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  • RAKEZ spotlights practical pathways to building scalable businesses through structured operations

    RAKEZ spotlights practical pathways to building scalable businesses through structured operations

      Entrepreneurs and industry experts during the RAKEZ community event at Compass Coworking Centre.

     

    Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 21: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently hosted a focused session to explore one of the most common challenges faced by growing businesses, the over-reliance on founders and the need for structured systems to support sustainable growth.

     

    The event, titled “From Chaos to Control: How to Organise Your Business When Everything Lives in Your Head,” brought together entrepreneurs, SME owners, and decision-makers at Compass Coworking Centre for a practical discussion on how to transition from reactive, founder-led operations to structured, process-driven businesses.

     

    Led by Customer Experience and Business Excellence Specialist Mahmoud Garad and Berdia Qamarauli, CEO of Centigen Technologies, the session unpacked the operational bottlenecks that often limit growth. Speakers highlighted how many businesses struggle not due to a lack of demand, but because critical knowledge, decisions, and processes remain concentrated with the founder. This dependency can slow down operations, create inefficiencies, and make it difficult for businesses to scale sustainably.

     

    Through real-world examples, the session highlighted how simple steps such as documenting key processes and assigning clear ownership can significantly improve operational consistency and team independence. Attendees were introduced to a practical framework centred on defining what needs to be done, how it should be done, and who is responsible, enabling teams to operate with greater clarity and accountability.

     

    The discussion further emphasised that building scalable operations does not require complex tools or major investment, but starts with capturing existing knowledge and structuring it into simple, repeatable workflows. This approach allows businesses to reduce inefficiencies, improve service delivery, and create more predictable outcomes, while enabling founders to step back from day-to-day decision-making and focus on strategic growth.

     

    RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Our focus is on enabling businesses to operate with clarity, agility, and confidence at every stage of their journey. We continuously enhance our offerings and initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the right tools, knowledge, and environment to build strong foundations and scale sustainably. Sessions like this are part of that direction, helping businesses translate practical insights into everyday operations.”

     

    The session forms part of RAKEZ’s ongoing efforts to bring relevant, real-world perspectives to its business community, creating opportunities for industry exerts and SMEs to exchange ideas, gain practical knowledge, and strengthen the way they operate in an increasingly dynamic environment.

     

  • Odisha’s Bhavesh Patra Secures AIR 13 in JEE Main 2026 Session 2

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 21 (BNP): Bhavesh Patra has emerged as the top performer from Odisha in the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination, securing an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) 13, as per results announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday.

    The examination witnessed strong competition nationwide, with over 11 lakh candidates appearing across India and abroad. A total of 26 students achieved 100 percentile scores in the exam.

    The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 was conducted from April 2 to April 8 at 566 centres across 304 cities in India and 14 international locations. The provisional answer key was released on April 11, 2026, before the declaration of final results.

    The achievement highlights Bhavesh Patra’s strong academic performance in one of the country’s most competitive engineering entrance examinations.

  • ASICS Elevates Retail Experience at Linking Road Store in Mumbai

    ASICS Elevates Retail Experience at Linking Road Store in Mumbai

     

    Mumbai, Apr 21: ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, elevates its retail presence in Mumbai with the launch of its revamped Linking Road store. Located in one of Mumbai’s most prominent high-street retail destinations, the space brings a more refined and contemporary design language aligned with ASICS’ global standards and inspired by its philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’

    The store defines the next generation of ASICS retail spaces, focusing on the brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance. Creating an immersive customer-centric retail experience, it features ASICS’ proprietary Foot ID technology, enabling customers to better understand their foot profile and make more informed footwear choices. It is designed to offer a seamless and intuitive shopping journey, with dedicated zones across Performance Running, SportStyle, Core Performance, and Apparel, enabling easy navigation and product discovery.

