Category: Business

June 15: World Food Safety Day, marked each year by the United Nations along with WHO and FAO, is about one simple truth: safe food practices start at home. The day reminds us that food safety is everyone’s responsibility, from farmers and producers to families in their kitchens. For urban households, managing kitchens efficiently while reducing food waste has become increasingly important as people look for healthier, more sustainable ways of living.

Fresh produce and proteins often spoil quickly during humid months, leading to unnecessary wastage. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) cautions that bacteria such as Salmonella, and Campylobacter multiply rapidly between 4°C and 60°C the “Danger Zone” doubling in as little as 20 minutes. To counter this, many families are turning to frozen and Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) foods, which let them cook only what they need while keeping nutrition, taste, and quality intact for longer.

Food safety isn’t just about storage it’s also about knowing where food comes from and how it’s handled. The farm-to-fork approach builds transparency and trust, giving consumers confidence in the meals they prepare.

Equally important is learning to read food labels. Terms like “BBE” (Best Before End), “IQF” (Individually Quick Frozen), “HPP” (High Pressure Processing), and “FD” (Freeze Dried) help consumers make smarter choices about freshness, shelf life, and storage.

Anushree Dewen, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Godrej Foods, said: “At Godrej Foods, we believe food safety is not just a standard it’s a promise. From sourcing to packaging, we are embedding safety practices at every step. More people today are choosing frozen foods because they want convenience without compromising on hygiene or nutrition. By offering options that help reduce waste and keep meals wholesome, we’re supporting safer and smarter kitchen habits for urban homes.”

LAS VEGAS, US –  15 June 2026 – At the annual JCK Las Vegas Show – the largest jewellery event in the global calendar – De Beers Group today set out its view on the way forward for the natural diamond sector, calling on the trade to work together to capitalise on the early success of the Desert diamonds ‘beacon’ campaign with the introduction of Desert diamonds Icons.

The Desert diamonds beacon campaign launched in late 2025 and has already succeeded in shaping consumer demand for both natural diamonds in general and coloured diamonds in particular, with natural diamond sales at US independents increasing 4% in Q4 2025 and 9% in Q1 2026, while those in the K to Z colour range have seen even stronger growth, up 15% in Q4 2025 and 19% in Q1 2026.

Following the launch of Desert diamonds Bridal earlier this year, Desert diamonds Icons will focus on bringing a sense of newness and individuality to four iconic jewellery design classics – stud earrings, the eternity band, the tennis bracelet and the halo pendant – which between them comprise 70% of diamond jewellery acquisitions. Launching in September, the campaign will include training and marketing support for all retailers.

During a keynote presentation, De Beers Group executives stated that while demand has performed well for larger natural diamonds and this has supported stable retail sales value for natural diamond jewellery, it is critical for industry participants to work together on the campaign to drive demand across the natural diamond category as a whole.

With the campaign benefitting from the diamond industry’s biggest natural diamond marketing budget in 15 years, Desert diamonds is expected to deliver enhanced retail impact in 2026, based on a range of positive data points from its initial run. Growth in natural diamond desirability, online searches for natural diamonds, and increased coloured natural diamond sales across independent jewellers all highlight that the momentum behind the campaign is building. Noting that the 2026 campaign run will also benefit from a geo-targeting approach that directs consumers to specific retailers carrying Desert diamonds, De Beers executives encouraged the entire trade to support the fast-growing trend by stocking Desert diamonds Icons products and by signing up to Promoboxx to access marketing materials and participate in geo-targeting.

The presentation also included a summary of key consumer and industry insights published today in The Diamond Report, highlighting how commercial dynamics are evolving at pace for US jewellery retailers as the synthetic lab-grown diamond sector matures while consumer interest in natural diamonds grows.

Speaking at the presentation, Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumer desire for natural diamonds is strong – but we need to work together as an industry in support of Desert diamonds to unlock the full value of the opportunity. The results from the campaign’s initial run demonstrate how it is already stimulating demand, and with Desert diamonds Icons we are doubling down at a critical moment.

