As artificial intelligence and advanced editing tools rapidly redefine modern photography, wildlife photography continues to stand apart as a discipline rooted in patience, presence and respect for nature. Capturing wildlife in its raw form demands long hours, physical endurance and an unfiltered connection with the natural world. At a time when digitally altered images flood social media, authentic wildlife photography serves as a powerful reminder that the most compelling visuals are still born in silence, waiting and trust.

Prakash Desai

Among the photographers who embody this philosophy is Prakash Desai, an Indian-origin wildlife photographer based in the United States, whose work reflects decades of dedication to documenting nature as it truly exists. Desai firmly believes that wildlife photography cannot be rushed or recreated through software, and that real images are the result of observation, discipline and time spent in the wilderness.

Over the last several decades, Desai has travelled extensively across forests, deserts, coastal regions and national parks in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and India to capture wildlife and natural landscapes. His commitment to the craft is evident in his journeys of over 5,000 kilometres one way, undertaken five times from the U.S. to Canada, along with deep expeditions into remote habitats. In August 2015, he also undertook a dedicated photography expedition to New Zealand, further expanding his global body of work.

Speaking about the essence of wildlife photography, Prakash Desai said, “Wildlife Photography teaches you humility. Nature works on its own terms, and the photographer must learn to wait, observe and respect the moment. The most powerful images are the ones that remain untouched and truthful.”

Born in Santrampur, Panchmahal, and originally from Bhadeli, Bulsar in Gujarat, Desai completed his schooling in Bilimora before pursuing science at Bombay University. He moved to the United States in 1966 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas in 1970, followed by graduate studies in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. In 1980, he married Dr. Geeta Desai (Ph.D.), and the couple began working in the Texas oil industry in 1981. Today, he manages his oil-field service business under the name Ohm Tech Inc.

Despite a successful professional career in engineering and business, Desai’s passion for photography continued to grow. What began as a hobby gradually transformed into a lifelong pursuit, with wildlife photography becoming his primary focus. During repeated visits to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, he spent 18 years patiently returning to the forest before capturing a rare photograph of a tigress, a moment that remains one of the most meaningful milestones of his journey.

Desai has participated in workshops and seminars conducted by internationally acclaimed photographers such as Galen Rowell, John Shaw, Willard Clay and George Lepp. His photographs have earned him multiple awards and have been showcased in exhibitions,including a recent major exhibition in India, with another exhibition scheduled to open soon in Vadodara.

Every year, Desai spends nearly six months in Vadodara, travelling across regions such as Leh-Ladakh, Sikkim, Nainital-Kausani, Kerala, the Northeast, Himachal Pradesh, Sasan Gir, Velavadar and the Rann of Kutch. Often accompanied by his wife Geeta, he continues to explore India’s diverse ecosystems, living within national parks from dawn to dusk to document wildlife in its most natural state.

Now 80 years old, Prakash Desai continues to reject image-editing software, relying insteadon evolving camera technology, refined skill and unwavering patience. His journey reflectsthe enduring spirit of wildlife photography, proving that authenticity, dedication and respect for nature remain timeless, regardless of age or profession.

#prakashdesai

Vietnam is not the first place many expect to see a global electric-vehicle surge. Yet according to Transport & Environment’s 2025 progress report, 42 percent of all new cars sold in the country during the first half of the year were fully electric . The figure surpasses many parts of Europe and even edges past China.

India is at the center of VinFast’s new global strategy

At the center of that transformation stands VinFast. In October 2025 the company delivered 20,380 vehicles, raising its year-to-date total to 124,264 — a new monthly record and a milestone few expected from a brand barely a decade old. Its pivot to fully electric production began just over two years ago, yet it has already reshaped what Vietnamese consumers see as possible.

Government support for the green transition has eased the way, with electric vehicles exempt from registration fees until 2027. Yet much of the progress reflects the determination of Pham Nhat Vuong, Vingroup’s founder and VinFast’s driving force. His push for global expansion is seen as both national ambition and corporate vision. For Vuong, Vietnam’s industrial rise and VinFast’s success are inseparable, a sentiment he has repeated publicly, including his assertion that VinFast is a devotion project rather than a profit-seeking venture.

Demand, policy, and leadership have aligned, but not by accident. In Vietnam, that orchestration comes from Vingroup. Vuong began modestly, founding a small food company in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in 1993. After selling it, he returned home and built Vingroup into a powerhouse that today spans real estate, hospitality, healthcare, education, green energy, and advanced technology.

