World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, held its 2025 WTCA Member Forum from October 27-29. The three-day virtual event brought together 280 registrants, representing 105 WTC businesses across 43 countries and territories.

Under the theme “Empowering Emerging Voices,” this year’s event highlighted WTCA’s rising leaders and the experienced voices who guide, mentor and empower international trade collaboration. Sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops offered actionable tools for navigating a changing international landscape, reflecting WTCA’s commitment to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition.

Highlights from this year’s Member Forum included a “Mentor-Mentee Match Up” session, where experienced leaders shared their insights and expertise with emerging voices within the network, as well as “The State of Global Trade and Investment” with Michael Blanga-Gubbay, Research Economist, World Trade Organization (WTO); “Networking with a Purpose” with Melinda Emerson, President, SmallBizLady Enterprises; “Digital Literacy for Trade Pros: Smart Tools, Big Impact” with Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, GreenPepper AI; and “Cross-Cultural Communication in a Global Network” with Tamir Maharaj, Trade Advisor, WTC Winnipeg.  

“Our members’ dedication and collaboration in navigating rapidly shifting trade times has been remarkable. The energy and support that they offer one another demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our network. It is inspiring to see how WTCA continues to evolve and help members succeed in an ever-shifting global trade landscape,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. “At its core, WTCA’s mission is to empower WTC locations with the tools and connections they need to support the businesses they serve. By strengthening our members, we strengthen the businesses and communities navigating today’s complex geopolitical and trade realities, ultimately fulfilling our purpose of ‘Connecting Businesses, Globally,’ for shared growth and resilience.”

This year’s Forum also introduced the WTCA Visionary Awards, recognizing the groundbreaking projects of WTC businesses and their affiliated companies. This prestigious program highlights innovation, impact, and leadership within the WTCA network, providing businesses an opportunity to gain recognition and elevate their profile on a global stage. Through the Visionary Awards, WTC businesses and their affiliates can showcase their achievements and strengthen their presence within the international WTCA community.

“The 2025 Member Forum provided a valuable space for members to learn, share insights and discuss global trade trends,” said Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. “We have already heard that participants gained actionable takeaways from sessions on cross-cultural collaboration. We look forward to continuing these productive, transcontinental conversations at the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia.“

The 2025 WTCA Member Forum marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), which will be hosted April 19-22, 2026, in the United States by WTC Greater Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“As we look toward the 2026 WTCA GBF, our focus is on honoring our shared traditions while advancing the innovation and collaboration that define the WTCA network today. Philadelphia is proud to host and invite our global partners to join us as we highlight the leadership, ideas and connections shaping the future of international business,” said Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia.

For more information about the 2026 WTCA Global Business Forum, please click here. 

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has signed an agreement with Employability.life, a wholly owned subsidiary of Federation University Australia, to establish a Future of Work Lab that will empower students with internationally recognized microcredentials  and practical skills for global career readiness.

Employability.life, a subsidiary of Federation University Australia, signs agreement with SKUAST-K to establish a Future of Work Lab supporting students’ global career readiness

Through this collaboration, SKUAST-K students will gain exposure to industry-aligned, work-simulated projects (XPro) across domains such as Agriculture, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Learners will also receive microcredentials from Federation University Australia and a Workplace Readiness Profile and Score, enabling them to showcase their employability potential on a global platform with a focus on sustainable careers. 

Echoing the same sentiment, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, stated, “This partnership with Employability.life aligns with our vision of integrating innovation and practical exposure into agricultural and technological education. It will open new global opportunities for our learners and help them develop future-ready skills through real-world experiential learning.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Raja Dasgupta, CEO of Employability.life, said, “Our partnership with SKUAST-Kashmir marks a pivotal moment in making global education accessible to learners from all parts of India. By bringing Federation University’s experiential learning ecosystem to SKUAST-K, we aim to empower students to build capabilities that transcend borders and prepare them for the workplaces of tomorrow.”

