Category: Business

  • Scale, Cash Flow and Capacity Drive NMDC to Record FY26 Performance

    Scale, Cash Flow and Capacity Drive NMDC to Record FY26 Performance

    Hyderabad, 29 May 2026: State-owned iron ore major NMDC capped FY26 with its strongest operational and financial performance to date, as robust production growth and disciplined execution helped the company scale new highs across key performance indicators.

    With iron ore production climbing 21% to a record 53.16 million tonnes and sales rising 13% to 50.24 million tonnes in FY26, NMDC delivered the highest-ever annual volumes in its history. The twin milestones signal both resilient domestic steel demand and the expanding capabilities of India’s largest iron ore producer.

    The surge in production and dispatches fed directly into NMDC’s financial performance, with turnover growing by 33% to an all-time high of Rs. 31,554 crore for FY26. EBITDA rose 9% to Rs. 10,737 crore, while profit before tax rose 9% to Rs. 10,155 crore and net profit increased 11% to Rs. 7,421 crore. 

    NMDC reported capital expenditure of ₹3,690 crore for FY26, while continuing to deliver healthy shareholder returns. The Board recommended a final dividend of Re 1 per share, subject to shareholder approval. Together with the interim dividend of Rs. 2.5 per equity share declared for FY26, the total dividend for the year amounts to Rs. 3,077 crore.

    NMDC delivered a strong finish to FY26 with a standout Q4 performance, marked by broad-based growth across production, sales and financial metrics. Iron ore production rose 22% year-on-year to 16.27 million tonnes, while sales increased 21% to 15.30 million tonnes.

    The robust volume growth translated into a sharp expansion in financial performance, with turnover surging 61% to Rs. 11,173 crore. Profit before tax rose 22% to Rs. 2,875 crore, while profit after tax increased 35% to Rs. 2,020 crore, supported by improved realisations and steady operational efficiency. EBITDA grew 21% to Rs. 3,072 crore, rounding off a quarter that reinforced NMDC’s dominance in the sector.

    Scale, Cash Flow and Capacity Drive NMDC to Record FY26 Performance

     “With record production, topline growth, strategic capital deployment and stronger financial metrics across the board, NMDC closed FY26 with a momentum that places us in a distinctly higher league among India’s large public sector enterprises. We are determined to sustain this volume growth, enhance asset productivity and build future-ready mining capacity” said Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC. 

    This performance reflects a transition underway within the company, from being primarily a high-cash-flow mining PSU to emerging as a larger-scale, capital-intensive resource enterprise with expanding operational and financial heft.

  • Humanscale to Explore “Body. Planet. Materials.” at Fulton Market Design Days 2026 Featuring Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge

    (Chicago, Illinois – May 2026) – Humanscale, the leader in high-performance ergonomic design, will return to Fulton Market Design Days 2026 with a showcase centered on the
    future of adaptable, human-centered environments. Presented during the industry’s leading commercial interiors event, Humanscale’s exhibition will highlight solutions designed to support flexibility, wellness, and productivity across today’s evolving workplaces as well as hospitality and residential environments. Guided by the theme “Body. Planet. Materials.,” the presentation will explore the interconnected relationship between human wellbeing,  sustainable innovation, and the future of materiality in design.

    A major component of the presentation will be a museum-style exhibition exploring Next Generation Materials and the future of sustainable manufacturing. Centered on the belief that the future of design depends on materials that support both human wellbeing and planetary health, the installation will showcase emerging innovations that transform waste into resources and biology into manufacturing. The exhibit will examine how these advanced materials can reduce reliance on virgin extraction while opening new possibilities for high-performance, environmentally responsible design.

    Humanscale to Explore “Body. Planet. Materials.” at Fulton Market Design Days 2026 Featuring Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge

     

    Expanding on the “Body. Planet. Materials.” concept, the exhibition will also feature conversations and activations developed in collaboration with leading sustainability organizations including the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), Design for Freedom, and mindful MATERIALS, further reinforcing Humanscale’s commitment to transparency, material health, and ethical manufacturing practices across the built environment.

    Among the featured products will be Diffrient Lounge, one of the final concepts envisioned by legendary designer Niels Diffrient and recently honored with a Red Dot Design Award in Product Design. Blending residential comfort with advanced ergonomic engineering, the lounge chair reimagines how people work, relax, and connect within hybrid environments.