“The jewellery retail landscape is evolving at pace. With the sustained falls in price of synthetic lab-grown diamonds, and large falls in demand for larger synthetic lab-grown diamonds, there may be challenges ahead for retailers who focus on synthetic lab-grown diamonds.”

“However, with challenge comes opportunity, and the growing success of the Desert diamonds campaign is evident. As we head into the campaign’s second year, with the industry supported by the largest category marketing budget in 15 years, the natural way forward is clear to see.”

De Beers Group also reported in its presentation how collaboration continues deliver progress in other areas, with GIA’s purchase of an equity share in Tracr supporting the platform’s path to independence and providing the potential for it to scale faster across the sector. Meanwhile, the Natural Diamond Council has put in place a compelling new strategy on the back of its growing budget, as more diamond producing countries and trade bodies have provided funding, and will introduce a new natural diamond trust mark to support consumer confidence through visible differentiation between natural diamonds and synthetic lab-grown diamonds.

Cairo, Egypt — June 14, 2026 — Football has always held a special place in the hearts of Egyptians. From packed cafés and family gatherings to friends coming together to cheer for the national team, match days create moments that unite millions across the country.

As Egypt prepares to face Belgium in its opening match on 15 June, Uber is launching a special limited-time promotion, making it easier for riders to get together and enjoy the game with those who matter most.

Beginning two hours before kick-off, riders can enjoy 90% off their ride fare, up to EGP 90, for a limited two-hour window. The offer is inspired by the 90 minutes that bring Egyptians together, whether they are heading to a local café, gathering with friends and family, or joining supporters to cheer on the national team.

As communities across Egypt prepare to rally behind the team, Uber is marking the occasion by giving back to riders and helping them be part of the match-day atmosphere.

The promotion will be available exclusively during the two hours leading up to the match and can be redeemed directly through the Uber app.

Lifespan Pays Tribute to Legendary Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana

Hyderabad, June 13: Lifespan Private Limited organized a grand felicitation ceremony in Hyderabad to honour its Brand Ambassador, Esha Singh, for her remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup 2026 held in Munich, Germany. Esha brought immense pride to the nation by winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event and setting a new World Record.

To celebrate this historic achievement, Lifespan felicitated Esha Singh in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and guests.

The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Soni Bala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), and Gareth Wyn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Narendra Ram Nambula, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Lifespan Private Limited, congratulated Esha Singh on her historic accomplishment.

“Esha Singh’s extraordinary achievement is a proud moment for the entire nation. As Lifespan’s Brand Ambassador, she embodies perseverance, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to celebrate her success and remain committed to encouraging sporting talent that inspires future generations,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Esha Singh expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family members, supporters and well-wishers who stood by her throughout her journey. She encouraged young athletes to pursue their goals with focus, discipline and unwavering commitment.

“Perseverance, focus and discipline have been the foundation of my success. I hope my journey inspires young sportspersons to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals,” she said.

As a mark of respect, the gathering observed a one-minute silence in memory of Jaspal Rana, the legendary shooting coach whose immense contribution to Indian shooting has inspired generations of athletes. The attendees fondly remembered his invaluable role in the development of the sport and his lasting legacy in nurturing young talent.

The felicitation ceremony reflected Lifespan’s continued commitment to promoting health, fitness and sporting excellence while supporting athletes who bring glory to the nation.

Chicago, Illinois, June 13: Humanscale, the leader in high-performance ergonomic design, will return to Fulton Market Design Days 2026 with a showcase centered on the future of adaptable, human-centered environments. Presented during the industry’s leading commercial interiors event, Humanscale’s exhibition will highlight solutions designed to support flexibility, wellness, and productivity across today’s evolving workplaces as well as hospitality and residential environments. Guided by the theme “Body. Planet. Materials.,” the presentation will explore the interconnected relationship between human wellbeing, sustainable innovation, and the future of materiality in design.

