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Gandhinagar, Mar 31: The Leela Gandhinagar reinforced its commitment to environmental responsibility during Earth Hour 2026 through sustainability-led initiatives focused on energy conservation and conscious operations.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across designated areas for 60 minutes from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, symbolising a collective step towards climate awareness and responsible energy use. The initiative reflected the property’s continued efforts to minimise environmental impact while maintaining the standards of refined luxury hospitality.

Earth Hour also highlighted the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy, which includes energy-efficient practices, responsible resource management, and environmentally conscious measures integrated into daily operations.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood, General Manager, said “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel reaffirmed its dedication to advancing sustainable hospitality and contributing to a more responsible future.

Varanasi, Mar 31: Allcargo Logistics Limited, housing its Domestic Supply Chain business, Express Distribution and Consultative Logistics has, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and success of the Varanasi handloom cluster, home to thousands of weavers, traders and MSMEs engaged in the production and distribution of the world-renowned Banarasi silk sarees and other handloom products.

 

Allcargo Logistics serves several hundred active customers in the Varanasi handloom cluster, including small-scale weavers, traders, established saree manufacturers and exporters. The company provides door-to-door pick-up and delivery services along with value-added offerings such as cash-on-delivery (COD), helping businesses move their products safely and reliably to customers across India while enabling timely and secure payments, reducing credit risk and improving working capital cycles. Allcargo Logistics connects Varanasi to a wide distribution network across India, covering thousands of pin codes and key destination markets such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat and Ahmedabad.

Under the Varanasi cluster operating model, all consignments are first consolidated and routed to the Lucknow’s Transshipment Centre. From this mother hub, shipments are further distributed to transshipment centres across key locations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and other major markets. From there, shipments are routed for final delivery to retailers and wholesalers, ensuring a seamless, reliable and fully integrated end-to-end distribution network.

In addition to door-to-door delivery and COD, Allcargo Logistics offers express distribution, air and surface transportation, multimodal logistics solutions, shipment tracking and visibility tools, insurance coverage for high-value goods, reverse logistics and specialized handling for delicate handloom and saree consignments.

“We are proud to support the Varanasi handloom cluster, which represents a unique blend of India’s cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit”, said Mr. Ketan Kulkarni, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Allcargo Logistics. “For businesses handling high-value and delicate consignments such as Banarasi sarees and handloom products, reliability, security and timely delivery are critical. Our door-to-door services, supported by secure transportation, technology-enabled tracking and customer-centric solutions such as COD, are helping MSMEs and traders expand their reach and operate with greater confidence.”

Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Varanasi is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage and spiritual centres and is equally celebrated for its rich handloom heritage, particularly its Banarasi silk sarees. The handloom sector in and around Varanasi supports a large artisan base and continues to play an important role in the region’s economic and social fabric.

Shipments from the Varanasi cluster are typically smaller in size but high in value, requiring careful handling and secure movement. Allcargo Logistics supports the cluster through a hub-and-spoke operating model, with connectivity enabled via regional hubs, branch offices, and line-haul routes to ensure efficient first mile and last mile movement. Many shipments move by road, while air services are used for time-sensitive deliveries.

Over the years, Allcargo Logistics has witnessed consistent year-on-year growth in customer onboarding and shipment volumes from the Varanasi cluster, driven by growing trust in its services and wider network reach. The company’s logistics support has enabled businesses in the cluster to expand beyond traditional local markets, improve delivery reliability, build direct-to-customer capabilities, and move towards more organized and scalable operations.

As part of its ongoing focus on MSME-led clusters, Allcargo Logistics continues to evaluate opportunities to strengthen its presence in Varanasi and similar markets through improved route efficiency, expanded service coverage and capacity, enhanced technology-enabled solutions and additional infrastructure support wherever required.

 

New Delhi: The final trading day of the financial year 2025–26 turned out to be highly unfavorable for both the currency and stock markets in India. The Indian rupee weakened sharply, crossing the 95 mark against the US dollar for the first time in history.

This means that more than ₹95 was required to purchase one US dollar during the day’s trading. The sharp depreciation reflects growing pressure on the domestic currency amid global and domestic uncertainties.

One of the key factors behind the decline is the ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East, which has now entered its fifth week. The conflict has pushed up global crude oil prices, increasing India’s import bill. At the same time, foreign investors have been pulling money out of Indian markets, adding further strain on both the rupee and equity markets.

As a result, concerns are rising over higher inflation and weakening financial stability in the country.

The rupee had already closed at a record low of 94.81 against the dollar last Friday. On the latest trading day, it opened stronger at 93.59 but quickly lost ground, slipping to as low as 95.20 during intra-day trade. However, possible intervention by the Reserve Bank of India helped the currency recover slightly, allowing it to settle at 94.83 by the end of the session.

