To mark World Environment Day, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Rotary Club of Bombay Mid City, and Tetra Pak India have joined forces to launch a citywide sustainability campaign-the Carton Recycling Relay-designed to turn used beverage cartons into durable benches for Mumbai’s public parks.

Benches made entirely from recycled cartons donated by Tetra Pak to Patwardhan Park, Bandra

In its first phase, the initiative aims to collect 2.5 lakh used cartons from across the city, which will be recycled into 25 garden benches to be installed in selected public parks. This collaborative effort brings to life the principles of recycling, circular economy, and community participation, with citizens at the heart of the transformation.

“This is a brilliant example of how partnerships can bring sustainability into public spaces, and how the public can actively participate in this transformation,” said Jeetendra V. Pardeshi, Superintendent of the Gardens and Tree Office, BMC. “We’re not just recycling-we’re creating something useful and lasting for the community. This initiative represents the kind of smart, sustainable thinking our city needs.”

To kick off the campaign, a set of benches made entirely from recycled cartons were donated to Patwardhan Park, Bandra, a popular green space in Mumbai. The event was attended by Mr. Dinesh Pallewad, Assistant Commissioner, Ms. Swapna Mhatre, Ex Corporator, Mr. Dnyandev Mundhe, Dy. Supdt. of Gardens Zone 3, Mr. Kamlesh Kholiya, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak South Asia; Ajay Mishra, Rotary President; and Ms Monisha Narke, Founder, RUR Greenlife.

“At Tetra Pak, we believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility,” added Kamlesh Kholiya, Sustainability Manager, Tetra Pak South Asia. “The Carton Recycling Relay turns citizens into changemakers. By transforming used cartons into public assets, we’re fostering circularity and strengthening community engagement.”

A life-size, carton-shaped collection bin will now travel across prominent locations in the city, encouraging schools, housing societies, businesses, and individuals to deposit their used beverage cartons. More than 50 drop-off points are already available across Reliance Retail and Shakari Bhandar stores across Mumbai up to make participation easy and accessible for all.

Over the next few weeks, the relay will travel across key Mumbai locations, mobilizing schools, RWAs, and workplaces. As the city works toward the 2.5 lakh carton target, 22 more benches will be created and donated-transforming waste into symbols of community action and environmental stewardship.

“Sustainability is one of the 7 pillars of Rotary thrust area and always work around related to protection of environment. We are working with MCGM and corporate to set up street furniture made from recycled waste for awareness since long time. We are happy to see that Tetra Pak came forward to support the cause and create awareness. We are glad to work as bridges between benefactor and donor,” added Ajay Mishra, President, Rotary.

The initiative is being implemented on-ground by RUR Greenlife, a long-standing Tetra Pak partner known for its work in waste management and citizen-led recycling. Media outreach is being supported by Free Press Journal.

This campaign is part of a program called ‘Go Green with Tetra Pak‘ launched in 2010 by Tetra Pak, in collaboration with Reliance Retail and RUR Greenlife. The program encourages Mumbaikars to drop off their used beverage cartons at over 60 Reliance Smart and Sahakari Bhandar outlets, and over 100 other drop-off points across Mumbai. These cartons are then recycled into useful items like desks & garden benches and donated back to the society. Tetra Pak cartons are paper-based, recyclable, and increasingly being recycled through a robust ecosystem nurtured by Tetra Pak over the last 20 years, working closely with various stakeholders such as urban local governments, NGOs, brand owners, academia, and consumers.

A complete list of carton deposit points is available here.

About Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, ensuring safe and nutritious food reaches millions in over 160 countries. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company continually innovates to protect food, people, and the planet through impactful community programs and advanced recycling initiatives.

With over 24,000 employees worldwide, Tetra Pak remains dedicated to making food safe and available, everywhere, while upholding its promise to protect what’s good: food, people, and the planet.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.

On World Environment Day this year, World Animal Protection takes serious note of a recent incident whereby an Indian tourist was mauled by a captive tiger he was walking in Tiger Kingdom zoo in Phuket in Thailand. Expectedly, this unfortunate incident has raised questions on the nature and desirability of these actions that bring people in proximity to potentially dangerous wild animals like tigers and elephants in captive situations. Reports indicate the tourist survived, but the whole popular spectacle of coming close to wild animals in captivity in Thailand and other venues, raises grave concerns on the nature of human animal relations this World Environment Day.

