Author: Neel Achary

MENA Fintech Association Appoints Heriot-Watt Economist with Two Decades of Global Development Experience as Sustainable Fintech Co Chair

Appointment brings two decades of macroeconomic and sustainable development expertise from leading global institutions to the Working Group’s leadership

Aug 13 – DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) today announced the appointment of Dr Jelena Janjusevic as Co Chair of its Sustainable Fintech Working Group. The appointment reflects MFTA’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable finance and responsible innovation across the fintech ecosystem, and to deepening ties between academia, policy and industry.

As Co Chair, Dr Janjusevic will help guide the Working Group’s strategic direction, drawing on her extensive background in macroeconomics and sustainable development to support initiatives that advance the alignment of fintech innovation with sustainability and inclusive growth objectives across MFTA’s network.

About Dr Jelena Janjusevic

Dr Jelena Janjusevic is Deputy Global Head of Accountancy, Economics & Finance at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University Dubai. With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked with governments and institutions including the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a focus on macroeconomics and sustainable development.

About the Sustainable Fintech Working Group

The Sustainable Fintech Working Group is an initiative of the MENA Fintech Association dedicated to advancing the integration of sustainability principles across financial technology, connecting innovators, financial institutions, academic partners and policymakers to drive responsible and inclusive growth in the sector.

About the MENA Fintech Association

The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) is a non-profit industry body dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the fintech ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa. Through its regional chapters and working groups, MFTA connects fintech companies, financial institutions, regulators, investors and other stakeholders to drive collaboration, innovation and inclusive financial growth throughout the region.

Panghat Launches Delhi Flagship in Pitampura, Marking Its Fifth Store in India

Delhi, Aug 13: Panghat, the Kolkata-born ethnic wear brand renowned for its bridal and festive couture, announced the launch of its Delhi flagship store in Pitampura. Spanning 15,000 square feet across G+4 floors, the store marks Panghat‘s fifth retail outpost in India and its most ambitious space yet, bringing the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship to one of the country’s most prominent hubs for premium Indian wear.

The five-floor flagship has been designed to offer a dedicated shopping experience for every stage of the wedding journey from trousseau and occasion wear to bridal couture, groom’s wear, and an extensive saree gallery. Wedding wear remains the centerpiece of the store‘s offering, alongside curated selections in festive apparel and menswear. Select pieces have been created exclusively for the Pitampura store, including a range of high-couture sarees and designs unavailable at any other Panghat location. The store also offers a full suite of customer services, including size and colour customisation, bridal consultation and personal styling all part of Panghat‘s effort to bring a personalised, couture-level experience to every customer.

The Pitampura flagship has been designed by architect Mukesh Bhatia of SSB Architect. Every space within the store has been conceived to reflect Indian heritage with a subtle touch of modernity, a philosophy that extends from the store‘s architecture to its curated collections and overall customer experience.

Speaking on the significance of the new store, a Panghat spokesperson Anand Saraf Director & Brand Owner

 “Over the years, Delhi has established itself as one of India‘s leading destinations for ethnic fashion, so opening a store here was always part of our vision. Having worked in the past with several brands in Delhi through our white-label business, we understood the market well, and Pitampura with its reputation as a prominent destination for premium Indian wear felt like the perfect location for our flagship store.” The store is aimed at customers seeking wedding and festive wear that celebrates authentic craftsmanship, hand embroidery and the rich design heritage of Kolkata.”

Founded in Kolkata in the early 1990s, Panghat set out to celebrate the richness of Indian craftsmanship and create clothing that would be cherished for years. For many years, the brand operated behind the scenes, manufacturing and white-labelling for several ethnic wear brands and designers across India years that shaped the standards Panghat has since brought to its own retail journey. Panghat entered retail in 2018 with the launch of its first store in Kolkata, followed by Jaipur, a second Kolkata store, Surat, and now its Delhi flagship in 2026. The brand works with some of India‘s finest weaving and embroidery traditions, including Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Patola and Bandhani weaves, alongside handcrafted techniques such as Zardozi, French Knot and Lucknowi embroidery.

On the milestone, the founder said:

 “Kolkata has always been at the heart of our journey. We’ve spent decades working closely with skilled artisans and karigars whose craftsmanship has shaped the identity of Panghat. With our Delhi flagship, we’re excited to bring that same authenticity, heritage and attention to detail to a city that truly appreciates Indian ethnic wear.”

