Category Archives: Business

InfoComm 2026: PPDSredefines digital display design with UltraSlimPhilips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

Half the depth, double the possibilities:At 60 per cent slimmer than comparable models in PPDS’ Philips Signage portfolio, the new, sleek and stylish Philips Signage 7000 Series opens exciting new installation opportunities to partners and customers, packaging 4K UHD visual performance and AI ready processing power with a slender and stylish presentation for almost any setting.

InfoComm, Amsterdam, June 18: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its thinnest and lightest 4K UHD digital signage line to date, with the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim displaylaunching at InfoComm 2026.

Making its official debut on Philips boothC9000in Las Vegas,the dazzling and unmistakable Philips Signage 7000 Series signals the creation of an exciting new line within PPDS’ evolving digital signage portfolio, opening a wealth of exciting installation opportunities for 24/7 environments where proven quality, unparalleled performance, andvisual aesthetics really matter.

Fuelled and finessed using invaluable feedback from global partners and customers around the world – including those with past and current experience of using comparable competitor offerings – the landscape and portrait mountable UHD Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim comes in a choice of size options, including 43”, 50”, 55” and 65”.

Thinner, lighter, smarter

Built for versatility and flexibility,the Philips Signage 7000 Series will be available in warehouses from Q4 2026 to support a diverse range of verticals and environments – with retail, corporate, public venues, hospitality, and food and beverage among target markets.

Designed with a depth of just 30mm for the 65” model and 28.5mm on all others, it is an incredible 60 per cent less deepthan its closest Philips Signage counterpart – the Philips Signage 4050Q. The 43”, 50” and 55” models are 10 per cent lighter than their 4050Q size equivalents, and the 65” model weighs 20% less than its 4050Q comparison.

Impossible to ignore, whether used to showcase the latestfashion styles in a retail store or to display mouthwatering menus in a bar or restaurant, allPhilips Signage 7000 Series models bring500 nits brightness inside an elegant11.5mmeven bezel design.

Bart Wouters, International Product Manager at PPDS, commented:“The Philips Signage 7000 Series delivers brilliance and beauty for almost any environment, enhancing and opening new opportunities for an even wider audience. Essentially, it brings all the features you expect from our premium Philips Professional Displays, together with an allnew, ultra slim design.”

Commenting from the showfloor at InfoComm 2026, Andrea Barbuti, Global Product Management Lead EMEA at PPDS, added: “The new Philips Signage 7000 Series marks a new chapter in our signage display design, delivering visually spectacular performance and presentation across an unparalleled range of use cases. With the allnew slimline design, together with reduced weight, the installation opportunities are limitless.”

Beauty inside and out

Internally – mirroring other Android SoC models from PPDS – the Philips Signage 7000 Series comes with the outof thebox features and functionalitiesthat have become standard hallmarks of Philips Professional Displays, allowing each display to be tailored to meet the unique requirements of every customer.

Running on a professional Android 16SoC and with a TOPS 3.0 Neural Processing Unit ready for AI applications,the Philips Signage 7000 Series brings complete reliability and peace of mind to installations, with trusted connectivity and security built in. All while enabling customers to select and install their preferred native Android apps and software directly onto the display.

Unlocking its full power and intelligence still further, the Philips Signage 7000 Series joins PPDS’ portfolio of displays that are compatible with the Philips Wave remote display management platform, puttingusers in complete control.

Saving on costs, energy, and environmental impact via optimised settings, Philips Wave offers simplified installation and setup, monitoring and controlling displays, upgrading firmware, managing playlists, and setting power schedules. Challenges can be overcome quickly and efficiently with the ability to spot issues in real time or even to identify potential problemsbefore they occur.

Philips Wave users also have access to the Philips ProStore, eliminating any concerns around compatibility with selected partner software and applications used in – but not exclusively for – healthcare, corporate, retail, education, hospitality, and more.

For additional peace of mind, the Philips Signage 7000 Series also features PPDS’ FailOver technology, automatically playing backup content on screen in the unlikely event of a primary media player failure, ensuring screens remain active when it matters.

Connected, secure, sustainable

Ideal for presentation settings, such as in meeting rooms, corporate boardrooms and classrooms, the Philips Signage 7000 Series also comes withintegrated Philips SmartBrowser app, which leverages HTML5 to enable managers to set URLs to play as a media source.

Wireless screen sharing is available with optional Philips ScreenShare, while the Philips Signage 7000 Series also provides a full suite of connections, includingHDMI, USB-C, RS232, LAN, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth, to meet user preferences and promote the reuse of existing cables and equipment.