Elephants in Haathi Gaon in Jaipur : Shubhobroto Ghosh

World Animal Protection has consistently raised the issue of abuse of wildlife entertainment worldwide. This includes displays like tiger selfies in Thailand, elephant rides in Amer Fort in Jaipur in Rajasthan in India and dolphin shows at SeaWorld in several venues in the United States of America. World Animal Protection has conducted investigations on captive tigers in Thailand, captive elephants in Thailand, India and Indonesia and captive dolphins in USA, Netherlands and Thailand. These researches show that the welfare of these captive animals is severely compromised in these wildlife entertainment venues, and especially so in situations where they are compelled to come into proximity with humans. Close contact between wild animals and humans can cause undue stress to animals and additionally risk injury and spread of diseases(zoonoses) between humans and animals. After coronavirus, these interactions are risky and antithetical to harmonious man animal relationships.

Tiger in Rohtak Zoo in Haryana: Shubhobroto Ghosh

“The recent incident of tiger mauling an Indian tourist in Thailand makes us reinforce the necessity of responsible choices in tourism,” says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India. “Spectacles like tiger selfies and elephant rides in Amer Fort represent a travesty of nature that is inimical to animal welfare and environmental preservation. Wild animals like tigers and elephants should be cherished where they belong, in the wild and not exploited in captivity to serve vested interests of humans.”

To raise awareness on ethical wildlife tourism, World Animal Protection encourages tour companies to desist from offering captive wildlife entertainment as part of their itineraries. There are more than two hundred companies that have taken the wildlife friendly pledge of World Animal Protection worldwide. The latest company to become wildlife friendly in India is Her Expeditions, a travel company promoting women’s travel. Her Expeditions has now decided to highlight the cause of animal welfare alongside those of women as part of their company policy. World Animal Protection is also highlighting wild animal abuse persistently in the media and

Bearing environmental preservation in mind, World Animal Protection also raises awareness on the harmful effects of factory farming and excessive meat consumption that leads to destruction of habitat for wildlife. Growing concern for the environment and awareness on the welfare of animals are intertwined in the modern world. Tackling wildlife in entertainment and changing our diet can make the world a more habitable place, that, as the astronomer Carl Sagan stated to be a pale blue dot, “the only home we have ever known.”

For the first time ever, India’s collections industry will come together at an unprecedented scale to align on a shared vision for the future. The Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2025, scheduled for 12th June at The Lalit, Mumbai, marks a defining moment-bringing over 200 senior delegates from banks, NBFCs, fintechs, regulators, and recovery partners under one roof to co-create a modern, transparent, and tech-led collections ecosystem.

Connect with the Trailblazers of the Collection Industry

This is the first and only platform in India exclusively dedicated to the collections ecosystem, and the excitement across the industry is palpable. From CXOs and policy leaders to field supervisors and agency heads, professionals across the board are coming together to shape a responsible, technology-driven, and future-ready collections landscape.

Keynote & Panels Featuring India’s Top Financial Leaders

The summit features an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and panelists-spanning leadership from India’s top financial institutions, regulators, and innovation-driven fintechs.

Keynote speakers include:
Gaurav Kumar, Founder & CEO, Yubi Group
Anil Tandon, Senior Leadership, HDFC Bank
…and several other distinguished leaders from across the BFSI sector.

Panel discussions will bring together a powerful group of decision-makers and influencers, including but not limited to:
Sagar Chaudhuri, HDFC Bank
D S Tripathi, Aadhar Housing Finance
Rajaram Manian, Tyger Capital (formerly Adani Capital)
Ashish Chandekar & Dr. Ashish Jain, Bank of Baroda
Ashwani Sharma, DBS Bank
Sanju Mangrulkar, Central Bank of India
Binit Jha, IDBI Bank
…and many more.

These sessions will explore the future of collections through the lens of AI innovation, compliance, borrower experience, governance, and last-mile execution-driving a rich and actionable dialogue across the ecosystem.

Hear from India’s Leading Financial Institutions

The summit is being shaped by leaders from a wide range of India’s most respected financial institutions, including but not limited to:

HDFC Bank, ICICI Home Finance, Unity Small Finance Bank, Aditya Birla Finance, Canara Bank, IDBI Bank, Central Bank of India, John Deere Financial, DBS Bank, DCB Bank, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, Union Bank of India
…and many more are scheduled to join.

For the first time, top collection agencies will also be present to bring in-ground realities and partnership insights into the conversation-ensuring every voice in the value chain is represented.

Spocto X & YuCollect: Powering the Ecosystem Transformation

Both subsidiaries of the Yubi Group, Spocto X and YuCollect are driving the next phase of collections in India:

Spocto X, the Presenting Partner, is an AI-powered collections platform that acts as an intelligent agent-executing strategies, making decisions, and managing the full collections lifecycle with minimal human input.

YuCollect, the Collections Infrastructure Partner, unifies lenders, vendors, and regulators in one ecosystem-enabling seamless discovery, execution, and compliance with full transparency.

Together, they are building a tech-led, accountable, and scalable future for collections.

