Category: Business

New Delhi, June 09th: The BC Jindal Foundation, the social arm of the BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter, BC Jindal Group, has announced an allocation of Rs 43 crore for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across India in FY27. The funding will drive initiatives focused on healthcare, skill development, animal welfare, nutrition support, and community development.

BC Jindal Group is broadening its footprint across Delhi, West Bengal, Haryana, Odisha, and Maharashtra through its Foundation. These efforts are expected to directly impact approximately 3 lakh people in FY26-27.

“The corporate social responsibility initiatives that we have undertaken so far and plan to further implement under the guidance of Shri Shyam Sunder Jindal in FY27 reflect our commitment towards sustainability. As a responsible organization, we will continue to expand our projects while complementing the Government of India’s agenda of achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” said a BC Jindal Group spokesperson.

Out of the 43–crore allocation, Rs 16 crore is dedicated to healthcare programs designed to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services, directly impacting 2 lakh people. Additionally, Rs 5 crore is allocated for skill development programs. This initiative not only achieved a commendable 70% placement rate in high-employability sectors but also delivered livelihood-oriented training to 1,600 youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Further, Rs. 7 crore is allocated for community infrastructure and development projects, Rs 8 crore for nutrition projects, Rs 4 crore for education programmes benefiting nearly 5,000 children, and Rs 3 crore towards animal welfare initiatives.

Founded in 1952, the BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter, BC Jindal Group, is one of India’s leading conglomerates and is engaged in a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes packaging films, energy & steel products.

Atmosphere Core has published Core Impact Report 2025, setting out the environmental metrics and operational measures shaping its Maldives resort portfolio. Released on Earth Day 2026, the report positions sustainability not as a brand message, but as a business discipline backed by visible action in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive tourism markets.

From energy and waste to reef restoration and marine protection, the report shows how sustainability is being integrated into resort operations. It gives media and stakeholders a clearer view of how environmental commitments are being translated into measurable outcomes across the portfolio.

Marine Conservation with Measurable Outcomes

One of the strongest proof points in the report is Atmosphere Core’s continued investment in coral restoration. Across its resorts, more than 16,600 coral fragments have been planted on 360 reef frames, supporting reef regeneration in marine environments under increasing climate pressure.

OBLU SELECT Sangeli: Science-Led Restoration and Public Engagement

At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, the Muraka Conservation Project remains a flagship example of how Atmosphere Core is approaching marine conservation at resort level. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has combined coral restoration, marine-life monitoring and environmental education, while also engaging guests through coral adoption and marine-biology-led experiences.

The resort’s work has also been strengthened through collaboration with the Maldives’ environmental authorities under the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme, reinforcing a more science-based and institutionally aligned approach to reef protection. This is an important dimension for environmental observers, as it signals that conservation efforts are being developed in dialogue with broader restoration priorities rather than in isolation.

Atmosphere Kanifushi: Tactical Innovation in Reef Rehabilitation

At Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, the report highlights the use of pyramid-shaped coral cage nurseries a practical intervention designed to support healthier coral growth before transplantation into nearby reef areas. Such work illustrates the tactical side of Atmosphere Core’s environmental strategy: resort-specific methods that respond to local marine conditions while contributing to a larger restoration agenda across the portfolio.

Energy, Waste and Resource Management at Portfolio Scale

The report also gives weight to the less visible but equally consequential aspects of environmental management. Across the portfolio, Atmosphere Core generated 7.9 million kilowatt-hours of solar power in the past year, meeting 13 per cent of total energy demand. Waste-to-value systems, including the conversion of 140 tonnes of organic waste into biogas energy, contributed to savings of more than 2.1 million litres of diesel and helped avoid over 5,700 tonnes of carbon emissions. In parallel, the group eliminated more than 2.1 million plastic bottles and 1.48 million plastic straws across its nine-resort portfolio, underscoring how operational choices at scale can materially reduce environmental burden.