    Motorized adjustments, integrated power, and an adaptable worksurface create a seamless experience that responds intuitively to the body while maintaining a refined, minimalist
    aesthetic while enabling smooth transitions between seated work, rest, and informal collaboration.

    Building on this platform, Humanscale will debut eFloat Quattro Studio, a purpose-built meeting table designed specifically for today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Optimized for small-group meetings of two to seven people, eFloat Quattro Studio integrates connectivity, power, and display support directly into the table itself, simplifying meeting environments while enabling organizations to deploy collaborative spaces quickly and efficiently without complex AV infrastructure, permanent room builds, or extensive installation requirements.

    Designed to support both seated and standing collaboration, the solution creates flexible meeting environments that adapt seamlessly across open-office huddle spaces, executive offices, project review areas, and hybrid meeting rooms.

    The presentation will also feature M/Charge, Humanscale’s new modular 2-in-1 magnetic wireless charging solution designed to integrate with the M/Connect 3 ecosystem while also functioning as a standalone charging dock. Supporting simultaneous dual-device charging through Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible technology, M/Charge delivers fast, efficient charging with magnetic alignment, flexible viewing angles, and a weighted metal base engineered for stability and effortless one-handed use. Designed for modern workspaces, hospitality settings, and residential environments alike, the solution reflects Humanscale’s continued focus on intuitive functionality, seamless integration, and reduced desktop complexity.

    Humanscale’s presence at Fulton Market Design Days will further underscore its broader commitment to sustainability and purposeful innovation. As the only major commercial
    furniture manufacturer in the United States certified as a B Corp, Humanscale will continue to develop products and processes that prioritize both human health and environmental responsibility through a net positive design approach that integrates material transparency, reduced environmental impact, and long-term product longevity.

    In addition to the showroom presentation, Humanscale will host a series of Fulton Market Design Days events and activations throughout the week designed to foster conversation around design, sustainability, and the future of work. Programming will include a Morning Walk/Jog Meet-Up on Monday, June 8 from 7:00–7:45 AM, followed by a Happy Hour with mindful MATERIALS from 5:00–6:00 PM and a Party at Federales from 6:00–9:00 PM.

    On Tuesday, June 9, Humanscale will host a Happy Hour with Living Future and Design for Freedom from 5:00–6:00 PM. The showroom, located at 345 N Morgan St., Suite 150 in Chicago, will remain open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM throughout Fulton Market Design Days from June 8-10, 2026, with coffee and light fare available at The Emily Hotel café adjacent to the showroom.

    These events and activations will bring together designers, architects, sustainability leaders, brand partners, and members of the broader creative community for networking opportunities and discussions centered on innovation, wellbeing, and material transparency.

  • ConfirmTkt Marks RCB’s Historic Finals Entry with Free Metro Rides on May 31st, 2026 for RCB Fans Across Bengaluru

    ConfirmTkt Marks RCB’s Historic Finals Entry with Free Metro Rides on May 31st, 2026 for RCB Fans Across Bengaluru

    Mumbai, May 29: ConfirmTkt, India’s leading authorised B2C online train ticketing and travel utility platform (an ixigo group company), and official train ticketing partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), today announced a city-wide offer for RCB‘s entry into the Finals. On May 31st2026, the final match day, ConfirmTkt will offer free metro tickets on all Bengaluru Metro lines to every fan in the city, bookable directly through the ConfirmTkt app.

    The initiative is designed to make match day seamless – no parking nightmares, no last-minute scrambles, no long queues. Whether you’re heading out to watch the game from a fan zone across the city, or catching up with friends and family, ConfirmTkt is helping Bengaluru move together, travel smarter, and enjoy match day with ease.

    Offer Details

    •  Valid on: 31st May 2026 (Match Day only)

    •  Applicable on: All Bengaluru Metro lines

    •  How to claim: Open the ConfirmTkt app, navigate to Metro Tickets, and book your free ride

    •  T&Cs: Offer valid up to 2 times per user on the day, up to Rs. 100.

    Speaking on the offer, Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO, ixigo Trains & ConfirmTkt, said, “RCB’s journey to the finals is a proud moment for Bengaluru. As a brand that helps millions of people travel every day, we wanted to give something back to the city on this special occasion. By offering free metro rides, we’re helping fans skip the traffic and focus on what matters most, which is enjoying the match day experience with friends and family. We hope this initiative makes travel easier, greener, and more convenient for everyone across the city.”

