18^th August, 2026; Mumbai, India: Premium coffee brand Black Poetry has partnered with independent brand design and transformation consultancy OPEN Strategy & Design to develop the strategic and creative foundation for its entry into India’s emerging carbonated coffee category.

As one of the early brands introducing carbonated coffee to Indian consumers, Black Poetry faced a unique challenge. Coffee has long been associated with ritual, craft and tradition. Carbonated coffee, however, demanded an entirely different way of thinking. Rather than borrowing familiar cues from either speciality coffee or conventional ready-to-drink beverages, the brand needed a language of its own.

OPEN Strategy & Design answered that challenge with an idea built on the belief that the most exciting leaps in culture come from breaking convention. From jazz and hip-hop to street food and contemporary art, some of the world’s most enduring cultural movements have emerged by doing the unexpected. Black Poetry brings that same spirit with Coffee, Reimagined; challenging category norms without losing sight of the craft behind the product.

This thinking gave rise to the idea of ‘beautiful vandalism’—a creative philosophy that embraces irreverence in a category often defined by seriousness. Rather than treating disruption as shock for its own sake, the brand celebrates the idea that breaking the right rules can create something entirely new.

For an unfamiliar category, the can itself became the most important medium of communication. Recognizing that consumers would encounter the product for the first time on crowded retail shelves, OPEN approached packaging not as a container, but as media. Designed to interrupt expectations, spark curiosity and start conversations, the can introduces consumers to a drink that looks every bit as surprising as it tastes.

As part of the engagement, OPEN Strategy & Design developed the brand positioning, packaging design, visual identity system and communication framework, creating a distinctive world around a product that reimagines how coffee can be experienced.

Rahul Goel, Founder of Black Poetry, said, “Working with OPEN Strategy & Design has been an incredible journey. When we set out to enter the sparkling coffee space, we knew we didn’t just need a package design; we needed a brand that could hold its own in a category with no existing rules. OPEN understood that from day one. They pushed us to be bolder than we imagined, and the idea of ‘beautiful vandalism’ captured exactly the spirit we wanted Black Poetry to carry into this new space. The result is a brand world that feels distinctly ours – unexpected, confident, and impossible to ignore on shelf.”

Asparsh Sinha, Managing Partner at OPEN Strategy & Design, said: “Emerging categories rarely succeed by borrowing the language of established ones. Carbonated coffee needed a distinctive voice and a visual world that reflected its unconventional nature. The idea of beautiful vandalism shaped everything we created, especially the packaging. We saw the can as the brand’s most powerful media channel—its first opportunity to stop people, spark conversation and invite them into an entirely new coffee experience.”

The collaboration reinforces OPEN Strategy & Design’s belief that the strongest brands don’t simply enter categories; they redefine how those categories are seen. By combining strategic thinking with culturally resonant design, the partnership has helped Black Poetry establish a distinctive presence in one of India’s newest and most exciting coffee segments.

According to office-bearers of ‘Save Goa’, the proposed movement will bring together a range of issues related to land, the environment, Communidade land, large development projects, townships and the rights of local residents. Against this backdrop, October could prove to be a politically significant month for Goa.

The political debate in Goa is no longer limited to opposition against any single project. Discussions are underway to unite various citizen groups and activists and build a new political pressure group in the state. The movement could test whether an alternative political platform, based on land, environmental protection and local rights, can emerge outside the traditional BJP-Congress political structure.

‘Enough is Enough’ Steps Up Preparations

The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement, led by retired Justice Ferdino Rebello, has also indicated that it is preparing to intensify its campaign. Its 10-point agenda includes the protection of agricultural land, stronger measures for environmental security, and reforms in planning and administrative systems.

Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning Act has emerged as the central focus of the conflict. Protesters have criticised the continued use of the provision despite opposition from citizens and environmental groups.

The movement has also proposed the Goa Agriculture Land Protection Bill, 2026. Claiming that repeated representations and demands to the government have failed to generate the desired response, the activists are now preparing to take their campaign directly to the people and build a wider mass movement.

39A: The New Battleground in Goa’s Land Struggle

Section 39A has become one of the most sensitive issues in Goa’s current land politics. Under this provision, changes to zones in the Regional Plan or Outline Development Plan can be processed based on an application by the government and with the approval of the Town and Country Planning Board.