A major component of the presentation will be a museum-style exhibition exploring Next Generation Materials and the future of sustainable manufacturing. Centered on the belief that the future of design depends on materials that support both human wellbeing and planetary health, the installation will showcase emerging innovations that transform waste into resources and biology into manufacturing. The exhibit will examine how these advanced materials can reduce reliance on virgin extraction while opening new possibilities for high-performance, environmentally responsible design. Expanding on the “Body. Planet. Materials.” concept, the exhibition will also feature conversations and activations developed in collaboration with leading sustainability organizations including the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), Design for Freedom, and mindful MATERIALS, further reinforcing Humanscale’s commitment to transparency, material health, and ethical manufacturing practices across the built environment.

Among the featured products will be Diffrient Lounge, one of the final concepts envisioned by legendary designer Niels Diffrient and recently honored with a Red Dot Design Award in Product Design. Blending residential comfort with advanced ergonomic engineering, the lounge chair reimagines how people work, relax, and connect within hybrid environments. Motorized adjustments, integrated power, and an adaptable worksurface create a seamless experience that responds intuitively to the body while maintaining a refined, minimalist aesthetic while enabling smooth transitions between seated work, rest, and informal collaboration.

Building on this platform, Humanscale will debut eFloat Quattro Studio, a purpose-built meeting table designed specifically for today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Optimized for small-group meetings of two to seven people, eFloat Quattro Studio integrates connectivity, power, and display support directly into the table itself, simplifying meeting environments while enabling organizations to deploy collaborative spaces quickly and efficiently without complex AV infrastructure, permanent room builds, or extensive installation requirements. Designed to support both seated and standing collaboration, the solution creates flexible meeting environments that adapt seamlessly across open-office huddle spaces, executive offices, project review areas, and hybrid meeting rooms.

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

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

In addition to the showroom presentation, Humanscale will host a series of Fulton Market Design Days events and activations throughout the week designed to foster conversation around design, sustainability, and the future of work. Programming will include a Morning Walk/Jog Meet-Up on Monday, June 8 from 7:00–7:45 AM, followed by a Happy Hour with mindful MATERIALS from 5:00–6:00 PM and a Party at Federales from 6:00–9:00 PM. On Tuesday, June 9, Humanscale will host a Happy Hour with Living Future and Design for Freedom from 5:00–6:00 PM. The showroom, located at 345 N Morgan St., Suite 150 in Chicago, will remain open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM throughout Fulton Market Design Days from June 8-10, 2026, with coffee and light fare available at The Emily Hotel café adjacent to the showroom. These events and activations will bring together designers, architects, sustainability leaders, brand partners, and members of the broader creative community for networking opportunities and discussions centered on innovation, wellbeing, and material transparency.

Eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln students are spending part of their summer immersed in Nebraska communities as Rural Fellows.

The students are living and working alongside residents in Curtis, Hastings, York and Knox County, contributing to local projects while gaining hands-on experience. The seven-week internships run through July 17.

Fellows were selected through an application and interview process and matched with communities based on their strengths and interests. This year’s cohort began with a training academy June 1-2 before relocating to their host communities on June 3.

Timothy “Ben” Bentzinger is excited to use everything he is learning in class as a master’s student in community and regional planning. Bentzinger will work alongside Sue Crawford in York’s City Planning Department.

“York just took on a new comprehensive plan and is introducing a bike path through town, so I plan to work with them on those things, and what Sue does directly relates to my master’s studies,” Bentzinger said.

The Rural Fellows program, part of Rural Prosperity Nebraska, returned this year after a two-year pause. It is led by Mary Emery, professor in agricultural leadership, education and communication. As the program relaunched, organizers took a more tailored approach to placing students, said Blair Bagley, doctoral student and graduate research assistant.

“As we’re restarting the program, we approached the communities with the students’ talents in mind,” Bagley said. “I think this cohort of Rural Fellows is going to be a great experience for both the students and their host communities, because it’s benefiting both — students meeting professional goals and community members getting the talent they need to complete these projects.”

