Mumbai, 25 April, 2025 – Bio-Integrated cladding for greener cities, an innovative solution by a 29-year-old Indian architect, has won the 2025 Swarovski Foundation’s Creatives for Our Future programme, an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Office for Partnerships. Mangesh Kurund is the only Indian to win the 2025 Swarovski Foundation’s Creatives for Our Future programme.

Eco-friendly housing solutions for refugee camps in Nigeria, textiles made from ocean waste in Egypt by local fishermen, and a device making music more accessible for the Deaf community from Indonesia are among other winning initiatives.

With the support of the Creatives for Our Future programme, Mangesh hopes to turn his concept into a scalable, impactful and commercially viable system, developing functional prototypes that can be tested in a variety of real-world conditions.

Mangesh’s bio-cladding system uses lightweight tiles embedded with water reservoirs to cultivate algae and moss, mimicking natural water management processes. This living cladding purifies air, sequesters carbon, and reduces urban heat, contributing to healthier, greener cities.

Mangesh Kurund, said: “My architectural ideas have always revolved around bridging the gap between built and natural environments to create inter-connected, complementary spaces. I am excited and grateful that the Creatives for Our Future programme will give me the opportunity to develop prototypes of my bio-receptive cladding systems. Just as trees purify the air and provide natural cooling, this cladding acts like the bark of a tree and does exactly that for buildings.”

Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, praised the winners, stating:
“Each year, I am inspired by the remarkable creativity and vision of these young innovators. Their groundbreaking solutions demonstrate the transformative power of creativity in tackling global challenges. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with the tools, education, and support needed to turn their ideas into impactful solutions.”

            

At the event, Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, highlighted the importance of investing in young creative leaders: “Supporting young people with the tools to create a sustainable world is more important than ever. They bring fresh ideas, hope, and drive change for a better future. We are proud to support these innovators grow their projects and work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Now in its fourth year, the programme identifies and supports the next generation of creative innovators driving sustainable solutions across architecture, fashion, circular design, community development, product design, and technology. The 2025 winners were chosen from 487 applicants and announced at a reception at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The other winners are:

Blossom Eromsele, 23, Nigeria – AllSpace Modular Home: Sustainable Refugee Housing

Blossom has developed the AllSpace Modular Home, a low-cost, solar-powered housing solution designed for refugee camps. Inspired by traditional African huts, the structures are made from recycled materials, providing a sustainable and scalable alternative for displaced communities.

Moemen Sobh, 24, Egypt – Visenleer: Ocean Waste Textiles

Through Visenleer, Moemen is transforming ocean waste into sustainable textiles with zero carbon emissions. His community-focused social enterprise trains local fishermen and artisans in Egypt to convert discarded marine waste into eco-friendly fabrics, empowering coastal communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Azra Firmansyah, 23, Indonesia – Svaika: Music Accessibility for the Deaf

Azra’s wearable device, Svaika, enables Deaf individuals to experience music by translating auditory information into tactile sensations. The device allows users to feel rhythm and beats through touch, creating an inclusive musical experience tailored to the Deaf community.

Aurelie Fontan, 29, United Kingdom – Regen Ink: Regenerative Textile Dyes

Aurelie’s Regen Ink project cultivates plants on polluted land to produce natural, non-toxic dyes and pigments. Her goal is to create biodegradable, commercially viable textile print pastes that meet industry standards, reducing reliance on chemical dyes.

Barimah Asare, 21, United States – Project Hivemind: Sustainable Tech Solutions

Barimah has developed an external graphics card enclosure (eGPU) that extends the lifespan of laptops by up to three years, reducing e-waste. The device offers a cost-effective alternative to replacing outdated hardware, promoting a circular economy in consumer electronics.

Since its launch in 2021, the Creatives for Our Future programme has received nearly 2,000 applications from over 90 countries, underscoring its growing global impact. The 2025 cohort represents the extraordinary potential of creativity to address critical global challenges—from combating e-waste and pollution to promoting inclusivity and sustainable urban development.

