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  • India Remains Resilient Despite Global Uncertainty: Report

    New Delhi, June 24: India continues to showcase resilience in the face of global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, with strong participation from domestic investors helping stabilize financial markets, according to a recent report.

    The report highlights that despite external challenges such as geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices and global economic slowdowns, India’s financial markets have remained relatively stable due to sustained inflows from domestic investors.

    Growing participation from retail investors, mutual funds and domestic institutional investors has provided a strong cushion against volatility triggered by foreign capital movements. This trend has helped maintain investor confidence and support market performance during periods of global turbulence.

    Analysts noted that India’s robust macroeconomic fundamentals, expanding digital economy and steady economic growth outlook continue to attract long-term investment interest. The increasing role of domestic capital has also reduced the market’s dependence on foreign institutional flows.

    The report further stated that rising financial awareness, greater access to investment platforms and increasing household participation in equity markets have strengthened the country’s investment ecosystem.

    Experts believe that the growing influence of domestic investors will remain a key factor in supporting market stability and enhancing India’s ability to navigate global economic shocks in the years ahead.

  • Adani Electricity Rolls Out Comprehensive Monsoon Readiness Plan Across Mumbai

    Mumbai, June 24: Adani Electricity has intensified its monsoon preparedness measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply and safeguard nearly 3.15 million consumers across Mumbai during the rainy season.

    The company has implemented a comprehensive contingency plan aimed at minimizing disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, waterlogging, strong winds and other weather-related challenges commonly experienced during the monsoon months.

    As part of its preparedness strategy, Adani Electricity has strengthened its network infrastructure, conducted preventive maintenance of substations and distribution systems, and deployed dedicated emergency response teams across key locations in its service area.

    Officials said round-the-clock monitoring systems have been activated to quickly identify and address any potential faults, while critical equipment and backup resources have been positioned to ensure rapid restoration of services if required.

    The utility has also undertaken inspections of power installations in flood-prone areas and enhanced coordination with local authorities and emergency agencies to improve response capabilities during adverse weather conditions.

    With Mumbai entering the peak monsoon period, the company said customer safety and service reliability remain top priorities. Consumers have also been advised to follow electrical safety guidelines and report any power-related issues through the company’s customer service channels.

    The preparedness measures reflect Adani Electricity’s ongoing commitment to maintaining reliable power supply and ensuring operational resilience during one of the city’s most challenging weather seasons.

  • Rapid Solar Energy Expansion Creating New Green Employment Opportunities in India

    New Delhi, June 24: India’s accelerating adoption of solar energy is emerging as a major driver of green job creation, with a new report highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to employment and sustainable economic development.

    According to the report, the expansion of solar power capacity is generating opportunities across the value chain, including manufacturing, project development, installation, operations, maintenance and related support services.

    The growth of the solar sector is being supported by increasing investments in renewable energy, favourable policy initiatives and the country’s commitment to expanding clean energy capacity. These developments are helping create a new generation of jobs aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Industry experts said the renewable energy sector is not only contributing to India’s energy security goals but is also opening up employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and rural workers.

    The report noted that as solar installations continue to scale across utility, commercial and residential segments, demand for trained professionals in engineering, technical services and clean energy management is expected to rise significantly.

    Experts believe the solar industry will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable growth, fostering innovation and creating future-ready employment opportunities as India advances its clean energy transition.

    With renewable energy becoming a key pillar of economic development, the solar sector is expected to remain a major source of green jobs in the years ahead.

  • Advancing Green Hydrogen Integration for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive European Industries

    The EU has set an ambitious goal for Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The transition towards a green and sustainable society is underway.

    Energy-intensive industries such as the ceramics and glass sector account for a significant share of Europe’s industrial energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Decarbonising these sectors is therefore essential to achieving the European Union’s climate and industrial competitiveness objectives. While electrification will play a key role, additional solutions are needed to address high-temperature industrial processes where direct electrification remains challenging.