Regional technology channel leaders met this week for the 2nd Annual Summit APJ event, hosted by the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), the world’s largest consortium of technology distributors. This year’s conference welcomed executives from some of the world’s leading distributors, vendors, analysts, media and other organizations to converse and collaborate on several important industry topics. Summit APJ speakers emphasized the unique capabilities of distribution and how its investments will orchestrate the IT ecosystems of the future. With new technology-enabling programs, digital marketplaces and alliances with hyperscalers, distributors are empowering the current and next generation of vendors and partners.

The economic and cultural diversity of the APJ region was also acknowledged in keynote discussions and panel discussions, with speakers highlighting the distinct needs and opportunities for channel organizations in this area, as well as how distributors expand the global sales, branding and partnership opportunities for the vendor community. Providing valued support for emerging markets and innovative technologies is one of the long-proven capabilities of these vital channel orchestrators.

The APJ region has shown unexpected resilience in 2025 despite global trade tensions and shifting tariffs. Growth has been strong, with many countries posting robust GDP figures. However, that export boom was fueled by “front-loading” (firms rushing orders ahead of tariff deadlines); a drop-off is expected in countries that will be affected by those changes

“Technology distributors are force multipliers for vendors and solution providers, scaling sales and partner communities and overcoming regional and in-country challenges,” said Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of APJ for GTDC. “Their enablement programs and alliance development and integration capabilities provide strategic value that ensures success across diverse markets.“

Considerable investments help distributors reshape and refine their operations and increase support for these invaluable communities.

“Distributors must continually evaluate the needs of their collective IT ecosystems and innovate to provide even greater value to their vendor and solution provider partners,” said Frank Vitagliano, CEO of GTDC during his opening remarks. “Our research shows that those investments are paying off as distributors evolve their capabilities to meet the future needs of channel organizations and the customers they support, especially with increasing complexities with AI and cybersecurity.”

More Key Takeaways from Summit APJ

This year’s event highlighted the tech ecosystem of the future and the evolving role of IT distribution, including the continued growth of the tech sector in Southeast Asia and India. Here are highlights of other insightful Summit APJ sessions:

• Alex Holmes from the EIU spoke to the positive growth in the region as well as the some of the unknowns to watch for that could constrain future growth, He stressed that while emerging market opportunities and technical innovation are creating strong opportunities for the industry, executives should pay attention to potential shifts in monetary and fiscal policies and currency fluctuations that may impact those positive trends.

• Sandra NG of IDC highlighted how AI has evolved from experimentation to enterprise-wide orchestration in APJ, with organizations already adopting agentic models where humans and intelligent systems act with autonomy. She also offered strategic imperatives for technology providers, emphasizing how AI, data ecosystems and distributed intelligence would create distinct competitive advantages in the future.  

• Aaron Raj of CRN Asia moderated an interactive discussion on building a successful AI strategy. The group addressed key elements of these programs, including setting expectations, overcoming challenges and collaborating on new opportunities with Corrie Briscoe of Amazon Web Services, Joseph Turner with CONTEXT, SS Lim of PTC System (S) Pte Ltd and Debdut Maiti from Lenovo.  

• Vitagliano also led an insightful “view from the top” conversation with senior distribution executives, including V.S. Hariharan, Redington Limited; Luis Lourenco, Ingram Micro; Jaideep Malhotra, TD SYNNEX; and Patrick Aronson, Westcon-Comstor. Panelists discussed investments in digital platforms and enabling innovative technologies, as well as optimizing go-to-market strategies and business operations.

• Dominique Deklerck of GTDC shared updates on sustainability-related topics in a pre-day session at Summit APJ. The discussion covered recent regulatory changes and best practices for adapting to the circular economy, in addition to insight on the Digital Product Passport (DPP), EPEAT, CSRD and other related topics.

The council’s next global event GTDC Summit North America, February 18^th-19^th, 2026, at the Mission Pacific & Seabird Resort in Oceanside, CA. Register now or go to the GTDC events page for more information.

