Category: Business

Edinburgh, United Kingdom, April 28^th 2026. pureLiFi, the global leader in LiFi technology, today announced a landmark partnership with Askey, a leading manufacturer of advanced network communications equipment, to revolutionise the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market. Askey will pioneer the demonstration of a fully integrated “all-in-one” solution that combines a high-performance 5G modem and pureLiFi’s proprietary through-window bridging technology in a streamlined self-installable solution.

Moving at an accelerated pace, Askey and pureLiFi are working to solve the industry’s “last-metre” challenge: delivering gigabit broadband indoors without the need for drilling holes, cabling, or professional installations. This addresses the broadband providers’ need for easy install solutions to slash their waitlists.  This system utilises LiFi technology and wireless power to transmit data through windows, effectively bridging the 5G gap for users globally. Broadband subscribers may significantly enhance their service by relocating their Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) outdoors, which can deliver substantial benefits.

Disrupting the FWA Business Model

Unlike existing solutions that require separate accessories, such as pureLiFi’s Bridge XC Flex, this new collaboration integrates the bridging capabilities directly into Askey CPE. This “all-in-one” approach allows Telcos to provide self-installable units that increase network capacity by up to 6x. By eliminating the need for technician “truck rolls,” the solution allows operators to onboard users faster and more affordably while also lowering CO2 emissions.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in wireless infrastructure, combining Askey’s leading Netcom expertise and global reach with pureLiFi’s pioneering innovation. Leadership from both organisations emphasised that this partnership is designed to fundamentally change how high-speed 5G internet is delivered and consumed.

Robert Lin, CEO of Askey, said that “Askey is committed to staying at the cutting edge of connectivity by working with global innovators like pureLiFi. We’ve been working for 5 years to solve the problem of bringing outdoor FWA signals indoors. pureLiFi’s LiFi bridge is the answer. Our combined system will enable carriers to get users connected cost-effectively and quickly while improving the overall 5G experience.  By being the first to demonstrate ‘all-in-one’ FWA CPE with an integrated LiFi bridge, we will disrupt the FWA business model.

Ron Schaeffer, CEO of pureLiFi, added: “This partnership builds on pureLiFi’s pioneering position as innovators in the LiFi space and Askey’s excellence in 5G consumer premises equipment. Our proprietary wireless bridging technology is the key to unlocking the full potential of 5G FWA indoors. Together, we are providing a solution that is secure, unjammable, reliable, and incredibly simple for the end-user to install. We are proud to work with Askey to make better broadband connectivity a reality through the 5G spectrum with help from LiFi.”

Improved Access and User Experience

The Askey system is designed to provide reliable, gigabit-class data throughput, ensuring that users in urban, suburban and rural environments can access high-speed broadband regardless of modern building materials that block 5G signals. By integrating the modem and bridge into one unit, Askey is simplifying the user journey and ensuring that high-speed 5G is more accessible than ever before.

Availability

Units will be available for demonstration and testing with telecommunications carriers around the world within the first half of 2026. Both organisations are ready to revolutionise FWA, helping more users get online without requiring additional infrastructure investment.

New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): The global fintech industry is on track for strong expansion, with projections suggesting it could reach USD 2 trillion by 2030, nearly tripling from current levels, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid digital transformation, according to McKinsey.

AI is becoming a central force in reshaping financial services, enabling automation in lending, real-time fraud detection, personalized banking, and seamless digital payments.

The financial ecosystem is undergoing a structural shift as banks and fintech firms integrate advanced technologies to improve efficiency and customer engagement while lowering costs.

Emerging economies are expected to contribute significantly to this growth, driven by rising internet penetration, mobile-first banking, and increasing financial inclusion.

Industry analysts also highlight that supportive regulations, digital infrastructure expansion, and innovation in embedded finance and real-time payments will define the next phase of growth.

New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): India can mitigate the economic impact of energy disruptions in West Asia by enhancing productivity and competitiveness through the next phase of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI 2.0), Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on Tuesday.

He made the remarks while addressing the launch of the DPI 2047 Roadmap Report prepared by NITI Aayog and the Frontier Technology Hub in New Delhi.

Energy Shocks and Economic Impact

Nageswaran said global energy volatility, particularly disruptions in West Asia, has highlighted India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. He noted that such shocks can increase inflationary pressures and affect vulnerable groups including small farmers, micro enterprises, and daily wage workers.

He added that India’s high energy demand and exposure to global supply chain risks make economic resilience a key policy priority.

Shift Towards Productivity-Driven Digital Infrastructure

According to him, DPI 2.0 marks a shift from a welfare-oriented digital ecosystem to a productivity-focused framework designed to strengthen economic performance.

