Category: Business

  • Generali reveals Redion – the new brand for the Group’s leading global Care platform, which encompasses Europ Assistance and Generali Employee Benefits

    Generali reveals Redion – the new brand for the Group’s leading global Care platform, which encompasses Europ Assistance and Generali Employee Benefits

     

     
    June 17: On Monday 15 June, Generali Group revealed Redion: a new brand for its global Care platform, which brings together the activities of Europ Assistance and Generali Employee Benefits (GEB) under a single identity and offering. Having operated as an integrated entity within Generali Care for nearly three years, Redion is the brand Generali Care deserves — one that honours the extraordinary work already accomplished and makes visible, to the world, what clients and partners have experienced for years. Antoine Parisi, current CEO of Generali CARE Hub, will lead Redion as group CEO.
     
    With more than 12,000 employees, operations in over 190 countries and €5.8 billion in annual business volume (FY 2025), Redion is the world’s #1 in employee benefits — following the acquisition of Swiss Life Network earlier in 2026 — and the world’s #2 in assistance and travel insurance. The platform serves multinational corporations, global travel companies, financial institutions and their end-customers, delivering services spanning travel insurance, emergency and medical assistanceemployee protection (life, disability, accident, medical), health and mobility solutions — as well as global B2B2C programmes and embedded insurance for financial institutions, travel platforms and multinational employers.
     
    Giulio Terzariol, Group Deputy CEO of Generali, said: Redion is the expression of what Generali Care has already become: a global, integrated platform, purpose-built to deliver comprehensive Care across every dimension of people’s lives. Fully aligned with our “Lifetime Partner 27: Driving Excellence” strategy and our ambition to lead in protection, health and accident, Redion embodies a simple, immediate and consistent standard of Care, bringing together complementary capabilities in prevention, insurance and assistance in one seamless, global proposition.”
     
    Jean-Laurent Granier, CEO of Generali France & Global Business Activities and Chairman of Redion, said: “I sit in three seats at this table — as Chairman of Redion, as a network partner through GEB, and as a client on the assistance side. From all three, my reading is the same: for some time now, the reality of this organisation has been well ahead of the brand carrying it. The quality, the global reach, the genuine depth of expertise — that is already real, already experienced by our partners and clients every day. Today we simply give it the brand it deserves.”
     
    A brand that reflects a platform already at full scale
    Redion is built on the complementary depth of two industry leaders. Europ Assistance, the creator of the global assistance industry now over 60 years ago, has expanded its expertise over time into travel insurance, roadside assistance and personal services. GEB, established in 1966, is the global platform dedicated to the human capital of multinational corporations and, following the acquisition of Swiss Life Network earlier in 2026, the undisputed worldwide leader in employee benefits. Under Redion, these two bodies of expertise are fully unified: one data strategy, pooled AI investment and a single elevated standard across technology and operations — available to every client and partner, across every market.
     
    For existing clients and partners, there is complete continuity. Contracts, service teams, phone numbers and SLAs remain unchanged. The brand is new; the commitment is the same one that has been in place for decades.
     
    Antoine Parisi, Global CEO of Redion, said: “Redion reflects the determination of our teams to deliver an enhanced, integrated and technology-enabled proposition for clients and partners worldwide. One brand means one data strategy, pooled AI investment and a single, elevated standard across our technology platform. The Redion name carries no geographic or sectoral ceiling. But what I want people to understand is that behind the technology stands a network of tens of thousands of doctors, nurses, roadside technicians and local experts who show up in person when it matters most. We are digital-first — and human always. Any client, anywhere can choose to be served entirely by people. That is what always ready, always on truly means.”
     
    Technology and AI at the heart of the platform
     
    Redion places technology, data and artificial intelligence at the centre of its development — with a dual objective: to significantly improve the speed and quality of services, and to deliver smoother, more personalised experiences. The platform is building its own technological solutions to transform the Care experience in depth, complementing the human expertise and partner networks that have always been at its core. In every critical situation — from medical repatriation to workplace injury — AI supports human decision- making; it does not replace it.
     
    Built on two operating values — Excellence and being Easy to work with — Redion embodies Generali Group’s ambition to be the world’s premier Care partner. That means being Caring, Collaborative, Agile, Reliable and Expert in every interaction, for every client, in every country.
     