To celebrate the launch, Panghat hosted Panghat Darbar that evening, an event that brought together members of the media, creators, celebrities, and patrons of Indian fashion to mark the brand’s expanded presence in Delhi and celebrate the enduring beauty of India‘s textile and craft traditions.

Founded in Kolkata in the early 1990s, Panghat is an Indian ethnic wear brand celebrating the richness of India‘s textile heritage and craftsmanship. Known for its bridal, festive, and occasion wear, Panghat‘s collections span bridal lehengas, trousseau ensembles, bridesmaid wear, festive apparel, sarees, and menswear, crafted using traditional weaves and embroidery techniques from across India. Panghat operated stores in Kolkata, Jaipur, Surat, and Delhi.

Dubai Businessman Anis Sajan Hosts Blockbuster Destination Engagement for Son Sahil Sajan in Salalah, Oman

Aug 13: Dubai businessman and Vice Chairman of Danube Group, Anis Sajan, brought together more than 400 family members and close friends from across the world for a spectacular two-day destination celebration marking the engagement of his son, Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano by Danube, to Hana Khan in Salalah, Oman.

It was a grandeur of a traditional Indian celebration with the natural beauty of Salalah during the famous Khareef season. From music and dance to a vibrant poolside gathering and an elegant engagement ceremony, the two-day celebration was designed to create a memorable experience for the couple, their families and their closest friends. 

For Anis Sajan, the decision to host the celebration in Salalah was driven by a desire to take the family milestone beyond a conventional celebration and create an experience that guests would remember long after returning home. Located less than two hours by air from Dubai, Salalah offers a distinctive setting during the Khareef season, when cooler temperatures, light rain, mist-covered mountains and lush green landscapes transform the region. The family selected Club by Fanar at Hawana Salalah for its resort setting, hospitality, dining and ambience, creating the backdrop for the weekend’s celebrations.

The event came together following nearly two months of planning, with more than 400 guests travelling to Salalah from the UAE and wider GCC, India, Australia, the UK, Canada, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Italy and several other countries.

Despite the scale of the celebration, the focus remained firmly on family and togetherness. “For Sajan events, we usually have Bollywood stars, but for me, the biggest superstars have always been my family and friends. They are the ones who truly bring an occasion to life and make every celebration memorable,” said Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman, Danube Group.

He added, “For me this was never simply about creating a ‘big fat engagement’. What mattered was adding a personal touch to every moment and making sure that every family member and friend who travelled with us felt genuinely welcomed, cared for and looked after.” 

The celebrations began on August 7 with a vibrant Sangeet evening featuring music, dance and performances by family and friends. The festivities combined the energy and colour of an Indian celebration with the distinctive atmosphere of Salalah during Khareef. On August 8, guests came together for a lively daytime pool party, making the most of Salalah’s pleasant Khareef weather, with temperatures around 25°C. The celebrations culminated that evening with the engagement ceremony, an elegant gathering marking the formal beginning of Sahil and Hana’s journey towards marriage.

For Anis Sajan, the celebration also carried a deeply personal significance. “Family has always been at the heart of everything we do. When I got married, my wedding was completed within two days, and we did not have the opportunity to celebrate with occasions like a Sangeet or other pre-wedding festivities. More than anything, I wanted Sahil and Hana, as well as every family member and friend who travelled with us, to leave Salalah with memories they would cherish forever.” he said.

For Sahil Sajan, the occasion was a reflection of the love and effort invested by his family in marking the milestone. “I feel incredibly blessed to have a father and a family who have gone to such lengths to make this milestone so special for Hana and me. What made the celebration truly meaningful was not just the scale of it, but the thought, love and effort that went into bringing everyone we care about together,” said Sahil Sajan, Director, Milano by Danube.

The Salalah celebration marks the first major chapter leading towards Sahil Sajan and Hana Khan’s wedding, with further festivities expected in the months ahead.

When asked about plans for the wedding following the scale of the engagement celebrations, Anis Sajan said, “That is something only time will reveal. When the occasion arrives, the celebration will speak for itself.”

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles outlines INR 4,000 crore investment to strengthen BharatBenz and India’s commercial vehicle ecosystem

Chennai, Aug 13: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), maker of BharatBenz trucks and buses and a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, today announced an additional investment of approximately ₹4,000 crore in Tamil Nadu to further strengthen BharatBenz and India’s commercial vehicle ecosystem. The additional investment is being outlined as part of a non-binding facilitation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu at the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave.

