Category: Business

African Development Bank Group awards $16.6 million grant to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to scale agricultural technologies in AfricaThe agreement, signed on 18 February 2026 in Abuja, bolsters a shared commitment to modernise African agriculture by scaling proven technologies, strengthening seed systems, and expanding partnerships

ABUJA, Nigeria, Feb 27– The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a $16.61 million grant agreement to launch the third phase of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation Program (TAAT-III), aimed at scaling climate-resilient food production across the continent.

The agreement, signed on 18 February 2026 in Abuja, bolsters a shared commitment to modernise African agriculture by scaling proven technologies, strengthening seed systems, and expanding partnerships among research institutions, governments, and private sector actors.

Since its launch in 2018, TAAT has become one of Africa’s most effective and transformative platforms for agricultural innovation, reaching nearly 25 million farmers and boosting productivity across major staples. The initiative has expanded climate-resilient agricultural practices across over 35 million hectares.

Working closely with the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) and national and regional partners, TAAT has increased crop yields as much as 69 percent and generated more than $4 billion in additional agricultural value. Countries including Sudan, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria have recorded notable gains in staple crop productivity and resilience to climate shocks.

Nigeria has been a key beneficiary of TAAT initiatives. Under its Wheat Compact, farmers adopting improved heat-tolerant varieties more than doubled yields from 1.7 tons per hectare to 3.5 tons per hectare. Programme‑supported seed system assessments also helped inform national reforms to expand access to certified, climate-resilient seeds.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abdul Kamara, Director General of the Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Department, said the new phase will focus on scaling innovation more rapidly: “TAAT-III underscores the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that proven, climate-resilient agricultural technologies reach farmers faster and at scale. This phase strengthens the systems that deliver innovation, helping countries boost productivity, enhance resilience, and align agricultural transformation efforts with the Bank’s four new areas of emphasis, dubbed the Four Cardinal Points.”

Financed through the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional lending window, TAAT-III will consolidate earlier gains while introducing a more sustainable, private sector-driven delivery model. The initiative aims to reinforce seed and technology distribution systems, deepen partnerships with governments and agribusinesses, and expand the digital tools, including its technology e-catalogues and real-time monitoring platforms, to speed up deployment of high‑impact solutions.

Simeon Ehui, Director General of IITA, remarked: “TAAT-III allows us to deepen the delivery of science‑based solutions that improve farmers’ yields and livelihoods. Working with the Bank and our partners, we are scaling technologies that make Africa’s food systems more resilient and competitive.”

TAAT featured prominently in supporting the Bank Group’s Africa Emergency Food Production Facility, helping countries to rapidly deploy improved seeds and technologies to stabilise food supplies during recent global disruptions. The programme’s third phase seeks to embed these innovations within long-term national agricultural investment strategies.

TAAT-III is expected to reach an additional 14 million farmers across 37 low-income and vulnerable countries served by the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional financing window.

New Delhi, Feb 27: Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Shyam Singh as Chief Engineer, further strengthening the hotel’s commitment to operational excellence and engineering leadership.

With over two decades of extensive experience in hospitality engineering, Mr. Singh brings deep expertise in operations and maintenance, compliance management, energy optimization, and large-scale project execution across leading five-star hotels in India.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr. Singh has held senior engineering leadership roles with renowned hospitality brands, including Holiday Inn Gurugram NH-8, Holiday Inn Agra, Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar New Delhi, Crowne Plaza Okhla, and Crowne Plaza Gurgaon. His professional journey reflects consistent excellence in pre-opening operations, refurbishment initiatives, plant and machinery restoration, energy audits, and green building compliance.

Mr. Singh has successfully led and executed key certifications and audits, including Fire NOC, IGBC Green Building Certification, FSSAI, BSS, ISO 22000 compliance, and comprehensive energy conservation programs. His accomplishments also include major infrastructure upgrades such as chiller installations, electrical load optimization, Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) implementation, large-scale refurbishment projects, and the resolution of critical operational challenges  all while ensuring uninterrupted hotel operations.

