The WoW awards recognises exceptional women across business, science, arts, culture, education, sports and beyond.

The Hindu Group hosted the “World of Women (WoW) Awards 2026”, in Chennai on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Over the years, the WoW Awards have emerged as a powerful initiative that spotlights inspiring journeys of women who have broken barriers and created meaningful impact. The 2026 edition honoured distinguished achievers from diverse domains, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to recognising excellence and inspiring future generations. Themed “Breaking ceilings. Reaching for the Skies”, the edition celebrated women who continue to challenge norms, push boundaries, and build a more inclusive and progressive future.

The event brought together leaders, changemakers, and visionaries, who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed to societal transformation.

The World of Women Awards 2026 was presented by GRT Jewellers and co-presented by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University). The event was held in association with DRA Homes and Gold Winner.

The associate partner was Aqua Group and Gopuram, the banking partner was DBS Bank India Ltd, the beauty partner Mysore Sandal Soap, the television partners were Puthiya Thalaimurai and Puthu Yugam, and the industry partner was Madras Management Association.

The event can be viewed on newsth.live/THWOW

Here is the full list of winners:

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The ICHR will honor 160 young freedom fighters from 1857-1947 with events from May 2026 to inspire youth through their stories.

The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) will organise a programme to honour 160 young freedom fighters who died from 1857 to 1947, officials said on Sunday.

Under its the theme “martyrs under 20 years”, the ICHR will oraginse exhibitions, seminars and youth conclaves from May 2026 to “inspire youth through stories of unsung heroes”. Coinciding with the birth centenary of Baji Rout, India’s youngest freedom fighter and martyr who was shot dead by British police at the age of 12 in Odisha’s Dhenkanal, the first leg of the programme is slated to be held in Odisha. Rout’s ongoing birth centenary celebrations, which began last October, will conclude on October 5 this year.

“The activities, costing over ₹75 lakh, will feature stories of teenage victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to young revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose (19), and Kanaklata Barua (16), to child martyrs like Kali Bai (12) with an emphasis on reclaiming ignored histories,” officials said.

ICHR, an autonomous body under the ministry of education, in its latest research projects committee held in the last week of February 2026, has approved the proposal to organise academic activities on the theme martyrs under 20 years in collaboration with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The objective of the project is “to spread awareness among youth and students about the sacrifice and patriotism of freedom fighters” and “to instill love for the motherland and a sense of national responsibility among the younger generation,” according to minutes of the meeting, approved in the third week of March 2026. HT has seen the minutes of the meeting.

The activities will include student and youth congregations, seminars and conventions across universities, colleges and schools; curated exhibitions on the theme; publications and monographs; talks and interactive sessions; essay competitions, debates and discussions; as well as the production and screening of documentary films.

Officials said the programme will highlight figures such as 12-year-old Kali Bai, who was shot in 1947 while trying to save her teacher; 16-year-old Kanaklata Barua, killed while leading a procession during Quit India; and 19-year-old revolutionary Khudiram Bose, executed in 1908. The list also includes several child victims of Jallianwala Bagh such as nine-year-old Hassan Mohammad and 12-year-old Hukam Singh, alongside teenage revolutionaries like Kartar Singh Sarabha, one of the youngest members of the Ghadar Party, who was executed in 1915 for his role in anti-colonial activities against British rule.

Historian Narayani Gupta said the approach of isolating teenage martyrs may miss a broader historical context, suggesting it would be more meaningful if it conveyed the diversity of places and moments in which these events occurred. “The theme could be an opportunity to convey a stronger sense of geography and the varied moments when history took unexpected turns… otherwise, there is a possibility it may remain broadly celebratory and shaped by present-day concerns,” Gupta said.

ICHR member secretary (officiating) Om Jee Upadhyay said the list of 160 Indian martyrs below the age of 20 has been drawn from primary archival sources and original documents. “The programmes on the theme of martyrs under 20 years old will be held nationwide. Through these programmes, ICHR aims to inspire youth, inculcate a sense of patriotism, and bring attention to lesser-known freedom fighters,” he said.

Among other proposals, the ICHR approved a two-day national seminar on Guru Tegh Bahadur to mark his 350th Shaheedi Diwas, as well as a two-day national seminar on the contribution of South Odisha to India’s traditional knowledge systems.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

A company spokesperson says total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000. The first lot has 2,000 weapons.

