Next Gen Consulting

Blog

  • Graphene quantum dots show promise in targeting Parkinson’s-related protein clumping

    TSUKUBA, Japan, May 22 –  The buildup of a protein called 𝛂-synuclein (ASN) into toxic clumps is a hallmark of synucleinopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases that includes Parkinson’s and multiple system atrophy (MSA). 

    These aggregates are associated with cellular dysfunction and lead to progressive neuronal loss. Because current treatments only manage symptoms rather than stopping the underlying protein clumping, scientists are exploring new strategies, including nanomaterials that can prevent these aggregates from forming or help clear them from the brain. 

    A multinational research team led by Professor Małgorzata Kujawska at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland, has found that graphene quantum dots (GQDs)—nanoscale carbon particles—can counteract this clumping process. 

    In a study published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), the researchers detailed how these dots interact with ASN to prevent it from forming the long, toxic fibers that characterize the disease. 

    “This study points to a promising new direction for strategies against neurodegenerative diseases,” says Professor Kujawska. “While clinical use of GQDs remains a long way off, these findings strengthen the case for further research.” 

    The study used a multi-stage approach, testing the GQDs in cell-free environments, neuronal cultures, and animal models of MSA. The researchers found that when GQDs were administered intranasally in mice, the particles significantly reduced the presence of toxic protein aggregates. Furthermore, the treatment appeared to activate autophagy, a biological recycling process that helps cells break down and remove damaged proteins. 

    At concentrations relevant to its biological effects, the GQD showed a favorable safety profile, although some changes in cellular stress and immune responses were observed at higher doses. This is an important consideration, as many nanomaterials face hurdles in medical applications due to concerns over long-term biocompatibility. 

    While the results are promising, challenges remain, such as preventing quantum dots from clumping in liquid suspensions. “GQDs may serve as a useful research tool,” says Professor Kujawska. “What we learn as we optimize their properties and conduct a comprehensive safety evaluation could help design more effective nanomaterial-based strategies not just for synucleinopathies, but also for other conditions characterized by the buildup of toxic proteins.” 

  • NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 secures strong sponsor line-up

    NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 secures strong sponsor line-up

    Mangalore, Karnataka, May 22: With Indian surfing preparing for its historic debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September, the seventh edition of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Indian Open of Surfing 2026, has received a major shot in the arm, with leading corporate brands and Government bodies coming together to support one of India’s biggest surfing championships. Scheduled to be held from May 29 to 31, 2026, here at the Blue Bay Eco Beach in Tannirbhavi, the championship will be organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and the Mantra Surf Club under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI).

    The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has returned as the Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its continued commitment towards the growth of surfing and coastal sports in the region. The renowned Cycle Agarbatti and skincare brand deconstruct have joined the championship as Gold Sponsors, with deconstruct also coming on board as the Official SPF Partner for the event, while the Karnataka Tourism Department, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, and the Karnataka Surfing Association continue their support towards the development of surfing in the state and the country. Northern Sky has also come on board as the Venue Partner for the event.

    The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing remains one of the most important stops on the national surfing calendar and is expected to play a crucial role in India’s preparations for the Asian Games later this year. The championship will serve as a key competitive platform for surfers aiming to strengthen their claims for places in the Indian contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

    Indian surfing has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, with Indian surfers securing the country’s first-ever qualification quotas for the Asian Games and delivering strong performances at the Asian Surfing Championships on the international stage. With surfing rapidly emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing coastal sports, events like the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing, are playing a key role in building the country’s competitive ecosystem.

    Speaking on behalf of the Karnataka Government, Mr. Darshan H.V., IAS, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Dakshina Kannada, said, “Karnataka has steadily emerged as one of India’s leading destinations for surfing and beach tourism. The continued success of the Indian Open of Surfing highlights the state’s growing stature as a hub for coastal sports, tourism and youth engagement. We are happy to support an event that celebrates both sport and the natural beauty of our coastline.”