    Strengthening local presence and long-term investment in Asia
     
    Redion is bringing greater clarity and consistency across the Asian markets in which it operates, notably Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. These markets represent key growth priorities, supported by strong local teams and leadership.
     
    Since entering these markets, the Group has reinforced its travel solutions, supported by more than 350 local employees.
     
    The rebrand reflects Redion’s commitment to local decision-making across the full travel protection value chain, combined with global scale and 24/7 care for travelers. It also simplifies regional engagement for both current and prospective partners.
     
    Hassen Bennour, CEO of Redion for Asia Pacific (APAC) said:
     
    Redion marks an important step for our region. The new name reflects our international footprint, with 45% of revenue generated outside Europe, and supports our growth ambition in the Asia market and the broader APAC region. As Redion comes together under one global identity, we will deliver a more unified experience for travellers across our region and beyond.”
     
    Naoki Futami, CEO of Redion for Japan, said: “In Japan, the transition to Redion allows us to connect our local market expertise with the strength of a global Care platform. Our focus remains on working closely with corporate clients and partners to deliver reliable, practical, and human support for employees, business travelers and customers in Japan and abroad.”
  • Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release LOFIC-Equipped CMOS Image Sensor for Mobile Applications with 100 dB Dynamic Range and Low Power Consumption

    Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release LOFIC-Equipped CMOS Image Sensor for Mobile Applications with 100 dB Dynamic Range and Low Power Consumption

    New Delhi, June 17: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) today announced the launch of the L910, an approximately 50-effective megapixel*¹ image sensor for mobile applications that delivers 100 dB high dynamic range imaging with low power consumption.

    This is one of the first LYTIA lineup with the LOFIC*² structure. It also features the new HDR technology along with the logic circuit technology that helps in reducing the random noise in dark areas of images. These technologies offer high-quality imaging by reducing highlight blowout in bright areas and noise in dark areas, compared to conventional products. Additionally, it also offers HDR video recording at 4K, 60 fps, which has become more popular recently, while maintaining low power consumption with optimized circuit design. With these enhanced features, the new sensor provides high-quality imaging that looks like what is seen by the human eye and clear capturing of both highlights and shadows in high-contrast scenes, such as night views with bright LED lights bringing new value to the shooting experience on mobile cameras.

    In recent years, the need for camera functionality that can provide stable, high-quality imaging in various environments continues to grow along with the popularity of video production and live streaming. Consequently, image sensors require expanded dynamic range and improved power efficiency.

    Therefore, the new sensor combines the expanded saturation capacity enabled by the LOFIC structure with the new HDR and circuit technology. It achieves a dynamic range of 100 dB with a single exposure, enabling imaging

    with rich gradations from highlights to shadows and minimal noise. Compared to multi-exposure HDR technologies, this design help suppresses motion blur and flicker when shooting moving subjects, since the synthesizing process is not needed. Also, Sony‘s proprietary circuit design reduces power consumption, enabling high-quality video recording at 4K, 60 fps even when shooting in HDR.

    Model name

    Mass-production shipment date

    LYTIA L910 1/1.28-type (12.49 mm diagonal) 50-effective-megapixel*1 stacked CMOS image sensor

    Summer 2026

     

    Key Features:

    1. The new HDR and circuit technologies offers 100 dB high dynamic range imaging in a single exposure

    The new sensor comes with the LOFIC structure, which can store overflow charge from the photodiode and expand the saturation capacity compared to Sony’s conventional product. *³ It also uses the Triple Conversion Gain-HDR (TCG-HDR) technology, which reads out the charge obtained from a single exposure at three different conversion gains and that makes it possible to reduce highlight blowouts in bright areas and noise from dark areas to mid-tones to render high-quality imaging from bright areas to dark areas. Also, the Ultra High Conversion Gain (UHCG) circuits technology enhances charge to voltage conversion efficiency.

    It reduces random noise by approximately 30% compared to Sony’s conventional product, *³ improving image quality in low-light conditions. These technologies achieve 100 dB high dynamic range images with a single exposure, suppressing noise in low-light conditions and enabling imaging with smooth gradations in high-contrast scenes. Single exposures also reduce moving subject blur, and the extended exposure time improves the image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)*⁴ and suppresses light source flickering.