Activists allege that such changes could threaten traditional agriculture, the character of villages and environmentally sensitive land. There are also concerns that changes in land use could increasingly be used to facilitate large-scale real estate development and urbanisation.

Rajdeep Sardesai’s Meetings Trigger Speculation

Amid preparations for the movement, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai has reportedly met several activists associated with the campaign in Goa. The meetings have added a new dimension to political discussions in the state.

There is also intense speculation that Sardesai may participate in the movement beginning on October 2. While no official announcement has been made regarding his participation, his contact with activists has fuelled speculation about the emergence of a new alternative political equation.

Given Sardesai’s family connection with Goa and his influence in the national media and political discourse, his meetings are being closely watched. Questions are now being raised over whether his involvement could merely strengthen a social movement or eventually contribute to the emergence of an alternative political force.

Townships and Outside Developers at the Centre of the Debate

The issue of large outside developers, mega housing projects and townships has become central to the growing movement in Goa.

Activists say they are not opposed to every development project or outside investor. However, they object to the large-scale conversion of land connected to agriculture, traditional villages and the environment for urbanisation and real estate projects.

Various organisations have alleged that development projects are being implemented without adequately considering Goa’s carrying capacity, environmental resources, water availability, natural resources and the future economic rights of local residents.

All Eyes on the October 2 Movement

The mass movement, scheduled to begin on October 2—Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary—will attempt to bring various social organisations and citizen groups onto a common platform. Preparations are underway to build a broad public movement through awareness campaigns focusing on land, environmental protection, Communidade land, large development projects and local rights.

The future political character of the movement remains unclear. However, the agitation beginning on October 2 could give a new political direction to Goa’s ongoing struggle over land, the environment and the rights of local people.

Journalism has somehow managed to survive many disruptions. It survived the arrival of radio, which was speculated to takeover newspapers. It survived television, which was expected to replace radio. It survived the internet, which was assumed to smash all three. However, instead of losing itself, the profession kept evolving.  What is unfolding now with artificial intelligence, belongs to that same family of disruption, but there is a difference this time, and it is not a small one. It is moving faster than ever before, and is intensifying into the actual reporting.  Which brings me to a question I never thought of facing before: can content not written by a human being ever earn the kind of trust journalism has spent over a century building?

I have been watching this profession for about thirty years now; first as a student trying to understand why some messages persuade while others fall flat, later as a researcher, and today as someone who spends hours trying to prepare young minds for newsrooms that barely resemble the ones I once knew. The question resists a binary answer, and I would regard any attempt to force one with considerable skepticism. To answer it, we first need to go back to what trust in journalism was actually built on, and be equally honest about what AI can and cannot yet offer.

Trust Is a Social Contract, not a Writing Style

In communication theory, we often speak of the source-credibility model, the fairly old but still useful idea that audiences never judge a message purely on its own terms. They judge it in relation to the one who is delivering it. A well-written sentence, on its own, does not carry much weight. It carries weight because someone stands behind it, someone the reader believes has an expertise, has verified the facts, and can be held accountable if they have not.

This is precisely what makes AI-generated news a different category of problem altogether. AI can generate a clean, fluent, well-organised, and even persuasive text. But journalism was never about fluency, it was always about accountability. When a journalist’s byline appears on a story, it carries an implicit promise: a trained professional is standing behind every line, and can claim it. AI cannot make that promise, not yet. It has no professional identity to protect, no reputation to lose, and no capacity to be questioned in the way a human reporter can be.

Automation Without Accountability Is a Structural Risk

Newsrooms everywhere, including plenty here in India, are already using AI to draft routine copy, summarise long documents, and put together quick bulletins. Used responsibly, these aren’t threats. They are just an extension of a process that has always involved tools, beginning from the telegraph to the wire service to the word processor.

The risk begins the moment automation moves from assisting the editorial process to replacing it. A newsroom that allows AI-generated content to reach the public without any human review is not just adopting new technology; it is altering the structure of accountability that journalism has always depended on. This is exactly why conversations on AI regulation, model transparency, and content labelling currently underway around the globe are not peripheral policy matters. They go to the heart of journalism’s core purpose. How these conversations are resolved will determine whether public can continue to trust what is placed in front of them every morning.