The fellows, communities and host organizations are:

• Timothy “Ben” Bentzinger, York, York City Planning Department
• Alexa Carter, York, York County Community Coalition
• Sarah Lange, York, York County Community Coalition
• Swade Lamb, Hastings, United Way of South Central Nebraska with a focus on affordable housing
• Hagar Ghanem, Hastings, United Way of South Central Nebraska with focus on early childhood education centers
• Graysan Guss, Hastings, enCourage Advocacy Center, Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning
• Brandon Jurgens, Knox County with focus on emergency management through an EPSCoR grant
• Sam Durre, Curtis with focus on wildfire/burn prevention through an EPSCoR grant

Toronto, June 13: JMIR Publications invites submissions to a new section titled “Ethics and Policy in Neurotechnology” in its open access journal JMIR Neurotechnology. The premier, peer-reviewed journal is indexed in Sherpa/Romeo, DOAJ, EBSCO/EBSCO Essentials, PubMed Central and PubMed.

Neurotechnology needs an urgent and focused discussion on what effective policy and regulation looks like for this rapidly expanding field. A pioneering science, such as combining neuroscience with new technologies, necessitates rigorous scrutiny and clear policy frameworks to guide ethical development, application, and evaluation. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with hardware and software advancements and neuroscience can open new opportunities for scientific discovery within the central nervous system. At the same time, this introduces new ethical, legal, social, and medical questions while also amplifying or emphasizing existing issues. 

While the EU AI Act prohibits manipulative AI (https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/), the direct link that neurotechnology creates could increase the potential for vulnerabilities. As AI-integrated brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) shift from experiments and clinical trials to applications in consumer or even military sectors, the capacity to monitor or modulate neural activity is rapidly outpacing current ethical frameworks. This commercial and defense-driven advancement creates a gap in policy regarding cognitive liberty, where legal definitions of mental privacy remain insufficient to protect from data harvesting or dual-use exploitation.

This new section in JMIR Neurotechnology focuses on the responsible and ethical use of neurotechnology. We welcome submissions on ethics and policy in neurotechnology, including original research, case series, theoretical viewpoints, and data-driven analyses, that explore the intersection of safety, ethics, policy, and practical implementation. By scrutinizing these emerging issues and proposing actionable solutions, contributors will help provide the pragmatic policy insights necessary to advance the field.

Example topics for authors submitting to this section include but are not limited to:

• Standards for biocompatibility, material corrosion, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic compatibility
• Comparative ethics and safety of intravenous versus direct-to-cortex implantation methods
• Technical standards for neural data anonymization
• Data privacy, security, and confidentiality, including informed consent from users for data sharing
• Security protocols for protecting wireless BCIs from signal hijacking or interference
• Strategies to mitigate planned obsolescence and ensure long-term implant functionality
• Policies for mandatory firmware updates and monitoring late-onset surgical complications

Hyderabad, June 13 : The Mining Engineers’ Association of India began its two-day National Conference on “Mining 4.0: Advanced Technologies for Safe and Sustainable Mining Operations” in Hyderabad. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC, in the presence of industry leaders, mining professionals, academicians, and senior officials.

Shri Vinay Kumar, Director , NMDC and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter, presided over the event, while Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director , NMDC, participated as a Guest of Honour. 

The first day of the conference saw discussions around how technology is steadily reshaping mining operations. Sessions focused on the growing use of digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, geospatial systems, and smart monitoring technologies in improving mine safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance.

Speaking at the event, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said,

 “In mining, the only acceptable number in safety is zero. Safety and sustainability must go hand in hand, and technology is helping us strengthen both. Today, digitalisation and automation are transforming mining operations, making them safer, more efficient and more responsible. As demand for iron ore, steel and critical minerals continues to grow, the mining industry has a tremendous opportunity before it. At the same time, we must ensure that growth is driven by responsible mining, continuous innovation and value creation for all stakeholders. Conferences like MEAI help us learn from each other, gain new perspectives and return better prepared for the future”

A key theme across the conference was the need to move research and innovation beyond presentations and into practical mining applications that can make a real difference on the ground.

The inaugural function  concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognising professionals and experts for their contribution to the mining sector and its evolving technological landscape. Among those felicitated were Shri S. Krishnamurthy, Former Executive Director, NMDC and Former Secretary General, MEAI; Shri Akshaya Datt Tripathi, Former Executive Director, NMDC; Dr. K. Srinivas, Retired Professor of Eminence, Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University; and Dr. K. V. Shankar, Retired Professor of Eminence, Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University.