The proposed additional investment would take DICV’s cumulative investment in India to more than ₹14,500 crore, reaffirming its long-term commitment to building BharatBenz in India, for India. Since its market launch in 2012, BharatBenz has put more than 220,000 trucks and buses on Indian roads, serving customers across freight movement, construction, mining, logistics and passenger mobility.

The investment is expected to support BharatBenz product development, manufacturing, research and development, infrastructure and future technology readiness, while creating approximately 400 jobs over the proposed period. It will help DICV strengthen the capabilities needed for the next phase of BharatBenz growth in India.

Building BharatBenz for India’s next phase of commercial vehicle growth

India’s commercial vehicle market is closely linked to the country’s economic progress. Continued investment in roads, highways, industrial corridors, ports, mining, logistics infrastructure and public mobility is increasing the need for reliable trucks and buses that can deliver higher uptime, safety, efficiency and total cost of ownership. The proposed investment will support BharatBenz in responding to these shifts through stronger product development, manufacturing capability, localization and service readiness. 

BharatBenz trucks are designed and manufactured for Indian duty cycles across long-haul transportation, regional distribution, construction, mining, tractor-trailer and specialised transport applications. In buses, BharatBenz supports school, staff and intercity mobility needs, with products tailored to customer priorities such as safety, reliability, uptime, driver comfort and operating efficiency.

DICV’s India ecosystem is built to support this next phase of growth. Its 400-acre integrated manufacturing and R&D facility at Oragadam near Chennai is powered by more than 4,000 employees and supported by more than 400 local suppliers, with approximately 92% of BharatBenz product value localized through its Indian supplier ecosystem. Its nationwide BharatBenz network spans more than 420 dealer and service touchpoints across key freight corridors, industrial clusters and regional markets, while the recently launched Parts Logistics Centre in Pune further strengthens parts availability, dealer support and customer uptime.

Strengthening BharatBenz in India while contributing to Daimler Truck’s global network 

While BharatBenz remains DICV’s core India brand, the company also plays an important role in Daimler Truck’s global network as a manufacturing, sourcing and engineering base. DICV has exported more than 75,000 trucks and buses and over 330 million parts to more than 70 markets, while also supplying transmissions from Chennai to Daimler Truck plants in Germany. This gives India a dual role: serving one of the world’s most demanding commercial vehicle markets through BharatBenz, and contributing products, parts and capabilities to Daimler Truck’s international operations.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Torsten Schmidt, Managing Director & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “BharatBenz was built for India, and this investment reflects our confidence in the next phase of the country’s commercial vehicle growth. As infrastructure, logistics, mining, construction and passenger mobility continue to expand, Indian customers need trucks and buses that deliver higher uptime, safety, reliability and operating efficiency. Through BharatBenz, we are strengthening products, localization, service readiness and parts availability for India, while also reinforcing the country’s role as an important manufacturing and supply base within Daimler Truck’s global network.”

ETS Hosts TOEFL Experience Day in Delhi as Students Navigate an Increasingly Diverse Global Study Landscape

New Delhi, August 13: ETS, a global education and talent solutions organisation and the creator of the TOEFL iBT test, hosted a TOEFL Experience Day at Sheraton New Delhi on August 12, 2026. The event brought together 119 participants from Delhi’s education and study-abroad community to deepen their understanding of the enhanced TOEFL iBT test and strengthen the guidance and preparation support available to students pursuing international education.

Delhi NCR is an important study-abroad market in India, with Delhi among the country’s major urban centres driving international student mobility. The region attracts undergraduate, postgraduate and working professional aspirants and reflects a broad mix of destinations and academic interests. As students and families increasingly weigh factors such as changing visa policies, education costs, employability and long-term opportunities, the need for informed guidance and reliable assessment information continues to grow.

Led by ETS experts and senior leaders from its South Asia team, the structured sessions introduced participants to the four strategic pillars of TOEFL: Fair, Agile, Smart and Tailored (FAST), alongside focused guidance on the four skills assessed by the TOEFL iBT test: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Participants also explored the enhanced test format, delivery and assessment approach and clarified test-related questions. They received official TOEFL preparation and classroom-support resources, helping them translate the sessions into more structured preparation support for test takers.