What Judgement Requires That Automation Does Not Yet Offer

There is a real gap between processing information and exercising judgement. AI systems are exceptionally good at first. They can analyse enormous volumes of data, detect patterns, and generate text at a speed no human reporter can ever match. What they cannot yet do is the kind of contextual, often unspoken judgement that experienced journalists develop almost by instinct: understanding what a fact means within a particular social or political context, recognising when a source is holding something back, and deciding what deserves prominence and what does not.

This is not a gap that will close with the next software update. It points to something more basic than a technical limitation, the difference between being competent and being responsible. A system can be competent at generating text. Responsibility, in the professional and ethical sense that journalism requires, is something only a human being can hold.

The Greater Danger Lies in Content That Appears Credible

If you ask me what worries me most, it is not clumsy AI copy. Most readers can spot that easily and dismiss it. The bigger concern is the content that is polished, well argued, and reads exactly like professional journalism, yet has bypassed the verification processes that give journalism its integrity. When content appears credible, audiences rarely interrogate its origin. This is precisely the condition under which misinformation thrives in, not through content that looks suspicious, but through content that looks entirely legitimate.

This is the reason transparency cannot be optional. News organisations that use AI in content production have a professional obligation to disclose it to their audiences. The absence of disclosure, even when unintentional, erodes the very trust journalism is supposed to be built on.

What This Means for the Profession Going Forward

I am not arguing that newsrooms should push AI out. That position strikes me as unrealistic and, even undesirable. Used responsibly, these tools can strengthen journalism considerably, freeing trained professionals from repetitive tasks to focus on investigation, analysis, and storytelling that requires genuine human insight.

What the profession must insist upon, without any compromise, is that human editorial judgement remains the final authority before anything reaches the public. AI may draft, summarise, and even assist, but it must not decide. This principle needs to be written into newsroom policy, taught explicitly in journalism education, and treated as a professional standard rather than a matter of individual discretion.

As educators, we carry a particular responsibility here. The students entering our classrooms today will be running newsrooms within the next decade. Our job is neither to train them to avoid these tools nor to adopt them uncritically, but to understand with precision where their usefulness ends and where professional judgement must take over.

A Position I Hold with Confidence

Public trust in journalism has never rested on how quickly a story is disseminated. It has always rested on the understanding that a real, accountable professional stood behind it. Artificial intelligence can help us produce news faster and more efficiently than ever before. What it cannot yet do is stand behind that news the way a trained journalist does.

Until that changes, the newsroom cannot afford to lose its journalists, regardless of how advanced the tools sitting on their desks become.

Prof. (Dr.) Pooja Rana is a Professor of Mass Communication at Amity University Haryana, with over two decades of experience in media education and research. Currently, she heads PhD programme (Social Sciences) at Amity University Haryana.

Held under the theme “Bridges Built by Light, Mutual Learning Between Civilizations,” the event brought together students, academics, diplomats and cultural stakeholders to explore the role of cinema and cultural exchange in strengthening India–China relations. The screening of Nobody / Little Monsters of Langlang Mountain offered an engaging window into Chinese storytelling and cultural perspectives.

The event was graced by His Excellency Mr. Qin Jie, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Mumbai, who engaged with students and academics and shared insights on BRICS, BRICS Plus and the growing importance of China–India cooperation.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Pankaj Ramesh Natu, Director of the Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, said, “Cultural exchanges, cinema, student interactions and traditional arts deepen mutual understanding. Cooperation starts with people understanding each other.”

Highlighting the potential for stronger bilateral cooperation, he added, “India and China have tremendous opportunities in technology, education, pharmaceuticals, tourism and supply chains. We need a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Emphasising cinema’s ability to connect people across borders, Natu said, “Cinema can become a powerful bridge between India and China. It allows people to understand each other beyond borders.”

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Mr. Qin Jie, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Mumbai, said, “Between China and India, it is also ‘we’. We work together, we share, and we create together.”

Speaking about the significance of bilateral cooperation within BRICS, he said, “Cooperation is the best choice between us, probably the only correct way between us.”

Mr. Qin Jie also highlighted the growing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, including direct flights, university engagements, sister-city initiatives, business interactions and cultural programmes.

The dialogue highlighted the three important pillars of BRICS cooperation, political and security cooperation, economic and financial partnership, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the latter emerging as a key foundation for building greater trust and mutual understanding.