Adani Defence and Aerospace on Saturday delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar light machine guns (LMGs), manufactured under the Make in India initiative, to the army.

The company manufactures the 7.62 mm-calibre weapon at its Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior.

A ceremony was held on the factory premises on Saturday to hand over the LMGs to the army. A. Anbarasu, DG Acquisition, ministry of defence; Adani Defence and Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi and other senior officials of the private firm were present.

Anbarasu later flagged off a series of trucks carrying the first batch of the LMGs meant for the army.”

The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule,” Rajvanshi said.

“The original timeline, which was given to us by the customer, was over seven years, but I can assure you that in the next three years the full order will be delivered.”

A company spokesperson said the total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000.

Anbarasu praised the firm for saving several months by delivering ahead of schedule and said it shows there is the ability to “race and fire” against time in turning contracts into deliveries.

The government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with defence industry partners, he said.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The new positions will span product development, support functions and financial services functions such as payment processing and fraud investigations.

European fintech firm Revolut plans to have around 40% of its global workforce based in India by the end of 2026 as it expands its India global capability centre.

The company, which in 2025 committed 500 million pounds ($669.8 million) to its India business and GCC over five years, said it will fill 1,600 roles in its India centre through 2026, taking its headcount in the country to 5,500 by year-end.

The new positions will span product development, support functions and financial services functions such as payment processing and fraud investigations.

Revolut currently employs 12,000 people globally.

Global capability centers in India, once seen as low-cost outsourcing hubs, now handle operations, finance, research and development for their parent corporations.

Jonathan Beaney, Revolut’s head of talent acquisition, called India one of the “deepest and most dynamic talent pools in the world”.

“Our India tech hub is central to our global scale… the technical caliber, ambition and excellence we see here make India a natural long-term home for Revolut,” Beaney said.

The GCC expansion is, however, separate from Revolut’s India business.

India CEO Paroma Chatterjee told Reuters that about a third of Revolut’s processes are now run from India, includingwork on routine transaction monitoring and AI-based alerts.

“Things made visible using the India tech stack, like video KYC – more intelligence came in from the India GCC to share that knowledge overseas to try to implement it in other markets to have tighter onboarding,” Chatterjee said.

Revolut, founded in 2015, is one of Europe’s leading fintech companies with a $75 billion valuation.

In India, the company is authorised to issue prepaid payment instruments and aims to launch its product next quarter, the company said in a statement.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)
.

The findings increase the total number of known odonate species in Sikkim from 82 to 93.

A scientific study conducted by the Sikkim University recorded 11 new species of dragonflies and damselflies for the first time in the Himalayas in the state.

The research, published recently in the journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences’, was conducted by Neera Rawat, a PhD scholar in the Department of Zoology of the university, under the supervision of Professor Bhoj K Acharya of the department, along with joint supervision by K A Subramanian of the Zoological Survey of India, an official statement said.

“These new discoveries highlight the rich yet understudied taxa of the region and significantly adds to our understanding of insect biodiversity in the region,” it said.

Dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as odonates, are considered key indicators of environmental health. Their life cycle spans both water and land, with larvae developing in freshwater habitats such as streams and ponds, and adults occupying surrounding vegetation, the statement said.

Because of this amphibiotic life cycle, the occurrence and higher diversity of odonates often reflect the ecological condition and better quality of freshwater ecosystems.

In addition to their ecological importance, odonates serve as natural biocontrol agents as both larvae and adults. This makes them an important component of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity, it said.

Fieldwork for the study was conducted between April and October 2024 across multiple locations in Sikkim, including areas around Gangtok, Jorethang and Mangan, representing different environmental and urbanisation gradients.

Researchers surveyed streams, rivulets and other freshwater bodies, recording a total of 52 species, including 28 dragonflies and 24 damselflies, it said.

Of these, 11 species were documented in the state for the first time. These include Aristocyphatrifasciata, Calicnemiaimitans, Coelicciaschmidti, Gynacanthasubinterrupta, Lamelligomphusrisi, Nepogomphusmodestus, Perissogomphusstevensi, Scalmogomphusbistrigatus, Stylogomphusinglisi, Cratillalineata and Sympetrum orientale, the statement said.

The findings increase the total number of known odonate species in Sikkim from 82 to 93, extending the known range of these insects into the eastern Himalayan region, it said.