    Advancing Green Hydrogen Integration for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive European Industries

     

    INDTEGRATE, a Horizon Europe Innovation Action that addresses this challenge, was officially launched. The project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of industrial companies, technology developers, research organisations, universities, and innovation experts from across Europe to accelerate the integration of Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell (SOEC) technology into energy-intensive industries. By combining renewable electricity, industrial waste heat recovery, advanced digital technologies, and green hydrogen production, INDTEGRATE aims to demonstrate a practical and scalable pathway towards industrial decarbonisation. The project will develop a suite of advanced digital tools, including reduced-order models, Process and Electrolyser Digital Twins, to support the design, optimisation and operation of hydrogen production systems in the glass and ceramics sectors.

    Building on these digital capabilities, INDTEGRATE will engineer and validate a modular 220 kW SOEC system combining renewable electricity and industrial waste heat recovery to produce green hydrogen more efficiently. Through pilot demonstrations in operational industrial facilities, INDTEGRATE will assess the technical performance, operational flexibility and economic viability, while supporting the wider adoption of hydrogen technologies through stakeholder engagement, skills development, training activities and a roadmap for large-scale replication across Europe.

    Kick-off meeting overview and outcomes

    Hosted by the project coordinator, KERIONICS S.L. (Spain), the kick-off meeting marked the official start of INDTEGRATE and brought together representatives from all partner organisations to establish a common vision and implementation strategy for the next three years.

    During the meeting, consortium partners presented their respective roles and responsibilities and discussed the project’s technical, managerial, and communication activities. Particular attention was given to the development of the SOEC system, digital twin technologies, energy management solutions, and the preparation of the industrial pilot demonstrations in Spain and Slovenia. Partners also exchanged views on expected impacts, collaboration mechanisms, risk management procedures, and opportunities for creating synergies with other European initiatives supporting industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen technologies.

    The discussions confirmed a shared commitment to delivering innovative, industry-driven solutions capable of accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen in energy-intensive sectors while supporting Europe’s broader sustainability ambitions.

    Next steps

    Over the coming months, the INDTEGRATE consortium will focus on the detailed design and development of the project’s technological building blocks, including digital modelling tools, energy management systems, and SOEC integration strategies. Preparatory activities for the pilot demonstrations will also begin, alongside stakeholder engagement, dissemination, and collaboration activities designed to maximise the project’s impact.

    The first technical results and project developments are expected to be shared through the project’s communication channels and stakeholder engagement activities, contributing to the advancement of sustainable hydrogen solutions and the decarbonisation of European industry.

    Project consortium

    KERIONICS S.L.

    Torrecid SA

    Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)

    FUKS GROUP

    Bitwise Oy

    Steklarna Hrastnik LLC

    Precision Resource Slovenia

    Universitat Politècnica de València

    Center for Applied Energy Research e.V. (CAE)

    Ena Development Consultants

    YIVA Engineering SRL

    INCOTEC efficient Innovation

  • Omani Sanad Al Rawahi becomes first FIA scholar at the European Sport Business School

    FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says new scholarship supports next generation byopening doors to management careers in motorsport

    Omani Sanad Al Rawahi becomes first FIA scholar at the European Sport Business School

     

    Dubai, UAE, June 24: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, today announced that Omani Sanad Al Rawahi has been named the first-ever recipient of the FIA Scholarship for the Master’s in International Sports Management.

    Delivered in partnership with the European Sport Business School (ESBS) in Spain, the scholarship offers aspiring motor sport professionals the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and network required to build a career in the global sports industry.

    Provided through the FIA University Scholarship Programme, it creates new pathways into motor sport for talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

    Al Rawahi, Motorsport Manager at the Oman Automobile Association, brings more than a decade of experience managing race facilities, coaching drivers and delivering national and international events.

    He has progressed from marshal and racing coach to leading the development and growth of motor sport across Oman. A graduate of the FIA’s Immersion Programme (2024) and Advanced Leadership Programme (2025), he exemplifies the scholarship’s mission to develop motor sport leaders from emerging nations.