About the GTDC

The Global Technology Distribution Council is the industry consortium representing the world’s leading tech distributors. GTDC members drive more than $180 billion in annual worldwide sales of products, services and solutions through diverse business channels. GTDC conferences support the development and expansion of strategic supply-chain partnerships that continually address the fast-changing marketplace needs of vendors, end customers and distributors. GTDC members include AB S.A, Arrow Electronics, CMS Distribution, Computer Gross Italia, D&H Distributing, ELKO, Esprinet, Exclusive Networks, Exertis, Infinigate, Ingram Micro, Intcomex, Logicom, Mindware, ​ ​Redington Limited, SiS Technologies, Tarsus, TD SYNNEX, TIM AG, VSTECS Holdings and Westcon-Comstor.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) marked a significant milestone with the grand launch of the MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025, featuring an energetic Trophy Unveil and Jersey Reveal ceremony at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus. The initiative, jointly organized by the Campus and the Office of Corporate Relations, MAHE Manipal, reinforces MAHE’s growing stature as a centre for industry collaboration and highlights its strong corporate connect with leading organizations. Recognized as an Institution of Eminence and ranked 3rd in the NIRF University Rankings 2025, MAHE continues to build platforms that go beyond academics, fostering engagement where companies, leaders, and professionals connect through sport, networking, and shared purpose.

MAHE kick-starts the Corporate Cricket Championship 2025 with a vibrant trophy and jersey reveal

The championship officially kicks off on November 16 and will run for a month, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub for corporate interaction. Across five match days, 16 thrilling T20 encounters will promote camaraderie between organizations while strengthening industry and academia relationships. Speaking at the launch, Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, said:  “Industry engagement is central to MAHE’s mission. This championship deepens our connect with corporate professionals, helps us understand evolving sector needs, and enhances our efforts to prepare students as industry-ready leaders.”

Captains from 12 leading Indian and global organizations including Deloitte, EY, HPE, J. P. Morgan, KPMG, Manipal Hospitals, Microsoft, Microland, Novo Nordisk, Salesforce, Thomson Reuters, and Unisys were present for the jersey and trophy reveal, setting the stage for a month of spirited competition and meaningful professional networking. A symbolic sapling plantation drive further underscored the collective commitment to sustainability and long-term partnerships.

Tournament Schedule Highlights
Nov 16: Opening matches – 2 games

Nov 22 to 23: League stage intensifies – 6 games

Dec 6 to 7: League stage concludes – 4 games

Dec 13: Semi-Finals

Dec 14: Grand Finale

Designed in a four-pool format with three teams per pool, the tournament ensures fair play and equal opportunity for all, with each corporate team participating in a minimum of two league matches. Eligibility is limited to regular corporate employees, promoting authentic representation and strong team bonding. A robust awards lineup will recognize both individual and team excellence. Trophies and vouchers await the winners and runners-up, along with 14 Man of the Match awards and special honors such as Man of the Series, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, and Best Wicketkeeper.

The MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025 stands as a unique platform that reflects MAHE’s dedication to strengthening real-world industry engagement. By blending sport, collaboration, and leadership development, MAHE continues to build deeper, enduring partnerships with the corporate world. Industry connect will remain a defining pillar of MAHE’s growth and its vision for the future.

• Over 10,000 Women Sensitized: 7,200+ Participate in hrHPV Self-Testing

• 160+ Healthcare Workers Trained in Innovative Screening Techniques

• Field-tested Indigenously developed AI-Assisted Cervical Cancer screening device across multiple center s in Indian and across Bangladesh and Uganda

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) successfully convened the PRESCRIP-TEC Conference on November 13–14, aligning with the Government of India’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Mission. MAHE’s Manipal School of Information Sciences (MSIS), Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), and Kasturba Medical College (KMC, Manipal) organized the conference in Manipal.

Transforming cervical cancer screening through collaboration: “PRESCRIP-TEC Conference” at MAHE

The PRESCRIP-TEC consortium represents a powerful collaboration of global and national institutions — including DBT, Tata Memorial Hospital, the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and MAHE, which serves as the lead implementing partner in India. Together, they exemplify thought leadership and cross-sectoral partnership in advancing equitable women’s health and India’s 2030 elimination target.