ETS currently has four active TOEFL test centres in Delhi, strategically placed across key locations to provide students with greater accessibility to the test. The region is also supported by 30+ active TOEFL Market Ambassadors, whose role has evolved beyond referrals to include student engagement, TOEFL preparation sessions, campus outreach, mock tests and digital advocacy. ETS plans to further expand its ambassador network across NCR and strengthen local accessibility and engagement for students and the education community.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Karan Lalit, Executive Director, South Asia, TOEFL and GRE, ETS, said, “Delhi NCR is an important centre for students pursuing international education, with learners exploring a wide range of destinations, academic disciplines and career pathways. As students and families navigate an increasingly complex international education landscape, access to accurate test information and informed guidance is more important than ever. Through the TOEFL Experience Day, we are bringing ETS’s assessment expertise closer to the educators and counsellors who support students every day, while strengthening local access through our test-centre and Market Ambassador network. Our aim is to help students make confident choices and prepare effectively for opportunities in international education.”

The Delhi TOEFL Experience Day forms part of ETS’s continued engagement with education communities across key study-abroad markets. By combining local access with direct engagement and official test guidance, ETS aims to help educators and counsellors better support students as their international education choices become more diverse.

Xtovia Puts Indian Hair Innovation on the Global Stage

Aug 13: As India’s beauty industry moves from manufacturing-led growth towards original research and intellectual property, Xtovia has emerged as the flag bearer of this shift, becoming India’s first beauty and personal care company to secure INCI names for two of its synthesised molecules: Arginine Thioctate & Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine Thioctate.

For Xtovia, this milestone validates the novelty of its molecules and places the brand in the company of global beauty innovators that have developed their own proprietary actives, including Olaplex and K18. Historically Indian companies have relied mainly on imported actives developed by international suppliers and used them to create different formulations. 

INCI is the globally recognised system used to identify cosmetic ingredients on product labels. Securing an INCI name formally recognises a molecule as a distinct cosmetic ingredient and enables it to be labelled and marketed across international markets. 

The significance extends beyond the registration itself. India’s beauty and specialty chemical ecosystem has historically been recognised for manufacturing, generics and raw material supply. Xtovia’s INCI registrations signal a move further up the value chain, towards creating original molecules through in-house R&D and building proprietary technologies with global commercial potential.

“India has historically been known more for product development than for creating original science and intellectual property. But that is changing. We are seeing a growing deep-tech ecosystem that is enabling companies to move beyond using existing technologies to developing proprietary science of their own. We are glad that Xtovia is at the forefront of bringing this change to the beauty and personal care industry, not just by building great beauty products, but by creating the science and intellectual property that powers them,” said Navneet Misra, Founder, Xtovia.

This innovation-first approach is embodied in TriLayerX™ HairTech, Xtovia’s patent-pending multi-layer hair repair technology powered by three Alpha Lipoic Acid-based actives. Xtovia sees the evolution of hair repair science progressing from bond-building technologies pioneered by Olaplex, to biomimetic peptide technology pioneered by K18, and now towards multi-active platforms that address multiple dimensions of hair damage.

TriLayerX brings together three proprietary technologies: NanoEncapX, designed for deep cortex repair; CutiCloneX, powered by the INCI-registered Arginine Thioctate for precision cuticle repair; and LipidMimicX™, featuring the INCI-registered Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine Thioctate to recreate a protective barrier identical to hair’s lipid layer.

Together, the technologies are designed to address hair repair across the cortex, cuticle and lipid layer, creating a multi-mechanism approach rather than relying on a single repair pathway.

Xtovia’s innovation extends beyond its proprietary hair repair platform. The company has filed a total of five patents, including three global patent applications, covering its in-house developed technologies, with one patent already granted. Xtovia has also developed what it describes as the world’s first visual hair repair test, alongside an Elastometer-based testing methodology to measure improvements in hair strength. These developments reflect Xtovia’s focus on building not just products, but the underlying science, technologies and measurement systems that can advance hair repair.

As India approaches Independence Day, Xtovia sees its INCI milestone as part of a larger shift in the beauty landscape – one where Indian companies are not simply manufacturing for the world, but developing the molecules, technologies and intellectual property that can shape the future of global beauty.

OZiva Brings Clinical Credibility to the Growing Glutathione Conversation in Tamil Nadu with Glutathione Antioxidant Fizzy Tablets

Aug 13: As consumers increasingly prioritise science-backed wellness solutions over invasive cosmetic procedures in states like Tamil Nadu, the conversation around skin health is shifting from quick fixes to clinically validated nutrition. Leading this evolution is OZiva, India’s leading clean and plant-based wellness brand, which has built its product portfolio on the foundations of plant science, clinical research and transparent formulations. Strengthening its commitment to evidence-based skin wellness in Tamil Nadu, the brand is bringing greater focus to Glutathione + Antioxidants Fizzy Tablets- a clinically proven effervescent glutathione supplement developed to deliver visible improvements in skin radiance for Indian skin within just three months.