    As part of its India expansion strategy, the brand continues to focus on premiumisation and deeper customer engagement.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, said, “India continues to be a key growth market for ASICS, and Mumbai remains an important region for us. With the enhancement of our Linking Road store, we are further strengthening our commitment to delivering elevated and meaningful consumer experiences. Our focus is on creating retail spaces as experience centres that showcase our product portfolio and enable consumers to make more informed choices through innovation-led solutions. As we continue to expand our presence, we remain committed to bringing the best of ASICS to consumers across the country.”

    ASICS currently operates over 137 stores across India and continues to expand its retail footprint, with a strong focus on key urban centres. The enhanced Linking Road store reflects the brand’s continued investment in elevating retail experiences and strengthening its connection with consumers in the country.

     

  • Indian Railways Expands Accessibility Measures for Persons with Disabilities, Reaffirms Travel Provisions

    New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Indian Railways has reaffirmed key travel provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), allowing them to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches in Mail and Express trains, provided they carry valid identification such as the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. The clarification is part of the national transporter’s continued push toward more inclusive and accessible public transport.

    The railways said the move aims to ensure smoother travel and better access for Divyangjan passengers across the network, particularly in long-distance train services where accessibility support is often essential.

    Indian Railways Expands Accessibility Measures for Persons with Disabilities, Reaffirms Travel Provisions

     Focus on inclusive passenger support

    As part of its broader accessibility initiatives, Indian Railways has introduced multiple welfare measures for PwDs. These include concessional fare benefits, availability of wheelchairs at major stations, battery-operated vehicles for assistance, and dedicated support services such as Yatri Mitra Sewa, which helps passengers requiring mobility assistance during boarding, travel, and deboarding.

    Officials said these measures are designed to reduce travel barriers and improve the overall passenger experience for differently-abled travellers.

    Comfort-focused berth allocation policy

    In addition to accessibility upgrades, the railways has also strengthened its berth allocation system. It has permitted the reassignment of vacant lower berths to senior citizens, PwDs, and pregnant women, even if they were initially allotted middle or upper berths. The step aims to enhance safety, comfort, and ease of travel for vulnerable passenger groups.

    Towards more inclusive rail travel

    The initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to make train travel more equitable and passenger-friendly. By combining accessibility infrastructure with supportive onboard and station services, the railways continues to move toward a more inclusive transport system that caters to the needs of all sections of society.

  • AWS, SHI India Join Hands to Boost Indigenous AI Under IndiaAI Mission

    New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Amazon Web Services has partnered with SHI India to accelerate indigenous artificial intelligence development under the IndiaAI Mission, aiming to expand access to advanced AI tools across government, enterprises, startups, and research institutions.

    The collaboration will leverage AWS platforms such as Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock to simplify large-scale AI model training and reduce infrastructure complexity through automated and scalable cloud systems.

    Officials said the initiative will help organisations build and customise large language models more efficiently, while supporting India’s push for digital self-reliance and AI innovation.

    The partnership is expected to strengthen AI adoption across key sectors and support the development of locally relevant, scalable AI solutions in the country.

  • Prodigy Finance Launches New Application Process to Cut Delays in Study Abroad Funding

    Prodigy Finance Launches New Application Process to Cut Delays in Study Abroad Funding.

    London, Apr 21: Getting funding for study abroad shouldn’t feel like waiting in a visa line. Yet for many students, especially those from remote areas like Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the process can be just as slow, unclear, and uncertain. Multiple forms. Repeated document checks. Rejections without clear direction. It adds friction at the exact moment when students need momentum.

    International education loans have opened doors for thousands of students. Yet very few conversations focus on how difficult the application journey itself can be. For a student outside a major city, even understanding the next step can take time. Completing an application is not just about meeting eligibility requirements. It is about access, clarity, and speed.

    Prodigy Finance is addressing this gap with the launch of a new upgrade to its application experience built to make things faster and easier to access. As Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, explains, “The journey to study abroad is already complex, from securing admission to navigating visa processes. At the very least, we can ensure that applying for funding does not feel daunting. With our new application experience, we are focused on giving students a clearer, faster path forward.”