    Reaffirming his support to the championship, Shri. Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairperson, New Mangalore Port Authority, said, “The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has grown into a nationally recognised sporting property over the years and we are proud to continue our support as the title sponsor. As a coastal institution deeply connected with the region, we believe the championship not only promotes sports but also showcases the immense tourism and cultural potential of coastal Karnataka.”

    Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Partner, NR Group & MD, Cycle Pure Agarbatti, also expressed happiness at the association saying, “We are delighted to associate with a progressive sporting property like the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing. Surfing reflects youthfulness, energy and aspiration, values that resonate strongly with our brand and its growing connection with younger audiences across the country.”

    Ms. Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO, deconstruct, weighed in on the immense potential of the sport and said, “Indian surfing is entering a very exciting phase with growing international recognition and participation. Supporting the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing aligns with our vision of encouraging emerging sporting cultures and backing athletes who are pushing boundaries for the country.”

    Mr. Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President, Surfing Federation of India, highlighted the importance of sponsor support for the sport’s growth when he shared, “The support extended by our sponsors and government stakeholders has played a major role in strengthening the surfing ecosystem in India. With the Asian Games approaching, events like the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing become extremely important in preparing our athletes for the international stage while also helping the sport reach newer audiences.”

    Over the years, the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has established itself as one of India’s premier surfing championships, attracting top surfers from across the country while also significantly contributing towards the growth of surfing tourism in Karnataka. The championship has also played an instrumental role in positioning Mangalore and Karnataka among India’s leading surfing destinations.

    The 2026 edition is expected to witness participation from some of the country’s top surfers competing across multiple categories in what promises to be another landmark edition of India’s flagship surfing championship.

  • AD Ports Group Establishes Consolidated Multimodal Inland Logistics Network to Strengthen UAE Industrial Supply Chains

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – 22 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, logistics and industry, announced the establishment of a consolidated, multimodal inland logistics network of rail-linked dry ports and cargo depots, including KEZAD Group’s Industry City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD). This network will position Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals as dual gateways for the UAE industry, while strengthening the movement of industrial cargo across the UAE and the wider region.

    In support of this effort, the Group signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four leading UAE manufacturers, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), EMSTEEL Group, Al Ghurair Iron & Steel, and Tenaris, positioning them as anchor industrial cargo clients of AD Ports Group’s rail-linked inland logistics network.

    AD Ports Group Establishes Consolidated Multimodal Inland Logistics Network to Strengthen UAE Industrial Supply Chains

    The network aims to facilitate the efficient movement of industrial inputs, finished goods and strategic cargo across the UAE. It will connect Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals to rail-linked inland dry ports, ICAD, and cargo depots across the UAE, creating a more integrated logistics backbone that supports seamless flows between production sites, inland markets and regional trade corridors.

    Designed to enhance supply chain performance, the network will enable more reliable inbound flows of industrial feedstock and raw materials to UAE manufacturers, whilst offering greater flexibility for outbound distribution of finished and semi-finished goods, through multiple inland and gateway options, strengthening corridor resilience, reducing reliance on single gateways, and improving access to the UAE and regional markets. 

    Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Through establishing a consolidated, multimodal inland logistics network, anchored by the UAE’s leading industrial champions, we aim to further strengthen the UAE’s industrial logistics backbone. This network will connect Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals to a rail-linked network of inland dry ports and cargo depots, enhancing commercial use of the UAE’s national rail infrastructure. It will also provide improved access to industrial inputs, greater export flexibility, and long-term competitiveness for national supply chains, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”

    By strengthening inland cargo connectivity between ports, industrial zones and end markets, the consolidated network will support the UAE’s industrial growth agenda, improving trade corridor optionality for strategic cargo across the UAE and the wider region. Its benefits will extend to manufacturers and industries across KEZAD and other UAE industrial sectors, enabling more efficient access to raw materials and streamlined export of finished goods through Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals as key gateways.

  • Cleantech REPS gets $23.6M to turn road traffic into clean electricity at scale

    REPS patented technology converts vehicle traffic into electrical energy. In 6 months since first it has generated over 6,700 kWh of electricity from real traffic conditions.

