Bobby Deol Dazzles in Bespoke Bandhgala at IIFA by Raghavendra Rathore
Mumbai, 8th March 2025: Veteran actor Mr. Bobby Deol is set to make a powerful style statement at the upcoming IIFA Awards, donning an exquisite Bandhgala from India’s leading menswear brand, Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur (RRJ). Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and timeless appeal, the Bandhgala is a true reflection of India’s rich textile heritage, and Mr. Deol’s choice to wear this masterpiece speaks volumes about his appreciation for tradition and modern elegance.
This meticulously crafted Bandhgala features intricate hand embroidery, paying homage to the country’s artisanal craftsmanship and deep-rooted textile legacy. A signature creation of the brand, this iconic silhouette seamlessly combines heritage with sophistication, transforming it into a global style essential for the modern man.
Fashion aficionados echo this sentiment, recognizing Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur as the epitome of classic menswear. When asked about his look for the IIFA 2025, Mr. Bobby Deol said “There is nothing like a classic heritage look, and no brand embodies it better than Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur. The craftsmanship, cut, and fit of the Bandhgala are unmatched— it’s been truly mastered by Raghu. Once you’ve experienced the RRJ creations, it’s difficult to find classic menswear anywhere else.”
Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur has long been a symbol of sartorial excellence, redefining classic menswear with a contemporary edge. With the Bandhgala now firmly embedded in the international fashion landscape, this timeless design continues to evolve, finding its place not just in India but across the globe.
Mr. Deol, often spotted in RRJ, reinforces the enduring appeal of heritage fashion, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the modern gentleman’s wardrobe.
Accelerating Action: Global Leaders Unite for Women’s Health & Empowerment
March 8th, 2025 at Natrajpuram, Chengalpattu, Chennai: In celebration of International Women’s Day, Solidaridad, in partnership with Equitas Bank and funded by the European Union under the SWITCH ASIA project, successfully organized a comprehensive Medical Camp at Alina Private Limited (AVT Pvt Ltd), Guindy. This initiative is a key component of the “Promoting Circularity in Tamil Nadu Leather Clusters for Solid Waste Management” project, directly benefiting 100 SME tanning units while actively ensuring the participation of women in the leather supply chain.
Prioritizing Women’s Health for a Stronger Workforce
The medical camp provided free health check-ups, expert medical consultations, and awareness sessions on women’s health and wellness, addressing critical health concerns and emphasising preventive care. Women workers had access to diagnostic services, personalised health counseling, and guidance on maintaining long-term well-being.
Women’s health is not just a personal concern—it’s an economic priority. A healthier workforce leads to higher productivity, improved workplace safety, and a more resilient and inclusive MSME ecosystem. By prioritizing women’s well-being, this initiative aims to accelerate action toward a more equitable and sustainable leather supply chain.
“The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ reinforces the urgent need to empower women with access to quality healthcare. Their well-being is fundamental to the sustainability and growth of MSMEs. We are proud to partner with Equitas Bank and our collaborators to create impactful interventions that support women’s health and empowerment,” said Mr. Venkaiah Vadlamudi, Representative, Solidaridad.
Empowering Women Through Skill Development & Green Jobs
Alongside the medical camp, Solidaridad launched an ambitious skill development program in collaboration with:
– Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC)
– Council for Leather Exports (CLE)
– Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI)
– Indian Finished Leather Marketing and Exports Association (IFLMEA)
– Tata International
– PISIE
– A V Thomas Group
This initiative will train 300 unemployed women, equipping them with 200 hours of specialized job training, enhancing their skills, and paving the way for sustainable employment and green jobs within the leather supply chain.
By bridging the gender gap in employment and promoting eco-friendly job opportunities, this program directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
– SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being
– SDG 5 – Gender Equality
– SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
Through health interventions, skill-building, and green job creation, Solidaridad and its partners are shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and empowered future for women in the leather industry.
India Drives 16% YoY Surge in APAC Office Demand Growth to Continue
Bengaluru, March 8, 2025 – Demand for office space across Asia Pacific’s (APAC) top 11 markets surged 15.9% annually to 8.8 million sqm (94.7 million sq ft), led by India, Mainland China and Japan. H2 2024 was particularly strong, with office demand in the region reaching 4.7 million sqm (50.6 million sq ft), a 6.1% rise compared to H2 2023. Demand growth in H2 2024 was notable in markets such as India, Japan and particularly impressive in Australia, which had a lower base. Leasing activity, however, remained relatively subdued in New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in H2 2024.
