Next Gen Consulting

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  • Nature-Based Solutions Key to India’s Water Security: Expert

    New Delhi, June 25: India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in sustainable water management by adopting nature-based solutions and innovative approaches, an expert said on Tuesday.

    Speaking on the importance of long-term water security, the expert highlighted that climate change, rapid urbanisation, and increasing demand are putting significant pressure on water resources across regions. In this context, nature-based solutions such as watershed restoration, wetland conservation, rainwater harvesting, and ecosystem-based water management were identified as key strategies.

    The expert noted that integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern technology can help improve water conservation outcomes and ensure sustainable use of resources. Community participation and decentralised water governance were also emphasised as critical components for success.

    India’s diverse geography and existing experience in large-scale water management programmes provide a strong foundation for scaling up such initiatives, the expert said. Strengthening local water bodies and improving groundwater recharge were highlighted as priority areas.

    The need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, local bodies, and communities was also underlined to ensure effective implementation of sustainable water practices.

    The expert further stated that investing in nature-based solutions not only supports water security but also contributes to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods.

    With growing global attention on environmental sustainability, India’s focus on innovative water management strategies could position the country as a model for other developing economies.

  • FIFA World Cup 2026: Fake Ticket Websites Raise Online Security Concerns

    New Delhi, June 25: Concerns have been raised over fraudulent online platforms impersonating official channels for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sales, with authorities and cybersecurity experts warning fans to exercise caution while booking tickets.

    Officials said several fake websites and misleading links have surfaced, attempting to imitate legitimate ticketing portals and deceive users into sharing personal and financial information. The surge in such activities has prompted increased monitoring and public advisories to ensure safe access to official ticketing channels.

    Cybersecurity experts have advised fans to verify official sources before making any purchases and avoid clicking on unverified links circulated through social media or messaging platforms. They also stressed the importance of checking domain authenticity and using only authorised platforms for ticket bookings.

    Organisers are expected to intensify awareness campaigns to help fans identify genuine ticketing sources and reduce the risk of online fraud during the tournament’s ticket sales phase.

    Authorities are working to track and block suspicious websites while encouraging users to report any suspected fraudulent activity to relevant agencies.

    With global demand expected to be high for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, experts say public vigilance will play a key role in preventing financial losses and ensuring secure transactions.

  • RAKEZ session helps SMEs strengthen business foundations through legal insights

    RAKEZ session helps SMEs strengthen business foundations through legal insights

     

    Ras Al Khaimah, June 25: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently brought together entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders for a practical knowledge-sharing session focused on helping SMEs better understand the legal foundations that support sustainable business growth.

    As businesses navigate increasingly complex operating environments, legal awareness has become an essential part of managing risk, protecting commercial interests, and making informed decisions. The session provided attendees with practical guidance on key legal considerations that business owners commonly encounter, from contracts and liabilities to compliance requirements and governance practices.

    Led by legal and compliance experts Simon Walker, Founder & Managing Partner of Skyewalker Law, and Jamie Killilea, Founding Partner and Global Head of Compliance at CGI Consultancy, the discussion explored common legal pitfalls faced by SMEs and offered practical insights on how businesses can strengthen their legal foundations as they grow.

    During the session, participants gained a clearer understanding of how well-structured contracts can help protect commercial relationships, the importance of understanding liabilities and obligations, and the role of compliance in supporting long-term business success. The interactive format also encouraged discussion around real-world business scenarios, enabling attendees to learn from practical examples and expert perspectives.

    Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, said, “Business growth and legal preparedness must go hand in hand. As SMEs expand, even minor oversights in contracts, compliance, or governance can result in significant financial and operational consequences. Equipping business owners with practical legal knowledge enables them to navigate challenges with greater confidence, safeguard their interests, and create stronger foundations for sustainable growth. This is part of our broader commitment to supporting businesses beyond setup and throughout their growth journey.”