Recognized multiple times for departmental excellence and leadership performance, Mr. Singh is known for his strong operational discipline, preventive maintenance planning, compliance-driven approach, and unwavering focus on safety and guest satisfaction.

Commenting on the appointment, Ritesh Sharma, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Shyam Singh to our leadership team. His extensive experience in hospitality engineering, combined with his proven expertise in compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency, aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering safe, seamless, and high-quality guest experiences. We are confident that under his leadership, our engineering operations will continue to set new benchmarks.”

In his new role, Mr. Singh will oversee all engineering and technical operations at the hotel, ensuring optimal performance of building systems, enhanced energy efficiency, adherence to safety standards, robust compliance management, and long-term asset sustainability.

This appointment marks another significant milestone for Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla as it continues to reinforce its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and responsible business practices.

Chandigarh, Feb 27 : Marking a significant development, Visakhapatnam secured a major global honour, winning a USD 1 million grant in the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025–2026 Mayors Challenge for its innovative climate resilience initiative, Vizag–Prajamukhi Urban Living Lab (V-PULL). The award was announced on February 25.

Visakhapatnam was selected as one of the 24 global winners, emerging from more than 630 cities across the world that competed in the challenge. V-PULL, a flagship model of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), earned international recognition for its civic participation framework aimed at mitigating the impacts of floods, cyclones and severe heatwaves through collaborative, citizen-driven solutions.

The initiative operates under a citizen-centric, climate-resilient and hyperlocal governance approach.

In the initial phase of the competition, GVMC was shortlisted among the top 50 finalists and received USD 50,000 in seed funding along with technical assistance.

With this support, the civic body implemented pilot interventions at the local level. Structured ward-level community meetings were conducted, hyperlocal sensing systems were tested and data-driven decision-making tools were introduced.

Participatory climate resilience and disaster preparedness measures helped establish an effective feedback mechanism between citizens and municipal departments, strengthening bottom-up governance.

“Being selected as a winner of the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025–2026 Mayors Challenge is a great honour for GVMC. This recognition strengthens our belief that cities can lead transformative change when innovation is grounded in citizen participation and field-tested solutions,” said GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg.

The USD 1 million grant will be utilized to strengthen the bottom-up governance approach, enhance disaster preparedness and expand these initiatives to more wards across the city, he added.

The Mayors Challenge was launched by Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and former Mayor of New York City, to support bold and creative city governments in solving pressing urban challenges.

With this recognition, Visakhapatnam now shares the global platform with leading international cities, marking a significant milestone in Vizag’s journey towards globally recognised climate-resilient urban governance.

Indore, Feb 27: With every splash of colour, Holi unfolds as a celebration of joy, renewal, and togetherness. Every moment feels alive with celebration, surrounded by loved ones and the golden warmth of summer in the air.

Amidst the chaos, laughter, and dances to your favourite Holi playlist, when your mind and heart are immersed in celebration, your skin experiences it all too. Hours under the sun and colours settling into the skin may affect your skin in ways you never imagined. And that’s where Kimirica’s pre and post Holi self-care rituals become an integral part of the celebration, helping the skin stay healthy, nourished, and glowing long after the festivities come to an end.

Pre-Holi Self-Care Ritual

Preparation becomes the first step in caring for the skin before stepping into the celebration. Kimirica Fairtrade Coconut Oil, extra virgin and cold-pressed, creates a deeply nourishing protective layer across the skin and hair, helping colours wash away easily while restoring softness, firmness, and natural tone.

Kimirica Everyday Glow Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ follows as an important layer of protection. Its lightweight gel-crème texture absorbs effortlessly, offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while keeping the skin comfortable and cared for under bright, sunlit skies.

Completing the preparation, Kimirica Coconut & Shea Hydrating Lip Serum envelops the lips in lasting moisture. Enriched with nourishing oils and conditioning butters, and infused with the tempting aroma of vanilla and coconut, it keeps lips smooth, supple, and beautifully cared for through the long day of celebration.