Researchers have called for continued studies to better understand the distribution, population trends and ecological roles of odonates, as well as to support conservation efforts in fragile mountain ecosystems.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The milestone underscores PM Narendra Modi’s long and continuous tenure in executive office, which now extends close to 25 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday became the longest-serving head of a government in India, surpassing former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling in total days in office, a milestone that drew praise from senior members of his cabinet and top leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With 8,931 days as head of government — spanning his tenure as Gujarat chief minister and as Prime Minister — Modi edged past Chamling’s record of 8,930 days, marking a significant moment in India’s political history.

Union home minister Amit Shah described the development as “a milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment”. In a post on X, Shah said: “PM Modi Ji’s 8,931 days in public life, first as Gujarat CM and now as Prime Minister reflect a deep dedication to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen.”

Defence minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the PM, saying, “Pure devotion to the nation and its people defines PM Modi Ji.” “With 8,931 days in public office as head of government, this moment reflects his deep commitment to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen,” he said on X.

Narendra Modi has held the Prime Minister’s Office since 2014. (HT Photo)

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal termed the milestone a “matter of pride”, noting that Modi’s journey in public life “reflects an unwavering commitment to inclusive development”. In his X post, Goyal said: “…His journey of Jan Seva reflects an unwavering commitment to inclusive development. Rooted in hard work and firm resolve towards nation-building, his years in public service continue to strengthen India’s growth story.”

BJP chief Nitin Nabin hailed the milestone, saying in a post on X in Hindi: “Under his leadership, India’s global stature has risen, and “Viksit Bharat” has been established as a national campaign rooted in public participation. Inspired by the spirit of “Nation First,” this tenure sets numerous high standards, serving as an inspiration for us all.”

The milestone underscores Modi’s long and continuous tenure in executive office, which now extends close to 25 years. Before moving to the national stage, he served as Gujarat’s chief minister for over a decade, becoming one of the state’s longest-serving leaders. He is also the PM with the longest prior experience as a chief minister and the first to have been born after Independence.

Modi has led the BJP to three consecutive victories in the Lok Sabha elections — in 2014, 2019 and 2024 — consolidating his position as one of India’s most enduring political leaders.

Reflecting on his journey last year, when he entered the 25th year as head of government, Modi recalled taking oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 under “very testing circumstances”, including a devastating earthquake, droughts and political instability.

“It has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of people and contribute to national development,” Modi had said, adding that those early challenges strengthened his resolve to rebuild Gujarat. He described the state’s transformation during his tenure as the emergence of a “powerhouse of good governance”, citing progress in agriculture, industry and infrastructure.

He also pointed to the political context ahead of the 2014 general elections, when he was named the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate in 2013, a period he described as one marked by a “crisis of trust and governance”. Modi credited voters for giving his party a decisive mandate.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Priyanka Vergadia shared a video on Instagram recounting her early struggles and the risks she took while moving to the US for higher education.

An Indian-origin techie’s post about her journey from taking a ₹40 lakh student loan to becoming a senior leader at Microsoft has struck a chord online. Priyanka Vergadia, now a Senior Director, Developer GTM and Marketing at Microsoft, shared a video on Instagram recounting her early struggles and the risks she took while moving to the US for higher education.

“I took a ₹40 lakh student loan and boarded the first-ever flight of my life, a one-way ticket from India to the US for my master’s. Everything was at stake. My dad had mortgaged our land for that loan. Even the ticket was taken on loan,” she shared in an Instagram post.

“There was a quiet pressure that I didn’t fully understand yet, but could feel,” she added.

Vergadia described the challenges of adapting to a new academic system and managing life independently in a new country. She said that her first semester in the US was “not easy” because of the differences in teaching styles and the struggle of adjusting to a new environment. Beyond academics, she said that she had to learn everyday skills – from cooking and cleaning to managing expenses – all while dealing with the constant pressure of repaying loans. “I have to get a job immediately after graduation because I’ve got those loans to repay,” she recalled thinking at the time.

From student loans to big tech companies

But despite the pressure, Vergadia said that hope kept her going. “A quiet excitement about the life that might be possible. Belief that the risk would pay off eventually,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey today, Vergadia said she has worked at global tech giants including Google, Microsoft and Intel, and has travelled extensively for work. She also shared a personal milestone – bringing her parents to the US for her graduation, marking their first-ever flight.

“And yet, no matter how many flights I take, that first flight has a special place in my heart,” she said.

