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Geneva, Apr 22 – UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have launched a new partnership to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global maritime transport.

Ports underpin global trade and economic development, handling over 80% of world trade by volume. But they are also energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels. As pressure grows to decarbonize and modernize, countries face a dual challenge: reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.

The agreement marks a step forward in UNCTAD’s strategic engagement with Singapore, a global maritime hub and long-standing partner in advancing trade and transport solutions.

“This partnership brings together Singapore’s operational excellence and UNCTAD’s global development expertise,” said Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD.

“It will help accelerate a maritime transition that is not only greener and more efficient, but also resilient and inclusive – while contributing to global discussions at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.”

A strategic partnership with global reach

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of maritime trade through practical, scalable solutions.

Singapore’s role as one of the world’s most connected and efficient ports positions it as a key partner in testing and scaling innovations. UNCTAD complements this with global reach, policy expertise and on-the-ground support to developing countries.

Scaling solutions for a changing maritime sector

Under the agreement, the partners will promote cleaner fuels and digital technologies across ports and shipping networks.

Efforts will focus on solutions that can be adapted to different national contexts, alongside knowledge-sharing in sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development – key enablers of a successful transition.

Supporting developing countries and strengthening resilience

A central pillar of the initiative is support for developing countries, including training, advisory services and institutional strengthening.

Building on UNCTAD’s long-standing work with port communities, the partnership will help improve performance, strengthen connectivity and enhance preparedness for disruptions – an increasingly urgent priority in today’s volatile global environment.

The initiative will also feed into preparations for the UN Global Supply Chain Forum taking place in late 2026, where global stakeholders will address the future of trade logistics and resilience.

New Delhi, India, Apr 22:  Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers, has announced the introduction of Kia Syros Model Year 2026 (MY26), expanding the model lineup with the new HTE, HTE(O), HTK+(O), and HTX(O) trims, guided by evolving customer needs and feedback. the Syros MY26 enhances accessibility while reinforcing its value-led positioning, offering greater choice across the lineup with wider availability of automatic options, including new Diesel Automatic trims. With a stronger trim strategy, enhanced feature distribution across the entire range, and more distinctive SUV appeal with sporty and rugged front and rear design enhancements, the new Syros delivers greater, more meaningful value, while retaining its core strengths of exceptional space, premium interiors and strong safety credentials.

“Customer insights have guided the Syros MY26 evolution, with design enhancements and a revised trim and feature lineup delivering more meaningful value, along with greater choice across trims and powertrains. Syros has been highly recognized by the auto exports, winning multiple awards since launch. And this latest update further strengthens its appeal to a wider set of customers. This thoughtful evolution exemplifies Kia’s consumer-first innovation, blending great cabin space, and comfort with city-friendly agility while making premium convenience more accessible than ever. We invite customers to visit their nearest Kia dealerships to experience the Syros MY26,” said Mr. Atul Sood, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing.

Kia Syros continues to offer features delivering high-value ownership experience. These include a 76.2cm (30”) Trinity Panoramic Display panel – Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, streamline door handles, front and rear ventilated seats; along with second row seat recline and slide with 60:40 split, 20 Robust Hi-Standard Safety package, five-star BNCAP rating. The 80+ connected car features, OTA updates and Kia Connect Diagnostics enhance overall convenience.

Responding to evolving customer preferences for more distinctive road presence, the Syros MY26 now comes with a brand-new Sporty and Rugged front bumper with body-colored aero inserts and glossy black skid plates with LED fog lamps. The rear design is enhanced with LED high mounted stop lamp and a brand-new bumper with body-colored aero inserts. To strengthen the side profile, Syros now comes with glossy black roof rails and ORVMs along with body colored side garnish. All these changes enhance both visual appeal and perceived value of the Kia Syros. HTX and HTX(O) now come with a new R17 – 43.66 cm (17”) Sporty Crystal Cut Alloy wheel design with Neon colored brake calipers. Further strengthening its visual presence, the Syros MY26 introduces new colour options including Magma Red, Ivory Silver Matte and Ivory Silver Gloss.

With the new updates and strengthened variant line-up, key features are now accessible across a wider range of price points. This democratizes access to premium features while retaining the Syros’ core strengths of rich cabin experience, exceptional space and strong safety credentials with its five-star BNCAP safety rating. Diesel Automatic variant is now available from HTK+ onwards, addressing a key customer need for convenience in diesel powertrains and expanding convenience and flexibility.

Designed with compact dimensions, the Kia Syros is easy to maneuver within crowded city conditions without compromising on interior space and passenger comfort, making it a compelling choice across varied usage needs. Proven customer satisfaction underscores ride comfort, spaciousness, and practicality as key strengths, hence, positioning Syros as a long-term family companion.