In 2024, Vingroup paid more than VND 56.2 trillion in taxes, making it Vietnam’s top private taxpayer. The group now spans Vinhomes, Vinmec, VinEnergo, VinUni, and a growing portfolio of technology subsidiaries working in robotics, AI, and mobility. It has reshaped skylines, raised healthcare standards, and expanded educational access. With VinFast, it is now challenging the boundaries of Vietnam’s industrial potential.

Underlying all of this is a single philosophy: to create a better life for people. In recent years, that principle has guided Vingroup’s broader pivot toward clean energy, digital systems, and sustainable mobility. Capital once tied to real estate has moved into renewables and transport, redefining Vingroup from property titan to champion of the energy transition.

Vingroup’s Arsenal for VinFast’s Ascent
VinFast’s success is built on more than its cars. Its real advantage lies in the infrastructure Vingroup has spent years assembling, land, energy, software, and logistics that work together as one. When these elements align, they reduce friction and form a foundation few competitors can easily copy.

Real estate provides the first advantage. Vinhomes properties double as host sites for charging stations, with many areas equipped with EV terminals. The advantage is clear, location control, captive users, and reduced permitting friction. Vingroup also uses its residential developments to promote sustainable habits, offering vouchers and parking incentives for VinFast car and scooter owners. In doing so, it turns residents into early adopters and advocates for electric mobility.

Technology is the second pillar. VinFast draws heavily on the group’s research centers, which developed innovations such as the ViVi 2.0 voice assistant and MirrorSense, an AI-based mirror-adjustment system recognized at CES 2024. These shared platforms strengthen VinFast’s in-house capabilities and keep the user experience consistent across products.

Energy supply forms the third layer. In 2025, VinEnergo agreed to provide nearly 50 million kWh of solar power and battery storage to VinFast’s Hai Phong complex, cutting carbon emissions by roughly 33,000 tons a year. Cleaner power not only lowers costs but also ensures each vehicle’s footprint stays small from factory-floor to highway.

Charging completes the loop. Established in 2024, V-Green, founded by Vuong himself, was created to build a worldwide charging network for VinFast and its partners. It has since expanded through cooperation in multiple Asian markets and continues to form the backbone of VinFast’s infrastructure rollouts overseas.

Each of these components reinforces the others. Real estate anchors the network. Technology improves usability. Renewable energy reduces costs and emissions. Together, they give VinFast the foundation to pursue long-term global goals rather than chase quarterly targets.

Exporting the Playbook: Global Ambitions and Soft-Power Gains
VinFast’s ambitions reach far beyond Vietnam. Nowhere is this more evident than in India, where the company is building not just a distribution footprint but a full-scale EV ecosystem tailored to one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets.

India is at the center of VinFast’s new global strategy. In February 2024, the company broke ground on its first India plant in Tamil Nadu, and by August 2025 it had officially inaugurated the facility in Thoothukudi. The site spans 400 acres with an initial capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, scalable to 150,000, and is designed to serve both the domestic market and export routes.

VinFast has moved quickly to build customer-facing infrastructure. As of November 2025, the company already has 24 operational dealerships across key metropolitan and tier-one cities, with plans to reach 35 by the end of 2025. These showrooms introduce the premium VF 6 and VF 7, both of which have received strong early reception, including two major awards at the 2025 Jagran Hi-Tech Awards, where VinFast was named EV Manufacturer of the Year and the VF 7 received the EV Disruptor of the Year title.

Financing has also become a strategic pillar in India. In October 2025, VinFast signed a memorandum of understanding with YES BANK, India’s sixth-largest private-sector bank, to deliver retail and inventory-financing solutions for both customers and dealers. The partnership includes on-site bank representatives at every showroom, attractive interest rates, flexible repayment options, full on-road funding, and nationwide reach through YES BANK’s branch network. The aim of such a tie-up, not the first nor the last for VinFast India, is to lower barriers to EV ownership in a market where up-front cost remains a primary hesitation.

To address after-sales concerns, VinFast has partnered with service and charging-infrastructure providers including RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure, creating a national maintenance and roadside-support backbone. It has also teamed up with BatX Energies to establish a circular battery-value chain and support advanced battery recycling, reinforcing India’s push toward sustainable electrification.

Charging infrastructure is expanding in parallel. V-Green is coordinating a multiyear plan to deploy a nationwide network in India similar to its rollout strategies in Vietnam and Indonesia. The objective is to ensure that the availability of public and semi-public charging keeps pace with the rising dealership footprint and the growth of VinFast’s fleet.

Each of these actions follows a consistent logic, combine manufacturing, charging, finance, and service under one coordinated framework, then scale. For VinFast, exporting cars is only part of the story. The larger aim is to export a vertically integrated mobility ecosystem, one that thrives where policy support, infrastructure rollout, and customer appetite align.

