Category Archives: Business

KR Group Deploys Netradyne’s AI to Build a Culture of Safer Driving Across Hazardous Goods and Passenger Fleets

India, June 11: Netradyne, a global leader in AI-powered fleet safety and performance solutions, announced the driver safety outcomes of its technology across KR Group companies, a leading fleet operator in the space of LPG fuel distribution, ammonia gas haulage, and intercity passenger transit in India. The results analysed after six months of deployment show significant improvement across identified key performance indicators, including speed violations, driver distractions, following distance, driver- drowsiness, collision warning, hard braking and acceleration, GreenZone® Score, and Driver Stars. 

Data shows that real-time, in-cab coaching can significantly improve driver safety outcomes, with the fleets reporting a 64% reduction in driver distraction events and a 65% decline in drowsiness alerts, a 100% speeding correction rate, and a more than 90% reduction in mobile phone usage within six months.

KR Trans Fuels, KR Gases, and KRT Carriers manage some of India’s most safety-critical transport environments, where the consequences of a single incident can extend far beyond the vehicle. Safety has long been a core focus of the KR group, supported by structured protocols such as GPS tracking, strict no-phone policies, and regulated driver rest cycles. However, leadership recognised the need to go a step further with real-time visibility into on-road behaviour to validate compliance, identify emerging risks, and strengthen a truly preventive safety approach.

The rollout was built on Netradyne’s Driver•i® platform, which combines real-time, in-cab audio coaching on risks such as speeding, distraction, unsafe following distance, and drowsiness with GreenZone® Score, a data-driven performance framework that gives fleet managers an objective, ongoing view of driver behaviour for coaching, recognition, and accountability.

“We have always prioritised safety, but we needed greater visibility at the driver level, where decisions are made in real time. Drowsiness on a night haul, a moment of distraction, or a hand reaching for a phone, these are risks no policy can prevent. What Netradyne gave us was real-time visibility and the ability to act on it instantly, helping us build a more preventive approach to safety,” said Suresh Kumar, MD & Owner, KR Trans Fuels, KR Gases & KRT Carriers. “The numbers reflect that, but more importantly, we’re seeing a clear shift in how our drivers approach safety every day,” he added.

The results were visible across all three entities. KR Gases, which operates some of the group’s highest-risk vehicles, recorded a 100% speeding correction rate, while fleets also recorded corrective action in 96% of unsafe following-distance alerts. KR Trans Fuels, which operates the largest fleet in the group, reduced driver distraction by 64% in three months and cut phone-use incidents by more than 90%, from 20–30 per day to one or two. KRT Carriers, operating on urban and semi-urban passenger routes, recorded a 65% reduction in drowsiness alerts compared with peak levels.

At KR Group, GreenZone® Scores are reviewed monthly and directly linked to driver recognition and financial incentives, contributing to a double-digit improvement in driver performance while embedding safety into everyday operations.

“What KR Group has achieved is a blueprint for India’s fleet sector, deploy Physical AI at the driver level, build recognition into the system, and safety becomes a competitive advantage, not just a compliance requirement,” said Durgadutt Nedungadi, Senior Vice President, Netradyne. “What we’re seeing is a clear shift toward real-time, video-telematics systems that can influence driver behaviour in the moment. This deployment shows how that approach can deliver consistent safety and performance outcomes at scale, and we expect this model to accelerate across India and the broader APAC region.”

Xiaomi TV FX Mini LED Series Now on Sale, Bringing Mini LED Technology and Fire TV Together

Bengaluru, India June 11: Xiaomi India today announced the availability of the Xiaomi TV FX Mini LED Series, with Fire TV built-in a new smart television lineup created for consumers who expect more from their home entertainment experience. Available in 43-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch screen sizes, the FX Mini LED series with Fire TV built-in combines advanced display technology, immersive sound, intelligent features, and seamless content access to deliver a more engaging viewing experience.