Alongside the €20,000 grant, the winners will benefit from bespoke mentorship, access to industry experts, and a global support network to scale their projects and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

New Delhi, April 25^th  2025: In a world that’s constantly buzzing on social media, Bahamas, the fashion-forward brand by Relaxo Footwears Limited, has rolled out its latest campaign, “Stress Ko Do Rest,” with the king of cool himself, Salman Khan. Known for its unapologetically cool slogan, “Keep Chillin’ Keep Flippin’,” Bahamas is serving up a fresh take on the everyday hustle and hype young Indians are wrapped up in.

 The campaign brings to life real, relatable moments that have become an integral part of Gen Z and millennials encounter every day life. This includes the anxiety of not getting enough likes on a social media post, the quiet panic around AI replacing their roles, or simply the invisible pressure to keep up with the pace of everything. With humour at heart, ‘Stress Ko Do Rest’ encourages them to take a breather, and slip into a state of chill – with Bahamas.

 At the centre of each story is Salman, who brings in his charm and calm confidence that has become his signature. He adds a refreshing take and asks the youngsters to ditch the drama, drop the pressure, and just take it easy, which aligns perfectly with the brand’s philosophy of staying relaxed and carefree.

Gaurav Kumaar Dua, Wholetime Director at Relaxo Footwears Ltd., shared his thoughts on the essence of the campaign, stating, “At Bahamas, we have always stood for easy comfort, not merely for your feet, but for your mind too.’Stress Ko Do Rest’ is a natural extension of our brand’s philosophy – it’s about saying: relax, reset, and don’t take life too seriously. Salman Khan, with his effortless cool, brings that vibe alive beautifully. We wanted to say it with a smile, with simplicity, and in true Bahamas style that is “Keep Chillin’ Keep Flippin’ ” .

 The integrated campaign will roll out across digital platforms and television, with high-impact DVCs and influencer-led content ensuring wide visibility and deeper engagement with the digital generation.

By – Sanjeevini Group Chairman and Founder, Umesh Gowda H.A:

Bengaluru has witnessed a remarkable demand in homes priced Rs 1 crore and above, as is evident from 62% Y-o-Y growth in new launches with high-end homes dominating the launches in Q1 2025. The ever-expanding corporate presence with record leasing activity and rising incomes have shifted demand to this category. Micro markets like Varthur and Gunjur, owing to their connectivity to tech hubs, have emerged as a preferred residential destination. The 45 Mts. CDP Road, which connects to the Outer Ring Road and Varthur–Sarjapur/Chennai Highway; and Peripheral Ring Road will be game-changers for the real estate market in Gunjur.

New Delhi, 24^th April, 2025: Mumbai International Airport is set to roll out hand–carriage jewellery export operations starting 1st May 2025, marking a major milestone for India’s gem and jewellery trade. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) formalised the procedure through Circular No. 09/2025-Customs dated 28th March 2025, enabling import/export via personal carriage.

A successful mock drill was conducted on 24th April 2025, with collaborative efforts from Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), BVC, Precious Cargo Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC), Airport Customs, and GJEPC. The drill, overseen by Mr. Roopesh Sukumaran, Additional Commissioner of Customs, PCCCC, simulated a passenger export scenario with GJEPC Secretariat playing the role of the exporter.

“With the launch of hand‑carriage jewellery exports from Mumbai Airport on 1st May 2025, we are ushering in a new era for India’s gem and jewellery trade,” said Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC. “This initiative not only simplifies logistics for our members—particularly emerging exporters—but also reinforces India’s standing as the premier global jewellery hub. We remain committed to advocating innovative solutions that drive growth and opportunity across our industry, especially MSMEs.”

GJEPC’s sustained advocacy has been instrumental in achieving this breakthrough. The upcoming advisory from DG Systems will pave the way for Mumbai Customs to issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for hand carry exports.

The initiative will benefit especially emerging exporters, offering them flexibility to personally carry jewellery to global markets. GJEPC has already set up a dedicated airport office to assist members with hand carry procedures.

