Category Archives: Business

Nutrition and Sodium Combine in Many Foods

Washington D.C.: The complexity of foods that are both high in sodium and key nutrients creates challenges for sodium reduction efforts when reformulating foods, according to new research.

Understanding the nutritional profile of the top contributors to sodium intake from food has implications for public health, dietary guidance, and food reformulation efforts.

It is also crucial to understand the levels of different nutrients in foods of public health concern to ensure that ongoing efforts to reduce sodium intake do not inadvertently compromise the overall nutritional quality of the diet.

According to a new study led by University of Toronto researchers, this analysis is necessary is to “avoid unintended consequences, such as reductions in shortfall nutrients or displacement of nutrient-dense foods.” The research was supported by IAFNS Sodium in Foods & Health Implications Committee.

The Nutrients Foods Carry

For example, pizza provides moderate amounts of iron, folate, and calcium.  According to the article, “Cold cuts, meat mixed dishes, burritos/tacos, burgers, poultry, and chicken nuggets were the highest contributors (40% to 50%) to protein servings.”

Thus, they conclude that the major sources of sodium also contribute key nutrients which should be considered during sodium reduction and reformulation efforts. Reformulating some food products to lower sodium by 10%-30% is feasible “but should also be implemented in ways to preserve the nutrient contributions of these foods,” the authors say. The paper comes against a backdrop of recent voluntary and educational programs to lower sodium intake from foods.

Based on NHANES Survey

The analysis drew on nationally representative data from the 2017-2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a continuous, cross-sectional survey of people living in the U.S. The participants completed an in-person 24-hour dietary recall and health examination. Researchers captured data from a variety of different groups and demographic categories.

Results from the analysis of the survey showed that many top food category contributors to sodium intakes such as vegetables, cheese, cold cuts, and breads are also sources of nutrients Americans do not get enough of.  These so-called “short-fall” nutrients include potassium, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D. In addition, the top contributors include food groups of public health importance like dairy, vegetables, and grains. On the flip side, some of these foods can also include what scientists call nutrients-to-limit such as sodium, but also saturated fat, and sugars.

Complex Food Challenge

The paper concludes, “Given the complexity of foods that are simultaneously high in sodium and sources of key nutrients, interpretive front-of-pack labeling systems may help consumers… Evidence from other countries suggests that such systems may encourage shifts toward lower-sodium and healthier products.”

According to Mavra Ahmed, first author on the study and a Research Associate/Fellow in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, “These findings highlight a critical tension in sodium reduction policy — many of the foods contributing most to sodium intake also provide essential nutrients. Therefore, policies must take a more nuanced, systems-level approach to avoid unintended nutritional trade-offs.”

According to Mary L’Abbe’, principal investigator on the study and Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Sciences at Temerty Medicine, “These results show that it is important that manufacturers continue to focus efforts on reducing sodium levels in foods, particular those that are high in sodium and also contribute other important nutrients that Americans need in their diets.” 

The new paper is freely available.

 The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) is committed to leading positive change across the food and beverage ecosystem. This paper was supported by IAFNS Sodium in Foods & Health Implications Committee. IAFNS is a 501(c)(3) science-focused nonprofit uniquely positioned to mobilize government, industry and academia to drive, fund and lead actionable research. iafns.org

Bharti Enterprises announces agreement for Prudential plc to acquire majority stake in Bharti Life Insurance

New Delhi, May 18 –Bharti Enterprises announced that Prudential plc (“Prudential”), a leading insurer and asset manager in Asia and Africa, has agreed to acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited (“Bharti Life”), one of India’s leading life insurance providers, from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd (and other selling shareholders).

 Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said, “We are delighted to welcome Prudential Plc as the controlling shareholder of Bharti Life, further accelerating its growth trajectory. Prudential’s experience and global scale, combined with Bharti’s strong track record, create a formidable alliance to tap into the immense potential of India’s life insurance sector. This partnership opens new opportunities for Bharti Life’s employees and further reinforces the strategic relationship between India and the United Kingdom.”

 Commenting on the development, Karan Bhagat, Founder, MD & CEO, 360 ONE, said “Our private equity funds are pleased to have made a meaningful investment in Bharti Life Insurance and we have been encouraged by the company’s market-leading growth and strong momentum. Today’s transaction reflects both its current performance and long-term potential. We are also delighted to welcome Prudential PLC’s controlling investment in Bharti Life Insurance and look forward to continuing the distribution of the company’s products through our network.”

