Latest news with #Odisha
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Dark Side Of Women's Empowerment
Written by Lauren Hendricks, President and CEO, Trickle Up Women are living through dark times. Gender-based violence kills one woman every 10 minutes, and feminist attitudes and policies—after decades of hard-won progress—are now regressing due to an onslaught of anti-feminist rhetoric in the news, on podcasts, and across social media. Younger generations are shifting to more conservative viewpoints, and anti-feminist beliefs amongst young men have been on the rise. A Trickle Up participant in Odisha, India, works on a task for her small business. These shifting attitudes make it even harder for women to navigate gender bias on their path to economic equity and empowerment. One study across 20 countries found that 40% of respondents felt it was 'natural for men to earn more than women,' 23% agreed that men should be paid more than women for the same job, and 34% believed that men make better business executives than women. What's more, another study found that 60% of Gen Z men across 31 countries believe that women's equality actually discriminates against men. In many of these countries, deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes deny women autonomy and limit their access to education, financial resources, job opportunities, and business or property ownership—the full spectrum of economic independence. In rural regions where employment opportunities are scarce, one of the best ways for women to reach economic empowerment is through entrepreneurship, but social norms biased against women often create barriers to success. And even when women overcome these barriers, their success can prove dangerous. The Cost of Ambition The threat of women's success to the male ego is universal. Having lived and worked in developing countries, I have seen this dynamic unfold repeatedly: when women become primary breadwinners or earn more than men, it creates conflict. In Uganda, I worked with some of the most capable, intelligent women I have ever met. But many hesitated to accept high-paying international jobs that could transform their families' futures because they feared their husband's disapproval and jealousy. For rural women living in poverty, the situation is even more dire. In my work on women's economic empowerment projects across Africa and Asia, every opportunity had to earn a man's approval, requiring careful navigation around what husbands or fathers would allow. Giving a woman a smartphone could boost her income, but it could also lead to physical violence and confiscation of the phone by her husband. Women across the globe make large and small decisions based on what they believe their husbands or partners will tolerate instead of basing goals on their talents or ambitions—placing limitations on themselves that wouldn't be necessary in the face of true equality. When women step outside their carefully defined roles and succeed too much, they may risk a violent backlash. Redefining Masculinity: From Dominance to Partnership Violence against women is a symptom of a larger problem: some men's belief that they have the right to control women's behavior. Some exert control through violence, some through financial dominance, and others through the threat of divorce and social isolation. Whatever the method, the goal is the same: to keep the women in their lives under their control. The tactics needed to overcome these entrenched and dangerous attitudes require slow and painstaking work on multiple fronts. And much of this is men's work. We need more men to openly support their wives' success. We need more conversations within households about how an entire family benefits when a woman thrives. We need men to congratulate each other when their wives succeed, instead of questioning their masculinity. And we need men to model to their sons the appropriate behavior of showing women respect and decency. The bottom line is that we need to redefine manhood in a way that does not involve dominating women. Shifting harmful gender norms starts with encouraging men of households to be allies (AVSI Foundation). For any of these strategies to succeed, we must engage men and boys and transform them into allies by working at the ground level with families and communities to shift harmful gender norms. Some of this begins with early education on gender issues, while other tactics begin with including men in discussions about economic challenges and financial literacy—which has been shown to encourage joint-decision-making, joint goal setting, greater cooperation, and more equitable partnerships that redistribute household and caregiving responsibilities. Changing Gender Norms by Investing in Women's Potential Dismantling harmful social norms also requires a woman-centered approach. We've discovered that when women earn income, they reinvest in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and economic outcomes. Financial independence also gives women greater autonomy, enabling them to challenge oppressive social norms and participate in decision-making in their communities and households. And when men see women as equal partners in the household, we get one step closer to true equity. By providing the right resources to women in rural areas—like seed capital, savings groups, training in financial literacy, and links to local markets—we can help them start and sustain small businesses. And while a savings group may seem like a simple approach, it's more complex than it sounds: these groups are essential venues for women to gather, meet, and learn from one another how to advocate for their rights, negotiate better wages, access new economic opportunities, and build the support and self-esteem they need to take on larger roles in their households and communities. Pushpanjali Baccha of Balangir, India, works with her livelihood coach on her agricultural business. In a world where gender inequality continues to threaten the rights, safety, and potential of women, we must move beyond surface-level solutions. True change starts by recognizing the power women hold and ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and support to claim it. At Trickle Up, we see every woman not just as a participant in our economic inclusion programs, but as a leader, a provider, and a catalyst for transformation. When women gain economic power, they shift the dynamics of entire communities and reshape the future.
