As over 270 million Indian Gen Z users seek a break from doomscrolling, HMD and Mattel deliver a device that rewrites the rules, less dopamine, more design, no distractions, and just enough sparkle to go viral.
Category: Business
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Over 6 Million Young Men Engaged: CEQUIN’s ‘Mardon Wali Baat’ Pushes Masculinity Reform Beyond Conversations
Backed by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, CEQUIN with over 44 micro-inflluencers, is breaking patriarchal conditioning, engaging young men as allies, and shaping masculinity narratives through digital media, mental health advocacy and socially responsible content.cy.
In a social landscape where gender discourse often centers only on women’s empowerment, a shift is quietly gaining momentum. At the heart of this movement is the New Delhi-based Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEQUIN), co-founded by Sara Abdullah Pilot and Lora Krishnamurthi Prabhu. Their national campaign, Mardon Wali Baat, is doing what few others have, engaging over sex million young men across India in re-examining masculinity, unlearning patriarchy, and becoming active co-creators of a gender-just society.
Held at the India Habitat Centre on March 19, the National Conference on Men, Masculinities & Gender-Based Violence drew attention not just for its impressive lineup but for the uncomfortable questions it raised. The keynote was delivered by Rohini Nilekani, one of India’s most influential philanthropists, whose foundation supports over 40 organizations engaged in gender equity. In her address, Nilekani stated, “We started with empowering women. But we quickly realized that unless we engage men and boys in the process, systemic transformation won’t follow. Today, over 40 of our partners work directly with men and boys.”
The conference brought together cross-sector voices, including Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, and Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative at UN Women India. Discussions ranged from masculinity and mental health to how patriarchy shapes policy, governance, and markets.One of the most compelling sessions featured actor and activist Rahul Bose, who examined the cinematic portrayal of masculinity in Indian media. In conversation with Sara Abdullah Pilot, he stated, “For too long, masculinity in India has been equated with silence, aggression, and control. It’s time we rewrite that script.” The session resonated particularly with youth leaders and digital influencers in attendance many of whom have already been working in the field of narrative change.
At the heart of the campaign is Mardangi Reloaded, a film featuring stories from 46 digital micro-influencers across cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Indore and Lucknow. These young voices have reached over two six million people via social media, not through grand slogans but through intimate reflections on everyday masculinity, calling out casual sexism and schoolyard taunts, relationship dilemmas, and family expectations – asking men to step up for gender equality.
The session on ‘Digital Duniya aur Mardangi’ featured emerging influencers like Saurabh Jhulum, Harshit Pandey, and Amit Sagar, whose content blends humour, vulnerability, and cultural critique. Their reflections showed how digital platforms, often critiqued for promoting toxic trends, can be reframed as tools for social reform.Another critical lens came through the fireside chat between Dr. Amit Sen, founder of Children First India, and Lora Prabhu. The conversation turned to how boys are conditioned to suppress emotion, and how that manifests in rising male mental health issues a topic rarely addressed in gender conversations.
CEQUIN’s strength lies in its multi-layered approach. By engaging grassroots organizations like MAVA, Vikalp Sansthan, Azad Foundation, and The Gender Lab, the campaign embeds policy-level goals in on-the-ground realities. This decentralization has been key in scaling its impact across urban and rural India.
While Mardon Wali Baat addresses deep-rooted cultural issues, it also embraces institutional transformation. One session titled ‘Patriarchy and the Shaping of Samaaj, Sarkaar aur Bazaar’ featured leaders like Prof. Rajeev Gowda and political strategist Dilip Cherian, examining how masculine norms permeate policy, market behavior, and leadership roles.
Rohini Nilekani emphasized the need to build a pipeline of future-facing gender discourse. “We need policies that go beyond protectionism and encourage inclusive engagement. Masculinity must become a part of gender programming, not its footnote,” she said.The conference closed with a plenary titled ‘Badalte Rang,’ featuring academic leaders like Dr. Rukmini Sen, and Anish Gawande, along with Kanta Singh from UN Women and Natasha Joshi from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. The recurring theme was clear gender equity cannot be achieved without engaging those historically seen as the holders of privilege. Masculinity needs to evolve, not vanish, and evolve into something more inclusive, empathetic, and accountable.
