10, Jun 2026
RAKEZ joins forces with Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund to strengthen support for innovators and high-potential businesses
Ras Al Khaimah, 10 June: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) entered into a strategic partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance, to strengthen support for innovators, startups, and growth-stage businesses within its ecosystem.
The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony at Compass Coworking Centre between MBRIF Head Shaker Zainal and RAKEZ Chief Government & Corporate Relations Officer Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping innovative businesses access funding support, ecosystem connections, and growth opportunities that enable long-term scalability and market expansion.
Through this collaboration, RAKEZ customers will gain access to a broader range of support services designed to accelerate business growth. This includes access to financing pathways and funding support through MBRIF, alongside structured mentorship and expert advisory to help innovative businesses strengthen their business models and scale more effectively. The partnership will also provide access to joint workshops and innovation programmes focused on practical areas such as growth strategy, financial planning, and market expansion.
These offerings will be complemented by RAKEZ’s streamlined business set-up, licensing, and operational support, as well as access to a wider ecosystem of partners, investors, and networks. Together, these elements are intended to help businesses launch, grow, and expand with greater confidence while contributing to sustainable, impact-driven outcomes.
Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance and the Ministry’s representative at MBRIF, Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund continues to play an important role in advancing the UAE’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the country’s vision for a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Partnerships of this kind help expand the support available to high-potential businesses by strengthening access to financing, strategic guidance, and growth opportunities. Continued collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to creating the conditions in which innovation can scale, diversify the economy, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s long-term development.”
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Innovation plays a critical role in shaping resilient and future-ready economies. Through our partnership with MBRIF, we are creating stronger pathways for startups and growth-stage businesses within our ecosystem to access specialised support, funding opportunities, and strategic networks that can help accelerate their growth journeys. This collaboration reflects our continued focus on building an environment where innovative businesses can scale with confidence from Ras Al Khaimah.”
By bringing together funding, mentorship, and innovation support with a seamless business set-up and operating environment, the partnership ensures that startups and SMEs have what they need at every stage of their growth journey. RAKEZ and MBRIF will continue to work closely to help innovative businesses scale with confidence and unlock new opportunities within the UAE’s evolving innovation landscape.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Jun 2026
ICICI Prudential Life Launches Signature Secure, Redefining ULIPs with Guaranteed Maturity Benefits
Bangalore, June 10 : ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched ICICI Pru Signature Secure, Indian life insurance’s first Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) with an in-built guaranteed maturity benefit.
ICICI Pru Signature Secure is a Non Participating Linked Individual Savings Life Insurance Plan and has been designed for customers looking for the reassurance of tax efficient guaranteed benefits. The product offers a simple proposition – invest once, stay protected through life cover during the policy term and receive a maturity benefit at the end of five years. . On maturity, the customer receives the higher of the fund value or the guaranteed maturity benefit, providing the reassurance of a guaranteed outcome
For instance, a 45-year-old customer looking for a one-time investment solution can invest ₹5 lacs in ICICI Pru Signature Secure and remain protected through life cover during the policy term. The customer can choose a life cover (Sum Assured) of ₹6.25 lacs and gets a guaranteed maturity benefit of ₹7 lacs in this case.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vikas Gupta, Chief Product Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said,
“Customers seeking guaranteed returns have traditionally relied on instruments such as fixed deposits, bonds and other guaranteed-return products. However, customers are increasingly looking for solutions that can help them achieve better post-tax outcomes along with guaranteed returns and financial protection. ICICI Pru Signature Secure has been designed to address this need by bringing together the benefits of a ULIP, an in-built guaranteed maturity benefit and life cover within a single proposition.
The product enables customers to make a one-time investment while remaining focused on their long-term financial goals with greater confidence. The plan also offers life cover throughout the policy term, helping customers secure the financial future of their loved ones.”
Notably, the product provides a guaranteed maturity benefit of up to 140% of the initial premium paid. At maturity, customers receive the higher of the fund value or the guaranteed maturity benefit. In addition, the product comes with zero premium allocation charges and policy administration charges.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance remains committed to delivering superior value to its customers. The Company achieved a claim settlement ratio of 99.3% with an average turnaround time of 1.1 days in FY2026, demonstrating its commitment to supporting customers and their families when it matters the most.
