Forty-one years ago, on this day — October 31, 1984 — India was stunned into silence. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the nation’s first and only woman Prime Minister, was assassinated as she stepped out of her 1, Safdarjung Road residence in New Delhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh.
That morning began like any other. Indira Gandhi, known as the “Iron Lady of India,” was preparing for an interview with an Irish television crew led by British actor and filmmaker Peter Ustinov. As she walked along the garden path connecting her Safdarjung Road residence to the adjoining bungalow at 1, Akbar Road, her guards opened fire without warning. More than 30 bullets struck her before nearby security personnel could intervene.
Sonia Gandhi, hearing the commotion, rushed out of her home and found Indira Gandhi lying motionless. She held her in her lap as they sped toward AIIMS Hospital, just three kilometers away. Doctors worked for hours to revive her, performing continuous blood transfusions, but she was declared dead soon after arrival.
The assassins were immediately confronted — Beant Singh was killed on the spot, while Satwant Singh was captured alive, later tried, and executed in 1989.
Indira Gandhi’s assassination came in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, a military operation she had ordered in June 1984 to remove militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, and her killing was seen as an act of revenge.
What followed was one of the darkest chapters in Indian history — violent anti-Sikh riots erupted across the country, especially in Delhi, claiming the lives of over a thousand innocent Sikhs in just a few days.
Indira’s son, Rajiv Gandhi, was sworn in as Prime Minister hours later, as the nation reeled in grief.
Indira Gandhi had been both admired and criticized throughout her career. She led India to victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, strengthened India’s nuclear program, and drove the Green Revolution, which transformed India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation. Her political will, charisma, and leadership defined an era.
On this solemn day, India remembers Indira Gandhi not only for the tragedy that claimed her life but for the indomitable spirit with which she led the nation through war, reform, and change. Her legacy endures — as a symbol of courage, determination, and national pride.
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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June 2025 | Global Trends | Business & Economy : Africa is charting a powerful new narrative—one led by its women. With an estimated 24% of women actively engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, the continent now holds the highest rate of female entrepreneurship in the world. This remarkable statistic isn’t just a reflection of economic necessity—it’s a testament to the resilience, vision, and determination of African women shaping their destinies and redefining economic landscapes.
Beyond Survival: A Story of Vision and Empowerment
While it’s true that limited access to formal employment drives many women to pursue business ownership, the rise of female entrepreneurship in Africa is not merely a response to hardship—it’s a conscious choice to lead, innovate, and thrive.
Women across African nations are launching businesses in sectors ranging from agriculture and retail to tech, fashion, education, and finance. They’re not only creating income for themselves, but also generating employment, empowering communities, and influencing policy and societal change.
What’s Driving the Rise?
Several factors are contributing to this entrepreneurial boom among African women:
Digital Connectivity: Access to mobile technology and digital platforms is helping women launch and scale businesses with limited capital.
Community Support & Networks: Peer groups, mentorship programs, and women-led incubators are providing vital support.
Microfinance & Informal Lending: Although access to formal finance remains a challenge, women are turning to microfinance institutions, savings groups, and innovative community funding models.
Cultural Shifts: Societal norms are slowly shifting, making space for women to take leadership roles in business and finance.
Challenges Remain
Despite the momentum, African women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers:
Limited access to capital and financial services
Gender-based biases in legal frameworks and traditional business environments
Balancing business with family responsibilities without adequate support systems
Educational and skills gaps, especially in rural areas
However, these obstacles have only further highlighted the ingenuity and persistence of women who continue to build, scale, and sustain their enterprises against the odds.
A Continental Legacy in the Making
From Nigeria to Kenya, South Africa to Ghana, inspiring stories abound. Women like:
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank (Nigeria), a health-tech company revolutionizing blood supply systems.
Rebecca Enonchong, Cameroonian tech entrepreneur and founder of AppsTech.
Countless local market vendors, artisans, and service providers who form the backbone of informal economies and keep cities thriving.
These women—and millions like them—are not waiting for permission or ideal conditions. They are rewriting the rules and building legacies on their own terms.
What the Future Holds
With rising investment in women-led businesses, policy support for gender-inclusive economies, and global attention on African innovation, the stage is set for even greater transformation.
Africa’s leadership in female entrepreneurship isn’t just a continental success story—it’s a global lesson in resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
As Africa leads the world in female entrepreneurship, the message is clear: when women rise, nations rise. The continent’s future is being built—one bold woman and one visionary business at a time.
The 6th Edition of The Business Diva competition, organized by the Women’s Wing of GCCI (Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry), recently concluded with a grand celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship among women in Goa. The event, aimed at supporting and spotlighting women entrepreneurs, successfully brought together aspiring and established women business owners from all corners of the state.
The Business Diva competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform created with the vision to celebrate and uplift women entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and leadership. The event was held in collaboration with FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship), a renowned organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and received invaluable support from Mr. Tushar Sawant, Enterprise Development Manager at FiiRE.
The competition spanned over three months, starting with the announcement and culminating in an intense day-long finale. The entire process was meticulously organized, and the program saw a whopping 100+ nominations from women entrepreneurs across Goa. This overwhelming response showcased the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the state and the need for such platforms.
Categories and Rounds: Startup, Scaleup, and Rural Woman Enterprise
The competition was divided into three key categories:
Startup: For new ventures that have innovative ideas and the potential to scale.
Scaleup: For businesses that have already started and are looking to expand.