Post Holi Self-Care Ritual

As the celebration comes to an end, the focus shifts to restoring the skin’s natural freshness and glow. Kimirica Brightening Face Wash gently cleanses away traces of colour and impurities with its powerful botanical blend of Organic Vetiver, Liquorice, and Brown Rice extracts, helping reveal skin that feels refreshed, balanced, and naturally radiant, with a brighter and more even complexion.
Following this, Kimirica Rice Powder Body Scrub gently cleanses and exfoliates colour build-up on the skin with plant-based actives like Beta Glucan, Green Tea, Rosemary, and Rice Bran extracts, leaving it soft, moisturised and naturally glowing.

Coconut & Shea Lip Scrub and Lip Serum Duo completes this ritual, offering a two-step approach: exfoliate and replenish. The Lip Scrub gently buffs away dryness and flaky skin, while the Lip Serum restores lasting moisture, leaving lips smooth, supple, and naturally restored.

Celebrate Holi with Kimirica

This year, Kimirica makes the celebrations even more indulgent with a special Buy 2 Get 1 offer on selected bath & body, skincare, and candle collections, available exclusively at kimirca.shop.

New Delhi, Feb 27:TravClan has released the India Outbound Travel Index 2025, a comprehensive analysis of outbound travel patterns based on real booking behaviour across its nationwide travel agent network. The report analyses data from approximately 2,47,000 international passengers, representing over ₹500 crore in booking value across 170+ international destinations, and identifies five structural shifts shaping how Indians travel abroad.

A defining insight from the Index shows that non-metro cities now contribute 63% of India’s outbound travellers, positioning non-metro India as the largest source of international travel demand. This reflects a fundamental shift in market composition, with outbound growth increasingly anchored in emerging cities alongside traditional metro hubs.

Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kochi, Amritsar, and Pune are now among India’s fastest-growing outbound markets, driven by rising incomes and expanding regional connectivity. This momentum reflects sustained demand formation, supported by rising income levels, expanding passport access, and improving regional air connectivity.

Commenting on the findings, Arun Bagaria, Founder and CEO, TravClan, said, “The center of gravity for India’s outbound travel has shifted. Travel Businesses cannot build strategies just around Delhi and Mumbai anymore as we see consistent growth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, driven by travellers who are digitally confident and decisive. Airlines, destinations, and travel brands need to embrace the next phase of outbound growth that will be built around these emerging markets.”

Destination preferences are also evolving. Indian travellers are increasingly selecting markets that combine strong air access, competitive pricing, and diverse experiences. Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing destination, gaining 4.01 percentage points in market share, alongside strong hotel booking growth in Egypt, Japan, the Philippines, and Georgia.

Travel planning cycles continue to compress. Over 42% of outbound trips are booked within seven days of departure, while 21.9% are planned over a month in advance, reflecting high digital confidence and predictable, price-responsive behaviour, particularly on short-haul and high-frequency routes.

Affordable air connectivity remains central to outbound expansion. Low-cost carriers account for nearly 70% of bookings on key leisure routes such as the Maldives and Thailand. At the same time, travellers are extending average stays across several destinations, signalling deeper engagement and experience-led travel.

The India Outbound Travel Index 2025 shows that the next phase of outbound growth will be shaped by localised source markets, faster booking cycles, and differentiated travel intent. For industry stakeholders, long-term relevance will depend on how effectively strategies align with these structural shifts.

Rome, Italy | Feb 27– Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), informed her global teams and the organization’s Executive Board, that she is planning to step down from her role in three months’ time to focus on her health.

 Executive Director McCain, who suffered a mild stroke in October 2025, returned in early January to the organization’s headquarters in Rome, Italy to resume her duties. She wasted no time assuming the many responsibilities of leading the world’s frontline agency tackling a multitude of hunger crises across the globe, but found the demands of the job were outpacing her recovery.

