Archives August 2025

Educators Come Together for a More Human, Equitable, and Future-Ready Classroom at the First-Ever SEEK Summit by Rangeet

Mumbai, August 1st, 2025 — In a world where curriculums and classrooms cannot keep up with the challenges of the future the Rangeet SEEK Summit arrived as a timely and necessary pause — a space to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine how we prepare children for life.

Held at Kohinoor Banquet, Dadar East, the summit brought together over 100 counsellors and education officers from government, government-aided, and private schools across Mumbai — many of whom are currently implementing or preparing to adopt the Social Emotional and Ecological Knowledge (SEEK)© curriculum, developed by Rangeet.

Through shared stories, real challenges, and collaborative design sessions, the event marked the launch of the SEEKer Community, a growing network of educators dedicated to infusing social, emotional, ecological, and digital media addiction awareness into the very fabric of everyday learning.

A Summit Rooted in Empathy, Energy, and Action

The day began on a note of connection. Instead of just badges, each participant received a card with an animal or character illustration, a playful touch that determined their seating and tribe for the day. This simple gesture laid the groundwork for a day that championed empathy, voice, and community.

An address was delivered by Dr Prachi Jambhekar – Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education), BMC. Educators then took centre stage, candidly sharing the emotional and behavioral challenges they navigate in modern classrooms. Their reflections, framed through Rangeet’s Circle of Control activity — set the stage for a grounded panel discussion on “‘How Can We Work Together To Prepare Children For The Future?” moderated by Sandeep Mishra and featuring Sonia Relia, Education Expert & Author, Principal Ajay Singh, Podar Hindi School, Delnaz Delina, Counsellor, Cathedral and John Connon School, and Farida Lambay, Co-Founder & Trustee, Pratham Mumbai Education Initiative.

From policy discussions to real-world examples, the session reinforced that equipping students with a breadth of skills like critical thinking, creativity, and confidence along with nurturing the wellbeing of teachers and learners alike, fosters an environment where both can flourish.

Happy Teachers make for Happy Classrooms

The most moving segments of the day came from the teachers themselves — those who have been using SEEK in their classrooms. They shared stories of students learning to express feelings, show kindness, take responsibility for the planet, and feel more prepared for an unpredictable future.

The storytelling didn’t stop there. “Worry Wart,” a short SEEK story about a little boy who carries his worries in his hat everyday, was read aloud, followed by an open mic where teachers spoke about the pressures they silently carry. It was an emotional moment, a reminder that teachers too need safe spaces and support systems.

That’s when Rangeet introduced its next innovation: a teacher wellbeing chatbot, developed in collaboration with Mon Brokman of Behavioural Foresight – an expert in performance and mental resilience who works with professional athletes.

From Reflection to Action: The Birth of the SEEK Community

As the event moved into its final segment, participants were invited to co-create what a supportive SEEKer community could look like. Facilitated group discussions culminated in a “Tree of Change” activity, where each teacher wrote down one personal commitment or reflection— a step they would take to build more compassionate classrooms. These were added to the Tree of Change: a growing installation of collective intent and action. The summit concluded with heartfelt thanks and a group photo, followed by a lunch where the conversations only deepened.

A word from Simran Mulchandani, CEO and Co-founder of Rangeet, shared, “Teaching is the second most stressful profession. Every day is a performance in front of judgemental students; a race to complete the portion; pressure from parents and administrators which ends with teachers getting squished in the middle. The SEEK Summit showed us that when you give teachers the space to connect, reflect, and co-create, they come alive. And when teachers feel valued, children thrive.”

Further Karishma Menon, Co-founder of Rangeet and Director of Curriculum, added “Teachers are more than the guides of a classroom. They’re friends, counselors and parents to the children they teach. We ask a lot from them, sometimes forgetting they have their own lives, hopes and dreams. What if we could build a community that shares the load, one that uplifts, supports and truly values them? My hope is that this summit is just the first of many meaningful steps in that direction, because communities are not built overnight, they’re nurtured.”

Rushva Parihar, Head of the OmniActive Improving Lives Foundation added “We are thinking ‘what can we do for children?’ but we have to also think: ‘What can we do for teachers?’ Teachers have to be counselors, career guides and therapists. But who is doing all this for teachers? Mental health is a big buzz word, but always used in the context of improving the mental health of students. However, if we have to improve their mental health, then we have to first think: ‘What can help the teachers?’”

What’s Next?

