Tag: female leadership

Business

Bhumi & Samiksha Pednekar Launch Premium Water Brand ‘Backbay’

Tanisha Cardozo

In a powerful blend of family values, environmental consciousness, and entrepreneurial ambition, Bhumi Pednekar, the acclaimed Bollywood actress, and her sister Samiksha Pednekar, a lawyer and business strategist, have launched Backbay, a premium Himalayan water brand poised to make waves in the Indian beverage industry.

Backbay isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy-in-progress. After two years of planning, the sisters have established a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Himachal Pradesh, directly sourcing natural mineral water from the Himalayan region. With a daily capacity of 45,000 boxes, the facility is powered by a largely women-led workforce, further underlining the sisters’ commitment to empowerment and equity.

Backbay’s initial offerings include 500 ml and 750 ml water bottles, priced at ₹150 and ₹200 respectively. The pricing positions it between high-end luxury bottled water (₹600) and premium plastic bottles (₹90), making Backbay a “premium yet accessible” choice for conscious consumers.

What sets Backbay apart is its Gable Top Paper packaging, a packaging style common globally but rare in India. Combined with bio caps, this eco-forward approach reflects the brand’s mission to minimize environmental impact. Bhumi proudly states that Backbay is the only Indian brand currently using this packaging model.

Backbay isn’t stopping at plain mineral water. Samiksha revealed that they are already developing flavored sparkling water in exciting variants like lychee, peach, and lime—targeting health-conscious and lifestyle-driven consumers.

With a vision of reaching ₹100 crore in revenue in four years, the Pednekars are serious about scaling their brand while staying true to their roots.

The launch of Backbay comes just ahead of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that holds deep personal meaning for the sisters. Bhumi shared touching memories of tying rakhis every year and how their late father’s absence only strengthened their bond.

Samiksha recalled how Bhumi shielded her emotionally during the most difficult times, becoming a pillar of strength. “She’s my strongest protector,” Samiksha said.

Their love is no longer just symbolic—it now powers a shared dream, a business, and a brand that’s set to redefine premium hydration in India.

International

Blaise Metreweli Named First Woman Chief of MI6 in Historic Appointment

allycaralgoa

London, July 30, 2025 — In a groundbreaking moment for British intelligence, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the 18th Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), marking the first time a woman will lead the organization in its 116-year history.

Her appointment, effective October 1, 2025, was confirmed by the UK government and praised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “a milestone at a time when the UK faces unprecedented global challenges.”

A Trailblazer in Tech and Intelligence

Metreweli currently heads MI6’s technology and innovation division, known internally as “Q”—a nod to the gadget-master in the James Bond universe. In this role, she has championed AI-driven surveillance tools, cyber intelligence advancements, and digital tradecraft that have become essential in countering global espionage threats.

She brings 25 years of service in British intelligence, including high-level roles in MI5 and operational deployments across the Middle East and Europe.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling in British Intelligence

While MI5 and GCHQ—the UK’s domestic and cyber intelligence agencies—have had female leaders before, MI6 had remained a male-led institution since its founding in 1909. Metreweli’s appointment shatters that precedent and sets a new tone for leadership in the intelligence community.

A Background Built for Modern Threats

Metreweli studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge, is fluent in Arabic, and is widely regarded for her ability to combine cultural intelligence with cutting-edge technology. Her work has significantly advanced MI6’s ability to counter emerging threats, including state-sponsored cyberattacks from adversaries like Russia and China.

In a statement, she said:

“I am proud and honored to lead my Service. MI6 plays a vital role in protecting the UK alongside MI5 and GCHQ. I look forward to guiding our people through the evolving landscape of global threats with the innovation and integrity that our mission demands.”

Endorsements Across the Board

Her predecessor, Sir Richard Moore, praised her as a “highly accomplished intelligence officer” and “a leading thinker in the application of technology to security.” Her peers describe her as strategic, forward-thinking, and deeply respected across both UK and allied agencies.

What This Means Going Forward

Metreweli’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of modernization and inclusion at MI6. At a time when hybrid warfare, cyber espionage, and global instability are reshaping the geopolitical landscape, her appointment reflects a conscious pivot toward innovation and diversity in national security.

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