In her caption, Vergadia reflected on how such uncertain beginnings shape resilience and confidence over time. “They teach you resilience without announcing it. They teach you independence without asking permission. And slowly, they build a confidence that doesn’t come from certainty, but from persistence,” she wrote.

She also offered a message for others at the start of similar journeys. “If you’re standing at the beginning of something uncertain right now, know that it’s okay to feel both nervous and hopeful at the same time. You got this,” she wrote.

Social media reactions

The post has been widely praised online, with many users calling her story relatable and motivating.

“The Risk was more than worth it. Congratulations.. It Opened a whole world of opportunities for you,” one user commented.

Another wrote, “A True influencer @pvergadia Kudos to you! Thanks for inspiring millions through content like this!”

Several users also shared their own migration stories, echoing similar struggles and aspirations.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

From being one of the first women to gain a postgraduate degree in physics to becoming the first woman researcher in TIFR’s cosmic-ray group, Bibha Chowdhuri shines bright as an icon in the field of STEM…

A young girl was born in the early 1900s in Kolkata, an era when girls were barely given an education and were often pushed into marriages at a very young age. She, however, stood out and went on to become one of the first Indian women to obtain a postgraduate degree in physics. This is the story of Bibha Chowdhuri.

A progressive childhood

Born in 1913, Bibha Chowdhuri was born into a family of progressive views — one that encouraged her to study beyond school and pursue science, in particular physics, a subject rarely touched by women of the time.

In 1936, she completed her MSc in physics from Calcutta University, believed to be the only woman in her class and among the very first few Indian women to obtain a postgraduate degree in physics. She walked through corridors and classrooms untouched by women before, fighting battles — subtle and otherwise. 

In later interviews, she often talked about how very few women were entering physics, and it’s important to encourage more participation to ensure equal decision-making powers when it comes to technology and power in modern society. 

Meeting the mentor

After her MSc, Bibha wanted to do research in cosmic rays and subatomic particles, an ambitious choice at a time when experimental particle physics itself was still emerging globally. 

She approached Debendra Mohan Bose, a renowned physicist, to work under his guidance. Initially, like many senior scientists who had reservations about taking women into serious research roles, Bose was also reluctant. However, Chowdhuri persisted, and he eventually accepted her into his group, which was forming a new cosmic-ray research program in Kolkata. 

Between roughly 1938 and 1942, she and D.M. Bose published several important papers on cosmic-ray particles, including early observations related to mesotrons, particles now known as mesons. Their work used high-altitude stations, where Bibha was responsible for setting up emulsion plates, retrieving them after exposure, and meticulously analysing them under the microscope. 

First Indian woman PhD in physics

Soon, Chowdhuri moved to the United Kingdom to deepen her research and joined the University of Manchester. Under Patrick M.S. Blackett, she continued to study cosmic rays and extensive air showers, now embedded in a major international centre of physics. Working past cultural shocks, gender, and racial prejudices in a colonial era is definitely not a cakewalk. Yet she advanced enough to earn her PhD in 1945, making her the first Indian woman to obtain a doctorate in physics. 

It was during her time in Manchester that a local newspaper profiled her as “India’s new woman scientist,” highlighting both her scientific work and her status as a rare woman physicist from a colonised country. That article gave her the kind of public acknowledgement she seldom received in India, as well as recorded her concern that too few women were entering physics. In 1949, after her PhD, Chowdhuri returned to an independent but scientifically fragile India. 

At that time, Homi J. Bhabha was building the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai into a flagship centre for theoretical and experimental physics. On Blackett’s recommendation, Bibha joined TIFR and became the first woman researcher in the institute’s cosmic-ray group.

A woman of firsts

Bibha Chowdhuri is often described as a “woman of firsts” in Indian physics: first woman to obtain a PhD in physics from India, first woman researcher at TIFR, and one of the first women anywhere to make sustained contributions to cosmic-ray and particle physics. Yet, for decades, her name remained largely invisible from the industry’s history.

In today’s age

In recent years, historians of science, journalists, and institutions have begun to recover Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy. In 2018, almost 30 years after her demise, her biography, A Jewel Unearthed: Bibha Chowdhuri, was published by Rajinder Singh and Suprakash C. Roy. 

In an age where women in STEM are a growing topic of discussion, Bibha Chowdhuri stands as a beacon of motivation and encouragement for women to walk the STEM path without doubts and their heads held high.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)