As Sara Abdullah Pilot aptly concluded, “This isn’t a campaign. It’s an ecosystem. We are not just rewriting masculinity we are rewriting the space it occupies in society.”At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Walktails Event Community Platform Transforms India’s $3.6 Billion Event Industry with AI-Powered Innovation
With the live entertainment industry in India projected to reach $5 billion by 2027, Walktails provides a powerful platform for artists, event organizers, and businesses to collaborate and engage with audiences.
India’s live entertainment sector is undergoing a transformation as digital technology reshapes how artists, event organizers, and businesses connect with their audiences. With a projected market valuation of over $5 billion by 2027, the demand for seamless networking, talent discovery, and event execution has never been higher. The rise of AI-powered platforms is addressing long-standing challenges of accessibility, fragmented communication, and inefficient talent scouting, positioning technology as the key enabler of industry growth.
At the forefront of this evolution is Walktails, a platform designed to bridge gaps between artists, event planners, and businesses that operate within the live entertainment and event management ecosystem. The platform, founded by Sachin Bhalerao, is redefining how event stakeholders interact by offering an intelligent, AI-driven space for collaboration, engagement, and business growth.
The Indian event industry has traditionally been reliant on word-of-mouth referrals and disconnected platforms for booking artists, securing venues, and coordinating event logistics. This has led to inefficiencies, limited reach, and missed opportunities for both emerging and established players in the sector. Walktails offers a structured and data-driven solution, allowing artists to build comprehensive portfolios that showcase their performances, while event organizers can efficiently discover talent that aligns with their needs. Event-related businesses, including AV providers, caterers, and stage production teams, also benefit from streamlined networking, ensuring that event execution is seamless and well-integrated.
A growing emphasis on digital transformation within the event space has created opportunities for AI-powered matchmaking, which simplifies talent discovery and enhances event planning. Instead of relying on outdated booking models, organizers can now access real-time analytics, predictive event planning tools, and automated engagement strategies that enhance audience experiences. As a result, platforms like Walktails are not just facilitators but active contributors to building a more dynamic and interconnected event economy.India’s live entertainment sector is witnessing a rapid increase in independent artists, festivals, and corporate events, driving a demand for intelligent networking solutions. With the rise of influencer-led events, exclusive brand collaborations, and experiential marketing, brands are now looking beyond traditional advertising and focusing on immersive audience experiences. Walktails integrates sponsorship matchmaking, helping brands identify the right events, artists, and communities to engage with for maximum impact.
Speaking on the evolution of the event industry, Sachin Bhalerao, Founder & CEO of Walktails, emphasizes that technology is not replacing human connections but enhancing them. The digital shift is making talent discovery more merit-based and transparent, reducing industry barriers that previously limited emerging artists and independent event professionals. The role of platforms like Walktails extends beyond logistics, it is about creating a thriving, sustainable ecosystem where talent meets opportunity at scale.The future of live entertainment in India is increasingly tech-driven, and AI-enabled platforms are becoming essential tools for industry professionals. As more event organizers, brands, and artists embrace digital solutions, Walktails is set to play a key role in reshaping India’s event community landscape.
For those looking to connect, collaborate, and grow within the entertainment industry, Walktails provides a streamlined, efficient, and future-ready solution. More details can be found at www.walktails.com.At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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20,000 Farmers, 9 Himalayan States, 29 Countries: My Pahadi Dukan Secures IPV Funding Amidst India’s $30 Billion Natural Wellness Boom
Backed by HDFC Parivartan, the Ministry of Agriculture’s RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative, and felicitated by the Bhutanese Chamber of Commerce, My Pahadi Dukan is uniquely positioned to capture market share in functional wellness foods, already shipping to 29 countries with over 16,000 orders fulfilled.
My Pahadi Dukan – a direct-to-consumer brand offering authentic Himalayan health and wellness products – has successfully raised an undisclosed amount in Pre-Seed funding through Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). This investment will fuel the brand’s growth by strengthening its marketing, working capital, operations, and IT infrastructure.
My Pahadi Dukan has established itself as a leader in the Himalayan health and wellness segment, working closely with over 20,000 farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and Himalayan households. The brand has a robust sourcing and distribution network for premium-quality produce from across nine Himalayan states and Bhutan, shipping to over 29 countries with 16,000+ orders fulfilled.Founded in 2021 by Himanshu Dua, Shubham Tandon, Rohan Sehgal, and Mohd. Anas Zubair, the team brings diverse expertise in business, finance, marketing, and technology. They are dedicated to building a sustainable and scalable platform that empowers Himalayan farmers and delivers high-quality wellness products to consumers worldwide.
