being.

Previous WaterCAN initiatives revealed that a significant portion of tested school water samples were unsafe for consumption, underscoring the need for routine testing and proactive measures. The 2026 Schools Water Testing Week seeks to expand participation and reach more communities, ensuring that students gain firsthand experience in protecting their water quality.

Organizers emphasize that regular water monitoring and community engagement are key to safeguarding children from waterborne illnesses. The initiative also aims to inspire local authorities to address infrastructure challenges and ensure clean, reliable drinking water in schools.

Details about registration, participating schools, and specific dates for the 2026 event will be announced in the coming weeks. WaterCAN’s effort reflects a growing commitment to empowering communities and promoting the right to safe, clean water for all students.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov: 

Wama’s Newest Exhibition Unearths The Mysterious World Beneath Our Feet

WAMA’s newest exhibition, Entanglements with Fungi: Life, Death and Renewal, is opening at the National Centre for Environmental Art on March 21. This exhibition brings together a group of multidisciplinary artists who explore the Kingdom Fungi, a mysterious underworld that acts as the bridge between interspecies life. 

Through a compelling mix of reflections on art, science, history, and politics, Entanglements with Fungi: Life, Death and Renewal focuses on the cycles of life, death, and renewal that exist within this hidden kingdom. 

The multi-sensory exhibition features a mix of traditional and experimental projects. Highlights include works created from local earth and materials created through the fungus recycling process, paintings based on data that tracks how mushrooms grow, and an artists’ book that stretches eight metres across the gallery. 

The gallery also features digital projections of the forest floor, sound installations made from recordings of tree roots and soil, and live experiments where sensors track the movement of growing fungi. 

“The artists invite you to imagine what it might feel like to see, or hear, or smell, through the nurturing exchanges between species which are often remote from the immediacy of our human senses. They ask you to imagine what it might feel like to be something other than human,” says exhibition curator Dr Felicity Spear. 

Neither plant nor animal, fungi underpin all ecosystems, living in water, on trees, in the air, and even on our bodies. Their networks span kilometres and they are linked to every function on the planet, from food security to pharmaceutical medicines. Despite this, they remain largely misunderstood and their future is threatened by the impact of human influences. 

“WAMA at Gariwerd is building a bridge between nature and culture, prompting us to think about human culture not as separate from, but intertwined with Earth’s hidden networks and ecological systems, mutually shaping each other,” says Spear. 

Exhibiting artists include UK environmental artist Chris Drury, sound artist Vicki Hallett, environmental photographer Alison Pouliot and handmade book and digital collage artists Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison. 

Other artists include Sam Leach, Chris Henschke, Debbie Symons, and the curator herself, Felicity Spear. 

Situated at the foothills of Gariwerd/Grampians National Park, WAMA offers a distinctive new cultural experience that unites contemporary art and environmental consciousness across a 16-hectare precinct and includes the Gariwerd Endemic Botanic Garden and Jallukar Native Grasslands alongside the National Centre for Environmental Art – Australia’s only institution dedicated exclusively to the intersection of art and the environment. 

EXHIBITION LAUNCH EVENT 

Mushroom Masterclass with Alison Pouliot

Saturday 21 March 10am to 12.30pm

This hands-on workshop is designed to change the way the forest floor is seen. Learn the basics of mushroom identification, how to tell edible species from toxic look-alikes, and where to find the most interesting fungi in the wild.

Tickets are extremely limited, $75.

-ENDS-

10 Coolest Hill Station Road Trips to Escape the Summer Heat

By- Manoj Soni, CEO of YoloBus & and EasyGreenMobility

Travellers seeking shelter from the intense summertime heat in India are increasingly turning to hill stations as a preferred vacation option. Growing interest in road trips and the improving connectivity between cities have made it easier to access these destinations and enjoy cooler climates.

In this article, we highlight five refreshing road trip destinations that offer a welcome escape from the sweltering summer heat, where visitors can soak in scenic mountain landscapes while enjoying a much-needed break. 