Alexandria, Va. June 09: As part of the historic interstate Counseling Compact agreement, Indiana is the latest state that can now start granting privileges to licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines. Currently, other states that can grant these privileges include Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, Louisiana and Georgia, with additional states expected to begin granting privileges in coming months.

The compact is a legislative agreement that functions much like a driver’s license — participating states agree to recognize the license of all eligible counselors from other compact states, allowing them a privilege to practice in person or via telehealth. Previously, counselors had difficulty transferring their licenses to another state because of independent jurisdictional licensing rules and regulations.

The Counseling Compact represents the biggest change in the counseling profession in 20 years and has the potential to increase access to the estimated 122 million people in the U.S. who live in areas with mental health provider shortages.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) — the world’s largest association exclusively representing an estimated 62,000 professional counselors — played a lead role in the creation of the compact, investing close to $2 million in the initiative.

To date, 38 states plus the District of Columbia have passed Counseling Compact legislation. They include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C.

A state’s passage of the Counseling Compact legislation is merely the legal adoption of the agreement authorizing a state or jurisdiction to participate in the compact. Once a state passes the legislation, the next step is to grant privileges to counselors from other compact states to practice across state lines.

To learn more, visit the ACA website and watch a video interview with ACA’s Chief of Professional Practice Lynn Linde, EdD, who played a lead role in the creation of the compact.

MANILA, Philippines: June 9 —Paymentology, PayMongo and Mastercard have announced the launch of a new Virtual Prepaid Business Payment Card designed specifically for Philippine small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The solution is the first virtual prepaid card in the market to combine prepaid functionality with business-focused payment capabilities, giving SMEs access to tools that help them manage spending, control expenses and operate more efficiently.

The launch comes as SMEs continue to face limited access to business-grade financial tools despite accounting for the majority of businesses in the Philippines, employing 63% of the workforce and contributing up to 40% of GDP.

Businesses using the new PayMongo platform can onboard and access a virtual prepaid card in less than five minutes, providing fast access to payment tools designed specifically for the needs of growing businesses.

The solution has been purpose-built around the operational needs of SMEs, enabling businesses to:

● Set spending limits and issue separate cards for teams or purposes

● Track transactions in real time

● Enable freelancers and employees to access funds without requiring personal bank accounts

● Access and manage payments through the existing PayMongo workflow

● Benefit from enterprise-grade fraud monitoring, compliance and transaction security powered by Paymentology and Mastercard infrastructure

Jojo Malolos, CEO at PayMongo said: “”We are giving Filipino entrepreneurs a real, honest shot at growing their business. We’re giving SMEs a financial tool they can control – one that enforces the discipline to spend only on what moves the business forward, and nothing else. The biggest motivation for any business owner is seeing their business actually grow. This is the tool that lets them see it, and build on it.”

The initiative also reflects broader momentum within the Philippine payments landscape, following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap target of achieving 50% digital retail transactions by 2023.

Every card issued through the programme runs on Paymentology’s globally scalable issuer-processing infrastructure and Mastercard’s payments network, providing built-in fraud controls, transaction monitoring and compliance standards. The PayMongo platform is also PCI-DSS 4.0 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified.

Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology commented: The Philippines is a market where small businesses power the majority of employment but have historically had limited access to business-focused payment tools. Through our partnership with PayMongo and Mastercard, we are helping make modern card-based financial services more accessible to Philippine SMEs, regardless of size. This launch demonstrates how issuer processing can help unlock practical, scalable payment solutions for businesses that have traditionally been underserved.”

The partnership also represents an important step in PayMongo’s broader vision to build a comprehensive suite of card-based financial tools for Philippine businesses, with additional innovations planned in the future.

Pune, June 9: Hyatt Regency Pune and Residences has announced the appointment of Gangaprasad Choudhari as Associate Director of Sales. With over 10 years of rich experience in hospitality sales, business development, and strategic account management, Gangaprasad brings with him deep industry expertise and a strong track record of driving business growth across  hospitality brands.