    1. With optimized circuit design, the new sensor delivers low power 4K video recording while maintaining high dynamic range

    Sony’s proprietary circuit design and advanced processes reduce the time required for analog-to-digital signal conversion, thereby lowering sensor power consumption. This feature leads to lower battery consumption for smartphones and enables high-quality 4K video recording at 60 fps while maintaining a high dynamic range. It also enables users to preview images in HDR quality on their smartphone screens. By capturing images and video as they appear, the sensor contributes to improved shooting experiences. 

    Key Specifications:

     

    Model name

    LYTIA L910

    Image size

    1/1.28-type (diagonal 12.49 mm)

    Effective pixels

    Approx. 50 megapixels

    Unit cell size

    1.22 μm × 1.22 μm (H × V)

    Color filter

    Quad Bayer Coding

    Frame rate (at full-pixel AF)

    Power supply

    50 megapixels (4:3)

    30 fps

    12.5 megapixels (4:3)

    120 fps

    60 fps (DCG-HDR)

    60 fps (TCG-HDR w/LOFIC)

    4K2K (16:9)

    60 fps (2×2 Bin, DCG-HDR)

    60 fps (2×2 Bin, TCG-HDR w/LOFIC)

    Power supply

    Analog

    2.8 v/1.8 v

    Digital

    0.81 v

    Interface

    1.8 v or 1.2 v

    Outer Interface

     

    MIPI® C-PHY 2/3 trio, Max. 6.0 Gsps/trio
    MIPI D-PHY 2/4 lane, Max. 2.5 Gbps/lane

     

     

  • Time Travel Through Food: At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, the Past Is Still Being Served

    A Culinary Legacy That Allows Guests to Move Between Eras in a Single Meal

    TOKYO, June 17: Restaurants worldwide are rethinking how meals are experienced, complementing technical excellence with a greater emphasis on memory, heritage and narrative. This approach reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations, where context, origin and emotional connection carry as much weight as flavor, creating a dining experience that almost transports guests back in time.

    Time Travel Through Food: At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, the Past Is Still Being Served

    Industry trends indicate rising demand for immersive, story-driven experiences alongside renewed interest in heritage cuisine and culinary nostalgia. For many operators, this has meant building concepts designed to evoke history. At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, that narrative does not need to be constructed; it already exists. What is now emerging as a defining direction in global hospitality has, in effect, long been integral to the hotel’s culinary identity for more than 135 years.

    Time Travel Through Food: At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, the Past Is Still Being Served

    Within the Imperial Viking Sal, the hotel’s long‑established buffet restaurant, dishes originally created for specific guests and moments in history remain in active service. Introduced in 1958 as Japan’s first “Viking” buffet, the concept marked a turning point in how the country engaged with international cuisine, bringing multiple culinary traditions into a single setting while allowing guests to shape their own experience. Inspired by the Scandinavian smorgasbord encountered by Imperial Hotel president Tetsuzō Inumaru, the format was adapted for a Japanese audience as a dining style centered on variety and individual choice.

    The restaurant’s cultural impact extends beyond the hotel itself. The name “Viking,” originally chosen for its Nordic associations, entered everyday language and became widely used in Japan as a synonym for all‑you‑can‑eat buffet dining, reflecting how the concept was not only adopted but fully integrated into the country’s modern food culture.

    Following its renewal in August 2023, the Imperial Viking Sal now presents more than 50 dishes spanning French, Japanese, and Chinese influences, reflecting its continued evolution from its original smorgasbord roots. Unlike a traditional set menu, the format allows diners to move fluidly across cuisines and eras within a single meal. A single visit can trace a progression from prewar European techniques to postwar Japanese adaptations and into contemporary interpretations, creating a layered experience built plate by plate.

    “Many restaurants today are working to build experiences around history and narrative,” said Kazuhiko Yashima, General Manager of the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. “At the Imperial Hotel, those stories are already embedded in our dishes. They were created at distinct moments in time for real guests, and they have remained part of our offering ever since.”

    Several signature offerings, both dishes and beverages, anchor this continuity, reflecting the hotel’s role in cultural exchange, personalization, and culinary evolution.

    The Chaliapin Steak, created in 1934 for Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, represents an early example of highly personalized cuisine. Developed to address the singer’s difficulty with tougher cuts of meat, the steak is tenderized using grated onions, whose enzymes break down the fibers to produce a soft, yielding texture. It is finished with sautéed onions that add depth without the need for a traditional sauce, illustrating how technical adaptation can lead to lasting culinary innovation.

