Category Archives: News

This Women’s Day, Good Flippin’ Burgers and Bombay Teen Challenge Celebrate Women’s Creativity with Handcrafted Tote Bags

This Women’s Day, Good Flippin’ Burgers, India’s most loved burger brands, is marking the occasion with an initiative that goes beyond the usual celebrations. Across its 60+ outlets, customers will find more than burgers. Each outlet will feature limited-edition tote bags handcrafted by women at Bombay Teen Challenge, a residential empowerment center in Mumbai. The bags reflect their care, skill, and creativity, turning everyday retail spaces into platforms where talent and opportunity are celebrated.

 Set Beautiful Free Creations, part of Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC), provides long-term care, education, and vocational training for women who are rebuilding their lives. Its programs in tailoring, embroidery, jewelry, apparel, micro greens, and hair and beauty equip women to create work that is meaningful, visible, and valued. Through this collaboration, their craft reaches thousands of customers, giving pride, confidence, and recognition to every woman involved.

The women at Bombay Teen Challenge, trained in tailoring and embroidery, contribute focus, patience, and artistry to every bag. Priced at Rs. 695, the totes are initially available at dine-in outlets, with plans to expand to delivery and online channels. Proceeds are reinvested into producing new bags with evolving designs, ensuring the initiative continues to grow and provide meaningful opportunities over time.

“This initiative allows Good Flippin’ Burgers to transform our reach into real impact,” says Viren D’Silva, Co-founder of Good Flippin’ Burgers. “Every bag carries skill, creativity, and pride. By showcasing the work of women at Bombay Teen Challenge, we are creating a platform where talent is visible and Women’s Day becomes more than a celebration. Each bag tells a story, and our stores become a place where opportunity is tangible and recognized.”

“Good Flippin’ Burgers has created a space where our women’s talent is celebrated,” says Deborah Devaraj, Founder of Set Beautiful Free Creations. “Every tote bag represents skill, care, and opportunity. This partnership transforms creativity into something tangible, showing how brands can make a lasting and meaningful impact.”

Launching on 8th March 2026, the tote bags are available at all Good Flippin’ Burgers dine-in outlets. This ongoing initiative will continue to feature new designs, expanding both the creative possibilities and opportunities for the women at Bombay Teen Challenge. By combining scale, reach, and purpose, Good Flippin’ Burgers demonstrates how a QSR brand can create real social impact, making Women’s Day a celebration of skill, creativity, and meaningful engagement.

Chef Hari Nayak Returns to Four Seasons Resort Maldives for Another Unmissable Residency

Hari Nayak is heading back to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and for lovers of Indian cuisine with a contemporary edge, this is one to mark on the calendar. 

 At the resort’s award-winning Indian restaurant, Baraabaru which is  named among CNN Travel’s Top 10 Maldives’ Finest Tables in 2022,  Chef Nayak continues his culinary dialogue with Head Chef Kishan Singh, blending coastal Indian traditions with global technique.

This season’s menu dives into regional favourites with personality: Gujarat’s Anda Ghotala, Kolkata’s Beguni, black garlic naan, barbecue butter chicken chops and a playful gulab jamun crème brûlée. A standout? His signature whole baked lobster with coconut turmeric sauce and lemon rice — bold, fragrant and unmistakably his.

Due to the ongoing war situation, Chef Nayak’s residency has now been postponed from March to May.

 

Visionet’s Suvarna Nikam Shares Insights on Women’s Day 2026

 By:- Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet Systems

“Organizations that truly succeed in advancing women do not rely on policy alone—they build cultures of collaboration, generosity, and shared learning. For women, especially at junior and mid-career levels, access to experience, mentorship, and visible role models often makes the difference between staying the course and quietly stepping away.

Many women enter the workforce with strong capability and ambition. Yet over time, systemic challenges begin to compound. Tough customer environments, unclear expectations, constant ambiguity, and the pressure to balance work with caregiving or motherhood often cause mid-to-senior-career women to pause, step back, or exit altogether. Breaking this cycle requires more than individual resilience from women—it requires an intentional relook at organizational design and how leaders share knowledge and opportunity.

At Visionet, the Elevate – Leadership Masterclass is a strong example of this philosophy in practice. Through Elevate, Visionet invites guest speakers from industry, customers, and leaders from their partnership ecosystem to share their leadership journeys—openly discussing real challenges, career pivots, failures, and lessons learned. Another impactful platform is “In Conversation with Leadership”, where Visionet’s internal leaders share their own stories—how they handled difficult customers, made hard trade-offs, recovered from setbacks, and balanced growth with personal responsibilities. These conversations create a safe, relatable context that allows women to see leadership as attainable, not abstract.