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Pune, Gangaprasad was associated with Marriott International at Sheraton Grand Pune, where he served as Associate Director of Sales. In his role, he led proactive sales initiatives, managed key corporate and global accounts, and contributed significantly towards revenue generation across rooms and catering segments. His career journey also includes notable stints with Four Points by Sheraton Pune and Accor Hotels’ Novotel Pune and Novotel Imagica.

Recognized for his strengths in strategic sales leadership, RFP management, corporate contracting, and relationship building, Gangaprasad has consistently delivered impactful results in highly competitive markets. His expertise spans corporate, MICE, and leisure segments, making him a valuable addition to the leadership team at Hyatt Regency Pune.

Interestingly, Gangaprasad began his hospitality journey with Hyatt Hotels as a Food & Beverage Associate at Hyatt Regency Pune and was part of the hotel’s pre-opening team. His return to the property in a leadership capacity marks a significant milestone in his professional journey and reflects his longstanding association with the Hyatt brand.

In his new role, Gangaprasad will be responsible for strengthening the hotel’s sales strategy, expanding corporate partnerships, and driving overall business growth in alignment with Hyatt Regency Pune’s vision for excellence and market leadership.

Hyatt Regency Pune welcomes Gangaprasad back to the Hyatt family and looks forward to his contributions towards the hotel’s continued success.

Safaga, Egypt/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 09 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today launched trial operations at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt ahead of the terminal’s full operational launch later this year.

His Excellency Lieutenant-General Eng. Kamel El Wazir, Minister of Transport – Egypt; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi – Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; along with senior officials have conducted a site tour of the new multipurpose terminal in Safaga Port – Egypt.

The officials reviewed the terminal’s operations, systems, and processes, which are designed to ensure full operational readiness and the seamless delivery of services in accordance with the highest international standards. The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal is being delivered under a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2023 for the development and operation of the multipurpose terminal, in partnership with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA).

Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, said: “We commend the productive partnership with AD Ports Group to deliver a range of strategic maritime port projects along the Red Sea, as well as across various sectors of the maritime transport industry. Safaga Terminal serves as a key gateway for the development of Upper Egypt and will play a vital role in supporting the mining activities associated with the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, facilitating import and export operations, and enabling development projects across Northern, Central, and Southern Upper Egypt through enhanced connectivity with the port. This development is also expected to attract investments across industrial, logistics, warehousing, processing, and assembly sectors, while strengthening container and cargo transportation capabilities throughout the region, further supporting economic growth and trade development.” 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “Egypt is one of the Group’s most important international markets, and serves as a major trade gateway along the Group’s global network, spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. With strategic access to the Red Sea, Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal reinforces our position as an enabler of trade across key waterways. We look forward to the full operational launch of our new terminal later this year, which represents another major step in our cooperation with our partners in Egypt, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”

The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal will span approximately 810,000 m², featuring a 1,000-metre quay wall designed to handle up to 450,000 TEUs, alongside 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro cargo.

The terminal is set to be the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region of southern Egypt, serving as a key gateway for the region and strengthening connectivity across Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes.

Egypt and the Red Sea are a focus of AD Ports Group’s expanding global network of integrated trade, transport, and logistics facilities. In April 2026, Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group confirmed the delivery of three new ship-to-shore (STS) and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga. Beyond its container feeder shipping and stevedoring services, the Group recently announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Group is also developing the 20 km² KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park with Egyptian partners at the Mediterranean gateway of the Suez Canal.In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (USD 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), and subsequently moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.

Mumbai, June 09th: Alkem Laboratories Ltd. today announced the launch of semaglutide in single–shot pre–filled syringes in multiple dose strengths.

Alkem is the first company in India to introduce semaglutide in single–shot pre–filled syringe format, expanding treatment options for patients and lowering entry barriers with its affordable pricing. The ready-to-use single shot pre–filled syringe format offers enhanced access, and convenience.