Mitesh Shah, Founder & CEO of IPV, stated, “Consumers today are seeking authenticity, sustainability, and wellness-driven products, and My Pahadi Dukan is at the forefront of this shift. By bringing the richness of the Himalayas to urban markets, they have built a brand that not only delivers high-quality, natural products but also empowers local communities. Their deep-rooted sourcing model and commitment to sustainability align perfectly with IPV’s investment philosophy. We are excited to support their journey as they scale and redefine the Himalayan health and wellness market.”What sets My Pahadi Dukan apart is its commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and community empowerment. The brand ensures 100% pure, high-quality products while promoting sustainable livelihoods in remote Himalayan regions. By leveraging deep local connections and cutting-edge technology, My Pahadi Dukan provides customers with an unparalleled Himalayan wellness experience.
Himanshu Dua, CEO of My Pahadi Dukan, commented, “At My Pahadi Dukan, we are committed to bringing the finest authentic Himalayan wellness products to households across India and the world. Our mission to introduce the richness of the Himalayas has been significantly strengthened by IPV’s unwavering support. Their guidance through our pre-seed round has helped turn our vision into reality.”The startup has already garnered significant recognition, including the HDFC Parivartan Grant through IIT Mandi Catalyst and the RKVY-RAFTAAR Grant from the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Additionally, it was felicitated by the Bhutanese Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing its credibility and impact.
The Indian health & wellness-focused food and beverage market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 20%. With increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable products, My Pahadi Dukan is well-positioned to capitalize on this surging demand.About My Pahadi Dukan
My Pahadi Dukan is a direct-to-consumer brand offering authentic Himalayan health and wellness products, sourced from remote mountain regions. The company works with local farmers, SHGs, and cooperatives to deliver pure, high-quality produce to consumers globally. It was founded in 2021 by Himanshu Dua, Shubham Tandon, Rohan Sehgal, and Mohd. Anas Zubair.About Inflection Point Ventures and Physis Capital
Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) is an angel investing platform with over 23,500+ CXOs, HNIs, and professionals investing in startups. The firm supports new-age entrepreneurs by providing them with monetary and experiential capital and connecting them with a diverse group of investors. IPV has launched a $50 million CAT 2 VC fund, Physis Capital, to invest in Pre-Series A to Series B growth-stage startups. The fund has already deployed capital in two startups so far, with a few deals in advanced stages of the pipeline.At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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ETMarkets Empowers India’s 30 Million+ Investors with Smart AI-Powered Market Tools: Big Bulls’ Portfolios, Live Expert Insights & Predictive Analytics Now in One Place
Powered by The Economic Times’ 70-year financial legacy, ETMarkets combines AI, predictive analytics, and expert-driven stock insights to give investors an unprecedented edge.
The Economic Times, India’s leading financial news platform, has launched a major upgrade to ETMarkets, transforming it into a one-stop hub for investors seeking data-backed decision-making. This innovation comes at a critical time when India’s investor base is expected to triple from 30 million to 100 million by FY30, making access to structured investment tools essential. The platform aims to close the knowledge gap between retail investors and institutional traders by offering exclusive tools that decode market sentiment, track high-stakes investments, and provide predictive analytics.
Puneet Kukreja, in discussing this transformation, stated that ETMarkets is designed to democratize professional-grade investment intelligence, enabling every investor to make informed choices. The upgraded platform introduces six powerful tools, including Stock Reports Plus, which delivers company scores and projected returns in partnership with Refinitiv. The Big Bull Portfolio tracks major investments by India’s leading market movers, helping investors understand where influential players are placing their bets.
Market Mood provides real-time sentiment analysis to help investors anticipate market trends before they fully emerge. Stock Analyzer evaluates stocks using more than 20 key parameters, from fundamental performance to solvency and growth projections. Stock Talk allows users to connect directly with market experts, gaining actionable insights on entry and exit strategies. Live Stream offers interactive sessions with investment specialists, where users can ask questions and receive immediate market feedback.
The ETMarkets upgrade also introduces five to six expert-curated investment ideas daily and a comprehensive Markets Dashboard that acts as a real-time command center. Rachna Mittal, Head of User Experience, Research, and Customer Success, explained that the platform is designed to eliminate the inefficiencies investors face when navigating fragmented financial data sources. Instead of switching between multiple platforms, ETMarkets consolidates everything into a seamless experience that enhances decision-making and financial literacy.