The participation of young students and academics further underlined the importance of creating spaces where the next generation can engage directly with different cultures, ideas and perspectives.

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2026, the event reinforced the potential of India–China cultural and academic engagement to complement economic and diplomatic dialogue.

This ultimately carried a simple but powerful message: understanding begins with dialogue, and dialogue becomes stronger when cultures meet.

A Career Built on Special Operations
Over the last two decades, Pandit Ayush Gaur has reportedly led hundreds of joint operations and special investigations across India. From mainstream media houses to dedicated Special Investigation Teams (SITs), his work has consistently exposed systemic failures.

His assignments have taken him from the power corridors of Delhi to conflict zones like Kashmir, where he worked against militant networks. This kind of frontline investigative journalism, where reporters risk their lives for the nation, is rare in India today. Soon after the intelligence input and evidences provided by Ayush Pandit the National Investigation Agency sprang in action and did a joint operation with JNK Police banning Islamic trusts like Fala-he-Aam and others involved in terror funding.

The AAP Sting That Shook Delhi Elections
Ayush Gaur is also widely known for his explosive investigative story against Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in Delhi. Just before the Delhi Assembly elections, his sting operation made national headlines across news channels. The footage reportedly showed Sahiram Pahalwan and other AAP leaders taking bribes, exposing corrupt practices within the party.

Political analysts and party insiders credit this sting for significantly impacting public sentiment. When the BJP secured victory in the recent Delhi elections, a portion of that credit was attributed to Ayush Pandit. The operation was so impactful that BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, Tarun Rathi, and the Delhi BJP President held a press conference acknowledging the exposé.

Senior-most BJP leaders, including National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh, personally congratulated Ayush for his work and its impact on the electoral outcome.

Trusted by State Governments for Crisis & Intelligence
Beyond journalism, it is commonly noted across several state governments that Ayush Pandit is called for special help and assistance during crises – whether it involves horse-trading, undercover operations, or critical intelligence inputs.

Despite the government already having agencies like LIU and IB as primary intelligence sources, political parties and senior bureaucrats across party lines trust Ayush Pandit for his capability in providing on-ground intelligence. His team has worked extensively on such assignments. While currently he is not associated with any political party, the majority of assignments taken from him by different state governments have been primarily from the BJP.

The Deadly Combination: Journalist + Legal Expert
Ayush Pandit brings a rare combination to the table – investigative journalism backed by legal expertise. His legal team carries vast experience, and he personally monitors special cases of senior politicians, including Chief Ministers of states, till the Supreme Court.

This dual role as investigative journalist and advocate makes him a formidable force in both media and law. He doesn’t just expose – he follows through legally to ensure accountability.

From Newsroom to Government
What sets Ayush apart is his crossover from journalism into governance. He has served in multiple government departments, including the Department of State Tax. In 2018, he was appointed as Special Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, serving during the tenure of CM Trivendra Singh Rawat of the BJP.

During this period, he blew the whistle on corrupt practices within media networks – a move that reportedly saved the BJP government from a major crisis in 2018.

The 2016 Horse-Trading Case: Whistleblower & Prime Witness
Ayush Gaur played a pivotal role during the 2016 political crisis in Uttarakhand under the Harish Rawat-led Congress government. He was actively involved in the special operation exposing horse-trading attempts. The matter is currently under CBI investigation, where Pandit Ayush is a prime witness and whistleblower. His testimony remains crucial to the case.

Recognition and Awards
For his service to the nation through journalism, #PanditAyushGaur has been honoured with three national awards. Colleagues describe him as a “dignified investigative journalist” who never shied away from putting his life on the line for truth.

A Case Study for Future Journalists
I have closely observed Pandit Ayush working over the years. At a time when access journalism and paid news have eroded public trust, his model of evidence-based, field-driven investigation + legal follow-through is what India’s media ecosystem desperately needs.

Youth pursuing journalism should take Ayush Pandit’s story as a case history and case study in colleges. He didn’t just report on the system – he entered it, held it accountable, and exposed it from within.

Digital Footprint
While Ayush Gaur maintains a low profile, references to his work appear across social media and news archives – from his SIT stints at Headlines Today to his advisory role in Uttarakhand, the Delhi AAP sting, and his legal interventions. His name is linked to several high-impact investigations over the past 15 years.

