Category: Business

  • Strong Growth in Direct Taxes: Up 14.6 pc to INR 5.21 Lakh Crore

    New Delhi, June 19: India’s net direct tax collections have registered a robust growth of 14.6 per cent, reaching ₹5.21 lakh crore in the current financial period, signaling sustained economic momentum and improved compliance across taxpayer segments.

    The rise in collections has been supported by healthy advance tax inflows, steady corporate tax payments, and continued growth in personal income tax contributions. Officials said the performance reflects broad-based economic activity and strengthening financial discipline across sectors.

    The data highlights improving tax buoyancy, driven by higher corporate profitability, stable employment trends, and widening participation in the formal economy. Enhanced digital compliance systems and stronger enforcement measures have also contributed to better reporting and revenue realization.

    From a macroeconomic standpoint, the increase in direct tax collections is expected to strengthen the government’s fiscal position, providing greater flexibility to sustain capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and welfare spending without compromising fiscal prudence.

    Economists view the growth in tax revenues as a positive indicator of underlying economic resilience, suggesting steady demand conditions and improving income levels. The trend also reinforces investor confidence in India’s medium-term growth outlook.

    Authorities are expected to continue focusing on compliance expansion and broadening the tax base to maintain revenue momentum in the coming months.

  • Gujarat Approves INR 1,567 Crore Industrial Incentives to Boost Manufacturing and Jobs

    Gandhinagar, June 19: In a significant push to industrial growth, the Gujarat government has cleared incentive support worth ₹1,567 crore for projects in the chemical, automobile, and textile sectors, aiming to strengthen manufacturing capacity, attract investment, and generate employment across the state.

    The approved incentives are expected to speed up project execution and encourage new investments across key industrial clusters. Officials said the move reflects Gujarat’s continued focus on building a strong, diversified manufacturing base and reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading industrial destinations.

    The chemical sector is set to benefit from expanded production capabilities and stronger downstream linkages. In the automobile segment, the incentives are expected to support component manufacturing and supply chain integration, while the textile industry—one of Gujarat’s core strengths—will see further modernisation and capacity expansion to improve competitiveness in domestic and global markets.

    Beyond sectoral gains, the initiative is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate growth in allied industries such as logistics, engineering, packaging, and infrastructure. It is also likely to improve capital inflows and enhance overall industrial productivity in the state.

    From an economic standpoint, the package is expected to have a wider multiplier effect by boosting manufacturing output, increasing exports, and strengthening MSME participation in supply chains. Higher industrial activity is also expected to support income generation and contribute to broader economic momentum in the region.

    The state government reiterated its commitment to fostering a competitive and investment-friendly environment while promoting sustainable and inclusive industrial development.

  • Government Approves Major Pulses & Oilseeds Procurement Drive Across 4 States; Uttar Pradesh Leads Beneficiary List

    Government Approves Major Pulses & Oilseeds Procurement Drive Across 4 States; Uttar Pradesh Leads Beneficiary List

    Pic Credit: Pexel 

    New Delhi, June 19, 2026: In a significant boost to India’s agricultural support framework, large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds has been approved across four states, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the biggest beneficiary under the programme.

    The initiative is aimed at strengthening minimum price support mechanisms, ensuring assured market access for farmers, and reducing price volatility in key agricultural commodities. By expanding procurement coverage, the government seeks to provide greater income security, particularly for pulses and oilseeds growers who often face fluctuating market prices.

    Uttar Pradesh, with its large agricultural base and extensive cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, will receive the highest allocation under the procurement plan. Farmers in the state are expected to benefit significantly through improved price realization and timely procurement support.

    Officials said the move will also help stabilize domestic supply chains for essential food items and reduce dependence on imports of edible oils and pulses, thereby improving overall food security.

    From an economic perspective, the procurement drive is expected to have a positive multiplier effect. By increasing rural income, the initiative will boost farm liquidity, strengthen rural consumption demand, and support allied sectors such as transportation, warehousing, food processing, and agri-logistics. This, in turn, is likely to contribute to broader economic stability and reinforce growth in the agricultural economy.