He said the aim is to improve overall productivity, reduce inefficiencies, and support broader macroeconomic goals, including long-term growth and resilience.

Key Focus Areas Under DPI 2047

The roadmap outlines sectoral transformation across:

• MSMEs
• Agriculture
• Education and healthcare
• Credit and financial access
• Energy systems
• Social protection frameworks

These initiatives aim to build integrated digital systems that reduce costs, improve access, and enhance efficiency across sectors.

Implementation Plan

The DPI 2047 roadmap proposes a phased rollout, starting with pilot projects in MSMEs and agriculture in 2026–27, followed by wider scaling across states and districts.

Officials said the framework is designed to strengthen India’s digital economy and support its long-term goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, while building resilience against global economic shocks.

By- Kaushal Sampat, President, Vayana

The USD 20 billion investment commitment under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, one of India’s fastest concluded trade negotiations, shows a clear intent by both countries to deepen economic engagement and build long-term trade linkages. Its real impact, however, will depend on how effectively this capital is deployed on the ground. If directed towards supply chain ecosystems, trade infrastructure, and export-oriented sectors, it can help ease working capital constraints, improve liquidity across value chains, and enable greater participation of MSMEs in cross-border trade. Over time, this could contribute to more stable and predictable trade flows, while also strengthening the financial architecture that supports bilateral commerce. 

 

(Cabo San Lucas Mexico, Apr 28) -Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa has joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 620 hotels, resorts, residences, and hotel groups in 80 countries. With this addition, the resort becomes part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection, which brings together unique properties and memorable experiences with an authentic, dynamic, and personal approach, distinguished by its personalized service and culinary offerings that reflect the culture of each destination.

Located on the golden sands of Los Cabos, Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa offers a sophisticated beachfront experience designed for travelers seeking relaxation and reconnection. The resort features spacious suites overlooking the Sea of Cortez, designed for comfort, elegance, and ideal spaces for families, couples, and multigenerational trips. It also boasts Azul Spa, a wellness retreat with treatments focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.

One of the resort’s main attractions is its impressive lazy river, the longest in Los Cabos, offering a unique aquatic experience. Its culinary offerings also stand out, with options such as the premium steakhouse “Latitude 23.5,” which offers high-quality cuts of meat in a sophisticated setting, and “La Taberna,” the Italian restaurant led by a chef originally from Italy, where traditional recipes are prepared using authentic techniques. As a testament to its commitment to excellence, the resort has maintained its AAA Four Diamond rating since 2024, renewed for 2026, and is currently nominated for the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

“We are excited to continue strengthening our relationship with Villa Group, with whom we have collaborated for years, and which is now consolidated with the addition of this property strategically located in the San José del Cabo–Cabo San Lucas tourist corridor,” commented Stefania Ymay, Area Director – Mexico and Central America at Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

“We are honored to be part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection,” commented Ignacio Yee, General Manager of Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa. “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and memorable experiences, while continuing to showcase the hospitality of Los Cabos.”

All guests of Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa can enroll in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s loyalty program, which boasts over 4.5 million members worldwide. Enrollment is free and allows members to accumulate points that can be redeemed for certificates, Elite status, and other benefits on stays at nearly 600 participating hotels and resorts.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts provides strategic advantages to owners and operators through its brand prestige and global presence, supporting its member hotels with sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution technology, and personalized guest service. All properties must meet high standards of quality and service established by its quality assurance program. Through its Legend, LVX, Lifestyle, and Preferred Residences collections, the brand connects travelers with unique luxury hospitality experiences tailored to their needs and lifestyles.

Mumbai, Apr 28 (BNP): The Indian rupee slipped in early trade on Tuesday, losing 24 paise to touch 94.39 against the US dollar, as pressure from rising crude oil prices and month-end dollar demand weighed on the currency.

Dealers said the rupee remained under strain due to higher global oil prices, which tend to increase India’s import bill and widen external account concerns. At the same time, sustained demand for the US dollar from importers added to the downward pressure.

Market sentiment was also influenced by a cautious global environment, with investors showing a preference for safe-haven assets amid ongoing international uncertainties.

Overall, currency traders expect volatility to continue in the near term, with movements likely to be guided by crude oil trends, foreign fund flows, and global risk sentiment.

Roorkee, Apr 28: IIT Roorkee Hosts IDE Bootcamp 2026 (Edition 3 – Phase II) in Collaboration with AICTE, Wadhwani Foundation, and SBI Foundation. The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, through its Technology Innovation and Development of Entrepreneurship Society (TIDES), has commenced the Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp 2026 – Edition 3 (Phase II).