The company has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to manufacture and market semaglutide pre–filled syringes for the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

In March 2026, Alkem had already launched semaglutide in pre–filled disposable and reusable injection pens format in the Indian market. The company has also received regulatory approval for semaglutide vials, which will be launched soon.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Alkem said, “Semaglutide has the potential to change how we manage metabolic disorders. With the launch of our pre–filled syringes, we are widening the choice available to doctors and patients, alongside the pen options we have already introduced. In India, where we are seeing a continuous rise in disease burden, offering multiple, practical drug delivery formats is an important step in helping more patients start and stay on the therapy.”

Alkem remains committed to advancing high-quality, affordable medicines across key therapeutic areas and supporting better patient care in India.

Rockville, MD – Today, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) announced the launch of the ASHG Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative, a multi-part effort designed to promote and advance the responsible, effective use of AI across human genetics and genomics. 

AI is rapidly transforming the ways scientists and clinicians interpret genomic data, improve diagnosis, advance personalized treatment strategies, and discover new therapeutic insights. Through this Initiative, ASHG will address the technical and ethical considerations of using AI in human genetics and genomics and create an actionable framework for how the human genetics and genomics community can harness AI and maximize its potential. This framework will provide recommendations for governance, standards, and ongoing education to enhance benefits for researchers, clinicians, and patients. 

“We are entering a new era in human genetics and genomics—accelerating discovery, sharpening interpretation, and expanding what’s possible in research and care,” said ASHG President Susan A. Slaugenhaupt, PhD. “This Initiative brings leaders together to tackle important questions about responsible use of AI in research and develop actionable recommendations that strengthen both scientific rigor and public confidence. Our goal is to help the global genetics and genomics community use this rapidly evolving technology responsibly so that we can analyze large data sets and foster scientific breakthroughs.”

The ASHG AI Initiative’s core components include: 

1. An invitation-only, in-person AI Summit that will bring together thought leaders from academia, government, and industry to address challenges and opportunities in governing and standardizing AI’s use in human genetics and genomics.
2. A two-day virtual symposium that will showcase cutting-edge research into the applications of AI in human genetics and genomics.
3. A published report with recommendations and outcomes from the summit and virtual symposium, as well as an actionable “roadmap for the future” that ASHG will use to advance the application and governance of AI in human genetics and genomics research. 

The ASHG AI Initiative Task Force, comprised of leaders in research, clinical genetics, and industry, will guide the initiative’s direction, shape convening agendas, and oversee the development of core deliverables. Marylyn Ritchie, PhD, Chief AI Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina chairs the task force which includes: Donavan Cheng, PhD (Ambry Genetics);  Eric Green, MD, PhD (Illumina); Stephanie Kraft, JD (Geisinger); Danielle Luz, MD (Stanford University School of Medicine); Ankit Malhotra, PhD (AWS); Natalie Pageler, MD (Stanford University School of Medicine); Robert Nussbaum, MD (University of California, San Francisco); Olga Troyanskya, PhD (Princeton University); Jennifer Wagner, JD, PhD (Pennsylvania State University); Nephi Walton, MD (University of Utah); and Kenny Wong, MS, CGC (xCures).

ASHG is grateful to Ambry Genetics and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for sponsoring and participating in this important initiative. 

A celebration of Kettal’s 60th anniversary at NeoCon 2026 with Kettal Workplace, a complete workplace ecosystem integrating architecture, furniture, acoustics, lighting, and adaptable environments.

A special NeoCon conversation with Eames Demetrios on June 8 exploring the lasting infl uence of Charles and Ray Eames on contemporary workplace design

Chicago, Illinois June 9: Kettal, the contemporary design company known for its architectural approach to indoor and outdoor environments, will return to NeoCon 2026 from June 8–10 with Kettal Workplace. Focused on the evolution of the contemporary workplace through fl exible environments, architectural systems, and human-centered design, the showcase refl ects Kettal’s expansion beyond furniture into a broader workplace offering integrating architecture, atmosphere, lighting, acoustics, seating, and collaborative environments.