    The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair returns to farmers while promoting crop diversification and strengthening India’s self-reliance in key agricultural commodities.

    Further details on procurement agencies, timelines, and state-wise allocations are expected to be announced by the concerned authorities shortly.

  • Sensex, Nifty Start Lower as IT Stocks Weigh on Market Sentiment

    Mumbai, June 19: Indian equity markets opened lower on Friday, with benchmark indices coming under pressure amid a sharp decline in information technology (IT) stocks. Investor sentiment weakened following cautious guidance from global technology services firm Accenture, raising concerns over the near-term growth outlook for the IT sector.

    The BSE Sensex opened over 500 points lower at 76,852.86, while the NSE Nifty slipped more than 150 points to begin the session at 23,991.20.

    Technology shares led the losses, with the Nifty IT index witnessing a significant decline. Mid- and small-cap IT and telecom stocks also traded lower as investors reacted to global industry trends and moderated growth expectations.

    Broader market sentiment remained subdued, with sectors such as real estate, consumer durables, financial services, metals, automobiles, and FMCG trading in negative territory during early trade.

    However, defensive sectors provided some support to the market. Pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks attracted buying interest, reflecting investors’ preference for relatively stable sectors amid heightened market uncertainty.

    Despite the weakness in technology stocks, market experts remain optimistic about the broader market outlook. Improving domestic macroeconomic indicators, easing inflationary concerns, and declining crude oil prices continue to support investor confidence.

    Foreign institutional investor (FII) activity has also contributed to recent market resilience, particularly in the banking sector, where short-covering and selective buying have helped sustain momentum.

    Global developments further influenced market sentiment. Crude oil prices moved lower following reports of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resumption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The decline in oil prices is viewed as a positive development for India, which relies heavily on energy imports.

    Meanwhile, Asian markets traded mixed during the session, while major US indices closed higher overnight, reflecting cautious optimism among global investors.

    Market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings, foreign investment flows, and commodity price trends for cues on market direction in the coming days.

  • SAP Concur Brings AI-Powered Travel Experiences to India with Concur Travel

    Bengaluru , June 19 : SAP Concur today announced the availability of the new Concur Travel experience for customers in India, marking one of the most significant evolutions of the SAP Concur travel platform in recent years. Designed to meet the changing expectations of today’s business travelers, the AI-powered experience delivers a faster, more intuitive way to plan, book, and manage business travel while helping organizations maintain visibility, compliance, and control.

    As business travel continues to evolve across India, organizations are increasingly looking for solutions that balance employee experience with policy compliance, cost management, and sustainability goals. At the same time, SAP Concur’s 2026 Global Business Travel Survey found that 91% of Indian business travelers would use AI tools their company has not approved, while 73% prefer alternative AI tools to those provided by their organization. These findings underscore the growing demand for intelligent, integrated technologies that simplify travel planning and support better decision-making.

    “Organizations need travel solutions that can adapt to changing traveler expectations while helping businesses maintain governance and efficiency,” said Charlie Sultan, President, Concur Travel at SAP Concur. “The new Concur Travel creates a foundation for continuous innovation by combining AI-powered capabilities with a connected travel and expense experience, enabling organizations to deliver better traveler experiences while maintaining visibility and control.”

    Simplifying the travel experience

    Built on a modern technology foundation, the new Concur Travel reimagines how business travel is planned, booked, and managed. Optimized booking and checkout workflows reduce the time required to complete travel arrangements, while seamless integration with SAP Concur expense solutions creates a connected process from booking through reimbursement.

    The redesigned user experience delivers a consumer-grade interface across desktop and mobile devices, making it easier for travelers to search, compare, and book travel options while remaining compliant with company policies.

    Intelligent travel management

    The new Concur Travel provides access to richer travel content, including expanded airline options, enhanced hotel information, and detailed travel choices presented in a unified view. Advanced search capabilities help travelers quickly identify relevant options across airports, city locations, and preferred suppliers, creating a more efficient planning experience.

    The platform also supports enhanced collaboration by enabling employees to share itineraries and travel details more easily, improving coordination across teams.

