Category: Business

Fourth edition of regional data centre conference moves to the UAE, bringing digital industry leaders together in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE, July 8: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, will host Touchdown Middle East 2026 in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the region-wide data centre conference will take place in the UAE.

Organised by the Gulf Data Centre Association (GDCA), the fourth edition of Touchdown Middle East 2026 will take place on 18–19 November 2026 at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Following three consecutive years in Bahrain, the conference’s move to Abu Dhabi reflects its growing regional footprint and positions the UAE’s capital as its first new host venue.

The conference will attract data centre operators, investors, technology providers, government stakeholders, real estate leaders, energy specialists and digital infrastructure decision-makers from across the Middle East and international markets. The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 visitors, over 400 companies, 70 speakers and participants from more than 30 countries.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster — AD Ports Group, said: “Hosting Touchdown Middle East 2026 in Abu Dhabi reflects the Emirate’s growing role in the digital infrastructure economy. Data centres are now central to industrial growth, AI adoption, cloud services, advanced manufacturing and secure digital trade. At KEZAD Group, we see this conference as a practical platform to connect investors, operators and infrastructure partners with Abu Dhabi’s industrial base, logistics strength and long-term growth environment.”

The two-day conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, networking meetings and industry-led conversations on the key issues shaping the sector, including power availability, connectivity, site readiness, regulation, investment, AI demand, cloud growth and sustainable data centre development.

Henry Sutton, Director of the Gulf Data Centre Association and Touchdown Middle East, said: “Touchdown Middle East was created to bring the region’s data centre industry together, with a clear focus on knowledge, partnerships and market growth. After three successful years in Bahrain, bringing the fourth edition to Abu Dhabi is an important step for the event and for the wider regional industry. We are delighted to have KEZAD Group as our main sponsor and we look forward to welcoming leaders from across the data centre value chain to discuss the next phase of digital infrastructure growth in the Middle East.”

Abu Dhabi is placing digital infrastructure at the centre of its next phase of economic growth, with a clear focus on AI demand, sovereign cloud, hyperscale compute, power planning and industrial land readiness. The Emirate’s Digital Strategy 2025 to 2027 commits AED 13 billion to digital transformation and targets full sovereign cloud adoption for government operations, full automation of government processes and more than 200 AI-led solutions across public services. Abu Dhabi has also moved into large-scale AI compute through Stargate UAE, a planned 1GW compute cluster within the wider 5GW UAE and US AI Campus, with the first 200MW expected to go live in 2026. Together, these steps make Abu Dhabi a strong host for a regional data centre conference focused on the next wave of AI, cloud and digital infrastructure investment.

The conference comes at a time when demand for digital infrastructure is rising across the region, driven by AI, cloud computing, data sovereignty, smart industry, enterprise digital services and the growth of high-capacity connectivity. As main sponsor, KEZAD Group will leverage the platform to foster dialogue on how industrial zones, logistics platforms, energy infrastructure and real estate can work together to support the next wave of data centre investment.

International MSME Day campaign celebrates the businesses and workers whose contributions often go unnoticed, but whose impact is felt every day

New Delhi, July 08: To mark International MSME Day, IndusInd General Insurance Company Ltd (formerly as Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd) has launched a new digital film celebrating the resilience, determination and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through the campaign, the company seeks to recognise the millions of businesses that continue to create livelihoods, fuel aspirations and contribute to India’s progress despite navigating an increasingly dynamic business environment.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple yet powerful belief, that behind every successful enterprise is a story of perseverance. Whether it is a small manufacturing unit, a family-run business, a logistics operator, a handicraft entrepreneur or a local service provider, MSMEs represent the ambition and optimism that continue to shape India’s growth journey.

The film follows the rhythm of India’s MSME ecosystem, from workshops and manufacturing units to logistics operators, dairy businesses, handicraft entrepreneurs and service providers. Through evocative visuals and storytelling, it captures the ambition, hard work and optimism that drive millions of enterprises across the country, while bringing to life their role in powering everyday experiences and supporting livelihoods.

Beyond their economic contribution, the campaign highlights the resilience that defines the sector. Through economic downturns, market shifts, geopolitical uncertainties and a global pandemic, India’s MSMEs have continued to adapt, innovate and move forward with remarkable determination. It is this spirit of perseverance and progress that the campaign seeks to acknowledge and celebrate.

Built around IndusInd General Insurance’s ‘Forward Together’ philosophy, the campaign reflects the company’s belief that progress is driven by resilience. By recognising the journeys of MSMEs, the film reinforces the importance of enabling businesses to navigate uncertainty, safeguard continuity and pursue growth with confidence.

