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News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
World Environment Day: From Plastic Panic to Planet-First Practice
Last Updated: World Environment Day is no longer just about raising awareness. It's about building models of change that can be scaled, shared, and sustained This World Environment Day, the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution" may sound familiar—but behind the buzzwords, something different is taking shape. Across India, a quiet revolution is underway. Not through headline-grabbing events or symbolic gestures, but through integrated, community-rooted, and purpose-driven action. From forest lodges that tread lightly to lab-grown diamonds redefining luxury, a new generation of brands, thinkers, and changemakers are transforming sustainability from a compliance checklist into a living philosophy. Here's how leaders across sectors: from travel and tech to packaging and rural development are shaping a regenerative future that's not only greener, but more just, inclusive, and imaginative. Eco-Travel, Ground Up For brands deeply intertwined with nature, sustainability isn't an initiative, it's a way of being. 'At Jungle Camps India, every decision- how we build, power, hire, and serve is anchored in respect for the wild and responsibility toward the future," says Gajendra Singh Rathore, Managing Director. 'We operate in India's most sensitive ecosystems, and our presence must heal more than it harms. Through conscious hospitality, we aim to inspire guests, uplift communities, and conserve landscapes—creating living sanctuaries, not just scenic backdrops." For Intrepid Travel, a global leader in responsible tourism, the fight against plastic began nearly two decades ago. 'We've said no to plastic in India for over 18 years—offering every guest a reusable tote and working with hotels to replace plastic bottles with glass ones," says Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager. 'We believe small, consistent actions lead to big change." BLS International's Shikhar Aggarwal echoes the shift, pointing to a generational change: 'Sustainability is no longer an afterthought. Today's travellers—especially millennials and Gen Z—seek authentic, untouched destinations. Tourism, when done responsibly, becomes a tool for preservation, not disruption." Packaging a Planet-First Future Plastic, once hailed as innovation's miracle, has become one of our greatest environmental burdens. But companies are now reengineering not just their products, but the systems behind them. 'At DS Group, we embraced recycled PET in packaging back in 2021, long before it was mandated," shares Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman. 'Our #SaveTheFuture campaign aims to go beyond awareness—to provoke action and shift consumer mindsets. This year, we're planting 10,000 trees and continuing to build LEED-certified green buildings. Our ambition is to be a force for ecological and cultural regeneration." Tetra Pak, too, is betting big on breakthrough innovation. 'Sustainability for us means rethinking every stage of the lifecycle," says Cassio Simões, Managing Director, South Asia. 'From plant-based polymers to fiber-based barriers, our goal is to lead a system-wide shift—delivering recyclable, renewable, and low-impact packaging while working with partners on ground-level collection and recycling." Circular Thinking in Rural and Urban India Plastic pollution isn't just an urban story. Rural India, once grounded in low-waste traditions, is now grappling with plastic's silent invasion. 'From blocked drains to plastic-fed livestock, the problem is urgent," says Omkar Hande, Junior Researcher, Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR). 'But clean, plastic-free villages are possible. Community ownership is key—through awareness, waste segregation, and incentivised local systems like 'Give Plastic, Take Gold' in Jammu or upcycled plastic livelihoods in Kerala." That philosophy is echoed by Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation: 'Our rural programs empower communities to lead their own transformation—waste segregation hubs, door-to-door collection, and composting run by local women. Plastic isn't just a pollutant—it's a social challenge. Solutions must be local, inclusive, and lasting." Carbon, Consciousness, and the Circular Economy Climate action today needs to move beyond offsetting and into active regeneration. 'At MMCM, we view waste as a resource," says Yashodhan Ramteke, Head, Carbon Business Unit. 'From recycling to carbon reduction, the road to net-zero is about transparency, scale, and inclusive innovation." 1M1B's youth-led model is leading this charge. 'India's young changemakers are not just spreading awareness—they're building solutions," says Manav Subodh, Founder and Chief Mentor. 'Our Changemakers World Cup gives these initiatives a global platform—from village actions to the United Nations. Real change begins locally." Luxury With a Lighter Footprint In the jewellery world, Solitario Diamonds is rewriting the narrative of what luxury means. 'Lab-grown diamonds offer all the brilliance without the environmental cost," says Anurag Lunia, COO. 'To us, sustainability isn't a trend—it's our north star. Every piece we create reflects elegance with empathy. That is the true sparkle of conscious luxury." Where Do We Go From Here? top videos View all The message from India's environmental vanguards is clear: The age of performative sustainability is over. Whether in the wild, in the city, or in the boardroom, action must be systemic, consistent, and rooted in long-term impact—not optics. World Environment Day is no longer just about raising awareness. It's about building models of change that can be scaled, shared, and sustained. And as these voices show, it's already happening—quietly, powerfully, and purposefully. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cnn-news18 environment Environment (Protection) Act environment conservation Environment Day environment friendly environment news environmental damage latest news lifestyle Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 06:32 IST News lifestyle World Environment Day: From Plastic Panic to Planet-First Practice
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for May 28, 2025