Why These Hill Stations Are Perfect for Summer

Why These Hill Stations Are Ideal Places To Visit During The Summer? These areas offer the right combination of cooler weather, spectacular scenery and relaxing experiences, making them ideal locations to escape from hot summer days. In addition, getting to these hill stations has never been easier than using YoloBus, which allows for quick and comfortable inter-city transport allowing for memorable trips to the hills.

1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

A very popular vacation spot, known for great mountain views (the Himalayas), lots of outdoor activities (anchoring, mountain climbing, etc.), and the strong coffee culture in cafes and restaurants. The drive from Delhi is approximately 12-14 hours.

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The charm of the colonial buildings, the pine trees covering the hills, and the many shops/restaurants on Mall Road along with the cool mountain air makes it an ideal destination. The drive from Delhi or Chandigarh is approximately 9–10 hours. The drive from the plains begins as flat plains, then turns into winding roads before arriving at the hill towns.

3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is a popular hill station, also referred to as the Queen of the Hills. It’s known for its mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the valley and mountains. Mussoorie is approximately a seven to eight hour drive from New Delhi, making it a very popular weekend getaway.

4. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital, which surrounds Naini Lake, is covered with forests and is known for its boating, walking and relaxing holiday possibilities. A person leaving from New Delhi will arrive in Nainital in approximately 7 to 8 hours.

5. Dharamshala & McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala and McLeodganj, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, are popular destinations because of their Tibetan monasteries, spiritual atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It takes approximately a 10 to 12-hour drive from New Delhi to reach there; therefore, it would be an ideal overnight trip by car to visit these locations.

6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty (known as Queen of the Nilgiris) is especially known for its lush green rolling tea plantations, great weather and picturesque views. A traveller from Bengaluru can reach Ooty in a little over 7 hours by car; this makes Ooty a favourite summer retreat in South India.

7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal is the “Princess of Hill Stations”. Kodaikanal is surrounded by steep mountain valleys, serene lakes and a lush pine forest. A traveller will typically take about 9 to 10 hours to travel to Kodaikanal from either Bengaluru or Chennai; therefore, it is a wonderful opportunity for an escape from the Taj Mahal.

8. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka

Coorg is a scenic hill district that features coffee plantations, an abundance of greenery, beautiful waterfalls, etc. About 6 to 7 hours away from Bangalore by road, it’s a popular quick getaway for people who want to experience the beauty of nature.

9. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

This quaint little hill station is located in the Eastern Ghats and has a very beautiful lake, fantastic view points and a mild climate. People can reach this hill station from Bangalore in 5 to 6 hours; therefore, it would make a great location to escape for a short trip.

10. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, and as such provides a welcome relief to the desert-like environment around it. The temperature at Mount Abu is cool, making it a great place to spend some time resting, enjoying the view from Nakki Lake and visiting the magnificent Dilwara Temples. Mount Abu is located about 11 to 12 hours by road from either Delhi or Jaipur.

Sahitya Akademi Announces Awards for 24 Indian Languages for 202

New Delhi, March 17: Sahitya Akademi has announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 for outstanding literary works in 24 Indian languages recognised by the national literary body. The awards cover a diverse range of genres including poetry, novels, short stories, essays, literary criticism, autobiography, and memoirs.

According to the Akademi, the awards this year include eight books of poetry, four novels, six short story collections, two essay collections, one work of literary criticism, one autobiography, and two memoirs.

The selection process for the awards began in January 2025 with an open advertisement issued on 30 January 2025. The awardees were recommended by distinguished jury members across the 24 languages, and the final selections were approved by the competent authority of the Akademi.

Among the notable winners are Devabrat Das for the Assamese novel Karhi Khelar Sadhu, Navtej Sarna for the English novel Crimson Spring, N. Prabhakaran for the Malayalam novel Maayaamanushyar, and Mamta Kalia for the Hindi memoir Jeete Jee Allahabad.

In the poetry category, awards have been announced for Shrestha Kabita by Prasun Bandyopadhyay (Bengali), Thakur Satsayie by Khajur Singh Thakur (Dogri), Bhattkhadaki by Yogesh Vaidya (Gujarati), Najdavanek’y Pot Aalav by Ali Shaida (Kashmiri), Padapurana by Girijakumar Baliyar Singh (Odia), Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah by Mahamahopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas (Sanskrit), Animesha by Nandini Sidha Reddy (Telugu), and Safar Jaari Hai by Pritpal Singh Betab (Urdu).

