Blog

  • India’s Economy Resilient Despite West Asia Crisis, Says Minister

    New Delhi, July 27: The Centre has taken a series of concrete measures to safeguard India’s economy from the impact of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, a Union Minister said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining economic stability amid global uncertainties.

    The Minister said the government is closely monitoring developments in the region and has put in place a coordinated strategy to minimise any potential disruptions to the country’s economy. Measures have been undertaken to ensure the smooth availability of essential commodities, maintain stable supply chains, and address any possible impact on energy security and trade.

    Highlighting the resilience of the Indian economy, the Minister said timely policy interventions and continuous assessment of the global situation have helped the country remain well-prepared to tackle external challenges. He added that the government is working in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies to closely track market trends and respond swiftly to any emerging concerns.

    The Minister also expressed confidence that India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, prudent fiscal management, and proactive policy measures would help sustain economic growth despite global geopolitical tensions. He reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting the interests of citizens and businesses while ensuring financial and economic stability.

  • Nepal Inaugurates First Tunnel Road to Boost Connectivity

    Kathmandu, July 27: Nepal has inaugurated its first tunnel road, marking a landmark achievement in the country’s infrastructure development and a major step towards modernising its transport network.

    The tunnel road is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, and provide a faster and more reliable alternative to the existing route. It is also designed to ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother movement of passengers and goods, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

    The project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, and improve access between key urban centres. Officials said the tunnel will enhance transport efficiency and contribute to the country’s economic growth by supporting the movement of people and commercial activities.

    The inauguration underscores Nepal’s commitment to developing modern transport infrastructure and expanding connectivity through advanced engineering projects. The tunnel is expected to play a key role in improving road travel while supporting the country’s long-term development objectives.

  • From Coral Propagation to 80,000 Fewer Plastic Bottles: THE OZEN COLLECTION Champions Sustainable Luxury in the Maldives

    From Coral Propagation to 80,000 Fewer Plastic Bottles: THE OZEN COLLECTION Champions Sustainable Luxury in the Maldives

     

    July 27: This World Conservation Day, THE OZEN COLLECTION is spotlighting how sustainable luxury can move beyond intention into measurable action across its two award-winning Maldivian resorts, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. From coral propagation and reef cleaning to hydroponic farming, solar energy, water conservation, and the elimination of approximately 80,000 plastic bottles annually, the collection continues to integrate environmental responsibility into the heart of the guest experience, demonstrating that luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can successfully coexist in one of the world’s most ecologically significant marine destinations.

    OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: Innovation in Sustainable Island Living

    At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, sustainability is woven into operations as well as guest experiences. A state-of-the-art hydroponics garden produces fresh herbs and leafy greens through water-conserving, soil-free cultivation, while the resort’s own water bottling facility reduces reliance on single-use plastics. With 75% of waste recycled and solar installations lowering its environmental footprint, the resort also actively supports reef cleaning and coral propagation projects that preserve marine habitats. Guests can connect with the underwater world at the resort’s iconic underwater restaurant, Minus Six Meters (M6m), offering a unique perspective on the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity.

    From Coral Propagation to 80,000 Fewer Plastic Bottles: THE OZEN COLLECTION Champions Sustainable Luxury in the Maldives

     

    OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: Conservation Through Education and Innovation

    At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, environmental responsibility is guided by a comprehensive, Green Globe-certified sustainability strategy. A sophisticated water reclamation system recycles treated wastewater for irrigation, minimising freshwater consumption and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers, complemented by a 100% organic kitchen garden and renewable energy initiatives. The resort’s in-house reverse osmosis bottling facility eliminates approximately 80,000 plastic bottles every year, while coral restoration programmes led by a resident marine biologist including guided snorkelling experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique marine ecosystem.

    Mei P. Pun, General Manager at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, said, “In the Maldives, conservation is not separate from hospitality. The reef, the ocean, the island and the guest experience are all deeply connected. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, our responsibility is to help protect the extraordinary natural beauty that makes this destination so special, whether through coral propagation, water conservation, renewable energy initiatives or reducing single-use plastics. World Conservation Day is an opportunity to reaffirm that luxury can be both exceptional and responsible.”

    Sustainability Highlights Across THE OZEN COLLECTION

     75% of waste recycled at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, with floating and rooftop solar panels supplying approximately 10% of the resort’s energy needs.