    The Gratin of Prawn and Sole “Queen Elizabeth II”, first prepared during the Queen’s state visit to Japan in 1975, reflects the precision and restraint associated with diplomatic hospitality. The dish combines delicate seafood with a carefully balanced cream-based preparation designed to feel refined rather than overtly rich. Its name, granted with the Queen’s approval, ties it directly to a specific historical moment and reinforces its place within the hotel’s legacy of state occasions.

    The hotel’s Signature Double Consommé Soup, refined over generations, reflects the introduction and evolution of classical French culinary technique within Japan. Achieving its clarity requires a prolonged clarification process that removes impurities while concentrating flavor, resulting in a crystal-clear broth with notable depth. Long regarded as a benchmark of technical discipline, it underscores the precision that underpins the hotel’s culinary foundations.

    Time Travel Through Food: At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, the Past Is Still Being Served

    The Imperial Hotel’s signature “Mount Fuji” cocktail, first created in 1924, represents a distinctive moment in the hotel’s history of hospitality and innovation. Conceived as a welcome drink for Western passengers arriving in Tokyo on around‑the‑world cruises, it was designed as a visual tribute to Japan’s most iconic landscape. Its white, foamy surface, accented with a maraschino cherry, evokes the image of a snow‑capped Mount Fuji with the red sun rising above its peak. As the Imperial Hotel’s first original cocktail, its carefully balanced recipe, combining gin, fruit juices, egg white, and cream, has been passed down unchanged since its creation. While later accounts note that the identity of its creator remains uncertain, the Mount Fuji continues to be served at the Old Imperial Bar as an enduring symbol of the hotel’s legacy and its tradition of welcoming international guests.

    Taken together, these dishes trace a progression of influence, adaptation and exchange. They serve not only as menu offerings, but as records of shifting cultural relationships and evolving tastes, shaped by the individuals and moments for which they were originally created. As the industry increasingly favors experience-led formats and narrative-driven menus, dining rooted in real historical moments and figures has gained renewed relevance. The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo offers a distinct point of reference, one grounded not in recreation, but in continuity.

    The result is not a reinterpretation of history, but its continuation. At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, guests encounter another era not through imagination, but through a progression of dishes that carries them across time.

  • S8UL Esports’ League of Legends team qualifies to represent India at Asian Games 2026

    S8UL Esports’ League of Legends team qualifies to represent India at Asian Games 2026

    Mumbai, June 17: After an impressive run through the regional qualifiers, S8UL Esports‘ League of Legends roster has officially qualified to represent India at the Asian Games 2026, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Esports will feature 11 titles at the event, continuing its rise within the continental sporting landscape after debuting as a demonstration event at the 2018 Asian Games and becoming a full medal sport at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

    Competing under the national team‘s banner, the roster comprising Akshaj Shenoy (Kat Bot), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), Sanindhya Malik (Deadcorporal), Mihir Ranjan (Lotus), Ahmed Shahid (Nero), and Rahul Bisht (Bob) entered the regional qualifiers on the back of a dominant victory at the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2026, the official national qualification tournament for the Asian Games 2026.

    The regional qualifiers featured 14 teams competing across a two-stage format. Teams first battled through a round-robin Group Stage before advancing to the Split Stage, where the top-performing sides secured qualification for the Asian Games Main Event.

    Drawn into Group B, the team led by in-game leader (IGL) Kat Bot, delivered an unbeaten performance, defeating Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan to finish atop the standings and progress to the Split Stage. Despite falling short against Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia in the next phase, the team did enough to punch its ticket to Aichi Nagoya.

    Having booked its berth, India will now compete against some of Asia’s strongest League of Legends nations, including Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam, as it looks to make its mark on one of esports‘ biggest stages.

    Notably, Kat Bot, Infi, Deadcorporal, and Lotus were also part of India‘s League of Legends contingent at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, where the team secured a fifth-place finish. Their return to the continental stage presents an opportunity to build on that experience and test themselves against the region’s elite once again.

    Speaking on the achievement, Akshaj Shenoy aka Kat Bot, captain of India‘s League of Legends team, said, “Qualifying for the Asian Games is a proud moment for all of us. We knew the regional qualifiers would be extremely competitive, and every match demanded complete focus. For many of us, this will be our second Asian Games, which makes this qualification even more special because we understand the level of competition that awaits us. We are grateful to S8UL for believing in this roster and providing us with the support, stability, and opportunities needed to keep improving as a team. Representing India is always an honour, and we’ll do everything we can to make the country proud in Aichi-Nagoya.”