Colliers’ latest report, Asia Pacific Office Market Insights H2 2024 and Outlook 2025, found the significant increase in APAC office space demand to be driven by corporate expansion, return-to-office and the growth of global capability centres. The report captured the key markets of Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
Office market activity was particularly strong in India, which saw 6.17 million sqm (66.4 million sq ft) of leasing during 2024, led by a stronger second half. With 3.44 million sqm (37.0 million sq ft) of gross leasing in H2 2024, India continued to lead office leasing activity in the APAC region, witnessing an 11% YoY rise compared to H2 2023, according to new research from leading global diversified professional services company Colliers.
In India, Technology firms and Flex space operators together accounted for 46% of the total take-up across the top 6 cities during H2 2024. New supply remained robust, with over 2.81 million sqm (30.3 million sq ft) of completions in H2 2024, a 7% YoY growth across the top six cities. Bengaluru and Hyderabad led the office market activity during H2 2024, cumulatively driving more than half of India’s Grade A space demand and supply. Amidst an uptick in both leasing activity and new supply, India vacancy levels largely remained stable at around 17%.
“The APAC office market remained upbeat during H2 2024, with demand rising 6.1% YoY to 4.7 million sqm (50.6 million sq ft). Office space demand in the region continued to be driven by India, Mainland China and Japan. At the same time, leasing in Australia grew manifold during H2 2024, albeit on a comparatively lower base. New office supply declined across most markets in H2 2024, resulting in a 16.9% annual drop at the APAC level. Contrary to larger trends, India witnessed 7% YoY growth in new supply, contributing 60% of the new supply in APAC region during H2 2024. Looking ahead, we anticipate improved demand-supply dynamics in 2025, supported by balanced economic growth and likely moderation in inflation.”, said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India.
“With over 70% share in leasing and 60% share in new supply in H2 2024, India remains one of the leading office markets in the APAC region. Strong domestic leasing, coupled with increasing Grade A space uptake by Global Capability Centers (GCCs), continues to fuel office demand in India. During H2 2024, GCCs leased 1.4 million sqm (~15 million sq ft) of office space in India, accounting for over 40% of the overall leasing during the period. Factors such as rental arbitrage, abundant talent, and language proficiency will continue to support the expansion of GCCs and outsourcing hubs in India.” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director & Head of Research, Colliers India.
Colliers’ research estimates both demand and supply to strengthen across most APAC markets in 2025, with vacancy rates expected to remain rangebound.
Mike Davis, Colliers’ Managing Director of Occupier Services, Asia Pacific, said. “The outlook for the office occupier market remains positive, with strong demand set to drive further market shifts in the year ahead. High-activity markets may witness continued rental growth, particularly in peripheral business districts. The overall outlook for 2025 indicates a sustained momentum for the APAC office leasing market. We expect to see steady growth and continued resilience, driven by stable economic growth, corporate expansions, and the return-to-office trend. The flight-to-quality will dominate, with occupiers seeking modern, flexible and sustainable spaces that foster collaboration and productivity.”
Vestige Unveils WomenOfVestige, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs on Women’s Day
New Delhi, 8th March 2025: Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading home-grown direct-selling company, has launched #WomenOfVestige, a powerful initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across the country. As part of the larger GarvSeBoloHumHainVestige campaign, #WomenOfVestige aims to celebrate and uplift women distributors by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to succeed in direct selling.
With a strong commitment to financial independence and inclusivity, #WomenOfVestige offers specialized training programs focused on business acumen, financial literacy, and leadership development. The campaign will also spotlight inspiring success stories of women who have overcome challenges to build thriving businesses, serving as motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Mr. Gautam Bali, Managing Director and Founder, of Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd. shared, “Every day, more than 2,000 women join the Vestige family, stepping into a world of opportunities and limitless growth. Through #WomenOfVestige, we reinforce a sense of pride among our women distributors, encouraging them to share their journeys, achievements, and aspirations. Our goal is to bring forward the inspiring stories of women who have transformed their lives through Vestige, showcasing their resilience, and success.”
To further support this mission, Vestige is enhancing its app with expert advice tailored specifically for women distributors. The updated platform will provide industry insights, mentorship opportunities, and business-building guidance to help women establish sustainable and successful ventures.
As a part of the campaign, Vestige will also host state-wide events to educate and inspire women about opportunities in direct selling. These events will serve as a networking platform, fostering collaboration and business growth. The campaign kicks off events in Kolkata on March 8 and Mumbai on March 9, marking the beginning of a nationwide movement to empower women entrepreneurs.
Vestige Marketing remains steadfast in its commitment to gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. With #WomenOfVestige, the company is set to transform lives and create a community of confident, financially independent women entrepreneurs.
Stacia Marie Jones Appointed Global VP of IDEA at lululemon
By: Stacia Marie Jones
Empowering women in the workplace isn’t just about increasing representation—it’s about building cultures where they can truly thrive, lead, and shape the future. When inclusion, diversity, equity, and action are woven into the fabric of an organization, every voice is heard, valued, and has the power to drive meaningful change.
