Category Archives: News

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 

Herman Law Opens San Diego Office, Expanding Survivor Support

New WCS Wild Audio Podcast Explores What’s at Stake at Global Migratory Species Summit

BRONX, NY, March 6—A new episode of the WCS Wild Audio podcast examines the challenges facing migratory wildlife worldwide and previews the upcoming 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS CoP15), to be held March 23–29 in Campo Grande, Brazil. WCS scientists and policy experts will be available to journalists covering the meeting.

In the 12-minute episode, Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the CMS Secretariat, describes the state of the world’s migratory species and the urgent conservation issues governments will confront at the global summit.

CMS is the only international treaty focused specifically on animals that regularly cross national borders—from birds and whales to big cats, sharks, and freshwater fish—making international cooperation essential to their survival.

©️Dani Escayola/Ocean Image Bank

The conversation highlights findings from the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report, which found that nearly half of CMS-listed species are in decline and that overexploitation—including hunting, illegal take, and fisheries bycatch—has become the leading threat to many migratory species globally.

“These species connect ecosystems across continents and oceans,” says Fraenkel. “But the pressures facing them—from overexploitation to habitat fragmentation—are increasing, and addressing them requires coordinated international action.”

The discussion also explores emerging priorities for CMS CoP15, including stronger efforts to address illegal and unsustainable taking of wildlife, protection of ecological connectivity across landscapes and seascapes, and new attention to migratory freshwater fish, which are among the most threatened groups of migratory animals.

The Wildlife Conservation Society will have a strong presence at the meeting (read more here), where its scientists and policy experts will advocate for science-based decisions and stronger international cooperation to conserve migratory species and the ecosystems they depend on.

WCS will focus in particular on proposals to strengthen protections for species such as the striped hyena, giant otter, and several migratory shark species, as well as conservation initiatives addressing freshwater fish in major river basins such as the Amazon.

The organization is also working with partners and governments to advance broader CMS priorities, including tackling illegal and unsustainable wildlife use, reducing fisheries bycatch, and protecting ecological connectivity for species that depend on large, intact landscapes and migratory corridors.

How the Middle East conflict is reshaping gas and LNG markets

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, March 6: Wood Mackenzie analysis indicates the Middle East conflict could disrupt 200 Mtpa of forecast Asian LNG demand growth over the next decade as QatarEnergy’s force majeure removes 20% of global supply. The disruption threatens to raise long-term structural challenges for global gas and LNG markets similar to those seen following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

With QatarEnergy’s declaration of force majeure on LNG shipments from Ras Laffan and European gas prices nearly doubling since Monday, the situation threatens to reshape buyer confidence, supply strategies, and even energy policy worldwide.

“The consequences of the war for gas and LNG are uncertain but could rival those that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022,” said Simon Flowers, Chairman and Chief Analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “Much will depend on whether the disruption is a short-lived blip or is more enduring, and whether gas and LNG infrastructure in the region suffers major damage.”

Key Facts:

• QatarEnergy declaration of force majeure removes 20% of global LNG supply
• Asian LNG demand forecast to grow by 200 Mtpa over next decade
• Qatar and the UAE account for 79 Mtpa and 5.6 Mtpa of LNG capacity respectively
• European gas prices nearly doubled since 3 March 2026
• Nearly 100 Mtpa of US pre-FID LNG projects offer geographic diversification alternatives

Supply diversification imperative

The crisis has exposed the concentration risk for those importing countries which are most dependent on Middle Eastern LNG supply. According to Gavin Thompson, Vice Chairman, Energy for Wood Mackenzie, this will fundamentally alter how buyers approach new long-term supply contracts.

“Assuming no significant damage to existing projects in Qatar and the UAE, the amplified risks associated with these volumes will, in time, dissipate,” Thompson said. “But the crisis will drive home the importance of supply diversification. The raft of US pre-FID projects – almost 100 Mtpa currently – come without a single geographic point-of-failure risk.”

However, US supply is not risk-free, not least from domestic energy policy and cannot be the only solution. Wood Mackenzie analysis indicates that pre-FID projects in Canada, Mozambique and Argentina will look to capitalize on the uncertainty, while projects that have slipped on timeline, such as Abadi in Indonesia and Browse in Australia, could gain fresh impetus. Portfolio suppliers and national oil companies, including QatarEnergy itself, are expected to seek greater diversification of their own supply sources.