    The milestone also reflects S8UL‘s continued investment in nurturing Indian esports talent. Signed by the organization last year, the roster has benefited from professional infrastructure, sustained competitive support, and opportunities to test itself against some of the strongest teams in the region. Since joining S8UL, the players have represented the organization across major domestic and international competitions, cementing their status as one of India‘s premier League of Legends lineups.

    “Representing India at the Asian Games is among the highest honours an athlete can achieve, and seeing our League of Legends roster earn that opportunity is incredibly special. This team has demonstrated resilience, discipline, and a willingness to continually improve, qualities that are essential for success at the international level. At S8UL, our goal has always been to create pathways for Indian athletes to compete on the biggest stages in the world. We have no doubt they will give their all when they step onto the stage in Aichi-Nagoya and compete for the nation with pride,” said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL.

    The qualification also adds to a growing list of Team India representatives from S8UL. Earlier, the organization’s Gurashish Singh (Soul) and Prateek Bhaunt (B Haunt) secured qualification for the Asian Games in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, respectively, after winning their events at the NESC 2026.

    Apart from the Asian GamesS8UL is also flying the Indian flag on the global stage through its participation at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. Selected as a Club Partner by the Esports Foundation for the second consecutive year, S8UL has already secured qualification in Apex Legends, Chess, Fortnite, and Honor of Kings, while continuing to compete across qualification pathways in several other titles.

    With athletes now representing India across multiple disciplines, S8UL continues to strengthen the country’s presence on the international esports stage through long-term investment in player development, professional support systems, and global competitive opportunities.

  • Shakti Pumps Hosts Dealer Meet in Varanasi; Mayor Highlights Company’s Role in Supporting Farmers

    Shakti Pumps Hosts Dealer Meet in Varanasi; Mayor Highlights Company's Role in Supporting Farmers

    Varanasi, June 17: Shakti Pumps (India) Limited, one of India’s leading manufacturers of energy-efficient pumps and solar pumping solutions, hosted an exclusive dealer meet in Varanasi on Sunday, 14 June 2026, to strengthen its distribution network and deepen engagement with channel partners across Uttar Pradesh. Shakti Pumps has been working to provide solutions to water management for farmers across the country.

    Shri. Ashok Tiwari, Mayor of Varanasi graced the occasion along with Mr. Ramesh Patidar, Managing Director, Shakti Pumps (India) Limited, and Mr. Rajesh Hingorani, Deputy General Manager and others.

    Shri Anand Tiwari,  Mayor of Varanasi shared, “Shakti Pumps has been working hard for the betterment of farmers across Uttar Pradesh and the country. It is a good sign for UP farmers as they will be able to use state of the art machinery along with latest solar technology which will help in reducing the power consumption and the farmer can water the fields in a timely manner. I congratulate Shakti Pumps for reaching out to the farmers of Varanasi and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.”

    Held at the prestigious Taj Ganges, Varanasi, the event brought together dealers, distributors, and industry stakeholders from the region. During the event, Shakti Pumps announced the appointment of Maniram Tubes Pvt. Ltd. as its key distributor for Varanasi and select parts of Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step towards expanding the company’s market presence and ensuring enhanced customer service across the region.

    Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramesh Patidar said, “Uttar Pradesh continues to be an important market for Shakti Pumps, driven by growing demand for efficient water management and sustainable pumping solutions. We are pleased to welcome Maniram Tubes Pvt. Ltd. as our key distribution partner for Varanasi and adjoining regions. Their strong market presence, customer relationships, and commitment to service excellence make them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our reach and deliver value to customers.”

    The event served as a platform to share Shakti Pumps‘ growth strategy, product innovations, and future business opportunities with channel partners. Discussions focused on strengthening market penetration, enhancing customer support, and promoting advanced pumping solutions across agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial segments.

    It was an opportunity for participants to interact directly with the company’s leadership team, exchange market insights, and explore new avenues for business growth.

    With a strong nationwide distribution network and a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Shakti Pumps continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in India’s water and energy management sector.

  • Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Leadership, Purpose, and Vision for Empowering Women

    MUMBAI, India, June 17 — Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been featured by leading lifestyle media publication Vogue India. The feature article, titled “Empowering Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Vision for Women-Led Development”, highlights her inspiring leadership journey, her vision for empowering women and girls through education and healthcare, and the transformative impact of Merck Foundation’s programs in advancing healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, and driving social change across Africa and beyond.

    Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential African Women (2019-present) shared, “I am truly honoured to be featured by Vogue India, yet again. As a long-time reader of Vogue, I have always admired its ability to celebrate fashion, individuality, and influential voices. This feature not only highlights the impact of my work but also reflects a message I strongly believe in that women should never feel they must compromise their femininity to become effective leaders. Leadership today is multidimensional; it is not only about the decisions we make, but also about how we present ourselves and represent our mission. I believe confidence, authenticity, professionalism, and personal style can coexist seamlessly, and that embracing our individuality can make us stronger leaders and role models for others.”

    Beyond her personal leadership journey, The Vogue India feature also highlights Dr. Kelej’s close collaboration with 33 African and Asian First Ladies, through which she champions programs that empower women in healthcare and STEM, break infertility stigma, support girls’ education, and create lasting impact in communities across Africa and Asia.

    Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the lives of millions through their impactful programs including the “Merck Foundation Scholarships Program”, through which more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

    She also created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement in 2015, one of the most impactful and widely recognized campaigns, that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. The campaign is building quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention & male infertility, and Supporting Girl Education.

    As a passionate advocate for supporting girls’ education Dr. Kelej has launched Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, in partnership with African first Ladies. To date, more than 1,500 annual scholarships are awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books and uniforms, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.

    The article also showcases how Dr. Kelej has leveraged innovative and creative platforms, including media, fashion, music, animation films, and storybooks, to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Through these initiatives, Merck Foundation has been able to engage communities and create culture shift in communities across Africa and beyond.

    The feature also spotlights Dr. Kelej’s distinctive style and fashion presence while offering insights into the personal philosophy that has guided her journey, she shares, “My learnings and takeaways from my work and journey have been to never give up and always be yourself. Be consistent, persistent, and disciplined. Not only in your work commitments and goals, but also in your personal ones, such as daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-development, to stay relevant. Most importantly, practice daily stress management, which is the key to sustainable high performance.”

  • Wood Mackenzie: Data centre metals demand isn’t an asset story. It’s a grid story.

    Grid infrastructure requirements reshape base metals demand outlook to 2040

    Wood Mackenzie: Data centre metals demand isn’t an asset story. It’s a grid story.

    LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, June 16: Research from Wood Mackenzie finds that the base metals required to power the global data centre boom extend far beyond the servers, cooling units, and enclosures inside the facility. When grid reinforcement, transmission networks, and facility-level power systems are included, total system-level metals consumption reaches an estimated three to four times the volume implied by the asset itself.

    The research, Data centre metals demand: it’s all about the infrastructure not internals (Wood Mackenzie, June 2026), sets out why the conventional framing of this demand story is incomplete, and what that means for commodity markets, infrastructure investment, and energy policy.

    “Most assessments of data centre metals demand stop at the server room door,” said Shashank Sriram, Senior Research Analyst, Al

    uminium Markets at Wood Mackenzie. That captures the smallest part of the picture. The infrastructure required to keep a modern data centre running, redundant power systems, on-site generation, transmission reinforcement, has a metals footprint that dwarfs what is happening inside the facility. At the system level, we are looking at three to four times the volume implied within the asset. For investors and grid planners, that is a material difference.”

    Key findings at a glance

    • Internal aluminium demand peaks at 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes annually, declining from the late 2030s
    • Cooling represents approximately 55% of internal aluminium demand; racking and enclosures approximately 25%
    • Internal demand grows at approximately 8 to 10% CAGR to the early 2030s, then falls at approximately 2 to 3% per annum
    • Annual data centre power capacity additions are projected to peak at approximately 30 to 33 GW in the early 2030s
    • Asia-Pacific will exceed 50% of global additions at peak; North America leads early deployment

    What is happening inside the facility

    Inside the data centre, aluminium demand is concentrated in cooling systems, at approximately 55% of internal use, and racking and enclosures, at approximately 25%. Copper anchors performance at high-density nodes, driven by power density and system complexity rather than structure. Both metals grow at approximately 8 to 10% per year into the early 2030s, before plateauing and declining at approximately 2 to 3% per annum as efficiency gains and AI-driven design optimisation take hold. Total aluminium demand within the asset peaks at 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes annually before trending lower toward the late 2030s.