“Consumers now see their TV as more than just an entertainment screen. They prefer an elevated experience where the screen becomes their entertainment hub, smart home controller, and personal assistant, all in one. With Fire TV built-in and the power of Alexa, customers enjoy a personalised, smart, and seamless viewing experience that’s also voice powered. Xiaomi has been an invaluable partner in bringing Fire TV with Alexa to lakhs of consumers in India, and these new launches across price points will help us reach many more,” shared Sayantani Choudhuri, Head of Fire TV, Amazon India.

DOMS Marks National Ballpoint Pen Day with an Immersive KidZania Experience and a Brand Film Celebrating the Journey of Writing

Mumbai, June 11: Reinforcing its commitment to nurturing creativity and the joy of writing, DOMS celebrated National Ballpoint Pen Day through a thoughtfully curated campaign that combined experiential engagement, product innovation and emotional storytelling. The initiative featured an interactive graphology experience for children at KidZania alongside the launch of a brand film that pays tribute to the timeless role of the pen in people’s lives.

At KidZania, children participated in a special graphology-led activity hosted by handwriting expert Nishtha Savar. Using DOMS pens, participants wrote their names and short sentences, following which their handwriting was analysed to reveal simple personality insights. Each child received a personalised Handwriting Personality Card, transforming a writing exercise into an engaging and memorable experience.

The activity encouraged children to view handwriting beyond a classroom skill and appreciate it as a reflection of their individuality, creativity and confidence. Through this experience, DOMS sought to spark conversations around the importance of writing as a powerful medium of learning, communication and personal expression.

As part of the celebration, DOMS also showcased its latest innovation, the DOMS INXGLO Pen, offering children a unique glow-in-the-dark writing experience and introducing a fun new dimension to everyday writing.

Adding an emotional layer to the campaign, DOMS unveiled a specially created brand film that traces the remarkable journey of a pen through different stages of life. Told through a poetic narrative, the film follows a pen from a neighbourhood kirana store into the hands of students, aspiring professionals, parents and grandparents, quietly witnessing moments that shape lives and memories.

The film highlights how a pen becomes a silent companion through life’s defining milestones—from writing first words and school examinations to capturing ambitions, ideas, calculations, letters and cherished memories. As generations evolve and stories unfold, the pen remains a constant presence, connecting people through the simple yet meaningful act of writing.

Through its evocative storytelling, the film serves as a tribute to the legacy of the ballpoint pen, reminding audiences that even in an increasingly digital world, putting pen to paper continues to hold deep personal and emotional significance.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Saumitra Prasad, Chief Marketing Officer, DOMS Industries Ltd., said, “A pen is much more than a writing instrument. It is a silent companion to our thoughts, dreams, milestones, and memories. Through our National Ball Point Pen Day celebration, we wanted to remind people of the profound role a pen plays in every stage of life, while inspiring young minds to embrace the joy of writing.”

With a blend of immersive experiences, innovation and storytelling, DOMS continues to champion the power of handwriting and creativity, inspiring new generations to discover the joy and value of writing.

AAEON Secures IEC 62443-4-1 Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Industrial Cybersecurity

Certification reinforces confidence in AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process in the evolving global cybersecurity landscape.

Taipei, Taiwan – June 11, Leading provider of advanced industrial and embedded AI computing platforms AAEON announced that it has successfully obtained IEC 62443-4-1 certification. This certification validates that AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process meets globally recognized standards in cybersecurity practices across every stage of product development.

AAEON initiated its certification effort in June 2025, working alongside independent consulting firms to proactively review its existing practices, ahead of the full implementation of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requirements in December 2027. In addition to performing both independent and internal reviews, AAEON implemented detailed standardized procedures, such as security management documentation and supporting forms, while also undertaking comprehensive internal security awareness training programs.

The certification, issued by LCIE (Laboratoire Central des Industries Électriques), France, covers eight key domain requirements, all successfully passed with an assessed Maturity Level 2. Of particular note are the key controls evaluated, such as the presence of a formalized secure development lifecycle, threat modeling and mitigation testing, and a commitment to the periodic review of security defect management practices.