The SEEKer Community is now live, with ongoing conversations and support continuing via a dedicated WhatsApp group. Rangeet will continue to engage, co-create, and learn with teachers — ensuring that the change sparked at the summit evolves into long-term, scalable impact, starting with Rangeet’s goals of impacting 100 million children globally by 2030.

As India contemplates its educational priorities, the SEEK Summit made one thing clear: when we make space for empathy, wellbeing, and real-world readiness, we don’t just prepare children for the future — we prepare the future itself.

New Delhi, August 1, 2025: After two successful editions of one of the sweetest festivals of the country, the third edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival was inaugurated today at the iconic Dilli Haat, New Delhi, positioning Meghalaya’s agricultural success story at the heart of India’s capital.

The festival was inaugurated by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister; in the presence of  Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister senior officials from the Government of India and Government of Meghalaya, thereby drawing attention not just for its fruit but for the future it signals for India’s farmers.

Marking a significant step towards structured agri-market linkages, the Government of Meghalaya signed three major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)- with Reliance Fresh, Amazon Karigar, and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters- to scale procurement, visibility, and national distribution of Meghalaya’s products.

“The products of Meghalaya are almost fully organic. By marketing them well and adding value, you have shown, for the third year, that Meghalaya’s products are truly special. Jackfruit, fruits, coffee, pineapple, mushrooms- everything is amazing”, said Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praising Meghalaya’s value chain approach. “Today, the air in Delhi feels filled with the fragrance of Meghalaya. The breeze, the atmosphere- everything is touched by the flavour of Meghalaya’s pineapples. I already knew that Meghalaya produces very good pineapples. But after tasting them today, I couldn’t stop eating! I have never tasted pineapples so juicy and sweet before.This sweetness in taste belongs to the soil of Meghalaya.”

 Hon’ble Union Minister praised the efforts of the Government of Meghalaya and congratulated all the farmers and especially, Hon’ble Chief Minister for his relentless efforts. He added, “On behalf of the Government of India, I assure you, Chief Minister ji, whenever Meghalaya calls, the Government of India and the Agriculture Ministry will always stand with you.” He also urged the people of Delhi to visit the Festival and experience the spirit of Meghalaya and feel the taste of one of the juiciest and sweetest pineapples.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of Meghalaya’s Achievement in Agriculture Sector, which aligns with the state’s broader Vision@2032 of transforming Meghalaya into a $16 billion economy. The strategy includes a five-year plan to strengthen farm infrastructure, promote crop diversification, improve processing and logistics, and increase farmers’ incomes through market-based models.

Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya said, “This is the third edition of Meghalaya Pineapple Festival, and we are very happy that every year this is becoming bigger and better; More importantly, our farmers are getting the necessary exposure and the network they require and they truly deserve.”

 Shri Conrad K Sangma, while briefing Hon’ble Union Minister, stated, “Our state produces around 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of pineapples every year, and a large share of this is consumed within the Northeast itself. Over the past few years, we have set up various fruit processing units to enable value addition – not just for pineapples, but also for turmeric, black pepper, and other produce, with the goal of meeting international packaging and quality standards. Our aim is to establish 1 such unit in each of the 55 blocks of the state, catering to the prominent value chains in the block.”

 Shri Sangma added, “The MoUs we have signed today will provide crucial logistics support and help distribute our products across the country. This initiative is not limited to Meghalaya alone- we want to connect fresh produce from across the Northeast to national and international markets.”

Over the last three years, Meghalaya has invested in more than 27 cold storages, 8 processing hubs, and logistics support, including mobile units and refrigerated trucks. In 2024 alone, over 682 MT of processed pineapples were exported to the EU, Gulf, and Southeast Asia. A growing domestic market has also emerged, with over 150 MT sold across Indian metros through institutional partnerships.

This year’s Pineapple Festival features curated stalls from various cooperatives of Meghalaya  with products like , live tastings, value-added products, B2B interactions and cultural performances from Meghalaya’s musicians from Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills, under the flagship Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM- MGMP). Notably, Musicians from CM-MGMP are all set to perform in both Dilli Haat, INA, and the India Gate, on all the three days of the festival beginning today. A short film on ‘Meghalaya Agriculture & Horticulture’ was also screened during the event.

Organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the Pineapple Festival has evolved into a flagship platform for celebrating natural farming, empowering farmers and positioning the Northeast as a key player in India’s agri-economy.

The Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025 is open to the public at Dilli Haat, INA, from 11 AM to 8:45 PM daily until August 3. Entry is free.

When women rise, nations transform—and We Women Want is where that transformation begins!