On the subject of recycling, the Philips Signage 7000 Series adheres to PPDS’ commitment to bringing more sustainable products, using recycled resin for the display’s housing, while significantly reducing plastic used internally, as well as in the packaging.

Andrea Barbuticontinued:“We are not the first manufacturer to launch a slimline digital signage offering, but as a company that prides itself on delivering reliable, versatile, and innovative solutions to market, we wanted to deliver better, rather than to try to win any races in bringing it to market.”

Bart Wouters concluded: “We have bided our time and communicated carefully with customers to ensure we have shaped the Philips Signage 7000 Series around true market needs. We are thrilled with the results and, more importantly, so are our partners and customers, whose insight has played an integral role in its design and development.”

Cement Industry Set for Record Capacity Expansion; Utilisation Seen at 70–71 pc

New Delhi, June 19: India’s cement sector is expected to witness record capacity additions in the coming period, which is likely to keep industry utilisation levels stable in the range of 70–71 per cent, according to a recent industry report.

The report highlights that while cement demand continues to remain strong, supported by sustained infrastructure development, housing growth, and government-led capital expenditure, the simultaneous addition of new production capacities is expected to balance overall utilisation levels.

Analysts noted that demand for cement remains robust, driven by ongoing construction activity across roads, railways, urban infrastructure, and housing projects. However, large-scale capacity expansions by major industry players are likely to prevent a sharp increase in utilisation rates in the near term.

Despite this, the sector’s long-term outlook remains positive, with steady demand visibility supported by India’s infrastructure-led growth trajectory. Continued investments in construction and urban development are expected to sustain consumption momentum.

Experts also believe that stable utilisation levels could help maintain pricing discipline in the market, thereby supporting profitability across key cement manufacturers. Efficient capacity planning and phased expansions are expected to ensure a balanced industry environment.

Overall, the report indicates that India’s cement industry remains well-positioned to support the country’s ongoing economic and infrastructure development while maintaining operational stability.

Bharat Buildcon 2026 Inaugurated to Boost Construction Sector

New Delhi, June 19: The government on Thursday inaugurated Bharat Buildcon 2026, a major industry platform aimed at deepening engagement and collaboration among builders, developers, and key stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure sector.

The initiative seeks to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and technical experts to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and promote best practices in construction and urban development. Officials said the platform will help accelerate knowledge sharing and strengthen coordination within the rapidly growing infrastructure ecosystem.

Bharat Buildcon 2026 is expected to focus on modern construction techniques, sustainable building practices, smart infrastructure solutions, and innovation-driven growth in the real estate and construction sectors. The event will also highlight opportunities for investment and partnership across housing, commercial development, and infrastructure projects.

Government representatives emphasized that the construction sector plays a vital role in driving economic growth, generating employment, and supporting urban transformation. Strengthening industry interaction is expected to improve project efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance overall quality standards.

From an economic perspective, increased collaboration within the construction ecosystem is likely to boost capital formation, stimulate demand across allied industries such as cement, steel, logistics, and engineering, and contribute to broader infrastructure-led growth.

The government reiterated its commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and innovation-friendly environment for the construction sector, aligning with its vision of modern and sustainable urban development.

Strong Growth in Direct Taxes: Up 14.6 pc to INR 5.21 Lakh Crore

New Delhi, June 19: India’s net direct tax collections have registered a robust growth of 14.6 per cent, reaching ₹5.21 lakh crore in the current financial period, signaling sustained economic momentum and improved compliance across taxpayer segments.

The rise in collections has been supported by healthy advance tax inflows, steady corporate tax payments, and continued growth in personal income tax contributions. Officials said the performance reflects broad-based economic activity and strengthening financial discipline across sectors.

The data highlights improving tax buoyancy, driven by higher corporate profitability, stable employment trends, and widening participation in the formal economy. Enhanced digital compliance systems and stronger enforcement measures have also contributed to better reporting and revenue realization.

From a macroeconomic standpoint, the increase in direct tax collections is expected to strengthen the government’s fiscal position, providing greater flexibility to sustain capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and welfare spending without compromising fiscal prudence.

Economists view the growth in tax revenues as a positive indicator of underlying economic resilience, suggesting steady demand conditions and improving income levels. The trend also reinforces investor confidence in India’s medium-term growth outlook.

Authorities are expected to continue focusing on compliance expansion and broadening the tax base to maintain revenue momentum in the coming months.