Globe and Mail
14 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
From Military Roots to Global Innovation: Arun Kar Builds a Greener Future with $145M Net Worth
"Arun Kar at the World Leaders Summit 2024, held at the prestigious House of Lords, British Parliament / Source: The News Times UK" From Cyclone Survivor to Sustainability Leader: Arun Kar's Journey from Battlefield to Boardroom is Reshaping Tech Impact LONDON, United Kingdom - 2nd Jun, 2025 - In an age dominated by startup valuations and venture capital pomp, Arun Kar 's journey stands apart — a narrative defined not by overnight success but by persistent resilience, clarity of purpose, and quiet determination. Born in Odisha, India, and raised in a modest household, Kar's early life was marked by adversity. One of the most defining moments came in 1999, when he survived the devastating Super Cyclone that ravaged the eastern coast of India. 'Witnessing the destruction and the quiet strength of my community left a lasting impact,' he recalls. That formative experience planted the seeds of a lifelong mission: to build solutions that serve both people and planet. Kar's path initially led to military service. After clearing India's Combined Defence Services examination with an all-India rank of 152, he was commissioned into the Indian Army's Artillery Arm. For seven years, he served with distinction, often in some of the country's most demanding environments. Kar said, 'The Army taught me the value of leadership under pressure, discipline, and unwavering accountability'. Those lessons would prove critical in the chapters to come. Battleground to Boardroom Following his military tenure, Kar transitioned to the corporate world, working with leading global IT firms including Tech Mahindra and Virtusa. There, he gained exposure to digital transformation, enterprise systems, and global operations — insights that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial vision. In 2016, he founded Xpertnest, alongside partners Chintan Panara and Pradip Butani. With no external funding, the team started from scratch — quite literally from their living rooms. Their first project brought in just $900. But what followed was nearly a decade of steady, values-driven growth. Today, the company is a global digital innovation firm headquartered in London, with operations spanning the UK, Europe, India, and the Middle East. The company's portfolio includes smart city infrastructure, AgriTech platforms supporting Indian farmers, and critical applications for Fortune 500 companies and national law enforcement agencies. Their technology has powered everything from 5G event solutions to IoT-based utility management systems. Notably, several of their applications have been featured in Apple's enterprise success stories — a testament to the firm's technical acumen and real-world impact. In early 2025, the company was independently valued at over $100 million, a figure verified by both a SEBI-registered Category-I Merchant Banker and a UK-based valuation firm, with the milestone reported across the London Stock Exchange (RNS), Reuters, and the Financial Express. Building a Greener Future Kar's ambitions extend beyond technology. In recent years, he launched Earthnest, a sustainability venture focused on biodegradable and plastic-free packaging solutions. The company's flagship product — Bio Bags — aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is already in use across the UK, including a successful trial with Paultons Park, one of Britain's top family attractions. 'Technology must serve humanity and the environment — not just profit margins,' Kar says. A Quiet Rise In May 2025, Arun Kar's personal net worth was independently assessed and certified at $145 million by a SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) registered Category-I Merchant Banker, based on his equity in Xpertnest, stakes in other high-growth ventures and companies, and a portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. Yet, despite reaching multimillionaire status long before public recognition, Kar remains grounded. His next goal? To support emerging leaders and startups through mentorship, investment, and ethical governance. 'Impact is the true measure of success,' he acknowledges. Kar's journey — from cyclone survivor to Army officer, tech innovator to sustainability champion — is a rare tale of purpose over hype. It serves as a powerful reminder that in an age of instant gratification, long-term vision, discipline, and integrity still have a place at the heart of innovation.