    Tyrol, Austria – May 22: Every day, enormous amounts of energy are lost through motion, pressure, and vibration. On roads, that loss is constant, predictable, and concentrated in the same places over and over again: entrances, exits, curves, speed-limited zones, loading areas, and any point where heavy vehicles naturally slow down. REPS was built to recover that wasted mechanical energy and convert it into clean electricity at scale, using infrastructure that already exists.

    Today, REPS announced a $23.6M equity financing round to scale its Road Energy Production System, a patented “road power plant” that converts vehicle traffic into electrical energy.

    What REPS is building 

    REPS stands for Road Energy Production System. Its core product is a patented road power plant that installs directly into existing road infrastructure and harvests energy from trucks and cars driving over it, without disrupting traffic flow or logistics operations.

    The technology is particularly effective where vehicles naturally slow down or brake, or where slopes create additional force. REPS is initially targeting ports, logistics hubs, cities, industrial sites, and other high-traffic infrastructure operators that want to reduce energy costs while improving sustainability.

    “Roads are everywhere. Traffic is everywhere. What was previously wasted energy can now be transformed into clean electricity through REPS,” said Alfons Huber, Founder and CEO of REPS. 

    REPS says its converter delivers 254x higher efficiency than the next-best alternative currently on the market, and unlike weather-dependent renewables, the system operates independently of time of day and weather conditions.

    Why this matters 

    Most renewable energy has focused on generating new power through solar and wind. REPS takes a different approach by recovering energy that’s already being wasted. The company’s first application is roads, where the energy lost through traffic alone could theoretically cover around 5% of global electricity demand.

    The broader opportunity sits inside a category called energy harvesting, converting lost mechanical impulses into usable electricity. REPS believes the reason energy harvesting hasn’t become a major force in the energy transition is straightforward: existing mechanical converters have historically failed on efficiency and durability, which makes the economics fall apart. REPS had to reinvent the energy converter itself to unlock a system that can operate under heavy traffic conditions for more than 20 years and amortize within years.

    Proof in the field

    The first commercial REPS system has been operating at the Port of Hamburg since November 2025. Since then, more than 115,000 trucks have crossed the system, generating over 6,700 kWh of electricity from real traffic conditions.

    The Hamburg deployment has translated into strong international demand. Following the launch, the company is engaged with over 90 parties from the port industry alone, spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America, and it says interest has now expanded beyond ports to logistics hubs and cities.

    REPS also shared internal projections for what scale could look like. A rollout of around 230 systems across the Port of Hamburg’s public roads, excluding terminals, could generate approximately 10 GWh of electricity per year, enough to power around 2,800 households, and offset roughly 9.81% of the CO₂ emissions caused by port traffic. The return on investment in that scenario would be below four years.

    On a city scale, the company estimates that deploying around 64,000 systems in a city the size of Dubai could recover approximately 3.2 TWh of electricity annually, equivalent to about 10.8% of the city’s total energy consumption today. 

    Justin Karnbach, CEO of Hamburger Container Service GmbH, said ” The installation at our facility demonstrates the potential of REPS: where vehicles have to brake anyway, clean energy is recovered and can be used directly where we need it. Without any interference with traffic and without additional space.”

    Jens Maier, CEO HPA and President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, added: “We can’t wait to see REPS in action – not just in the Port of Hamburg, but throughout the city and far beyond, all over the world. The Port of Hamburg aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. HPA actively supports this ambition by implementing innovative technologies. REPS is a future-orientated technology that generates electricity from previously unused energy sources, making a significant contribution toward achieving climate neutrality. With its high volume of truck movements and its role as a central logistics hub, the Port of Hamburg offers ideal conditions to test technologies like REPS under real-world conditions.”

    The origin story

    REPS was founded after Alfons Huber dropped out of his physics degree and spent 6.5 years developing the technology while defending his inventor rights against two universities. That work ultimately led to what REPS describes as the world’s first operational road power plant, now running at the Port of Hamburg.

    “We spent six years developing the technology. Now the scaling phase begins. The strong demand from ports and logistics operators worldwide confirms the need for our solution, and with this financing round we can now scale at the speed required by the energy transition,” added Alfons Huber.