Gujarat Approves INR 1,567 Crore Industrial Incentives to Boost Manufacturing and Jobs

Gandhinagar, June 19: In a significant push to industrial growth, the Gujarat government has cleared incentive support worth ₹1,567 crore for projects in the chemical, automobile, and textile sectors, aiming to strengthen manufacturing capacity, attract investment, and generate employment across the state.

The approved incentives are expected to speed up project execution and encourage new investments across key industrial clusters. Officials said the move reflects Gujarat’s continued focus on building a strong, diversified manufacturing base and reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading industrial destinations.

The chemical sector is set to benefit from expanded production capabilities and stronger downstream linkages. In the automobile segment, the incentives are expected to support component manufacturing and supply chain integration, while the textile industry—one of Gujarat’s core strengths—will see further modernisation and capacity expansion to improve competitiveness in domestic and global markets.

Beyond sectoral gains, the initiative is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and stimulate growth in allied industries such as logistics, engineering, packaging, and infrastructure. It is also likely to improve capital inflows and enhance overall industrial productivity in the state.

From an economic standpoint, the package is expected to have a wider multiplier effect by boosting manufacturing output, increasing exports, and strengthening MSME participation in supply chains. Higher industrial activity is also expected to support income generation and contribute to broader economic momentum in the region.

The state government reiterated its commitment to fostering a competitive and investment-friendly environment while promoting sustainable and inclusive industrial development.

Government Approves Major Pulses & Oilseeds Procurement Drive Across 4 States; Uttar Pradesh Leads Beneficiary List

Pic Credit: Pexel 

New Delhi, June 19, 2026: In a significant boost to India’s agricultural support framework, large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds has been approved across four states, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the biggest beneficiary under the programme.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening minimum price support mechanisms, ensuring assured market access for farmers, and reducing price volatility in key agricultural commodities. By expanding procurement coverage, the government seeks to provide greater income security, particularly for pulses and oilseeds growers who often face fluctuating market prices.

Uttar Pradesh, with its large agricultural base and extensive cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, will receive the highest allocation under the procurement plan. Farmers in the state are expected to benefit significantly through improved price realization and timely procurement support.

Officials said the move will also help stabilize domestic supply chains for essential food items and reduce dependence on imports of edible oils and pulses, thereby improving overall food security.

From an economic perspective, the procurement drive is expected to have a positive multiplier effect. By increasing rural income, the initiative will boost farm liquidity, strengthen rural consumption demand, and support allied sectors such as transportation, warehousing, food processing, and agri-logistics. This, in turn, is likely to contribute to broader economic stability and reinforce growth in the agricultural economy.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair returns to farmers while promoting crop diversification and strengthening India’s self-reliance in key agricultural commodities.

Further details on procurement agencies, timelines, and state-wise allocations are expected to be announced by the concerned authorities shortly.

Sensex, Nifty Start Lower as IT Stocks Weigh on Market Sentiment

Mumbai, June 19: Indian equity markets opened lower on Friday, with benchmark indices coming under pressure amid a sharp decline in information technology (IT) stocks. Investor sentiment weakened following cautious guidance from global technology services firm Accenture, raising concerns over the near-term growth outlook for the IT sector.

The BSE Sensex opened over 500 points lower at 76,852.86, while the NSE Nifty slipped more than 150 points to begin the session at 23,991.20.

Technology shares led the losses, with the Nifty IT index witnessing a significant decline. Mid- and small-cap IT and telecom stocks also traded lower as investors reacted to global industry trends and moderated growth expectations.

Broader market sentiment remained subdued, with sectors such as real estate, consumer durables, financial services, metals, automobiles, and FMCG trading in negative territory during early trade.

However, defensive sectors provided some support to the market. Pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks attracted buying interest, reflecting investors’ preference for relatively stable sectors amid heightened market uncertainty.

Despite the weakness in technology stocks, market experts remain optimistic about the broader market outlook. Improving domestic macroeconomic indicators, easing inflationary concerns, and declining crude oil prices continue to support investor confidence.

Foreign institutional investor (FII) activity has also contributed to recent market resilience, particularly in the banking sector, where short-covering and selective buying have helped sustain momentum.

Global developments further influenced market sentiment. Crude oil prices moved lower following reports of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resumption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The decline in oil prices is viewed as a positive development for India, which relies heavily on energy imports.

Meanwhile, Asian markets traded mixed during the session, while major US indices closed higher overnight, reflecting cautious optimism among global investors.