    ConfirmTkt users can claim their free metro ride by downloading or opening the ConfirmTkt app and booking under the Metro Tickets section. The offer is valid for all metro lines across the Bengaluru network on May 31st, 2025.

  • Tembo Global Industries Ltd. Reports Robust Results for Q4 & FY26

    Tembo Global Industries Limited, a leading engineering-driven industrial solutions provider for sectors such as oil & gas, chemicals, construction, power, shipbuilding, nuclear, HVAC, and OEM installations is pleased to announce its impressive financial performance for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2026.

    Consolidated Financial Highlights – Q4 & FY26

    Particulars

    Q4FY26

    Q4FY25

    YoY

    Q3FY26

    QoQ

    FY26

    FY25

    YoY

    (in INR Crores)

    Revenue from Operations

    346.0

    274.0

    26.3%

    250.7

    38.0%

    1,090.2

    743.2

    46.7%

    EBITDA

    39.0

    28.8

    35.2%

    43.2

    (9.7%)

    142.5

    91.7

    55.4%

    EBITDA margin

    11.3%

    10.5%

    75bps

    17.2%

    (596 bps)

    13.1%

    12.3%

    74 bps

    PAT

    30.1

    15.6

    93.3%

    26.1

    15.1%

    98.2

    54.7

    79.7%

    PAT margin

    8.7%

    5.7%

    302bps

    10.4%

    (173 bps)

    9.0%

    7.4%

    166 bps

    EPS (in INR)

    16.87

    8.84

    90.8%

    15.38

    9.7%

    51.23

    31.13

    64.6%

     Consolidated Financial Results – Q4 & FY26

    ·        Revenue:

    o   Revenues during Q4 FY26 grew by 26.3% YoY to INR 346 crores led by significant growth in Engineering segment

    o   FY26 Revenue stood at INR 1,090 crores, grew by 46.7% YoY

    ·        EBITDA:

    o   EBITDA for Q4 FY26 stood at INR 39 crores, up by 35.2% YoY; for FY26 stood at INR 143 crores, up by 55.4% YoY

    o   EBITDA Margin for Q4 FY26 stood at 11.3%, expanded by 75 bps YoY; FY26 EBITDA margins expanded by 74 bps YoY to 13.1%.

    ·        PAT:

    o   PAT during Q4 FY26 increased by 93.3% YoY to INR 30 crores; PAT margin stood at 8.7%, expanded by 302 bps YoY

    o   PAT during FY26 grew by 79.7% YoY to INR 98 crores; PAT margin expanded by 166 bps YoY to 9.0%

    Commenting on the significant performance, Managing Director of Tembo Global Industries, Mr. Sanjay J. Patel expressed his view:

    FY26 has been a transformational year for Tembo Global Industries, marked by strong financial performance, execution excellence, and decisive progress across our strategic growth pillars. The Company delivered robust growth with revenues rising 46.7% YoY to INR 1,090 crore, while EBITDA and PAT grew by 55.4% and 79.7% YoY, respectively, reflecting improved scale, operating leverage, and disciplined execution.

    Engineering:

    Our Engineering Solutions segment remained the primary growth driver, scaling significantly on the back of strong demand from infrastructure-linked sectors such as oil & gas, marine, water, and EPC.

    EPC:

    During the year, we strengthened our global project credentials with our qualification as the L1 bidder for a prestigious offshore revamp project by a leading company in Kuwait, with an estimated value of ~INR 300 crore. The project involves complex engineering systems including fire protection, marine equipment, and integrated infrastructure, underscoring our ability to deliver high-value, technically demanding international assignments.

    Our order book remains robust at ~INR 1,548 crore, supported by a strong order bidding pipeline of over INR 2,256 crores, providing strong medium-term revenue visibility. Additionally, we are actively pursuing INR 700+ crore opportunities in port construction and fuel farm systems, further strengthening our EPC pipeline across civil, MEP, and HVAC segments.

    Solar:

    Our solar projects continue to advance in line with the planned timeline, with all sites expected to be fully operational by the end of Q2 FY27. Commercial operations in the solar segment are slated to commence from Q3 FY27, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the Company’s diversified revenue streams and support its long-term growth strategy.