I salute dynamic and multi-talented personalities who are giving so much to the society and nation.
All the best to the
“Janpatrakar” #PanditAyushGaur…

Competing against talented young players from across the country, Agrim displayed remarkable focus, strategic thinking, and composure throughout the championship. Taking on seasoned opponents in a highly competitive environment, he embraced every match as a learning opportunity, demonstrating resilience and confidence well beyond his years.

His participation in the prestigious championship marks an important milestone in his sporting journey, reflecting the dedication, discipline, and perseverance that have shaped his growth as a budding chess player. More than the results, the experience has strengthened his competitive spirit and inspired him to aim even higher in the years ahead.

Congratulating Agrim on his achievement, Ms Anita Saini, Principal, Birla Open Minds International School, Dehradun, said, “Agrim’s qualification for the National Under-9 Chess Championship is a matter of immense pride for our school. Competing at the national level against the country’s finest young players is a remarkable achievement. His dedication, discipline, and passion for the game are truly inspiring, and we are confident that he will continue to achieve greater milestones in the years ahead. We wish him every success as he works towards representing India on the international stage.”

The achievement is a proud reminder that with the right encouragement, determination, and passion, young learners can confidently compete on national platforms. Agrim’s inspiring journey serves as a motivation for aspiring students to embrace challenges, believe in their abilities, and continue striving for excellence both on and off the chessboard.

Delivering the inaugural address, the Chief Guest  Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, underscored the transformative role of unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies in modern warfare and emphasised that sustained collaboration among the armed forces, industry, startups and research institutions will be key to strengthening India’s indigenous drone capabilities. Highlighting the Indian Air Force’s commitment to innovation, he said the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) has been established to facilitate industry engagement and announced Dronathon 2026 as a platform to evaluate indigenous technologies through live demonstrations. Calling for accelerated development of critical technologies, AI-enabled systems, cybersecurity and localisation of key drone components, he urged industry to scale up innovation and manufacturing, remarking, “Technology delayed is technology denied.”

While addressing the august gathering, Dr. N. Ranjana, Outstanding Scientist & Director, Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management, DRDO Headquarters, highlighted the growing strategic importance of drones, robotics and autonomous systems, noting that recent global conflicts have reinforced their critical role in defence and national security. She said DRDO’s Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence are fostering indigenous innovation by bringing together academia, industry and government laboratories to accelerate technology development and commercialisation. She highlighted DRDO’s research initiatives in swarm technologies, advanced propulsion systems, autonomous platforms, additive manufacturing and next-generation aerial systems, while encouraging startups and industry to leverage DRDO’s testing infrastructure, research facilities and technology transfer programmes to accelerate indigenous innovation.

Dr. Panneerselavam Madangopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, highlighted India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem and the government’s strong policy support for innovation through initiatives such as MeitY Startup Hub and iDEX. Emphasising the strategic importance of electronics and semiconductor manufacturing for drones, defence and emerging technologies, he said strengthening indigenous design and component manufacturing is critical to achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat. He encouraged startups to build globally competitive solutions around real-world problem statements and leverage government programmes to accelerate innovation, product development and commercialisation.

Underscoring the importance of industry-government collaboration in advancing emerging technologies, Mr. Sanjiv Edward, Chair, PHDCCI Civil Aviation Committee, said Bharat Drone Manthan 3.0 serves as a strategic platform for shaping the future of India’s drone, robotics and deep-tech ecosystem by fostering collaboration between government, defence, industry, startups and academia. He observed that the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and next-generation aerial technologies is redefining national security, industrial competitiveness and economic growth, and stressed that sustained innovation and cross-sector partnerships will be instrumental in positioning India as a global leader in emerging technologies. Reaffirming PHDCCI’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem, he said the Chamber will continue to catalyse meaningful partnerships to accelerate indigenous technology development and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Mr. Michael Jain, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Civil Aviation Committee, appreciated the inspiring deliberations during the inaugural session and observed that the interaction between the Chief of the Air Staff and young innovators, students and startups served as a strong source of encouragement for India’s emerging technology ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the deliberations at Bharat Drone Manthan 3.0 would further strengthen collaboration among government, industry, defence and academia, paving the way for accelerated innovation and indigenous technology development.

