Author: Sakina Kheriwala

8 global giants leading the charge on return-to-office mandates

While hybrid work was initially embraced, these companies are steering away from remote work in favour of fostering collaboration, company culture, and productivity in-person.

As companies push for productivity and collaboration, many are insisting on a return to the office, a significant shift from remote and hybrid work polices. From JP Morgan to Meta, here’s a look at the top global companies that have mandated a return-to-office policy post-pandemic.

10 technological innovations that will redefine Maha Kumbh 2025

With an estimated 45 crore visitors expected, this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela promises to be one of the largest and most significant in history.

From underwater drones to AI-enabled cameras, Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to redefine the world’s largest religious gathering, blending tradition with technology. Here’s a roundup of the top cutting-edge tech that is expected to transform this grand event beyond bounds.

Deepika Padukone reacts to 90-hour workweek remark by L&T chairman

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, last seen in Singham Again, was one of the first to call out the remarks, sharing the company's statement on her Instagram stories with the caption, "And they just made it worse."

Deepika Padukone voiced her disagreement with L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s comments, where he expressed a preference for employees working on Sundays. She also criticized the company’s follow-up statement that defended his remarks.

L&T defends chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan amid backlash over 90-hour workweek remarks

The controversy mirrors a similar recent uproar over Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy's suggestion that young professionals should work 70-hour weeks to drive India’s development. (Image: LTIMindtree)

As criticism mounts over S.N. Subrahmanyan’s controversial remarks on work culture, L&T highlights its commitment to nation-building and extraordinary efforts for progress.

‘Number of hours of work don’t matter, quality of work does,’ says Bajaj Auto MD

Reflecting on his own practices, Rajiv Bajaj revealed that he adopted remote work as early as 2018, long before it became the norm during the pandemic.

Bajaj Auto’s Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, advocates quality over quantity in work, decentralised decision-making, and a humane approach to leadership amidst the debate on long working hours.

Harish Bijoor’s #StareAtSpouseChallenge gives a humorous spin to 90-hour workweek controversy

Harish Bijoor’s challenge encourages participants to stare at their spouses, share clips of the moment on platforms like X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads, and celebrate the importance of personal relationships.

Branding expert takes a humorous dig at work-life balance, urging professionals to prioritize personal connections over excessive work hours.

Bim Bissell, FabIndia visionary, passes away

Beyond her work with FabIndia, Bim was also deeply committed to uplifting disadvantaged women. In 1992, she co-founded Udyogini, an NGO aimed at empowering landless, assetless women in India, with Ela Bhatt of SEWA as its chair.

Beyond her work with FabIndia, Bimla Nanda Bissell was also deeply committed to uplifting disadvantaged women. In 1992, she co-founded Udyogini, an NGO aimed at empowering landless, assetless women in India.

Matt McNally appointed as global CEO of Publicis Health

Matt McNally previously spent 14 years at Publicis, where he was instrumental in launching Publicis Health Media and overseeing media transformation for top pharmaceutical clients. (Image: LinkedIn)

Matt McNally returns to Publicis Groupe to spearhead health marketing transformation, and will be based in New York.

Steve Jobs’ wife Laurene to attend Mahakumbh 2025

Expected to arrive on January 13, Laurene Powell Jobs will stay at the camp of Shri Panchayati Taponidhi Niranjani Akhara, led by Swami Kailashanand Giri. (Image: Ford Foundation)

Wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell Jobs will spend 17 days at the Mahakumbh 2025, immersing herself in the teachings of Sanatan Dharma, alongside other global personalities.