The two-day event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to discuss scalable innovations in cervical cancer screening under the Prevention and Screening Innovation Project Toward Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC), a global initiative jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program.

PRESCRIP-TEC’s “Screen, Triage, and Treat” model integrates community participation, digital health, and AI-enabled diagnostics. Across India, the project has sensitized over 10,000 women, facilitated 7,200+ hrHPV self-tests, and conducted 360+ AI-assisted Visual Inspections with Acetic Acid (VIA-AI) using the SAKHI Smart AI Kit for Healthcare Innovation. Over 100 community health workers and 60 medical professionals have been trained, reinforcing the model’s scalability and integration within primary healthcare systems.

This approach, built on inclusivity and cost-effectiveness, serves as a replicable blueprint for cervical cancer elimination in low- and middle-income countries.

A major highlight in PRESCRIP-TEC is Development and Field testing of AI Innovation Previously part of a Ph.D. at MAHE, Designed and refined at the Manipal School of Information Sciences, this indigenous AI-assisted decision-support system (AI-DSS) powers the VIA-AI component of the project, enabling accurate and affordable early detection in field settings. Currently undergoing validation across India, Bangladesh, and Uganda, the technology underscores India’s growing capability to develop and deploy homegrown digital health solutions of global relevance.

Distinguished speakers included Dr. Abhishek Kunwar (WHO India), Dr. Anu Mary Oommen (CMC Vellore), Dr. Esmy P. Okkuru, Radiation Oncologist at CFCHC, Tamil Nadu and Dr. Bency Joseph (ICMR-NCDIR), alongside leading experts from across the world.

Opening the conference, Dr. Keerthana Prasad, Professor and Director, MSIS, and Lead Principal Investigator of PRESCRIP-TEC, remarked, “PRESCRIP-TEC represents a paradigm shift in how we approach cervical cancer screening in resource-limited settings. Through AI-assisted diagnostics and strong community engagement, we are transforming access to preventive healthcare and contributing to India’s 2030 elimination mission.”

The India implementation of PRESCRIP-TEC, involving MAHE, SDM College of Ayurveda (Udupi), Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and Tata Medical Center (Kolkata), St. John’s Medical College (Bengaluru), and Sikkim Manipal University (Gangtok), concluded with actionable recommendations for integrating AI-based screening and cost-effective strategies into India’s national framework.

By converging research, technology, and community action, PRESCRIP-TEC stands as a model for how collaborative innovation can drive national health transformation – placing India at the forefront of the global mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

For more information about PRESCRIP-TEC, visit: www.prescriptec.org

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.

Chennai’s East Coast Road has been quietly evolving into one of India’s most distinctive residential corridors. This transformation entered a new chapter with the launch of Republic of Nature, a 32-acre micronation by GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd. (GTB) that brings India its first man made beach inside a residential community. The project marks a significant shift in how luxury, nature and lifestyle are being imagined for the next decade.

Republic of Nature – India’s First Man Made Beach Community at ECR, Chennai

Republic of Nature is envisioned as a low density, car free community where natural systems are restored and everyday living is shaped by the landscape. GTB is reviving four natural ponds, creating a bioswale, and protecting more than six acres of native vegetation. These ecological layers form the foundation on which the residential, hospitality and lifestyle experiences are built.

At the heart of the project is a 3.5-acre man-made beach and lagoon. Globally, such lagoon ecosystems have become signatures of the world’s most progressive luxury destinations. For Chennai, it introduces a new typology of residential living that blends coastal leisure with the stability of structured community planning.

Adding a second dimension to the development, GTB has partnered with The Indian Hotels Company Limited, the custodian of the Taj brand and one of the most respected names in global hospitality. The partnership will bring a 120 key IHCL SeleQtions hotel to Republic of Nature. The hotel is envisioned as a calm retreat for wellness focused travellers and a new weekend destination for the city’s residents.

Speaking about the project, Bharat Doshi, Chairman of GTB, said, “Republic of Nature brings together ideas that have never been attempted in Chennai. A man-made beach, an IHCL SeleQtions hotel and an upcoming internationally renowned branded residence are all part of our long-term plan. Every decision is guided by our belief that luxury should be low density, meaningful and linked to the landscape.”