    Defence:

    A key highlight of the year has been our strategic entry and rapid progress in the defence manufacturing segment, where our subsidiary secured a Defence Manufacturing Licence from the Government of Maharashtra to establish a small arms facility following our WEF 2025 MoU with MIDC, along with a Government of India licence for ammunition manufacturing. Additionally, we have entered into an NDA with a leading defence PSU to explore opportunities in indigenous design, development, and production, strengthening our position in India’s defence ecosystem.

    These milestones collectively position Tembo to participate meaningfully in India’s defence indigenisation journey under initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, while opening long-term growth avenues in both domestic and export markets.

    Our balance sheet remains strong, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77:1 as of 31st March 2026. Even while undergoing a phase of capital expenditure, the company maintained healthy return ratios, with Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) at 18.4% and Return on Equity (ROE) at 20.0% as on 31st March 2026.

    Looking ahead, we remain focused on executing our strong order book, ramping up capacity utilisation, and scaling our presence across engineering, EPC, defence, and renewable energy businesses. With a strong pipeline, improved global participation, and clear visibility towards our growth targets, we expect to achieve revenues of approximately INR 1,600 crore in FY27, driven primarily by the engineering business. We are confident of sustaining our growth momentum and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.”

  • Role of Connectivity in Driving Residential Demand Across NCR

    For the better part of two decades, distance from Delhi determined the desirability of a residential address in the National Capital Region. Buyers tolerated longer commutes in exchange for affordability, and developers priced their offerings accordingly — discounting location to sell the product. That calculus has now fundamentally changed. Across NCR, the corridors once considered peripheral are today among the most actively absorbed residential markets in the country. The reason is not a shift in buyer preference alone. It is infrastructure — expressways completed, metro lines extended, and an international airport rising at Jewar  that has redrawn the region’s investment geography from the ground up.

    The transformation has been years in the making. The completion of the Dwarka Expressway across its full 29-kilometre stretch, the progressive expansion of the Delhi Metro network, and the operationalisation of the Noida International Airport at Jewar have together created a connectivity backbone that was previously absent. Infrastructure that once existed in master plans is now embedded in the daily commute of hundreds of thousands of residents. That shift from promise to pavement is what is driving residential demand at a scale the region has rarely witnessed.

    According to ANAROCK Research, average residential prices along Dwarka Expressway rose 83 %over the past decade, with the corridor recording a 58% year-on-year surge in Q4 2024. In the Noida-Greater Noida belt, the story is equally compelling as average housing prices in Greater Noida rose from Rs 3,340 per square foot in Q1 2020 to Rs 6,600 per square foot by Q1 2025, a 98% appreciation. Noida recorded the second-highest rise at 92%. Unsold inventory across NCR fell 51 %over the same five years, with inventory overhang dropping from 88 months to 17 months by Q1 2025.

    Yash Miglani, Managing Director, Migsun Group, says, “Today’s homebuyer does not compromise on connectivity and what has changed is that they no longer have to. What we are seeing specifically across Noida and Greater Noida is that the infrastructure investments made over the past decade are now fully visible on the ground, in the form of completed expressways, operational metro stations, and a functioning multimodal network.The fact that buyers are no longer asking whether the infrastructure will arrive, but which project best positions them within it, tells you everything about how far this region has come.”

    The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway corridor illustrates this evolution with particular clarity. Once defined largely by its distance from established urban centres, the corridor now benefits from multi-modal connectivity that places it among NCR‘s most accessible micro-markets. The Aqua Line metro connects key sectors directly to the Delhi Metro Blue Line interchange, while the Yamuna Expressway provides the arterial link southward toward Jewar. Buyer profiles along this stretch have visibly shifted — from investors seeking early-stage appreciation to end-users making considered, long-term lifestyle decisions. The emergence of large-format integrated developments offering green spaces, institutional amenities, and proximity to the upcoming film city and data centre hubs reflects the genuine depth of this demand.

    Kushagr Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, says, “The Gurugram market has evolved steadily over the past three years, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and improved connectivity. Key corridors are witnessing growing interest from buyers who recognise the long-term value created by enhanced road networks, metro expansion, and proximity to major business districts. The buyers in this market today are informed and confident, with a clear inclination towards mid-to-large ticket sizes, reflecting sustained trust in both project delivery and the city’s infrastructure-led growth.”

