The Government of the Republic of Botswana (GRB) and De Beers have announced the successful conclusion of their negotiations on a new sales agreement for Debswana’s rough diamond production. This agreement also extends the mining licences for Debswana’s operations beyond 2029.

Debswana, a 50:50 joint venture between the GRB and De Beers, operates some of the leading diamond mines in Botswana, including Jwaneng, Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa. With new mining licences set to be issued by Botswana’s regulatory authorities, the final agreements will be signed once governance approvals are secured. Until then, the existing agreements remain in effect.

This collaboration between the GRB and De Beers spans over 50 years, focusing on the sustainable and responsible recovery, marketing, and sale of diamonds. Both parties are committed to ensuring the sustainability of the global diamond industry while making significant contributions to Botswana's fiscal and societal growth.

Botswana’s strong oversight of its diamond resources plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development. As the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value, the country continues to maintain a competitive edge in the global diamond market. The revenue generated from diamond sales is reinvested into infrastructure, social programs, and the welfare of the nation’s citizens.

About Botswana:
Botswana is a thriving Southern African democracy known for its commitment to the rule of law, including the protection of property rights. It is a leading investment destination for mining, particularly diamonds. The government’s strategic management of its diamond resources strengthens its position in the global market, ensuring long-term growth and prosperity for the country.

About De Beers Group:
 Founded in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company. With operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia, and South Africa, De Beers is the largest diamond producer globally by value. The company is committed to innovation and responsible practices, offering a wide range of services in the diamond industry, including diamond sourcing, traceability initiatives, and ethical operations.

H&S, India's premier luxury leather goods brand, has unveiled its latest collection of meticulously crafted accessories, redefining elegance with world-class craftsmanship. With a legacy of designing premium leather goods for renowned global luxury houses, H&S now brings its signature excellence to discerning Indian consumers.

The Crown Jewel: Edinburgh Cap Toe Oxford

The Edinburgh Cap Toe Oxford is a statement of refined style and expert craftsmanship. Designed with intricate Brogue detailing, this distinguished Oxford embodies timeless sophistication. The leather sole, enhanced with a fine-lined rubber forepart, ensures superior traction and durability, while the sleek lace-up closure offers a secure and elegant fit.

Executive Essential: The Weave Slim Zip Brief

Crafted for the modern professional, the Weave Slim Zip Brief features a sleek matte finish and a thoughtfully designed interior for seamless organization. With a single zipper ensuring secure storage for laptops and daily essentials, this sophisticated briefcase blends elegance with everyday practicality—ideal for business meetings or stylish travel.

Urban Sophistication: Tamponation Backpack

For those who appreciate urban luxury, the Tamponation Backpack in rich tan offers the perfect balance of style and functionality. Designed for contemporary professionals, this backpack features a spacious interior, multiple compartments, and adjustable straps for maximum comfort. Whether for daily commutes or business travel, it makes a refined statement.

Luxury Meets Sustainability

Each piece in the collection undergoes rigorous quality control and is crafted using H&S’s signature Zero Liquid Discharge technology, ensuring sustainability without compromising on luxury.

The collection is available at H&S stores in Bangalore and Chennai and online at www.hnscraftsmanship.com.

Bangalore Store: 105, Globe House, Richmond Circle, Bengaluru - 560025
Chennai Store: 15/2, College Rd, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006

As the Union Budget 2025 wraps up, leaders across industries are weighing in on its impact. Sanyam Gandhi, Whole Time Director at Chartered Speed, has welcomed the government’s continued focus on infrastructure, sustainable transport, and economic reforms.

He highlighted that the push for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), including a structured three-year pipeline of state projects and ₹1.5 lakh crore allocated for 50-year interest-free loans, would drive large-scale urban development and mobility advancements. "This initiative creates strong opportunities for better infrastructure and innovative mobility solutions," Gandhi stated.

The budget’s emphasis on expanding EV manufacturing is another significant move, expected to accelerate the growth of multimodal transport, clean energy, and digital infrastructure. Gandhi believes these efforts will hasten the transition towards cleaner, more efficient transport networks, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

“At Chartered Speed, we see significant potential to scale EV adoption and multimodal transport solutions through PPPs and sustainable transit initiatives,” he added.

Additionally, the introduction of a no-income-tax slab for earnings up to ₹12 lakh is expected to stimulate consumer spending, enhancing liquidity in the economy. Gandhi pointed out that this move could lead to an increase in travel-related expenditures, further benefiting the transport and tourism industries.

With these strategic announcements, the budget sets the stage for India’s mobility sector to advance in a sustainable and innovative direction.