    Supporting sustainability and compliance

    As organizations place greater emphasis on responsible travel, the new Concur Travel provides increased visibility into carbon emissions and sustainable travel options. These capabilities help companies align travel decisions with environmental objectives while supporting reporting requirements.

    Integrated approval workflows and policy controls strengthen spend governance and help organizations improve compliance without creating unnecessary friction for travelers.

    Building the future of AI-powered travel

    The launch of the new Concur Travel also lays the foundation for future innovations powered by SAP’s generative AI copilot, Joule. In the future, Joule will help users make more informed travel decisions by providing recommendations, estimating travel costs, and assisting with trip planning based on organizational data and traveler preferences.

    Demand for connected AI experiences continues to grow. According to SAP Concur research, Indian business travelers most want AI tools embedded within existing workflows, including integrations with calendars and email (54%) and proactive booking notifications (53%).

    By bringing together travel, expense management, and intelligent automation in a connected platform, SAP Concur continues to help organizations simplify travel management while creating better experiences for travelers, administrators, and finance teams alike.

  • OSH Code marks landmark labour reform; industries must prepare for new compliance requirements: R. Ravi Kumar, FTCCI President

     

    Hyderabad, June 19: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), through its HR & IR Committee, organised an interactive workshop on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 and the implementation of the new Labour Codes at Federation House, Hyderabad on Thursday.

    The workshop witnessed participation from HR professionals, safety officers, legal experts, compliance officers, industry leaders, CEOs, and business representatives keen to understand the implications of the recently implemented labour law reforms.

    Welcoming the participants, Sri R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said that the consolidation of thirteen Central Labour Laws into the OSH Code marks one of the most significant reforms in India’s labour regulatory framework. He noted that with the Code now in force and implementation rules recently notified, it is essential for industries to understand the new compliance requirements and prepare for a smooth transition.

    Delivering the introductory remarks, Sri Meela Sanjay, Chair, HR & IR Committee, FTCCI, highlighted that the OSH Code directly impacts HR policies, workplace safety standards, employee welfare measures, and operational compliance across sectors. He stated that FTCCI had organised the session to help members gain clarity on the latest developments and avoid uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new regulations.

    The technical session was led by Sri S. V. Ramachandra Rao, Managing Director, HR Chambers Outsourcing Pvt. Ltd., a noted expert in labour laws and human resource practices. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, explaining its objectives, scope, compliance requirements, employer obligations, employee rights, safety standards, and key changes from the earlier legal framework.

    During the session, Sri Ramachandra Rao elaborated on the practical implications of the Code for industries and businesses and addressed concerns relating to workplace safety, welfare provisions, working conditions, record maintenance, inspections, and regulatory compliance. He also explained the interrelationship between the OSH Code and the other three Labour Codes.

    A lively interactive session followed, during which participants raised several questions relating to implementation challenges, compliance timelines, applicability to various categories of establishments, contract labour provisions, and industry-specific concerns. The speaker responded to the queries and provided practical guidance for organizations preparing for compliance under the new labour law regime.

    The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President, FTCCI.

     


  • AD Ports Group Launches Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan

    AD Ports Group Launches Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan

    Aqaba, Jordan / Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced the operational launch of Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The initiative marks a significant step towards reinforcing Aqaba’s position as a leading regional trade and logistics hub, while supporting Jordan’s broader economic development plans.

    The joint venture, operating under Noatum Ports, the Group’s international ports operating arm, was established following an agreement signed with Aqaba Development Corporation to develop and operate a Port Community System (PCS). The project aims to enhance digital integration and facilitate information exchange among port users, the container terminal, relevant authorities, and all stakeholders, contributing to increased operational and logistical efficiency in Aqaba.

    In addition, the joint venture is delivering a truck management project at the ports of Aqaba by deploying advanced digital solutions that connect relevant entities through a unified digital window. This contributes to streamlining procedures, expediting the issuance of necessary permits, and enhancing the seamless flow of logistics while raising the efficiency of services across the city.

    The official launch of operations was marked by a ceremony held in Aqaba, attended by His Excellency Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; His Excellency Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group; alongside key stakeholders and partners from both entities.