With cybersecurity threats evolving and standardized regulatory frameworks being introduced to meet them, IEC 62443-4-1 certification positions AAEON as a trusted partner for organizations seeking edge AI and industrial platforms that are both compliant and able to reduce operational risk across different industries.

“We strive to be always ahead, and to do this we must continuously improve in all areas, including how we handle emerging cybersecurity threats.” said Howard Lin, CEO of AAEON. “To have formal recognition of how seriously we take such matters sends a clear signal to our customers that we not only adhere to stringent security practices, but that they are a cornerstone of our product development lifecycle.”

KEZAD Group Announces the Development of AED 112 Million SME Hub in Abu Dhabi

The 25,260 square metre hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs to establish and expand operations in the Emirate 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 June 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has announced the development of the KEZAD SME Hub, a purpose-built business platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The SME Hub marks the Group’s first-of-its-kind development designed to support SMEs in establishing and scaling their operations in the emirate.

Scheduled for handover before the end of this year, and located in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah), the 25,260 square metre KEZAD SME Hub is designed as a practical bridge between early-stage SME incubators and full-fledged industrial market facilities. The aim of the SME Hub is to ease the transition from startup to scaled production and distribution within an integrated economic zone.

The hub benefits from direct connectivity to Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail networks, and offers businesses access to more than 75 percent of the UAE’s urban areas within a 90-minute drive. 

As a pioneering development, the AED 112 million hub combines Micro Industrial Units and office suites in a single model, enabling SMEs to streamline day-to-day activity, logistics and costs. Co-located within a like-minded SME community and complementary industrial activities, businesses can unlock partnership opportunities through shared services and supplier networks. 

The hub comprises 175 flexible business-ready Micro Industrial Units starting from 100 square metres, supported by a dedicated business centre and access to KEZAD’s on-site infrastructure and business support services. 

SMEs represent 94 percent of all businesses in the UAE, and contribute to 64 percent of the nation’s non-oil GDP. In Abu Dhabi, SMEs constitute around 98 percent of the emirate’s businesses, employ 46 percent of the workforce, and contribute to around 43 percent to its non-oil GDP. With the SME sector expected to grow to one million enterprises by 2030, SME development remains central to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. 

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: “SME sector growth is a top priority for Abu Dhabi. In alignment with the leadership’s vision, we aim to establish KEZAD as a thriving ecosystem for small and medium enterprise development in the region. The KEZAD SME Hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs, nurturing and developing the industry with vital resources and support required to grow in a competitive market.

Joining the hub will also enable SME investors to leverage the advantages and business support provided by KEZAD’s integrated business ecosystems.”

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said: “With the SME Hub initiative, we are strengthening KEZAD’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to small and medium industries. The Hub will play a crucial role by providing early-stage support for SME startups while also enabling established SMEs to scale their operations at competitive costs within an integrated industrial environment, bridging the gap between SME incubators and the industrial market facilities needed to compete and grow.” 

Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s economy, fuelling industrial advancement and job creation. Backed by the leadership’s vision, KEZAD continues to empower SMEs to set up, thrive, and grow into globally competitive businesses, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading destination for industry and commerce

In this connection, KEZAD Group has signed an MoU with Emirates Growth Fund to support the development of UAE-based SMEs, combining KEZAD’s integrated industrial and logistics ecosystem with EGF’s growth capital and strategic support. The collaboration aims to help high-potential SMEs access the resources, infrastructure and guidance needed to scale their operations and compete in wider regional and global markets.

SS Floral Couture: Where Floral Design Meets Luxury Storytelling

Based between Mumbai and London, Seema Shah approaches floristry as an art form — blending emotion, design, and meticulous craftsmanship. Inspired by the precision of couture fashion, each arrangement is thoughtfully composed, layered, and styled to reflect both the occasion and the story behind it. The name SS Floral Couture reflects this philosophy: Seema Shah’s personal signature combined with a commitment to refined floral artistry.