    H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “This new scholarship opens doors to management careers in motorsport, ensuring that future leaders are defined by their potential and ambition.

    “As part of our FIA University Scholarship Programme, this addition reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation by expanding opportunities around the world. Congratulations to Sanad as the first scholar to begin this exciting journey, I wish him all the success.”

    Sanad Al Rawahi, FIA ESBS Scholar, said: “Winning the FIA Scholarship is a real honour and a milestone in my motor sport journey. It gives me the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, and I hope to bring that knowledge back to Oman to help develop local talent and contribute to the growth of motor sport across the region.”

    The Master of International Sports Management prepares students for leadership roles across the sports industry through a practical, industry-focused approach.

    Established in 2009, it is recognised as one of the leading sports management degrees in Spain and Europe, and has consistently ranked as the top Master’s of its kind in Spain since 2017. The scholarship covers full tuition fees alongside a contribution towards travel and living costs in Spain.

    Jorge Coll, ESBS Founder and Honorary President at ACE Education Spain, said: “We are delighted to welcome the first FIA scholar to the Master’s in International Sports Management. Sanad’s experience and ambition embody exactly the kind of leadership this programme is designed to nurture.”

    Further information about the scholarship and how to apply can be found at fia.university or by emailing scholarship@fia.com.

     

  • Indian BFSI Leaders Demand Instant Resolution, Yet Workflow Redesign Remains a Challenge: Genesys–D&B Study

    Bengaluru, June 24: Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-Powered Experience Orchestration, today released findings from a new study conducted in partnership with Dun & Bradstreet examining the trends in customer experience across India’s Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector. The report, unveiled at the Partner Awards Summit 2026 at BKC, Mumbai, reveals a significant gap between the pace of rising customer expectations and the operational readiness of BFSI organisations to meet them.

    Indian BFSI Leaders Demand Instant Resolution, Yet Workflow Redesign Remains a Challenge: Genesys–D&B Study

    Based on a survey of more than 100 senior leaders across India’s banking, insurance, NBFC, fintech and wealth management sectors, the study finds that BFSI is no longer competing against industry peers alone. It is being benchmarked against the best digital experiences customers encounter across any sector. Yet while 41% of BFSI organisations report CX is now a board-level priority and 66% are investing in AI-assisted agent productivity, critical gaps remain in the underlying infrastructure required to translate faster interactions into genuine resolution outcomes.

    Key findings from the study include:

    BFSI leaders say customer expectations have shifted to real-time

    • 72% of BFSI leaders say customers expect instant resolution  queries resolved in minutes, not hours or days.
    • 60% report that transparency expectations have risen significantly, with customers demanding visibility into processes and fees.
    • 52% say customers expect proactive engagement, wanting to hear from BFSI providers before they have to ask.

    AI adoption is accelerating but governance readiness is lagging

    • 66% of BFSI leaders cite AI-assisted agent productivity as their top CX priority for the next 12–18 months.
    • Just 8% of BFSI leaders say their organisations have scaled AI deployment with governance and KPIs in place; 31 percent are still at the pilot stage.
    • Only 36% of BFSI leaders say their organisations are actively redesigning workflows for faster resolution, exposing a gap between customer expectations and operational readiness.
    • 69% of BFSI leaders cite data quality and fragmentation as the leading modernisation barrier, followed by legacy core system and CRM integration challenges (53%).
    • 51% of BFSI leaders identify regulatory and data privacy constraints, including DPDP, RBI, and IRDAI, as a top barrier to CX modernisation.
    • 74% of Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) leaders identify data fragmentation as their primary barrier — the highest of any sector, making personalisation and proactivity difficult to deliver at scale.

    CX has earned boardroom attention and is a key revenue driver

    • 41% of BFSI leaders have seen CX elevated to a board-level priority.
    • 38% see CX as a key revenue growth engine; another 38% view it as a trust and differentiation lever.