 “With a heavy heart, I am announcing my intention to step down as the Executive Director of the World Food Programme,” said McCain. “Serving this incredible organization has been the honor of a lifetime.

 “I’ve seen firsthand WFP’s ability to save lives in the most dangerous, destitute, and remote locations of the world, where people need us the most. Time and time again, I have seen the WFP team show up where no one else can, no matter the odds. I had truly hoped I could finish out my term, but my health has not recovered to a level that allows me to fully serve the enormous demands of this job. This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. 

 “Over the past three years, we have delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance for millions of the world’s most vulnerable people – and this unwavering commitment will be more important than ever in the years to come. To our donors, partners and our global WFP team: thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I will remain WFP’s biggest champion and continue to be an unwavering voice for those struggling with hunger everywhere.”

 Executive Director McCain assumed the role of WFP Executive Director on April 5, 2023. During her tenure she has driven several unprecedented changes to reform and scale the organization’s abilities including overhauling its global structure, streamlining its operations and processes, scaling innovative digital technologies, and diversifying its public and private partnership efforts. 

NEW YORK and NOIDA, Feb 27: HCLTech will showcase how the next era of telecom, media and technology (TMT) is being built on AI‑native architectures and industry convergence, at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026. HCLTech will bring together senior industry leaders, hyperscaler partners, academics and innovators to highlight how intelligence, scale and ecosystem collaboration are powering sustainable AI‑driven growth for the TMT sector.

Industry leaders from Microsoft, Nokia, Ericsson, AT&T, Verizon, PwC, Bain, Axiata, Singtel, MasOrange, Liberty Latin America and other global organizations will engage in these impactful conversations, focusing on strategic shifts that are enabling AI‑native transformation, autonomous operations, platform-driven experiences and ecosystem-led innovation.

HCLTech’s presence at MWC will spotlight:

• Executive panels and CXO conversations: High‑level discussions framing the strategic shifts driving the converged TMT ecosystem—from embedding AI across core operations to unlocking platform‑driven business models and autonomous infrastructure—alongside a flagship roundtable hosted in partnership with GSMA and moderated by Prof. Saikat Chaudhuri, Faculty Director of the Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology (M.E.T.) program at UCBerkeley.
• Live demonstrations: Hands-on showcases of intelligent networks engineered for zero-failure environments, AI-powered media and digital platforms delivering real-time insights, and automation frameworks such as Agentic fraud management, AI-powered Operations Support Systems (OSS) Solutions for Telco, HCLTech’s GenAI service transformation platform, AI Force, Agentic AI solutions, and AIOps to enhance operational efficiency, and agentic-powered Contact Center as a Service platform for smarter customer engagement.
• Startup and partner innovation: Emerging companies advancing AI, digital marketplaces and cybersecurity analytics, alongside hyperscaler partnerships and co-innovation initiatives that accelerate transformation at scale.
• Telecom industry survey on AI priorities: To be revealed following MWC, HCLTech will preview findings from a Mobile World Live survey on AI and technology priorities for telecom organizations, offering real-world insights into how executives are planning investments and strategy in the intelligence era.

“It’s an exciting moment for the industry as convergence and AI are redefining networks, platforms and business models,” said Anil Ganjoo, Chief Growth Officer and Global Head of Telecom, Media and Technology at HCLTech. “By combining AI, cloud and digital engineering expertise with ecosystem partnerships, we are helping enterprises build resilient, scalable and intelligence-driven systems for sustainable growth.”

“HCLTech’s leadership at MWC, bringing together enterprise, hyperscaler and academic voices, captures the strategic imperative of AI‑native transformation,” said Prof. Saikat Chaudhuri, Faculty Director of the Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology (M.E.T.) program at UC Berkeley. “Their approach to integrating AI across infrastructure, platforms and ecosystems is empowering sustainable AI‑driven growth for the TMT sector.”