    Gurugram’s Dwarka Expressway corridor tells a parallel story from the western flank of NCR. With the expressway now fully operational connecting Delhi’s Dwarka to Kherki Daula in Gurugram and substantially reducing travel time to Indira Gandhi International Airport — sectors along this stretch have recorded sharp capital appreciation. Demand has moved well beyond the investor community. Young professionals, nuclear families, and senior executives relocating from Delhi are actively choosing this corridor for its combination of connectivity, infrastructure quality, and value relative to saturated inner-city markets.

    Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairperson, Sikka Group, says, “What we are witnessing across NCR is not a speculative cycle but a structural rerating of micro-markets that now have genuine infrastructure underpinning. Buyers today evaluate connectivity with precision — metro access, expressway proximity, and commute times have become non-negotiable parameters in the purchase decision. The corridors that have delivered on these parameters are seeing sustained end-user demand, not merely investor interest, and that distinction matters enormously for the long-term health of the market.”

    Therefore, what is unfolding across NCR is more than a real estate cycle. It is a structural reordering of where people choose to live, work, and invest, driven not by affordability alone but by the expanding geography of genuine urban opportunity. As expressways shorten distances, metro lines dissolve commute anxiety, and an international airport recasts an entire corridor’s economic identity, the map of desirable NCR addresses is being redrawn in real time. The buyers, developers, and investors arriving at this market today are not chasing speculation. They are responding, rationally and measurably, to the most reliable driver of residential value that exists but the infrastructure that actually delivers.

  • Fintech Week London returns with new city-wide festival to match the capital’s global fintech status

    Fintech Fringe is behind the bigger, bolder format with the backing of the Department for Business and Trade and London & Partners

    London, 29 May 2026: London has long earned its place as one of the world’s defining fintech centres. Dealroom’s latest report just confirmed London as the world’s number one fintech ecosystem – home to 137 unicorns and a combined enterprise value of $714 billion. 

    New York has a fintech week. Singapore has one too. It is time London stepped up a gear with its own fintech week to reinforce why London is the world’s best city to scale a fintech business.

    Fintech Week London returns from 7 to 11 September 2026 under new leadership, backed by Fintech Fringe founder Calypso Harland and the UK’s fast-growing fintech community. 

    Anchored by the Scale & Grow Summit on 9 and 10 September in central London, the event is expected to attract more than 1,500 founders, investors, financial institutions, policymakers, regulators and international fintech leaders to the capital.

    This year’s theme is Growth with Agency, and focuses on the practical questions now shaping fintech growth. Sessions will examine how AI is changing competitive advantage, how regulation is affecting growth strategies, how fintechs can access capital, and how the long-anticipated convergence of fintech, crypto and payments is beginning to reshape the market.

    Fintech Fringe is opening the week to companies, associations, communities and event organisers across London, inviting them to host their own events as part of a shared city-wide fintech moment. The model gives the wider ecosystem, including smaller companies and emerging communities, a way to access a larger audience and contribute to the global fintech conversation.

    Calypso Harland, Founder of Fintech Fringe, said:

    “London needs a fintech week that reflects the ecosystem itself: ambitious, practical, international and open to the people building what comes next. Fintech Week London is a platform for the whole city – from founders and investors to banks, regulators, associations and emerging communities. We’re here to rally everyone together and show the world why London is built to create champions.”

    Emma Banymandhub, CEO of The Payments Association, said:

    “Calypso is a natural collaborator and the perfect person to bring the ecosystem together to bridge the divide between fintech, crypto and payments. These communities often live in parallel universes, and bringing them together can only mean better things for the industry as a whole. The Payments Association is delighted to support.”

    The relaunch follows Fintech Fringe’s merger with Fintech Week London last year. Since launching in 2023, Fintech Fringe has grown rapidly, with its own festival tripling in size over three years. 

    Fintech Week London 2026 will run from 7 to 11 September, with the Scale & Grow Summit taking place from 9 to 10 September.

    For hosting, speaking and partnership opportunities, visit www.fintechweek.london.

  • The Leela Ambience Gurugram Introduces An Elevated Global Street Food Carnival

    The Leela Ambience Gurugram Introduces An Elevated Global Street Food Carnival

    Gurugram, May 29: Spectra at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences unveils the Spectra Street Carnival every Wednesday evening. This themed dining experience brings together iconic global street food flavours in an elevated luxury dining experience.