That is what we are doing at lululemon. We are a company proud to employ and be led by majority women. We have a program called Women Of that empowers women throughout our organization whose professional advancement is uniquely shaped by racial, cultural, or ethnic experiences. We offer professional development and career coaching and mentoring to all women. We have networks for women, Global Women’s People Network and Women in Tech, to provide safe spaces for our women to be motivated and enriched. Workplaces that foster these values create environments where people feel supported to bring their full selves to work—unlocking innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.
Ultraviolette Secures Unprecedented Demand as Tesseract Pre-Bookings Cross 20,000 in 48 Hours
Bengaluru, March 8, 2025 – Ultraviolette, makers of the ‘Fastest Indian Motorcycle’ has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with its latest product- the Tesseract. Within just 48 hours of the unveil, the company has received over 20,000 pre-bookings: signalling an exceptional demand for the ‘World’s Most Advanced Scooter’.
Owing to the overwhelming response to the Tesseract from customers across the country, Ultraviolette has now announced that it will extend the special introductory price of ₹1.2 lakhs for the first 50,000 bookings towards its promise of fast-tracking Design & Technology in India. This decision comes as a gesture of gratitude towards the growing community of riders who have shown immense enthusiasm for the Tesseract’s cutting-edge Design, Technology, and Performance.
“We are thrilled by the response to the Tesseract from across India. The overwhelming demand in such a short span is a testament to the trust and excitement that our customers have in Ultraviolette’s vision for the future of mobility. The Tesseract represents a paradigm shift in mobility, and with this incredible momentum we are excited to redefine the riding experience for customers in the segment,” said Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette.
With its futuristic design, multiple segment-first features such as Integrated Radar and Dashcam, IDC range of 261 km, peak power output of 20 bhp, and much more, the Tesseract has captured the imagination of customers across the country. The rapid surge in bookings underscores the growing shift towards sustainable and high-performance electric vehicles in India.
Customers can continue to book the Tesseract at the special introductory price of ₹1.2 lakhs until the first 50,000 reservations are completed. Interested buyers can make their pre-bookings through Ultraviolette’s official website.
Let’s Celebrate Holi in Full Bloom at Botany Brew & Kitchen
Holi, the festival of colors, is all about vibrant hues, festive beats, and joyous moments. Celebrate this Holi in the most organic and lively way with Botany Brew & Kitchen, where neon meets nature in a dazzling explosion of colors, music, and festivity.
Step into an eco-conscious Holi wonderland, where you can celebrate freely, knowing that all colors are skin-safe and environmentally friendly. Our flower-adorned spaces offer the perfect backdrop to capture your colorful memories while you immerse yourself in neon-bright organic hues.
Holi at Botany – A Celebration Like No Other
- Organic Neon Colors – Play safe with eco-friendly, skin-friendly colors.
- Floral-Themed Décor – A picture-perfect ambiance to complement the festivities.
- Music & Vibes – Groove to electrifying beats for an unforgettable celebration.
Event Details
Date: 14th March 2025
Venue: Botany Brew & Kitchen
BGR Tech Partners with Stargate Hydrogen for Green Hydrogen
8th march 2025: BGR Tech Ltd., a Prenora Investment holding company in India, has entered into a strategic partnership with Stargate Hydrogen, an Estonian pioneer in Alkaline electrolyzer systems. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ms. Priyadershini Raghupathy, Founder & Chairperson of BGR Tech, and Mr. Marko Virkebau, CEO & Board Member of Stargate Hydrogen.
This collaboration aims to bring Stargate’s advanced high-pressure Alkaline Water Electrolyzer (AWE) technology to the Indian market. Stargate’s flagship product, the Stellar Series AWE, operates at pressures up to 32 bar and offers a single stack capacity of up to 100 Nm³/h (500 kW). This design focuses on minimizing maintenance and operational costs, making it a practical solution for green hydrogen production.
Stellar Series electrolyzer will be integrated into BGR Tech’s pilot plant, which includes an Ultra-Pure water treatment unit, a Gas Separation Unit (GSU) and a Hydrogen Purification System (HPS). This integration is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of hydrogen production systems tailored for Indian projects. The BGR-Tech’s inhouse Pilot plant in Chennai is expected to produce the Green Hydrogen by May 2025 and the same will be used a R&D tool for further monitoring & improving the reliability & efficiency of the system.The Stellar Series Alkaline Water Electrolyzer stack was recently unveiled by Her Excellency Ms. Marje Luup, Ambassador of Estonia to India during India Energy Week 2025 in New Delhi. This event highlighted the commitment of both companies to support India’s growing energy needs through sustainable solutions.