Attendees can explore these discussions, innovations and insights at Hall 2, Stand 2E19, during MWC Barcelona 2026, March 2-5. For more information, visit: https://www.hcltech.com/events/mwc-barcelona

Mumbai, Feb 27: The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), India’s largest branded land developer, announced Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as the face of HoABL Nagpur Marina, its marquee waterfront plotted development in Nagpur.

Kartik Aaryan’s relationship with HoABL began as an investor, with his purchase of a 2000 sq ft plot at the Sol-de-Alibaug project. This trust-led relationship has now naturally evolved into Kartik endorsing Nagpur Marina based on his conviction in HoABL’s transparency in processes, proven track-record in quality and timelines, consumer-centricity, and long-term vision.

“I am excited to be associated with HoABL as the brand ambassador for its prestigious project – Nagpur Marina. Land is the most enduring form of legacy, and HoABL approaches it with transparency and convenience. What drew me to the brand was its clarity of vision, disciplined execution, and a seamless digital experience, especially for someone like me who is constantly on the move”, said Kartik Aaryan.

Nagpur Marina is an exclusive waterfront plotted development in South Nagpur, envisioned as an international lifestyle enclave. Spanning a 78-acre branded land development, the project is anchored by a 2.91-acre man-made sea and beach at its core, complimented by a 28,000 sq.ft. Grand Marina Clubhouse and thoughtfully curated range of lifestyle amenities.

Designed as a limited, destination-grade address for long-horizon investors, Nagpur Marina’s scale, scarcity, and legacy value have already attracted strong HNI participation, with over 350 families from more than 10 countries investing in the project.

Samujjwal Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, The House of Abhinandan Lodha said, “Kartik’s association with us began as an investment decision, which is the strongest vote of confidence any brand can earn. His decision to now be the face of Nagpur Marina reflects the values we focus on every day – trust, transparency, and building assets designed to endure. Waterfront-led and thoughtfully planned, Nagpur Marina is a unique address, and we are excited to have Kartik represent that story.”

Strategically located next to the Samruddhi Expressway and the New Nagpur IBFC, Nagpur Marina offers a rare opportunity to own plotted land in Nagpur, designed for discerning, long-term investors.

Mumbai, Feb 26: As Indian consumers increasingly gravitate towards premium, performance-led beauty solutions backed by credibility and consistency, Oriflame, the Swedish holistic beauty and wellbeing brand, has announced actor Karishma Tanna as the face of its NovAge+ advanced skincare range and Supreme Tribute Ezzénza fragrance. The association underscores Oriflame’s focus on strengthening its premium skincare and fragrance portfolio in India.

Developed at Oriflame’s Skin Research Institute in Sweden, NovAge+ is built on a portfolio of patented skin technologies that address multiple signs of ageing. These include Bio Aspartolift, designed to support collagen and elastin production to improve firmness; Oripeptide-3, a natural origin peptide technology that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles; Bio Lumilock, which works on uneven skin tone and pigmentation; and Bio Re:Barrier, developed to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. Clinical testing on the NovAge+ range shows visible improvements in skin smoothness, radiance, and firmness within two weeks of consistent use, while supporting long-term skin resilience over time.

The NovAge+ range is designed as a four-step skincare routine including cleanse, eye care, targeted boosters, and moisturisation, complemented by intensive treatment capsules and rejuvenating masks, allowing the patented technologies to work in synergy across skin concerns such as firmness, radiance, wrinkles, and barrier repair.

Alongside skincare, Supreme Tribute Ezzénza represents Oriflame’s premium fragrance offering. Crafted as a long-lasting parfum with an elegant ambery-floral profile, the fragrance is positioned as an expression of sophistication and confidence, reinforcing Oriflame’s sensorial storytelling within the premium fragrance category.

Actress Karishma Tanna, known for her work across television and digital entertainment and winner of the Bigg Boss 8 title, brings contemporary relevance and credibility to the collaboration. Her association reflects Oriflame’s intent to connect with consumers who value authenticity, consistency, and a balanced approach to beauty and self-care.