Rural Woman Enterprise: Specifically for women entrepreneurs in rural areas who are making a significant impact with their businesses.
After a careful review of the nominations, the first round of selection narrowed down the entries to 30 nominations. These candidates were then invited for the second round, a pitching session where they presented their business models, strategies, and visions. Ultimately, 5 finalists in each category were chosen to proceed to the finale.
The Business Diva platform was created by the Women’s Wing of GCCI with the aim of bringing forward the untold stories of innovation and impact by women entrepreneurs. It also serves as a space to create a supportive community of like-minded women, offering them opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This platform is not just about competition but also about celebrating the achievements and challenges of women in business, promoting an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
The competition was open to all women entrepreneurs across Goa, both aspiring and established, providing them with an opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive recognition for their entrepreneurial journey.
The finale of the Business Diva competition took place on 27th May 2025 at the GCCI Hall in Panjim. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, with each finalist presenting her business and journey to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel of judges included:
Dr. R. Nirmala, Professor at Goa Business School, Goa University
Mr. Yogesh Mittal, CFO at Hughes Precision Ltd, Verna
Mrs. Ekta Agarwal, CEO of SS Technologies, Margao
The day-long program was packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and a deep dive into the businesses and ideas that the women brought forward. The grand award ceremony took place later in the evening and was graced by several dignitaries, including:
Padma Shri Smt. Shashi Soni, the Chief Guest
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, as the Guest of Honour
Smt. Pratima Dhond, Vice President of GCCI, also as the Guest of Honour
The winners of the 6th edition of The Business Diva competition were as follows:
Category: Startup
Winner: Yasha Jain – Charmify
Runner Up: Isha Kher – Meraki Enterprises
Category: Scaleup
Winner: Shruti Mascarenhas – Ceracotta
Runner Up: Sunetra Pai Fondekar – Kalanetra
Category: Rural Woman Enterprise
Winner: Dr. Chetna Parab – Soulart Gift Store
Runner Up: Poonam Naik – Super Taste Papad
Each winner and runner-up was awarded a prestigious title that recognized their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The awards were a testament to their hard work and resilience in the competitive world of business.
The event was efficiently hosted by Rahila Khan and Gauri Borkar, both committee members of the Women’s Wing, whose efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Women’s Wing also expressed their gratitude to FiiRE for offering mentoring, funding, and growth opportunities to all the participants, enabling them to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.
A heartfelt congratulations was extended to all the winners, finalists, and participants for their courage and determination to come forward and showcase their entrepreneurial journeys. The Women’s Wing is proud to have hosted such an impactful event and is committed to continuing its mission to inspire and support women entrepreneurs across Goa.
With the success of the 6th edition of The Business Diva, the Women’s Wing of GCCI is already looking forward to the next edition of the competition in 2025. The event serves as a stepping stone for more women to venture into the world of entrepreneurship without limitations, and it is hoped that the winners will inspire other women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
~ Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will inaugurate NEXUS 2025, offering valuable insights into the evolving business landscape and inspiring the next wave of marketing leaders.
Panaji, February 2025 – The cause of championing women leaders in marketing will take centre-stage at NEXUS 2025, a highly anticipated event aimed at tracking marketing domains such as reshaping branding, digital transformation and strategy at the Goa Institute of Management’s (GIM) spread over two days, February 15-16.
In an exclusive series of power-packed discussions, some of the most accomplished women marketing professionals in the country will unveil the secrets behind building iconic brands, navigating digital revolutions and engaging today’s hyper-connected consumers.
The event will feature distinguished women leaders who have made significant contributions to the marketing landscape. Among them are Adhishree Murdia, Vice President at ZEE5, who will share insights on luxury marketing; Dipika Parulekar, Associate Director & Head of Sector Marketing at Wipro, discussing social and sustainable marketing; Manisha Dokania, Head of Brand at Edelweiss Asset Management, delving into media and marketing; Nandita Ajit Mundle, Managing Director at Deloitte, representing the alumni panel and others will be present. Alongside these accomplished professionals, several other influential women will also take the stage, adding diverse perspectives and expertise to the discussions on evolving industry trends.
Organised by the Institute’s marketing club MECCA, the marketing event proposes to be a game-changing platform where innovation meets execution and the brightest minds come together to shape the next generation of ideas and concepts related to the domain. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will inaugurate the event and share his vision of India’s evolving business ecosystem with the next wave of marketing trailblazers participating in NEXUS 2025, which is also setting new benchmarks by championing women leaders in marketing.
PRACHAAR, the marquee competition, will test participants across three gripping rounds—Brand Blitz, Next Frame and Ad Rush—challenging them to craft disruptive marketing strategies under pressure.
For those who thrive in the fast-paced digital arena, INSTAIGNITE will be a battlefield where teams race against time to create viral content that can break the internet. With social media trends evolving by the second, this event will push participants to channel their creativity, data-driven instincts and storytelling genius into campaigns that demand attention.
Speaking on the significance of NEXUS 2025, Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of Goa Institute of Management, shared his thoughts: “NEXUS 2025 is not just an event—it is an incubator for the marketing leaders of tomorrow. Bringing together industry veterans and young talent, this conclave is a testament to our commitment to bridging academia with real-world business challenges. We are excited to witness the creativity and problem-solving prowess that will emerge from this year’s edition.”
With an exciting lineup of events, inspiring discussions and intense competitions, NEXUS 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all marketing enthusiasts, including those who are looking to network with industry leaders, showcase their creativity or gain valuable insights into the future of marketing.
