MAM
Washington Post layoff: Ishaan Tharoor, Pranshu Verma among hundreds
WASHINGTON DC: The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees in one of the largest job cuts in its history, sharply scaling back its international reporting operation and claiming senior journalists including Ishaan Tharoor, son of Congress MP and author Shashi Tharoor.
Tharoor, who launched and wrote the Post’s widely followed WorldView column in 2017, said on X that he had been laid off along with “most of the International staff”. The column had built nearly half a million subscribers and became a flagship explainer on global affairs.
The cuts also hit India bureau chief in New Delhi Pranshu Verma, underscoring the deep impact on overseas coverage. While management said around 12 foreign bureaus would remain, the newsroom’s international footprint will now narrow with a stronger focus on national security reporting.
The move follows weeks of tension inside the newsroom, with staff repeatedly appealing to owner Jeff Bezos to halt the cuts and protect critical coverage. Anxiety intensified after an internal memo briefly suggested the paper would skip coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Executive editor Matt Murray described the layoffs as a “strategic reset” in an internal address, citing intense competition and difficulties in retaining paying readers. The restructuring includes ending the current sports desk, suspending the Post Reports podcast, cutting the books desk and reorganising local coverage, while politics and government reporting will become the newsroom’s largest focus.
Laid-off employees will remain on payroll until April 10 and receive six months of health insurance.
Former executive editor Martin Baron called the decision “one of the darkest days” in the newspaper’s history, warning that the Post’s global ambitions had been severely diminished.
The Washington Post Guild said the cuts were avoidable and accused Bezos of hollowing out the newsroom, announcing a protest outside the paper’s Washington DC headquarters. The layoffs coincided with Amazon, founded by Bezos, announcing more than 16,000 job cuts worldwide, adding to scrutiny of his stewardship.
MAM
Tanishq launches ‘Lekhinis’ campaign celebrating modern Telugu woman
Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu features in new film honouring women who author their own stories.
MUMBAI: Tanishq has found the perfect way to sparkle this season by letting the modern Telugu woman write her own glittering chapter. The Titan Company jewellery brand has unveiled its latest campaign, centred on the idea of ‘Lekhinis’ women who are the authors of their own stories. Featuring Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu as the narrator, the campaign celebrates the evolving identity of women in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where modern aspirations blend seamlessly with deep-rooted traditions.
The film captures everyday moments that reflect quiet strength and confident individuality. It portrays women who embrace change while staying grounded in their heritage, reimagining traditions with sensitivity rather than rebellion. Conceptualised by Lowe Lintas, the campaign aims to strengthen Tanishq’s emotional connection with regional audiences by honouring women who shape their identities with authenticity.
Titan Company Limited chief marketing officer of Tanishq Pelki Tshering said the campaign is a tribute to women who remain rooted yet redefine their journeys every day. “She has always been at the heart of everything we do our muse, our inspiration,” she noted. “Through our designs and storytelling, we strive to be a lifelong companion in her journey.”
P.V. Sindhu shared that the campaign resonated with her own life. “What drew me to this campaign with Tanishq is its honest celebration of the modern Telugu woman. The story reminded me of my own journey working hard at what I love, with the support of my family and coaches, and growing stronger every step of the way.”
Akshay Sundher, Director at Lowe Lintas, described the making of the film as a beautiful experience, highlighting the emotional hospital scene, Sindhu’s warmth, and strong teamwork behind the project. The music by Madley Blues forms the soul of the film.
Through this initiative, Tanishq continues its tradition of crafting jewellery that mirrors a woman’s identity, celebrates her milestones, and reflects her cultural pride.
In a world of fast-changing roles and traditions, Tanishq has delivered a campaign that shines not through loud statements, but through quiet, confident storytelling much like the women it celebrates.