The bootcamp is being conducted under the aegis of the All India Council for Technical Education, with Wadhwani Foundation as the Knowledge Partner and SBI Foundation as the Organising Partner.

The IDE Bootcamp 2026 is a flagship national initiative conducted in three phases across 30 locations, aiming to engage nearly 6,500 students from higher education institutions nationwide. Phase I (6th–10th April 2026) was successfully completed across 13 locations, while Phase II is currently underway at 13 locations, including IIT Roorkee. Phase III is scheduled from 11th to 15th May 2026.

The central theme of this edition, “Design Can Be the Greatest Change Agent for Development,” emphasises the transformative role of design thinking in solving real-world challenges. The bootcamp provides participants with a hands-on learning environment focused on problem-solving, innovation, product design, and the development of investment-ready startup pitches.

The program includes expert-led sessions, mentorship, exposure visits, and interactive workshops. Key highlights include exposure to innovation ecosystems, sessions on funding opportunities, government grants, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), as well as a final pitching session on Day 5.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Azam Ali Khan, CEO, TIDES IIT Roorkee, emphasised the importance of fostering innovation ecosystems within academic institutions and of encouraging students to translate ideas into impactful solutions aligned with national priorities.

Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted the institute’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that such initiatives empower students to become job creators and contribute meaningfully to the startup ecosystem.

Gopakumar Vishwanathan from the Wadhwani Foundation and Mohammad Mustkeem from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) also participated in the bootcamp as expert speakers.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sai Ramudu Meka, IIT Roorkee, who appreciated the collaborative efforts of AICTE, partner organisations, mentors, and participants in making the bootcamp a success.

Launched in 2023 by the Hon’ble Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the IDE Bootcamp continues to play a significant role in strengthening India’s innovation and startup ecosystem by empowering young minds.

~Goa’s tourism minister, Rohan A. Khaunte focuses on high-value tourism, culture-led experiences, and segments like wellness, sports and tech tourism to drive next phase of growth~

Jaipur, Apr 28: Goa is positioning itself as a 365-day tourism destination, expanding beyond its traditional beach appeal to offer a year-round calendar of festivals, cultural experiences and emerging tourism segments, at the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) held in Jaipur from April 26–28.

The shift is driven by a clear objective, to extend the shelf-life of tourism in the state, attract higher-value travellers, and ensure consistent footfall across seasons rather than peak-driven influxes. By building a diverse mix of experiences across the year, Goa aims to move from a seasonal destination to a sustained, high-value tourism ecosystem.

At the heart of this strategy is the “Goa beyond beaches” narrative, with the state actively curating a robust calendar of festivals and cultural experiences that reflect its rich heritage. From traditional celebrations such as the Chikhal Kalo to flagship showcases like Spirit of Goa and a growing portfolio of community-led and seasonal festivals, the state is creating multiple entry points for travellers across the year. This is complemented by a strong push towards monsoon tourism, positioning Goa as an immersive, experiential destination even beyond the peak winter months.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 15th edition of GITB, Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Goa, said, “Goa offers a strong value advantage over other global destination hubs. Inspired by initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh and with the continued support of Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, our focus is on positioning Goa as a globally competitive, year-round destination, one that not only delivers consistent value to travellers and partners, but also strengthens India’s presence in high-value tourism segments and drives sustainable, long-term growth for the sector.”

The state is also expanding into high-value and emerging tourism segments, including MICE, weddings, wellness and Ayurveda, while simultaneously building newer avenues such as sports tourism, culinary tourism and workation-led travel. With a growing focus on attracting Gen Z and experience-driven travellers, Goa is leveraging its evolving ecosystem to appeal to a younger, more global audience.

A key pillar of this strategy is the emphasis on wellness and Ayurveda tourism, with curated experiences that combine traditional healing practices with premium hospitality. Alongside this, Goa is strengthening its positioning in the MICE segment, aiming to play a leading role in increasing India’s global market share, supported by its infrastructure, connectivity and cost competitiveness.

Safety remains a key priority, with focused measures to enhance women’s safety and overall traveller security, further strengthening Goa’s positioning as a safe and welcoming destination.

To support this growth, the state continues to invest in connectivity and international market expansion. Building on strong charter traffic, Goa is opening up new routes and strengthening ties with emerging markets such as Kazakhstan, while also introducing airline incentive schemes to boost international arrivals.

Equally, Goa is embedding principles of regenerative tourism into its long-term strategy, promoting hinterland experiences, encouraging community participation, and ensuring that tourism growth contributes meaningfully to local economies while preserving cultural and environmental integrity, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient tourism future.

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