Over the past 25 years, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has had the privilege of serving customers across generations. The Company remains focused on building a future-ready organisation led by technology that continues to adapt thoughtfully, act with agility and create meaningful impact by expanding access to insurance while delivering long-term sustainable value to all stakeholders.
10, Jun 2026
Former Indofast Energy CEO Anant Badjatya Takes the Helm at Spiro as Group CEO
Pune, June 10: Spiro, Africa’s electric mobility company, today announced the appointment of Anant Badjatya as Group Chief Executive Officer.
Anant joins Spiro with more than two decades of leadership experience across India, the Middle East and Africa, building and scaling businesses across electric mobility, energy and industrial sectors. Most recently, he served as CEO of Indofast Energy, the joint venture between IndianOil and SUN Mobility, where he led the development of one of India’s largest battery-swapping networks, comprising more than 1,800 stations and serving nearly 90,000 vehicles daily.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Spiro following its landmark US$215 million financing round, one of the largest investments ever made in Africa’s electric mobility sector. As Spiro is accelerating on its mission to transform mobility across Africa, Anant’s broad mandate will span battery swapping, leasing, logistics, energy, and vehicle manufacturing. As CEO Mobility, Kaushik Burman will continue to further consolidate Spiro’s leadership and fleet in Spiro’s 7 existing markets and beyond.
Under Mr. Badjatya’s leadership, Spiro aims to significantly deepen its India’s Tech hubs – both Pune which serves as the center for automotive innovation, and Bengaluru, Spiro’s center for innovation across technology. With already 100+ people, the Pune tech center is poised for rapid expansion, creating high-value jobs in EV powertrain design, battery management systems (BMS). The Bengaluru hub, already counting 50+ people, will further develop IoT-enabled cloud platforms and pilot R&D localization effort in Kenya and Nigeria.
Gagan Gupta, Founder and Chairman of Spiro said:
“As Spiro is accelerating on its mission to transform mobility across Africa through clean, affordable and accessible electric transportation solutions, Anant will consolidate the Group’s strategic initiatives and guide the company through its next chapter of growth and execution in mobility, energy and tech.”
Commenting on his appointment, Anant Badjatya said:
“Africa represents the most exciting frontier for electric mobility. Spiro has built a unique platform and is exceptionally well positioned to accelerate the transition to cleaner and more accessible mobility across the continent. I look forward to working with our teams, partners and stakeholders to drive the next phase of growth and impact.“
10, Jun 2026
FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets with President of the Czech Republic, Prime Minister, and government leaders in Prague
Discussions focused on motorsport development, road safety and sustainable mobility
Dubai, UAE, June 10: H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has met with senior leaders of the Czech Republic in Prague, reinforcing the strong partnership between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and one of Europe’s most significant automotive and motorsport nations.
During the visit, President Ben Sulayem held discussions with the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Boris Šťastný.
The meetings this week focused on shared priorities across mobility and motorsport, including road safety, sustainable transport, innovation, and grassroots participation.
Speaking following the meetings, FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The Czech Republic has a proud automotive and motorsport heritage and continues to demonstrate how mobility, innovation and sport can work together.”
“I would like to thank President Pavel, Prime Minister Babiš, and Minister Šťastný for their warm welcome and constructive discussions. I look forward to continuing our collaboration as we work together to build a safer, more sustainable future for mobility and motorsport.”
As part of discussions on mobility, President Ben Sulayem outlined the FIA’s work to improve road safety outcomes through data-driven initiatives including the FIA Road Safety Index and FIA Driver Safety Index.
The programmes provide governments, organisations and road users with practical tools to measure, benchmark and improve road safety performance, supporting the ambition of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.
The FIA President also highlighted the contribution of the Autoklub České republiky in advocating for increased accessibility and diversity in motorsport.
Through its work in education, advocacy and competition, the Club plays a vital role in creating opportunities for participation at every level of the sport. President Jan Šťovíček plays an active role within the FIA ecosystem including service on the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), as President of the Coordination Forum for Eastern and Central European Countries (COFO), and as a board member of the FIA Foundation.
Funded by grants from the FIA and FIA Foundation, the Autoklub CR has developed two key programmes to encourage the next generation of racers.