The short story category includes works such as Dada Seerisu Tande by Amaresh Nugadoni (Kannada), Kanglamdriba Eephut by Haobam Nalini (Manipuri), Safety Kit by Jinder (Punjabi), Bharkhama by Jitender Kumar Soni (Rajasthani), Mid Birna Chenne Saon Inag Sagai by Sumitra Soren (Santali), and Waghoo by Bhagwan Atlani (Sindhi).

The awards also recognise essay collections such as Konkani Kavyem: Rupani Ani Rupakam by Henry Mendonca (H.M. Pernal) in Konkani and Nepali Paramparik Sanskriti Ra Sabhyata Ko Dukuti by Prakash Bhattarai in Nepali.

In addition, Sa. Tamilselvan received the award for literary criticism for Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal (Tamil), while Raju Baviskar was honoured for the Marathi autobiography Kalyanilya Resha. The memoir category includes Jeete Jee Allahabad by Mamta Kalia (Hindi) and Dhatri Paat San Gaam by Mahendra (Maithili).

The Sahitya Akademi Award carries a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. The awardees will be honoured at a presentation ceremony scheduled on March 31, 2026, in New Delhi.

Established as India’s national academy of letters, Sahitya Akademi annually recognises literary excellence across multiple Indian languages, promoting the richness and diversity of the country’s literary traditions.

U.S. headquartered ScienceLogic Opens New Office in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, India

HYDERABAD – ScienceLogic, a United States-based technology company whose agentic AI platform powers modern IT environments, today announced its entrance into India with the opening of a new office in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad. Located at Sohini Tech Park in the Nanakramguda Financial District, the company is marking the opening with a small ceremony at the new office, which represents a strategic investment in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets and reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting customers across the Asia-Pacific region.

 
This expansion builds on ScienceLogic’s existing global presence in Reston, Virginia near Washington D.C., London, Sydney, Taiwan, and Singapore, and enhances its ability to serve enterprises and government organizations navigating increasingly complex, distributed IT environments. India’s rapidly growing digital economy, expanding cloud adoption, and rising demand for AI-powered operations make it a key growth market for the company. 

“We are thrilled to open our first India location in the Nanakramguda Financial District,” said Dave Link, CEO and Co-founder of ScienceLogic. “As enterprise IT environments grow more distributed and complex, IT teams now face a sometimes insurmountable number of alerts, telemetry, and tickets spread across siloed systems. By establishing a presence in Nanakramguda, we will be able to much more rapidly meet the needs of our India-based customers who rely on the ScienceLogic AI Platform to consolidate fragmented tools and deliver complete observability.”

“Hyderabad is one of India’s premier technology corridors, with a strong ecosystem of enterprise innovation and technical expertise,” said Vamsi Krishna Ivaturi, Director, India at ScienceLogic. “With the India observability market forecasted to see a double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) throughout this decade, this expansion positions ScienceLogic to partner more closely with customers as they modernize infrastructure, consolidate tools, and adopt AI to drive operational resilience.” 

ScienceLogic delivers intelligence that accelerates outcomes through service-centric observability, AI-driven operations, and intelligent automation. Its flagship ScienceLogic AI Platform and Skylar AI suite — including Skylar One™ (formerly SL1), Skylar Automation™, Skylar Compliance™, and Skylar Analytics™ — enable organizations to unify monitoring, automate workflows, ensure compliance, and gain deeper operational insight across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

‘DNT–NT Federation of India’ Launched; Representatives Demand Census Inclusion in 2027

New Delhi, March 16, 2026

Representatives of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NT-DNT) from across India have announced the formation of the “DNT–NT Federation of India” following a national consultation held in Delhi on March 14–15, 2026. Community representatives have demanded that the Government of India include a separate column with a unique caste code for NT-DNT communities in the 2027 Census. They also warned that if the identity and recognition of these communities continue to be ignored, a nationwide democratic movement will be launched.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the Press Club of India, attended by Balkrishna Sidram Renke, Digambar Rathod, Lalji Raika, S. P. Singh Labana, Gopal Keshwat,  Kamlesh Rathore, Dr. Abhay Jadhav, and Deepa Pawar.