To curb volatility, the central bank had recently tightened rules for banks dealing in foreign exchange. It capped their daily net open foreign exchange positions at $100 million and instructed compliance by April 10. While the move initially supported the rupee, the relief proved short-lived.

Meanwhile, the stock market also faced heavy selling pressure, with the Sensex tumbling 1,635 points, reflecting investor anxiety and capital outflows.

Overall, during the financial year 2025–26, the rupee has depreciated by around 11.4% against the US dollar—marking one of its steepest declines in over a decade.

Hyderabad, Telangana, Mar 31: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited, a provider of AI-driven enterprise and digital infrastructure solutions, has received orders from, Hyderabad City Police, for the following:

• Supply, installation, and commissioning of AI-enabled high-performance rack servers and GPU-powered
• Deployment of “Blura Saga”, an AI-powered social media monitoring and intelligence platform for the Social Media Unit.

The scope of work involves delivery of advanced computing infrastructure and AI-based analytics solutions designed to enhance data processing, intelligence gathering, and mission-critical operations within Hyderabad City Police.

SYDNEY, 31 March 2026 – With so much volatility and uncertainty around the costs of tradeshows particularly around fuel surcharges ENTECH, the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand, has officially reaffirmed its, “one cost, all in” policy for all its exhibitors and the fact that it will not implement any fuel surcharges for its 2026 roadshows.

ENTECH trucks on tour

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “We’re aware of increasing industry commentary around diesel supply in Australia and understand that some people and companies may have concerns. This is not completely new territory for us as fuel supply volatility is a known operational risk and it is planned for accordingly.”

 

 

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie

 

ENTECH’s major logistics contractor operates a fleet of over 100 trucks nationally and works daily within the commercial bulk diesel supply chain.

McKenzie continued, “During previous periods of constraint, supply has consistently been prioritised toward linehaul operations, which is the category we operate in. Our current market view is that supply remains available, with pricing the primary variable. With that in mind we want to be 100% clear on the ENTECH Roadshow position that there will be no fuel surcharge passed on to exhibitors, all logistics and transport commitments remain fully in place and we will absorb any additional fuel costs required to ensure continuity. As always, exhibiting at ENTECH is at one cost, all in.”

ENTECH have built and grown their roadshows on trust, reliability and delivery and as McKenzie states, that does not change under current conditions.

Each year ENTECH moves national exhibitor freight over 10,500 km across Australia and 2,800 km across New Zealand reliably opening each roadshow on time and on budget whilst delivering millions of meaningful interactions between suppliers, manufacturers, practitioners and distributors of professional audio visual and entertainment technology.

When McKenzie states a “one cost, all in” policy for ENTECH exhibitors it’s worth noting that the cost includes all national road freight, on stand catering, marketing through 32 different media channels, the ENTECH-Connect registration and meeting system, pre-show visibility of registered trade, QR badge scanning and data collection, all power requirements, empty case management, on stand tables and chairs, inclusion in interactive demos, inclusion in a Tech Train during each show and all day barista coffee.

Kate McKenzie concluded, “ENTECH is a family business, established with continuous involvement in the industry since 1973. Over that time, we’ve seen the full arc of technological change from valves to solid state, analogue to digital and from heavy magnet loudspeakers to today’s lightweight rare-earth systems alongside the shift from high-cost, tariff-protected markets to globally competitive supply. Throughout all of these changes ENTECH has consistently championed industry capability, workplace standards and professional development that includes the NW Group ENTECH Theatre program. Whilst ENTECH will always move and keep up with the changing times, our ‘one cost, all in’ policy always remains the same.”

Registration for the Australian and New Zealand ENTECH Roadshows is free and open now.

Register today at: www.entech-roadshow.com

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – March 30: AD Ports Group (ADPORTS:ADX), a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics solutions, has published its 2025 Annual Report, which chronicled a year of record revenue and profits, as the Group strengthened its key trade corridors and geographies of operations, optimised its asset portfolio and balance sheet, and invested in key port infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and maritime connectivity to power its profit-enhancing international expansion.

The report ‘’Curating Connectivity” highlights the Group’s successful efforts at leveraging its growing presence along key international trade corridors and geographies of focus, such as in the UAE, Europe, Egypt, Pakistan, and Africa, to prime its integrated trade platforms for stronger performance and boost global connectivity, despite a challenging year marked by regional conflicts, tariffs, weakening global macroeconomic environment, and continued supply chain disruptions.

 

The Group’s Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, and Maritime & Shipping Clusters were the key drivers to the record Group Revenue of AED 20.77 billion, and record Total Net Profit of AED 2.07 billion, up 20% and 16%, respectively, from 2024.

Revenue and Profits have risen more than five-fold since 2020, amid the Group’s “intelligent internationalisation’’ expansion strategy, underpinned by significant investments at home to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as an international trade and industrial hub.