Top stocks to buy today (AI image) Stock market recommendations: According to Mehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, ITI, Minda Corp, and BLS International are the top stocks to buy today: ITI LTD: BUY NEAR ₹304 | Stop Loss: ₹265 | Target: ₹370 (Positional) ITI Ltd has witnessed a strong breakout after months of consolidation, forming a classic inverse head and shoulders pattern. The breakout has occurred just above the 200 DEMA with humongous volume support, indicating strong institutional participation. Having corrected from ₹600 levels earlier, the stock now shows clear signs of a trend reversal. Traders may consider buying near ₹304 with a stop-loss at ₹265 and a positional target of ₹370. MINDA CORP: BUY NEAR ₹530 | Stop Loss: ₹495 | Target: ₹600 (Short Term) Minda Corp has confirmed an inverse head and shoulders breakout, supported by a strong base near ₹460–470. A trendline breakout has also occurred, further strengthening the bullish setup. Daily RSI has given a fresh breakout above 60, reflecting a momentum shift. Buying is advised near ₹530 with a stop-loss at ₹495 and a target of ₹600 in the short term. BLS INTERNATIONAL: BUY NEAR ₹410 | Stop Loss: ₹390 | Target: ₹450 (Short Term) BLS International has confirmed an inverse head and shoulders pattern breakout. The stock is now trading above key moving averages, and momentum oscillators are positively aligned. The structure indicates short-term upside potential with improving sentiment. Traders can consider entries near ₹410, keeping a stop-loss at ₹390 and targeting ₹450 in the short term. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Nations that offer quick Schengen visa approvals to UAE residents
Many travellers complain about the limited availability of Schengen visa appointments. Appointments may not be available at this time due to the large number of applications and the limited availability of appointments offered by embassies. This is especially true given that VFS Global and BLS International offer appointments for individuals through their official websites free of charge, subject to processing fees, which vary slightly from one European country to another. With the summer vacation just a few months away, and families and residents in the UAE considering vacationing abroad, thousands of travellers are rushing to apply for a Schengen visa. The real challenge lies in securing an appointment, especially during the peak travel season, when many families find it difficult to secure an appointment for all of them. Tourism and travel experts and those working in tourism companies in Dubai advise individuals to plan their travel to Schengen countries at least four months in advance to secure an appointment to submit their documents at any Schengen embassy or consulate. According to travel agents in Dubai, applicants for a Schengen visa from any country are advised to have a strong bank account, which will qualify them for a quick and smooth visa application in most cases. Among the tips that applicants seeking a Schengen visa appointment should follow are checking appointments on the VFS Global or BLS International websites, visiting the website at least once a day, and submitting the application no more than six months before travel. France: France offers visa processing within 2-3 weeks, and finding appointments is relatively easier compared to other countries. The refusal rate is 18%. Spain: If the applicant is in a hurry, they can submit their documents to a Spanish embassy or consulate, which is one of the countries with the fastest visa processing times among Schengen countries. Processing times often take as little as one week, according to BLS International, while the refusal rate is less than 12%. Sweden: Sweden offers next-day appointments, a rarity during peak season, with a low rejection rate and stable processing times. It's a smart choice for first-time travellers. Visa processing time is between 10 and 15 days, with a rejection rate of less than 11%. Finland: Processing time in Finland can take up to two weeks. The country is an underrated but viable option, with a rejection rate of up to 20%. Hungary: Hungary offers relatively early appointments and moderate processing times, and with a lower rejection rate than France or Germany, it's a strong choice if you're targeting Central Europe. Visa processing time is between 10 and 20 working days, with a rejection rate of 14%. Norway: Norway is another less crowded option. While not the fastest, its early appointment availability and stable processing system make it a convenient option for travellers. Processing time is between 15-20 business days and there's a 15% rejection rate. Germany: Germany's visa system is known for its stringency. Although the country is a major European destination, the rejection rate is higher than average, reaching 20%. The visa processing time is 30 days. Italy: Italy remains a top choice for travellers, but it's also one of the most difficult to obtain a visa for at the moment. However, if you've previously obtained a Schengen visa, you may qualify for an expedited appointment. The processing time is 15-30 business days and there's a 21% rejection rate. Switzerland: Switzerland offers reasonable processing times but limited appointment availability. The average processing time is 15-25 business days, with a 13% rejection rate.
Morocco World
19-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccans Can Renew Schengen Visas in Rabat Appointment-Free Starting February 24
Rabat – The Schengen visa renewal process just became significantly easier for Moroccans wishing to renew their documents in Rabat, according to a recent announcement by BLS International. The consular and visa services center announced that, starting February 24, all applicants no longer require a prior appointment in order to renew their documents at the Rabat Center, making the process significantly easier. This applies for applicants who are holders of a one-year, as well as two-years or more Schengen visa that was issued within the last four years. Applicants can arrive at BLS International from Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a copy of their previous visa. Additionally, visa holders of three years and more, are not required to book appointments but have to file their application on Fridays, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. BLS International says it will continue to accept online applications for visa renewals, but that candidates can also file their applications in-person in certain circumstances, depending on the type of visa. The new relaxed rules come at a time when there has been much criticism by Moroccans for the stringent process for Schengen visas, as well as the red-tape and often exploitative measures to get appointments. In light of the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, Spain and Portugal are considering easing visa rules for Moroccan football fans to ensure smooth travel between the three host countries. Tags: BLS InternationalDigital Schengen VisasRabatSchengenVisa
