9, Mar 2026
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.”
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- By Neel Achary
9, Mar 2026
Goutham Reddy Mereddy, Gaurav Maheshwari Take leading Roles at Confederation of Indian Industry Telangana
Hyderabad, Mar 9: Goutham Reddy Mereddy, Vice Chairman of Re Sustainability Ltd. (formerly Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd.), has been elected as the Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Telangana for the year 2026–27.
Alongside him, Gaurav Maheshwari has been elected as the Vice Chairman of CII Telangana for the same term.
Mr. Goutham Reddy Mereddy brings with him over 27 years of experience spanning environmental services, waste management, real estate and infrastructure development. He began his professional career as an environmental scientist at the Environment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI), a state government society, where he worked on research and consulting in environmental improvement, with a particular focus on industrial hazardous waste and municipal solid waste management.
He later joined Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, which has since been renamed Re Sustainability Ltd. During his tenure, Mr. Reddy has played a key role in building the company into India’s largest environmental and waste management enterprise and one of Asia’s leading waste management organizations, with more than 85 operating facilities across over 23 states in India and around 10 countries globally.
Under his leadership, the company currently manages over 7 million tonnes of waste annually and has emerged as a pioneer in areas such as biomedical waste management, hazardous waste management, municipal solid waste management, and construction and demolition waste management. He has also been instrumental in establishing some of the largest integrated waste-to-energy plants, converting more than one million tonnes of waste into approximately 100 MW of power, while also contributing to infrastructure and real estate development initiatives.
Gaurav Maheshwari, the newly elected Vice Chairman, is a Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years of cross-functional experience across finance, commercial operations and general management. With over 25 years at Signode, he has played a significant role in implementing best practices in mergers and acquisitions, cost optimization, supply chain efficiency, technology-led transformation, organizational simplification and restructuring initiatives.
Prior to his current role, Maheshwari led the Commercial function for Signode India, delivering consistent business performance through strategic leadership and operational excellence. In January 2021, he assumed the role of Group President – Asia Pacific, where he now provides strategic direction and oversees Signode’s operations across multiple countries in the region.
Known for his strong finance background and strategic insight, Maheshwari focuses on driving enterprise-wide business outcomes and long-term value creation. His leadership approach is anchored in trust, transparency and empowerment, encouraging teams to take ownership and achieve excellence. He is also a strong proponent of sustainability and responsible business practices, integrating them with operational performance and continuous improvement.
The appointments of Goutham Reddy Mereddy and Gaurav Maheshwari are expected to further strengthen CII Telangana’s mission of fostering industry growth, policy engagement and sustainable development across the region.
9, Mar 2026
Stakeholder meet held in Goa to address rising Social Media risks for children
The meeting was held at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, on the theme “Impact of Social Media on Children and Regulatory Safeguards for Child Safety.” It was chaired by Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri. Rohan Khaunte.
“Children today are often introduced to mobile phones at a very young age, which can eventually develop into an addiction. It’s therefore important for parents to take responsibility, closely monitor their children’s activities and instill good cyber hygiene from an early age. As a State, we must bring together academia, industry and government to create a comprehensive document. Goa needs to strike a balance between enabling access to educational digital tools while identifying and regulating platforms that may be detrimental to children. Through the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, we will take these recommendations to the Central Government.”
9, Mar 2026
360 ONE Asset Closes Fifth Private Credit Fund at INR 3,500 Crore
Mumbai, Mar 9: 360 ONE Asset, one of India’s leading alternative asset managers, today announced the successful close of its fifth vintage private credit strategy, with total commitments of ~INR 3,500 crore including managed assets.
“The successful close of our latest fund at ~INR 3,500 crore reflects the deep trust our investors place in our platform and our ability to consistently deliver resilient, risk-adjusted returns,”
said Aakash Desai, CIO and Head, Private Credit at 360 ONE Asset.
The strong fundraise underscores investor conviction in 360 ONE Asset’s differentiated private credit platform, disciplined investment philosophy, and consistent execution track record. Commitments were received from a diversified base of investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, reflecting rising institutional allocation towards alternative assets.
“India’s private credit market is at a structural inflection point, supported by strong economic growth, increasing formalisation of capital, and rising demand for flexible financing solutions. For global and domestic institutional investors, private credit offers a compelling value proposition, with attractive yield premiums, strong covenant protections, and access to high-growth businesses in a large and underpenetrated credit market. With sustained origination momentum, we believe we are well-positioned to scale our franchise while remaining anchored to disciplined underwriting, downside protection, and long-term capital preservation,”
Aakash Desai added.