    Orchestrating cross-channel, AI and human experiences is the future

    • 73% of BFSI leaders identify WhatsApp and messaging platforms as the fastest-growing CX channel over the next three years, followed by mobile app interactions (69%).
    • 32% believe proactive, predictive service will be the defining differentiator for Indian BFSI CX leaders over the next 2–3 years.
    • 90% of FinTech leaders identify mobile app interactions as the fastest-growing channel — the highest sector figure in the survey.

    “The findings highlight a clear gap between consumer expectations for instant resolution and how BFSI organizations in India are redesigning workflows. At Genesys, we believe the next competitive frontier in BFSI will not be won by technology alone; it will be defined by organisations that can unify people, data, AI and channels into a single experience orchestration model that delivers both operational efficiency and customer loyalty at scale,” said Raja Lakshmipathy, Vice President & Managing Director, India & SAARC, Genesys.

    “As India’s BFSI sector enters a decisive phase, this research provides leaders with the data-backed clarity they need to act with confidence. Our findings highlight a critical disconnect between boardroom ambition and operational reality. While BFSI leaders have successfully elevated customer experience to a strategic priority, many are hitting a wall at the execution level. The challenge is no longer about the desire to modernise, but the ability to overcome the structural complexities of fragmented data and legacy integration. For an industry built on trust, the next competitive frontier will be defined by those who can bridge this gap by transforming siloed information into a unified engine for the real-time, proactive service that today’s digital-first customers demand,” said Govind Joshi, Chief Operating Officer, Dun & Bradstreet India.

    “The findings of this report reflect the reality of the Indian BFSI landscape, that is, speed and trust are now non-negotiable. While the industry faces significant hurdles with data quality and legacy integration, Tyger Capital has moved from fragmented touchpoints to a unified, responsive model that allows us to deliver the instant resolution our customers expect. For us, this isn’t just about technology; it’s about having the operational clarity to deliver on our brand promise,” said Naved Hussain, Head of IT & Business Solutions Group at Tyger Capital.

    Methodology

    This report is based on a primary research study by Dun & Bradstreet and Genesys and assesses the current state of customer experience (CX) transformation across the BFSI industry in India.

    The study captures how organisations are responding to rapidly evolving customer expectations, the priorities shaping CX investments, and the structural challenges affecting CX delivery at scale.

    The study is anchored in an online survey of 104 senior leaders from the BFSI industry, spanning banking, insurance, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), FinTechs, and wealth and asset management organisations. Respondents represent leadership across a diverse set of functional areas — including product, operations and strategy, marketing, information technology and digital, and customer service — providing a well-rounded view of how CX priorities are being shaped and executed at the sector level as well as across the overall BFSI landscape in India.

  • Toray Develops Breakthrough Hydrophilic Coating for Contact Lenses and Other Silicone-Based Medical Devices

    Tokyo, Japan, June 24: Toray Industries, Inc. announced today that it has developed an innovative hydrophilic coating that enhances the wettability of silicone materials by more than 20 times. This breakthrough enables silicone to achieve durable hydrophilicity, opening new possibilities for contact lenses and a broad range of medical device applications.

    Silicone materials are widely used in medical devices, including contact lenses and catheters, due to their flexibility and excellent biocompatibility. However, silicone’s inherently hydrophobic nature limits its suitability for applications requiring high wettability or lubricity. In contact lenses, poor wettability can lead to dryness and foreign-body sensations, while in catheters it can reduce maneuverability and increase the risk of blockages. Although various approaches, such as surface modification and material redesign, have been explored to improve silicone hydrophilicity, these methods often complicate manufacturing processes and present challenges in achieving adequate hydrophilicity and long-term clinical durability.

    To overcome these limitations, Toray leveraged its proprietary polymer molecular design and precision polymerization technologies to develop a novel hydrophilic polymer with a strong affinity for silicone. By utilizing the polymer’s self-assembly properties, the company successfully created a highly durable, nanometer-scale hydrophilic coating on silicone surfaces.