    What’s next

    Longer term, REPS sees roads as the first proof point for a broader energy-harvesting platform. The ambition is to turn high-traffic infrastructure into decentralized power assets, capturing energy that’s already being wasted and making it economically meaningful at scale wherever high masses move at high frequency.

    Elisabeth Zehetner, State Secretary for Energy, Startups and Tourism, said “Start-ups are no longer a side topic, they are the innovation lab of our economy. This is where technologies like REPS from Austria are created. REPS is innovation made in Austria and showcases what our founders are capable of: they don’t just make small adjustments; they transform entire systems. A road becomes a power plant, and existing infrastructure becomes a building block for a sustainable future. Our role in politics is clear: we must ensure that start-ups find the right framework conditions in Austria. With the Start-up Umbrella Fund, we aim to make sure that innovation is financed, developed, and scaled here in Austria and Europe instead of eventually returning to us as an import from the U.S. or Asia”

     

  • BPC positioned as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix: Digital Banking Platform, Q2 2025 by QKS Group

     

    May 22 QKS Group announced today that it has named BPC as a leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Digital Banking Platform, Q2 2025.

     

    Akhilesh Vundavalli, Principal Analyst at QKS Group, states, “BPC is strengthening its position in digital banking by extending its deep payments and transaction-processing heritage into a unified, omnichannel Digital Banking Platform. Built on the SmartVista Digital Core and Open API architecture BPC allows institutions to move beyond front-end digitization toward transaction-led digital banking. BPC’s differentiation lies in its ability to natively orchestrate complex payment rails, wallets, and card ecosystems while delivering consistent experiences across mobile, web, agent, POS, and assisted banking channels. With these capabilities, BPC position itself as a pragmatic enabler for banks seeking to scale digital adoption, expand financial access, and modernize customer engagement without overhauling their core systems.”

    The QKS Group SPARK Matrix™ includes a detailed analysis of the global market dynamics, major trends, vendor landscape, and competitive positioning. The study also provides a competitive analysis and ranking of the IT Service Management Tools providers in the form of the SPARK Matrix™. The study also provides strategic information for users to evaluate different vendor capabilities, competitive differentiation, and market positions.

    QKS Group also recognized the growing convergence between banking, payments, commerce, and embedded financial services, where institutions increasingly require unified platforms capable of orchestrating customer engagement, merchant enablement, real-time payments, digital onboarding, and ecosystem-based financial experiences through composable and API-driven architectures.

    Among 28 evaluated vendors, QKS Group positioned BPC as a Leader, highlighting SmartVista Digital Banking platform as a platform that provides advanced digital onboarding, AI-driven customer. SmartVista was recognized as BPC’s composable, API-first Digital Financial Ecosystem Platform that helps banks, fintechs, PSPs, governments, and merchants launch secure, personalised, and real-time financial experiences across consumer, SME, merchant, wallet, agent, and embedded finance ecosystems.”. Built on microservices and supported by advanced integrational capabilities through open APIs, it enables rapid deployment of new services. The platform supports end-to-end payments, digital onboarding, eWallets, QR payments, SoftPOS, personal financial management, AI-assisted customer engagement and intelligent financial servicing, , digital lending, embedded finance, kiosks and agent banking, helping institutions modernise legacy infrastructure, build super app ecosystems, expand financial inclusion and compete with fintech-driven banking models. The platform also supports contextual engagement, real-time decisioning, and hyper-personalised customer journeys across banking and commerce interactionsThe platform’s support for embedded finance, merchant digitisation, QR ecosystems, SoftPOS enablement, digital distribution, and super-app experiences positions BPC strongly for institutions looking to converge banking, payments, and commerce into unified customer ecosystems

    Imran Vilcassim, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Digital Financial Ecosystems, BPC: “

    “SmartVista enables banks, fintechs, PSPs, governments, and ecosystem players to rapidly launch secure, intelligent, and real-time financial experiences across banking, payments, commerce, and embedded finance ecosystems. The platform’s composable and API-native architecture allows institutions to accelerate innovation, orchestrate personalised financial journeys, modernise merchant engagement, and scale digital financial services without the complexity of core replacement.