With this close, 360 ONE Asset further strengthens its position as one of the leading private credit managers in India. 360 ONE Asset’s Private Credit business manages credit assets worth INR 15,200 crore supported by one of the most active origination platforms in the country. In 2024, the firm originated over INR 6,600 crore of private credit transactions, followed by approximately INR 7,000 crore in 2025, demonstrating sustained deal flow strength, deep sponsor relationships, and robust on-ground execution capabilities.
The fund will continue the firm’s proven strategy of delivering structured and innovative credit solutions to high-quality Indian corporates. It will focus on capital preservation, strong covenant structures, and attractive risk-adjusted yields through bespoke financing solutions tailored to evolving capital needs.
Over five vintages, 360 ONE Asset has built a scaled and resilient private credit franchise anchored in deep, sector-focused underwriting expertise, a rigorous credit evaluation framework, active portfolio monitoring, and disciplined risk management.
As India’s alternative investment landscape continues to evolve, 360 ONE Asset remains committed to delivering institutional-quality private credit solutions and partnering with high-quality businesses to create enduring value for investors.
9, Mar 2026
Prachi Kaushik Calls for Health, Safety and Dignity as the Foundation of Women’s Empowerment on International Women’s Day
New Delhi, Mar 9: Social entrepreneur Prachi Kaushik, Founder and Director of Vyomini Social Enterprise, has emphasized that women’s empowerment must begin with health, safety and dignity, especially for women living in rural and underserved communities across India.
Speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Kaushik highlighted the importance of ensuring access to quality healthcare, menstrual hygiene and mental well-being support as essential pillars for empowering women. She noted that strong policy frameworks, trained community health workers, financial inclusion and safe spaces are critical to ensure last-mile delivery of these services in rural India.
“Women’s empowerment must begin with health, safety and dignity. A woman with access to quality healthcare, menstrual hygiene and mental well-being support stands stronger in every role she plays,” Kaushik said. “When women are given dignity, opportunity and protection, the nation gains lasting strength and balance.”
Kaushik also pointed to the transformative impact of education in improving the lives of women in India. She noted that female youth literacy has reached nearly 96%, supported by initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. This progress has contributed to growing economic participation, with female labour force participation rising to around 41–42% in 2023–24 and self-employment among women increasing significantly in recent years.
However, she stressed that the rise in crimes against women underscores the urgent need for deeper gender sensitisation and social awareness. According to Kaushik, India’s cultural heritage, including its Vedic traditions that honoured women as equals, should inspire a renewed commitment to gender dignity and equality.
Prachi Kaushik is a social entrepreneur who has empowered more than 250,000 grassroots women through initiatives focused on health awareness, livelihood creation and local sourcing of products. Her work centres on transforming women who are often perceived as vulnerable into community change-makers, particularly in climate-affected and marginalised regions.
An alumna of University of Delhi, where she earned a Master’s degree in Political Science and Human Rights, Kaushik has more than a decade of experience in the development sector. Since 2008, she has worked with both government and non-government organisations on policy execution and last-mile outreach.
In 2017, she left her government job to establish Vyomini Social Enterprise, with the goal of building an ecosystem that supports women-led entrepreneurship and leadership in high-impact sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, nutrition, health and sanitation.
Her contributions to social development have been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Women Transforming India Awards by NITI Aayog and the Rex Karmaveer Chakra Award.
Kaushik is also actively engaged in Menstrual Health Management initiatives through the SUNDESH programme since 2018, working to raise awareness and promote better menstrual hygiene practices across multiple communities. She joined the programme as an executive member in 2022 and continues to advocate for accessible menstrual health education and support systems.
Through her work, Kaushik aims to educate, inspire and empower socially conscious women entrepreneurs who can generate sustainable livelihoods, strengthen women’s leadership and drive positive social and environmental change in marginalised communities.
9, Mar 2026
AbhiBus Teams Up with Uber for Intercity Bus Bookings
Mumbai, Mar 9 : AbhiBus one of India’s leading online bus ticketing platforms, has partnered with Uber to power intercity bus ticket bookings within the Uber app.
Uber users across India can now book intercity bus tickets directly within the app, leveraging AbhiBus’s robust inventory and booking technology. Through this partnership, users gain access to AbhiBus’s extensive network of over 6 lakh routes operated by over 6,200 bus operators nationwide.
To book, users can navigate to the Home or Services section on the Uber app and select the “Intercity” option. After entering their origin, destination and travel date, they can browse available bus services, choose preferred seats and complete their booking smoothly within the app using integrated payment options.