     Hydroponic farming systems cultivate fresh herbs and leafy greens using water-efficient, soil-free agriculture.

     Active reef cleaning and coral propagation programmes, led by a resident marine biologist, support marine ecosystem restoration.

     Green Globe-certified sustainability practices at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

     An in-house bottling facility eliminates approximately 80,000 plastic bottles annually.

     A Long-Term Commitment to Responsible Luxury

    Together, these initiatives reflect THE OZEN COLLECTION’s ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives through responsible hospitality. As travellers increasingly seek destinations that embrace responsible tourism, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI continue to demonstrate that environmental responsibility can enhance, rather than compromise, the luxury travel experience – safeguarding the Maldives’ natural heritage for future generations.

  • FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Czech President Petr Pavel at Hungarian Grand Prix

    Discussions focused on motorsport development, increased participation, road safety and the leadership of FIA Member Clubs in the country

     

    FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Czech President Petr Pavel at Hungarian Grand Prix

     

    Dubai, UAE, July 27: H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, met yesterday with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar during the FIA Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, strengthening the ongoing cooperation between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Government of Hungary.

    Held at the iconic Hungaroring, the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the continued success of the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the circuit celebrated 40 years since it first hosted an FIA Formula One World Championship round.

    The event attracts hundreds of thousands of fans every year, making the growth of global motorsport and tourism key topics of the meeting, with Prime Minister Magyar and President Ben Sulayem sharing views on the important role major sporting events play in promoting innovation, attracting investment and showcasing national excellence on the global stage.

    FIA President Ben Sulayem recognised the strength of collaboration across motorsport and mobility in Hungary, celebrating the vital work in these spaces of FIA Member Clubs Magyar Nemzeti Autósport Szövetség and Magyar Mobilitási és Autóklub.

    FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Czech President Petr Pavel at Hungarian Grand Prix

     

    Alongside motorsport, discussions focused on the FIA’s work in mobility, including efforts to improve road safety and support policymakers through data-driven tools and research.

    President Ben Sulayem highlighted the FIA’s commitment to working with governments and stakeholders worldwide to deliver safer, more affordable and more accessible mobility for all road users, including support of Hungary’s Vision Zero principle that aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

    The FIA President also reunited with President of the Czech Republic H.E. Petr Pavel, who was in attendance at the race pursuing his passion for photography. The two leaders spoke about their shared passion for motorsport having recently met in Prague and at Le Mans.

    Speaking following the meetings, FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The Hungarian Grand Prix is an iconic race in the Championship’s annual calendar and I look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening our partnership with Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the Government of Hungary to grow motorsport participation in the years ahead.

    “Motorsport brings together innovation, competition and national pride, and together with Magyar Nemzeti Autósport Szövetség and President Zoltán Szujó, we are committed to increasing motorsport accessibility and continuing the delivery of world-class sporting events in Hungary and across the region.”

     

  • Hindware Italian Collection Launches 2026 Ceramic Tiles Collection with an All-new Range of Designs and Surfaces

    July 27: Hindware Italian Collection unveiled its 2026 Ceramic Tiles Collection in Morbi, Gujarat, introducing an extensive range of new designs and finishes across ceramic wall tiles and elevation tiles. As part of the launch, the Company also inaugurated its new Experience Centre, reinforcing its commitment to delivering an immersive product discovery experience for customers, architects, designers and channel partners.

    Hindware Italian Collection Launches 2026 Ceramic Tiles Collection with an All-new Range of Designs and Surfaces

    The Experience Center was inaugurated by Mr. Nirupam Sahay, CEO, Hindware Limited, Mr. Pankaj Mediratta, Business Head, Hindware Tiles, and Ms. Arunima Yadav, Chief Marketing Officer Bath & Tiles, in the presence of over 90 channel partners from across the country.

    Drawing from international design movements, the new collection offers an extensive palette of patterns to seamlessly integrate with diverse interior styles. Homeowners and architects can choose from sharp geometric, classic floral, structured striped, brick, square, and fluid wave designs. Additionally, the collection introduces highly realistic marble-inspired and stone-inspired textures, allowing for premium material aesthetics with the structural benefits of high-grade ceramics.