Taking centre stage once again, the We Women Want Conclave & Shakti Awards 2025 will unfold on August 7, 2025, in New Delhi, bringing with it a tidal wave of purpose, passion, and progress. Scheduled by iTV Network and presented by NewsX, this defining platform celebrates the extraordinary women who challenge norms, build bridges, and redefine what it means to lead in modern India.

As a not-for-profit endeavour and an extension of the acclaimed weekly show We Women Want on NewsX, this on-ground conclave offers a powerful national platform that brings women’s issues to the forefront—while celebrating those who have transformed personal challenges into powerful narratives of resilience. We Women Want has consistently highlighted challenges faced by modern Indian women—from menstrual hygiene in both rural and urban areas to the emotional and societal pressures of parenting, from workplace harassment to the experiences of women in uniform, including the police, armed forces, and medical services. It has welcomed voices from all walks of life—women auto drivers, acid attack survivors, frontline workers, and community leaders—each sharing powerful stories of resilience. More than just a show, We Women Want is a growing movement that has travelled across the country—from cosmopolitan Mumbai to the hills of Uttarakhand, and the heart of Bhopal—capturing India’s regional diversity and ensuring that every woman’s voice is heard and honoured.

A cornerstone of the conclave, the prestigious Shakti Awards honour extraordinary women who have transformed adversity into achievement and emerged as trailblazers in their respective fields. Instituted by iTV Network and named in tribute to Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, former Mayor of Ambala and Trustee of the iTV Foundation, these awards celebrate women whose courage, excellence, and societal contributions embody the true spirit of empowerment. Over the years, the Shakti Awards have been presented by distinguished leaders including Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Devendra Fadnavis, Kiran Bedi, Atishi, and others. The 2025 edition promises to elevate this legacy by honouring an extraordinary spectrum of women achievers—from Bollywood icons and political leaders to defence personnel, doctors, designers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, activists, and changemakers—representing the diverse and dynamic fabric of Indian womanhood.

The We Women Want Conclave & Shakti Awards 2025 will spark powerful conversations through panel discussions on impactful themes such as Leadership Roles, Bringing Up Girls, To Ozempic or Not?, Women & Ayurveda, Women of Today, Leading Like Women, Body Positive, Ageing with Grace, The Fellowship of Fame, Empower Women, Empower Northeast, Southern Phenomenons, Why Hard Work Wins, Women in Uniform, and Work & Motherhood etc. The event will be graced by Guest of Honour Smt. Rekha Gupta (Chief Minister of Delhi), Chief Guest Shri Jitendra Singh (Minister of State), and Guest of Honour & Keynote Speaker Dr. Shashi Tharoor (Member of the Lok Sabha). A powerful lineup of speakers and panelists includes Ekta Kapoor, Prof Himani Sood- Chandigarh University, Jyoti Gulati of MDH , Payal Bansal M3M, Dia Mirza, Shabana Azmi, Neha Dhupia, Sussanne Khan, Lt Gen. Sadhna Saxena Nair, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Dr. Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Radhika Bharat Ram, Nimrat Kaur, Nikita Luther, Malavika Mohanan, Surveen Chawla, Akshara Singh, Ritu Beri, Shalini Passi, Anjul Bhandari, Nomita Kohli, Chanda Narang, Amb. Bhaswati Mukherjee, Purnima Devi Barman, Pooja Elangbam, Rima Das, Adv. Seema S. Kushwaha, Charu Singh, Anuradha Das Mathur, Bahaar Rohatgi, Ratna Debnath, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, Garima Agarwal, Ssarita Siingh, Aishwarya Bansal, Uorfi Javed, Sunny Leone, Dr. Jai Madaan, Sara Abdullah Pilot, Namita Bhandare, Leher Kala, Kaveree Bamzai, Sayali Bhagat, Harshita Gupta, Sahiba Bali, Apoorva Pandey, Kalyani Saha Chawla, Shirin Mann, Prikansha Luthra, Kamakshi Khanna, Shahat Gill, Simran Choudhary, Arunima Malik, Ishi Khosla, Dr. Anjali Hooda, Sakshi Lalwani, Shaifalika Panda, Dr. Gita Prakash, Dr. Anjali Aneja, Dr. Jayasree Sundar, Dr. Tanya Buckshee Rohatgi, Dr. Alkanshree Dahar, and more. The conclave will also spotlight stories from the grassroots, featuring inspiring voices of the Drone Didis—Neeraj, Vimla Kumari, Seema, Manisha Kumari—and the Lakhpati Didis—Usha, Neeraj Devi, Lata Sharma, and Lalita.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, Chairperson of iTV Network and Creator of We Women Want, said, “When we started We Women Want, the aim was clear—to create a platform where women could speak openly and be heard without judgment. What began as a weekly show has grown into a national movement. Through the Shakti Awards and the conclave, we’ve built a space that brings attention to real issues, celebrates courage, and challenges long-held stereotypes. The 2025 edition is a celebration of stories that matter—from grassroots leaders to national icons—uniting voices across sectors to push the conversation forward. This isn’t just about recognition; it’s about creating lasting impact.”