Powered by AbhiBus’s end-to-end booking technology and deep operator integrations, Uber users can discover and compare bus options, check real-time seat availability and select preferred seats directly within the app. They can also filter by bus types such as AC, Sleeper, Seater, Volvo and Scania, view 360° bus photos on select routes, track live bus status, opt for Abhi Assured with defined compensation benefits in case of service disruptions, and access 24×7 customer support. The partnership expands Uber’s mobility ecosystem beyond intra-city rides by integrating bus travel into a single app, enabling users to plan both short-distance and intercity journeys seamlessly.
Speaking on this, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said,
“This partnership with Uber represents a significant milestone for intercity travel in India. By integrating AbhiBus’s deep operator network and booking technology into the Uber app, we are bringing over 6 lakh routes directly to millions of users – making bus travel discovery as seamless as booking a cab. With Uber’s reach and AbhiBus’s deep expertise in powering seamless bus travel experiences, we are setting a new benchmark for how India books its intercity journeys.”
Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber, added,
“We are excited to partner with AbhiBus and bring intercity bus travel into the Uber app. At Uber, our mission is to make movement seamless for everyone and integrating AbhiBus’s extensive bus network directly into our platform is a natural extension of that vision. AbhiBus brings unmatched depth in bus inventory and operator integrations, and together we are unlocking a new dimension of mobility for millions of Indians.”
With this partnership, AbhiBus further strengthens its footprint in powering intercity bus travel across diverse platforms, making seamless and reliable bus booking more accessible to millions of travellers.
9, Mar 2026
Your Zodiac Sign Could Lead You to Your Perfect Ring: Rings & I Introduces Astrology-Inspired Jewellery Guide
Mumbai, Mar 09: Jewellery brand Rings & I has introduced a unique style guide that blends astrology with jewellery design, helping customers discover rings that reflect their personality through their zodiac signs. The concept highlights how personal traits associated with zodiac elements can inspire distinctive ring styles, from bold statement pieces to timeless classics.
A ring is more than just an accessory—it represents personality, emotion, and intention. At Rings & I, each design begins with individuality at its core, offering contemporary lab-grown diamonds, natural gemstones, and fully personalised settings. The brand’s new zodiac-inspired approach provides customers with a creative starting point to find rings that align with their identity and style.
Fire Signs: Bold and Expressive
For Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, rings that command attention are the perfect match. These individuals are known for their confidence and passion, often gravitating toward bold silhouettes, radiant diamonds, and statement designs set in yellow gold. Dramatic centre stones, halo settings, and striking proportions complement the vibrant energy of fire signs.
Earth Signs: Timeless and Refined
Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are drawn to craftsmanship, quality, and enduring elegance. Earth signs prefer sophisticated designs that stand the test of time. Emerald-cut diamonds, platinum settings, and balanced symmetrical styles capture their appreciation for luxury with substance and heirloom-worthy appeal.
Air Signs: Creative and Distinctive
For Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, jewellery becomes a form of self-expression. Stackable rings, multi-stone arrangements, and innovative settings reflect their creative personalities. White gold, intricate detailing, and unique design elements help air signs express their individuality while creating conversation-worthy pieces.
Water Signs: Emotional and Intuitive
Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces look for jewellery that carries deeper emotional meaning. Rings featuring moonstone, aquamarine, ruby, or vintage-inspired diamond settings resonate with their sentimental and intuitive nature. Fluid designs, soft silhouettes, and symbolic gemstones help water signs connect with pieces that feel deeply personal.
Personalisation at the Heart of the Brand
With more than 184,000 design possibilities, Rings & I offers extensive customisation across metals, gemstones, and finishes. The brand’s personalised “try-before-you-create” approach allows customers to experiment with designs before finalising a ring that reflects both their zodiac sign and their story.
By combining astrology, design innovation, and personal expression, the brand encourages customers to explore jewellery in a more meaningful way.
Whether someone follows astrology closely or simply enjoys the symbolism behind it, the perfect ring might already be written in the stars.
9, Mar 2026
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.
9, Mar 2026
International Women’s Day 2026_&TV Artists Embraces Every Role a Woman Plays with Give To Gain
This International Women’s Day, &TV celebrates the many roles women play in their lives with the inspiring theme #GiveToGain. The campaign highlights the idea that when women give—whether it is love, mentorship, strength, or opportunity—they gain growth, resilience, and purpose in return.
A woman navigates countless roles through her lifetime, balancing responsibilities while nurturing dreams—both her own and those of others. Reflecting this powerful journey, &TV’s leading ladies Akshaya Naik, Priyamvada Kant, Geetanjali Mishra, and Shilpa Shinde share their personal perspectives on what #GiveToGain means to them.