    The session also provided valuable networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders, exchange experiences, and discuss common challenges associated with growing and managing businesses in an evolving business environment.

    Through initiatives like these, RAKEZ continues to create opportunities for businesses to access relevant expertise, exchange experiences with peers, and gain practical insights that support their ongoing development.

     

  • ASICS partners with Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy to strengthen India’s tennis ecosystem

    Bengaluru , June 25: ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, announced its partnership with Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy, aimed at nurturing and developing tennis talent in India. The collaboration brings together ASICS’ global expertise in performance innovation and RBTA’s established training platform to create structured pathways for professional and aspiring athletes. ASICS partners with Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy to strengthen India’s tennis ecosystem

    The partnership brings a holistic approach to athlete development, integrating performance, wellbeing and progression inspired by the philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’. ASICS will work with RBTA to create meaningful athlete experiences through product access, education around performance technologies, tennis clinics, masterclasses, tournaments, and opportunities to engage with elite athletes from ASICS’ ecosystem. It will further support long-term athlete development through RBTA’s High-Performance and Jr. Pro programmes, enabling access for promising players.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India & South Asia, said,

    “Tennis is one of the fastest growing categories within our Core Performance Sports segment and in India, we are seeing a clear rise in participation and aspiration around the sport. With our collaboration with RBTA, we are transforming a long-standing partnership into an opportunity to support talent at the grassroots. Guided by our philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’, we aim to strengthen the tennis ecosystem by providing young players with access to world-class performance products, education, mentorship, and opportunities that help them realise their full potential. Together, we hope to contribute meaningfully to the future of Indian tennis and inspire the next generation of champions.”

    Commenting on the collaboration, Rohan Bopanna, Founder and Mentor, Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) said,

    “I have been associated with ASICS for many years & this partnership feels like a natural extension of a relationship built on shared values. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that long-term success comes from a combination of the right mindset, physical preparation and a strong support system. At RBTA, our goal is to create an environment where young players can develop not only their tennis, but also the habits, resilience and professionalism required to succeed at the highest level. ASICS brings global expertise, innovation and a philosophy that aligns closely with our approach to athlete development. Together, we hope to provide aspiring players with greater access to the tools, knowledge and support they need to realise their potential and help shape the future of Indian tennis.”

    Over the past decade, RBTA has emerged as one of India’s leading tennis academies. The partnership with ASICS will further strengthen its ability to deliver a comprehensive training ecosystem, combining technical coaching with the latest advancements in performance gear and athlete education. The collaboration also reflects ASICS’ broader commitment to Indian sport through sustained investments across disciplines including running, cricket, and racquet sports, reinforcing its athlete-first philosophy and the core belief of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ in building stronger sporting communities and champions of tomorrow.

  • AAEON’s Release of the EPIC-PTH9 Puts a Spotlight on Industrial AI

    AAEON’s Release of the EPIC-PTH9 Puts a Spotlight on Industrial AI

     

    Blending Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processing with a reinforced, low-profile design, the EPIC-PTH9 sees AAEON target the industrial AI sphere.

     

    Taipei, Taiwan – June 25:  Industry-leading provider of embedded solutions AAEON (Stock Code: 6579) today announced the release of the EPIC-PTH9, a 4” industrial single-board computer with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors (formerly Panther Lake), PCIe Gen 5 x8 expansion, and a robust, low-profile design. 

    Offering standard models with a choice of either the Intel Core Ultra X7 Processor 358H or Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 356H, the EPIC-PTH9 can deliver up to 180 TOPS of AI performance through the Intel platform’s integrated CPU, Intel Arc B390 GPU, and NPU.

    Given the product’s positioning as a platform for industrial AI applications, its I/O is geared towards support for the need to support multiple cameras, sensors, or control devices such solutions require. For this, the EPIC-PTH9 comes with four LAN ports, three of which three running at 2.5GbE and one at 1GbE speed, with two of these four ports supporting PXE enablement.