At the core of the presentation is the idea that the workplace is shifting away from static offi ce layouts toward more fl uid environments designed around changing patterns of work and interaction. The showroom brings together workstations, meeting areas, acoustic rooms, retreat spaces, lounge environments, lighting, and architectural systems into one integrated workplace approach.

Among the highlights will be the evolution of the Eames Pavilion System into workplace and interior applications. Rooted in Charles Eames and Ray Eames’ enduring ideas around prefabrication, modular construction, and human-scaled environments, the adaptable architectural system explores how fl exible structures can shape contemporary workplace experiences through collaborative workspaces, informal meeting areas, and retreat environments. Developed in partnership with the Eames Offi ce and grounded in extensive archival research into Charles and Ray Eames’ residential projects of the 1940s and 1950s, the Eames Pavilion System translates the Eameses’ pioneering architectural concepts into a fully engineered modular construction system designed for fl exibility, interior adaptability, and long-term evolution. Conceived as an integrated kit of parts with repeatable structural modules, interchangeable roof types, facade infi lls, glazing, textiles, and accessory offerings, the system refl ects Charles and Ray Eames’ belief that architecture should function as an adaptable framework for life and work rather than a fi xed object. Emphasizing spatial generosity, material clarity, and the relationship between architecture and human experience, the presentation refl ects Kettal’s broader approach to creating environments that move between exterior, architectural, and interior confi gurations.

India , June 9 : AirAsia X today formalised a Memorandum of  Agreement with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia , also known as Lembaga  Kaunselor Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to emergency preparedness, psychosocial  support capabilities, and safety resilience across its regional network. 

The signing ceremony took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was witnessed by Yang  Berhormat Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development,  Malaysia and Captain Saravanan Subramaniam, Chief Safety & Quality Officer at AirAsia Group.  The collaboration integrates professional psychosocial support into the Group’s humanitarian  assistance and crisis response framework, strengthening its emergency preparedness  ecosystem. 

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate in areas including emergency response  preparedness, deployment of registered counsellors during crises, psychosocial first aid ,disaster response exercises, and specialised training programmes for AirAsia Group personnel  across all AOCs. 

Through the partnership, BOC will provide trained registered counsellors to support employees,  survivors, victims and family members affected during emergencies or crisis situations across  the Group’s operational network. 

The collaboration will also see both parties jointly enhancing emergency response protocols and  operational readiness through simulation exercises, knowledge sharing initiatives and continuous capability development programmes. 

Captain Suresh Bangah, Group Chief Operations Officer, AirAsia Group said:

“Safety  and the wellbeing of our guests has always been at the core of everything we do at AirAsia. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening not only operational preparedness,  but also the human aspect of a crisis response through professional psychosocial support. 

By working together with the Board of Counsellors Malaysia, we are reinforcing our ability to  provide timely care, compassion and assistance to affected individuals, families and to our  Allstars during challenging situations, while continuing to strengthen our overall emergency  response framework across the region.”

Tuan Haji Sadli bin Osman, CEO Malaysian Board of Counsellors Malaysia said:

“This collaboration marks an important step in strengthening psychosocial support services and humanitarian response capabilities within the aviation industry. Through this partnership, registered counsellors under the Board of Counsellors Malaysia will contribute their expertise in providing emotional support, psychological first aid and counselling assistance during emergencies and disaster situations. We commend AirAsia for recognising the importance of mental well-being and psychosocial care as part of a comprehensive safety and emergency response ecosystem.” 

As part of the collaboration, AirAsia Group will also facilitate transportation and logistical support for counsellors deployed during emergency response situations, training programmes  and simulation exercises across selected destinations within the AirAsia network, enhancing  preparedness for Group-related incidents. 

The MOA further reflects both organisations’ shared commitment towards promoting a stronger  culture of safety, resilience and preparedness, while ensuring compassionate care remains an  integral component of crisis management and humanitarian response.

The name change from AirAsia X to AirAsia Group Berhad is subject to shareholder approval at the  company’s 19th Annual General Meeting and registration by the Companies Commission of Malaysia .