Adding to the strategic vision of the platform, Abhay Ojha, CEO of iTV Network, shared, “The 2025 edition of We Women Want is a testament to how powerful storytelling, when backed by strategic intent, can deliver high-impact business outcomes. It reinforces iTV Network’s position as a platform of influence and integrity—where partners don’t just gain visibility but become part of a purpose-led movement. This initiative drives measurable brand engagement, expands our audience footprint, and strengthens long-term equity for everyone associated with it.”

As a growing IP, We Women Want is not only strengthening iTV Network’s position in the space of social impact media but also laying the foundation for sustained dialogue, digital expansion, and future editions across Indian cities. Backed by the network’s editorial strength and NewsX’s nationwide reach, the platform is becoming an authentic voice for modern Indian womanhood.

Mumbai, 1st August 2025 Davidoff, the globally renowned luxury perfume brand, announces the Indian launch of Cool Elixir for Him and Her. Cool Elixir introduces a new noble olfactive signature – at once sensual and rare. Superbly textured, three ingredients – an intriguing oud accord, lavandin absolute and rose oxide – give the fragrance its elegant and precious profile.

Davidoff Cool Elixir for her is the irresistible ambery vanilla treasure. It introduces a mesmerizing noble olfactive signature expressing sensuality and preciousness. Superbly textured through intriguing vanilla, delicate jasmine and oakmoss absolute, this combination of ingredients gives the ambery fragrance its elegant and addictive profile. An intense and very seductive ambery fragrance for all the queens.

Cool Elixir was developed through a unique approach that involved three perfumers: Jean-Christophe Herault, Nelly Hachem-Ruiz and Anne Flipo. The creative trio brought different facets of their artistic vision, inspiration and ingredient expertise to the project, and their ideas unified as this singular composition.

“We imagined depth as a double intention – in terms of the sea and in terms of freshness. The immediate impression feels like a deep dive, then the intensity takes over, leaving a lasting and seductive trail,” says Jean-Christophe Herault, a student of perfumer Pierre Bourdon, who composed the original Cool Water almost 40 years ago in 1988.

“By isolating the flower tips for the enfleurage, which involves extracting a delicate essence through a fatty material, we have arrived at a lavandin 2.0 that is especially sharp, almost icy. This is how we achieve the marine effect in Cool Elixir. Combined with the elegant base notes of oud, the fragrance leaves a highly powerful trail,” says Anne Flipo. 

Davidoff has cast actor Charles Melton as the face of Cool Elixir – a charismatic, gentleman adventurer who dives to the ocean’s depths, where the precious perfume bottle is being fiercely guarded by a mythical sea dragon—a first in perfumery.

“Moloco has consistently been recognized as a top-performing platform for ad monetization, optimized to drive real business outcomes,” said Yoni Markovizky, Head of Supply, Moloco. “Moloco SDK, which was already a certified bidding partner for AppLovin’s MAX and Unity’s LevelPlay, is now also available through Google AdMob and Ad Manager. With these direct integrations, we can continue to operate as an engine of growth for an even greater pool of publishers with no margin fees, applying the cost savings directly to our partners in the ecosystem.”

New Delhi, August 1, 2025 : WOG Technologies, a global leader in delegated water, wastewater, and renewable energy management, has been conferred the ‘Best Turnkey Biogas Project Provider’ award in the Bio Gas/Bio-CNG category at the Bioenergy Global Summit 2025, held at Yashobhoomi, IICC Dwarka, New Delhi. The recognition celebrates WOG’s end-to-end biogas solutions that are redefining renewable energy deployment across India.

With close to 200 projects delivered globally, nearly half converting industrial effluent into Bio-CNG, WOG Technologies has built a reputation for aligning environmental outcomes with commercial viability. Its portfolio spans food waste, agricultural residue, and municipal waste, supporting India’s circular economy and carbon credit ecosystem. At a time when the country’s energy transition demands both engineering precision and local integration, WOG’s approach blends technological depth with people-first design. From anaerobic digesters to Bio-CNG bottling units, its systems are engineered to transform waste into electricity, transport-grade fuel, and long-term community value.