The Karting Academy is an educational programme that develops Karting skills and knowledge while cultivating talent, and has seen more than 1,000 children attend the programme so far, with many now competing internationally. RacerBuggy 160 is a division for children aged 5 to 8 focused on autocross training. Over the last seven years, more than 3,000 children have passed through the academy.
President Ben Sulayem praised the Autoklub’s ongoing investment in karting, national championships and youth participation programmes, which are helping to strengthen the future of Czech motorsport.
President of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, Jan Šťovíček, said: “It was an honour to showcase the positive impact that FIA funding is having across our programmes. These grants are helping us strengthen grassroots motorsport, invest in young talent and create new opportunities for people to engage with our sport.”
The visit forms part of the FIA President’s ongoing programme of engagement with governments, Member Clubs and stakeholders worldwide, supporting the FIA’s mission to advance safe, sustainable and accessible mobility while ensuring the continued growth and development of motorsport.
10, Jun 2026
Study Finds Common Infection Does Not Increase Risk of Recurrent Preterm Birth
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that the common sexually transmitted infection, Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as MGen, does not appear to increase the risk of recurrent preterm birth.
The findings were published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Mycoplasma genitalium is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a tiny bacteria that can infect the urethra or reproductive tract. Most people with the condition have no symptoms, but when it does cause symptoms, it can lead to irritation or inflammation that needs treatment.
Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks and is a leading cause of infant illness and death. Earlier research suggested that certain Mycoplasma species might contribute to preterm labor, but those studies were limited.
“These findings provide important new insight into the role of Mycoplasma genitalium in pregnancy,” said Irene Stafford, MD, MPH, first author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “Given its links to HIV acquisition and growing antimicrobial resistance, continued study of this emerging infection remains an important public health priority.”
Mycoplasmas are a group of tiny bacteria that can live in the genital tract. Unlike most bacteria, they don’t have a cell wall, which makes them harder to detect and treat. Because of mycoplasma genitalium’s link to inflammation, researchers questioned whether mycoplasma genitalium might play a role in pregnancy complications, including recurrent preterm birth.
To better understand the connection, researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind prospective study in nearly 500 pregnant individuals with a history of preterm birth or related complications. The patients were enrolled between July 2023 and December 2025. Participants were tested early in pregnancy for Mycoplasma genitalium using an FDA?cleared vaginal swab test.
The study found that 12% of participants tested positive for Mycoplasma genitalium. The infection was significantly more common among those who had experienced a prior preterm birth. However, Mycoplasma genitalium did not increase the risk of having another spontaneous preterm birth or a second?trimester loss caused by cervical insufficiency, which the study also explored.
The findings suggest that while Mycoplasma genitalium may be associated with past pregnancy complications, it does not appear to drive recurrent preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies. Researchers note that Mycoplasma genitalium may pose more risk during a first-time or incident infection, when the body has not yet developed an immune response.
“This study provides important clarity for patients and clinicians,” said Stafford, who is a maternal-fetal medicine physician. “For individuals already at high risk of preterm birth, Mycoplasma genitalium infection alone does not seem to increase the likelihood of another early delivery.”
Researchers emphasize that more studies are needed, as preterm birth is complex and influenced by many factors. Still, these results offer reassurance and help guide future screening and treatment decisions.
Other UTHealth Houston researchers on the study include Sean Blackwell, MD; Han-Yang Chen, PhD; Sahana Kodali, BS; and Mason Collie, BS.
Additional contributors are Erik Munson, PhD, with Marquette University, and Damon Getman, PhD, with Hologic Inc.
10, Jun 2026
Zojila Tunnel Achieves Final Breakthrough, Bringing Kashmir-Ladakh All-Weather Connectivity Closer to Reality
New Delhi/Srinagar, June 10: The strategically important Zojila Tunnel project achieved a major milestone on Tuesday with the successful final breakthrough of the tunnel, marking a significant step towards establishing all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari virtually inaugurated the breakthrough by pressing a remote button that triggered the final blast at the breakthrough site near the eastern portal of the tunnel at Minimarg in Ladakh.
The achievement is being hailed as a landmark feat in India’s infrastructure development journey. Once completed, the Zojila Tunnel will ensure year-round road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, overcoming the challenges posed by heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions that often cut off Ladakh from the rest of the country during winter.