During 2025, the Group announced plans with global shipping line partner CMA CGM Group to expand their joint CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container facility in Abu Dhabi, less than a year after it opened, amidst heavy demand. Internationally, the Group purchased equity stakes in leading container terminal operators in Egypt and Syria, and announced plans with Egyptian partners to develop the 20 km² KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Zone at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said: “The Group’s results reflect not only the scale and resilience of its diversified business model and integrated clusters, but also the growing confidence that customers, partners, and investors place in AD Ports Group as a long-term driver of sustainable growth. AD Ports Group’s operational agility enables it to pivot profitably in volatile trading environments to produce consistent strong results through the cycle.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “Our performance in 2025 reflected the disciplined execution, the growing maturity of our asset base, and the increasing strategic importance of our corridor-focused and regional strategy to customers and partners worldwide. We continued, guided by our wise leadership, to interconnect our ports, maritime services, logistics platforms, and economic zones into a coherent ecosystem that enables customers to move cargo, capital, and operations more efficiently along key trade corridors.”

A significant achievement was the Group’s ability to leverage its expanding global network presence to win increasing amounts of business from existing major customers, whilst expanding its client base on five continents. During 2025, the Group’s customer base expanded by almost 20%, and spending by its top 10 customers increased by approximately 40%, demonstrating the growing appeal of the Group’s end-to-end solutions.

Reflecting the Group’s enhanced global role, Khalifa Port in 2025 was designated 39^th in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 Ports ranking of the world’s largest container ports. The Group first entered the prestigious global list at 95^th place in 2019.

During the year, the Group received a Guinness World Record^TM for deploying the most agentic AI agents, 205, across a global logistics company, and lowered the carbon intensity of its global operations, per unit of revenue, by 18% versus 2024, highlighting the ongoing success of its energy‑efficiency measures, low‑carbon investments, and the transition toward more electrified operations, especially in Ports and Maritime & Shipping.

Strategic Direction

AD Ports Group showcased resilient growth fuelled by the operational ramp up of its main businesses, sustained organic investment in new infrastructure and services, and continued selective mergers and acquisitions activities. Significantly, the Group streamlined and strengthened its balance sheet during the year through strong delivery from its core operations, and the launch of an active asset monetisation programme, which will raise AED 4.6 billion through the sale of land and warehouses, and the sale of a financial stake in NMDC, a global leader in engineering, procurement, construction, and marine dredging – subject to market conditions, regulatory approvals, and execution considerations.

The UAE’s expansion of its non-oil economy, and global supply chain shifts, continued to create financial tailwinds that drove the Group’s profitable global expansion.

The start of container feeder shipping services in West and East Africa, the commencement of multipurpose port terminal operations and an inland logistics business in Angola, and the ongoing expansion of the Group’s port operations in Pakistan, where it initiated dredging work and partnered with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to develop and operate a clean bulk handling and storage facility for agricultural goods at Karachi Port, were just three examples of Group efforts in 2025 to densify its key trade corridors.

Overall, 2025 was a year of consolidation and strategic refinement. In 2026, AD Ports Group remains focused on deepening its corridor-based model, integrating assets, and converting operational presence into sustainable long-term value. The Group will focus on developing, upgrading, and starting commercial operations of its port terminals in the UAE, and in Safaga, Egypt, Karachi, Pakistan, and Latakia, Syria.

Market Overview

Global shipping markets in 2025 operated against a backdrop of exceptional geopolitical, regulatory, and macroeconomic complexity. Trade flows were reshaped by ongoing sanctions regimes, heightened trade policy uncertainty, and persistent disruption to Red Sea and Suez Canal transits. The Group adjusted its operations to these challenges in alignment with applicable international and local regulations.

For diversified trade enablers such as AD Ports Group, market outcomes across shipping translated into differentiated opportunities across the wider ports, logistics, and economic cities platforms.

The UAE economy continued to provide a stable and supportive foundation for maritime and logistics activity. According to the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the UAE recorded GDP growth of approximately 5% in 2025, driven by non-oil expansion in trade, logistics, manufacturing and services.

As a result, UAE non-oil foreign trade exceeded USD 1 trillion (AED 3.8 trillion) in 2025, a 26% increase over the previous year, achieving targets five years ahead of schedule, and demonstrating the accelerating momentum of the country’s economic diversification strategy.

Global container trade growth, whilst important to AD Ports Group’s operating model, is not the sole proxy for measuring the performance of the diversified Group as a whole, which is still adding capacity, ramping up operations, gaining operational efficiency, developing synergies across its businesses, operating in higher growth regions, and benefiting from the economic diversification strategy of the UAE and its major trading partners.

The 2025 Annual Report can be accessed through the AD Ports Group website www.adportsgroup.com/en.