    We are honoured that QKS Group has recognised BPC as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™. This recognition reflects the strength of our platform, our deep transaction-processing heritage, and our continued commitment to helping customers build inclusive, agile, and future-ready financial ecosystems in an increasingly real-time and embedded financial economy.”

  • ideaForge’s Q6 V2 GEO Receives DGCA Type Certification for Enterprise Mapping and Geospatial Operations

    ideaForge’s Q6 V2 GEO Receives DGCA Type Certification for Enterprise Mapping and Geospatial Operations

    Mumbai, May 22: ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading UAV technology company, today announced DGCA Type Certification for the Q6 V2 GEO, a multi-purpose enterprise and geospatial UAV designed for advanced surveillance, mapping, inspection, and multi-sensor aerial data acquisition, under the Drone Rules, 2021, in the Small category (2 to 25 kg).

    The Q6 V2 GEO addresses the growing demand for reliable aerial surveillance, mapping, surveying, and geospatial data acquisition across enterprise and government operations, spanning infrastructure, mining, utilities, urban planning, forestry, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

    Launched at PRAGYA 2025 as part of ideaForge’s geospatial technology initiatives, the platform supports five payload configurations: LiDAR, LiDAR with RGB imaging, high-resolution photogrammetry, 3D oblique imaging, and dual (day & night) payload operations. The platform is suited for applications such as perimeter surveillance and patrolling, terrain modelling, corridor mapping, volumetric analysis, infrastructure inspection, environmental assessment, glacier and avalanche mapping, river basin conservation, rural land digitisation, and high-resolution heritage and terrain documentation across challenging environments.

    The Q6 V2 GEO is part of ideaForge’s complete enterprise and geospatial stack, operating with the BlueFire Touch ground control system for terrain-adaptive mission planning and multi-UAV coordination, and FLYGHT CLOUD for video data analysis, mission data management, and processing orthomosaics, point clouds, NDVI layers, and 3D terrain models in the cloud. Together, the platform and the stack deliver an end-to-end workflow from flight to certified data output.

    Commenting on the milestone, Mr Ankit Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, ideaForge Technology Limited, said: “We are pleased that Q6 V2 GEO has received DGCA Type Certification. The platform has been developed to address the growing need for reliable aerial intelligence, surveillance, mapping, and geospatial data acquisition across enterprise and government applications supporting safety, security, and governance operations. With support for advanced payloads including LiDAR, Q6 V2 GEO is designed to operate in demanding environments while enabling high-quality data capture for a wide range of surveying, mapping, and inspection workflows.”

    With up to 45+ minutes of flight time, the Q6 V2 GEO is designed to support demanding survey and mapping operations across varied terrain and operational environments. This certification further expands ideaForge’s portfolio of DGCA-certified UAV platforms deployed across defence, homeland security, civil, and enterprise applications.

  • Tenable Launches Open Partner Exchange Network (OPEN) to Connect Security Tools, Data and AI-Driven Workflows Across the Enterprise

    Open ecosystem initiative enables connected workflows, richer context and coordinated remediation across security environment

    Tenable Launches Open Partner Exchange Network (OPEN) to Connect Security Tools, Data and AI-Driven Workflows Across the Enterprise

     

     

    New Delhi, May 22 — Tenable® Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TENB), the exposure management company, today announced the Tenable Open Partner Exchange Network (OPEN), the next evolution of its technology partner ecosystem, designed to help organizations unify security data, accelerate AI-driven workflows, and operationalize exposure management across their existing technology stack.

    As AI accelerates the speed and scale of cyber threats, security teams are struggling with fragmented tools, disconnected workflows, and growing operational complexity. Tenable OPEN extends the power of the Tenable One Exposure Management Platform through an open ecosystem of integrations, data exchange, and orchestration capabilities that help organizations reduce cyber risk faster.

    Built on more than 330 validated integrations, Tenable OPEN helps organizations connect security data, workflows and tools across the enterprise. Through bi-directional integrations and the new Open Connector, customers can ingest third-party telemetry into Tenable One while exporting exposure insights into downstream workflows, analytics and remediation systems. By connecting security data, context and action across the stack, organizations can reduce blind spots, streamline operations and accelerate remediation efforts, security workflows, analytics, and remediation. 