Supported by a Strong Industry Network

In addition, the summit is supported by several other players contributing to the broader ecosystem conversation:

DPD Zero – Platinum Partner
Rezolv – Gold Partners
Credresolve & Creditas – Exhibit Partners
FACE (Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment) – SRO Partner

A Benchmarking Moment for Collections

This isn’t just a summit-it’s a defining milestone for the collections industry. With unmatched participation from regulators, lenders, fintech innovators, and field enablers, the Bharat Collection Summit & Awards 2025 is set to benchmark how collections in India must evolve-with empathy, insight, compliance, and collaboration.

Event Details

Date: 12th June 2025
Venue: The Lalit, Mumbai
Register Now:thebharatcollectionsummit.com

Across India, women have long been the backbone of community health – managing medicine, caregiving, and decision-making in families. Yet when it comes to formal entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector, their presence remains limited. According to government data, only 20% of Indian entrepreneurs are women, and fewer still operate in sectors like retail pharmacy where compliance, capital, and operational complexity often deter first-time business owners.

Medkart is creating a platform where women lead with knowledge, empathy, and impact in retail healthcare

This gender gap is especially visible in the pharmacy sector, despite the fact that women already form the majority of healthcare decision influencers in households. Most pharmacy store owners continue to be male, even though India produces over 150,000 pharmacy graduates annually, with many qualified women unable to transition into business due to lack of support or structure.

In response, Medkart Pharmacy – one of India’s fastest-growing pharmacy retail chains – has announced a women-first franchise campaign to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs to become local health leaders. The initiative is designed to offer women a low-risk, structured path to business ownership in the high-impact healthcare space.

Founded in 2014, Medkart operates 100+ stores across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, and has helped over 10 lakh families save ₹650 crore on essential medicines. The company’s model promotes WHO-GMP certified generic drugs and operates on a transparent, education-first approach to retail pharmacy. Visit medkartfranchise.in for More Details.

One of the biggest frustrations for customers seeking affordable treatment is that they often cannot get their full prescription filled at one store – especially when they ask for generic alternatives. Medkart solves this by offering both branded and generic medicines under one roof, eliminating the need to visit multiple chemists or compromise on affordability. Customers save time, money, and get trusted options in a single visit.

The Medkart franchise system requires an all-inclusive investment of Rs. 8-9 lakhs. It includes everything from store setup, inventory, and branding, to staff recruitment, licensing, training, and a proprietary AI-powered inventory management dashboard. This software provides real-time analytics on stock levels, expiry tracking, billing, and demand forecasts – allowing franchisees to run lean, efficient, compliant and technology-enabled businesses.

“Inventory losses are one of the biggest reasons why small pharmacies fail,” said Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Medkart. “We built our franchise model to eliminate that fear entirely. Partners receive the stock they need, when they need it – and anything that doesn’t move is taken back.”

“Our goal is to simplify healthcare retail,” added Parasharan Chari, Co-founder and COO. “We’re making it easier for individuals – even without pharma experience – to own and operate clean, transparent medicine stores that actually help their communities. Women, in particular, bring empathy, discipline, and trust – qualities that are invaluable in healthcare entrepreneurship – and we’re proud to be creating a platform where they can thrive.”

Under this new campaign, women franchisees will receive additional mentorship, priority onboarding, and access to Medkart’s Franchisee Academy – a structured training program covering medicine knowledge, customer interaction, business compliance, and use of Medkart’s tech platform. The brand reports that most franchise partners reach breakeven within 3-6 months, with ROI typically achieved within the first year and a half.

As India moves toward greater inclusion in healthcare entrepreneurship, Medkart’s women-first initiative is a step toward ensuring that more women take on leadership roles in the health sector – not just as caregivers, but as business builders and community anchors.

For franchise inquiries, visit www.medkart.in/franchise or email bd@medkart.in.

TVS Motor Company announced today that The Board of Directors unanimously named Mr Sudarshan Venu as incoming Chairman of the Company, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the Company’s sustained growth and strategic development during his tenure as Director. Effective August 25, 2025, Mr Sudarshan Venu will be appointed as Chairman and Managing Director.

Its current chairman, Sir Ralf Speth, has informed The Board of Directors that he will not be seeking re-appointment as a company Director at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Consequently, he will step down as Chairman of the Company at the close of the AGM on August 22, 2025.

The Board will also be appointing Sir Ralf Speth as Chief Mentor of the Company for a period of three years effective August 23, 2025, ensuring continued benefit from his extensive knowledge, experience and expertise.

Mr Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company

Mr Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, said, “I express my sincere gratitude to Ralf for his exceptional leadership as Chairman over the last three years. His contributions have been invaluable in guiding our strategic expansion into global markets and fostering innovation that has significantly strengthened our industry standing. We are grateful for his continued support as Chief Mentor for TVS Motor and in welcoming Sudarshan into his new role. I am confident that Sudarshan, who in his capacity as Managing Director has demonstrated tremendous growth for the business, will take the Company to even greater heights.”

