~ Urgent Call for Applications: Last Date to Apply – April 30, 2025

AHMEDABAD, India, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CEPT University’s CEPT Professional Programs (CPP) has announced the second edition of its highly acclaimed international program — Global Practices in Architecture & Urban Design. This is the second batch of this program, and it is scheduled to take place from June 16 to June 24, 2025. This exclusive nine-day, on-site professional development experience in London is designed for practicing architects and urban designers eager to gain first-hand exposure to contemporary global practices in urban design, placemaking, and architectural innovation.

With only a few days left for applications to close, this program presents a timely and rare opportunity for professionals to engage deeply with one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments. The application deadline is April 30, 2025, and interested individuals can apply for the program on this link: https://cpp.cept.ac.in/program/global-practices-in-architecture-urban-design-batch-02. 

A Global Learning Experience Anchored in London

Curated and led by Prof. A Srivathsan, Head of the Centre for Research in Architecture and Urbanism at CRDF and Steven Smith, Director of London-based architecture firm, Urban Narrative, this immersive program offers an in-depth exploration of architectural and urban developments that have shaped modern London.

The program comprises guided walking tours to iconic precincts such as King’s Cross, dialogues and workshops with leading architects and urban practitioners based in the UK, visits to major redevelopment sites, heritage quarters and culturally significant districts and tailored site visits based on participants’ individual interests.

Emphasising the relevance of the program for practicing architects, Prof. Subhrangsu Goswami, Head – CPP, said, “London’s urban transformation over the past century — from the Olympic-led renewal of East London to the heritage-driven revival of South Kensington — offers valuable insights into how cities adapt to change. In today’s evolving architectural landscape, this program provides professionals with a unique opportunity to engage with global practices and critically explore the intersection of design, history, and urban innovation.”

Who Should Apply

This program is exclusively tailored for mid-career and senior professionals in architecture and urban design who are looking to expand their practice internationally, engage with new design vocabularies, and learn from the lived realities of a city renowned for its urban complexity and design excellence.

Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate from CEPT University, adding a globally recognized credential to their professional portfolio.

Application Process and Visa Support

Given the international nature of the program, CEPT Professional Programs (CPP) strongly encourages early application to allow sufficient time for visa processing. The admissions team will provide support letters and host an online pre-departure briefing to help participants prepare for the experience.

About CEPT University

CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise.  CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to support the national, state and city governments and large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India’s villages, towns and cities. 

The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years.

CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2669979/CEPT_University_Program.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2323005/CEPT_University_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/cept-university-invites-practicing-architects-to-the-second-edition-of-prestigious-international-program-in-london-302435446.html

The second annual awards address economic instability with editors’ choice award for rising grocery prices. 

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today announced its second annual Money Awards, with winners across 38 categories.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards won the Editors’ Choice award for the Best Credit Card for Rising Grocery Prices amid economic uncertainty in today’s climate.

“The value of the dollar is continuing to stretch and consumers are doing their best to prepare for the rising costs of everyday goods,” said Adriana Ocañas, consumer credit cards analyst at U.S. News. “The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card offers a longer-term safeguard for reward-earning potential that can be used to cover some of those rising prices.”

The 2025 awards provide a go-to destination for readers to assess and choose the best courses of financial action amid the market shifts currently impacting American consumers.

“Economic uncertainty stemming from the ongoing trade wars and a mass restructuring of the federal government are playing critical roles in the financial uneasiness of many Americans,” said Ocañas. “The 2025 Money Awards recognize exceptional institutions and products, while also providing consumers with informed insights on financial institutions that can best support their unique financial needs and goals.”

The awards, advice and expertise provided by U.S. News’ Money analysts also help address a need for more financial literacy for the everyday consumer.

“According to U.S. News’ April survey, 53% of Americans don’t know that FICO scores are what lenders look at to determine creditworthiness,” noted Ocañas. “In fact, about 44% confused FICO with one of the credit-scoring bureaus. The Money Awards not only spotlight options for immediate solutions for consumers’ varying needs, but can serve as an introduction to better understanding the different facets of credit, lending, banking and investing.” 

U.S. News 2025 Money Award Winners

*See the Money Award on USNews.com here.

U.S. News determined the winning institutions using comprehensive, data-driven methodologies including factors specific to their respective categories: annual percentage yield, ATM availability, customer complaints and more for banking; overall issuer satisfaction rating, APR, rewards earning process, and more for credit cards; usability, product and account offerings, customer support, research and tools, and fees for investing platforms; and affordability, eligibility and customer service for lenders. For more information, read the methodologies for Banking, Credit Cards, Investing Platforms and Lenders.