Highlighting the transformative potential of drone technologies, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, said that every era of progress has been driven by breakthrough innovations from the steam engine and the internet to artificial intelligence and expressed confidence that drones would define India’s next wave of technological advancement. He said the sector presents immense opportunities for employment generation, indigenous manufacturing and innovation, supported by India’s vibrant ecosystem of over 1.5 lakh startups and 150 unicorns. Reaffirming PHDCCI’s commitment, as it marks 121 years of service to Indian industry, he said the Chamber will continue to strengthen collaboration among government, industry, academia and startups to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, who highlighted the remarkable evolution of Bharat Drone Manthan into PHDCCI’s flagship platform for India’s drone and robotics ecosystem. He recalled that while the inaugural edition in 2024 laid the foundation by focusing on unmanned traffic management, urban air mobility and advanced air mobility systems, the second edition strengthened industry-government collaboration in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said the third edition marks a decisive transition from vision to action by promoting AI-led innovation, skilling and indigenous manufacturing as India works towards becoming a leading global drone hub by 2030.

The conclave featured a series of high-level technical sessions on “Why Bharat Becoming a Global Drone Hub by 2030 is a Strategic Imperative”; “Building a Secure and Self-Reliant Airspace”; “Surveillance to Strategic Superiority: Drone Innovation in Defence & Homeland Security”; “Own in Bharat: Strengthening Indigenous Manufacturing & Supply Chain Ecosystems”; “Next Generation Drones: Creating an Indian Ecosystem”; “Innovation to Enterprise: Business Transformation through Commercial Applications & Robotics Technologies”; “Future of Drones, Robotics & Deep Tech: Transforming Air Power and India’s Defence Ecosystem,” and “Wings of Innovation: Trailblazers Shaping the Future of Autonomous Technologies.” The discussions focused on advancing indigenous manufacturing, strengthening research and development, integrating artificial intelligence with autonomous systems, promoting commercial drone applications, enhancing defence preparedness, fostering startup-led innovation and positioning India as a global hub for drone and deep-tech technologies. On the occasion, PHDCCI also released a Knowledge Report highlighting the evolving policy landscape, emerging technology trends and strategic recommendations to strengthen India’s drone, robotics and autonomous systems ecosystem.

Bharat Drone Manthan 3.0 reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among government, defence, industry, academia and startups to build a robust, innovation-driven and self-reliant drone ecosystem. The deliberations underscored the critical role of indigenous technologies, policy support, research partnerships and entrepreneurship in positioning India as a global leader in drones, robotics and advanced autonomous systems while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Bringing together students to plant saplings, the initiative transforms a simple environmental activity into a powerful lesson in collaboration, accountability, and long-term thinking. Working together to nurture green spaces, participants experience how collective action can create meaningful and lasting impact, an approach that reflects the values of future-ready, purpose-driven organisations.

More than a plantation drive, Mitti to Management serves as a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship. Every sapling planted encourages students to reflect on climate action, resource conservation, and the growing responsibility of businesses to embed sustainability into everyday decision-making. It reinforces the idea that sustainability is not merely a corporate commitment but a leadership mindset that shapes lasting success.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, sustainable communities, and responsible consumption, the initiative helps students connect global challenges with local action. It demonstrates how small, consistent efforts can contribute to broader environmental and social progress while inspiring future managers to think beyond profits and towards purpose.

The initiative reflects an educational philosophy that extends beyond academic excellence to nurturing socially conscious leaders. By encouraging empathy, collaboration, resilience, and accountability, it equips students with qualities that are increasingly essential for leading organisations in a sustainability-focused world.

By bringing together the principles of management and environmental responsibility, Mitti to Management reminds students that the journey to becoming an effective leader does not begin in a boardroom; it begins with understanding the value of giving back to the world. Through every sapling planted today, the initiative is cultivating a generation of leaders who will build businesses that grow with purpose, responsibility, and lasting impact.

To execute this campaign, Hilary Rhoda held an experience-driven event that saw influencers, beauty leaders and creators, and power consumers come together to experience Hilary Rhoda’s entire lineup of lipsticks at once. From creamy to matte, from glosses to mousse lipsticks, guests were taken through the complete spectrum of lipsticks at this event through swatching and product experiences.