    Other notable I/Os come in the form of four USB ports (two USB 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB 2.0), as well as four internal serial port headers. The board also provides a GPIO 8-bit, and SMBus header, co-lay with I2C and timed GPIO functions, which can be changed by BOM.

    Perhaps the biggest difference between the EPIC-PTH9 and its predecessors, outside of its processing foundation, is the presence of a PCIe 5.0 x8 slot, which can be used to host next-gen AI accelerators, frame grabbers, and other specialized industrial I/O cards. Other expansion options include a M.2 3052 B-Key, M.2 2230 E-Key, and M.2 2280 M-Key slots for 5G, Wi-Fi, and NVMe storage modules, respectively.

    The EPIC-PTH9 also sees improvements in its environmental ruggedness, with a default temperature range of -20°C to 70°C and a 9V to 24V power input tolerance. These features are particularly notable given the board’s low-profile 1U I/O height.

    With respect to OS compatibility, the EPIC-PTH9 lists support for both Windows 11 and Linux Ubuntu 26.04 (kernel 7.0.0-14). 

  • Government Introduces QR Code System to Track High-Risk Medicines

    New Delhi, June 25: The Government of India has mandated the use of QR codes on vaccines, antimicrobials, and cancer drugs as part of a strengthened regulatory framework aimed at curbing counterfeit medicines and improving drug traceability across the supply chain.

    Officials said the move is intended to ensure end-to-end tracking of critical and high-value pharmaceutical products, enhancing patient safety and strengthening trust in the healthcare system. The QR code system will allow stakeholders, including regulators, healthcare providers, and consumers, to verify the authenticity of medicines in real time.

    The initiative is expected to improve transparency across manufacturing, distribution, and retail channels by enabling digital verification at every stage of the supply chain. Authorities said this will help reduce the risk of spurious or substandard drugs entering the market.

    Regulatory bodies will oversee the implementation process, ensuring compliance from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Companies will be required to integrate QR-based tracking systems into packaging for the specified categories of medicines.

    Health officials noted that the step is particularly significant for life-saving drugs such as vaccines, cancer treatments, and antimicrobial medicines, where counterfeit risks can have serious public health implications.

    The government stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of leveraging digital technologies to strengthen healthcare governance and improve patient safety outcomes.

    Experts believe the measure will enhance accountability in the pharmaceutical sector and position India’s drug regulatory system among the more advanced globally in terms of traceability and anti-counterfeit mechanisms.

  • India’s Startup Ecosystem Attracts Robust Funding in H1 2026

    New Delhi, June 25: India’s technology sector has attracted $7.2 billion in funding during the first half (H1) of 2026, marking a 12% year-on-year increase and reflecting sustained investor confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem, according to a Tracxn report.

    The rise in funding highlights continued global and domestic interest in India’s tech-driven economy, with investments flowing into startups and companies operating across fintech, artificial intelligence, SaaS, deep tech, and consumer internet segments.

    Analysts said the growth in funding is supported by strong digital adoption, expanding internet penetration, and increasing demand for technology-enabled services across both urban and semi-urban markets. Improved investor sentiment and a maturing startup ecosystem have also contributed to the upward trend.

    Despite global macroeconomic uncertainties, India remains one of the most attractive destinations for venture capital and private equity investments in the technology space, driven by its large consumer base and innovation potential.

    Industry experts noted that late-stage funding and growth-stage investments have shown renewed momentum, while early-stage startups continue to attract steady capital inflows, indicating a balanced investment environment.

    The report suggests that India’s tech sector is expected to maintain its growth trajectory in the coming months, supported by digital transformation initiatives, policy stability, and increasing enterprise adoption of technology solutions.

    With $7.2 billion already raised in H1 2026, the sector is on track for another strong year in technology investments, reinforcing India’s position as a global innovation hub.