The Economic Times has built this evolution on its strong legacy of financial reporting, bringing decades of industry expertise into an intuitive investment toolset. Backed by the resources of Times Internet, ETMarkets is now positioned as a vital asset for both new and experienced investors. The new platform is available at ETMarkets and through the ETMarkets mobile app, offering users round-the-clock access to expert-driven investment insights and analysis.
For more insights and updates on investment strategies, visit Prittle Prattle News.At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.
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Crown Worldwide Group’s 60-Year Legacy: Expanding India’s Role in AI-Powered Logistics & Digital Transformation
India contributes 12-13% of Crown’s global revenue, leading its AI-driven transformation in logistics, high-security data management, and sustainable workspaces, as the global records industry crosses $100 billion.
Crown Worldwide Group Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation, Strengthens Commitment to India
India Among Top 5 Markets, Contributing 12-13% to Global Revenue
Group to Strengthen Its Workspace and 3PL Logistics Business Integrating AI
Crown Worldwide Group, a global leader in logistics, records management, and international mobility, is celebrating 60 years of innovation, seamless service delivery, and steadfast industry leadership. Since its founding in 1965 by Jim Thompson, Founder and Chairman, the company has supported corporations and families in relocating and establishing their workspaces and homes with ease.
Over the decades, Crown has built a reputation for excellence in art logistics, secure records management, and corporate mobility. With a strong presence in 45 countries and servicing over 10,000 corporate clients globally, the company remains committed to expansion, with India emerging as a key growth driver.Jennifer Harvey, Group CEO of Crown Worldwide Group, emphasized the company’s adaptability and focus on future growth:
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our employees and the trust of our clients. As we look ahead, we remain focused on innovation, sustainability, and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals worldwide.”India’s Growing Significance for Crown Worldwide Group
India has become one of Crown Worldwide Group’s top 5 global markets, contributing 12-13% of the company’s global revenue. Crown established its India operations in 1997, becoming the first foreign corporation in the sector with 100% foreign participation.Starting in Mumbai, Crown quickly expanded across Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ludhiana, and Hyderabad, transitioning from leased properties to full-fledged infrastructure ownership to strengthen its long-term footprint.Crown’s Strategic Growth Areas in India
Crown Worldwide Group is focusing on several key areas for expansion:- Records Management Transformation – Currently storing 40 million cartons of critical data, Crown is rebranding its Records Management business to emphasize digitalization, AI-powered compliance, and automated workflows.
- Sustainable Logistics & Workspace Solutions – Through Crown Workspace, the company is enhancing its furniture and IT renewal services to help businesses meet the evolving demands of modern work environments.
- Expanding High-Value Storage Facilities – With a $1.4 billion real estate portfolio, Crown is investing in bonded warehouses, climate-controlled storage, and high-end logistics solutions for sectors like healthcare and pharma logistics, fine art, and premium goods storage.
- AI-Enhanced Corporate Mobility & Relocation – As demand for corporate relocation services evolves, Crown is launching AI-driven tracking, automated compliance, and assignee well-being solutions.
Decarbonization & Sustainability – Having mapped its global carbon footprint, Crown is integrating eco-friendly storage and sustainable logistics models as part of its long-term environmental strategy
Srinivas Krishnan, Managing Director, South Asia at Crown Worldwide Group, shared insights on the company’s India expansion:
“As Crown celebrates six decades of global leadership, India remains one of our fastest-growing markets. Solid partnerships, deep customer insights, and the integration of cutting-edge technology have defined our success here. With continued investment in AI-driven logistics and high-security records management, we are poised for exponential growth.”India’s Role in the $100 Billion Global Information Management Industry
The global information management sector is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2027, and India is playing a crucial role in its expansion. With rising demand for secure digital records, compliance-driven solutions, and next-gen data security, Crown is positioning itself as a leader in AI-powered information management solutions.Looking Ahead: Crown’s Next Chapter in India and Beyond
As Crown Worldwide Group marks its 60th anniversary, the company remains committed to leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth. With AI-driven solutions, investments in digital logistics, and high-value storage, Crown is set to redefine the future of logistics and corporate mobility in India and beyond.At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.