Arun Bharathi, Managing Director of GTB, added, “Our objective was to create a place where time slows down. We wanted to combine the energy of the sea with the calm of green cover and the privacy of a gated luxury environment. The result is a micronation that offers fully managed residences, where homeowners can choose support for rental, resale, housekeeping, food and beverage and other services that make living here effortless.”

Republic of Nature will be developed in multiple phases and includes premium apartments, villaments and villas. The masterplan has been designed as a long-term community that balances private living with shared experiences. The overall development value is expected to reach Rs 2500 crores across four phases over a five-year period.

For Chennai, the launch of Republic of Nature signals the arrival of a new format of luxury real estate. It reflects the city’s increasing appetite for global quality living, hospitality integrated development and nature led design. It also reinforces ECR’s position as one of the country’s most promising lifestyle destinations.

About GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd.
GT Bharathi Urban Developers Pvt. Ltd. (GTB) is a Chennai based real estate development company known for its commitment to design, sustainability and long-term community building. The company has delivered residential, senior living and plotted developments across Tamil Nadu and continues to focus on responsible luxury and contemporary urban living.

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur celebrates its first anniversary after a landmark year defined by sustainability, cultural engagement, and steady growth. The debut of Anantara in India has set a new benchmark for responsible luxury, blending Thai-inspired elegance with the heritage of Rajasthan to create one of Jaipur’s most distinctive new addresses.

Anantara Jaipur Facade

A major sustainability milestone this year was the commissioning of a 1.25 MW off-site solar PV plant in Bikaner. Through a Wheeling & Banking model, the plant now supplies the hotel with renewable energy. Additional green initiatives include a No Bin Day programme, batch cooking to reduce food waste, exclusive use of cage-free eggs and responsible seafood, 24-hour composting, real-time energy optimisation via a Building Management System, and regular energy audits. The hotel’s zero-discharge sewage treatment plant, water-efficient metering, and digital transformation across departments further reinforce its commitment to resource-conscious operations.

Anantara Jaipur Leaders

Deepening cultural engagement, the property has supported local artisans, performers, and craftspeople, offering workshops and marketplace opportunities for puppet artists, potters, lakh-chudi makers, and henna specialists. Collaborations with village schools on hygiene awareness and career counselling continue to strengthen community bonds.

“Bringing the Anantara experience to India was a thrilling challenge,” says Vimal Verma, General Manager. “Our vision was to create a destination rooted in Rajasthani heritage and global in spirit, and its reception in the first year has been immensely rewarding.”

Over the past year, the hotel has hosted major events, including the Great Indian Travel Bazaar inaugural dinner, the Rajasthan Royals, and global corporates — solidifying its position as a premier venue for luxury gatherings.

As one of Jaipur’s emerging dining destinations, the hotel’s signature venues – Amrit Mahal, Rajputana Chowk, and the Amber Fort–inspired Sheesh Mahal – continue to garner attention. Entering its second year, the hotel will debut new immersive dining journeys and a flagship global cuisine restaurant under its Designer Dining expansion. The Anantara Spa has also enhanced its wellness offerings with advanced facials and restorative therapies, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to excellence across every touchpoint. This commitment extends behind the scenes as well, reflected in an impressive Employee Satisfaction score of 97%.

Under its “Artisans as Ambassadors” initiative, the hotel is gearing up for a new series of workshops and artist-led experiences that celebrate Jaipur’s living traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will be invited to immerse themselves in creative sessions such as a Bagru Block Printing walk-through, Thread by Thread: A Carpet Weaving Tour, a Blue Pottery Experience, and a Miniature Painting Workshop – each designed to deepen cultural appreciation and connect visitors with the city’s artistic soul.

To mark the anniversary, guests booking from 15 November–31 December 2025 for stays between 1 January–31 March 2026 will receive INR 5,000 hotel credit, with Minor DISCOVERY members enjoying up to 10% additional savings.

As Anantara’s debut property in India, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur reflects Minor Hotels’ global sustainability vision – celebrating community, culture, and conscious luxury in every detail.