Officials said the tunnel will significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, strengthen defence logistics, and boost tourism, trade, and economic development in the region. The project is also expected to enhance access to essential services, including healthcare and education, for residents of remote areas.
Describing the breakthrough as a historic moment, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said the achievement brings the decades-old dream of seamless, all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh closer to reality. The tunnel is regarded as one of India’s most ambitious and strategically significant infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region.
The successful breakthrough reflects the engineering expertise and determination of the workforce that executed the project under challenging geographical and climatic conditions, paving the way for a new era of connectivity and development in the region.
10, Jun 2026
Dr. Ketan Deshpande Recognized by Cambridge Judge Business School for Outstanding Contribution and Social Impact
Pune , June 9 : Friends Union for Energising Lives , the Pune-based public charitable trust and NSE Social Stock Exchange – listed non-profit, has announced that its Founder, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Dr. Ketan Deshpande, has been formally recognised by the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, for his outstanding contribution to the Cambridge India Business Society and for FUEL’s exemplary philanthropic work.
The recognition was conveyed through a letter dated 30 May 2026, issued on the occasion of the Cambridge India Business Dialogue 2026, and jointly signed by Prof. Gishan Dissanaike, Dean of Cambridge Judge Business School, and Prof. Jaideep Prabhu, Vice Dean and Director of the Centre for India & Global Business.
The letter acknowledged Dr. Deshpande’s steadfast support and mentorship of the Cambridge India Business Society over the past three years, crediting his guidance with helping shape it into one of the most active student-led communities at the School and enabling the growth of its flagship annual Dialogue. It further recognised FUEL’s pioneering work in career guidance, skill development and youth empowerment, which has touched the lives of over a million young people across India and opened doors of opportunity for those who need them most.
Responding to the recognition, Dr. Ketan Deshpande said:
“This honour belongs not to one person, but to a mission and a movement. For 19 years, FUEL has worked to open doors of opportunity for first-generation and underserved youth across India. To have that journey seen and valued by an institution like Cambridge is both a privilege and a renewed responsibility. In the same spirit, we are honoured that Cambridge alumnus Dr. Yusuf Hamied has adopted the School of Science at FUEL SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University. As Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam reminded us, dreams are not what you see in sleep — they are what do not let you sleep. There is still so much to build.”
The acknowledgement marks a significant milestone in FUEL’s growing international engagement and reflects the organisation’s deepening association with Cambridge Judge Business School and the wider Cambridge community.
10, Jun 2026
Introducing Blu Dot Graded-In: Contract Offering Expands Exponentially with Maharam and Kvadrat Upholstery Option
CHICAGO, June 10, 2026 — For Chicago Design Week 2026, Blu Dot reprised its Floating Showboat activation to debut Blu Dot Graded-In, a new contract-focused upholstery program designed to simplify and expand specification options for the commercial design community through pre-approved textiles from industry-leading partners Maharam and Kvadrat.
The program expands the brand’s commercial offering with a curated selection of specification-ready upholstery options across key lounge, dining, workplace, and hospitality collections.
Developed specifically for the contract market, Blu Dot Graded-In introduces simplified pricing tiers, predictable lead times, and recognizable commercial-grade textiles that align with the needs and expectations of architects, designers, dealers, and procurement teams.
“Over the last decade, as we’ve dramatically grown our commercially viable and BIFMA-rated assortment, we’ve seen an increasing emphasis on comfort, warmth, flexibility, and a more human-centered experience in those types of spaces,” said John Christakos, Co-founder and CEO of Blu Dot. “That evolution is really in tune with the spirit of our brand, and we believe this new program will help make Blu Dot even more relevant and appropriate to this very important segment of customers.”
The launch includes a range of ten weaves from Maharam and Kvadrat, including Maharam’s Mode, Gemma, Terra, Firma, and Range, alongside Kvadrat’s Re-Wool 2, ReMix 3, Vidar 4, Steelcut Trio 3, and Hallingdal 65.
The offer enables a total of 457 new colorways to be specified across 27 Blu Dot collections, including lounge seating, dining and side chairs, sofas, and hospitality-focused ancillary pieces. These include popular favorites such as Bumper, Field, Puff Puff, Racer, Sunday, and New Standard, among others.