At home, Vietnam’s streets already show the results, quiet electric taxis replacing combustion fleets, chargers replacing fuel pumps, and consumers choosing local innovation over imports. Abroad, VinFast is applying the same playbook, pairing cars with infrastructure, financing, and service networks to make electric driving viable at scale.

But VinFast’s global push is not just about cars. It rests on the financial backing and broad ecosystem of Vingroup, and on Pham Nhat Vuong’s conviction that Vietnam can compete head-to-head with established automakers. His willingness to marshal resources across real estate, retail, energy, and technology has given VinFast the stability and integrated platform most young automakers lack. That combination, capital, ecosystem, and vision, is what sets VinFast apart.

Candi Solar, a leading clean energy company specialising in distributed solar solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses, has secured USD 58.5 million in funding led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This syndicated debt funding facility – the company’s largest round to date – brings Candi’s total capital raised to over USD 200 million and positions it firmly in the league of trusted, institutional-grade clean energy platforms.

From left to right: Pranab Ghosh, Jade Adair, Heidi Akran, Ethiopis Tafara, Phi lipe Flamand, Claudia Conceicao, and Amina El Zayat at the IFC & Candi Solar signing ceremony

The project will deliver clean, affordable solar solutions in South Africa and India, driving down operational costs and advancing sustainability for Candi’s clients. Candi’s portfolio has more than doubled to 220+ MWp in just 18 months, driven by 85 MWp of open-access projects in India and flagship sites including auto components manufacturer Pricol Limited in India, Ngwenya Lodge in South Africa, and the solar plant at Kings Park Stadium HQ, home of The Sharks rugby team. Candi also powers leading corporations such as IFF, Toyota, Pick n Pay, and Suryalakshmi Cotton Mills – proving the strength of its model across manufacturing, retail, and commercial real estate.

• USD 6.5 million from the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Platform

• up to USD 42 million equivalent for IFC’s own account (composed of rands, rupees, and US dollars) a portion of which is supported by IFC’s Managed Co-lending Portfolio Program (MCPP).

• A concessional loan of up to USD 10 million (mixed local rands and rupees) from IFC acting in its capacity as the implementing entity of the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund.

“This is the largest funding facility we have ever closed,” said Bruno Rauis, Director of Candi Solar. “It propels us into our next phase of growth and strengthens our ambition to be the leading distributed energy partner in India, South Africa, and beyond. IFC’s involvement is catalytic – it builds confidence among global investors and enables us to access larger pools of capital to scale faster in the years ahead.”
 

“This milestone marks an inflection point for Candi Solar in India,” said Nishant Sood, Managing Director of Candi Solar. “It empowers us to scale distributed projects faster, deliver substantial energy savings for our clients, and advance India’s net-zero pathway. IFC’s trust is a strong endorsement of our model — which has placed us among India’s leading distributed solar developers — and reflects the increasing depth and significance of the sector in a rapidly expanding market”

A Gateway for Global Capital

By blending concessional and commercial components, the IFC-led multicurrency facility (including local currency), which will support Candi’s growth across key regions for distributed generation, is structured to absorb early-stage financial, operational, and performance risks while maintaining stringent ESG and governance standards. This financing structure is not just about enabling Candi’s next phase; it is also about mobilising other global capital to an asset class once considered “too risky.”

“This facility is a strong validation of our results-based model and its ability to deliver reliable returns,” said KJ Mahoney, Head of Capital Structuring at Candi Solar. “IFC’s involvement demonstrates that distributed solar can meet the highest standards of performance, governance, and impact, paving the way for global investors to support this sector at scale.”

“At IFC, we see distributed solar as a powerful lever for accelerating energy access and efficiency in emerging markets,” said Claudia Conceicao, IFC Regional Director for Southern Africa. “Our partnership with Candi Solar demonstrates how innovative financing models can unlock private capital at scale – supporting small and medium-sized businesses to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and strengthen operational resilience.”
 

Impact Beyond Megawatts

The facility will directly finance nearly 200 MWp of new projects, with a broader impact on:

• Sustainability – advancing clean energy adoption across key industrial clusters to lower emissions.

• Resilience – strengthening grid stability for businesses and communities facing power volatility.

• Employment & supply chains – creating jobs and building local industrial capacity.

• Affordability – giving companies predictable energy costs and long-term competitiveness.

This round follows Candi’s USD 24 million equity and mezzanine raise earlier this year, laying the foundation for a high double-digit-million Series D in 2026.
 