One Year Anniversary Offer: www.anantara.com/en/jewel-bagh-jaipur/offers/1st-anniversary-offer

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

*Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.

PayU, India’s leading diversified fintech platform, has received integrated authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator across online, offline (physical) and cross-border transactions, including both Inward and Outward, under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act. This approval enables PayU to offer secure, compliant, and seamless payment acceptance, settlement and cross-border solutions for merchants across channels. 

PayU Receives RBI Approval to Operate as Online, Offline and Cross-Border Payment Aggregator

“We are honored to receive the Reserve Bank of India’s continued trust and authorization to operate as a Cross-Border (Both Inward & Outward) Payment Aggregator, in addition to online and offline PA. This milestone reinforces our commitment to building a resilient and innovation-driven payments ecosystem, enabling us to offer secure, transparent, and customer-first payment solutions, including seamless omni-channel experiences for merchants of all sizes,” said a PayU spokesperson. 

This development further strengthens PayU’s position as a full-stack digital payments provider, empowering businesses with reliable and seamless experiences across online, offline and cross-border touchpoints. 

About PayU

PayU, India’s leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers).

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards 2026 are now open for applications.

The International Safety Awards are a world-renowned accolade recognising organisations’ commitment to excellent standards of health, safety and wellbeing management. This is the 68th year the awards have taken place.

ISA 2026

Launching the 2026 International Safety Awards, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said, “British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards have long been seen by leaders and practitioners as a pinnacle of achievement and recognition in protecting and ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of workers.”

“It is our vision at British Safety Council that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work – anywhere in the world. I would encourage all organisations and leaders around the world who are proud of their track record to put themselves forward for an award.”

In 2025, a total of 874 applications were received for the International Safety Awards, with 90% of applicants successfully achieving a Distinction, Merit, or Pass grade.

A full list of 2025 winners can be found here.

Businesses applying can be recognised as ‘best in class’ across five categories:

• Sector Awards recognise overall ‘best in class’ submissions to the International Safety Awards, by industry sector category

• Best in Country Awards recognise the highest scoring and best overall application from individual countries (where there are sufficient applications from the given country)

• Best in Company Award for organisations with 50 or more participating sites and recognises the site(s) with the most outstanding applications

• Chief Adjudicator’s Award recognises the most outstanding applications from this year’s entrants. Previous winners have been exemplars in their respective areas and evidenced this through their application responses.

• People Awards: New for this year are the People Awards. These awards are open to all Indian organisations that purchase an entry to the International Safety Awards. There are three categories in which one can apply.

• Site/Plant Head Award – Recognises efforts to improve the overall Health, Safety & Wellbeing (HSW) culture of the organisation (site).

• Emerging Female Star in Safety Award – Recognises women who are breaking through and shaping future leadership in health, safety, wellbeing, or environmental management.

• Lifetime Achievement Award –Recognises efforts of the person who has made an outstanding contribution to workplace health, safety, and wellbeing throughout their career.

Eleven of the awards are completely free-to-enter whether or not applicants have applied for an International Safety Award. These are:
 

• Road Safety Initiative: This award recognises efforts taken by an organisation to improve its road safety through the positive impact of new initiatives.

• India Managing Director Award: This award recognises efforts to improve the overall HSW culture with an emphasis on demonstrated leadership efforts through the organisation.

• Dave Parr Medal: This award recognises a public venue that developed a stand-out initiative in 2025 that made a significant impact on health, safety or wellbeing at the venue.

• Environmental Award: recognises an organisation that has used climate change risk assessment and vulnerability modelling to identify and plan for future adaptation strategies to a changing climate.

• Health and Safety Transformation Award – sponsored by Croner-i: for organisations that have significantly changed or transformed any aspect of health, safety or wellbeing to a significant extent through the use of information.

• Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award: recognises an employee who, in the opinion of the organisation or person nominating them, has played a significant role in ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues and others.

• Lifetime Achievement award: voted for by the Trustees of British Safety Council, is for people who have made an outstanding contribution to workplace health, safety and wellbeing throughout their career.