Speaker and Recipient at the Bioenergy Global Summit 2025, Mr. Sunil Rajan, CEO, WOG Technologies, expressed gratitude at the honour, saying, “This recognition celebrates WOG’s commitment to India’s bioenergy goals, at a time when energy expectations are changing. Our turnkey approach addresses the full value chain of biogas and Bio-CNG with the technical precision and execution depth that large-scale decarbonization now requires. As pressure mounts to decouple growth from emissions, Biogas remains a rare lever that aligns energy, environment, and economics. We’re focused on expanding capacity, advancing public-private models, and scaling our export-ready tech stack across emerging markets. The future of energy must be circular, scalable, and sovereign, and that’s exactly what we’re building.”

Building on this integrated vision, the company’s five-pronged technology suite includes Compressed Biogas (CBG), Biochar, Pyrolysis, Torrefaction, and a proprietary Sewage-to-Hydrogen solution. Together, these enable multiple revenue streams: from energy sales and fertilizers to carbon credits, within an execution model that combines engineering, finance, logistics, and feedstock assurance.

WOG’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) wing converts municipal solid waste, agricultural residue, and food waste into clean fuel and compost through a fully integrated process of feedstock assessment, digestion, purification, and compression. With plant capacities ranging from 50 to 550 tons per day, WOG’s facilities yield up to 100 kg of CBG per ton of input. Each 100 TPD plant offsets 130,000 tons of CO₂ annually. The model is further strengthened by carbon credits, compost sales, and assured offtake agreements, making it both climate-smart and commercially sound. If widely adopted, a 20% CBG blend in conventional CNG could reduce national emissions by 25% and lower India’s fuel import bill by $25 billion by 2030.

The Bioenergy Global Summit 2025, brought together over 100 speakers including policy leaders from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, scientists from TERI and ICAR, and executives from Indian Oil, SAEL Industries, and international renewable energy players. Mr. Rajan’s participation in the session alongside global leaders such as Mr. Jose Ricardo Castro (Co-CEO, Prodesa Group, Spain) and Mr. Atul Kharate, (CEO, Indian Oil Adani Ventures Ltd.) marks WOG’s as steady contributor to global dialogues on bioenergy technology transfer.

With the global bioenergy market projected to touch $829 billion by 2025, WOG is targeting Tier-II cities in India and scaling operations across Southeast Asia with bundled carbon-financed projects. By 2030, WOG aims to deliver over 100 bioenergy projects globally, generating 10 million metric tons of Bio-CNG per year, supporting 75,000 green jobs, and abating more than 100 million tons of CO₂ annually. This growth is intertwined with India’s renewable energy missions, reinforcing WOG’s role as a systems integrator delivering inclusive, high-impact energy solutionss at scale.

Hyderabad, August 01, 2025: The Steel Mahakumbh Roadshow, a precursor to the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 scheduled for September in Mumbai, was held in Hyderabad. Dislcosing this in a press note issued in the city today Telangana Iron & Steel Manufacturers Association (TISMA) said the event brought together key stakeholders, experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of steel in India’s evolving infrastructure landscape.

Organised by the Telangana Iron & Steel Manufacturers Association (TISMA) under AIIFA Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association with support from the Ministry of Steel and UNDP, the roadshow focused on critical themes such as Green Steel, energy efficiency, and market outlook for the sector.

Yogesh Mandhani, President of AIIFA, noted that as the country prepares for the Maha Kumbh Mela, the role of steel in building resilient infrastructure is central to the national agenda. He added that the industry must also evolve to meet sustainability goals.

Prakash Goenka, Project Chairman, emphasised that the roadshow series aims to foster knowledge exchange and promote best practices. “Our focus is on building a greener and more efficient steel ecosystem in alignment with the infrastructure growth,” he said.

He raised concerns regarding the BIS Draft Standards, specifically for steel bars. “Thanks to AIIFA’s intervention, the draft has been kept in abeyance,” Goenka noted, while urging BIS to align standards with India’s unique conditions—tropical climate, coastal regions, and high-phosphorus iron ore.

Goenka also reiterated the critical role of the secondary steel sector, which produces 65% of the nation’s steel bars, mainly through induction furnaces. This sector:

• Generates thousands of crores in tax revenue,

• Provides millions of jobs to both skilled and unskilled workers,

• Supports local economies and MSMEs,

• Reduces import dependence by utilizing domestic scrap.

“Affordable steel from this sector makes the dream of owning a home possible for millions of middle-class families,” he added. He appealed to Mr. PV Srikanth, Director & Head, BIS Hyderabad, to send favourable recommendations to BIS Delhi.