Through this campaign, IndusInd General Insurance reaffirms its commitment to standing alongside India’s MSMEs, championing their journeys and supporting their path towards a stronger, more resilient future.

New Delhi, July 8: The Government has launched the Handloom Hackathon 2026 to encourage new ideas, innovation and technology-based solutions for the growth of the handloom sector.

The initiative will provide a platform for weavers, designers, entrepreneurs and innovators to develop solutions that can improve the quality, productivity and market reach of handloom products.

The programme will focus on promoting modern designs, digital solutions, sustainable practices and better production techniques while supporting traditional weaving communities across the country.

The hackathon aims to connect artisans with young innovators and industry experts to create practical solutions that can strengthen the handloom sector and preserve India’s rich textile heritage.

The government expects the initiative to generate new opportunities for weavers and help the sector adapt to changing market needs.

July 08: Epsilon Carbon, one of India’s leading carbon black manufacturers, has become the first company in country’s carbon black industry to receive BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification, in accordance with the applicable Indian Standards. 

The certification follows a comprehensive assessment of Epsilon Carbon‘s manufacturing processes, quality management systems, testing capabilities, and product compliance. It reflects years of sustained investment in quality systems, process standardization, and workforce capability, and it positions Epsilon Carbon to meet the growing demand for certified, high-quality carbon black from tyre manufacturers, rubber goods producers, and other downstream industries. 

Mr. Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said: “This certification is an important milestone in our manufacturing journey. I congratulate our teams for the dedication that made this possible. It gives our customers greater confidence in our products, and it pushes us to keep raising the bar for what Indian manufacturing can deliver.” 

For customers, the certification translates into stronger assurance of consistency and compliance, at a time when both domestic and export buyers are placing greater weight on certified supply chains. It also strengthens Epsilon Carbon‘s position as India moves toward a more standardized, quality-driven manufacturing ecosystem, and it supports the company’s broader ambition of being recognized globally as a trusted supplier of high-performance carbon materials.

New Delhi, July 8: Trade between India and ASEAN countries has reached USD 128 billion during 2025–26, reflecting stronger economic cooperation and growing business ties between the two regions.

The rise in bilateral trade highlights the importance of ASEAN as one of India’s key trading partners. Both sides have continued to expand cooperation in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology, services, pharmaceuticals and supply chain development.

The growing trade relationship is supported by efforts to improve connectivity, promote investment and create more opportunities for businesses. India and ASEAN are also working towards strengthening trade cooperation and ensuring a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

The increase in trade reflects the continued progress of India’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations under the Act East Policy, which focuses on enhancing economic, strategic and cultural relations with the ASEAN region.

The strong trade growth is expected to create new opportunities for exporters, industries and investors while contributing to regional economic development.

Guwahati, July 8: Assam is moving towards a more diversified economic growth model by expanding beyond its traditional tea industry and promoting technology, innovation and new-age sectors, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The state government is working to create a balanced development framework that combines Assam’s established industries with emerging opportunities in technology, infrastructure, investment and entrepreneurship.

The push aims to attract new businesses, generate employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economic foundation. Alongside preserving the legacy of the tea sector, Assam is focusing on building a future-ready ecosystem driven by innovation and skill development.

The government said the broader growth strategy will help position Assam as an emerging hub for technology and investment while ensuring inclusive development across sectors.

New Delhi, July 8: Gold and silver prices declined as investors reacted to renewed geopolitical tensions following fresh US strikes on Iran, leading to cautious sentiment across global markets.

The movement in precious metal prices came as traders assessed the impact of the developments on global risk appetite, currency movements and commodity markets. While gold and silver are traditionally viewed as safe-haven assets during periods of uncertainty, changing market expectations and profit-taking influenced prices during the session.

Analysts said investors are closely monitoring further developments in the Middle East, along with global economic indicators and interest rate expectations, which could shape the near-term direction of precious metals.

Market participants are expected to remain watchful as geopolitical risks, inflation concerns and broader financial market trends continue to influence gold and silver prices.

New Delhi, July 8: India and Costa Rica are set to deepen their economic cooperation as bilateral trade continues to grow, reaching $391 million, reflecting stronger engagement between the two nations.

The two countries are exploring new opportunities to expand collaboration across sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation and sustainable development. The growing economic relationship highlights the potential for increased business partnerships and greater market access.

Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening commercial ties and encouraging greater participation from businesses to further enhance bilateral trade.

