Author: Neel Achary

Axis Trustee launches PRISM to advance its Fintech-led trustee vision

Chandigarh, Apr 22: Axis Trustee Services Limited (ATSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank and one of India’s leading trustee services providers, has announced the launch of PRISM, a digital-first platform aimed at enhancing client engagement and streamlining service delivery. This launch marks a significant step in Axis Trustee’s ongoing journey towards becoming a fintech–led trustee.

The platform launch of PRISM by Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO of Axis Bank, along with Rahul Choudhary, MD & CEO of Axis Trustee Services Limited, underscoring the Group’s strong commitment to driving digital innovation and transformation.

The launch of PRISM aligns closely with the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) continued focus on Ease of Doing Business (EODB), which seeks to simplify processes, improve transparency, and enable faster and more efficient market interactions. Through PRISM, Axis Trustee is proactively supporting this regulatory vision by digitizing key client interfaces and optimizing trustee service workflows and compliance.

Designed to deliver a more intuitive, efficient, and transparent experience, PRISM integrates technology across critical client touchpoints. The platform is expected to reduce turnaround times, improve responsiveness, and drive operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rahul Choudhary, MD & CEO, Axis Trustee Services Limited said: “PRISM marks a significant milestone in our journey to reimagine trustee services through a digital-first approach. As financial markets evolve, the role of a trustee is steadily expanding beyond traditional oversight to becoming a more connected and insight-driven partner for clients.

With PRISM, we aim to simplify interactions, enhance transparency, and make service delivery more seamless and efficient for all stakeholders. The platform is a step forward in improving client experience while strengthening operational effectiveness.

At Axis Trustee, we are also continuously exploring the potential of emerging technologies, including AI and advanced analytics, to enhance risk monitoring, drive smarter decision-making, and reinforce our compliance and governance frameworks. This aligns with our commitment to staying ahead of evolving regulatory expectations and building a future-ready trustee organization that upholds the highest standards of trust and accountability.”

PRISM is anchored around four core pillars of client interaction:

Smarter Client Access and Support: Enables easier access to key information and services, helping clients address their queries more efficiently.

Streamlined Service Request Management: Allows clients to raise and track service requests seamlessly, ensuring better visibility, faster turnaround, and consistent service delivery.

Efficient Process and Transaction Support: Provides structured support for process and transaction requirements, enabling easier navigation of documentation and workflows.

Integrated Compliance and RegTech Enablement: Enables effective compliance management through automated compliance calendars, timely report submissions, and intelligent alerts, helping clients stay aligned with regulatory requirements while enhancing transparency and control.

Over the past few years, Axis Trustee Services Limited has continued to strengthen its offerings through targeted investments in automation, digital documentation, and now technology-led client servicing. With the launch of PRISM, Axis Trustee further reinforces its position as a next-generation trustee, focused on agility, responsiveness, and long-term value creation for its clients.

GRI scales up sustainability know-how for Argentinian SMEs

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.”

Brits are booking staycations for better sleep, not just hot tubs, new data reveals

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.”

From Brunch to Boardroom: Summer Co-ords Take Centre Stage on Nykaa Fashion

April, 2026: Summer fashion is undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation, with versatility emerging as the defining theme of the season. At the center of this shift are co-ord sets—modern wardrobe essentials that seamlessly blend ease, functionality, and refined style.

As lifestyles become more dynamic, the demand for clothing that transitions effortlessly across occasions has grown. Co-ord sets answer this need with thoughtfully designed silhouettes that move fluidly between casual and structured settings, eliminating the need for multiple outfit changes.

A Softer Approach to Structure
This season moves away from rigid tailoring toward softer, more fluid forms. Relaxed silhouettes with intentional structure allow garments to maintain a polished appearance while offering comfort and ease of movement. Designs such as striped tanks paired with straight-leg trousers or plaid shirts styled with mini skirts reflect this balance of clean lines and lightweight construction.

The Power of Co-ordination
Matching sets simplify styling while maintaining a strong visual identity. Whether worn together for a cohesive look or styled separately for versatility, co-ords offer flexibility without compromising on elegance. Blazer-and-shorts combinations and cotton blend short sets exemplify how effortless dressing can still feel put-together and sophisticated.

Fabric-First Dressing
Breathable, lightweight fabrics are at the core of summer co-ords, ensuring comfort while retaining structure. From relaxed tube top and shorts sets to structured denim co-ords, fabric choices play a key role in enhancing both wearability and design appeal.

Effortless Yet Intentional
Ease in dressing this season is carefully curated. Balanced proportions, subtle detailing, and thoughtful construction define co-ord sets that feel both relaxed and refined. Crop tops paired with mini skirts and playful summer sets highlight how simplicity can still make a strong style statement.

Versatility as the New Luxury
Adaptability is fast becoming the hallmark of modern fashion. Co-ords transition seamlessly from day to evening, offering a practical yet stylish solution for evolving lifestyles. Pleated skirt sets and classic monochrome combinations exemplify this shift toward functional luxury.

Leading this trend, Nykaa Fashion presents a curated summer edit that brings together contemporary co-ord sets designed for everyday wear. With a focus on comfort, style, and adaptability, the collection reflects a broader movement toward intuitive dressing—where fashion aligns effortlessly with the rhythm of modern life.

Wi-Fly Update Virgin Atlantic Accelerates Starlink Rollout for Take-Off

Apr 21: Virgin Atlantic has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing.

Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with all A350s to be connected by early summer. The first customer flight is slated for early May on the VS153 from London Heathrow to New York, JFK. The programme will then extend across the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo fleets as installation progresses, with connectivity expected to reach full fleet coverage anticipated in 2027.

First announced in July 2025, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to commit to free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity. By leveraging the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet access around the world, including the most isolated areas. This makes for a reliable, fast, and secure user experience.Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky will be offered entirely free of charge for Flying Club members, creating a digitally connected cabin, across its modern fleet.

The new service aims to create a ‘home away from home’ Wi-Fi experience in the sky, allowing customers to connect seamlessly, from the moment they board the aircraft, enjoying the same quality in the air as they do on the ground. During the flight, Starlink will enable customers to enjoy elevated entertainment, including downloading and streaming their favourite TV shows, gaming with friends on the ground, browsing internet shopping, catching up on work, watching live sports games, connecting with friends and family and even making brief audio calls, while keeping the cabin comfortable and relaxed for everyone. Customers will be able to utilise multiple devices simultaneously including smartphones, laptops and tablets, keeping messages moving, plans in play and everything, and everyone, that matters close.

Juha Jaervinen, Chief Customer Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“We were the first UK airline to announce free, fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi, and from May, we’re starting to deliver it for our customers. As the rollout gathers pace, we plan to deliver 100% Starlink connectivity across our fleet in 2027, as part of our focus on creating a brilliantly connected experience.

“Together with Starlink, we’re setting a new standard for connectivity in the skies, with fast, free, high-speed WiFi available from the moment customers step onboard. It’s all part of creating a truly connected, ‘home away from home’ experience, giving customers the freedom to use their time onboard exactly as they choose, whether that’s staying close to work, to plans, or to the people who matter most.”

Wow Momo turns a product claim into proof with EndOfDebate campaign for ‘World’s Crispiest Fries’

 New Delhi, Apr 21(BNP): Wow! Momo is turning a product claim into a content-led cultural conversation with the launch of its “World’s Crispiest Fries”, anchored in an influencer-driven validation campaign built around #EndOfDebate.

At the centre of the launch is a simple but powerful insight: consumers love fries, but are consistently disappointed by how quickly they turn soggy. Instead of addressing this through traditional advertising, the brand has chosen to demonstrate its claim through real-world validation.

At the core of the campaign was an immersive, large-scale tasting experience that brought together the credibility of influencers, food writers and everyday consumers across four of India’s biggest metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Nearly 1,500 macro and micro participants took part in a first-of-its-kind timed challenge, where Wow! Momo’s fries were pitted against leading QSR competitors and tested after 30, 45 and 60 minutes.

As the challenge unfolded, Wow! Momo’s fries consistently stood out for their ability to remain golden, crisp and fresh long after serving. While competing fries lost their texture over time, Wow! Momo delivered the same crunch at every interval, creating a moment of surprise and delight for participants.

The result went beyond a product demonstration. It became a compelling proof point and a scalable brand story. By transforming a functional benefit into a live, city-wide experience backed by real voices and authentic reactions, the campaign generated credibility, conversation and shareability at scale, strengthening Wow! Momo’s positioning in the category.

Rather than relying on high-decibel messaging, Wow! Momo has leaned into a content-first approach, using these validation moments as the foundation for digital storytelling. The campaign is playing out across social media through creator-led content, meme culture, digital film and real-time consumer reactions, supported by strong in-store visibility and on-ground amplification.

By shifting the focus from promise to proof, the brand is aiming to build both trust and talkability in a highly competitive QSR category, where differentiation is often difficult to sustain. In a category dominated by visual advertising and price-led promotions, the campaign attempts to redefine differentiation through demonstrable product performance.

Commenting on the approach, Murlikrishnan, Co-founder and CMO, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd., said,

“From day one, our belief has been simple, truly great products don’t need exaggerated claims, they need a stage. With this campaign, we wanted to move beyond saying we have the crispiest fries and instead invite consumers to experience and validate that promise themselves. When the product truth is undeniable, the most powerful marketing is authenticity in action.”

With over 850 stores across 90+ cities, Wow! Momo continues to scale as one of India’s fastest growing QSR brands. With this launch, the company reinforces its focus on combining product innovation with culturally relevant, content-led marketing approaches.

By turning a product claim into a participative narrative, Wow! Momo is positioning “World’s Crispiest Fries” not just as a menu addition, but as a brand moment designed to spark conversation at scale.

Summit Hotels & Resorts appoints Deepak Bothra as Corporate General Manager

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.”

Royal Realtors Focuses on Structured and Concrete-Driven Development to Enhance Construction Quality

Mumbai, April 21(BNP): Royal Realtors Group has announced an enhanced focus on structured planning and concrete-driven construction practices aimed at improving durability, efficiency, and long-term value across its projects.

As the real estate sector continues to evolve, the company is prioritizing system-driven execution, robust structural design, and modern construction methodologies to ensure consistent quality and faster project delivery timelines.

Commenting on the development, Deven Shah, Managing Director, Royal Realtors Group, said,

“Today, quality is not just about design it’s about how well a structure is planned and executed. At Royal Realtors, we are focusing on more structured development processes and stronger construction practices to ensure durability, safety, and timely delivery across our projects.”

The company is aligning its construction strategy with efficient planning, optimized material utilization, and streamlined on-site execution. This approach is expected to reduce delays, improve productivity, and enhance overall project performance.

With a continued emphasis on governance, quality control, and disciplined execution, Royal Realtors aims to deliver developments that not only meet present-day expectations but also stand the test of time.