A Clear Runway to 2026

With this milestone, Candi Solar is preparing for its next growth chapter. By 2026, the company aims to expand its contracted portfolio beyond 400 MWp across India and South Africa, while deepening its performance-linked product suite including storage energy solutions. Candi’s evolution reflects a bigger global story: distributed solar in emerging markets is no longer aspirational – it is proven, investable, and central to the world’s clean energy transition.

About Candi Solar

Candi Solar is a pioneering distributed energy platform that finances, builds, and manages tailored solar solutions for commercial and industrial businesses in India and South Africa. With a contracted portfolio of over 200 MWp, Candi delivers reliable, affordable, and sustainable power while absorbing the technical and performance risks on behalf of its clients.

Since its inception in 2018, the company has raised more than USD 200 million from global investors, blending international capital expertise with deep local execution. Its performance-linked model aligns revenue with actual system output, ensuring long-term accountability and risk transfer. Candi’s mission goes beyond decarbonisation: its projects contribute to job creation, enhanced grid resilience, and access to sustainable infrastructure, positioning the company as a trusted partner in the clean energy transition across emerging markets.

Pragati Home Loan by Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited (ABHFL) underscores the brand’s commitment to financial inclusion and accessible homeownership. Tailored for both salaried and self-employed customers—including those without formal income proof—the product offers enhanced flexibility across eligibility, documentation, and property categories. With minimal paperwork, seamless digital onboarding, and repayment tenures of up to 30 years, Pragati Home Loan makes owning a home both affordable and sustainable, aligning with India’s vision for inclusive and equitable urban development.

Aditya Birla Housing Finance Limited – Pragati Home Loan

Key Benefits

• Loan amount: From 5 Lakhs to 1.5 Crore

• Tenure flexibility: Up to 30 years, to ensure smaller/flexible EMIs

• Loan upto 90% of property’s market value

• End use for Builder Purchase, Resale, Plot plus Construction, Home Construction, Home Extension & Home Improvement 

• Minimal documentation: Tailored for salaried and self-employed individuals with or without ITR

• Digital onboarding + Track My Loan: Seamless loan journey with transparency.

• Doorstep service: Guidance and support at the customer’s convenience.

Eligibility

• Age – minimum 21 years

• CIBIL: 675 & above/NTC 

• Minimum Income: Salaried: Rs. 7,000 /month & Self Employed: Rs. 1 Lakh/ annum

• Minimum Work Experience/Business Vintage :3 years  

Why It Matters
India’s affordable housing segment continues to expand, driven by rising demand from aspiring homeowners across low- and middle-income groups. Pragati Home Loan bridges this gap through simplified documentation, flexible eligibility norms, and high loan-to-value (LTV) support, enabling more families to transition into formal homeownership. By empowering these aspirations, the offering strengthens India’s affordable housing ecosystem and advances the nation’s vision of inclusive and sustainable urban development.

To know more click on – Aditya Birla Housing Finance- Pragati Home Loan

Aditya Birla Housing Finance, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India’s leading diversified financial services provider, stands as one of the fastest-growing housing finance companies in the country. The company is backed by the highest level of creditworthiness, holding a long-term AAA (Stable) rating and a short-term A1+ rating from CRISIL, ICRA & India Ratings. As of September 30, 2025, Aditya Birla Housing Finance manages assets under management of over Rs. 38,270 Crore with a footprint of 167 pan-India branches.

The second workshop under the EU Green Deal Awareness Series, organised as part of the SWITCH-Asia Green Threads Project, concluded successfully at Days Hotel, Panipat. The session brought together MSMEs from Panipat and Amroha for an in-depth understanding of evolving European Union sustainability expectations and their implications for India’s textile and home furnishing exporters. The workshop is jointly executed by the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation, SIDBI, and Copenhagen Business School.
 

Foundation for MSME Clusters Panipat Team
 

The event opened with remarks from Mr. Mukesh Gulati, Executive Director, FMC, who emphasised the urgency for MSMEs to align with global sustainability norms. “Sustainable fashion presents a Rs. 9-lakh-crore opportunity in the coming years, an opportunity that Panipat can easily tap into because of its immense potential. To build a collaborative ecosystem, we need strong linkages, partnerships, and cooperation from Panipat’s MSMEs so we can support each other. These projects are essential because sustainable fashion will soon become the norm. Understanding the CO₂ emissions of each garment and establishing traceability mechanisms will be critical. The European Union’s Green Deal is both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. Our early preparedness will determine how strongly our MSMEs can compete in global markets.”
 

Ms. Harshitha Venati, Senior Impact Programme Manager, (GFA) provided a recap of Workshop #1, covering Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Digital Product Passports (DPPs). She then followed with an insightful presentation on the EU Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) and its potential implications for India’s textile exporters.
 