    This culinary affair takes guests on a flavourful journey of global street food destinations, featuring interactive live stations where guests can indulge in favourites such as artisanal Pizzas, flavourful Pad Thai, and perfectly grilled Yakitori, alongside a selection of internationally inspired specialties. To further enhance the experience, a specially curated beverage programme complements the menu and ambience, coming together to create a vibrant midweek dining occasion. 

  • German Indian Mobility Summit held at IIM Bangalore unites industry and policymakers

    Bangalore,  May 29: The German Indian Mobility Summit 2026 took place on the 26th of May  at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore), bringing together leading voices from industry, government, venture capital, mobility, and deep technology across India and Germany. Hosted by NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore in partnership with the German Indian Innovation Corridor  the summit focused on accelerating cross-border collaboration in mobility, industrial AI, infrastructure, and next-generation transport systems.

    German Indian Mobility Summit held at IIM Bangalore unites industry and policymakers

    The summit convened founders, corporates, investors, researchers, and policymakers for a full day of discussions around electric mobility, AI-driven transport systems, industrial transformation, logistics, public infrastructure, and innovation partnerships between Europe and India.

    Participants and speakers included representatives from Mercedes-Benz, Maruti Suzuki, Siemens Mobility, Fraunhofer, Indian Railways, FlixBus India, Ather Energy, Euler Motors, Exponent Energy, Agnikul Cosmos, Aapti Institute, GIZ, NSRCEL, Halusa Advisors, family offices, venture capital firms, and leading Indian mobility startups.

    The summit forms part of the broader German Indian Innovation Corridor (GIIC) initiative, which aims to strengthen long-term collaboration between India and Europe across strategic sectors including mobility, AI, manufacturing, healthcare, climate technology, and deep tech. 

    Discussions throughout the day focused not only on innovation itself, but on creating practical pathways to pilot projects, market entry, industrial cooperation, investment opportunities, and long-term institutional partnerships between both ecosystems.

    Jan Lachenmayer, Chair of the Executive Board,GIIC e.V. – German Indian Innovation Corridor said,

     “The first German Indian Mobility Summit at IIM Bangalore marks an important step toward a deeper Germany-India innovation partnership. At a time of industrial transformation and geopolitical uncertainty, Germany and India must step up and build together for the world, creating shared value by combining industrial excellence, technological innovation and entrepreneurial scale. Our vision at GIIC is to help shape a strong European-Indian axis of innovation leadership that drives global impact, resilience and geopolitical stability.”

    The Bangalore summit also marked the beginning of a broader week-long Indo-German programme featuring CXO roundtables, private leadership dinners, curated meetings, and institutional visits across India.

    The initiative continues on 29 May with the German Indian Innovation Summit at IIT Delhi in partnership with IvyCap Ventures, focusing on “AI for Industries” and the next phase of industrial transformation between India and Europe.

  • New action plan for Aboriginal tourism in WA launched

    Western Australia’s Aboriginal tourism sector is entering a new phase, with the official launch of the Cook Labor Government’s next Jina Plan to strengthen Aboriginal-led visitor offerings across the State.

    The Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2026-2030 outlines the Cook Labor Government’s framework to grow Aboriginal tourism businesses, support jobs and strengthen Aboriginal culture as the heart of the State’s visitor economy.

    The Plan outlines 40 initiatives that will be delivered by Tourism WA in partnership with the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) and seven Cook Government agencies and is backed by a $20 million investment.

    New action plan for Aboriginal tourism in WA launched

    WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby joined WAITOC chair Darren Capewell and CEO Robert Taylor in Carnarvon at the 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference to celebrate the launch of the plan and meet with Aboriginal operators.

    The 2026-2030 Jina Plan comes after the inaugural Jina Plan 2021-2025 delivered strong results, growing the number of Aboriginal tourism businesses to around 150, up from 110 in 2019. It supported initiatives including marketing campaigns, cultural activations, the development of Aboriginal-owned and managed campgrounds, training programs and public art projects.

    Visitor interest in Aboriginal tourism continues to grow in Western Australia, with more than four in five visitors expressing interest in experiencing Aboriginal tourism in WA in 2024-25.