 This transaction comes with India’s life insurance sector undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital adoption, increasing awareness, and rising demand for financial protection solutions. The market continues to present strong structural growth opportunities, supported by favorable demographics and relatively low life insurance penetration, indicating significant unmet demand.

Bharti Life Insurance, an entity of Bharti Enterprises, has built a strong presence in India through innovative life insurance solutions and an expanding footprint. The investment will support Bharti Life’s next phase of growth by enhancing its product offerings and expanding its distribution reach to better serve evolving customer needs.

 Bharti Life’s strong local presence, combined with Prudential’s established insurance expertise, is expected to expand access to life and health protection solutions across the country, supported by the combined brand strength and operational capabilities of both organizations.

 Completion of the transaction remains subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions.

India Emerges as New Manufacturing Hub for Original Marconite Following ELASIA 2026 Announcement

Bangalore, 16 May 2026

In a significant development for India’s electrical infrastructure and industrial manufacturing sector, Intertech and UK-based James Durrans & Sons have announced plans for phased manufacturing of original Marconite in India. The announcement was made during ELASIA 2026, South Asia’s premier trade fair dedicated to the power, electrical, controls, automation and lighting industries.

The proposed localisation initiative is aimed at supporting India’s rapidly expanding infrastructure ecosystem while aligning with the Government of India’s “Make in India” vision for advanced industrial technologies.

James Durrans & Sons, a 163-year-old British company and global manufacturer of Marconite technology, has been associated with Intertech since 2011 to expand the product’s reach in India. David Wilson of James Durrans & Sons said the company had identified India as a key strategic growth market nearly two decades ago before partnering with Intertech to establish Marconite across the country. Since then, the partnership has steadily expanded, with the product now being supplied across sectors including solar energy, power utilities, oil and gas, railways and metro infrastructure projects.

The companies confirmed that work is currently underway to establish manufacturing pathways, raw material sourcing and technical processes required for local production. The first phase is expected to involve the establishment of a pilot manufacturing facility within the next 12 to 18 months, after which operations could be scaled further for the wider Indian market.

Intertech CEO Gurumohit Singh said the company has consistently focused on technically engineered earthing solutions designed specifically for Indian operating conditions. He noted that Intertech follows a scientific approach involving soil resistivity analysis, fault current calculations and site-specific engineering before implementing any grounding system.

Marconite, originally developed for military and radar applications, is globally recognised as a carbon-based conductive material used in earthing and lightning protection systems. Unlike conventional grounding compounds, the product is designed to be waterless and maintenance-free, ensuring long-term operational reliability without recurring servicing requirements.

 
Over the years, Marconite technology supplied by James Durrans has been deployed globally across several critical infrastructure and defence-linked sectors, including organisations such as British Telecom, the UK Ministry of Defence, the Royal Air Force and Saudi Aramco. In India, Intertech has established a strong presence across industrial and infrastructure segments, with projects and clientele including Tata Steel, Apollo Hospitals, Motherson Sumi, STUDDS, Avaada Energy, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army and Delhi Metro.

With the proposed localisation of original Marconite manufacturing, Intertech and James Durrans aim to strengthen India’s access to globally proven earthing technologies while contributing to the country’s long-term infrastructure and manufacturing ambitions.

Inaugural California Outdoor Economy Summit Highlights Rural Economies and Land Stewardship

On June 3–5, Cal Poly Humboldt will host California’s inaugural Outdoor Economy Summit, a new statewide event exploring how outdoor recreation drives economic growth, job creation, and long-term community resilience.

The three-day summit, located at the Adorni Center in Eureka, is a partnership between Cal Poly Humboldt, Redwood Region RISE, and Humboldt County’s Economic Development Division. 

The event reflects a growing recognition that outdoor recreation—which encompasses activities ranging from camping, RVing, and fishing to amusement parks and festivals—is more than a lifestyle or amenity; it’s an economic force. In 2024, outdoor recreation generated more than $1.3 trillion in economic output nationwide. That’s about 2.4% of U.S. GDP, which supports more than 5 million jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

In California alone, outdoor recreation contributes more than $80 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting more than 589,000 jobs.