• Rising Female Star Award in collaboration with SOWSHE-A: recognises women that are breaking through and shaping future leadership in the health, safety, wellbeing or the environmental management world.

• Seize the Opportunity Award: recognises organisations that have gone the extra mile to seize health, safety or wellbeing opportunities resulting from a crisis.

• CEO Award: recognises the leadership and strategic vision of CEOs who have made a vital contribution to the health, safety and wellbeing of their business and wider society during 2025.

• The James Tye Award: recognises an organisation or a team of individuals who have developed and run a campaign in 2025 which has made a significant impact on health, safety or wellbeing in the workplace. 

• Team of the Year Award: recognises outstanding achievements resulting in a significant improvement to health, safety or wellbeing, from a collaboration of stakeholders, which may include members of the organisation, suppliers, subcontractors and/or the wider community.

• Wellbeing Initiative Award: recognises and rewards organisations demonstrating a proactive and effective approach to improving employee wellbeing.

The closing date for applications is 02 February 2026 and the results will be announced on 17 March 2026.

To apply go to: International Safety Awards | British Safety Council India.

Fall invites us to savor the cozy comforts of the season. Think soft sweaters, seasonal sips and little indulgent treats. It’s a time to lean into the feel-good moments that make autumn special. From comforting snacks to nourishing crunch, walnuts are the perfect companion to keep your energy steady and your spirits high all season long. We’ve curated ideas on how to bring comfort to your life this fall.

California walnuts in a bowl

Cultivate a Cozy Space

As the season shifts, so can your surroundings. Creating a cozy, welcoming space at home doesn’t require a full makeover, just a few thoughtful touches can make a big impact. Soft throw blankets, warm lighting and fall-scented candles can instantly turn your space into a sanctuary. Even something as simple as a tidy corner with your favorite book and a mug of tea can help you feel grounded and recharged.

Keeping nourishing snacks within reach — like a small bowl of spiced roasted walnuts or a jar of homemade trail mix — makes it easier to stay energized during slow, restful moments. It’s comfort and care in every bite. And whether you prefer the comfort of cozy blankets and warm drinks or the adventure of exploring autumn’s outdoor beauty, walnuts offer versatile and easy snacking options to suit every fall moment.

• A hand-crafted trail mix is great for anything from an outdoor excursion to a movie night at home. Plus, it’s so easy to put together, the kids can even do it! Serve it in a shareable bowl or pre-portioned in jars for a grab-and-go option. With popcorn, dried fruit, pretzels, granola, chocolate chips, and spiced walnuts, you’ve got all the flavors you could want in one serving.

• Swap granola and fruit for cucumbers, tomatoes, and spiced walnuts for a savory twist on an old favorite with this Greek salad parfait. Put it in a small container for an on-the-go snack, or make larger portions as a flavorful breakfast or lunch! The spiced walnuts add a welcome kick to the fresh ingredients, with chickpeas and olives rounding out this Mediterranean masterpiece.

• And whether you’re wrapping up the final days of summer or enjoying a cozy, fall night at home, nothing can beat a perfectly-paired summer cheese and charcuterie board to go with a netflix binge or game night. Experiment with different flavors and textures by sampling a variety of cheese and crackers with your spiced walnuts and spreads.

Embrace Small, Seasonal Goals 

Fall is a natural time to reset, but that doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything. Instead of setting big goals, try focusing on small, seasonal intentions that bring you joy.  That might mean going for a morning walk to enjoy the changing leaves, setting aside 10 minutes a day to journal or making time to cook something comforting once a week. Walnuts make a great companion for these little rituals. They’re easy to grab on the go or to add to a quiet breakfast. They also support sustained energy, which can make sticking to your small goals feel just a little easier. 

Fall, Reimagined 

This season, take the pressure off and focus on what feels good, not what feels like a to-do list. Create little rituals that nourish you, carve out space for rest and creativity and let your meals reflect the warmth and beauty of the season.

For more culinary inspiration and exciting recipes, please visit our website www.californiawalnuts.in.