Also, male allyship ensures that women who bring balance, empathy, and innovation are not overlooked simply because they are quieter or less self-promoting. 

A give-to-gain culture recognizes that when leaders share knowledge, time, and opportunity, the entire organization benefits. Women who are supported stay longer, lead stronger, and become role models. When organizations invest in collaborative ecosystems grounded in generosity, they help build the future of leadership.”

Shree Cement Appoints Rachana Sharma as Head of Environment

Shree Cement Limited, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers with a strong focus on sustainability and responsible growth, has announced the appointment of Ms. Rachana Sharma as Head-Environment.

 With over two decades of experience in environment management and sustainability, Rachana Sharma brings deep domain expertise across the cement and large infrastructure sectors. She has led environmental governance, regulatory compliance and sustainability programmes across complex operations, delivering measurable outcomes. Prior to joining Shree Cement, she served as Head  Environment at JSW Cement, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening environmental management systems and advancing sustainability-led initiatives.

Welcoming her to the organisation, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Rachana Sharma as Head Environment at Shree Cement. As sustainability becomes central to our growth strategy, with sharper focus on decarbonisation, resource efficiency and environmental stewardship, this role assumes significant strategic importance. Rachna’s brings strong domain expertise and proven leadership in environmental governance. Her experience will meaningfully advance our vision of responsible manufacturing and long-term value creation.”

Commenting on her appointment, Rachana Sharma, Head – Environment, Shree Cement, said,

 “I am excited to join Shree Cement at a pivotal phase of its growth journey, where sustainability and operational excellence are closely aligned. The company’s disciplined approach to responsible manufacturing presents a strong platform to drive measurable environmental outcomes. I look forward to working with teams across the organisation to strengthen governance, enhance compliance frameworks, and advance sustainability.”

With this appointment, Shree Cement continues to strengthen its leadership capabilities in line with its sustainability priorities.

Swaranjali to Host ‘Baithaki’ – An Evening of Indian Classical Music in West Bengal on March 14

 

​Hyderabad Runs for a Greener Tomorrow at SBI Green Marathon Season 6 — Where Fitness Meets Sustainability

Hyderabad, March 8: After inspiring green movements across cities, including Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, Patna, Mumbai and Chennai, the SBI Green Marathon Season 6 arrived in the dynamic city of Hyderabad. As the city welcomed a refreshing Sunday morning, Sukoon Grounds at the University of Hyderabad transformed into a vibrant hub of fitness, community spirit, and environmental awareness.

Surrounded by the serene green landscapes of the university campus, the Hyderabad edition perfectly embodied the marathon’s philosophy — “Run for a Greener India.” Known for its fast-growing fitness culture, enthusiastic running communities, and increasing focus on sustainable living, Hyderabad provided the perfect backdrop for this nationwide green movement.

Over 4,000+ enthusiastic participants — including professional runners, students, families, corporate teams, fitness groups, and defence personnel — gathered with a shared purpose: to celebrate health, endurance, and environmental responsibility. Each step taken on the course symbolized Hyderabad’s growing commitment toward a healthier lifestyle and a greener future.

The marathon was ceremoniously flagged off by esteemed dignitaries – Shri S. Radhakrishnan, Chief General Manager, Shri Ravi Kumar Verma, General Manager (Network-I), Shri Satish Kumar, General Manager (Network-II), Shri Pankaj Priyadarshi, DGM & CDO, Mr. Sushanta Panda – India Operations Head – Radio Mirchi, Mr. Ravi Chaitanya – South Head – Radio Mirchi, reaffirming the bank’s continued commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and nation-building through impactful initiatives that encourage positive environmental action.

Staying true to its eco-first philosophy, the SBI Green Marathon delivered a thoughtfully curated and environmentally responsible race experience:

• Organic T-shirts, plantable BIBs, and reusable cloth goodie bags promoted sustainable practices while reducing single-use waste.

• Dedicated waste management systems ensured responsible waste segregation and disposal, reinforcing the marathon’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Adding energy and excitement to the morning were Radio Mirchi’s RJ Chakshu and RJ Swathi, whose lively stage presence, engaging interactions, and motivational energy kept participants pumped and the crowd entertained throughout the event.

The marathon featured 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon categories, with AIMS-certified routes ensuring global-standard course accuracy, safety, and a smooth racing experience for runners of all levels. The scenic and green surroundings of the University of Hyderabad campus provided a refreshing and inspiring course that blended endurance with nature.

With every kilometre completed, Hyderabad reinforced the spirit of collective action for a sustainable tomorrow. From the energetic flag-off to the eco-friendly race arrangements and celebrations, the city proudly carried forward the mission of the SBI Green Marathon’s 17-city journey.

