Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Despite a robust 40% growth last fiscal year, CRISIL Ratings predicts a 15% YoY revenue rise in India’s luggage industry this fiscal. This is attributed to the increased adoption of hard luggage from the organized sector and the ongoing growth in tourism and corporate travel. Demand for hard luggage has improved operating efficiencies in the organised sector, potentially leading to a 150-200 basis points (bps) YoY increase in operating margin to 16% this fiscal. While a 20% decline in key raw material prices—polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyamide—could have further bolstered margins, more investment in marketing by organised players was needed. Main…

Prabir Purkayastha, the editor of the news website NewsClick, and other Indian Leftists engaged in discussions centered around supporting China’s stance on its management of the COVID-19 pandemic. These conversations included controversial US millionaire and Chinese propaganda advocate, Neville Roy Singham. During the early stages of the pandemic, Singham introduced his Beijing-based team to individuals like Purkayastha, Prasanth Radhakrishnan, and economist Srujana Bodapati via email. The objective was to deliberate on a “three-article series on China and its handling of the virus.” Vijay Prasad, the editor of the Left-leaning site Tricontinental where the series was eventually published, also engaged in…

Karan Johar is basking in the triumph of his recent film ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, marking the end of his Bollywood directing hiatus. In an interview, he addressed the ‘Movie Mafia’ label, frequently attributed to him by Kangana Ranaut on social media and in interviews. As a celebrated director known for wit and romantic Hindi cinema, Karan has over 15 million Instagram followers, sharing candid reels, often featuring his children, Yash & Roohi. During a conversation with Sucharita Tyagi, he responded to the ‘Movie Mafia’ term: “I had to be resilient, strong for my mom and myself. I…

The ARTogether Center in downtown Oakland, California, is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Breaking The Frame,” which showcases artworks by four immigrant, refugee, and diasporic artists. Notably, the exhibition features the creative contributions of two artists of Indian descent, Nimisha Doongarwal and Sujata Tibrewala. Running until September 15, 2023, this exhibit delves into intriguing inquiries surrounding race, gender, belonging, history, and culture. The artists employ mixed media, collage techniques, and the manipulation of frames and borders to provoke contemplation. Nimisha Doongarwal, an Indian immigrant artist, possesses an academic background in art history and art psychology from Stanford University and a…

A recent report published by TeamLease on August 8, 2023, under the title “EdTech Career Outlook Report” for the second half of the year (HY2, 2023), has revealed significant developments in the job market. The report indicated a 3% increase in the hiring of new talent during the latter half of 2023 compared to the first half. This trend was observed across three prominent industries. The report highlighted that the inclination to hire across all jobseeker categories witnessed a rise from 68% to 73% during the same period. This shift suggests a positive outlook for employment prospects in the upcoming…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh,’ an e-portal developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology to promote the marketing of India’s handloom products. Speaking at the National Handloom Day Celebration at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, the Prime Minister reminisced about his emphasis on documenting India’s diverse attire. He expressed satisfaction that this vision has now materialized with the launch of ‘Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh.’ PM Modi underscored the significance of India’s handloom industry, portraying it as a blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes the nation’s present identity. He informed that…

A multitude of women took to the streets of London, adorned in traditional Indian weaves representing various regions, in a special event. London streets experienced a unique saree walkathon on August 6, marking the observance of India’s National Handloom Day on August 7, 2023. The initiative was led by Dipti Jain and organized by the British Women in Sarees group. More than 700 women participated in the walk, starting from Trafalgar Square and ending at the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square. Many of them showcased diverse traditional weaves from Indian states like Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. In…

The much-anticipated ‘Taali’ web-series trailer starring Sushmita Sen as Shreegauri Sawant, a transgender activist, has been released. The series highlights Shreegauri’s journey from Ganesh to Gauri, her battle against discrimination, motherhood, and efforts towards third-gender inclusion in official documents. With impactful dialogues, it resonates well. Fans and industry members applauded the trailer. Sushmita Sen, portraying Shreegauri, expressed her connection and preparation for the role. Shreegauri herself praised Sushmita’s authentic portrayal, hoping the series prompts positive change in society’s view of transgenders. The show, created by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D Nishandar, directed by Ravi Jadhav, will stream on Jio…

To promote gender equality and youth leadership in India, the British High Commission introduced the ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ initiative. This initiative acknowledges Indian women’s potential and their contributions towards a sustainable future. Women aged 18 to 23 can compete for a chance to experience a day as a British diplomat. To enter, participants must submit a one-minute video addressing the role of young people in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Entries must be shared on social media, tagging ‘@UKinIndia’ and using the hashtag ‘#DayOfTheGirl’. The deadline for submissions is August 18. Alex Ellis, the British High Commissioner to…

In anticipation of the 18th G20 summit, Indiaspora, based in the US, is set to host the G20 Forum in New Delhi from August 22 to 24. The Pragati Maidan Convention Center in New Delhi will be the venue for the G20 summit on September 9-10. The Taj Mahal Hotel will host the Indiaspora gathering, uniting influential voices worldwide to discuss various issues like foreign policy, climate change, gender equality, healthcare, and more. Indiaspora-India’s CEO, Sreekumar Nair, emphasized the potential impact of the G20 Forum in driving global solutions and collaboration. Given India’s G20 presidency, the Indiaspora G20 Forum’s timing…