GECs
Star and Disney India commit to reduce usage of single-use plastics across their offices
MUMBAI: Star and Disney India has announced their commitment to cut-down on the use of single-use plastics across their offices. As a part of this decision, the company has introduced alternatives to single-use plastics in their office premises.
The company has always been extremely conscious of its carbon footprint and the impact it has on the environment. They have already replaced plastic teacups with paper cups, plastic stirrers with wooden stirrers, tea and coffee sachets with paper sachets, and added biodegradable plastic wrappers for umbrellas. Additionally, plastic bottles have been replaced with glass jars with immediate effect.
“At Star and Disney India, we have always believed in being a responsible corporate citizen and with this small step we want to inspire a more sustainable lifestyle. Today, plastic waste is at epidemic proportions in the world's oceans with over 9 million tons of plastic waste being dumped every year with 40% of this being used only once and disposed,” said The Walt Disney Company APAC President and Star & Disney India Chairman Uday Shankar. “It’s about time for us as corporates to make the change for a better tomorrow,” he added.
On October 2, 2019, National Geographic channel, part of the Star Network launched the Planet or Plastic? Pledge, an initiative aimed at addressing the pressing problem of single-use plastics by raising awareness and encouraging people around the country to take a pledge.
The initiative received an overwhelming response with 47,000 tweets and 881 million impressions on social media. The pledges generated a commitment to reduce 25 million items of plastic in the first 24 hours. In 2012, Star pioneered the digital broadcast ecosystem by moving its content from tape to cloud, dramatically reducing its carbon footprint.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