As SBI Green Marathon Season 6 continues its nationwide movement, Hyderabad stands tall — proving that when communities run together with purpose, every step brings India closer to a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future. 

M5 Ecity Mall Rewards Shoppers with Grand Prizes as ‘Shop & Win’ Campaign Winners Announced

Bangalore, Mar 07: M5 Ecity Mall, the premier shopping destination in Bangalore, announced the winners of the lucky draw from its much-awaited “Shop & Win” campaign recently. The campaign, which began in December 2025, witnessed an overwhelming response from shoppers and concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony held at the mall premises.

 As part of the campaign, a total of 16 exciting gifts were presented to the lucky winners. The prizes included a Hyundai Exter car, 2 TVS Apache bikes, gold worth ₹2 lakhs, and 12 electronic home appliances. The prizes were personally presented to the winners by Shri. BT Nagaraj Reddy, Managing Director, M5 Mahendra Group, who was also the Guest of Honor at the event.

Shri BT Nagaraj Reddy, Managing Director, M5 Mahendra Group said

“We are pleased to announce the winners of the ‘Shop & Win’ campaign, an initiative aimed at enhancing customer engagement while rewarding our shoppers for their continued association with M5 Ecity Mall. The overwhelming response to this campaign reflects the growing trust and loyalty our visitors place in us. At M5 Mahendra Group, we remain committed to creating dynamic retail experiences that go beyond shopping, fostering meaningful engagement and delivering value-driven experiences for our customers and the larger community.”

The successful culmination of the ‘Shop & Win’ campaign underscores M5 Ecity Mall’s continued focus on strengthening customer engagement through thoughtfully curated retail initiatives. As a leading lifestyle destination, the mall remains dedicated to delivering enhanced shopping experiences while introducing innovative campaigns that celebrate customer loyalty and contribute to a vibrant, community-oriented retail environment.

CDSL IPF launches ‘Ms. Atmanirbhar Investor’ campaign to encourage women to responsibly begin their investment journey

Chandigarh, Mar 7: Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) Investor Protection Fund (IPF) has launched a new digital ad campaign around the occasion of International Women’s Day as part of its flagship investor awareness initiative ‘AtmanirbHER’, encouraging women to responsibly begin their investment journey in the securities market and become ‘Ms. Atmanirbhar Investor’.

 The campaign highlights the growing participation of women in the securities market, noting that women investors today account for 25% of demat account holders, up from 20% last year, reflecting a positive shift towards financial inclusion and investor awareness.

As part of the initiative, CDSL IPF has released two digital ad films, rolled out as a multilingual campaign in 12 Indian languages to reach women investors across the country.

The first film portrays how a group of friends motivates their hesitant friend to overcome her doubts and take the first step towards well-informed investing. The second film celebrates her decision to begin her investment journey, symbolising the confidence and freedom that comes with taking charge of one’s financial future. Together, the films reinforce the campaign message #BanoMsAtmanirbharInvestor, highlighting that investing in the securities market, backed by research and planning, can empower women to achieve financial independence and pursue their dreams.

Speaking about the campaign, Ms. Nayana Ovalekar, Chief Regulatory Officer, CDSL and Trustee, CDSL IPF, said,

“Financial self-sufficiency is one of the most powerful forms of empowerment, and investing is a key step in that journey. Through the ‘AtmanirbHER’ initiative, we aim to encourage more women to take their first step towards investing in the securities market with the right knowledge, planning and confidence, enabling them to build a secure financial future and truly become Atmanirbhar investors.”

CDSL IPF continues to promote financial literacy and investor awareness across diverse audiences. The ‘AtmanirbHER’ initiative seeks to encourage women from varied backgrounds to participate responsibly in the securities market and build long-term financial security.

NIIT Celebrates Women’s Day, Pledges Inclusive Growth and Leadership Opportunities

By:- Shilpa Dua, CHRO, NIIT Limited

“On International Women’s Day  we celebrate the women who are shaping the future through talent, skills, and leadership. Empowering women with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead is not just the right thing to do—it is essential for building stronger organizations and societies.

This year’s IWD theme of ‘Give to gain’ echoes that progress isn’t accidental- it is intentional. In an AI-dominated era, we have a unique opportunity to not just empower women but enable our society & communities to prosper. 

At NIIT, we remain committed to building an inclusive workplace through diversity-focused hiring practices, leadership development initiatives, and continuous efforts to ensure women have equal opportunities to rise and lead. When we support and recognize women, we create a better world for everyone. The choices we make today can shape a more equal and successful future for all.

Happy Women’s Day to the leaders and changemakers of today and tomorrow.”

Thailand RISE Fund Positions Thai Research for Global Innovation Impact