Specializing in luxury event styling, bespoke wedding installations, and custom floral arrangements, Seema works with an exquisite selection of premium blooms including roses, orchids, peonies, hydrangeas, exotic flowers, and preserved florals. Known for her signature palette of soft neutrals, blush tones, whites, and subtle gold accents, her work embodies modern luxury, understated elegance, and timeless sophistication.

From intimate celebrations to large-scale weddings and brand collaborations, Seema Shah creates striking floral concepts that transform environments and leave a lasting impression. Every project begins with a thoughtful consultation, ensuring each design is deeply personal and aligned with the client’s vision.

With a growing presence across Mumbai and London, Seema Shah continues to shape SS Floral Couture into a globally recognized name in luxury floral design, redefining florals not simply as décor, but as meaningful design experiences that linger long after the celebration ends.

Learning Spiral Launches AI-Powered Exam Security & Smart Evaluation Solution

India, June 11: Amid mounting anxiety over the leaking of exam papers, inappropriate behaviour on behalf of students during exams, and errors that occur when exams are assessed, Learning Spiral has launched the most sophisticated AI-based solution that provides security to exams and makes them smarter. 

Through enhanced monitoring features and smart evaluation systems, evidence-based insights into assessment data, and streamlined processes, this solution is intended to enhance the integrity of examinations in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. Designed specifically for today’s digital educational environment, it provides schools, colleges, and other educational institutions with tools to reduce error by human intervention; increase fairness and accuracy when determining the results of assessments; and ultimately, enable conducting accurate assessments more frequently. 

Manish Mohta, the founder of Learning Spiral, said, “As education develops, we must provide secure, reliable assessments. Technology can support this by decreasing vulnerabilities, increasing transparency, and creating confidence in assessment.”

Learning Spiral will support institutions through this initiative to create a more trusted, future-oriented assessment environment utilizing intelligent technology solutions.

Ethereal Machines Raises $28.5 Million Series B to Advance India’s Deep-Tech Manufacturing Revolution and Sovereign Industrial Capabilities

June 11: Ethereal Machines, India’s leading deep-tech precision manufacturing company, today announced it has raised $28.5 million in a Series B round led by Avataar Ventures, with participation from Peak XV Partners and other investors. The capital will be deployed to advance India’s self-reliance in advanced precision manufacturing, equipping domestic and international aerospace, defence, and healthcare industries with the high-tolerance components they have historically been forced to import.

The round follows a period of rapid growth. Since its $13 million Series A in June 2024, Ethereal Machines has grown its Machining-as-a-Service (MaaS) revenue 3X year-over-year and scaled production capacity 10X across its Smart Factory operations. The company now runs India’s first fully automated smart manufacturing unit in Peenya, Bengaluru, operating 24/7 across three shifts, and has signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka to establish a 300,000 sq. ft. mega-factory on the outskirts of the city. During this period, it also launched Aura (3-axis) and Nimbus (5-axis),proprietary CNC machines achieving sub-10-micron accuracy — a first for Indian manufacturing — and expanded its client base across aerospace, defence, healthcare, semiconductors, and consumer electronics.

 The capital will be deployed across five key priorities:

• Mega-Factory Build-Out: Build a 300,000+ sq. ft. facility to help create 2000+ new local jobs – set to become one of the largest automated advanced manufacturing facilities outside of China. The factory will be equipped with state-of-the-art multi-axis CNC systems, a software first approach, cleanroom capabilities, etc. designed to serve global aerospace, defence, medical, semi-con and consumer electronics OEMs at scale. 

• Vesper: Ethereal continues to invest in its proprietary factory operating software stack that uses AI to predict manufacturing lead times, track factory uptime and output in real time and optimise production workflows. This shift from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing allows Ethereal to operate at the speed and reliability that customers demand – without compromising on micron-level accuracy.

• India’s First Domestic CNC Controller: The funds will also be used to develop India’s first proprietary multi-axis CNC controller: the command centre that governs every axis of machine movement and delivers the micron-level precision.