  • India Makes First Sea Shipment of Banganapalle Mangoes to Singapore

    New Delhi, June 25: In a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports, Banganapalle mangoes have been exported to Singapore via sea route for the first time, marking a major step towards expanding cost-efficient and scalable logistics for perishable goods.

    The shipment highlights India’s efforts to diversify export channels beyond air cargo and strengthen cold chain infrastructure for fresh produce. The use of sea transport is expected to reduce logistics costs and improve export volumes for premium agricultural products in the long term.

    Officials said the development is an important breakthrough for exporters, as sea-based shipments can offer better scalability for international trade, especially for high-demand fruits like mangoes. It also supports India’s broader goal of improving post-harvest handling and global supply chain efficiency.

    Banganapalle mangoes, a GI-tagged variety from Andhra Pradesh, are widely known for their rich taste, fibreless texture, and strong demand in international markets, including Singapore.

    Experts believe that successful adoption of sea routes for mango exports could pave the way for wider use of maritime logistics for other perishable commodities, provided adequate temperature-controlled systems and packaging standards are maintained.

    The initiative is expected to benefit farmers and exporters by improving price competitiveness and opening new opportunities in global markets.

    Authorities stated that this milestone reflects India’s growing capability in agricultural exports and its focus on strengthening trade infrastructure for long-term growth.

  • Government Tourism Schemes Drive Infrastructure Growth Across India

    New Delhi, June 25: Government tourism schemes are significantly transforming tourism infrastructure across India, leading to improved connectivity, upgraded facilities, and increased visitor inflows at key destinations.

    Officials said various central and state-level initiatives focused on tourism development have led to the renovation of heritage sites, development of new tourist circuits, and enhancement of basic infrastructure such as roads, signage, accommodation, and transport facilities.

    The initiatives aim to promote both domestic and international tourism by improving accessibility to culturally and historically significant locations, while also supporting local economies through job creation and livelihood opportunities.

    Tourism stakeholders noted that improved infrastructure has helped boost footfall at several destinations, particularly in heritage, spiritual, and eco-tourism segments. The development of integrated tourism circuits has also contributed to better travel experiences for visitors.

    The government has been focusing on sustainable tourism development, ensuring that infrastructure growth aligns with environmental conservation and community participation.

    Officials added that ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure are expected to further strengthen India’s position as a global tourism hub in the coming years.

    Experts believe that continued focus on tourism development will play a key role in regional economic growth, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where tourism acts as a major source of income.

    The overall impact of these schemes is being seen in improved facilities, better connectivity, and rising tourist engagement across multiple states in the country.

  • Amazon CEO Announces Massive Dollar 48 Billion India Expansion Plan

    New Delhi, June 25: Amazon CEO has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced plans to invest $48 billion in India by 2030, marking one of the company’s largest long-term commitments in the country.

    The investment is expected to be directed towards expanding Amazon’s e-commerce infrastructure, strengthening cloud computing capabilities, enhancing logistics networks, and supporting digital innovation across India.

    According to officials, the announcement reflects growing confidence in India’s digital economy and its rapidly expanding consumer and enterprise markets. The planned investment is also expected to create new opportunities in technology, supply chain management, and employment generation over the coming years.

    During the meeting, discussions focused on India’s digital transformation, ease of doing business, and the role of technology in driving inclusive economic growth. The government highlighted its continued focus on building a strong digital ecosystem to support global and domestic companies.

    Amazon’s commitment is expected to further deepen its presence in India, where it already operates across multiple sectors including e-commerce, cloud services through Amazon Web Services (AWS), and digital payment solutions.

    Industry experts say the investment underscores India’s position as a key global growth market for technology and retail expansion. It also aligns with broader trends of increasing foreign direct investment in India’s digital and infrastructure sectors.

    The company stated that the long-term investment will support innovation, expand small business participation on its platform, and improve customer experience across the country.

    The announcement is seen as a significant boost to India’s digital economy and reinforces global investor confidence in the country’s growth trajectory.