India, now the 2nd largest steel producer in the world, manufactures over 151 million tonnes of crude steel annually. It is also the largest producer of sponge iron

• Between 2016–2024, India’s steel output grew at a 5% CAGR, outpacing China (2.76%) and the global average (1.77%).

• From 2022, capacity increased by 9.14%, while consumption grew by 12.86%.

• Current installed capacity: 205 MTPA, with a vision to reach 300 MTPA by 2030 and 500 MTPA by 2047.

Yogesh Mandhani emphasized the urgent need for sustainability, skill development, and Mini Steel Plant innovation to meet future challenges.

Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI, extended support for a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme in power and emphasised that business should not be in the hands of a few big people, indicating towards draft BIS proposal

Anil Agarwal, steel industry veteran and former FTCCI President, said that secondary steel, especially through the Induction Furnace route, is necessary for India’s sustainability, inclusive and rapid infrastructure growth. Strengthening this sector is key to achieving India’s vision of 5 trillion dollar economy and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Mr. PV Srikanth, Director & Head of BIS Hyderabad, presented updates on BIS 1786 draft standards and upcoming regulations.

The roadshow concluded with a robust presentation on India’s infrastructure boom, market opportunities, and the need for a resilient, green, and competitive steel industry

Sustainable architecture is no longer a trend. It’s a necessity. In a world facing climate challenges, urban overgrowth, and resource scarcity, the built environment is being forced to evolve — not through surface-level tweaks, but through a systemic rethinking of how we design, construct, and inhabit space. From material innovation to digital intelligence, the global architecture community is forging new paths rooted in longevity, equity, and ecological accountability.

Here are five defining trends shaping this green revolution around the world:

1. Net-Zero Buildings Are Becoming Standard Practice
The push for net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) —structures that generate as much energy as they consume —is accelerating. Many cities have already mandated NZEBs for public projects, and private developers are quickly following suit. Thanks to solar integration, passive design strategies, and smart energy systems, achieving net-zero is no longer prohibitively expensive or complex. What was once exceptional is now expected.

Globally, buildings generate nearly 40% of carbon emissions. In India, the Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi, home to the Ministry of Environment, has achieved net-zero energy through the use of rooftop solar, geothermal systems, high-performance insulation, passive ventilation, and daylighting strategies. Its efficiency model has since influenced public buildings across the country.

Another standout is the Jhansi Library in Uttar Pradesh, a contemporary net-zero project that seamlessly blends ancient design principles with modern energy solutions, including solar arrays and passive airflow. It has become a local example of sustainable community infrastructure.

2. Circular Design and Adaptive Reuse Are Gaining Ground
Construction and demolition waste contributes to nearly a third of global landfill, an unsustainable toll that’s forcing the industry to rethink its foundations. Circular design, which prioritises reuse, recycling, and reversibility, is fast becoming architecture’s most resourceful response. Instead of razing structures and starting from scratch, architects are creatively repurposing existing assets, transforming what was into what’s next.

Globally, old warehouses are now libraries, train stations reborn as innovation hubs, and bridges rebuilt with salvaged steel. In India, this shift is also underway. The Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior, for example, has evolved into a cultural space that balances its role as a museum with the preservation of its historic character, proving that heritage can have a future without being frozen in time.

More contemporary examples, such as Soro Village Pub in Goa, illustrate how industrial structures can be repurposed for new social purposes while retaining their architectural integrity. These projects signal a quiet revolution: reuse isn’t just a sustainability tactic, it’s becoming a design language in itself.

3. Biophilic Design Is Becoming a Health Imperative
Design that integrates nature isn’t just visually calming; it has measurable benefits. Biophilic architecture weaves elements like natural light, greenery, water, and airflow directly into buildings, enhancing physical and mental well-being. Studies consistently link these environments to reduced stress, improved cognitive function, and even faster recovery in healthcare settings. Increasingly, architects are moving beyond ornamental green walls to treat nature as vital infrastructure.

While still emerging in India, real-world examples offer a glimpse of what’s possible. The Banasura Hill Resort in Wayanad exemplifies biophilia in action, built with earth walls, bamboo roofs, and passive cooling systems, it immerses guests in their surroundings while staying thermally efficient and low-impact. On a larger scale, planned urban developments like Palava City near Mumbai are applying these principles city-wide, with green corridors, shaded walkways, and natural ventilation systems that reduce the need for artificial cooling.

Globally and locally, biophilic design is redefining what it means for buildings to be not just sustainable, but genuinely supportive of human life.