CNA
19 hours ago
- Business
- CNA
India accelerates privatisation of more public airports to meet soaring air travel demand
MUMBAI: India is forging ahead with the privatisation of more public airports, as the country anticipates a surge in demand for air travel. The move is expected to bring more infrastructure upgrades, reduce congestion and boost government revenue, said observers. India has already emerged as the world's third-largest aviation market, propelled by major investments in airport facilities and the rise of airlines with expansive flight networks. DEMAND FOR MODERN, EFFICIENT AIRPORTS Analysts said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government hopes to monetise loss-making assets by packaging them with profitable ones to attract private investors. For instance, Bhubaneswar International Airport, situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is one of 11 airports that India wants to privatise in less than a year. Maulesh Desai, director of credit rating agency CareEdge Ratings said: 'Private players can bring operational efficiency (to) the airports and good technologies, (which) can reduce the turnaround time and provide a better passenger experience as well as airline experience.' The push comes as India's aviation sector gains momentum in its post-pandemic recovery, fuelling the demand for more modern and efficient airports. CareEdge has projected a compound annual growth rate of 9 per cent in passenger traffic over the next two years, with numbers expected to reach about 485 million by 2027 as international travel expands at a faster pace. Investment in the sector is also projected to grow, with an estimated US$12 billion in capital expenditure expected over the next five years, according to ratings agency ICRA. Airport privatisation in India began over two decades ago under a previous administration, aimed at bringing in investment and saving public funds for other uses. The country's busiest airports — Delhi and Mumbai — were among the first to go private in 2006. Six other Indian airports were privatised in 2019. These were done under a public-private partnership model, with the Airports Authority of India owning a 26 per cent stake and private firms holding the majority 74 per cent. HIGHER OPERATING EXPENSES Now, the government plans to sell off its stake in some of these ventures while also expanding the privatisation initiative to more airports. 'I think this strategy of airport privatisation and now bringing in more airports for the private-public partnership model is based out of the government's initiative to totally develop India,' said Milanka Chaudhury, partner at law firm Trilegal. Other airports in cities such as Amritsar, Varanasi, Raipur, and Trichy are also expected to go private by March next year. Industry giants like the Adani Group and GMR Airports, which already operate several privatised airports, are expected to be among the bidders. Observers said the big draw for private investors is the promise of potential profits that come not just from the aviation industry, but other sectors that contribute to a world-class airport experience such as retail and food and beverages. 'There will be these non-aeronautical businesses like duty-free kiosks, there will be restaurants, and it's more like a shopping experience within the airport,' said Trilegal's Chaudhury. 'It also has a lot of commercial aspects to it. So the passengers spend a lot of time and money there, and the government gets a revenue share of that.' But this transformation could come at a cost. Higher operating expenses could eventually be passed on to both airlines and passengers, particularly as demand grows, incomes rise, and environmental concerns around aviation intensify. CareEdge Ratings' Desai said: 'That leads to the higher burden on the airlines as well as the passengers, so that is one challenge we need to (observe).'