    His Excellency Shadi Al Majali, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said: “The launch of Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions represents a tangible step towards realising our vision of positioning Aqaba as a fully integrated digital logistics gateway on the Red Sea, while also reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Today, we are not merely launching a company, we are laying the foundation for advanced digital infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence and smart analytics, designed to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce time and costs, and elevate transparency and security across cargo and truck movements.”

    His Excellency added: “The company has already commenced implementation of its first project, the truck management system at Aqaba ports, which will help regulate truck traffic, reduce waiting times, and improve cargo-handling efficiency. This milestone reflects the partners’ commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the ports and logistics sector, while enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as a leading regional trade and logistics hub.”

    His Excellency Eng. Hussein Al Safadi, CEO – Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), said: The launch of the company’s operations marks an important milestone in the development of Aqaba’s digital infrastructure and reflects the success of the strategic partnerships that ADC continues to forge with leading regional and international entities. This partnership brings together world-class strategic partners, foremost among them AD Ports Group, one of the most experienced global entities in the development, management, and operation of ports. Through its extensive international presence and proven operational expertise, AD Ports Group is well positioned to support the advancement of Aqaba’s logistics and maritime ecosystem and contribute to its long-term growth and competitiveness.” 

    Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group continues to strengthen its presence in Jordan. The launch of Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions marks another milestone in our strengthening partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation. We remain fully committed to deploying our global expertise and advanced technological solutions to drive supply chain efficiency and support the digital transformation of the ports and logistics sector in Aqaba.”

    Al Tamimi added: “This launch aligns with AD Ports Group’s growing and increasingly diversified portfolio in Jordan, reflecting our long-term commitment to the Kingdom. Our presence spans the management and operation of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, the development of landmark tourism assets such as the Aqaba Cruise Terminal and Marsa Zayed, as well as the deployment of advanced customs solutions to facilitate and streamline cross-border trade through the Al Madouneh Customs Centre. We look forward to supporting our partners’ efforts to enhance Jordan’s economic competitiveness and reinforce its position as a leading regional and international trade gateway.”

    In February 2026, AD Ports Group signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port. The agreement follows the inauguration of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in January 2023.

    In January 2025, AD Ports Group appointed MAG Group Holding to lead the first phase of development of Marsa Zayed, a 3.2 million m² beachfront tourism and business community in Aqaba, designed to position the city as a regional tourism centre and gateway to the Red Sea. This was followed in February 2025 by an agreement with the Jordan Customs Department to manage and operate the new Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, strengthening cross-border trade and supply chain efficiency.

  • FUJIFILM India Announces Fujifilm Spectrum India Tour 2026

    FUJIFILM India Announces Fujifilm Spectrum India Tour 2026

    Gurugram, June 18: FUJIFILM India is proud to announce the launch of the “Fujifilm Spectrum” India Tour 2026, a multi-city Touch & Try tour roadshow designed to bring Fujifilm‘s imaging solutions closer to photography enthusiasts, visual creators, photography students and existing Fujifilm users across India. Operating under the theme “Imagine. Create. Inspire.”, the tour will travel across the country starting from Delhi NCR. It will showcase the full spread of Fujifilm’s imaging solutions, offering an immersive, hands-on experience tailored for amateurs, enthusiasts, photography students, and existing Fujifilm users. Spectrum is an experiential festival celebrating the Fujifilm Imaging Ecosystem built around a comprehensive Click to Print narrative. The tour will also feature curated image gallery displays across the Spectrum events, showcasing visual storytelling and creative excellence.

    The tour’s inaugural leg will take place at the iconic Museo Camera from June 18th to June 20th. Visitors can experience interactive Touch & Try zones, curated image exhibitions, creator-led sessions, community engagements and live demonstrations across Fujifilm‘s imaging portfolio.

    Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products, solutions, and experiences that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving our world more smiles.’ The Fujifilm Spectrum tour is a testament to our belief in bringing diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people together. We are thrilled to provide a platform where creators can experience our rich heritage in photography seamlessly fused with cutting-edge technology.”