Through enhanced accessibility, expanded choice and stronger value delivery, the Syros MY26 further reinforces Kia’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, consumer-first innovation with more meaningful value.

New GRI-SECO regional program to equip companies with tools and expertise in decision-useful sustainability reporting

Buenos Aires, Apr 22 –GRIis expanding its presence in Latin America with the launch of a new program in Argentina to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the strategic benefits of sustainability reporting.

Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the ‘Enhancing Sustainability Reporting for SMEs’initiative builds on GRI’s successful approaches already implemented in Colombia and Peru, as well as previous engagement with Argentinian companies.

The program recognizes that, while SMEs form the backbone of Argentina’s economy, measuring and communicating sustainability impacts isa significant challenge for many businesses. The program will address this gap through practical tools and technical training in sustainability reporting using internationally recognised standards.

For larger Argentinian companies, GRI reporting is already well established. A 2025 study by SMS Buenos Aires found that 96% of companies listed on the National Securities Commission (CNV) that report on sustainability use the GRI Standards, yet none of the listed SMEs discloses with global frameworks.

Andrea Pradilla, Director of GRI Latin America, said:

“Argentina’s SMEs have a critical role in advancing sustainable development in the country, as well as wider relevance in the value chain throughout Latin America and beyond. This expanded new program is about empowering organisations to harness sustainability reporting to build trust and credibility,with practical insights that shape both sustainable outcomes and business success. We are grateful to SECO for their continued collaboration in the region.”

On behalf of SECO, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Argentina, Andrea Semadeni, said:

“The collaboration’s expansion comes at exactly the right time for Argentina. As we move through the ratification process of the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA and Mercosur, a shared understanding of sustainability reporting between Swiss and Argentine companies will help make business transactions even more seamless. This alignment will enable both sides to fully benefit from the agreement while responding to the growing expectations of investors, customers and the public for transparency across value chains and borders.”

The Argentina programwill be managedby Lara Lovero, who hasextensive sustainability consultancy experience and a background in industrial engineering.

LaraLovero, GRI LatAm Senior Programs Coordinator,added:

“Argentina has enormous potential to lead in regional sustainability. My goal is for SMEs to see sustainability reporting not as an administrative burden but as a strategic management tool that opens doors to financing and international markets.”

 

Searches for ‘best UK staycation’ are up by +55% in the past three months¹. When it comes to booking, it turns out holidaymakers aren’t chasing luxury add-ons like hot tubs and saunas first, they’re looking for something far simpler: a good night’s sleep.[MM1] 

New survey data from Tapi Carpets & Floors has revealed that comfort is the key factor driving holiday home bookings, with over 1 in 3 (37%) saying a comfortable bed and quality bedding is the most important feature when choosing a holiday cottage. The findings suggest that while spa-style amenities remain desirable, travellers are increasingly prioritising stays where relaxation starts from the basics that create the ultimate reset.

Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, has teamed up with experienced holiday property hosts Abi Hookway and Harry Tomkinson to share their tips for creating comfort-first interiors that help guests switch off and keep bookings high.

 

Comfortable beds are the new luxury

While spa-style getaways continue to rise in popularity, Tapi’s data shows that the biggest driver of bookings is still comfort, with sleep quality emerging as the ultimate dealbreaker.

Alongside the 37% who rank comfortable beds as their top priority, 1 in 6 (17%) say good natural light influences their decision, which helps to reset our body clocks, rising to 21% among Gen Z and Millennials. These results reflect a growing shift towards ‘restorative’ holidays, where guests want spaces that feel thoughtfully designed for comfort and a reset.

Property expert Abi Hookway explains: “One of the biggest things that drives bookings is staging and presentation. It’s often overlooked, but how your property looks and feels in photos and in person directly impacts how often people book. The right staging and setup, such as plumped pillows and layered blankets, can turn an ordinary space into a high-performing holiday let.”

Johanna adds, “Guests are becoming more selective, and comfort is the thing that stays with them most. A hot tub might catch their attention, but if the bed isn’t comfortable or the home doesn’t feel warm and relaxing, it impacts reviews and repeat bookings. The most successful holiday homes are the ones that feel restorative, not just stylish.”

Cosy is in demand

The research suggests many holidaymakers are drawn to cottages that feel snug and characterful but achieving that look can be tricky. Almost 1 in 3 (31%) admit they struggle to create a cosy space without it becoming cluttered, while 1 in 5 (21%) want guidance on how to balance modern and traditional furnishings.

For property owners, this presents an opportunity: small, strategic design upgrades can help create the ‘cosy cottage’ feel guests are searching for, without major renovations.

Johanna says, “Cosy doesn’t have to mean cluttered. The easiest way to create warmth is through texture, flooring, soft furnishings and layered materials. Swapping worn carpets, adding a thick rug, or choosing a warmer-toned floor can instantly shift the atmosphere of a room and make it feel more inviting.

The key is balance, mixing modern finishes with traditional details (like timber, panelling or period features) keeps the space feeling characterful without looking dated. To stop the room feeling overcrowded, focus on smart storage solutions and choose a few well-placed statement pieces rather than lots of smaller accessories, so the space stays calm, and cosy.”

Traditional features boost bookings

Beyond comfort, travellers are also drawn to spaces that feel authentic. The new data from Tapi shows that 1 in 7 say traditional cottage features, such as log burners, wood fires and exposed beams, make them more likely to book a holiday home.

“We’re seeing a continued shift toward more privacy and meaningful stays. Travel is becoming less about ticking off destinations and more about how a place makes you feel while you’re there,” says Harry.

This highlights the appeal of heritage-inspired interiors and rustic charm, especially during colder months and shoulder seasons when guests want warmth and atmosphere.

Johanna explains, “Traditional features create an emotional response. Even if guests don’t have a log burner at home, they associate it with relaxation. For hosts, leaning into those traditional elements through natural materials, warm-toned flooring and soft textures is one of the easiest ways to make a property feel more premium.”

Flooring is the comfort upgrade that guests notice first

For holiday homeowners looking to improve comfort without costly renovations, the findings highlight flooring as one of the most effective upgrades to transform how a space feels and how it performs in listing photos.

Soft flooring options can instantly create warmth and reduce noise, particularly in bedrooms and lounge spaces, while hardwearing flooring in kitchens and entrances supports practicality for high footfall stays. Johanna says, “Flooring plays a powerful role in the first impression of a holiday home. Soft carpets in bedrooms instantly feel warm and relaxing underfoot, while natural wood tones in living areas bring character.”

Pune, Apr 21(BNP): India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC), India’s first mortgage guarantee company, has announced a strategic partnership with Bajaj Housing Finance Limited (BHFL), India’s largest non-deposit taking HFC offering the full suite of mortgage products to expand responsible access to home loans for underserved and first-time homebuyers across India.

The collaboration combines IMGC’s expertise in credit risk protection with BHFL’s strong distribution and last-mile lending capabilities to extend formal housing finance to borrowers often excluded due to limited credit histories or informal income profiles.

India’s affordable housing segment continues to face a sizeable credit gap, particularly among self-employed individuals and informal workers. Through this partnership, Bajaj Housing Finance will leverage mortgage guarantee-backed solutions to expand access to home loans — including through Sambhav Loans, its affordable housing offering designed specifically for customers with informal income profiles or limited credit history — while maintaining the risk discipline that underpins responsible lending. The partnership will also enable IMGC to deepen its presence in the affordable housing space, supporting the development of a more inclusive housing finance ecosystem and helping bridge the significant housing credit gap across India.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Mahesh Misra, MD and CEO, IMGC, said:

“This partnership with Bajaj Housing Finance is a step forward in expanding access to housing finance for underserved segments. Mortgage guarantees play a key role in enabling lenders to extend credit with confidence, while maintaining strong risk discipline. With mortgage penetration in India still relatively low compared to global benchmarks, the opportunity to scale responsible lending remains significant, and risk-sharing solutions like mortgage guarantees are critical to unlocking it responsibly”

India’s total outstanding housing credit stood at ₹43 trillion as of February 2026, yet mortgage penetration remains low at around 11-12% of GDP compared with over 50% in several developed markets, highlighting the significant opportunity to deepen housing finance access across the country. EY estimates a 25% CAGR in India’s affordable housing segment between 2022 and 2027, with ten states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh accounting for over three-quarters of national demand.

 

 

Apr 21: Strengthening its operational leadership as it expands across the Eastern Himalayan region, Summit Hotels & Resorts has appointed Deepak Bothra as Corporate General Manager. With close to three decades of experience in hospitality, Deepak Bothra brings deep expertise across hotel operations, pre-opening projects, quality control, and revenue management. Over the years, he has worked with leading international and regional brands, holding senior leadership roles and contributing to the successful launch and turnaround of multiple properties.

In his new role, Deepak Bothra will oversee operational strategy, service standards, and performance optimisation across Summit’s growing portfolio. His focus will be on strengthening quality benchmarks, streamlining systems, and ensuring consistency across properties as the brand continues to scale its presence in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and the wider Northeast.

Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Deepak brings a rare combination of operational depth and quality-driven thinking. As we continue to expand our network across the Northeast, strengthening internal systems and service standards becomes critical. His experience in building and refining hotel operations will play a key role in driving consistency and long-term performance across our portfolio.”