U.S. News also publishes in-depth personal finance, investing and loans content to help consumers make the best money-related decisions for them. Consumers can find advice about banking, credit cards, loans and much more.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news–world-report-announces-2025-money-awards-302435246.html

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

– The EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET is the digital wallet service for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan with over 28 million visitors expected from April to October 2025.

– As of April 21, the wallet has processed over 558,000 transactions and attracted over 133,000 new accounts to Aptos since its migration in January 2025.

OSAKA, Japan, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aptos Labs, a core contributor to the Aptos Layer-1 blockchain, announced that the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET has successfully migrated to the Aptos blockchain as part of the Palette Chain ecosystem integration into Aptos.

This strategic integration significantly enhances user experience of the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET, offering improved speed, enhanced security, and seamless management of user’s digital assets. It also underscores Aptos Labs’ commitment to driving mass adoption and delivering high-performance Web3 solutions for enterprises in Japan.

Migration to Aptos Elevates the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET Experience

The EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET is the digital wallet service for Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan (‘the Expo’), with an anticipated influx of over 28 million visitors from April to October 2025. Users can access a variety of features, including MYAKU-PE!, a versatile payment service usable both inside and outside the Expo site; MYAKU-PO!, a rewards program that incentivizes engagement; MYAKU-N!, a digital platform where users can create and collect their Expo-exclusive NFTs; and the MYAKU-MYAKU Rewards Program, which grants users status based on their digital wallet usage and provides benefits according to their status level.

The migration aligns seamlessly with EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET’s mission to provide cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly platform for a seamless digital experience at the Expo. The Aptos blockchain, powered by the innovative Move programming language, emphasizes scalability and efficiency, making it the ideal blockchain to support the rapidly growing user community of the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET. 

Robust User Activity and Adoption

Since its migration in January 2025, the Aptos-powered EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET has garnered significant interest and engagement, achieving 18,000 transactions and 2,600 new accounts created on Aptos within the first 48 hours. As of April 21, the wallet has processed over 558,000 transactions and attracted over 133,000 new accounts to Aptos.

This robust user activity reflects a high level of trust and excitement in the capabilities of the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET on Aptos. Aptos Labs anticipates continued growth in these figures leading up to the opening of the Expo.

“We are thrilled to witness such enthusiastic response from users following the WALLET’s migration to Aptos,” said Avery Ching, Co-Founder and CEO of Aptos Labs. “This strong engagement demonstrates the confidence that users and partners have in us and the vast potential of the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET, as well as the Aptos ecosystem. By collaborating with local enterprises and communities, the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET is positioned at the forefront of blockchain innovation, serving as a bridge to Web3 for millions. We look forward to fostering innovation and growth continuously in both the Japanese and global markets.”

Exciting Features on the Horizon

With the migration complete, the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET team is working diligently to expand its features and integrations with organizations, including the Japanese National Tourism Organization, Osaka Restaurant Management Association, and Nankai Electric Railway Co.,Ltd.. Their goal is to enrich the digital experience and provide even greater value to users throughout the duration of the Expo.

Aptos is among the fastest-growing Layer-1 blockchains, with its Total Value Locked (TVL) ranging around USD 1 billion since November 2024[1], showcasing the increasing global adoption of its technology. This migration follows Aptos Labs’ strategic partnership with HashPort and HashPalette, initiated in October 2024. These collaborations further solidify Aptos’ position as a leader in blockchain and Web3 innovation, and enhance the value proposition for EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET users.

To further encourage the adoption of the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET, a substantial advertising campaign has been launched at key locations across Osaka, Japan, including the bustling Osaka JR station and on surrounding train lines.

For updates and details about the EXPO2025 DIGITAL WALLET, please visit: https://expo2025-wallet.com/en

– ENDS –

About Aptos Labs

Aptos Labs is dedicated to creating network tooling and seamless usability for users of the Aptos network, a next-generation high-performance public Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos is backed by top-flight investors including a16z, Katie Haun, Apollo Global Management, Binance Labs, Dragonfly, PayPal Ventures, and Franklin Templeton Investments.

About Aptos Network

Aptos is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos’ breakthrough technology, scalable infrastructure and user safeguards are designed to power the next generation of financial systems by offering unparalleled high throughput and low latency that can scale to billions of users.

[1] https://defillama.com/chain/Aptos

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/aptos-powers-expo2025-digital-wallet-enhancing-user-experience-for-millions-of-visitors-302435284.html

SOURCE Aptos Labs