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
With $145M Net Worth, Arun Kar Charts Greener Future from Military Service to Global Innovation
LONDON, United Kingdom, May 27, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- In an age dominated by startup valuations and venture capital pomp, Arun Kar, opens new tab's journey stands apart — a narrative defined not by overnight success but by persistent resilience, clarity of purpose, and quiet determination. Born in Odisha, India, and raised in a modest household, Kar's early life was marked by adversity. One of the most defining moments came in 1999, when he survived the devastating Super Cyclone that ravaged the eastern coast of India. 'Witnessing the destruction and the quiet strength of my community left a lasting impact,' he recalls. That formative experience planted the seeds of a lifelong mission: to build solutions that serve both people and planet. Kar's path initially led to military service. After clearing India's Combined Defence Services examination with an all-India rank of 152, he was commissioned into the Indian Army's Artillery Arm. For seven years, he served with distinction, often in some of the country's most demanding environments. Kar said, 'The Army taught me the value of leadership under pressure, discipline, and unwavering accountability'. Those lessons would prove critical in the chapters to come. Battleground to Boardroom Following his military tenure, Kar transitioned to the corporate world, working with leading global IT firms including Tech Mahindra and Virtusa. There, he gained exposure to digital transformation, enterprise systems, and global operations — insights that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial vision. In 2016, he founded Xpertnest, opens new tab alongside partners Chintan Panara and Pradip Butani. With no external funding, the team started from scratch — quite literally from their living rooms. Their first project brought in just $900. But what followed was nearly a decade of steady, values-driven growth. Today, the company is a global digital innovation firm headquartered in London, with operations spanning the UK, Europe, India, and the Middle East. The company's portfolio includes smart city infrastructure, AgriTech platforms supporting Indian farmers, and critical applications for Fortune 500 companies and national law enforcement agencies. Their technology has powered everything from 5G event solutions to IoT-based utility management systems. Notably, several of their applications have been featured in Apple's enterprise success stories — a testament to the firm's technical acumen and real-world impact. In early 2025, the company was independently valued at over $100 million, a figure verified by both a SEBI-registered Category-I Merchant Banker and a UK-based valuation firm, with the milestone reported across the London Stock Exchange (RNS), opens new tab, Reuters, opens new tab, and the Financial Express, opens new tab. Building a Greener Future Kar's ambitions extend beyond technology. In recent years, he launched Earthnest, a sustainability venture focused on biodegradable and plastic-free packaging solutions. The company's flagship product — Bio Bags — aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is already in use across the UK, including a successful trial with Paultons Park, one of Britain's top family attractions. 'Technology must serve humanity and the environment — not just profit margins,' Kar says. A Quiet Rise In May 2025, Arun Kar's personal net worth was independently assessed and certified at $145 million by a SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) registered Category-I Merchant Banker, based on his equity in Xpertnest, stakes in other high-growth ventures and companies, and a portfolio of income-generating real estate assets. Yet, despite reaching multimillionaire status long before public recognition, Kar remains grounded. His next goal? To support emerging leaders and startups through mentorship, investment, and ethical governance. 'Impact is the true measure of success,' he acknowledges. Kar's journey — from cyclone survivor to Army officer, tech innovator to sustainability champion — is a rare tale of purpose over hype. It serves as a powerful reminder that in an age of instant gratification, long-term vision, discipline, and integrity still have a place at the heart of innovation. Media Contact Benjamin ### SOURCE: The News Times UK Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
India orders probe into ‘mercilessly beaten' journalist
The National Human Rights Commission demanded Odisha police provide a report within two weeks. (EPA Images pic) NEW DELHI : India's human rights body demanded on Friday that police investigate the brutal assault of a journalist who was tied, beaten and paraded through a village while reporting on alleged corruption. Video footage circulated on social media showed journalist Bijay Pradhan being beaten up on May 25 after he went to report on construction of a housing scheme in the eastern state of Odisha. 'Reportedly, he was suddenly attacked… The victim's legs and hands were tied, and he was paraded through the village before being tied to a pole and mercilessly beaten,' the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said on Friday. It demanded police in Odisha provide a report within two weeks. 'The victim's mobile phones and video camera were also smashed by the perpetrators, and he was threatened not to report anything about the incident,' the NHRC added in a statement. Four people suspected of assaulting the journalist have been arrested, according to media reports. India, where incidents of intimidation and assaulting journalists are not uncommon, is ranked 151 on the World Press Freedom Index, run by Reporters Without Borders. In January, India's media watchdog demanded a thorough investigation after the battered body of a journalist, who had widely reported on corruption in neighbouring Chhattisgarh state, was found stuffed in a septic tank covered with concrete.