    The ultra-thin coating imparts hydrophilicity while preserving the silicone’s intrinsic physical properties. By bringing the hydrophilic polymer into contact with the surface of commercially available silicone hydrogels and applying heat, Toray can form a hydrophilic coating layer approximately 20 nanometers thick. Tests demonstrated that the coated surfaces exhibited more than a 20-fold improvement in wettability compared with uncoated surfaces, while the coefficient of friction decreased by approximately 90%. The coating also maintained high durability even after repeated rubbing.

    Applying this hydrophilic coating to contact lenses is expected to significantly enhance wearer comfort during prolonged use. In addition, studies have shown that the coating suppresses the adhesion of biological substances to silicone elastomers, suggesting potential applications in medical devices such as stents and catheters, where improved lubricity and reduced blockage could enhance performance and patient outcomes.

    Toray plans to actively promote this coating technology and expand its application across a wide range of medical device materials.

    Through continued innovation in advanced materials and healthcare technologies, Toray remains committed to helping create a world in which people can lead healthier, more comfortable, and more independent lives.

  • India’s Emerging Insurgent Brands Drive Dollar 7.5 Billion Revenue in FY25

    June 24: A new report has highlighted the rapid rise of India’s “insurgent brands,” which together generated over $7.5 billion in revenue in FY25, reflecting strong consumer demand for new-age, digital-first businesses.

    These brands, typically characterised by innovative business models, strong digital presence and direct-to-consumer engagement, have been expanding rapidly across sectors such as lifestyle, personal care, food and beverages, and consumer goods.

    According to the report, the growth of these brands has been driven by changing consumer preferences, increased online adoption and greater willingness among younger consumers to explore alternative products beyond traditional market leaders.

    Industry observers note that improved access to digital platforms, logistics networks and funding ecosystems has enabled these brands to scale quickly and compete with established players in the market.

    The report also highlights that insurgent brands are increasingly focusing on niche markets, product differentiation and community-driven marketing strategies to build strong customer loyalty.

    Experts believe the segment is expected to continue expanding as India’s digital economy matures, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation in the consumer sector.

  • PPDS and BrightSign® form strategic partnership; new AI-ready and UltraSlim Philips Signage ranges unveiled at InfoComm 2026

    InfoComm 2026: PPDSredefines digital display design with UltraSlimPhilips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

    Delivering an alternative to PPDS’ Android OS, the new Philips Signage 6060 with BrightSign Built-
    In unlocks a wealth of new opportunities for businesses, while the Philips Signage 7000 Series
    UltraSlim — up to 60 per cent slimmer than comparable models — becomes PPDS’ thinnest and

    June 24: At InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, announced a series of new products and strategic partnerships designed to expand the possibilities of digital display deployments. The announcements introduce advanced AI capabilities, greater installation flexibility, and new opportunities for businesses across a wide range of industries.

    PPDS and BrightSign® form strategic partnership; new AI-ready and UltraSlim Philips Signage ranges unveiled at InfoComm 2026

    PPDS Partners with BrightSign for AI-Ready Signage

    A key announcement at the event was PPDS’s strategic collaboration with BrightSign, a global leader in digital signage media players and operating systems. Together, the companies introduced the new Philips Signage 6060 with BrightSign Built-In, offering customers an alternative operating system option that combines high performance, enhanced security, and improved sustainability.

    Available in 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch models, the Philips Signage 6060 is designed for diverse environments, including retail, corporate offices, public venues, transportation hubs, and hospitality settings. Each display features a 500-nit UHD 4K panel, ensuring sharp, vibrant, and highly detailed content presentation.

    The new series also introduces a slimline design measuring less than 40mm in depth, enabling sleek, close-to-wall installations where aesthetics and space optimization are critical.