    Beyond visual versatility, the core of the collection centres on low-maintenance durability. The ceramic wall tiles provide easy-clean properties for indoor environments. Meanwhile, the robust elevation tiles are structurally engineered for exterior facades, balconies, and boundary walls, offering advanced weather protection and resistance to fading caused by seasonal wear and tear.

    The range includes 300×600 mm wall tiles in glossy, matt and anti-skid finishes, 300×450 mm glossy wall tiles, and elevation tiles in 300×600 mm and 300×450 mm sizes with raindrop and rustic finishes.

    Complementing the launch, the newly inaugurated 7,200 sq. ft. Experience Centre, strategically located on National Highway, Morbi, has been designed as a comprehensive destination for architects, designers, dealers and customers. The center is curated to showcase the full design variety, surface finishes, and architectural applications of the range in real-world settings, making it easier for customers to visualize how these interior and exterior tiles balance design variety with everyday durability.

    Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nirupam Sahay, CEO, Hindware Limited, said,

    “Our new Ceramic Tiles collection reflects the direction Indian design is moving in today, more expressive surfaces and finishes suited to both interior and exterior spaces. We see this launch as a strong step toward deepening our partnership with channel partners as we head into the new business season.”

    He further added,

    “Morbi has long been at the centre of ceramic manufacturing in India, and our Tiles Experience Center lets us bring that scale and craftsmanship directly to our dealers, architects and customers under one roof. It gives them a space to see the full range in application, not just as individual pieces. ”

    Supported by an expanding nationwide network of over 780 active dealers and 100 exclusive brand stores, Hindware Italian Collection Tiles continues to strengthen its market presence in the ceramic tiles sector.

  • Gujarat Creates History with Nine Athletes in India’s 2026 Asian Games Contingent

    Gujarat, July 27: Nine athletes from Gujarat are set to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games, marking the state’s biggest-ever contribution to the country’s contingent for the prestigious continental sporting event.

    The achievement reflects the rising prominence of Gujarat’s athletes on the national and international sports stage. The selection is also a testament to the consistent efforts of players, coaches, and sports organisations in developing competitive talent across the state.

    The athletes will compete in various disciplines and aim to make the country proud with their performances at the upcoming Asian Games.

    The milestone further strengthens Gujarat’s position as an emerging hub for sports excellence and highlights the state’s growing role in India’s international sporting achievements.

  • The Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur Hosts Annual School Exhibition Showcasing Innovation and Creativity

    The Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur Hosts Annual School Exhibition Showcasing Innovation and Creativity

    Hyderabad, July 27: The Hyderabad Public SchoolRamanthapur, successfully hosted its Annual School Exhibition, providing students with a vibrant platform to showcase their creativity, scientific curiosity, and innovative thinking through a wide range of exhibits and interactive projects.

    The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Venkatesh Chopella, Associate Professor, Software Engineering Research Centre, IIIHyderabad, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. During his visit, Dr. Chopella interacted with students, explored their exhibits, and appreciated the originality, research, and practical application demonstrated across various disciplines.

    The exhibition featured projects spanning science, technology, mathematics, social sciences, environmental sustainability, and the arts, reflecting the school‘s emphasis on experiential learning and interdisciplinary education. Students confidently presented their ideas and explained the concepts behind their projects, highlighting their analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative spirit.

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Venkatesh Chopella encouraged students to remain curious, embrace innovation, and view learning as a lifelong journey. He commended the school for creating an environment that nurtures creativity and equips students with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. S. Narsimha Reddy, Principal, The Hyderabad Public SchoolRamanthapur, said “The Annual School Exhibition is a celebration of our students’ imagination, hard work, and passion for learning. It provides them with an opportunity to translate classroom knowledge into meaningful, real-world applications while developing confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills. We are grateful to Dr. Venkatesh Chopella for inspiring our students and encouraging them to pursue innovation with purpose.”

    Parents, faculty members, and invited guests enthusiastically visited the exhibition, appreciating the quality, diversity, and ingenuity of the projects on display. The event served as a testament to HPS Ramanthapur‘s commitment to fostering inquiry-based learning and preparing students to become future-ready global citizens.

    The Annual School Exhibition reaffirmed The Hyderabad Public SchoolRamanthapur‘s dedication to nurturing young minds through experiential education, innovation, and academic excellence

  • Gold and Silver Prices Rise Up to 1 pc as Softer Dollar Eases Inflation Concerns

    July 27: Gold and silver prices witnessed gains of up to 1 per cent, supported by a weaker US dollar and reduced concerns over inflation. The rise in precious metal prices reflects improved investor sentiment and increased demand for safe-haven assets.