    In short, the internal demand profile is front-loaded and bounded, even as underlying compute demand continues to rise.

    Where demand is actually being generated

    The first structural shift occurs at the facility boundary. As grid connections slow and local power capacity tightens, operators are building power systems into the facility itself. On-site generation now spans solar and wind with storage, gas engines and turbines, solid oxide fuel cells, and emerging small modular reactor concepts. None of this scales with compute load. It sits alongside it, engineered to guarantee uptime regardless of what the grid does. Wood Mackenzie estimates that this layer alone effectively doubles the metals demand implied within the asset, with aluminium expanding across busways, structural housings, and distribution systems, and copper scaling across high-load interconnections and grounding infrastructure.

    The second shift occurs at the grid. Annual data centre-driven power capacity additions are projected to rise from approximately 15 to 20 gigawatts today to a peak of approximately 30 to 33 gigawatts in the early 2030s, stabilising at structurally higher levels thereafter. Asia-Pacific will account for more than half of global additions during the peak phase. North America leads early deployment. These are not incremental grid connections. They are network reinforcement programmes responding to load profiles that existing infrastructure was not designed to absorb.

    At this stage, metals demand is no longer driven by the data centre. It is driven by the power system required to sustain it. Aluminium dominates here, scaling across overhead transmission, conductors, and utility-scale generation frameworks. Copper scales across substations, underground connections, and generation-side electrical systems. The split between the two metals is not a function of price. It is determined by the physical limits of each application. Physics defines outcomes. Price influences the boundaries.

    When all three layers are aggregated, total system-level metals consumption reaches an estimated three to four times the volume implied within the asset. The result, the report concludes, is not substitution between aluminium and copper, but co-dependent expansion across the base metals complex.

  • Isuzu Motors India Announces Nationwide ISUZU I-Care Pre- Monsoon Service Camp

    Isuzu Motors India Announces Nationwide ISUZU I-Care Pre- Monsoon Service Camp

    Pune, June 16: In a constant endeavour to reaffirm ISUZU’s commitment to provide best service and ownership experience, Isuzu Motors India will be conducting a nation-wide ‘ISUZU I-Care Pre-Monsoon Camp’ for its range of ISUZU D-MAX Pick-ups and SUVs. This service camp is aimed at offering customers exciting benefits and preventive maintenance checks for a hassle-free driving experience during the season across the country.

    An initiative of ‘ISUZU Care’, the pre-monsoon camp will be organised across all ISUZU authorised dealer service outlets, between 18th – 24th June 2026 (both days inclusive). During this period, customers can also avail special offers & benefits for their vehicles.

    The Pre-Monsoon Camp will be organised at all authorised service facilities of ISUZU located in Agra, Ahilyanagar, Ahmedabad, Ambikapur, Anantapur, Baramulla, Bareilly, Barmer, Baruch, Bathinda, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Bikaner, Bilaspur, Calicut, Chatrapathi Sambhaji Nagar, Chennai, Chikkamagaluru, Coimbatore, Dhule, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Durgapur, Ernakulam, Gandhidham, Gorakhpur, Gurugram, Guwahati, Howrah, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Indore (2), Jagdalpur, Jaigaon, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kadapa, Kalaburagi, Karnal, Kayamkulam, Khammam, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Kottayam, Kurnool, Latur, LB Nagar (Hyderabad), Leh, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Madurai, Mandi, Mangaluru, Mehsana, Mohali, Mumbai (Nerul), Mundra, Mysuru, Nagpur, Namakkal, Nasik, Nellore, Nizamabad, Noida, Ongole, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Rajkot, Ratnagiri, Satara, Shivamogga, Sikar, Siliguri, Solapur, Surat, Theni, Thrissur, Tirunelveli, Tirupati, Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Yavatmal.

  • AVILOO turns battery anxiety into battery confidence with industry-first warranty for used EVs

    London, June 16 : AVILOO, the global leader in independent EV battery diagnostics, today announces the launch of the AVILOO Battery Warranty in the UK – the first product of its kind to provide used EV buyers with genuine, financially backed protection based entirely on independent battery health data.

    The warranty comes into effect in July in the UK, launching simultaneously in Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland, following successful rollouts in France and Sweden in June.