 

National, April 24, 2025 – Udaipur Marriott Hotel, the first hotel in Udaipur under the flagship Marriott Hotels brand, today announced the appointment of Mohit Mishra as its new Executive Chef. With an illustrious culinary career spanning over two decades across India’s premier hospitality brands, Mishra brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the hotel‘s culinary team.​

Mishra is renowned for his innovative approach to cuisine, commitment to guest-centric service, and ability to lead high-performing kitchen teams in dynamic environments. His expertise encompasses a diverse range of cuisines, with a focus on sustainability, fresh sourcing, and thoughtful menu curation.​An alumnus of the Culinary Academy of India, Chef Mohit holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts.

Mishra‘s impressive journey includes leadership roles at esteemed properties such as The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, Taj Deccan Hyderabad, Vivanta Hyderabad Begumpet, and Taj Krishna Hyderabad. He honed his culinary skills during his early tenure as Chef De Partie at Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa in Goa, as well as Taj Lands End in Mumbai.​

In his new role at Udaipur Marriott Hotel, Mishra will oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, recipe development, cost control, and ensuring the highest standards of food preparation and safety. His vision is to elevate the hotel‘s dining experiences by blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, offering guests memorable gastronomic journeys that celebrate the rich heritage of Udaipur.​

“We are excited to welcome Chef Mohit Mishra to our team,” said Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager of Udaipur Marriott Hotel. “His extensive experience and culinary artistry align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences. We are confident that his leadership will further enhance our culinary offerings and delight our guests.”​

Nestled against the majestic Aravalli Hills and overlooking the tranquil Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur Marriott Hotel offers a host of curated culinary experiences, each one unique and indulgent in their offering. Chef Mohit Mishra‘s appointment is set to further enhance Udaipur Marriott Hotel‘s dedication to culinary excellence and innovation, promising guests an elevated dining experience that reflects the vibrant culture and flavors of the region.​

 

Mumbai, 24 April 2025 – Rajiv Kapoor, the General Manager at the newly launched Fairmont Mumbai has been at the helm of the hotel’s pre-opening phase for the past year, meticulously orchestrating its launch and shaping its vision. With doors officially opened on 10th April, his leadership marks the beginning of a dynamic new era for the brand in Mumbai.

With a remarkable career spanning over two decades in luxury hospitality, Rajiv brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, guest service, and team leadership. Known for his strategic approach and passion for excellence, he is set to steer Fairmont Mumbai towards new benchmarks in hospitality and innovation. Shaped by extensive international experience, his journey across diverse cultural landscapes has refined his ability to anticipate and exceed global guest expectations.

His tenure in world-class resorts across Asia allowed him to master the art of cross-cultural service, market adaptability, and innovative guest engagement. Having led teams in dynamic, high-performing environments, he has honed his expertise in operational excellence, brand positioning, and bespoke service delivery.

Rajiv’s five-year tenure at Fairmont Jaipur played a key role in enhancing the brand’s reputation, particularly through his introduction of innovative guest experiences and operational improvements that significantly boosted occupancy rates. His leadership earned him several prestigious accolades, including “General Manager of the Year – Upscale to Luxe” at the Accor South Asia Hotel Awards 2021 and “General Manager of the Year – Luxury Hotels Segment” at the HOSI 2022 Hotelivate MakeMyTrip Awards.

He is known for his ability to build strong teams, implement strategic initiatives, and maintain operational excellence. Rajiv’s hands-on approach ensures that the Fairmont experience remains consistent, delivering the high level of service the brand is known for.

At Fairmont Mumbai, Rajiv will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the hotel’s pre-opening and operations, including curating a high-performing team that aligns with Fairmont’s vision of excellence, strategic planning, and ensuring exceptional service in Mumbai’s competitive luxury market. With his deep commitment to the Fairmont brand, Rajiv is determined to position Fairmont Mumbai as a beacon of luxury and innovation, setting a new standard for hospitality in the region.

“I’m excited to be part of this new chapter for Fairmont in Mumbai,” says Rajiv. “The legendary legacy of this brand is inspiring, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to establish Fairmont Mumbai as a flagship property for Accor in India, setting a new standard for luxury and excellence in the city.” With a track record of leading properties to success, Rajiv’s visionary approach and hands-on leadership style make him the ideal choice to guide Fairmont Mumbai to its grand opening. His dedication to upholding the highest standards of hospitality will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the city’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Under Rajiv’s leadership, Fairmont Mumbai is set to elevate the luxury experience in the city. He will focus on incorporating distinctive design elements, culinary innovations, and world-class service standards to create an immersive experience that resonates with both local and international guests. By blending the timeless elegance of the Fairmont brand with a modern touch, Rajiv aims to position Fairmont Mumbai as a true symbol of sophisticated hospitality, making it a premier destination for those seeking unmatched luxury and excellence in the heart of the city.

Apr. 24, 2025— The World Bank Group today announced the launch of the next phase of its Private Sector Investment Lab, focused on implementing proven solutions at scale. This new chapter also expands the Lab’s membership to include industry leaders with experience generating jobs in developing economies, aligning directly with the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a core driver of development.

“With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. “This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate.”

Over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries—and to test actionable solutions.

That work has now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that are being integrated across Bank Group operations:

• Regulatory and Policy Certainty: Supporting governments in creating stable regulatory frameworks. For instance, the effort to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity relies on upfront policy clarity to attract long-term capital.

• Political Risk Insurance: Streamlined guarantee instruments has led to a 30% increase in issuance compared to last year—enhancing investor confidence and helping the Bank meet its goal of tripling the use of guarantees by 2030.

• Foreign Exchange Risk: Scaling local currency financing to deepen domestic capital markets. Last year, IFC committed one-third of its long-term financing in local currency—with a goal of reaching 40% by 2030.

• Junior Equity Capital: Launched the Frontier Opportunities Fund to absorb earlystage risk. Initially capitalized with IFC income, the fund will grow with donor and philanthropic contributions.

• Securitization: Collaborating with institutions such as S&P and BlackRock to standardize and securitize portfolios, unlocking capital from pension funds, insurers, and sovereign wealth funds.

As the Lab enters its implementation phase, it is also expanding its membership to include private sector leaders in sectors critical to job creation—such as infrastructure and energy,agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. These industries have a proven ability to translate investment into broad-based employment and economic opportunity.

New members of the Lab include:

• Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer AG

• Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair, Bharti Enterprises

• Aliko Dangote, President & CEO, Dangote Group

• Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

“We are grateful to the original Lab leaders who helped us deliver strong results in the initial work period,” Banga said. “Now we’re building on that foundation—bringing in additional leaders from sectors that are central to job creation and moving from ideas to implementation.”

The Lab’s founding members included senior executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Ninety One, Ping An Group, Royal Philips, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Sustainable Energy for All, Tata Sons, Temasek, and Three Cairns Group. The Lab is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential plc.

“We are grateful to the Lab leaders who helped deliver such important results in the first phase. We welcome our new members’ support in continuing our focus on five key areas: regulatory and policy certainty; guarantees, as the most widely used and understood instrument to address political and credit risks; foreign exchange risk; scaling different forms of equity; and creating an asset class and liquid market to attract institutional funds.” Shriti Vadera, Chair, Prudential plc. and Chair, Private Sector Investment Lab

“The World Bank Group is leading the way with initiatives to grow economies and create opportunities in emerging markets around the globe. As President Banga has said, the private sector will play a pivotal role in this transformation, and I am delighted to join the PSIL alongside other distinguished business leaders. I have seen firsthand the power of connectivity to transform lives by creating opportunities for businesses to grow and communities to thrive. I hope that the successes of the telecommunications sector will be valuable as PSIL embarks on the next stage of its important work.” Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair, Bharti Enterprises

“I am honored to join the Private Sector Investment Lab during its next phase focused on implementation. Together, businesses and the WBG can unleash job creation in emerging markets by managing the risks and realizing the opportunities for the next generation growing up in low and middle income countries.” Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer AG

Bangalore, 24 April, 2025: In the bustling marketplace of India the rise of fraud and abuse is fast emerging as a cause for concern. As online shopping carts fill up, Amazon stands as a vigilant guardian, deploying cutting-edge strategies to protect its ecosystem.