    BrightSign Integration Enhances Performance and Security

    The Philips Signage 6060 represents a major evolution in PPDS’ digital signage portfolio by integrating BrightSign’s flagship all-in-one XS156 player system-on-chip (SoC). Powered by the trusted BrightSignOS™, the displays provide superior control, enhanced security, and improved energy efficiency for both single-site and global deployments.

    Customers and channel partners gain access to BrightSign’s complete software ecosystem, including supported content management systems and the free remote device monitoring and management platform, BrightSign Control. These tools allow AV and IT teams to create and deploy content, monitor device health, and remotely manage software and security updates, helping to maximize uptime and extend product lifecycles.

    AI Processing Built Directly Into the Display

    Equipped with BrightSign Built-In technology, the Philips Signage 6060 leverages the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) within the XS156 platform to run AI applications directly on the display. This architecture enables faster, smoother AI processing without affecting CPU or GPU performance, ensuring seamless user experiences.

    Commenting on the launch, Bruce Wyrwitzke, Senior Director for North America at PPDS, said:

    “The new Philips Signage 6060 is a further demonstration of our commitment to support our partners and customers at every turn and for every need, no matter how complex or unique they might be. We’re delighted to have partnered with BrightSign to deliver this incredible new addition to our Philips Signage range.”

    Introducing the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim

    PPDS also unveiled the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim, the company’s thinnest and lightest 4K UHD digital signage range to date. Developed for demanding 24/7 environments, the new series combines premium visual performance with an innovative ultra-slim design.

    The displays are available in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch sizes and support both landscape and portrait orientation. Target applications include retail, corporate environments, hospitality venues, public spaces, and food and beverage establishments.

    Featuring a breakthrough chassis design, the 65-inch model measures just 30mm in depth, while the remaining sizes are only 28.5mm deep—up to 60 percent thinner than comparable Philips signage models. Weight reductions are equally significant, with the 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch variants weighing 10 percent less than their 4050Q counterparts, and the 65-inch model weighing 20 percent less.

    All models deliver 500 nits of brightness and feature an elegant 11.5mm uniform bezel, creating a refined appearance suitable for premium commercial environments.

    AI-Ready, Secure, and Built for Continuous Operation

    Powered by a professional Android 16 SoC and equipped with a TOPS 3.0 Neural Processing Unit, the Philips Signage 7000 Series is fully prepared for AI-driven applications while delivering reliable connectivity and enterprise-grade security.

    The series also incorporates PPDS’ FailOver technology, which automatically switches to backup content in the event of a primary media player failure, ensuring uninterrupted display operation when continuous communication is essential.

    Andrea Barbuti, Global Product Management Lead EMEA at PPDS, commented:

    “The new Philips Signage 7000 Series marks a new chapter in our signage display design, delivering visually spectacular performance and presentation across an unparalleled range of use cases. With the all-new slimline design, together with reduced weight, the installation opportunities are limitless.”

    Concluding the announcement, Bart Wouters, International Product Manager at PPDS, stated:

    “The Philips Signage 7000 Series delivers brilliance and beauty for almost any environment, enhancing and opening new opportunities for an even wider audience. Essentially, it brings all the features you expect from our premium Philips Professional Displays, together with an all-new, ultra-slim design.”

     

     

  • Rajasthan Pushes Ahead with Pachpadra Refinery Project

    Jaipur, June 24: Rajasthan Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Pachpadra Refinery project and stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the project soon, signalling the nearing completion of one of the state’s key industrial developments.

    The Chief Minister assessed construction and operational readiness of the refinery, which is considered a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting energy capacity, industrial growth and employment generation in the region.

    Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the current status of work, including technical installations, connectivity infrastructure and final-stage preparations required before commissioning.

    The project is expected to strengthen Rajasthan’s position in the petroleum and petrochemical sector, while also contributing to regional economic development through industrial expansion and downstream opportunities.

    Authorities said the refinery will play an important role in enhancing energy security and supporting long-term industrial growth once fully operational.

    The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the project will soon be ready for inauguration, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development journey.