The expanding partnership between India and Costa Rica reflects the shared commitment of both nations to build stronger economic relations and create new avenues for cooperation in the years ahead.

New Delhi, July 8: Vice President Radhakrishnan is set to launch a Letter of Agreement (LoA) aimed at promoting the sustainable harnessing of fisheries resources in the high seas, marking an important step towards responsible marine resource management.

The initiative focuses on encouraging sustainable fishing practices, protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the long-term availability of ocean resources. It is expected to support better coordination among stakeholders while strengthening efforts towards conservation and responsible fisheries development.

The agreement highlights the importance of balancing economic opportunities in the fisheries sector with environmental sustainability. It will also encourage scientific approaches, improved resource management and greater cooperation in managing fisheries beyond national boundaries.

The initiative is expected to contribute to India’s efforts towards sustainable ocean governance and support the development of a resilient fisheries sector while safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations.

DALLAS  July 08: Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that gut bacteria help regulate the development of the body’s immune system by directing the movement of vitamin A through a previously unrecognized cellular network. The preclinical findings, published in Cell Host & Microbe, could reshape how researchers view conditions in which immune development is disrupted, highlighting nutrient pathways as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

“We’ve known for years that both gut microbes and vitamin A are important for building a healthy immune system,” said first author Tarun Srinivasan, Ph.D., a third-year medical student in UT Southwestern’s Perot Family Scholars Medical Scientist Training Program entering his third year of medical school. “What we didn’t understand was how those two were connected. This study identifies the pathway that links them.”

The study’s co-corresponding authors are Lora Hooper, Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Immunology and Professor in the Center for the Genetics of Host Defense and of Microbiology, and Andrew Koh, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, and Professor of Microbiology. Both are members of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The immune system relies on vitamin A-derived signals to guide the development of T cells, a class of immune cells that protects the body from infection. Researchers have long known both vitamin A and the gut microbiome are essential for immune development, but exactly how these factors work together has remained unclear.

UTSW scientists found that gut bacteria in mice trigger a stepwise transfer of vitamin A between cells. The process begins in the intestinal lining, where microbes stimulate production of a vitamin A-binding protein called serum amyloid A (SAA). SAA delivers vitamin A to immune cells in the intestine, which then carry it to nearby lymph nodes and pass vitamin A-derived signals to developing T cells.

When gut bacteria were removed, this vitamin A delivery system was largely shut down, leaving developing T cells unable to mature properly or migrate to the intestine. Because these steps are essential for building a functional immune defense, disruptions in this pathway could impair the body’s ability to respond to infections or maintain normal immune balance. Researchers further showed this pathway became increasingly active during early life – a critical window when the immune system is being programmed – suggesting interruptions during this period could have lasting consequences.

Together, this work shows gut microbes are not just passive residents – they actively control how a key nutrient signal reaches the cells that build the immune system.

Study authors said the findings may help explain how antibiotic exposure during early life influences immune development. Because the newly identified pathway depends on signals from gut microbes, disruptions in the microbiome could interfere with how vitamin A-derived signals are delivered to the developing immune cells. Understanding this process may help explain links between early-life microbiome disruption and increased risk of infections, inflammatory conditions, or poor immune regulation later in life.

“One of the long-standing mysteries in the field has been how the gut microbiome communicates with the developing immune system,” Dr. Hooper said. “Our study shows vitamin A is a key part of that conversation. It’s exciting because it reveals how gut microbes and nutrients from the diet work together to help build a healthy immune system early in life.”

The findings reveal gut microbes do more than simply stimulate immune cells. They also control how a key nutrient-derived developmental signal is distributed throughout the immune system.

This research suggests immune development may depend not only on the availability of nutrients such as vitamin A, but also on the body’s ability to deliver those nutrients to the right immune cells at the right time.

“These findings point to vitamin A signaling as a potentially actionable way to tune immune responses,” Dr. Koh said. “From a translational standpoint, that raises the possibility that carefully modulating this pathway could one day help improve the balance between efficacy and toxicity in cancer immunotherapy.”

A complete list of authors from UTSW can be found in the study.

This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01 DK070855, R01 CA231303, P01 AI179406, T32 AI007520) and The Welch Foundation (I-1874); the Walter M. and Helen D. Bader Center for Research on Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases; the UT Southwestern and Children’s Health Cellular and ImmunoTherapeutics Program (CITP); the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and the National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant (P30CA142543).

Dr. Hooper holds the Jonathan W. Uhr, M.D. Distinguished Chair in Immunology. Dr. Koh holds the Grant A. Dove Distinguished Chair for Research in Oncology.