Commenting on the campaign, Vatsal Agrawal, Co-founder and CMO of Hilary Rhoda, says, “Choosing the right lipstick is not only finding a particular shade but also finding the right shade for yourself. With ‘Finding The One,’ we want to capture that feeling in an inspiring manner that will empower people. Our diverse collection of lipsticks has been crafted after extensive research, taking into account distinct Indian skin tones, tastes, and occasions. So, there is something special for everybody out there. It is part of our mission to produce high-quality research-based beauty products crafted specifically for Indian skin tones while making the entire process interesting and exciting.”

The new campaign by Hilary Rhoda captures the brand’s founder’s vision of making the process of searching for the right shade interesting and personalized. By promoting experimentation with different shades and textures of lipstick, the brand emphasizes everyone’s individuality.

An event designed to inspire conversation both on and off the Internet, the effort provided an opportunity for the creatives and beauty enthusiasts to interact directly with Hilary Rhoda’s carefully selected line of lipsticks in order to create unique and shareable moments celebrating their individuality with colors and textures.

“Hilary Rhoda – Finding The One” further solidifies the brand’s position as a destination point for lipstick enthusiasts, presenting a wide selection of lipstick textures and finishes that would suit any personality, any mood, and any occasion. Making the process of product discovery a fun and immersive experience, the brand proves its dedication to helping consumers find the perfect lipstick for them.

The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by Shri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, who reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity, promoting coastal tourism and encouraging private investment to position Karnataka as a leading global tourism destination.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted that accessibility and world-class infrastructure remain central to Karnataka’s tourism development strategy. He also emphasized the Government’s continued efforts to promote the State through travel marts, roadshows and strategic domestic and international marketing initiatives while strengthening partnerships with the travel trade.

Senior officials present on the occasion included Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism; Shri Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC); Shri Sivaram Babu, IFS, Managing Director, Jungle Lodges and Resorts; and Shri K. Syama Raju, President, SIHRA and Karnataka Tourism Society, along with tourism stakeholders, industry representatives and members of the travel fraternity from across the country.

During the three-day exhibition, Karnataka Tourism and its co-exhibiting tourism stakeholders will engage with travel agents, tour operators, destination management companies, hospitality professionals and travel enthusiasts from across India and international markets. The interactions are expected to strengthen industry partnerships, generate new business opportunities and promote Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings across key source markets.

At the pavilion, visitors can explore Karnataka’s extensive tourism offerings spanning heritage, wildlife, nature, beaches, wellness, adventure, spirituality and MICE tourism. Tourism officials and stakeholders will provide destination information, promotional literature and insights into the State’s diverse tourism circuits, enabling visitors to discover experiences beyond the conventional travel itinerary.

Karnataka is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Group of Monuments at Hampi, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, and the Western Ghats – reflecting the State’s exceptional cultural heritage, architectural brilliance and remarkable biodiversity.

Complementing its heritage attractions, Karnataka offers some of India’s finest wildlife and eco-tourism experiences. The State includes significant portions of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with renowned protected areas such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park and the Biligiri Ranganatha (BRT) Tiger Reserve, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Karnataka’s 343-kilometre Arabian Sea coastline offers a diverse range of tourism experiences through destinations such as Karwar, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Malpe and Ullal, combining pristine beaches, coastal cuisine, pilgrimage, water-based activities and scenic landscapes. The Government is also strengthening this segment through the proposed Karavali–Malnad Tourism Policy 2026, aimed at promoting beach tourism, cruise tourism, water sports and eco-tourism while encouraging greater private sector participation.

The State’s vibrant cultural identity is showcased through iconic festivals including Mysuru Dasara, Hampi Utsav, Karavali Utsav and Kadalekai Parishe, offering visitors authentic experiences rooted in Karnataka’s traditions, performing arts, crafts and cuisine. Complementing these experiences, Bengaluru continues to strengthen Karnataka’s position as one of India’s leading business and innovation hubs, making the State an attractive destination for both leisure and MICE tourism.

As one of India’s premier travel exhibitions, IITM Bengaluru provides an important platform for Karnataka Tourism to strengthen industry relationships, expand its tourism outreach and reinforce the State’s position as one of India’s leading tourism destinations. Visitors are invited to visit Stall No. IP7 to explore Karnataka’s diverse tourism experiences and interact with the Department’s officials and tourism stakeholders throughout the exhibition.