“As a customer-centric company, we’re committed to fostering a safe and trusted shopping experience. We encourage our customers to actively participate in safeguarding their online shopping by remaining vigilant and adhering to recommended security practices” said Akshay Sahi, Director & Head of Amazon Prime, Speed & Fulfilment Experience, India. “Additionally, we also prioritize seller safety through multiple initiatives. For instance, by filing Safe-T claims, sellers can address delivery or payment issues efficiently, allowing Amazon to investigate and resolve the matter. Timely reporting helps avoid delays and ensures that the seller’s account remains protected.”

The Fraud Landscape: A Complex Web

With growth there has been a surge in challenges too. Fraudulent activities across social media, ecommerce, enterprise, and fintech platforms have significantly increased in the last few years in the country. A recent PwC India report revealed startling statistic of 57% incidents that are linked to these platform frauds. This fraud manifests in various forms driven by a small set of bad actors across the system:

• Seller-Related Challenges: Certain sellers may engage in deceptive practices on marketplace. These include shipping damaged items, or offering counterfeit merchandise. Such practices impact customer trust and marketplace integrity.
• Fulfilment Network Concerns : Often a small segment of the network associates that enables fulfilment of orders, might swap genuine products for fakes or manipulate delivery statuses. This is another prevailing issue in the industry that causes distress and anguish to the customers and ruins their online shopping experience.
• Customer Conundrums: There are multiple instances where a limited cohort of malicious customers have often abused the system in place taking advantage of the marketplace’s customer-friendly policies. For example, the return and refund policies are often misused. These further impacts sellers’ businesses and trust.

Amazon’s Shield: initiative to provide safe and trusted shopping environment

To ensure that customers have a safe and trusted shopping environment, Amazon has implemented initiatives across its marketplace, working together to enhance the customer shopping experience:

• Enhanced Security Measures: One-Time Password (OTP) verification is a highly secure method to ensure that deliveries reach the intended recipient. This step is particularly important for valuable, sensitive, or high-stakes deliveries.
• Rigorous Seller Account Verification: Amazon India deploys seller verification process to minimize fraud and ensure a trustworthy marketplace.
• Secured Packaging: Tamper-evident bags and Security Seals have unique package IDs. Amazon packs your items securely using these packaging solutions. The package ID is an alpha-numeric code that helps you to identify your order. If customers suspect tampering which is identifiable through the signs these packages display, they can reject a package at the time of delivery.
• Open Box Delivery: With Open Box Inspection, the delivery associates unpack customers’ ordered packages at the time of delivery for their inspection. They can verify the order to ensure the right products are delivered without any damages and have the required accessories enclosed.
• AI-Powered Vigilance: Advanced machine learning algorithms analyse system-wide data to detect suspicious patterns and identify potential fraudulent activities and prevent them.
• 24/7 Customer Support: With above controls, while the instances of such abuse and fraud have been drastically controlled, in exception cases if any customer faces such a situation, a dedicated team of customer service agents stands ready to assist, ensuring their shopping experience remains positive.

Your Role in the Fight Against Fraud

The customers  have an equally crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the e-commerce marketplaces. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Verify OTPs in person: Customers who have placed orders must receive their packages from the delivery associates themselves in person or have it collected through someone they trust. Also important to note is that OTPs should not be shared with unknown people or over the phone.
• Inspect packages for tampering: Once received, the package must be inspected for any issues with the packaging on the outside and a tampered parcel should be returned immediately at the time of delivery.
• Ensure proper pickup procedures during returns: For a successful return pickup, ensure the items and all accessories are returned in their original condition, including the brand and manufacturer box. The MRP tag should remain intact and the user manual, warranty cards and all the other documents provided with the item must be returned.
• Be wary of impersonators: Never share sensitive information and always verify the authenticity of offers by logging into your account on the official Amazon app or website only. Customers who use emails should look for the Amazon smile logo icon in their inbox when receiving an email from Amazon. This alertness can protect your personal and financial information.
• Report issues promptly to customer service: Provide clear details about the issue to the customer service, including order numbers and relevant pictures. Early reporting of issues ensures efficient and faster way to solve problems.

The Road Ahead

The battle against e-commerce fraud is ongoing, By staying informed and following best practices, you’re doing your part to keep online marketplaces safe and secure for all.

Happy (and safe) shopping!