Akshaya Naik, who plays Eena in &TV’s upcoming show Hey Bhagwaan – Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan, says, “As an actor, my days are long and demanding, but beyond the camera, I am also a daughter, a friend, and someone who values personal relationships deeply. Being a woman means constantly shifting roles—from memorising scripts on set to being emotionally present for my family. I have realised that every time I give my time, patience, or encouragement to someone, I grow stronger within. #GiveToGain resonates with me because when we support another woman’s dreams, we gain collective strength. This Women’s Day, I want to inspire young girls to break barriers and believe they are capable of anything.”
Sharing her thoughts, Priyamvada Kant, who portrays Latika in Gharwali Pedwali, says, “In my life, I play many roles—an actor committed to her craft, a daughter responsible toward her family, and a woman constantly learning and evolving. There are days when balancing everything feels overwhelming, but that is where a woman’s true strength lies. For me, #GiveToGain means giving kindness, guidance, and opportunities whenever possible. When we uplift another woman, we gain confidence and unity. Empowerment begins when we stand by each other.”
Reflecting on the significance of the theme, Geetanjali Mishra, who plays Rajesh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “Being a woman means wearing multiple hats effortlessly. On-screen, I bring laughter to audiences, but off-screen, I am a daughter who draws inspiration from her mother’s resilience and strength. I have seen how much women give emotionally and physically to keep their families together. #GiveToGain reminds me that while we give so much, we also gain wisdom, courage, and the ability to inspire others. This Women’s Day, let us give education to girls, respect to women in every field, and encouragement to those who doubt themselves because every small act of support creates lasting change.”
Adding to the celebration, Shilpa Shinde, who plays Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai!, says, “Over the years, I have balanced my career, personal life, and social responsibilities, and I truly believe that being a woman is about embracing every role with heart and determination. We are caregivers at home, professionals at work, and pillars of strength for our loved ones. Sometimes we forget to acknowledge how much we handle every day. I am proud to be part of &TV’s ‘Selfie Lo. Shine Karo. Star Ban Jaao!’ campaign this Women’s Day. It encourages women to pause, click a selfie at the special crown mirror installation, and see themselves as confident, independent, and powerful. A simple moment of self-celebration can turn into a star moment. When women share experiences, mentor others, or simply offer support, we create a powerful circle of empowerment.”
Tune in to &TV every Monday to Friday to enjoy your favourite shows—Hey Bhagwaan – Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 9:30 PM, Gharwali Pedwali at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai! at 10:30 PM. Viewers can also stream all episodes anytime on ZEE5.
9, Mar 2026
Akshar Yoga Kendraa Launches PURANTHA, a Global Centre for Advanced Yogic Sciences in Bengaluru
The campus aims to train 100,000 yoga teachers annually through structured yogic education
Bengaluru, India | Mar 09— Akshar Yoga Kendraa has announced the launch of PURANTHA, a Himalayan-origin centre dedicated to advanced yoga and spiritual science. Conceptualised under the vision of Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, the new campus has been developed near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Spread across about 165,000 square feet, the facility has been designed to train 100,000 yoga teachers each year, responding to the rising global demand for structured and authentic yoga education.
PURANTHA has been established as a space for deeper engagement with Himalayan yogic sciences and Siddha traditions, combining practice, study, and research within one environment. The campus brings together several aspects of yogic learning, including advanced practice modules, teacher education programs, and applied study of traditional knowledge systems.
The design of the centre allows different disciplines to function alongside one another. Facilities have been created for yogic training, meditation, prāṇāyāma, Ayurveda, research and development, and residential learning. With its scale and layout, the campus is intended to support sustained practice and long-term study without interruption between different activities.
All training and educational programs at PURANTHA are conducted under the guidance of Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar through Akshar Yoga Kendraa, an institution recognised by the Ministry of AYUSH under the Yoga Institution category. The centre has been developed with an emphasis on disciplined learning, methodological clarity, safety, and continuity of practice.
Speaking on the launch, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar said: “PURANTHA has been envisioned as a space where the depth of Himalayan yogic traditions can be preserved, studied and practiced through a structured institutional framework. The intention is to support practitioners and teachers from across the world who wish to explore yoga as a science of inner evolution.”
Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of AYUSH; Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, said on the launch: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Akshar Yoga Kendraa on the launch of PURANTHA, a Himalayan-origin centre dedicated to advanced yoga and spiritual science. I commend Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar and the entire Akshar Yoga community for this inspiring initiative, which will further strengthen India’s leadership in yoga and holistic wellness across the world.”
The campus is also intended to serve as a global platform for the structured transmission of Himalayan yogic and spiritual knowledge. Through residential training programs, institutional collaborations, and international participation, PURANTHA aims to contribute to the continued study and dissemination of yogic sciences across diverse cultural and educational contexts.