“As California leads the nation in outdoor recreation—activity that supports thousands of jobs and helps drive our economy forward—it’s encouraging to see this gathering of regional leaders dedicated to expanding its economic benefits in Humboldt County,” says U.S. Sen. Adam B. Schiff. “As I continue the fight for more rural economic development, I am grateful for local leaders coming together to ensure we are protecting and strengthening our natural landscapes to support outdoor recreation.”

“California’s $81 billion outdoor recreational economy leads the nation,” says State Sen. Mike McGuire. “The Golden State’s incredible beauty sets us apart from the rest with the tallest trees on earth, our famous coastline, mountains, and deserts—it’s one of the most special places on Earth. And with every segment of the Great Redwood Trail completed, we’re offering unparalleled access to Northern California, and tapping the benefits of outdoor rec economy straight into our rural communities.”

“The outdoor economy is a major economic driver in California, but there’s an opportunity to grow it in a way that’s sustainable and supportive of our communities, including our Tribal communities,” says Genevieve Marchand, summit coordinator and Recreation Administration professor at Cal Poly Humboldt. “This summit creates a collaborative space so we can better understand how we can invest in and sustain it.”

The summit comes at a pivotal moment, as Assembly Bills 2578 and 2494—focused on strengthening outdoor recreation planning and investment across California—signal growing statewide attention to the sector’s economic and environmental impact.

“With growing attention at the state level, this is the right moment to bring partners together,” says Calder Johnson, summit coordinator and sector investment coordinator of arts, culture, and tourism at Redwood Region RISE. “The summit helps connect policy, investment, and on-the-ground work in a meaningful way.”

Speakers and participants include representatives from Hip Camp, California Natural Resources Agency, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Founded Outdoors, California Council of Land Trusts, California Jobs First, the Great Redwood Trail Agency, and youth leaders involved in outdoor access initiatives. They’ll examine topics such as:

• Ecotourism and agritourism
• Representation in the outdoor economy
• Workforce needs
• Business development and investments
• Tribal lands and projects
• Land stewardship 
• Long-term community and economic resilience

The California Outdoor Economy Summit is intentionally place-based. By convening leaders in Humboldt County, a region deeply connected to its forests, waterways, coastline, and Tribal lands, organizers hope what’s learned here can be applied across the state.

“This summit is designed to meet the moment,” Marchand said. “Through collaboration, stewardship, and shared commitment, we can move closer to an outdoor economy that works for communities while protecting the lands and waters that sustain them.”

Rising Fuel Costs and Freight Pressures Reshape Export Industry Dynamics

 By:- Rishabh Jain, Director- International Business, Petros Stone LLP

“The recent fuel price hike of over ₹3 per litre is significantly increasing both domestic logistics and international freight costs at a time when exporters are already dealing with high ocean freight rates and volatility in the West Asia corridor. While the weaker rupee offers some temporary relief on export realisations, it only partially offsets the rising cost pressures. What we are seeing across the industry is not strategic agility, but survival-driven adaptation. Many manufacturers are slowing production, liquidating inventory, and fulfilling orders through existing stock to manage working capital. At the same time, less competitive players are struggling to sustain operations, leading to a gradual consolidation within the sector.”

Hotel industry faces severe manpower shortage

Pune May 15 : As India’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, the hotel industry is facing a major shortage of trained entry-level manpower. Considering recruitment gaps, high attrition (workforce dropouts), and the urgent need for job-ready candidates, the ‘Direct Placement’-based Hospitality Vocational Diploma Pathway is emerging as an effective and practical solution.

In the hospitality sector, there is not only a need for managers or senior experts, but also a strong demand for disciplined, service-oriented, and operations-ready entry-level employees who can quickly adapt to hotel environments. With an estimated 30% to 40% manpower shortage in the skilled and semi-skilled categories across various markets, the industry is shifting rapidly from unorganized hiring practices toward a structured workforce pipeline.

Unlike the traditional “training first, job later” approach, this model provides candidates with the opportunity to begin working directly in hotels from the very start. Candidates start their jobs immediately while simultaneously progressing through structured grooming, workplace readiness training, and a step-by-step vocational diploma framework. This ensures that the industry gets immediately useful staff, while candidates receive real work experience along with a strong career direction.