    The Fujifilm Spectrum tour offers an immersive, end-to-end experience across Fujifilm’s imaging ecosystem through dedicated Touch & Try zones covering vlogging, cinema, street and travel photography, portraiture, premium imaging and the GFX system. Beyond cameras, attendees can also explore Fujifilm‘s instax™ offerings, Photo Imaging solutions with live print demonstrations, binoculars, and optical devices experiences, along with solutions from accessory partners. Adding further depth to the experience, the Delhi edition will feature sessions and masterclasses by India‘s most distinguished visual storytellers, Fujifilm X-Mentors, Ashish Chawla, Abhimanyu Pandey, Dinesh Khanna, and Tarun Khiwal – offering attendees practical insights into visual storytelling, portfolio building and photography techniques.

    Emphasizing the evolving needs of the Indian market, Arun Babu, Associate Director, Imaging Solutions Division, FUJIFILM India Private Limited, added, “Indian creators are no longer just taking photos or shooting video; they are crafting comprehensive visual stories. The Fujifilm Spectrum tour is designed exactly for this new era of visual expression. By bringing our imaging portfolio from the X Series and large-format GFX to instax™, QuickSnap, Optical Devices, and compact dye-sublimation printer ASK 400, we aim to provide hands-on experience and community support to the creators to further elevate their craft.”

    A key highlight of the tour is the “Experience Passport Challenge”, designed to encourage exploration across the venue. Visitors will receive a passport that can be stamped across different Touch & Try zones, creator sessions and experience areas. Completing the challenge will unlock entry into giveaways featuring Fujifilm merchandise. Additionally, interactive Treasure Hunts will encourage attendees to test gear on the spot through challenges like “Spot the X-T30III,” “Shoot your friend” portraits, and “Shoot & Vlog” contests using the Fujifilm X App.

    A core focus of the tour is fostering a strong visual community. The event serves as a physical extension of Fujifilm X Academy, Fujifilm‘s community-driven photography platform that offers tutorials, expert guidance, and workshops to help photographers of all skill levels learn and connect. Hands-on sessions with Fujifilm X-Mentors and engineers will provide attendees with practical knowledge and guidance on maximizing their creative potential.

  • Report Says India Effectively Managing Global Energy Shock

    New Delhi, June 18: India has successfully navigated the challenges posed by the recent global energy shock, according to a new report that highlights the country’s resilience amid volatile international fuel prices and supply disruptions.

    The report notes that despite significant fluctuations in global energy markets, India has managed to maintain stability in energy availability and pricing through a combination of strategic policy interventions, diversified import sources, and accelerated investment in domestic energy infrastructure.

    It further highlights that India’s proactive approach to energy security, including the expansion of renewable energy capacity and improved efficiency in fuel consumption, has helped cushion the economy from external shocks.

    Experts cited in the report emphasize that India’s balanced energy strategy—combining traditional fuel sources with rapid clean energy adoption—has played a key role in ensuring uninterrupted supply and economic stability.

    The findings underline India’s growing capability to manage external economic pressures while continuing to support industrial growth, urban demand, and long-term sustainability goals.

    The report concludes that India’s experience offers a model for resilience in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.

  • S8UL’s all three Trackmania athletes qualify for Esports World Cup 2026; Spark becomes India’s sole representative in the competition

    S8UL’s all three Trackmania athletes qualify for Esports World Cup 2026; Spark becomes India’s sole representative in the competition

    Mumbai, June 18: S8UL Esports, a global name in esports and gaming content, has secured representation in its fifth title at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 after all three of its Trackmania athletes advanced through their respective regional open qualifiers. United Kingdom’s Alexander Page (Whizzy), the USA’s Neal Kamdar (Neal), and India’s Kunal Upreti (Spark) will represent the organization in Trackmania’s EWC debut, with Spark emerging as the sole Indian competitor in the field.

    Trackmania is widely regarded as one of the world’s most unique and skill-intensive racing esports titles, challenging players to navigate custom-built tracks filled with jumps, loops, drifts, and technical corners. At EWC 2026, the title will feature 32 of the world’s top competitors battling for a prize pool of USD 500,000 (~INR 4.7 crore) from August 19 to 22.

