In the heart of the Indian Ocean, sustainability has found an unlikely spokesperson - an oyster mushroom named Mo at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives.

Mo is not just any mushroom. He proudly calls himself the “Official Spokesmushroom” for the resort’s Planetary Wellbeing initiatives — a movement that reflects over two decades of earth-conscious practices across the island properties.

“We're the evolution of two decades of earth-friendly initiatives here at Four Seasons Maldives, yet these Four Seasons people hardly ever talk about us, they just get on with it,” Mo declares, half amused and half exasperated.

By “us,” Mo refers to a thriving ecosystem within the resort:

• 150 members of the United Featheration - chickens, ducks and quail

• A 100-variety Garden Gang of herbs, fruits and vegetables

• Around 8,000 orchids forming the Orchid Crew

Every day, nearly five kilograms of freshly harvested mushrooms, along with generous portions of island-grown produce, travel just 200 to 400 metres by bicycle across sandy paths to the resort’s restaurants. The concept?  Zero-Mile dining - ingredients grown and served within the same island space.

For eco-conscious Indian travellers increasingly seeking responsible luxury, this farm-to-fork model reflects how high-end hospitality can coexist with mindful living.

In the Blu Beach Club kitchen, Mo and his fellow “volunteers” await their culinary destiny. Their final act? Appearing in signature dishes bursting with island-fresh flavours:

• Landaa Happy Egg with local pumpkin cream, seeds and seaweed

• White Snapper Carpaccio with Kulafilha leaf, melon and passion fruit

• Slow-Cooked Rainbow Runner with cauliflower, dill and roasted lemon

Each plate tells a story of minimal food miles, reduced carbon footprint and maximum flavour.

Mo doesn’t shy away from playful commentary. He teases the orchids for their rotating display schedule and jokes about the “manhandling” in the kitchen but beneath the humour lies a serious commitment to sustainability.

After service, any leftovers return to the Compost Club, closing the loop in a regenerative cycle that supports the island’s natural ecosystem. While the Maldives has long been a favourite for Indian honeymooners and luxury seekers, resorts like Four Seasons are reshaping the narrative, blending indulgence with environmental accountability.

Through its Planetary Wellbeing pioneers whether mushrooms, herbs or poultry the resort quietly demonstrates that sustainability need not be a headline; it can simply be a way of life. As Mo would say, it is time these island heroes stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

CaratLane – A TATA Product and one of India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brands – marked a major global milestone with its first-ever international runway showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), held at Chelsea Piers.

The debut positioned CaratLane on one of the world’s most influential fine jewellery platforms, underscoring its growing global ambition and ability to blend Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics. Backed by the trust of the Tata Group, the showcase also highlighted the brand’s expanding international footprint, including its retail presence in New Jersey.

The runway featured eight curated looks from CaratLane’s celebrated collections Polki, Sol, Sandook, Eternity, Butterfly, and Peepal, crafted exclusively with natural diamonds. The Polki collection reimagined uncut diamond heritage pieces for modern wear, while Sol celebrated the radiance of sunrise with Citrines symbolising new beginnings. Sandook translated nostalgia into design through motifs inspired by marigolds and jharokhas, and Eternity highlighted timeless silhouettes in brilliant-cut diamonds.

Among the standout presentations were the iconic Butterfly collection, distinguished by its signature blue enamel, and Peepal, which combined diamonds with green alpanites set in yellow gold, inspired by the sacred peepal leaf.

Six of the looks were showcased by international models, while two were presented by Indian fashion influencers Pooja Mundhra and Anahita Bhooshan, adding cross-cultural depth and resonance to the event.

Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director of CaratLane, said, “Our first-ever global runway showcase at New York Fashion Week is a defining milestone for CaratLane, one that affirmed how Indian art, design aesthetics, and craftsmanship can resonate powerfully on the world stage. This showcase reflected our belief that jewellery rooted in tradition yet designed for modern life can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in global fashion.”

With this debut, CaratLane reinforced its commitment to redefining fine jewellery for contemporary lifestyles, merging heritage, innovation, and everyday elegance while setting the stage for deeper global engagement in the years ahead.

About CaratLane

Founded in 2008 as one of India’s earliest online jewellery start-ups, CaratLane evolved into a seamless omni-channel retailer after investment from Titan in 2016. Today, backed by the Tata Group, the brand operates over 350 stores across India and internationally in New Jersey. Known for pioneering services such as CaratLane LIVE, Try at Home, and Solitaire Lounges, the brand continues to blend digital innovation with trusted craftsmanship to serve modern jewellery consumers.

Thailand has introduced new visa rules that allow longer stays and make entry easier for international travellers, as part of a broader push to boost tourism and support economic recovery. The updated visa policy guidelines were recognised by the Cabinet following proposals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.

The changes confirm a set of measures that authorities have already rolled out in 2025. These include expanded visa-free access, the introduction of new visa categories, and the launch of a digital arrival system aimed at simplifying travel procedures for visitors entering Thailand.

Under the revised visa exemption scheme, passport holders from 93 countries and territories can now enter Thailand without a visa for tourism, work, or short-term business purposes. Travellers under this scheme are allowed to stay for up to 60 days as a special case, making longer visits more convenient. In addition, passport holders from 31 countries and territories can apply for a Visa on Arrival at immigration checkpoints, with authorities also considering adding eight more countries in the next phase.

To cater to changing travel and work patterns, Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa. This new category allows foreigners to stay in the country for tourism and remote work, targeting travellers who wish to work online while living in Thailand for an extended period. Alongside this, a new Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa has been launched, enabling foreigners to stay in Thailand for study or combined study-and-work purposes under specific provisions.

Authorities are also reviewing and adjusting criteria for long-stay visas, particularly for elderly travellers planning to retire in Thailand. These steps aim to make long-term stays clearer and more accessible.

As part of wider structural reforms, the government has reduced the number of Non-Immigrant visa codes from 17 to 7. This change came into effect on August 31, 2025. The electronic visa system has been updated to reflect the new structure, and relevant agencies have been informed to ensure smooth implementation.

From January 1, 2025, travellers have been able to apply for an electronic visa through all 94 Thai embassies and consulates-general worldwide using the official online portal. This move has further simplified the visa application process.

For arrivals, the Immigration Bureau has developed the TM.6 online system, also known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. In use since May 1, 2025, the system replaces the earlier Electronic Travel Authorization process and allows travellers to complete arrival information online, reducing paperwork and improving processing at entry points.

Through these measures, Thailand aims to simplify visa procedures, expand visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, support remote workers and students, and enhance the overall travel experience for visitors planning a trip to the country.