Market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings, foreign investment flows, and commodity price trends for cues on market direction in the coming days.

Athulya Senior Care, Dementia India Alliance Train Future Caregivers to Close India’s Dementia Care Gap

Chennai, June 19:  With nearly 90 percent of India’s dementia cases going undiagnosed and demand for trained caregivers rising, Athulya Senior Care, in association with Dementia India Alliance, trained more than 45 students and aspiring healthcare professionals at a “Healthy Brain, Healthy Ageing” workshop held today at its Maduravoyal facility in Chennai, as part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month 2026.

Participants from disciplines including psychology, social work, caregiving and allied healthcare attended expert-led sessions on brain health, dementia awareness, healthy ageing and caregiving practices, and received certificates upon completing the programme.

Sessions, led by mental health professionals and dementia care experts, covered the early signs and symptoms of dementia, risk factors associated with cognitive decline, current approaches to dementia care and treatment, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, giving participants practical insight into supporting people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Beyond raising awareness, the workshop aimed to strengthen India’s dementia care ecosystem by equipping students and aspiring professionals with foundational caregiving knowledge, contributing to a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing number of people living with dementia and age-related cognitive disorders.

The initiative comes as India faces a rapidly growing dementia burden. Recent research estimates that approximately 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above currently live with dementia, of which nearly 70 percent are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease translating to more than 6 million Alzheimer’s cases nationwide. As India’s ageing population continues to grow, that number is projected to rise to nearly 16.9 million by 2036. Globally, more than 75 percent of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are expected to occur in low- and middle-income countries by 2050, underscoring the urgency of strengthening awareness, diagnosis and care infrastructure.

Dr. Nivedha Pathmanathan, Consultant Psychiatrist, Athulya Senior Care said “Many families mistake the early signs of dementia for normal ageing, and that delay can cost months, sometimes years, of care a person could have received”, Early intervention significantly improves quality of life for someone living with dementia and gives families time to prepare for the journey ahead. Workshops like this one are how we move the needle on early detection and informed care.”  

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Ramani Sundaram, Executive Director, Dementia India Alliance, said, “India is entering a phase where dementia is increasingly becoming a public health and caregiving challenge, yet we continue to face a significant shortage of professionals trained to support those living with the condition. Through our association with Athulya Senior Care, this workshop introduced to participants the realities of dementia care and encouraged a more informed and empathetic approach towards cognitive health.”

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Srinivasan G, Founder and CEO, Athulya Senior Care said, “The shortage of caregivers trained to support people with dementia is one of the biggest gaps in India’s senior care system today. Through our association with Dementia India Alliance, this workshop gives students and aspiring professionals a foundation in dementia care, and the skills they build here will shape how well India’s ageing population is supported in the years ahead.”

The workshop is part of Athulya Senior Care’s ongoing efforts to build awareness around healthy ageing, cognitive health and specialised senior care, while supporting the development of a trained workforce for individuals living with dementia and their families.

NICMAR Highlights Talent Imperative for India’s Next Infrastructure Leap

New Delhi, June 19 : NICMAR, India’s premier institution for Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project Management education, has highlighted the growing importance of domain-specific management education as the country’s infrastructure sector enters a more technology-driven and innovation-led phase of growth.

As India accelerates investments in transportation networks, smart cities, renewable energy, urban development, and industrial infrastructure, the nature of leadership required to drive these projects is also evolving. While management education has traditionally focused on developing generalists equipped with broad business knowledge, the increasing complexity of infrastructure projects is creating a strong case for specialised management education.

Unlike many sectors, construction, real estate, and infrastructure projects demand a unique blend of technical understanding, project execution capabilities, financial acumen, regulatory awareness, sustainability expertise, and stakeholder management. Leaders today are expected to navigate large-scale investments, emerging technologies, environmental considerations, and complex project lifecycles while ensuring timely and efficient delivery.

As India transitions from a construction-led economy to an infrastructure innovation economy, organisations are increasingly seeking professionals who can combine managerial excellence with deep domain expertise. Technologies such as Building Information Modelling , digital twins, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital project management tools are reshaping how projects are planned, executed, and monitored, further strengthening the need for industry-focused talent.

Recognising this shift, domain-specific management programmes are playing an increasingly important role in preparing future leaders. Such programmes equip students with specialised knowledge in areas such as project management, construction technology, infrastructure finance, procurement, contracts, sustainability, and urban development, enabling them to address real-world industry challenges more effectively.