Through its participation at the conference, NMDC highlighted its focus on using new technologies, encouraging innovation and strengthening responsible mining practices for safer and more sustainable operations. At NMDC, we are introducing systems like automated drills, remote sensing, digital monitoring platforms, and real-time analytics to improve the way mines are managed and operated.

The conference will continue on June 13 with technical sessions, expert interactions, and discussions on emerging trends shaping the future of mining.

Bengaluru, June 13: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), through its subsidiary Regenta Hotels Private Limited, announces the launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati, further strengthening its presence in Andhra Pradesh. The new hotel marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion strategy, offering a perfect blend of contemporary luxury, modern amenities, and spiritual serenity in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.

Regenta is Royal Orchid’s upscale 4-star brand known for delivering exceptional value, contemporary facilities, and the group’s signature warmth and personalized service. Positioned with the tagline “Where Devotion Meets Comfort & Contemporary Luxury”, Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is ideal for devout pilgrims, families, and business/leisure travelers seeking both spiritual fulfillment and modern comfort.

Strategically located in the heart of Tirupati at 20-7-27/101, DBR Hospital Road, Kothapalli, Subash Nagar, the hotel offers stunning views of the sacred Seshachalam Hills (seven hills) and enjoys excellent connectivity. It is just 2 km from Tirupati Railway Station and RTC Bus Stand, 9 km from Renigunta Railway Station, and 15 km from Renigunta (Tirupati) International Airport. The property is among the closest branded hotels to major temples, including the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati Balaji), along with Sri Padmavathi Temple and ISKCON Temple.

The hotel features 56 thoughtfully designed accommodations comprising Deluxe Rooms, Club Rooms, Suite Rooms, and 2 Presidential Suites with larger room sizes, contemporary design, and elements of spiritual serenity. Guests can enjoy modern amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ergonomic workspaces, LED televisions, tea/coffee makers, and comfortable bedding.

The culinary experience is anchored by Pinxx, an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant offering a diverse menu with South Indian specialties, North Indian favorites, vegetarian delights, and a wide selection of beverages — perfect for pilgrims and families. Guests also benefit from round-the-clock in-room dining and refreshments.

Key highlights and USPs include:

• Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool with panoramic mountain views
• Gym / Fitness Centre
• Spa on the 6th floor
• Versatile Banquet & Event Facilities (up to 200 pax) and 3 Board Rooms
• EV Charging Stations
• Travel Desk with guided tours and transportation assistance
• 80% power consumption from solar energy – the first hotel in Andhra Pradesh and 9th in India with Vertical Solar (220 kW capacity)

Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said: “The launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is a proud addition to our growing portfolio and aligns perfectly with our Vision 2030. Tirupati’s spiritual significance and rising tourism make it an ideal destination for the Regenta brand. We are excited to partner with the ownership group to deliver a comfortable, convenient, and spiritually enriching experience for guests while upholding the trusted service standards of Royal Orchid Hotels.”

Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is now open and accepting reservations.

New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening onion procurement operations and ensuring better returns for farmers, the government has revised the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) for storage-grade onions to ₹1,650 per quintal, effective from June 13, 2026.

The decision was taken following a review meeting chaired with officials from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), where discussions focused on enhancing procurement mechanisms and safeguarding farmers’ interests amid prevailing market conditions.

According to officials, the revised procurement price has been determined based on current mandi rates and quality requirements for onions intended for storage. The increase is expected to provide greater price assurance to farmers while supporting the government’s efforts to maintain adequate buffer stocks.

In addition to revising the MAPP, the government has refined its pricing methodology to make procurement more responsive to changing market dynamics. The updated framework is expected to enable more efficient procurement decisions and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation in line with market realities.

The move underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural marketing systems, stabilizing onion supplies, and improving income security for farmers. Onion remains one of India’s most important horticultural crops, and procurement interventions play a key role in balancing farmer welfare with consumer interests.

Officials said the revised procurement mechanism will help ensure timely purchases, support price stability, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural supply chain.