    In 2023-24, Aboriginal tourism businesses in Western Australia contributed $55.1 million to the State’s economy, an increase of more than 25 per cent from 2021-22.

    The Jina Plan 2026-2030 will continue to support Aboriginal communities to stay connected to Country, strengthen cultural pride, and deliver high-quality tourism experiences that showcase Western Australia’s unique cultural heritage.

    The plan is a key part of the Cook Labor Government’s strategy to develop and maintain regional destinations and support Aboriginal tourism as a vital sector in building a resilient, diversified economy.

    Find out more at Our strategies – Tourism Western Australia

    Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

    “Aboriginal tourism is a cornerstone of Western Australia’s tourism industry, and the new Jina Plan 2026-2030 will build on the success of the first plan to create even more opportunities for communities and businesses across the State.

    “The results of the previous Jina Plan speak for themselves – more Aboriginal tourism businesses, more visitors experiencing Aboriginal culture, and stronger connections to Country. This next plan will take that work further and make Aboriginal tourism an even bigger part of Western Australia’s story.

    “Through strong collaboration with Aboriginal people, communities, businesses and government agencies, the Jina Plan 2026-2030 will ensure Aboriginal voices and stories remain central to our tourism industry, while supporting jobs and economic growth in regional WA.”

    Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:

    “This plan is about empowering Aboriginal communities to lead, create and grow their own tourism businesses, sharing culture in a way that is guided by community and grounded in Country.

    “We are supporting Aboriginal people to shape their own economic future, build strong businesses, create local jobs, and ensure communities directly benefit from tourism across Western Australia.

    “At its heart, this plan is about showcasing the strength of culture, connections to Country and knowledge sharing by Aboriginal tourism throughout WA.”

  • Kärcher Showcases Advanced Cleaning Solutions for Growing Automotive Sector in Jaipur

    Kärcher Showcases Advanced Cleaning Solutions for Growing Automotive Sector in Jaipur

     

    New Delhi, May 29: Kärcher India participated in an exclusive automotive seminar in Jaipur themed “No Matter What Your Challenge Is. There’s Kärcher for That.” The session focused on helping automotive workshops and dealerships improve operational efficiency, maintenance standards, and customer experience through advanced cleaning technologies.

    With Rajasthan, particularly Jaipur, emerging as a growing hub for automotive retail and service businesses, the seminar brought together industry professionals, dealership representatives, and business partners to discuss evolving operational requirements and the increasing need for smarter, more efficient workshop management solutions.

    The event featured interactive discussions and live demonstrations showcasing how modern cleaning systems can help automotive businesses reduce downtime, improve turnaround efficiency, maintain hygiene standards, and create a better customer-facing environment across workshops and showrooms.

    As part of the showcase, Kärcher demonstrated a range of professional cleaning solutions designed for automotive applications:

    High-pressure cleaner – HD 7/16 – Used for efficient vehicle exterior cleaning and heavy-duty automotive washing applications.

    High-pressure cleaner – HD 6/15 – Designed for effective cleaning of vehicles, workshop areas, and automotive equipment.

    Wet and dry vacuum cleaner – NT 30/1 – Suitable for workshop maintenance and vehicle interior cleaning applications.

    Scrubber dryer – BD 43/40 – Used for cleaning and maintaining showroom and workshop floors with improved efficiency.

    Manual sweeper – KM 70/20 – Ideal for indoor and outdoor sweeping applications across automotive facilities.

    Single-disc machine – BDS 43/150 – Designed for deep floor cleaning, scrubbing, and polishing applications.

    Steam vacuum cleaner – SG 4/4 – Used for deep cleaning and sanitization of automotive interiors, surfaces, and hard-to-reach workshop areas.

    Speaking at the seminar, Mr Puneet Sharma, MD, Kärcher India, said, “Jaipur and the larger Rajasthan market are witnessing steady growth across the automotive sector, with businesses increasingly focusing on operational excellence and customer-centric service experiences. As workshops, showrooms and dealerships continue to modernize, the demand for efficient and reliable maintenance solutions is also growing. Through initiatives like these, we aim to engage closely with industry stakeholders and showcase technologies that can help improve productivity, optimize operations, and maintain high standards across facilities.”

    The live demonstrations enabled attendees to experience Kärcher’s solutions first-hand and understand their role in enhancing operational efficiency and long-term maintenance management within automotive facilities.