Asian demand growth at risk

Asia represents the cornerstone of the bullish outlook for gas and LNG, with Wood Mackenzie forecasting Asian LNG demand to increase by around 200 Mtpa over the coming decade. However, that growth depends on competitive pricing and supply reliability, which are both now in question.

Asian markets could respond to the current loss of supply in several ways, according to Wood Mackenzie analysis. Coal is expected to take market share from gas and LNG in the power sector across Japan, South Korea, China, India and Southeast Asia. Asian governments may accelerate renewables growth plans, though near-term upside will be limited. Additional incentives for domestic gas development could be fast-tracked but will similarly offer little immediate relief.

“Fundamentally, however, Asia needs more energy, while the region’s rising emissions will need to be addressed,” said Thompson. “With limited alternative options, we maintain our long-held view that LNG remains central to meeting future Asian energy demand.”

Confidence crisis for gas and LNG

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gas and LNG’s reputation as a reliable and affordable fuel was severely tested. While swift action to increase LNG availability helped rebuild confidence, the current crisis has reopened those wounds.

“In the eyes of gas and LNG sceptics, war has once again highlighted how supply disruptions and volatile prices can imperil energy security and affordability,” Massimo Di Odoardo, Vice President, Gas and LNG Research at Wood Mackenzie noted. “A swift restoration of supply and lower prices will allay some concerns among importers in the short term. But beyond the immediate crisis, more work will be required to rebuild confidence.”

Europe remains determined to reduce its dependence on gas and LNG, though the reality is that the region is already moving as fast as realistically possible on decarbonization given budget constraints. With Russia still engaged in war with Ukraine, the chances of the EU lifting its ban on Russian gas and LNG imports remains highly unlikely—leaving Europe facing towering gas prices for the second time this decade.

Building resilience

Wood Mackenzie analysis suggests the gas and LNG industry may need to adopt structural changes similar to the oil market to restore buyer confidence. Building spare capacity and higher levels of storage could help address concerns about reliability and volatility, though this will require significant investment, time and coordinated effort.

“Gas and LNG markets are reeling from the loss of supply,” said Di Odoardo. “The industry has been here before and has proven it can recover. Gas’s primary role in decarbonisation ‒ displacing coal and supporting the expansion of renewables ‒ is clear, but the industry may need to go further this time.”

Looking forward

For now, an end to the conflict remains the priority. Longer term, reinforcing gas and LNG supply reliability and minimizing price volatility will be required to ensure the fuels’ demand trajectory remains intact.

“Gas and LNG have work to do to rebuild confidence,” Flowers said. “Building in spare capacity and higher levels of storage, for example, could help soothe a market anxious about reliability and volatility, just as has been done with oil. But this will be neither quick nor easy, requiring investment, time and coordinated effort.”

Reduce Rust by Dumping Your Wok Twice, and Other Kitchen Tips

In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers from Brown University present two related studies about thin film fluid flows in the kitchen: one about the relationship between how long it takes to tip the remaining liquid out of a container and its viscosity, and the other about the ideal time to wait before dumping water out of a wok to minimize rusting — it’s more effective to wait a few minutes to let the water accumulate so there’s more to pour out.

“The kitchen is sort of the prime laboratory,” said author Jay Tang. “It deals with a lot of chemistry, materials science, and physics.”

Most people have an intuitive sense of what viscosity is, often described as how thick a fluid feels. It is measured scientifically by applying a certain amount of force to a fluid and measuring its flow rate.

“If you want to empty a jar of water — a few brief seconds, and you have very little left. But if you try to empty a jar of honey, you need to wait longer,” said author Thomas Dutta. “How much longer? The viscosity can tell us.”

By measuring various examples, the researchers derived an exact equation for this flow. A particularly sustainable person can use this to decide how long to wait to collect 99% of what remains in their jar — but for most people, the intuitive understanding that something viscous, like honey or syrup, takes longer than water does will suffice.

“This tipping thing used to happen in my home when I was a kid,” said Dutta. “My grandma would do it with oil bottles or condensed milk.”

The same principle applies to drying out a wok. After washing and dumping out the initial water, Dutta and Tang calculated the ideal amount of time one should allow the remaining water to reaccumulate at its bottom before dumping it again — too long, and it will rust, but too short, and not enough of the water will pool. Figuring out just the right amount of time relies, unsurprisingly, on the viscosity of water. The answer: a few minutes.

“We use these common household examples to really try to show people in a quantitative way that these are all thin film fluid flow, and we can use fluid mechanics to calculate and predict and reliably estimate things,” said Tang. “The things people handle on a daily basis have a lot of physics behind them.”