    The used EV market in the UK is growing rapidly, but buyer confidence has not kept pace. For most consumers, the battery – the single most expensive component in any electric vehicle – remains an unknown quantity at the point of purchase. Manufacturer-reported health figures are neither independently verified nor standardised. The AVILOO Battery Warranty changes that.

    AVILOO turns battery anxiety into battery confidence with industry-first warranty for used EVs

    How it works: for dealers

    The Battery Warranty is issued as a standalone document, separate from AVILOO’s existing independent battery certificate. It is managed through AVILOO Connect, a new digital dashboard for professional EV remarketing, giving dealers, fleet operators, and remarketing platforms a single interface to manage battery test lifecycles from incoming inspection through to warranty issuance.

    For each vehicle, an individual State of Health (SoH) floor is calculated using AVILOO’s proprietary diagnostics database – the largest battery health dataset in the world. The calculation sets the minimum SoH the battery must maintain at 20,000 kilometres over the one-year warranty period. Dealers can offer this warranty to buyers as a credible, independently underwritten selling point, without carrying the risk themselves.

    How it works: for buyers

    Buyers receive a one-year warranty period during which they can carry out an AVILOO FLASH Test – a three-minute, manufacturer-neutral diagnostic that assesses real battery capacity, thermal management, and charging capability against original factory specifications, covering 96% of EV models currently on the road.

    If the battery’s SoH falls below the calculated threshold during the warranty period, the buyer receives £2,700 in compensation plus a full refund of the FLASH Test costs. This is a concrete, unconditional financial backstop, not a vague assurance.

    Marcus Berger, CEO of AVILOO, said:

    “The AVILOO Battery Warranty raises the used electric vehicle market to a new level. For the first time in the UK, we are providing the foundation for a warranty based solely on objective, independent measurement data. This builds trust and gives British dealers and buyers a level of certainty that simply has not existed before. The UK has one of Europe’s most dynamic used EV markets, and we see enormous appetite from both dealers and consumers to get this right. With the Battery Warranty, we are setting a new industry standard – one that provides orientation for all market participants, strengthens the case for electric mobility, and ensures that used EVs are seen not as a risk, but as a sustainable, trustworthy choice.”

    Already trusted by Europe’s biggest automotive names

    AVILOO’s credentials in independent battery diagnostics are already well established. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Porsche Holding have each selected AVILOO as their preferred third-party battery testing provider for dealerships across Europe, with the FLASH Test deployed on both own-brand and trade-in vehicles.

    Leasing majors Ayvens and Arval use AVILOO as part of their end-of-lease remarketing process. Auction groups BCA and Cox Automotive have integrated the FLASH Test into their European operations. Major dealer groups Hedin and Emil Frey are also live. All relationships are underpinned by European-level agreements.

  • Trustwell Hospital Introduces Advanced 160-Watt Holmium Laser Technology for Comprehensive Urology Care

    Trustwell Hospital Introduces Advanced 160-Watt Holmium Laser Technology for Comprehensive Urology Care

    Bengaluru, June 16: Trustwell Hospital has further strengthened its urology services with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art 160Watt Holmium Laser System, marking a significant milestone in the hospital‘s commitment to delivering advanced, minimally invasive treatment options for patients.

    The newly installed high-power holmium laser enables the effective treatment of a wide range of urological conditions, including kidney stones, ureteric stones, bladder stones, enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH), urethral strictures, and selected upper urinary tract tumors.

    The advanced technology offers several benefits, including enhanced surgical precision, minimal bleeding, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, reduced postoperative discomfort, and improved overall patient outcomes.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ravikumar B., Consultant Urologist, Trustwell Hospital, said, “The addition of the 160Watt Holmium Laser significantly enhances our ability to perform complex endourological procedures with greater efficiency and safety. This cutting-edge technology allows us to provide minimally invasive treatment solutions, ensuring quicker recovery and better clinical outcomes for our patients.”

    Commenting on the development, Dr. H. V. Madhusudan, Chairman and Managing Director, Trustwell Hospitals, said, “The introduction of this advanced laser platform reflects our continued commitment to providing world-class healthcare through the adoption of the latest medical technologies and evidence-based treatment protocols. We remain focused on enhancing patient care by bringing advanced medical innovations closer to the communities we serve.”

    With this latest addition, Trustwell Hospital continues to expand its capabilities in advanced urological care, offering patients access to modern, safe, and effective treatment options under the guidance of experienced specialists.