    The core offering remains unchanged. Students can still apply with no co-signer, no collateral, with Prodigy‘s core offering based on future earning potential rather than past credit history. What changes is how quickly and smoothly students can move from application to decision.

    Students can now start their application with ease, straight from their smartphone. In just a few minutes, they can get going and move a step closer to their dream university. The experience is designed for speed and simplicity, without compromising on the rigour required for lending.

    The upgrade is specially designed to guide students clearly at every step, so they always know what comes next. That means less time waiting and more time moving forward. For students in remote locations, it brings fewer delays, less uncertainty, and a clearer path to funding.

    Their new application process is built with that intent. It keeps the rigour required for lending in place, while removing unnecessary complexity from the user experience. Students still follow essential steps and protocols. What changes is how easily they can complete them.

    The result is a more responsive system. One that works for students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as effectively as it does for those in major hubs. One that reflects how today’s applicants plan, decide, and act.

    Because when a student is ready to take the next step, the process should be ready too.

    Business News For Profit

  • Gold, Silver Futures Slip Amid Profit Booking and Weak Global Demand

    New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Precious metal prices edged lower in futures trade on Tuesday, with both gold and silver witnessing selling pressure amid weak global cues and profit booking by traders.

    Gold, Silver Futures Slip Amid Profit Booking and Weak Global Demand

     Gold futures declined to ₹1,53,940 per 10 grams, reflecting a soft trend in international markets and reduced investor demand at higher levels.

    Silver futures also slipped, falling by ₹946 to ₹2,51,599 per kilogram, as participants offloaded positions following recent gains.

    Market analysts said the decline was largely driven by profit booking and cautious sentiment in global bullion markets, as investors assessed interest rate expectations and broader economic signals.

    Overall, precious metals remained under pressure in the near term, tracking volatility in global financial markets.

  • Crude Oil Futures Drop on Weak Global Demand, Oversupply Fears

    Crude Oil Futures Drop on Weak Global Demand, Oversupply Fears

     New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell in futures trade on Tuesday, tracking weak global cues and concerns over excess supply in the international market.

    On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹154, or 1.88%, to ₹8,030 per barrel, with a trading volume of 4,226 lots.

    Analysts said the fall was driven by selling pressure as traders trimmed positions amid subdued demand in the spot market. Expectations of ample global supply further weighed on sentiment, keeping prices under pressure.

  • RBI Flags Inflation Risk, Keeps Policy Cautious Amid West Asia Conflict

    New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is adopting a cautious, data-driven approach to interest rates amid global uncertainty triggered by the West Asia conflict, Governor Sanjay Malhotra said.

    He noted that the region is important for India’s economy, accounting for major shares of crude oil imports, exports, fertilisers, and remittances, making the impact of disruptions significant.

    Malhotra warned that prolonged supply shocks could lead to second-round inflation effects, where temporary price rises become more persistent in the economy.

    He said the RBI remains in a “wait-and-watch mode”, with the Monetary Policy Committee maintaining a neutral stance and not committing to any specific rate path.

    On the currency, he said the RBI intervenes to reduce volatility but does not target a fixed exchange rate. He also highlighted India’s strong foreign exchange reserves of around $710 billion, which provide a buffer against external shocks.

    He further pointed to resilient domestic indicators, including strong digital transactions and improving fiscal metrics, as factors supporting overall economic stability.

  • India GDP Growth Projected at 6.4 pc: UN Report

    New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027, according to a United Nations report, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainties.

    The ESCAP Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 said India continues to drive regional growth, supported by strong domestic demand, services expansion, and steady investment inflows.

    The report noted that while global trade tensions and slower exports pose challenges, India’s resilient consumption and policy support continue to sustain growth momentum.

    It also highlighted India’s strong foreign investment inflows and its role as a leading destination for greenfield FDI in Asia-Pacific, alongside growth in green jobs and renewable energy sectors.

    The UN said India’s outlook reflects broader stability in an otherwise uneven global economy, reinforcing its position as a key engine of global growth.