With 12,339 possible combinations, three straightforward pricing tiers streamline quoting and specification workflows for dealers and design teams. The program also outlines clear minimum order quantities and production lead times to support larger-scale project planning.
The initiative reflects the company’s broader investment in the contract and trade category, responding to increased demand for flexible solutions that meet commercial performance requirements, timelines, and design standards.
To support the new program, Blu Dot will provide dedicated trade resources, including digital tip cards, specification guides, pricing tools, and a new landing page created specifically for contract audiences.
10, Jun 2026
Tata Power Powers Over 414 Million Green Miles Through Its EV Charging Network Across India
Chandigarh, June 10: India‘s energy future is being shaped not just by policy ambition, but by the everyday choices of millions of citizens increasingly aware of the cost and consequences of conventional fuel dependence. As running costs continue to favour electric mobility, India‘s EV adoption is moving from the margins to the mainstream and the latest industry numbers make the shift unmistakable.
Tata Power, one of India‘s largest Integrated Power Companies and the operator of one of India‘s largest EV charging networks, is enabling this transition at scale. Through its expanding charging infrastructure, the company has facilitated over 7.5 lakh charging sessions and 414 million green miles across the country, while helping avoid approximately 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ tailpipe emissions.
Today, Tata Power‘s EV charging ecosystem spans more than 5,500 public charging points across over 700 cities and towns, making EV charging increasingly accessible across urban centres, highways, workplaces, commercial destinations and residential communities. In partnership with leading automotive OEMs, the company has also introduced end-to-end home charger installation services and has installed over 2.3 lakh home chargers across India, supporting a seamless charging experience for EV owners and strengthening the country’s overall EV charging ecosystem.
Further strengthening its EV charging footprint across key mobility corridors and urban centres, Tata Power EZ Charge will inaugurate new charging stations at Kopa Mall in Pune, IOCL locations on both sides of the Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway, and a Shapoorji Pallonji Mini Hub in Kolkata equipped with six charging guns. These additions are aimed at enhancing charging accessibility across city hubs and high-traffic travel routes, supporting a more convenient and reliable EV ownership experience for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers.
EV sales in India surpassed 2.55 million units in FY2026, with all four vehicle segments registering double-digit growth. Demand for zero-emission passenger vehicles was especially strong, with retail sales rising significantly during the year.
As more Indians look toward electric mobility for both environmental and economic reasons, Tata Power‘s charging network is ensuring that the infrastructure keeps pace with intent. From residential communities and commercial campuses to highways and urban hubs, the company’s charging footprint is helping create a future where mobility is cleaner, smarter, and more resilient.
10, Jun 2026
Galgotias University Partners with 247VC to Launch Entrepreneurship & Venture Excellence (EVE) Program
Strategic partnership aims to create venture-backed startups from Galgotias University and enable the campus as a premier destination for venture-ready talent in India
Greater Noida, June 10: Galgotias University and 247VC, a leading seed stage venture capital fund, announced a long term partnership. The collaboration encompasses the launch of the Entrepreneurship & Venture Excellence (EVE) Program, a structured initiative designed to equip students with startup-building frameworks, investor mentorship, and access to institutional capital.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University said, “Our partnership with 247VC is a one-of-its-kind initiative where a venture capital fund will have an active engagement presence within the University ecosystem itself, enabling students to interact directly with investors, startup mentors, founder networks, and venture-building experts.
As part of this initiative, the University will facilitate dedicated on-campus engagement spaces to enable regular interaction between students and venture capital professionals. Having venture capital presence directly on campus will help students move ideas, research, and prototypes closer to real-world execution, mentorship, and venture creation.”
The partnership is designed to bridge a critical gap in entrepreneurship education within Indian universities by providing students with practical, investor-validated frameworks rather than theoretical knowledge.
Commenting on the collaboration, Yagnesh Sanghrajka, Managing Partner, 247VC, said, “We are truly elated to partner with a premier institution like Galgotias University. With its 50,000+ students, across various disciplines, having state of the art technologies available to them, this collaboration presents a unique opportunity to nurture the next gen of entrepreneurs.
This model will become a blueprint for how universities should partner with venture capital. We’re committed to bringing our real-world venture investing experience and our deep founder networks directly to Galgotias’ students, transforming entrepreneurship from an aspiration into a structured, achievable outcome.”