    The Open Qualifiers served as an alternative pathway to EWC 2026, offering a limited number of places across each region through a cup-mode double-elimination tournament. Players with Elite Cup Ranking points were seeded directly into the playoff bracket, while the remaining competitors battled through a Time Attack stage to determine seeding. The playoffs featured four-player double-elimination matches, with only the top performers from each region advancing to the main event.

    Widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading Trackmania talents, Whizzy received direct playoff seeding through his Elite Cup Ranking in the European qualifier, which featured 41 players competing for six EWC berths. The 24-year-old has been competing professionally since 2020 and is best known for winning the British and Irish Professional Cup 3, securing a Top 6 finish at the Trackmania World Tour 2023 World Championship, and finishing third overall in Season Two of the Trackmania Formula E Championship.

    In the qualifier, he delivered a consistent run through the bracket, finishing second in both Round 2 of the Upper Bracket (UB) and Round 6 of the Lower Bracket (LB) with 121 points in each round before recording 141 points in the UB Semi-Final and 140 points in the UB Final. The performance secured a third-place overall finish and a place at EWC 2026.

    Sharing his thoughts on qualification, Alexander Page aka Whizzy said, “The European qualifier was incredibly competitive, so securing a spot at the Esports World Cup feels rewarding. I have always enjoyed testing myself against the strongest players, and this is another opportunity to do exactly that. I am looking forward to representing S8UL on a global stage and making the most of the opportunity.”

    Competing in the North American qualifier, which featured 10 players battling for three EWC berths, Neal received direct playoff seeding through his Elite Cup Ranking. Widely regarded as one of the region’s most accomplished Trackmania competitors, the 24-year-old has built an impressive résumé since entering the scene in 2021, with victories at the Trackmania All-American Spring 2023, NCSA DuoCup 2024, GDEX 2024, NCSA DuoCup 2025, and Americas Masters: Season 1.

    He dominated the qualifier from start to finish, securing first-place finishes in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the UB before recording 121 points in Round 3 and an impressive 143 points in the Grand Final. Neal ultimately topped the standings and finished first overall.

    “My focus going into the qualifier was simple: play my game and secure the spot. I am pleased with how everything came together, but qualifying is only the first step. The Esports World Cup will bring together the strongest players in Trackmania, and I am excited for the challenge that lies ahead,” commented Neal Kamdar aka Neal.

    Among India’s most decorated Trackmania competitors, Spark competed in the Asia and Oceania qualifier, which featured 14 players battling for four EWC berths. The 22-year-old has won Trackmania India Cup editions 5, 6, 7, and 8, in addition to claiming the Mahi Cup in 2025. He has also represented India internationally at the Trackmania Games, the Trackmania Seasonal Country Championship, and the Trackmania Country Championship.

    Spark entered the qualifier through his Elite Cup Ranking and immediately established himself among the frontrunners. He finished first in Round 1, followed by a second-place finish in Round 2 of the Upper Bracket. Strong performances in the later stages, including 141 points in Round 3 and 142 points in the Grand Final, saw him finish second overall and earn his place at EWC 2026. In doing so, he became the only Indian player set to compete in Trackmania at this year’s tournament.

    “Being the only Indian player to qualify for Trackmania at this year’s Esports World Cup makes this achievement even more meaningful. The Indian Trackmania community has continued to grow over the years, and I hope this result encourages more players to pursue the game competitively. I am proud to represent both India and S8UL on such a big stage,” said Kunal Upreti aka Spark.

    Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second consecutive year, S8UL earlier unveiled its most ambitious international esports campaign to date, pursuing qualification across 13 titles at EWC 2026. While continuing to field elite international talent, the organization has also placed a strong emphasis on Indian representation across its competitive ecosystem.

    That strategy has already begun delivering results. S8UL’s Honor of Kings roster, comprising Indian players, has secured qualification for EWC 2026, while Indian chess grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram have also qualified for the Chess competition. Spark now joins that list through his success in Trackmania. The organization has additionally secured qualification in Apex Legends and Fortnite through its international rosters.

    Scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 6 to August 23, EWC 2026 will feature a record-breaking prize pool of USD 75 million (approximately INR 714 crore) and bring together more than 2,000 players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries.