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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
International Ambassadors Meet 2025: Celebrating Global Leadership and Visionaries
PNN New Delhi [India], June 9: The World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) hosted the highly anticipated International Ambassadors Meet 2025 in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in New Delhi. The event convened over 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats representing countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to catalyze a new global movement for MSME-led growth and sustainability. At the heart of the summit was the unveiling of the "WASME Global MSME Pact 2025+", a groundbreaking multilateral framework to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through structured international cooperation. Dr. Sanjiv Layek, Executive Secretary of WASME, stated: "This Pact turns soft diplomacy into sustainable development. It aligns embassies, chambers, governments, and MSMEs under a shared agenda for inclusive global trade." The Pact Includes: * Identifying three priority sectors per country for MSME innovation and exports * Hosting bilateral and multilateral trade delegations * Setting up WASME MSME Desks within partner embassies * Driving policy advocacy and market intelligence with global partners Keynote Address - H.E. Fesseha Shawel Gebre, Ambassador of Ethiopia: "Our Embassy is a bridge between entrepreneurs and global opportunity. This Pact will fuel sustainable diplomacy anchored in enterprise." Diplomatic Roundtable: A Voice for Economic Unity Moderated by Prof. Aman Agarwal, Director, Indian Institute of Finance, the Ambassador Roundtable brought together high-ranking officials from Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Fiji to discuss investment, trade facilitation, and sectoral MSME cooperation. Corporate Insight & Innovation Panel Moderated by Mr. Naveen Sharma, Chairman, Athena Ventures, the Business Panel explored global branding, export readiness, and sectoral growth for MSMEs. Panelists included leaders from OSEL, Heylin Spark, Planck Red Pvt. Ltd., and Lakshaka LLP. Heylin Spark served as the official PR and Marketing Partner, ensuring the global impact and legacy of this celebration of leadership. Key Highlights from the Event Motivational and Leadership Talk by Rohan Shah International Athlete, Entrepreneur & Social Activist, Rohan Shah delivered a powerful keynote on perseverance, identity, and purpose. Hailing from Bilaspur, he has represented India at global sporting events and earned acclaim as a motivational speaker, including a felicitation by Dr. Kiran Bedi at TEDx. His address inspired a diverse audience, highlighting the power of youth and resilience. Honouring Excellence: International Leadership Excellence Awards 2025 The event honored changemakers whose work is shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful world. From law and education to aviation and wellness, each awardee's story reflects commitment, courage, and a vision for the future. Here are the distinguished awardees: Anmol Sharma, the Founder & CEO of MediaLabbs 15, is redefining brand building in India with a unique mix of creativity, strategy, and purpose. Best known for creating Pearlville Cosmetics and transforming fragrance lines under Hertz Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Anmol is a brand visionary who turns ideas into experiences. But his mission goes beyond business--he's a devoted social worker committed to giving back. From supporting underprivileged communities to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, his work is grounded in empathy and impact. Whether it's through purpose-driven marketing or grassroots social initiatives, Anmol leads with heart, proving that true leadership is about building brands that uplift both people and society. Sheena Gupta, Director of Mother's Pride, was honored with the Preschool Education Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding contribution to early childhood education and commitment to nurturing young minds with love, care, and innovation. Anjali Khatri is the founder of Irenic International Pvt Ltd, a global leader in the overseas education sector. She has been honoured for her impactful contributions to the student community and unwavering commitment to educational advancement. Dr. Rishi Mudgil, an MBBS graduate from Government Doon Medical College, serves as a Medical Officer in rural Uttarakhand. Passionate about grassroots impact, he blends medical service with policy insight, contributing regularly to platforms like The Print. He co-founded Agrit Bharat Sansthan, a youth-led non-profit advancing healthcare, education, and empowerment for underserved communities. His work bridges frontline care and advocacy, reflecting a vision for inclusive, community-driven change. Vardhman Kaushik is an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, licensed to practice law in India and New York. With a significant experience of 15 years in handling several cases on behalf of over 50 corporate houses, Public Sector Organisations, Social organisations, employee organisations of government bodies, and litigants from different walks of life, he has a rich and extensive experience in a variety of dispute resolutions. Vardhman is also a founding partner at Triumph Legal, a law firm with offices in Delhi and Mumbai. Shveta Gupta serves as the Director of Divyanshi Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd., bringing with her a strong academic background in Textile Chemistry ( and Marketing (MBA). Under her leadership, the company has grown from a nascent startup into a prominent supplier of aircraft consumables for India's Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Dr. Karan Kumar, a global authority in IT compliance, risk management, and cybersecurity, With 24+ years of experience, he has led transformative GRC initiatives across major organizations. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on Risk Management, Dr. Kumar is renowned for designing ERM strategies aligned with ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOX, and GDPR. A certified executive coach, he blends technical expertise with emotional intelligence. His thought leadership, authorship, and mentorship continue to shape resilient, compliant, and future-ready enterprises worldwide.. Dr. Amit Saxena, CEO, Education at Sparsh Group and Chairman of the Education Business Committee at WTC, Dr. Amit Saxena is a renowned educationist with over 28 years of leadership. Known for pioneering curriculum innovation and launching India's first AI-powered Robo Teacher, he also serves as a global education ambassador for HundrED (Finland). His vision blends inclusive education with global best practices and impactful social outreach. Dr. Monika Randhawa, President COE & Principal, Sparsh Global School, and President of the Centre of Excellence at Sparsh Group, is a visionary educator with 18+ years of experience. With a background in Applied Psychology and a focus on autism, she has transformed Sparsh into a hub of academic and holistic excellence. Her leadership emphasizes innovation, parent-teacher collaboration, and student-centered learning, making her a respected force in modern education. Shrestha Ganguly is the visionary founder of Kkhubii Art and Culture, a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting diverse forms of art. Her global outlook is shaped by extensive travel across Europe, the UK, and the USA. This multicultural exposure has deepened her conviction in art as a powerful medium for connecting people across borders. Under her visionary leadership, Kkhubii nurtures emerging and established artists across India and the Middle East, and is now expanding its reach to Africa. It serves as a dynamic space for creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Shrestha remains committed to empowering artists, fostering inclusion, and building global bridges through the transformative power of art. Prashant Ranjan - General Manager (Head Of IT), Hitachi India Pvt. A Seasoned IT operations leader with 20+ years of global experience in service delivery and endpoint security. Expert in building scalable solutions like global service desks. Hitachi has been driving technology-led transformation in India for over 90 years, empowering society through innovation, efficiency, and secure, collaborative operations. Anil Bhargav, a renowned Indian astrologer, has transformed the lives of millions through his accurate predictions and guidance. With a legacy of resolving complex personal and professional challenges, he has earned nationwide respect. His expertise has crossed borders, establishing a strong international presence. Anil Bhargav's insights have helped countless individuals achieve success and peace of mind. His work continues to inspire trust and belief in the power of astrology. Dr. Archana Sinha Bhandari is the founder of the Suicide Mukt Bharat Movement and a PhD scholar. This national initiative is committed to preventing suicide through awareness, emotional healing, and early support. My mission is to help individuals choose life, restore hope, and contribute to a mentally strong and empowered India. Dr. Sajid Saiyed, double doctorate in CSR & Sustainability, leads Bharat CSR Network, a platform for 109 corporates undertaking CSR initiatives across India. Recognized by the Government of Goa for completing CSR projects worth Rs386 crore, he collaborates with state governments to drive impactful CSR. Dr. Jyoti Arora, Principal of Mount Abu Public School, is a nationally awarded educator and CBSE Governing Body Member. Known for her leadership in curriculum reform and global representation, she drives innovation and inclusivity in education. As a key figure in CBSE school networks and a strong advocate for digital and sustainable practices, she has transformed Mount Abu Public School into a model of holistic excellence. Shashank Arya is the Co-Founder of Mekanchi Global and Founder of Human Elements. While Mekanchi delivers global manpower solutions for industrial and commercial facility management, Human Elements explores the intersection of people and technology. Initially focused on traditional workforce deployment, Shashank is now pioneering AI integration through Human Elements to enhance efficiency without losing the human touch. His vision bridges skill gaps and builds future-ready solutions that blend empathy and innovation, shaping the evolving landscape of global workforce management. Visit Mekanchi - for more information. Dr. Josan Ranjith hails from Tamil Nadu and is a rising voice in the domain of emotional wellness, personal development, and spiritual growth. With a background in behavioral sciences and a deep spiritual practice, he combines the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern psychology to help people live more meaningful and empowered lives. Rajarshi Goswami is a respected voice in diplomacy and foreign policy, honoured as a Diplomat & Foreign Policy Expert. His consistent engagement with global issues highlights his commitment to fostering meaningful international cooperation and dialogue. Dr. Syed Tariq Hashmi is a renowned strategic leader with over 20 years of corporate and academic excellence. He holds a DBA from Atlanta University and an Honorary Doctorate from Washington Digital University, UK (Jan 2025). A 2024 batch topper from IIM Lucknow in Advanced Strategic Management, he has authored two books on leadership. With 18 years at Novartis and a successful stint at Eris Lifesciences, he has led major product launches. A Certified POSH Trainer and L & D expert, he holds 90+ professional certifications, reflecting his passion for leadership and growth. Looking Ahead The International Ambassadors Meet 2025 concluded not just with applause but with a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and global leadership. With continued support from diplomatic communities, thought leaders, and partners like Heylin Spark, the future promises an ecosystem where excellence is not just awarded but empowered.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb and Michelle Monaghan on ‘The White Lotus' Cut Scenes: ‘There Are Things You Won't See That Are a Part of Our History'
There's nothing quite like working on 'The White Lotus,' where cast members live on the same hotel set where they're filming for as long as six months. And for Season 3 stars Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb and Michelle Monaghan — who played three lifelong friends on a girls' trip to Thailand — it's something they're forever bonded by. 'We'd spent half a year together making this thing far from our homes and our families and our routines,' Coon tells Variety's Awards Circuit Podcast. 'And it's so fraught when we watch it in a way that it will never be for anybody else. We'll never be able to explain it. There's no way to express the fulsomeness of that experience. I've said, It's like being an astronaut. The only person who knows what it's like is another astronaut.' More from Variety 'There Is No Feud': Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood Tell All on Their 'White Lotus' Connection, a Cut Love Scene and Yes, Why He Unfollowed Her on Instagram Bridget Everett on How 'Somebody Somewhere' Was the Best Experience of Her Life: 'It's Like, Now What Am I Gonna Do?' How 'The Studio,' 'Yellowjackets,' 'Monsters' and 'White Lotus' Make Bad Behavior Appealing That's true of 'White Lotus' cast from other seasons too. 'We're in this very specific club, this amazing experience that is so singular that Mike [White creates], and you get to say his words and live your life in this alternate reality,' Bibb says. 'It's so immersive, and it makes, I think it makes the work better in a strange way. You're so far from anything that is your reality or your touchstones, which can be so hard.' On this edition of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, we talk to Coon, Bibb and Monaghan about what it was like to be immersed for so long in 'The White Lotus' universe, and how it bonded them much like their characters. They talk about the scene they're bummed ended up being cut, as well as whether they like to do more episodes, and where they think 'The White Lotus' might go next. Also on this episode, the Roundtable discusses the death of 'King of the Hill' voice actor Jonathan Joss, just days after he crashed an ATX TV Festival panel hosted by Mike. And we look at the nomination possibilities for the massive 'White Lotus' cast. Listen below! When it comes to iconic 'The White Lotus' moments, Carrie Coon's speech to her character's friends in the Season 3 finale ranks up at the top. 'I mean, that's a classic Mike White moment, right?' she tells the podcast. For much of Season 3, things are becoming more passive aggressive between longtime pals Kate (Bibb), Jaclyn (Monaghan) and Laurie (Coon) as their girls trip exposes some tension in the group. But in the finale, over dinner, Laurie gets honest about how really the trip had just exposed she much she had struggled with the mistakes she made in her own life. In the emotional speech, Laurie realizes that despite her regrets, both time and this friendship, has still made her life meaningful. 'What was lovely about the language of that speech is that it was in in many ways, speaking into the experience we had,' Coon says of their shared journey moving to Thailand and shooting 'The White Lotus' over the course of six months. 'We got to have that experience together near the end of shooting, and so I think we were all processing the ending of this thing while that was unfolding at the table.' Bibb says in shooting that scene, she remembers how the three of them 'felt very dialed in, all day, like I couldn't stop crying every time [Coon] said it. I kept improvising these 'I love yous,' and then Michelle would say 'I love you,' and I think Mike was getting annoyed! But it was so genuine, and I'm so glad they kept it in there… these three people are seen by each other.' Adds Monaghan: 'We all knew what the dialog was, but it was the way in which Carrie performed it. It really spoke to our hearts at that point, personally and professionally. It was a really special ending for us.' As for moments that didn't make the final cut, Coon describes the puppet show that wound up not on the show. 'It was really sweet,' she said. 'So there are things you won't see that are a part of our history.' The different 'White Lotus' groupings were mostly siloed from each other, but Monaghan singles out Patrick Schwarzenegger for being 'a fantastic gentleman and not this douche you see. And I lived with Parker [Posey], and I didn't even know Parker was utilizing a Southern accent!' Would they do 'The White Lotus' again? Bibb was bowled over by the fact that she was able to work so closely to two more actresses her age — 'I never get to work with these two! Mike really knows how to write great women, and we're so lucky to have that.' Where might 'White Lotus' end up next? Bibb agrees that White will never pick any place that's cold. 'I sent him a picture of this location I was in, it was at the Shining hotel up in Oregon, and the snow was up past the window,' she says. 'He was like, 'I'm fearful. I don't trust where you are right now. I hate the cold..' They'll never do a cold one. No way.' Variety's 'Awards Circuit' podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode, 'Awards Circuit' features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives, discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts. Best of Variety 2025 Tony Winners Predictions: A Starry, Stacked Broadway Season Sets the Stage for an Unpredictable Ceremony What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scoop: JD Vance says Bitcoin strategic reserve act is coming soon
Scoop: JD Vance says Bitcoin strategic reserve act is coming soon originally appeared on TheStreet. In a Roundtable interview at Bitcoin 2025 conference, Sam Kazemian, founder of Frax Finance, shared insights from his private meeting with Vice President JD Vance on stablecoin regulation. Kazemian told TheStreet Roundtable that Vance conveyed his commitment to fostering innovation in the American economy. 'Vice President is deeply committed to bringing innovation to the American economy and promoting American entrepreneurs,' Kazemian said, quoting Vance's message. He added that the Stablecoin Act in the House and its Senate counterpart 'are common sense bills' designed to provide nonpartisan regulatory stepping stones. According to Kazemian, Vance emphasized that stablecoin legislation is only the first phase. 'Everything builds up individually on each individual thing. So after stablecoins comes market structure,' Kazemian said, relaying Vance's view. This next phase will clarify rules around tokens, NFTs and real-world asset tokenization. Vance also outlined the administration's plan for the Bitcoin Reserve Act to 'enshrine legislatively the Bitcoin Reserve of the United States,' ensuring long-term support for Bitcoin within federal policy. Kazemian noted that Vance confirmed the administration's enthusiasm. 'The vice president and the administration have a plan and they're very, very committed to executing it.' He said Vance made clear that 'the crypto, Bitcoin and stablecoin industry is very, very supportive of the administration because they understand this.' When TheStreet Roundtable pressed on how Frax USD is preparing for new rules, Kazemian explained that Vance had reviewed the bills' language and agreed that Frax USD already 'meets the wording of these bills as they stand.' Under the soon-to-be-enacted legislation, the U.S. government could designate Frax USD as legal tender. 'The issuer of the U.S. dollar could point to your asset and say, this is legally a U.S. dollar,' Kazemian said, paraphrasing the vice president's summary. Banks, he added, view 'payment stablecoins as the 20 trillion opportunity,' referring to M1 supply in the U.S. economy. 'These banks know that M1 money is going to be digitized as compliance stablecoins,' Kazemian said. He believes Frax USD is 'fully compliant and slated to be a legal digital dollar,' positioning it to be among the first payment stablecoins adopted by large banks once the legislation passes. Kazemian concluded that Vance's private remarks confirmed a bipartisan belief that stablecoin clarity will bring 'efficiency to markets' and benefit 'all market participants.' Scoop: JD Vance says Bitcoin strategic reserve act is coming soon first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared. Sign in to access your portfolio
TimesLIVE
12-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
At Woolworths, clean beauty isn't just a trend — it's a promise
For Woolworths, clean beauty isn't merely a buzzword — it's a commitment to safer, sustainable beauty ranges. Every WBeauty product is carefully formulated with mild and gentle ingredients, prioritising safety for both consumers and the environment. Clean beauty is a fast-growing movement in the cosmetics and skincare industry, focusing on the use of safe, non-toxic, and responsibly sourced ingredients. While there is no universal definition, at Woolworths, clean beauty means delivering the beauty solutions you want — without the ingredients that could harm you or the planet. It's about transparency, safety, and sustainability at every step. Each ingredient in the WBeauty range is rigorously selected and backed by scientific research to ensure it meets Woolworths' clean beauty standards. Harsh chemicals and toxins don't make the cut. Instead, only ingredients with a proven safety track record are included. To maintain these high standards, all products undergo comprehensive testing by internationally recognised toxicologists in accredited laboratories. To define and refine its clean beauty promise, Woolworths collaborates with expert manufacturers and raw material suppliers. Together, they assess the impact of clean beauty on customers and the environment while ensuring full alignment with Woolworths' Good Business Journey. Ethical sourcing is also key — Woolworths only partners with factories that uphold fair labour and responsible manufacturing practices. More than 85% of WBeauty products are made in SA, directly supporting over 500 jobs, with women making up the majority of the workforce Responsibility extends beyond ingredient selection. The WBeauty range is 100% vegan, meaning no animal-derived ingredients or by-products are used. Furthermore, the range is endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty, ensuring that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Woolworths is also committed to sustainable ingredient sourcing. The company uses Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)-certified palm oil in its WBeauty skin and body products, supporting global efforts to promote responsible palm oil production. The RSPO brings together industry stakeholders to establish and implement standards that protect the environment and communities involved in palm oil farming. Local manufacturing and inclusivity are integral to Woolworths' clean beauty mission. More than 85% of WBeauty products are made in SA, directly supporting over 500 jobs, with women making up the majority of the workforce. By prioritising local production, Woolworths not only boosts the South African economy but also reduces its carbon footprint. WBeauty continues to innovate with its latest active-based skincare range, Holiday Glow. This collection harnesses the power of South African and African botanicals to target key skin concerns such as hydration, stretch marks, wrinkles, and spot control. Adding to the brand's clean beauty evolution, Woolworths has recently launched a new WBeauty haircare range, HAIRLAB, in selected stores nationally. Formulated with botanical extracts, this sulphate-free range is clinically tested and designed to target all scalp concerns for all hair types — straight, wavy, curly, or coily — ensuring inclusive beauty for everyone. Woolworths' newly launched HAIRLAB hair care range incorporates a combination of South African and other African botanicals and caters to ALL hair types — straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Image: Woolworths 'As the world looks to clean beauty and nature for solutions, plants offer a wealth of benefits. By incorporating powerful botanicals into our skincare and haircare products, we are not only celebrating local innovation but also creating a more sustainable future — one rooted in nature's wisdom,' says Laura Naidu, Woolworths Beauty head of Technology and Sourcing. Woolworths' clean beauty journey is about more than just products — it's about making responsible choices that benefit people and the planet. Because when beauty is clean, it's truly beautiful.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Caitlin Long warns of ‘big fight' brewing between Trump's treasury and the Fed
Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long says a major showdown may be looming between the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve — and crypto banking is right at the center of it. 'Right now, most mainstream banks won't do anything involving your crypto side of your portfolio,' said Roundtable host Rob. Long was quick to explain why: 'That's Operation Choke Point 2.0,' she said, blaming adverse SEC accounting guidance (SAB 121) for freezing out crypto. 'That was designed to throw sand in the wheels of the crypto industry by keeping the banks out.' While she said the policy has already been addressed at agencies like the SEC, FDIC, and OCC, she called the Federal Reserve the 'one big laggard' — and warned of a brewing fight. 'I think there's a big fight that is setting up between Trump and Secretary of the Treasury Bessant versus the Federal Reserve over exactly this issue.' Long referenced a comment by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant on the All-In podcast. 'He said, 'We're going to leave the Fed alone regarding monetary policy, but the Fed has not done a good job... There are too many regulators,'' she recalled, noting Bessant's intention to 'consolidate bank regulation and put it into politically accountable organizations.' That includes ideas like Trump's proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which would be housed at the Treasury — not the Fed. 'The Fed isn't chartered to have a strategic reserve of a cryptocurrency,' Long said, recalling Powell's reaction: 'Please don't give it to us.' According to Long, this tension is nothing new. She described how the Fed and Treasury 'have historically had frictions, even when they've been friendly with common staffers.' But under Trump, the divide could deepen. 'Some of the people being confirmed are very critical of the Fed,' she added. Long even hinted at a potential executive order from Trump that could require the Fed to grant long-denied access to banks like Custodia. 'I don't know if that's true,' she said, 'but it all does jive with the breadcrumbs... a battle, if not a war, is coming.'