“Panipat has to ensure that there is traceability and visibility in their business processes and procurement to build trust with their EU partners,” she noted.

Mr. Bishesh Rajput (FMC) facilitated the workshop activity and led an open discussion where MSMEs expressed interest in more hands-on, cluster-specific sessions and smaller, focused group workshops.

Rajat Batra, Chief Executive Officer of Stenum Asia, delivered an insightful introduction to Resource Efficiency Solutions for Sustainable Production, highlighting practical approaches that MSMEs can adopt to enhance environmental performance and operational efficiency.

The formal closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Vinod Dhamija, President, Haryana Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Panipat, who highlighted the importance of proactive compliance. “Emerging EU regulations are reshaping global trade. Panipat’s MSMEs must prepare collectively to safeguard and strengthen their export competitiveness, by following the compliance and the chemical which is going banned is good for us and our future generation too,” he stated.

Dignitaries who attended the workshop included:

• Mr. Anil Mittal, Secretary, Haryana Carpet Manufacturers Association

• Parvinder kadiyan, Chairman, GATS Association

Their presence underscored the shared commitment of industry leaders to guiding MSMEs through sustainability-driven market transitions. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Abhishek Naga (FMC), DGM, FMC who appreciated the active participation and reaffirmed FMC’s commitment to supporting the textile ecosystem on its sustainability and compliance journey.

The Green Threads Project, supported by the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, aims to accelerate the transition of India’s textile and apparel sector toward more sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient production practices. As global markets – especially the European Union – tighten sustainability regulations, MSMEs face rising pressure to demonstrate compliance, transparency, and environmental responsibility across their supply chains.
 

The project focuses on capacity building, policy dialogue, awareness creation, and technical support for MSMEs to help them:

• Understand upcoming EU regulations such as ESPR, DPPs, and WSR

• Improve circularity practices, waste management, and product design

• Strengthen competitiveness in global markets

• Build long-term resilience through sustainable business models
  ​

The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) is implementing the project in India to ensure that MSME clusters – especially in textile hubs like Panipat and Amroha – are not left behind in the global shift toward greener manufacturing. FMC’s involvement reflects its long-standing commitment to helping MSMEs adopt better practices, access new opportunities, and remain globally competitive.

About FMC
Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC), a leading non-governmental, not-for-profit public charitable trust, established in India in 2005. FMC has made remarkable strides in fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental progress through our innovative cluster development approach. Our work spans more than 300 MSME clusters, supporting over 100,000 artisanal and industrial units, ranging from household operations to medium-sized production entities. As an empanelled Nodal Agency with the Ministries of MSMEs and Rural Development, FMC extends support to prominent schemes like SFURTI, and is also providing technical, research, and evaluation support to various organizations such as SIDBI & KVIC. FMC has implemented multiple projects on environment and livelihoods with support from agencies like NABARD, UNIDO, UNDP, EU, ADB, and major corporates such as Cisco, Mahindra Finance, HCL, Yes Bank, and Hindalco.

For more information, please visit website fmc.org.in.

Leading Realty developer Royal Green Realty, a dynamic and rapidly growing name in the Indian real estate sector, proudly announces the celebration of its 5th Founder’s Day. This significant milestone commemorates five years of unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and trust, establishing the company as a key player in reshaping the real estate scenario across the National Capital Region (NCR) and beyond.

Leading Realty developer Royal Green Realty Marks 5 Years of Excellence, Reshaping the Indian Real Estate Landscape

Since its inception, Royal Green Realty has successfully focused on developing world-class residential and commercial spaces that prioritize quality, timely delivery, and a resident-centric approach. The company has rapidly expanded its footprint, executing prestigious projects in key strategic locations across the nation, including Gurugram, Bahadurgarh, and Indore.

The celebration is a testament to the strong trust the brand has garnered from its stakeholders. Over the past five years, Royal Green Realty has remained dedicated to creating spaces that foster community living and overall well-being, with numerous families already residing in and appreciating its developments. The company’s vision extends beyond construction, focusing on delivering holistic living and working environments.

Commenting on the milestone, Yashank Wason, Managing Director, Royal Green Realty, said, “Completing five years is both a moment of reflection and a springboard for the future. While milestones are celebrated as numbers, real growth is driven by people. No organization can scale without a strong, committed team, and I sincerely credit our entire workforce for turning our vision into reality. By consistently delivering on our promises, we have earned the invaluable trust of our homebuyers.”

He further added, “As we move forward, we are gearing up to launch new projects across Gurugram, Amritsar, Sonipat, and several other locations across the country. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our growth partners, consultants, advisors, and promoters for their guidance and unconditional support throughout this journey. Our commitment remains absolute-to reshape the Indian real estate sector through ethical practices, superior craftsmanship, and a global outlook.”