According to the representatives, the Nomadic–Denotified Council meeting held in Delhi on March 14 and 15 was attended by delegates from 22 states across India. During the meeting, organisations working among Denotified and Nomadic communities decided that the time had come to raise their concerns through a unified national platform.

As a result, the DNT–NT Federation of India was formally established. Digambar Rathod and Lalji Raika have been appointed as National Conveners of the federation. The organisation aims to bring together thousands of grassroots groups and community networks working among Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities and to raise issues related to their rights, identity and dignity at the national level.

Demand for Recognition in the 2027 Census

Community representatives stated that without proper enumeration of Denotified and Nomadic communities, their real socio-economic conditions remain invisible in official data. Many of these communities are still inadequately recorded in government statistics, which leads to their exclusion from policy planning and welfare programmes.

Therefore, the representatives demanded that the 2027 Census should include a separate column and a unique caste code for NT-DNT communities, so that their actual population and conditions can be accurately reflected.

In addition, community leaders put forward the following key demands:
•    10 percent reservation in government employment and political representation
•    Land rights and permanent housing for Denotified and Nomadic families
•    Constitutional and legal protection in cases of atrocities against community members
•    Dedicated and adequate budgetary allocation for the development of NT-DNT communities

Renke Commission Recommendations Yet to Be Implemented

Speaking at the event, Balkrishna Renke recalled the recommendations of the commission he chaired. The Government of India had constituted the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in 2005, and the commission submitted its report in 2008.

The report estimated that over 10 percent of India’s population belongs to Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities and highlighted their extremely marginalised socio-economic conditions. The commission recommended separate enumeration of these communities in the census, issuance of identity documents, and targeted programmes in education and employment.

However, the representatives noted that most of these recommendations remain unimplemented, which has kept these communities outside the mainstream of development.

During the press conference, S. P. Singh Labana emphasised that the absence of proper enumeration continues to keep these communities outside policy frameworks.

“We are not asking for charity. Our only demand is that we be counted properly. Unless our identity is recognised in the census, our problems will never become part of policy-making.”

Community representatives also stated that millions of Denotified and Nomadic families continue to live without access to clean drinking water, permanent housing, or basic civic amenities. Reliable data on atrocities against these communities is also unavailable because their identities are not clearly recorded in official systems.

They added that despite being citizens of India, Denotified and Nomadic communities have often been deprived of their fundamental rights, dignity and equal opportunities, which contradicts the principles of social justice and democracy.

Warning of Nationwide Agitation

Community leaders warned that if the government fails to include a separate column for NT-DNT communities in the 2027 Census, a nationwide movement will be launched.

They stated that for decades—both before and after independence—these communities have faced systemic neglect and discrimination. The time has now come to ensure constitutional recognition, equal rights, and a life of dignity and honour for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities across India.

Aza Fashions Hosts an Exclusive Showcase of designer Rocky S’s Summer Festive Collection 

Mumbai, Mar 16: Luxury multi-designer destination Aza Fashions recently hosted an exclusive in-store showcase celebrating the launch of celebrated designer Rocky S’s Rocky Star Summer Festive Collection 2026 at its flagship store in Bandra, Mumbai. The intimate evening brought together fashion enthusiasts, loyal patrons, and members of the designer’s close circle for a special unveiling that celebrated craftsmanship, couture and the renewed creative partnership between the designer and the luxury retailer.

 The showcase marked a significant moment for both the designer and the brand, as Rocky Star returned to Aza in what he described as a meaningful “homecoming.” With deep roots in Mumbai and a long-standing association with the city’s fashion community, presenting his latest collection in Aza— added a special emotional resonance to the evening. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the collection, a soft, feminine and elegant festive edit designed specifically for modern celebrations. It blends delicate craftsmanship with contemporary glamour, offering styles that are both celebratory and versatile for the summer festive season.