For over four decades, NICMAR has been at the forefront of developing specialised talent for India’s built environment sector. Through its focused academic programmes and close industry engagement, the university continues to contribute to building a workforce capable of supporting the country’s ambitious infrastructure and urban development goals.

Commenting on the growing relevance of specialised management education, Mr. Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR said,

 “India’s infrastructure ambitions today extend far beyond construction—they demand innovation, sustainability, technological integration, and efficient project delivery at scale. As the sector evolves, the need for professionals who combine managerial excellence with deep domain expertise has never been greater. While general management skills remain valuable, industries such as construction, real estate, and infrastructure require leaders who understand the unique complexities of project execution, stakeholder management, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies. Domain-focused management education plays a crucial role in creating this talent pool and will be instrumental in shaping the future of India’s infrastructure growth story.”

With infrastructure expected to remain a key driver of India’s economic development, the demand for professionals who possess both strategic business skills and sector-specific expertise is only set to increase. As the industry evolves, domain-focused management education is poised to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of infrastructure leaders.

AD Ports Group Launches Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan

Aqaba, Jordan / Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced the operational launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The initiative marks a significant step towards reinforcing Aqaba’s position as a leading regional trade and logistics hub, while supporting Jordan’s broader economic development plans.

The joint venture, operating under Noatum Ports, the Group’s international ports operating arm, was established following an agreement signed with Aqaba Development Corporation to develop and operate a Port Community System (PCS). The project aims to enhance digital integration and facilitate information exchange among port users, the container terminal, relevant authorities, and all stakeholders, contributing to increased operational and logistical efficiency in Aqaba.

In addition, the joint venture is delivering a truck management project at the ports of Aqaba by deploying advanced digital solutions that connect relevant entities through a unified digital window. This contributes to streamlining procedures, expediting the issuance of necessary permits, and enhancing the seamless flow of logistics while raising the efficiency of services across the city.

The official launch of operations was marked by a ceremony held in Aqaba, attended by His Excellency Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; His Excellency Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group; alongside key stakeholders and partners from both entities.

His Excellency Shadi Al Majali, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said: “The launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions represents a tangible step towards realising our vision of positioning Aqaba as a fully integrated digital logistics gateway on the Red Sea, while also reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Today, we are not merely launching a company, we are laying the foundation for advanced digital infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence and smart analytics, designed to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce time and costs, and elevate transparency and security across cargo and truck movements.”

His Excellency added: “The company has already commenced implementation of its first project, the truck management system at Aqaba ports, which will help regulate truck traffic, reduce waiting times, and improve cargo-handling efficiency. This milestone reflects the partners’ commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the ports and logistics sector, while enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as a leading regional trade and logistics hub.”

His Excellency Eng. Hussein Al Safadi, CEO – Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), said: The launch of the company’s operations marks an important milestone in the development of Aqaba’s digital infrastructure and reflects the success of the strategic partnerships that ADC continues to forge with leading regional and international entities. This partnership brings together world-class strategic partners, foremost among them AD Ports Group, one of the most experienced global entities in the development, management, and operation of ports. Through its extensive international presence and proven operational expertise, AD Ports Group is well positioned to support the advancement of Aqaba’s logistics and maritime ecosystem and contribute to its long-term growth and competitiveness.” 

Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group continues to strengthen its presence in Jordan. The launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions marks another milestone in our strengthening partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation. We remain fully committed to deploying our global expertise and advanced technological solutions to drive supply chain efficiency and support the digital transformation of the ports and logistics sector in Aqaba.”

Al Tamimi added: “This launch aligns with AD Ports Group’s growing and increasingly diversified portfolio in Jordan, reflecting our long-term commitment to the Kingdom. Our presence spans the management and operation of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, the development of landmark tourism assets such as the Aqaba Cruise Terminal and Marsa Zayed, as well as the deployment of advanced customs solutions to facilitate and streamline cross-border trade through the Al Madouneh Customs Centre. We look forward to supporting our partners’ efforts to enhance Jordan’s economic competitiveness and reinforce its position as a leading regional and international trade gateway.”

In February 2026, AD Ports Group signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port. The agreement follows the inauguration of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in January 2023.

In January 2025, AD Ports Group appointed MAG Group Holding to lead the first phase of development of Marsa Zayed, a 3.2 million m² beachfront tourism and business community in Aqaba, designed to position the city as a regional tourism centre and gateway to the Red Sea. This was followed in February 2025 by an agreement with the Jordan Customs Department to manage and operate the new Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, strengthening cross-border trade and supply chain efficiency.