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FOREVERMARK UNVEILS ITS LATEST PODCAST EPISODE LEVISON WOOD: WALKING WITH ELEPHANTS #ProtectingForever #EarthDay
This Earth Day, Forevermark has released its latest podcast episode, Levison Wood: Walking with Elephants on “The Power of the Diamond” series.
Featuring renowned British explorer, conservationist, author and photographer Levison Wood, in conversation with Charlie Mayhew, CEO of Tusk, Levison speaks about his love of elephants from when he was a child; to his most recent expedition in the spectacular Botswana landscape trekking alongside these majestic creatures on their annual migration across Botswana, from the salt pans of the Kalahari Desert to the rich and sprawling grassy plains of the Okavango Delta. In this episode, both Levison and Charlie really highlight the importance of conservation and looking after our planet and animals, inspiring us all to try and make small changes to our everyday to create a brighter future where the African elephant is still a part of it.
Today and every day, Forevermark, the diamond brand from De Beers Group, is committed to protecting the natural world and positively impacting the people, communities and countries where our natural diamonds are sourced. Diamonds are one of nature’s greatest gifts, formed billions of years ago and is one of the many reasons why Forevermark feels so deeply connected with the Earth and so passionate about its protection. That is why, for every hectare of land De Beers Group uses to recover diamonds, it dedicates six hectares to conservation of nature, covering around 200,000 hectares in total across southern Africa, this is known as The Diamond Route.
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BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