Commenting on his collection launch, designer Rocky S said,

 “Returning to Aza feels incredibly special to me. It’s where part of my journey began, and coming back with a new collection feels like completing a beautiful circle. I am excited to share this moment and this collection with everyone who has supported my journey. This collection is soft, feminine and elegant. featuring beautiful prints and delicate embroidery. It’s designed especially for the festive and wedding season. perfect for resort and destination celebrations

Devangi Nishar Parekh, Managing Director of Aza Fashions added, “Rocky S has always brought a distinct perspective on glamour to Indian fashion. His work has shaped celebratory dressing for decades, while continuing to evolve with changing times. Aza was one of the first platforms to showcase Rocky’s work, and we’ve shared a long association over the years. We’re excited to present his Summer Festive collection at our Aza Bandra store; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, glamour, and modern Indian celebration fashion, which both our brands champion.”

Aza Fashions has historically played an important role in championing India’s most iconic designers and curating their creations for discerning clients. Rocky S was among the designers who began his retail journey with Aza in the early years of his label. The designer’s return to the platform marks the revival of a creative partnership built on trust, legacy and a shared vision for contemporary Indian couture.

The collection features statement sarees, glamorous gowns and sculpted draped silhouettes crafted for festive occasions, summer weddings and evening celebrations. Crafted with lightweight fabrics suited to warmer climates, the designs combine intricate embellishments with fluid cuts that allow for effortless movement and elegance.

True to Rocky S’s signature aesthetic, the pieces reflect intricate embellishments, dramatic silhouettes, and modern glamour. It seamlessly merges traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary couture sensibilities. The colour palette transitions gracefully between soft pastels, metallic tones and classic festive hues, creating pieces that feel both timeless and modern.

Beyond the collection launch, the event was designed to create an immersive retail experience for customers. Guests had the opportunity to interact directly with the designer, understand the inspirations behind the collection and explore the festive edit in a personalized luxury retail setting. The evening reinforced the growing role of experiential retail in luxury fashion — where storytelling, designer interaction and curated environments enhance the overall shopping experience.

Seen attending the event were Ameesha Patel, Raveena Tandon, Manushi Chillar, Shama Sikander, Sussanne Khan, Sophie Choudry, Sunny Leone and Daniel Weber, Giorgia Andriani, Reshma Bombaywala, Avni Gupta, Abel Biju, Monica D’souza, Parul Yadav, Pooja Chopra, Rahul Jhangiani, Ruhi Singh, Samita Bangargi, Shevam Singh, Shubham Sharma, Arslan Goni and several others. 

For Aza Fashions, the showcase reflects its continued commitment to creating meaningful fashion moments that connect designers with their audiences. By hosting exclusive launches and in-store experiences, Aza continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading luxury multi-designer destinations, known for its carefully curated portfolio of celebrated designers and couture labels. Over the years, Aza has played a pivotal role in presenting iconic designers to fashion-forward clients, while offering customers access to some of the most sought-after creations in Indian couture.

UN40 Music Festival Wraps Up Successful Debut Edition in Bengaluru; Second Edition Announced for February 2027

Bengaluru, Mar 16: The first edition of the UN40 Music Festival concluded successfully at NICE Grounds, bringing together nearly 18,000 attendees over two days for a vibrant celebration of music, comedy, food, and immersive experiences. Designed as more than just a concert by Saregama Live, the festival aimed to create a dynamic space where entertainment extended far beyond the stage.

The event featured a packed schedule of live performances, creator-led comedy sets, interactive games, gaming zones, and curated food stalls, transforming the venue into a lively experiential hub. Attendees also enjoyed a buzzing beer garden featuring the FilterCopy pre-game party, along with various creator performances and engaging activities across the grounds.

The musical lineup over the two-day festival included performances by Aditya Rikhari, Paradox, Pragati Nagpal, Raja Kumari, Thaikkudam Bridge, Paal Dabba, and Maahi, among others. Day 1 concluded with a high-energy headline performance by Himesh Reshammiya, who had the crowd singing along to several of his popular tracks. Day 2 wrapped up with a memorable closing set by Talwiinder, bringing his signature sound to the stage.

Beyond the performances, festival-goers experienced a range of unique and feel-good moments across the venue. From roaming masseuses offering quick relaxation breaks between sets to surprise shots moving through the crowd, photographers capturing candid memories, and spontaneous interactive activities, the festival encouraged attendees to explore, engage, and enjoy the atmosphere with friends.