Under this pathway program, after candidate identification and onboarding, special focus is given to communication skills, professional discipline, service mindset, grooming standards, and hospitality behaviour. Candidates are then placed into actual hotel roles, allowing them to gain real operational exposure and develop essential skills and professional habits through hands-on work. For more information, call/WhatsApp: 9769559855 / 9769761099.

This program is supported and implemented by STAAR UNIADVISE, an experienced organization working in the education and career pathway sector. The organization plays an active role in candidate mobilization, screening, channel activation, and implementation monitoring, enabling the model to be executed effectively across multiple regions.

To enhance the credibility of this initiative, the supporting vocational institution has been operational since 2007 and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, along with various registrations and recognitions. With leadership having over three decades of experience in hospitality and vocational training, along with strong industry-linked networks, this program aligns closely with the direct recruitment requirements of leading hotel groups.

For candidates, the program offers a complete package of employment, hands-on experience, career growth, and a vocational diploma. For hotels, it creates a reliable supply of trained and consistent entry-level manpower. Therefore, this model is being seen as a decisive shift toward a new approach of “Job-first Career Building.”

Bihar Govt to Participate in Pan IIT Alumni India Bangalore Summit 2026 to Boost Tech and Innovation Ecosystem

Patna May 15: The Bihar government is participating in the Pan IIT Alumni India Bangalore Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 16 as part of a wider effort to strengthen Bihar’s technology and innovation ecosystem, deepen engagement with industry and investors, and expand the state’s role in India’s emerging deep-tech and digital economy.

The summit, themed “Catalysing Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Nation Building,” is expected to bring together IIT alumni, investors, technology leaders, startup founders, policymakers, academicians, and industry experts from India and abroad. Discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, deep technology, entrepreneurship, and next-generation industrial opportunities.

According to official communication issued by Rachna Patil, Secretary (Expenditure), Finance Department, Government of Bihar, engagement with the summit is being viewed as a strategic step toward advancing Bihar’s proposed “New Tech Hub” initiative and strengthening collaboration between government, academia, industry, and investors.

As part of the proposed engagement, Shri Ruhail Ranjan, Hon’ble MLA, Islampur (Nalanda), Shri Abhishek Anand, Hon’ble MLA, Cheria Bariarpur (Begusarai), and Prof. Pritam Kumar from IIT Patna have been identified to interact with stakeholders at the summit. The state government is also examining the possibility of hosting a future Pan IIT Alumni India or technology-focused summit in Bihar to strengthen direct engagement between research institutions, startups, investors, venture capital networks, and private industry.

The move comes at a time when Bihar is seeking to diversify its industrial base through the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025, which offers incentives across sectors, including information technology, electronics, electric mobility, logistics, renewable energy, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. The policy includes land support, capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, employment-linked incentives, and infrastructure assistance to improve the state’s investment competitiveness.

 Commenting on the initiative, Shri Ruhail Ranjan, Hon’ble MLA, Islampur (Nalanda), said: “Bihar stands at an important economic turning point. For years, the state was viewed largely as a source of talent and labour. The next phase must focus on building an economy where young people can create companies, develop technology, and generate opportunities within Bihar itself. Our engagement with the Pan IIT Alumni India summit is about understanding how strong innovation ecosystems are built and how government, academia, and industry can work together to attract long-term investment.”

“Policies alone cannot create innovation. States must create conditions where businesses feel supported, startups can access networks and capital, and research institutions can convert ideas into economic growth and employment generation. Bihar is now attempting to move seriously in that direction,” he added.

Dr. Preetam Kumar, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Patna, said, “The establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence at IIT Patna represents an important step toward strengthening Bihar’s deep-tech and research capabilities. The collaboration between the Government of India, Government of Bihar, Tiger Analytics, and IIT Patna aligns public funding, academic research, and industry participation toward practical deployment. The Centres will focus on agriculture, healthcare, robotics, education, wireless technologies, and disaster management while supporting startup incubation, innovation, and skilled employment creation.”

He further added that the proposed Research Park at IIT Patna could strengthen the connection between academic research and industry-led commercialisation while helping create a stronger innovation ecosystem within the state.