Commenting on the collaboration, Abhishek Chakraborty, Head of Brand Communication, Digital, and PR, Oriflame India, said,

 “Skincare and wellness continues to be a strategic focus for Oriflame, particularly in the premium segment where consumers are seeking solutions that are both effective and thoughtfully formulated. NovAge+ represents our strongest science-led skincare credentials, while Supreme Tribute Ezzénza reflects the sensorial side of our portfolio. Karishma’s association brings credibility and modern relevance to these ranges, aligning well with our long-term vision for the brand in India”

Sharing her perspective, Karishma Tanna said

“I have always believed that skincare is about consistency and choosing products that work with your skin over time. NovAge+ fits naturally into my routine because it is rooted in research and designed for long-term skin health. Supreme Tribute Ezzénza complements that experience, offering a sense of quiet confidence and personal expression. Oriflame’s approach to beauty resonates with how I view self-care today.”

The NovAge+ skincare range is anchored by its complete routine sets, priced at INR 13,500, designed as a comprehensive regimen delivering targeted results across key skin concerns, while Supreme Tribute Ezzénza is priced at INR 3,419. Both are available on in.oriflame.com, and through Oriflame’s network of brand partners.

Through this collaboration, Oriflame continues to strengthen its premium skincare and fragrance narrative in India, balancing science-led innovation with sensorial appeal while responding to evolving consumer expectations around trust, efficacy, and elevated beauty experiences

Mumbai, Feb 26: As Mumbai’s real estate landscape continues to evolve, 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year for property investors, with infrastructure-led growth, enhanced connectivity, and lifestyle-oriented developments driving demand across key micro-markets. From emerging plotted destinations to established luxury corridors, several locations are emerging as strong investment bets for the year ahead.

Key Micro-Markets to Watch in 2026:

• Chembur: The Next Commercial and Luxury Hub
  Chembur is rapidly transforming into a premium commercial and mixed-use corridor. Experts note that its strategic connectivity via the Eastern Express Highway, Eastern Freeway, Navi Mumbai, and MTHL is attracting corporate and residential interest. Luxury developments, particularly golf-course-facing residences, are gaining traction, offering unobstructed green views and strong long-term value.

• Mulund: Accessibility and Infrastructure Driving Growth
  Mulund’s appeal is being redefined by improved east–west accessibility, with projects like GMLR One and upcoming metro connectivity enhancing connectivity to Thane, Navi Mumbai, and the Eastern Express Highway. The micro-market is emerging as a high-potential growth corridor for both end-users and investors.

• Panvel: Infrastructure-Led Investment Opportunities
  Panvel has evolved into a self-sustained urban destination. Large-scale projects including MTHL, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and Metro Line 8 are driving growth, while integrated townships with expansive green spaces, scenic hill views, and lifestyle amenities are attracting long-term investors.

• Karjat: Nature-Centric Plotted Developments
  Karjat is gaining prominence as a lifestyle-led investment destination, with increasing demand for plotted developments offering low-density living and ownership flexibility. Improved road and rail connectivity, combined with lush green surroundings, is positioning Karjat as a high-value investment option on Mumbai’s periphery.

• Malad: Luxury Living with Seamless Connectivity
  Malad continues to be a preferred luxury residential destination, balancing premium living with easy access to the Western Express Highway, metro network, and both domestic and international airports. Strong demand from end-users and investors is driving growth in this micro-market.

• Goregaon: Mature Luxury Residential Hub
  Goregaon has consolidated its position as a premium residential market, supported by metro connectivity, proximity to key highways, and upcoming infrastructure such as the coastal road. Limited land availability and rising demand for high-quality developments make it an attractive option for capital appreciation and rental yield.

Outlook for 2026
With infrastructure as the primary growth catalyst and buyers increasingly valuing quality, connectivity, and lifestyle features, these micro-markets are poised to deliver strong returns. For investors aiming to capitalize on Mumbai’s next phase of real estate growth, Chembur, Mulund, Panvel, Karjat, Malad, and Goregaon present compelling opportunities combining stability, lifestyle appeal, and long-term value creation.