Sharing his thoughts, Varun Kumar Makhija, Director, Royal Green Realty, said, “This five-year journey has been deeply personal as well as professional for me. I would like to thank my parents for their constant encouragement and for being the guiding light in every decision I have taken. I also wish to acknowledge the immense sacrifices made by the women in our families no growth, whether personal or organizational, is possible without their unwavering support.”

He further added, “Looking ahead, we have a clear and ambitious roadmap for expansion. Over the next five years, Royal Green Realty aims to significantly scale its presence across multiple cities, strengthen its project portfolio, and set new benchmarks in quality and customer satisfaction. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, strategic market expansion, and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

During Founder’s Day celebrations, Royal Green Realty also recognised and felicitated nearly 10 long-standing employees for their exceptional dedication and valuable contributions, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the company’s growth journey since its inception over the past five years.

Royal Green Realty now looks forward to its next phase of growth, with plans to launch multiple landmark developments while continuing to uphold its reputation as a trusted and forward-looking developer committed to crafting distinguished and sustainable living spaces.

In line with its #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision, Signify, the world leader in lighting, announces the street LEDification of 100 villages along the Indo–Nepal border, in collaboration with Tarq Foundation. This transformative initiative is being undertaken under the guidance of Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, Hon’ble Defence Minister of India, whose vision for safer, empowered, and better-connected border communities anchors this effort.

Signify to illuminate 100 Indo–Nepal border villages, enhancing safety and livelihoods

Stretching across 1700 km, the Indo–Nepal border is home to resilient and vibrant communities whose daily lives often unfold against infrastructural and safety-related constraints. Limited street lighting has long impacted mobility, economic activity, and community safety after dusk. The introduction of energy-efficient LED streetlights across these villages marks a significant step towards addressing these ground realities, creating safer evenings, supporting local livelihoods, and promoting stronger community networks.

Mr. Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India said, “At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations to the communities across India, through our Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative. Through this initiative, we aim to bring long-term safety, sustainability, and confidence to border communities. This partnership reflects our commitment to using light to positively impact lives in India, fostering sustainable growth and community empowerment.”

Building on this vision, the project has been designed to meet practical ground-level needs. Each village was identified based on community input, footfall patterns, and specific safety concerns.

Manoviraj Singh, Founding Partner at Tarq Foundation, stated, “Real development starts by listening to the people it is meant to serve. Border communities have their own unique rhythms: evening markets, long walks home from school, and the daily movement of women whose sense of safety is directly shaped by how well-lit their surroundings are. This initiative responds to these lived realities. In these villages, light is not symbolic; it is practical, protective, and deeply empowering.”

The LED streetlighting of 100 Indo–Nepal border villages stand as a significant milestone in improving rural safety and community well-being. The partnership reinforces a long-term commitment to building resilient border communities.

About Signify 
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page. 

Along Kamala’s emerald hills and calm Andaman shoreline The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort reveal a fresh design language for contemporary Asian living. More than an extension of the award-winning resort this new residential chapter brings together architecture landscape and interiors that celebrate calm comfort and everyday elegance.

Exterior of The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort, nestled between Kamala Beach and Phuket’s forested hillsides

Developed by Proud Real Estate Public Company Limited in collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts the THB 2.5 billion project is the brand’s second residential venture in Thailand following the sold-out success of InterContinental Residences Hua Hin. Set beside the Two MICHELIN Keys InterContinental Phuket Resort the residences offer a private interpretation of luxury where thoughtful design wellness-led features and natural rhythm shape the experience of home.

The lobby showcases rhythmic architectural lines, Peranakan-inspired patterns and crafted textures that set the tone for calm, elevated living

Where mountains meet the Andaman
Nestled between lush rainforest ridges and one of Phuket’s most sought-after coastlines the residences have been conceived as “The Edge of Heaven”. The masterplan completes the resort’s design trilogy inspired by Tribhumikatha cosmology with the hotel as the Heart of Heaven the gardens as the Garden of Heaven and the residences as the Far East Paradise.

Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate

“Phuket continues to mature as a highly desirable destination for travellers and long-term homeowners” says Vivek Bhalla Managing Director for South East Asia and Korea at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This partnership with Proud Real Estate extends InterContinental’s heritage of refined hospitality into a residential experience designed for everyday living.”

A new architectural language for Asia
Habita Architects the studio behind InterContinental Phuket Resort reinterpret Phuket’s Sino-European heritage with a soft modern sensibility. Stone façades recessed corners and shaded colonnades soften the architecture allowing it to settle into the hillside. Each residential block angles toward mountain or sea views ensuring privacy without detachment.