• Semi-conductors: Ethereal is actively engaged in India’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem, supporting the domestic sourcing of high-precision components critical to chip manufacturing infrastructure which is a space where the company sees a long-term, strategically significant opportunity.

• Global Expansion: Building dedicated teams in the United States and Europe to serve global aerospace, defence, and medical device OEMs directly.

Commenting on the fundraise, Kaushik Mudda, Co-Founder & CEO, Ethereal Machines shared, “India has long had the engineering talent to lead in advanced manufacturing; what has been missing is deeply integrated industrial capability at global standards. The world is actively looking for resilient alternatives in global manufacturing, and India has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to emerge as a serious deep-tech manufacturing powerhouse. Ethereal Machines is building that foundation from precision CNC systems to intelligent factory software and large-scale automated manufacturing. This capital allows us to accelerate that journey and position India as a trusted global hub for high-precision manufacturing.”

Anirudh Singh, Partner, Avataar Ventures shared, “Ethereal is solving one of the hardest problems in the entire manufacturing stack: building high-precision components at global standards and at scale, out of India. And it sits in front of one of the largest end markets in the world. It takes superhuman strength to do this with minimal outside support in an unforgiving industry, and there is no better team than Kaushik and Navin to pull it off. Their full-stack approach of building their own CNC machines and pairing them with intelligent factory software, lets them operate at 1/6th the cost of global peers. The roster of top-tier global clients they have already won is validation of that technological edge. As global supply chains look for trusted, resilient alternatives, we believe Ethereal can become a category-defining manufacturing platform from India, built for the world.”

Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Peak XV and Surge shared, “India is at an inflection point in precision manufacturing. As global companies look for more resilient supply chains and demand grows across aerospace, defence, semiconductors and medical devices, India has the opportunity to become a trusted global hub for precision manufacturing. Kaushik, Navin and the Ethereal Machines team are building exactly the kind of full-stack capability this moment requires, from proprietary CNC machines and factory software – Vesper, to scaled production capability. We have partnered with this team since the seed round and are excited to continue deepening that partnership.”

The raise comes at an inflection point for Indian manufacturing. The sector contributes roughly 17% of the country’s GDP, yet India remains heavily dependent on precision machine tools imported from Germany and Japan. The global “China+1” supply chain diversification trend, combined with surging demand across aerospace and defence, has created an unprecedented window for Indian manufacturers to capture a meaningful share of the $220 billion global precision manufacturing market, which is expected to grow to $400 billion by 2030. With its proprietary machines, Machining-as-a-Service model, and growing roster of global clients, Ethereal Machines is positioned to help establish India as a tier-one destination for precision engineering.

Seattle’s Back to Business Program deepens support to small businesses affected by crime and vandalism

Reimbursement caps to small businesses for repairs and preventative measures increase.

Seattle | June 11- The Seattle Office of Economic Development increased reimbursement caps to small businesses affected by crime and vandalism or are making improvements to preventative measures for their business. Unexpected expenses from vandalism and property damage can create real and burdensome financial challenges from repairs and restoration. The Back to Business Program is designed to help businesses overcome these challenges so they can focus on what they do best – growing their small business.

Today, the Storefront Repair Fund increased the reimbursement limit from $3,000 per incident to $5,000 per incident for up to three incidents in a calendar year for repairs costs. The Storefront Security Fund increased the one-time reimbursement for approved security improvements from $6,000 to $10,000. Building on the success of 2022 – 2024 COVID-19-era program designed to help businesses recover from damages from vandalism, the City of Seattle launched the Back to Business Program in August of 2025, with renewed $3.3M in funding for 2026.

“Since taking office I have met with hundreds of small business owners, and the message to me has been clear. It is difficult to be a small business owner right now, and the City can and should do more to help,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “That’s why I am glad programs and services like Back to Business exist, and am proud to support them. If we can provide even a little relief to small businesses when they are impacted by crime or vandalism or when they want to do more to protect their business, that can go a long way for the business being able to invest back in itself and its community.”