This partnership aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions. By combining their expertise, BGR Tech and Stargate Hydrogen are poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of green hydrogen infrastructure in India by exploring further possibilities for local manufacturing to support “Make in India” policy.
Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Celebrates 3rd Anniversary & Women’s Day with Trishul: Power of Three
Bengaluru, March 8, 2025 – In honor of International Women’s Day, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, along with Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, hosted ‘Trishul: Power of Three’—a compelling fireside chat celebrating women in leadership. Held on March 5th, the event also marked the hotel’s third anniversary, bringing together trailblazing women from hospitality and beyond for an afternoon of powerful conversations.
Under Hilton’s Shakti initiative, which champions women’s empowerment in hospitality, ‘Trishul: Power of Three’ focused on the three key leadership pillars: Strength, Growth, and Legacy. The event featured a stellar lineup of women leaders, each driving impact in their respective fields. Sahar Mansoor, CEO of Bare Necessities, a sustainability advocate and social entrepreneur, shared insights on sustainable living and leadership. The hospitality industry was well represented by Bavani Srinu, Cluster Director of Marketing, Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Manyata & Hilton Embassy Golf Links, an expert in branding and marketing; Payal Joshi, Rooms Division Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield, who provided valuable perspectives on operations and guest experience; and Misbah Nisar, Executive Housekeeper, Conrad Bengaluru, known for her expertise in hospitality leadership and service excellence. The conversation also included Wanita Ashok, Fit India Ambassador, promoting health and wellness; Prachi Mahapatro, Marketing & Communication Head at Logic and Online Instruments, offering a technology-driven outlook on leadership; and Nidhi Nahata, Founder of Justbe by Nidhi Nahata and a lifestyle coach, who emphasized plant-based living and holistic well-being. Moderated by Ruth D’Souza, Independent Journalist, Author, and Content Developer, the fireside chat moved beyond traditional Q&A formats, adopting a TED Talk-style discussion focused on breaking barriers, fostering empowerment, and redefining leadership.
The event held on March 5th, was a tribute to International Women’s Day, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in hospitality and beyond. Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru also honored its women workforce, reaffirming its commitment to creating inclusive workplaces where women can lead, innovate, and thrive.
“‘Trishul: Power of Three’ is a reflection of our dedication to empowering women in leadership. As we celebrate our third anniversary, we also recognize the invaluable contributions of women in
shaping the future of hospitality. Through initiatives like Shakti, we continue to drive positive change, fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and progress.” said Manish Garg, General Manager, Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session and networking opportunity, allowing media, influencers, and attendees to engage with the panelists and foster meaningful connections.
Cairn Oil & Gas Spotlights India’s Energy Path at CERAWeek
New Delhi, March 07, 2025: Cairn Oil & Gas, a part of Vedanta Group, and India’s largest private oil and gas producer, to have a leadership delegation at the 43rd annual CERAWeek presented by S&P Global, a premier global energy conference, being held from March 10-14 in Houston, Texas (US).
As a Strategic Partner of the event, Cairn Oil & Gas will focus on unlocking India’s hydrocarbon potential through global collaborations & partnerships, reinforcing and strengthening India’s energy security and self-reliance. These collaborations will drive multiple opportunities and innovations across Drilling for Onshore and Offshore wells, Subsea Infrastructure Development for Deepwater development, Shale, Tight Oil, EPCM Services &Technology, seeking collaboration with U.S. partners to drive these advancements forward.
One of the key highlights of Cairn’s presence at CERAWeek 2025 will be a Spotlight session of Anil Agarwal, Founder, and Chairman, Vedanta, on March 11 a. In conversation with Dr. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global. Mr. Anil Aggarwal will discuss the untapped potential of India’s hydrocarbon reserves and the role India will play in the evolving global energy ecosystem. Another core aspect of his session will be to underline Cairn’s vision of increasing India’s domestic production to meet 50% of the country’s crude demand, in turn reducing the dependency on imports.
Alongside the Chairman, several top executives from Cairn Oil & Gas will actively participate in discussions shaping the future of the energy sector. Hitesh Vaid, Chief Financial Officer, Mandeep Narang, Chief Operations Officer Sam Algar, Chief of Exploration and Andrew McIntosh, Chief Commercial Officer will also be part of multiple knowledge sessions focused on energy transition, technological advancements, challenges & opportunities in India, AI-driven energy solutions, sustainable-led financial strategies, socio-economic and geopolitical drivers, which will pave the way for India’s clean energy future and others.
Being the first Indian company to sign the UN’s Methane Reporting & Reduction Initiative (OGMP 2.0), the company remains committed to Net Zero by 2030 and has been at the forefront of pioneering sustainable oil exploration and production. The discussions at CERAWeek will further cement Cairn’s commitment to achieving energy security while advancing sustainable solutions.