Courtyards divide the massing into human scale while ventilated screens and limestone detailing filter the tropical light into gentle patterns.

“We designed a home that breathes” shares Proudputh Liptapanlop Executive Director of Proud Real Estate. “Light material proportion all serve the idea of effortless living where natural calm becomes part of the architecture.”

Crafted interiors inspired by culture and climate
PIA Interior interprets the residences as a modern sanctuary where Peranakan artistry Sino-European influence and Thai storytelling converge. Subtle colour palettes reference historic Ayutthaya and Thonburi-era maps while layered textures natural timber tones and cross-ventilated layouts create living spaces that evolve with the day’s shifting light.

Inside each home the design language remains warm calm and connected to nature. Spaces flow seamlessly from kitchen to dining to lounge emphasising openness and quiet elegance.

A landscape shaped by myth and greenery
PLA Landscape imagines the grounds as the “secret garden of Himmapan” the mythical forest between heaven and earth. Planting zones draw inspiration from four guardians of ancient folklore creating pockets of shade movement and narrative depth.

Softened corners ventilated façades and greenery-wrapped structures respond to Phuket’s tropical climate while ensuring the residences age gracefully and harmoniously within the hillside.

At the heart of the development lies the Paradise Garden Court a central green sanctuary framed by mountain and sea. The Sala Pavilion stands at its core a distilled symbol of the project’s spirit where nature heritage and contemporary living meet.

Wellbeing by design
The residences are progressing toward Fitwel Certification embedding wellness into both structure and lifestyle. Solar energy water-management systems cross-ventilation and natural light shape a healthier home environment. Rooftop solar arrays support communal power while grey-water recycling contributes to sustainable landscaping.

Residents enjoy hydro-massage pools Technogym fitness with Aqua Symphony features meditation areas and almost 2,000 sq.m of green space in addition to full access to the resort’s Sati Spa and MICHELIN-recognised dining.

Yacht charters private dining wellness rituals and concierge services extend the InterContinental experience into everyday life.

A destination aligned with Asia’s new luxury buyer
According to C9 Hotelworks Asia Branded Residences Market Review 2025, Thailand leads Asia with 18 percent of branded-residence supply and Phuket holds the region’s strongest resort-destination pipeline with 3,201 units across 24 projects. Demand is increasingly shaped by provenance sustainability and service excellence rather than spectacle.

The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort reflect this shift with a low-density plan of only 111 private units across two seven-storey buildings and a three-storey facilities pavilion. Home types range from one-bedroom suites to five-bedroom penthouses including corner layouts pool units and two-bedroom-plus options. Prices start from THB 15 million.

For discerning homeowners from India and across the region the appeal lies in seamless hospitality privacy of home and a design expression rooted in culture and clarity.

Along a coastline often defined by bold architecture this project opts for quiet confidence. Natural tones greenery-softened façades crafted materials and elegant proportions create a sanctuary where luxury is measured in calm not extravagance.

Discover more about The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort and register your interest at: www.proudrealestate.co.th/theresidencesphuket.

Please click HERE to download the photos.

About The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort
The Residences at InterContinental Phuket Resort sits beside the award-winning InterContinental Phuket Resort, offering a residential experience that blends seamlessly with its neighbouring hotel. With direct integration to the resort’s facilities and services, the development holds a unique position in the market as an InterContinental-branded residential offering. Designed for elevated island living, the development blends world-class hospitality, privacy, and immersive resort access in one of Phuket’s most prestigious beachfront settings.

About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 20 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 145 million members, IHG has more than 6,600 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,200 properties.

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo 

• Premium: voco hotels, Ruby, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels 

• Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels 

• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites  

• Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts 

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. 

Intimacy is still a difficult subject for many Indians to discuss, and Dr Vaidya’s is tackling that hesitation head-on with a sharp, pop-culture-led campaign featuring iconic rapper Baba Sehgal. Centred on the brand’s Shilajit-infused intimate lube, the campaign uses humour, music and everyday language to make conversations on sexual wellness feel natural rather than taboo.

 

Dr Vaidya’s and Baba Sehgal Launch Bold Rap Campaign to Break Intimacy Taboos

 

By blending Dr Vaidya’s trusted Ayurvedic expertise, with Baba Sehgal’s mass appeal, the film speaks directly to modern, digital-first consumers who expect brands to be frank, inclusive and empathetic. Issues such as female dryness and male stamina are addressed in a light, approachable tone, turning what is usually an awkward topic into one that couples can openly engage with.