Sir Ralf Speth, said, “It has been an honour for me to steer TVS Motor Company as its Chairman over the last three years. I am grateful for the support, cooperation, and personal friendships developed during my tenure. As I hand over the Chairmanship to Sudarshan, I am confident that under his leadership, the Company will continue its growth journey while championing core TVS values. Sudarshan’s dynamism and passion underscore his vision for the business, and I am confident that TVS is in safe, responsible hands. I wish Sudarshan and TVS Motor a bright future ahead.”

Mr Sudarshan Venu, said, “I am very thankful to the Board for giving me this singular opportunity. I am really honoured and excited for the future and look forward to their continued support. TVS has been built on our Chairman Emeritus’s commitment to customer centricity, quality and technology. As we look to the future we have to build on these values while capitalising on new opportunities and reimagining for the future. I am most grateful to him for his continued guidance.

Sir Ralf has been instrumental in challenging and mentoring us to expand more globally, onboard international talent, embrace newer processes, and invest in future products and technology. I look forward to his continued mentorship as our Chief Mentor. Importantly, TVS has grown due to the passion and energy of the entire team. I look forward to the continued partnership in our shared future.“

About TVS Motor Company

TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products have led in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS & APEAL surveys and J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate.

For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.

Jannat Zubair and Shivangi Joshi, two of Indian television’s most loved faces, recently set off on the ultimate summer girl’s trip to Bali, Indonesia and they did it all with Airbnb. Swapping busy schedules for beach days, hidden gems, and unforgettable adventures, the two besties explored Bali’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, all while staying in a cozy Airbnb that became their perfect tropical base.

Jannat unwinds in her peaceful Bali Airbnb – a perfect pause in nature

Reflecting on their Bali escape, Jannat and Shivangi said, “Bali was everything we needed – sunshine, adventure, and the chance to slow down. Our Airbnb felt like a home away from home, tucked away in nature but still close to all the fun spots. From a Balinese cooking class and exploring dreamy waterfalls to massages and incredible local food, every moment was pure magic. Plus, our Airbnb host gave us amazing local recommendations that made the experience even more special. We’re coming back with memories (and photos!) we’ll cherish forever.”

From local recipes to quiet moments, Jannat and Shivangi made the most of their Bali Airbnb escape

The 3 Bedroom Airbnb Villa the duo stayed at was perfectly set amidst the lush greenery of Kecamatan Mengwi. It offered the perfect blend of modern luxury with natural beauty. With its open, breezy layout, earthy interiors, and a private pool overlooking the jungle, the home offered the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring. This truly was the perfect place for slowing down and savoring the essence of island life.

Here’s Jannat and Shivangi’s ultimate Bali travel guide to help you plan your own unforgettable girls’ getaway on Airbnb:

• Cook like the locals do with an authentic Airbnb Experience: The duo tried their hand at preparing traditional Balinese dishes, working with authentic spices and ingredients. They learnt to whip up traditional specialities like Kuah Ares (chicken soup with Balinese yellow spices), Jukut Urab (mixed vegetables with Balinese spices), grilled minced chicken satay and others.

• Chase Waterfalls and Swing into adventure: No trip to Bali is complete without a little exploration of the countryside, which is why Jannat and Shivangi booked another unforgettable experience on Airbnb. They went on a local tour that included visits to the mystical Kanto Lampo and Tegenungan waterfalls, a scenic coffee plantation, and the iconic Bali swing. Every stop added a fresh burst of excitement to their tropical adventure.

• Explore by bike: Want to see Bali like a local Rent a bike! Jannat and Shivangi recommend renting a bike and riding through the neighbourhoods to truly soak in the island’s beauty at your own pace. But please drive with care – comply with the applicable traffic laws in Indonesia for your safety and that of others. This includes wearing a helmet when required, following traffic signs, and not exceeding passenger limits.

• Unwind with a traditional Balinese massage: After all the exploring, don’t skip a traditional Balinese massage. The combination of aromatherapy and gentle acupressure will leave you feeling completely refreshed.

• Dining amidst nature: The girls recommend Sardine by K Club in Seminyak for its seafood and stunning rice field views. Another favourite of the duo was Omma Dayclub Bali, a scenic escape overlooking the waterfalls offering spectacular meals.

Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled girls’ trip, Jannat and Shivangi’s Bali itinerary is the perfect inspiration to explore the island with Airbnb, where comfort meets local charm.

And most importantly, remember to travel responsibly, respect the local culture, and help preserve the natural beauty of this incredible island.