4. Hyper-Local Materials Are Making a Comeback
In an era dominated by global supply chains and standardised templates, architects are rediscovering the power of building with what’s close at hand. From bamboo in Southeast Asia to adobe in Latin America and fly ash bricks in India, regionally sourced materials are gaining ground, not just for their lower embodied carbon, but for their cultural relevance and climate responsiveness. This marks a quiet but significant shift toward architecture that is rooted, not replicated.

Take for instance, the Banasura Hill Resort in Wayanad. It is constructed using rammed earth sourced from the site itself, along with bamboo and traditional organic roofing materials. The result is a structure that feels neither imposed on the landscape nor grown from it—thermally comfortable, resource-efficient, and deeply integrated with its environment.

These projects show that localism isn’t nostalgia, it’s a strategic approach. One that blends modern performance with timeless, place-based wisdom.

5. Material Transparency Is Driving Smarter Choices
As sustainability shifts from aspiration to accountability, transparency is no longer optional. With the rise of digital tools, environmental databases, and regulatory frameworks, architects now have access to detailed insights into the life cycle impacts of building materials—from embodied carbon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to recyclability and end-of-life outcomes.

Globally, material databases and lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools are being used to ensure that sustainability doesn’t compromise performance. This data-driven approach is gaining traction in India as well.

The Surat Diamond Bourse, one of the world’s largest office complexes, as a leading example. Designed with high-performance materials, radiant cooling, stack ventilation, solar arrays, and energy-efficient systems, the campus has achieved an energy intensity of just ~45 kWh/m²/year, less than half of industry benchmarks.

These projects show that smart choices at the material level, driven by clear data, can significantly enhance both sustainability and liveability. As expectations rise and standards tighten, material transparency is becoming a critical design tool, not just a compliance checkbox.

Where Knowledge Grows: The Role of the Knowledge Center
Sustainability in design requires more than intention — it needs access, collaboration, and continuous learning. That’s where the Knowledge Center (KC) steps in.

India’s rapid urbanization places it at a critical crossroads. While awareness and ambition around sustainable design are rising, challenges remain: inconsistent access to materials, lack of performance transparency, and a fragmented ecosystem where vital knowledge often stays siloed.

The KC, currently in the beta phase of opening in Gurgaon, is being built as a purpose-driven platform where architects, designers, contractors, and brands converge to discover, share, and implement forward-looking architectural solutions. It’s not just a collaborative space — it’s a working infrastructure that embodies the very principles of sustainable architecture in its design, its vision, and its function.

Visitors/members will be able to:
• Explore curated material catalogues with transparent sustainability data
• Visualise combinations through ideation boards tied to real products and performance insights
• Connect with verified suppliers and brands for credible sourcing
• Engage in hands-on workshops, immersive training, and co-creation activities
• Participate in a growing community built on collaboration, not competition

As Akriti Jain, Principal Designer, Studio Materium and Co-founder, Knowledge Center (KC), puts it: “Sustainable architecture needs a space to grow. Knowledge Center is that space where ideas, innovations, and impact converge under one conscious roof.”

KC isn’t just a physical address. It’s a commitment to building a better, greener future by empowering the people who shape our built environment.

Whether it’s a student designing a net-zero school, a builder retrofitting heritage spaces, or a studio planning a climate-resilient housing project, the Knowledge Center offers the intelligence, resources, and networks to turn vision into reality.

In a time when ecological limits are tightening, knowledge is no longer a luxury, it’s the foundation.

 International Education Director Led Cutting-Edge Techniques at the Flagship GK-2 Academy, Championing the House of TONI&GUY Collection 

New Delhi, India/August 1, 2025– TONI&GUY India recently hosted Bill Watson, International Education Director at TONI&GUY, for an exclusive, advanced masterclass at the brand’s flagship academy in Delhi. A globally celebrated educator and creative force in the world of professional hairdressing, Watson’s visit marked a significant milestone in TONI&GUY India’s ongoing mission to deliver world-class hair education.

Returning to the GK-2 Academy—where he had played a pivotal role during its inception—Watson led an intensive training session for stylists, trainers, and students from across North India. His sessions focused on the latest innovations in hairdressing, hairstyling, precision haircutting, and advanced techniques that are currently shaping the global salon industry.

As International Education Director, Watson has overseen TONI&GUY’s education strategy across the UK, Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere. With decades of experience and thousands of stylists mentored under his guidance, he brought a rare blend of technical mastery and global insight to the Delhi session.