    “No single vendor can see everything. The data that defines cyber risk is inherently distributed across the enterprise. That’s why openness is foundational to our strategy,” said Eric Doerr, chief product officer, Tenable. “With OPEN and the Open Connector, organizations can bring together data from virtually any security tool, including third-party technologies, internal systems and emerging AI-driven workflows. We don’t ask customers to replace their existing security stack to get value from Tenable. We connect to it, unify the data and turn it into actionable exposure intelligence.”

    Tenable® is the exposure management company, exposing and closing the cybersecurity gaps that erode business value, reputation and trust. The company’s AI-powered exposure management platform radically unifies security visibility, insight and action across the attack surface, equipping modern organizations to protect against attacks from IT infrastructure to cloud environments to critical infrastructure and everywhere in between. By protecting enterprises from security exposure, Tenable reduces business risk for over 40,000 customers around the globe. 

     

  • S8UL onboards Campa Energy as Title Sponsor for Esports World Cup 2026 campaign

    Mumbai, May 22 : S8UL, a global name in esports and gaming content, has roped in Campa Energy, the flagship energy drink brand of Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), as the Title Sponsor for its Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 campaign. The move marks a major milestone for Indian esports, bringing together the country’s leading esports organization and a rapidly growing youth-focused consumer brand ahead of the world’s biggest esports tournament.

    S8UL onboards Campa Energy as Title Sponsor for Esports World Cup 2026 campaign

    Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second consecutive year, S8UL launched its most ambitious Esports World Cup campaign yet across 13 titles, already securing qualification spots in Fortnite, Honor of Kings & Chess while remaining in contention across multiple other titles. The organization has also placed a strong emphasis on showcasing Indian talent internationally, with homegrown players competing across several esports titles alongside proven international talent. The onboarding of Campa Energy further strengthens this India-first vision, bringing together two homegrown brands to back Indian esports on the world stage.

    As Title Sponsor, Campa Energy will be integrated across S8UL’s official team jerseys, digital content, fan engagement initiatives, city events, and on-ground activations throughout the EWC 2026 campaign. The association reflects a shared vision to champion Indian gaming talent on the global stage while deepening engagement with the country’s rapidly growing esports community.

    Commenting on the association, Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO, S8UL Esports, said,

     “The conversation around Indian esports has changed significantly over the last few years. Today, it is no longer just about potential, it is about building globally competitive teams, creating sustainable fan ecosystems, and earning the confidence of major brands. Our partnership with Campa Energy represents that larger shift. As S8UL prepares for the Esports World Cup 2026 across multiple titles, having a homegrown brand support this journey reinforces the growing cultural relevance of esports in India. We see this as a shared effort to push Indian talent and Indian esports further onto the global stage.”

    Campa Energy has been crafted for a generation that constantly challenges boundaries and aspires to achieve more with every step. Campa Energy will power S8UL’s athletes across multiple titles as they prepare to represent India on the global stage. The brand also has a growing presence within the esports ecosystem, having previously associated with JioBLAST All Stars vs India, a creator-led competitive entertainment format centered around Battlegrounds Mobile India, which featured popular S8UL creators including Payal Dhare, Raj Varma, and Parv Singh.

    As per the recent FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2026, the number of brands investing in Indian esports is expected to grow to 80 in 2026, with this association further highlighting the rising mainstream interest in the country’s rapidly evolving gaming and esports ecosystem.

    The EWC 2026, set to take place in Paris, France from July 6 to August 23, 2026, will bring together over 2,000 players from 200 clubs across more than 100 countries competing for a record-breaking prize pool of $75 million  Backed by Campa Energy, S8UL will aim to make its mark while showcasing Indian esports talent at the highest level of international competition.

  • JSW Cement Limited Announces Q4 FY26 & FY2026 Financial Results

    Chandigarh, May22 : JSWCementLimited  today reportedits consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2026.

    KeyFinancialHighlightsforQ4FY26:

    ·TotalVolumeSoldincreasedto3.99MillionTonnesinQ4FY26from3.73Million Tonnes in Q4 FY25, marking a growth of 7% YoY

    ·Revenue:₹1,895CroreinQ4FY26,11%YoYincreasecomparedto₹1,709CroreinQ4 FY25

    ·Operating EBITDA: ₹365.0 Crore, increased by 46% YoY, with an operating EBITDAmargin of 19.3%

    ·ProfitafterTax/Adjusted ProfitafterTax1:₹361.7 Crore

    ·Netdebt:₹3,635CroreasatMarch31,2026

    KeyFinancialHighlightsfor FY2026:

    ·TotalVolumeSoldof13.96MillionTonnes,up11%YoY

    ·Revenue:increasedby12%YoYto ₹6,512Crore

    ·Operating EBITDA: ₹1,240.3 Crore, representing a substantial increase of 44% YoY, with an operating EBITDA margin of 19.0%

    ·AdjustedProfitafterTax1:₹667.6Crore

    ·Dividend: Based on the Adjusted Profit after Tax1 of ₹667.6 Crore for the year, the Board has recommended a dividend of ₹0.5 per equity share of face value ₹10 each, subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting

    FY2026–KeyBusinessUpdates:

    ·July2025:TheCompanylaunchedsuper-premiumcementintheSouthernand Eastern regions

    ·August2025:TheCompanysuccessfullycompleteditsIPOontheNSEandtheBSE

    ·October2025:ShivaCement,thelistedsubsidiaryoftheCompany,commissioneda

    1.0MTPAgrindingunitlocatedatSambalpur,Odisha,therebystrengtheningits market presence in eastern India

    ·March2026:TheCompanycommencedproductionatthestate-of-the-art,greenfield, integratedcementplantlocatedinthedistrictofNagaurinRajasthan–itsfirstfacility inNorthIndia.Thisplantisequippedwitha3.3MTPAclinkerisationunitandaninitial cement grinding capacity of 2.5 MTPA

    ·March 2026: The Company was declared as the ‘Preferred Bidder’ for the Mining leases oftheSikilangso limestoneblocks (PartA&Part B)located inUmrangso,Dima Hasao District, Assam

    ConsolidatedOperational&FinancialPerformanceforQ4FY26:

    During the quarter, Total Volume Sold increased by 7% YoY to 3.99 Million Tonnes. Of this, cementvolumesoldwas2.35MillionTonnesrepresentinganincreaseof12%YoY,versus

    2.10 Million Tonnes in Q4 FY25. The volume sold of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (“GGBS”) was 1.57 Million Tonnes representing an increase of 5% YoY, versus 1.49 Million Tonnes in Q4 FY25.

    Revenue from operations increased 11% YoY to ₹1,895 Crore, while operating EBITDA improved by 46% YoY to ₹365.0 Crore resulting in operating EBITDA per ton of ₹916 per ton in Q4 FY26. Operating EBITDA (adjusted for forex losses)2 for Q4 FY26 was ₹378.4 Crore, equating to ₹950 per ton.

    Operating EBITDA margin was 19.3% in Q4 FY26, as against 14.6% in Q4 FY25. Total EBITDA (including other income) was ₹385.6 Crore in Q4 FY26.

    ConsolidatedOperational&FinancialPerformanceforFY2026:

    During FY2026, Total volume sold increased by 11% YoY to 13.96 Million Tonnes. Of this, Cement volume sold was 7.73 Million Tonnes, representingan increase of 9% YoY, while the volume sold of GGBS was 5.78 Million Tonnes, representing a robust increase of 12% YoY.

    Revenue from operations increased 12% YoY to ₹6,512 Crore, while operating EBITDA improvedby44%YoYto₹1,240.3Crore.OperatingEBITDApertonforFY26stoodat₹888per tonne. Total EBITDA (including other income) was ₹1,392.7 Crore in FY26.