Positioned as a safe alternative to glutathione IV drips, OZiva’s Glutathione + Antioxidants combines clinically studied glutathione with plant-based bioactives in a convenient fizzy tablet. The easy-to-consume effervescent supplement eliminates the need for needles or clinic visits while bringing together five powerful antioxidants  to support healthier, more radiant-looking skin.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-Arms Clinical Study, the formulation delivered measurable improvements across multiple skin health indicators within three months, including

●32% improvement in skin radiance.

●27.68% reduction in melasma severity

●19% reduction in skin melanin levels

●53% improvement in skin hydration

Beyond its clinical credentials, Bioactive Gluta Fizzy has also earned strong consumer trust across leading beauty and wellness platforms with 4.1 star rating on Amazon. It is also Amazon’s choice,  reflecting growing consumer confidence in science-backed, plant-based skin nutrition.

Dr Ratna Upadhyay, Sr. Manager R&D at OZiva

“Categories earn consumer trust when they are built on evidence, not excitement. While glutathione has emerged as one of the fastest-growing conversations in skin wellness, there is an equally important need to educate consumers about what makes a formulation truly effective. At OZiva, we invested in developing a clinically proven, plant-based glutathione formulation that is especially designed for Indian skin and delivers measurable results without invasive procedures. We believe the next phase of growth for this category will be driven by transparency, clinical validation and products that seamlessly fit into everyday lifestyles rather than temporary interventions.”

As the skin wellness category continues to evolve, OZiva remains focused on developing clinically proven nutrition solutions that address the unique needs of Indian consumers. Through Glutathione + Antioxidants , the company is championing a safer, science-led and more convenient approach to skin radiance that places efficacy, transparency and consumer trust at its core.

Taj Agra Marks India’s 80th Independence Day with a Grand Patriotic Celebration

Agra, Aug 13: Taj Agra will celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 with a day-long programme bringing together guests and associates in a celebration of national pride, unity and the spirit of India.

The celebrations will begin at 9:00 AM at the Main Porch with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by the Managing Director & Cluster General Manager of Taj Agra, followed by an Independence Day parade by the hotel’s Security Team and distribution of sweets among guests and associates.

Speaking about the celebrations, Shantanu Chakraborty, Director of Operations- General Management, Taj Agra, said,

“Independence Day is a moment of immense pride for every Indian and an opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage and values. At Taj Agra, we are delighted to bring together guests and associates through thoughtfully curated experiences that honour the spirit of India while creating memorable moments of togetherness and hospitality.”

The celebrations will extend across the hotel with a series of Independence Day-themed guest experiences and culinary offerings. A special Hi Tea will be hosted at the Tea Lounge following the morning ceremony, while guests staying at the hotel will receive special turndown amenities. A tricolour welcome drink will greet guests on arrival, with tricolour-themed mocktails and desserts also being served at Palato. Patriotic music will add to the celebratory atmosphere across Infini- The Sky Lounge, Daawat-e-Nawab and the hotel’s public areas.

The culinary experience will take centre stage at Palato, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, with a specially curated tricolour buffet showcasing Indian delicacies. The Independence Day menu will celebrate the diversity of Indian flavours while incorporating the colours of the national flag through a selection of dishes, beverages and desserts. The specially curated menu will also feature regional favourites and signature Indian delicacies inspired by the country’s rich culinary traditions.

Speaking about the culinary offerings, Chef Palash Ghosh, Executive Chef, Taj Agra, said,

 “Indian cuisine reflects the incredible diversity of our country, making Independence Day a fitting occasion to celebrate its many flavours and traditions. We have curated a tricolour-inspired culinary experience featuring Indian delicacies, festive mocktails and desserts, bringing together the colours and flavours of India for our guests to enjoy.”

The lunch buffet at Palato will be available from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, priced at INR 1,999 plus taxes per person, while the dinner buffet will be served from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM, priced at INR 2,199 plus taxes per person.

Through its programme of patriotic ceremonies, music and specially curated culinary experiences, Taj Agra invites guests to come together and celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day, honouring the nation’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and enduring spirit of unity. The celebrations are envisioned as a tribute to the values that bind the country together, while offering guests an opportunity to experience the warmth of Indian hospitality and the vibrant traditions that make India truly unique.

Event Details:

Date: 15 August 2026
Time: 9:00 AM onwards
Venue: Main Porch, Taj Agra