Between August 2025 and the end of May 2026, the Back to Business Program awarded 437 grants to 325 businesses totaling more than $1,030,000 in reimbursements. Because the program application is simple to use, a business may apply to the Storefront Security Fund and the Storefront Repair Fund at the same time, provided they meet eligibility and have the correct documents.

“After administering the program for several months and evaluating applications, our program team found ways to deepen the support we provide to small businesses who are impacted by crime,” said Beto Yarce, director for the Seattle Office of Economic Development. “Increasing the limits provides more meaningful support to more small businesses and will have a greater impact on a business owner’s bottom line. The Back to Business Program is just one tool in our suite of services to make Seattle an easier and more affordable place to do business.”

This increase will result in the Back to Business Program covering one hundred percent of a business’s recovery and preventative cost for about ninety percent of eligible businesses who apply. Business owners who had eligible expenses that exceeded the previous limits will retroactively receive a payment for the difference between their original request and the updated limits, if they originally submitted invoices for an amount higher than the original limits. No action is needed by a business to receive the retroactive payment.

Laura Schneider, owner of West Seattle’s Meeples Games received support from the Back to Business Program in January of 2026. “As a small business owner, every break-in is a massive setback, but the Back to Business program provided us with a real path forward. Thanks to the program, we received immediate help replacing our doors through the Storefront Repair Fund,” said Schneider. “The Storefront Security Fund helped us proactively upgrade our security with astragals and security film. It has restored my peace of mind. Seattle’s investment in independent storefronts works, and Meeples Games is incredibly grateful for this vital support.”

Applications for the Back to Business Program are open until December 31, 2026 or until funds are exhausted. To find out more about the program, eligibility and to apply, visit seattle.gov/back-to-business.

What people are saying

Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3)
“OED’s Back to Business Program has been instrumental in helping small businesses recover and get back on their feet. Without this support, many local businesses may not have been able to afford the costly repairs needed to reopen their doors. I love seeing this program expanding so that even more small businesses that call Seattle home can access the resources they need to recover, grow, and continue serving our communities.”

Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)
“Operating a small business in Seattle is tough already – even without being the victim of crime or vandalism. The Back to Business Program has been a great resource for many of the small business in our district to help cover the cost of repairs. From family-friendly establishments like Meeples Games or West Seattle Arcade in West Seattle, to Georgetown Pizza and Arcade, to our coffee shops and art galleries in Pioneer Square, the program has helped make it just a little more affordable to stay in business. I am excited that OED is announcing these reimbursement increases, which will remove even more of the financial burden on small business when they are recovering from a crime, or making plans to prevent it.”

Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2)
“District 2 is home to some of the best food in the city, from Hood Famous and Pho Bac in the CID/Little Saigon to Island Soul and King Donuts in the south end. Small businesses serve community across needs, including food, day care, healthcare, finance and accounting, tech, security, and support services, yet many of these organizations are struggling with skyrocketing costs. Further, broken systems around public safety, mental and behavioral health are pushing additional risks and costs onto community. I am excited that the City can provide a bit of relief to these businesses and the community leaders that run them. Thank you Mayor Wilson and the Office of Economic Development for your care and leadership.”

Councilmember Alexix Mercedes Rinck (Position 8 – Citywide)
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. This financial investment in preventative measures and increasing the threshold for reimbursements signal our city’s dedication to our small business ecosystem. As Chair of the Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, I am committed to action to support our small businesses throughout this turbulent time for our economy.”

Daniel Abraha, Owner, Madrona Market
“As a small business owner who came from a different state to start a business in Seattle, we have faced a lot of challenges – especially in this economy. As a business owner getting help such as training or grants goes a long way. When we get Back to Business Funding, it helps big time and it goes a long way.”

Kelsey Lewin, Co-Owner, Pink Gorilla Games
“The Back to Business Program has been invaluable to us, providing huge relief during frustrating situations. Recovering from property damage via the storefront repair fund took a huge weight off of our shoulders.”

ICMAI Welcomes CMA Rathindra Bose, Reinforcing Commitment to the Cost and Management Accountancy Profession