Speaking about the vision behind the festival, Siddharth Anand Kumar, Executive Vice President – Films, Series and Events at Saregama, said,

“The way audiences engage with live entertainment is evolving. People today are looking for experiences that go beyond just watching a performance. With UN40, the idea was to build a festival where the audience could spend the entire day discovering something new — whether it was music, comedy, food, games, or spontaneous moments across the venue. It was incredibly rewarding to see people embrace the festival in that spirit over the two days.”

With strong attendance and enthusiastic participation, the debut edition of the UN40 Music Festival has added a fresh new experience to Bengaluru’s live entertainment landscape. Building on this momentum, the festival will return for its second edition in February 2027, promising an even bigger celebration of music, culture, and shared experiences.

India Fandom Report by MYFANDOM Spotlights India’s Fandom Economy, Worth USD 10B by 2028

Mumbai,  Mar 16: MYFANDOM, India’s first Direct-to-Fan ecosystem, is known for fueling fandoms through official, premium merchandise and immersive fan experiences. MYFANDOM, which has enabled merchandise for over 100+ international artists and brands, has now released “India Fandom Report”. A first-of-its-kind, the report is a comprehensive overview on the phenomenal upsurge in fandom-related activities in India in 2025.

 On the launch of the India Fandom Report, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji shares,

“The India Fandom Report is a timely initiative that seeks to understand the evolving dynamics of fan communities and their growing influence. The creation of MYFANDOM as a platform that celebrates fan culture and connects Indian audiences with global entertainment experiences is a noteworthy step in recognising the power and potential of fandom in India” 

The report examines how fandom is emerging as a powerful force shaping India’s cultural influence, consumer behaviour, and economic growth. It explores India’s growing role as a global soft power, where Indian fan communities are increasingly becoming an influence on international pop culture, music tours, streaming content, and cross-border collaborations. An independent study by MYFANDOM discovers that as fandom deepens, merchandise, live experiences, and community-led engagement have become crucial touchpoints for the Indian Fandom Economy giving fans the centerstage. 40% of fans want meet-and-greets with their idols to become part of the fan-experience, and 45% said they’d be the happiest with official merch.

The concept of fandom and its transition from a passive to a proactive influence is at the heart of this report, that positions India firmly in what it defines as the “Fandom Era” 

Speaking on the report, Jinal Ajmera, Co- Founder of MYFANDOM says,

 “Today, India’s hold on the collective consciousness of the world is evident in every aspect of our media and entertainment. The exchange of art and culture, the influx of international artists, businesses and music festivals into the Indian economy made 2025 – ‘The Year of Fandom’. The India Fandom Report is our endeavour to celebrate India’s Soft Power with a record of these incredible strides made in the Indian Fandom Economy.”

Vivek Ajmera, Co- Founder of MYFANDOM adds,

 “We are on a journey to empower fans to Live Their Fandom. As India rises to unprecedented heights of economic power, our aim with the India Fandom Report is to highlight the scope of the country’s Orange Economy by offering a macro lens on the growing fan culture in India. With this, we take one step forward for India’s next billion fans.”

The report also includes insights from industry leaders and pillars of the Fandom Economy in India, such as Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC; Perry Farrell, Founder, Lollapalooza; Kunal Khambhati, Co-founder & COO – Events, District by Zomato; Anjula Acharia, Founder, 5 Junction Record and Manager, Priyanka Chopra Jonas; Poornima Sharma, Head of Marketing Partnerships, Netflix India, and Thomas Puliyel – Former President, IMRB International (now Kantar), to name just a few. Also, the report highlights the experiences of certain superfans like Tanuj Govil, who got to sing on stage with Chris Martin in Ahmedabad, and Natasha Mahtani, an Indian Swiftie invited to a ‘secret session’ at Taylor Swift’s residence.

This report is intended to serve as a reference point for artists, management, brands, and industry stakeholders seeking to underscore how fandom is shaping the future of entertainment, commerce, and culture in India. Drawing on its internal study, industry research, and cultural observation, MYFANDOM estimates that by 2028, India’s Fandom Economy will be worth $10 Billion!