 

“We’ve always believed that wellness conversations should be straightforward, honest, and built on trust,” said Chirag Gada, CEO – Dr Vaidya’s by RPSG Group. “This partnership with Baba Sehgal really captures that energy and relatability, pushing to normalize intimacy care. Music and humor help break down barriers, and this campaign aims to spark the important conversations that matter.”

 

Baba Sehgal himself shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Music makes it easier to discuss anything—even those topics that people often shy away from. When I found out about this campaign, I knew it needed a fun, bold rap. If my style helps couples open up, laugh, and have more honest talks about intimacy, then that’s a win all around.”
 

Campaign Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzKcQNI-dwE

Product Link: Shop Dr Vaidya’s Shilajit Lube gel: First-ever Shilajit-infused Lube Gel

About Dr Vaidya’s

For over 150 years, Dr. Vaidya’s has been more than just Ayurveda – it’s been a legacy of healing, passed down through generations, blending time-tested wisdom with modern Innovation. What began as a family tradition of treating thousands with Ayurvedic formulations has now evolved into a wellness brand, making Ayurveda accessible, effortless, and backed by Science. As Aapka Apna Health Expert, Dr. Vaidya’s brings you products designed for today’s fast- paced world – simple, effective, and rooted in ancient wisdom. Dr. Vaidya’s takes the best of Ayurveda and reimagines it for you. With expert-led formulations, modern convenience, and a commitment to purity, Dr. Vaidya’s is here to help you heal, restore, and thrive – naturally.

From crispy pakoras to delicious samosas, street food is an emotion across India. Yet behind every perfectly fried snack lies the unseen role of the oil that makes it possible. A podcast series features culinary explorer and Delhi Food Walks founder Anubhav Sapra, who simplifies the role of cooking oils in street food and clears confusion around misleading food labels.

Culinary Explorer Anubhav Sapra Reveals the Science Behind India’s Street Food and Misleading Food Labels

Episode Overview
In the first Episode, “Silent Hero: The Science of What We Eat,” Anubhav explains why palm oil is widely used by vendors. Its high-heat stability, neutral taste, and consistent frying performance help deliver the signature crispness of Indian snacks.

In the next Episode, “No Palm Oil? Don’t Be Fooled,” he discusses the growing wave of “No Palm Oil” labels and why these tags often create misleading perceptions of health. Anubhav urges shoppers to read entire ingredient lists and nutrition facts instead of relying on front-of-packet (FoP) claims.

Influencer Insights

Across both episodes, Anubhav highlights:

• Street vendors value oils that stay stable at high temperatures and have a high smoke point and does not break down easily.

• Palm oil’s neutral taste keeps authentic flavours intact.

• Many consumers are unaware that palm oil is naturally trans-fat free and cholesterol-free.

• Safe cooking habits matter: use fresh oil, avoid overheating, and rotate different oils at home.

What Science Says About Palm Oil
Palm oil is naturally cholesterol-free, as cholesterol is found only in animal-based fats. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, palm oil has a neutral impact on blood cholesterol levels. It also contains vitamin E compounds known as tocotrienols, which are recognised for their potent antioxidant properties and potential role in supporting cellular and cardiovascular health.

Aligned With ICMR Dietary Guidelines
Reiterating the ICMR–NIN 2024 guidelines, it’s recommended to use oils/fats in  appropriate amounts and choose a variety of oilseeds, nuts, nutricereals, and legumes to meet daily needs of fats and Essential Fatty Acids (EFA).

NMEO–OP: India’s Edible Oil Goals
Anubhav also touches upon India’s broader efforts to strengthen its edible oil ecosystem. India’s National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO–OP), which aims to boost oil palm area by an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26, and eventually to 16.71 lakh hectares by 2029-30, with a special focus on the North-Eastern states and reduce reliance on imports.

Understanding “No Palm Oil” Labels
Industry bodies like IFBA and OTAI have cautioned that these labels are often marketing tactics rather than indicators of nutritional superiority. Consumers are encouraged to look at the complete nutrition ingredients, including sugar, salt and overall fat content. Through street-level stories and food science, these episodes help listeners focus on the important information, and make informed dietary choices.

Link to Episode 3: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvBYj6cjM04 
Link to Episode 4: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqmp_tx2nlQ

About the Series
This is a six-episode podcast series by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) designed to address misinformation and share scientific facts about palm oil in a simple, relatable way. Each episode brings expert voices and everyday perspectives to topics like nutrition, health, and sustainability helping listeners replace myths with understanding. With these conversations, MPOC hopes to encourage balanced, fact-based discussions and highlight palm oil’s rightful place as a versatile, nutritious, and sustainably produced edible oil.