Ashok Kumar, Secretary, Pan IIT Alumni India, said: “For decades, Bihar contributed significantly to India’s talent pipeline while much of the technology investment and industrial expansion happened elsewhere. This is a significant move because modern investment no longer flows only toward states offering incentives or low operating costs. It increasingly follows research capability, skilled talent, institutional support, policy continuity, and the confidence that businesses can execute and scale efficiently over the long term.”

“Technology companies look for states where governments engage continuously with industry, reduce operational friction, improve infrastructure, and support long-term growth. Bihar’s engagement with the Pan IIT ecosystem reflects a serious intent to position the state within India’s next technology and innovation cycle,” he added.

The initiative reflects Bihar’s growing recognition that industrial growth can no longer depend only on conventional infrastructure and subsidy-led models. States that attract long-term investment increasingly combine research capability, institutional collaboration, skilled talent, policy continuity, and sustained industry engagement. Bihar is now seeking to build that alignment at scale.

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru presents “The Mango Reign” seasonal celebration

As the season of mangoes arrives in all its richness, Welcomhotel Bengaluru invites guests to indulge in ‘The Mango Reign’, a specially curated dining experience celebrating the many expressions of the beloved fruit. Running from 15th May to 31st May at Welcomcafe Jacaranda, the hotel’s all day dining restaurant, the promotion brings together tropical flavours, seasonal favourites and thoughtfully crafted creations inspired by mangoes.

The specially curated dinner buffet showcases mango woven across indulgent desserts, refreshing beverages and select savoury preparations, while still offering a lavish spread of signature dishes and comforting classics. From refreshing pours and tropical accents to decadent sweet endings, the experience is designed to celebrate the season in a refined and flavourful manner.

Extending the celebration beyond the restaurant, guests can also enjoy specially curated takeaway meal boxes, ideal for those looking to savour the seasonal experience at home. Available in both vegetarian and non vegetarian options, the takeaway offerings are paired with mango inspired accompaniments and desserts, bringing together comfort and indulgence in every box.

AD Ports Group Announces Formation of UAE’s First Shipbuilders Consortium

Unified platform to align national shipbuilding capabilities to drive maritime innovation and growth

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 15 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics solutions, has announced the formation of the Consortium of UAE Shipbuilders, a unified platform across shipbuilding, vessel repair, fabrication, and marine engineering.

The Consortium brings together an initial group of national industry players spanning shipbuilding, steel production, marine engineering, and fabrication, including AD Ports Group, SAFEEN Drydocks, Premier Marine Engineering Services, Dubai Shipbuilding & Engineering (DSBE), Al Seer Marine, Dutch Oriental, JOME Engineering, Saifee, Blue Gulf Ship Builders, and MBK Marine Industries, among others.

The Consortium will enhance collaboration and strengthen the UAE’s position within the maritime industrial sector. It will improve visibility across project pipelines, enable more efficient procurement, and support coordinated execution, increasing delivery capability and overall sector competitiveness across the full maritime value chain, including increased participation by locally based small and medium-sized shipyards.

Led by Noatum Maritime, part of the Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, the initiative is designed to strengthen coordination across the domestic maritime sector and provide opportunities for small and medium-sized companies to access larger and more complex projects in both local and international markets. 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “The establishment of the UAE’s first Shipbuilders Consortium reflects our commitment to advancing the nation’s industrial capabilities, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE and broader economic diversification objectives. By strengthening alignment across the sector, we are enabling greater scale, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the UAE to play a more prominent role in global maritime trade and manufacturing. Through our maritime division, we are helping to shape a more connected and competitive national shipbuilding ecosystem.”

Noatum Maritime delivers shipbuilding and repair capabilities in the UAE through SAFEEN Drydocks, a joint venture with Premier Marine Engineering Services. Internationally, SAFEEN Drydocks has expanded its shipbuilding footprint by acquiring the Balenciaga Shipyard in Spain, further strengthening its ability to support complex vessel construction and fabrication projects across global markets.

As the lead entity, Noatum Maritime is well-positioned to define the governance and commercial framework for the Consortium, ensuring alignment with the UAE’s strategic goals for industrial growth and economic diversification.

Contrivian Appoints Ilex Content Strategies to Support International Growth Through Strategic Communications