A key highlight of the masterclass was a deep dive into the House of TONI&GUY—the brand’s signature collection that sets the creative direction for the year. Known for its bold trends, tailored techniques, and high-fashion appeal, the collection acted as both an artistic benchmark and a commercial guide for stylists across TONI&GUY salons worldwide. The session explored how to interpret and adapt the collection for everyday clients, enhancing salon creativity while ensuring real-world wearability.

What set this masterclass apart was its clear focus on client servicing—equipping stylists with the tools to transform technical excellence into a personalised salon experience. From consultations to customisations, the training was designed to refine not only a stylist’s craft but also their ability to deliver looks aligned with client needs, preferences, and lifestyles.

Speaking on the session, Raghav Bhambri, Co-owner of TONI&GUY Northwest India, said:

“Having Bill Watson back at our Delhi academy was both an honour and a statement of intent. This masterclass was about bridging the creative and the commercial—using the House of TONI&GUY collection as a tool to inspire stylists and elevate their client work.”

Sonali Bhambri, Director, TONI&GUY Master Franchisee, North India, added:

“Education has always been at the heart of TONI&GUY. Hosting Bill Watson was a proud moment for us and a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our focus remains on building a training culture where creativity meets purpose—where every stylist understands how to turn inspiration into impeccable client outcomes.”

The Delhi masterclass was also supported by Vinod Kumar and Wasim Ahmed, Heads of Education at TONI&GUY New Delhi, both of whom have been instrumental in shaping the technical education curriculum and mentoring a new generation of stylists. Their leadership continues to play a key role in expanding TONI&GUY’s educational impact across the region.

This landmark session not only enhanced technical capabilities but also reinforced TONI&GUY India’s position as a leader in professional education—where global artistry meets Indian talent, and where every haircut begins with client care at its core.

Noida, August 1, 2025: Launched in 2020, Uptown by Advant has steadily grown into one of Noida’s most distinctive food and lifestyle destinations. Located within the Advant Navis Business Park and spread across 65,000 square feet, the open-air venue now hosts over 30 operational outlets, offering a curated mix of cafés, breweries, quick-service restaurants, salons, and dining spaces. With its experience-first design and dynamic brand mix, Uptown is redefining what urban hangouts can look like.

With its open-air architecture, natural lighting, and thoughtfully curated tenant mix, Uptown has attracted a wide demographic—from corporate professionals to young urban families. Within just nine months of its launch, the space had already achieved over 90 percent occupancy. Since then, footfall has continued to grow, tripling compared to the previous year. This growth has been driven not by a multiplex or anchor tenant, but by the strength of its brand lineup and the appeal of its relaxed, social environment.

Commenting on the achievements so far, Mr Sunil Sharma, Director, said, “Uptown sees strong weekday footfall from professionals working in nearby offices, while weekends draw a younger, more diverse audience from across Noida and Delhi. Several brands are reporting stronger weekday sales and faster break-even timelines compared to their mall-based outlets. Salons are also witnessing high appointment volumes, particularly from working professionals. The open layout, pet-friendly access, and QR-enabled ordering have made Uptown more accessible and convenient for regular visitors. The venue is also being actively used for flea markets, pop-ups, and community events, which adds to its relevance as a day-to-day lifestyle destination rather than just a retail space.”

Uptown is home to some of the most recognizable F&B and lifestyle names in the country. Dining options include elevated Indian cuisine at Karigari, pan-Asian fare at YouMee, and microbrewery culture at Rookies. Coffee lovers are drawn to Starbucks, Blue Tokai and Third Wave Coffee, while the food court sees strong footfall for QSR favorites such as Taco Bell, Samosa Party, and Indian Stories. Emerging brands like Kaching and Lilly Pilly are also gaining traction here, benefitting from the high visibility and responsive foot traffic. The lifestyle segment is equally robust, with Looks Salon and Sassy Lian Nail Studio witnessing consistent weekday bookings, largely from the working crowd within the Advant ecosystem.

Uptown is also becoming a go-to spot for new-age concepts and creative ventures. With its steady crowd and friendly vibe, it’s the perfect place to test fresh ideas. The space is particularly

popular with local influencers and creators—drawn by its natural lighting, open seating, and photogenic corners.

As it enters its next phase, Uptown is focused on expanding its cultural and experiential programming. Plans are underway to introduce seasonal activations, creative collaborations, and selective retail additions that enhance the property’s relevance while staying true to its experience-first philosophy. With no dependency on traditional anchors and a track record of sustained organic growth, Uptown by Advant is poised to become Noida’s definitive culinary and cultural destination in the years ahead.