    Pursuant to the amendments introduced under the Finance Act, 2026, inter alia enabling prescribed treatment of brought-forward MAT credit to the companies under tax regime as per Section 115BAA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (“New tax regime”), the Company basis its assessment has decided to exercise the option to adopt the New tax regime from financial year 2026–27 onwards. In view of the same, the resultant reduction in net deferred tax liabilities, consequent to the reduced tax rate in the New tax regime, of ₹ 211.21 crore has been recognised in Q4 FY26 and FY2026.

    GrowthStrategy&Capex Update:

    The Company continues to make progress on its expansion program to develop a pan India presence and reach 46.00 MTPA of grinding capacity along with 13.04 MTPA of clinker capacity.

    The first phase of the Nagaur integrated unit in Rajasthan, comprising 3.3 MTPA clinker capacity and 2.5 MTPA grinding capacity was commissioned in Q4 FY26. Work on the WHRS and additional 1.0 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur are also nearing completion.

    With a view to enhancing utilisation of the Nagaur clinker line, as well as with the strategic aim to make the Nagaur unit self-sufficient in terms of cement grinding capacity, the Board has approved the establishment of an additional 2.5 MTPA cement grinding capacity. Post expansion,totalgrindingcapacityattheNagaurunitwillincreaseto6.0MTPA.Theestimated investment for this project is ₹430 Crore.

    DuringQ4FY26andFY2026,thecompanyincurredcapex(includingmaintenancecapex)of

    ₹506Croreand₹1,962Crore respectively.

    SustainabilityUpdatesand Recognitions:

    ·The Company continues to have lowest carbon dioxide emission intensity in the industry of 268 kg CO2 per ton of cementitious materials in FY2026

    ·ShivaCementreceivedtheDistinctionAwardforExcellenceinSafetyPerformanceand Safety Practices from the British Safety Council

    ·JSW Cement’s Vijayanagar Unit was awarded the prestigious “Legend (Emerging)” award at the 20th Exceed Occupational Health, Safety & Security Awards

    ·JSW Cement was awarded Golden Peacock Award for Innovation Management, in recognitionforexcellenceinfosteringacultureofinnovationandsustainablebusiness transformation

  • Al Barari luxury villa leased for record AED14 million over two years

    fäm Properties deal sets new benchmark in one of Dubai’s most exclusive communities

    The new leasing agreement

     

    Dubai, UAE, May 22: A luxury villa in Al Barari has been leased for a record AED 14 million over two years, marking the highest rental transaction ever recorded in one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential communities.

    The landmark deal was secured by fäm Properties for a 14,500 sq ft five-bedroom residence within The Collection at Al Barari. Originally purchased for AED 54 million, the villa is generating a yearly rental yield of 12.8%.

    At AED 7 million annually, the agreement surpasses the previous Al Barari rental record of AED 4.8 million per year by 46%, as confirmed by DXBinteract data.

    “This transaction reflects the continued depth of demand within Dubai’s ultra-prime segment, particularly for highly curated, lifestyle-driven residences where quality and exclusivity outweigh conventional market parameters,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.

    “It underlines the strength and resilience of the market, and Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for wealthy individuals who want this to be their home.”

    The villa sits on a 16,000 sq ft plot and features a design centred on privacy, wellness and resort-style living. It includes open-plan formal and informal living areas, a private study with direct lift access, a landscaped garden with pond feature, a fully equipped gym overlooking the pool, and a dedicated wellness pavilion.

    The tenant, a Brazilian ultra-high-net-worth individual, was seeking a highly specific lifestyle environment. The deal was brought together by Ana Carolina Oliveira, a Brazilian-born fäm Properties property advisor with nearly a decade of experience in Dubai real estate.

    Her long-standing relationships within this segment, combined with cultural familiarity and market access, played a central role in identifying and securing the property.

    At the time of search, available rental inventory in Al Barari, including properties above AED 3 million annually, did not meet the tenant’s requirements in terms of architecture, privacy and wellness-led design.

    This resulted in a shift away from conventional rental listings towards trophy villas originally positioned for sale in the AED 100 million range, where the required specification was more readily available.

    Over a two-month period, off-market discussions were conducted with multiple owners to explore long-term leasing structures for homes not originally intended for rental use.