    A softer dollar made gold and silver more attractive for investors holding other currencies, while expectations of a stable inflation outlook further strengthened buying interest in bullion markets.

    Market participants are closely monitoring global economic developments, central bank policies, and currency movements for further indications on the future direction of precious metal prices.

    The latest gains highlight continued investor interest in gold and silver as key assets amid changing global economic conditions.

  • Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water comes on board as Title Sponsor for inaugural Assam Premier League

    Guwahati, 27th July: The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) have announced Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water as the title sponsor of the Assam Premier League. The league will be known as the Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League, beginning with the inaugural season that gets underway on 1st August, 2026, at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati.

    As title sponsorImperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water‘s branding will appear across the league – on team jerseys, ground signage across the Assam Cricket Association Stadium, the trophy and broadcast and digital properties – through the inaugural season.

    The Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League is the state’s own franchise T20 competition, built entirely on cricketers from Assam. Eight franchises picked their squads from a pool of 275 players at the league‘s first auction on 19th July, led by a marquee list of 20 who have represented Assam in BCCI tournaments. Performances in the league will feed directly into selection for the forthcoming BCCI domestic season, giving players from every corner of the state a route from district cricket to the state side.

    The inaugural season will be played from August 1 to 23, 2026, featuring 43 matches across 23 days, including 40 league-stage matches, two semi-finals and the final. Eight teams from across Assam will compete for the coveted title, with the top four sides progressing to the semi-finals on August 21 before the inaugural champions are crowned in the grand finale on August 23.

    “Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water believes in honouring the passion points that resonate strongly with our consumers. Assam Premier League and Imperial Blue packaged drinking water come together as powerful allies of the customers in their social moments. The various teams in APL represent a union of ability, passion & local pride and we look forward to the future of Indian Cricket emerge from the performances during the tournament. We look forward to a great season of T20 cricket and we will be there to cheer all teams as they bring forth the best of Assamese Cricket. We wish all the luck to the League and the various teams for the forthcoming season”. said Amit Dhanukar, Chairman and Managing director, Tilaknagar Industries limited.

    The Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League is organised under the aegis of the Assam Cricket Association with the motto “Aamar Axom, Aamar Gourab”.

  • Goa Celebrates Chikhal Kalo with Traditional Mud Play near Shree Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel

    “We are all connected to our soil, and it is important that we celebrate these festivals and pass them on to future generations,” says Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte who joined the celebrations in Marcel

     

    Goa Celebrates Chikhal Kalo with Traditional Mud Play near Shree Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel

     

     

    Marcel, July 27: Chikhal Kalo, one of Goa’s most cherished traditional festivals, was celebrated with great enthusiasm near Shree Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, as thousands of devotees and visitors came together to participate in the iconic mud play, keeping alive the tradition inspired by the childhood of Lord Krishna.

    The celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups, who immersed themselves in the mud play and took part in traditional games amidst an atmosphere of joy, devotion and community spirit. The festival showcased Goa’s vibrant cultural heritage, bringing together locals and visitors to experience one of the State’s most distinctive traditions.

    Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, joined the Chikhal Kalo celebrations at Marcel, interacting with devotees and witnessing the traditional mud play that remains the highlight of this festival.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “Celebrating Chikhal Kalo with the people is always a special experience because festivals like these truly reflect the soul of Goa. Through our ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ initiative, our vision has always been to showcase the State’s rich festivals, traditions and cultural heritage alongside its sun, sand and sea. From promoting adventure and ecotourism, we have now expanded our focus to Goa’s villages, where these living traditions continue to thrive. We are all connected to our soil, and it is important that we celebrate these festivals and instil in our younger generations a love and respect for our roots. Our recently launched Ekadasha Teerth Yatra is another step in this direction, encouraging visitors to explore Goa’s ancient temples while creating opportunities for local communities. It is heartening to see children celebrating alongside their families today, ensuring that these traditions and our rich history are carried forward for generations to come.”

    The celebration concluded with devotees continuing the traditional mud play and festivities, reaffirming Chikhal Kalo as an enduring symbol of Goa’s cultural identity and a living tradition that continues to be celebrated with immense pride and enthusiasm by generations of Goans.