Category Archives: Business

UTEP Researchers 3D-Print Battery Component That Could Reshape How Devices Are Powered

 EL PASO, Texas June 30: A team of researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso has developed a way to 3D-print an essential battery component in nearly any shape. Their innovation could free engineers from the constraints of standard rechargeable battery sizes and allow energy storage to be built directly into the devices the batteries power.

The work, detailed in a study published in Communications Engineering, part of the Nature family of journals, centers on gel polymer electrolytes, the material inside a battery that carries the ions (the particles which carry the electrical charge) between the electrodes – the two terminals where chemical reactions occur and electricity enters or leaves the battery. Conventional electrolytes are liquids that must be sealed inside rigid casings, a design that limits battery shapes and raises safety concerns about leaks. The UTEP team instead created a printable gel by combining a light-curable resin with a lithium-based liquid electrolyte, then hardened it layer by layer using a technique called vat photopolymerization.

The printed material performed on par with electrolytes made by conventional methods, reaching ionic conductivities of up to 3.4 × 10⁻³ siemens per centimeter, close to the performance of the liquid electrolytes it could replace. The researchers also pinpointed an optimal recipe, a one-to-four ratio of resin to electrolyte, that balanced strong electrochemical performance with clean, reliable printing.

Just as important for real-world use, the team printed the electrolytes in ordinary laboratory air rather than inside a sealed, oxygen-free chamber, and the material kept its performance. To showcase the design freedom the method offers, the researchers printed simple discs, an open honeycomb lattice and a solid one-centimeter cube, illustrating how future batteries could be shaped to fit a wearable, a medical device or an aerospace part rather than forcing the device to accommodate the battery.

“For years, the shape of a battery has dictated the shape of the device it powers,” said Alexis Maurel, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher and a faculty member in UTEP’s Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering. “We are showing that you can print a high-performing electrolyte battery component with any shape and place it almost anywhere you want. That changes what designers are able to imagine.”

The work also clarified how the choice of solvent shapes both printability and battery behavior, a question the authors note had gone largely unexamined in earlier research on printable electrolytes. One formulation proved especially stable during repeated testing, helping the team identify the most promising path forward.

“This research demonstrates how advanced manufacturing and energy technologies are merging to create entirely new possibilities for battery design,” said Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering. “By developing a scalable method to 3D-print battery electrolytes in virtually any shape, Dr. Maurel and his collaborators are helping position UTEP at the forefront of next-generation energy storage research while providing our students with hands-on experience in technologies that are critical to the future of aerospace, transportation, and advanced manufacturing.”

The research was led by UTEP scientists in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories. The team plans to refine its formulations and work toward incorporating these printed electrolytes into complete battery cells.

The study is part of Maurel’s portfolio of projects focused on 3D printing of batteries, which includes a workforce development grant from the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. The funding established a partnership between UTEP and Texas A&M University that offers paid, research-intensive summer internships for students from both institutions.

Sensex, Nifty End Lower as IT Stocks Weigh; Markets Track US–Iran Talks

Mumbai, June 30: Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Monday, weighed down by selling pressure in information technology stocks, while investors closely monitored developments around upcoming US–Iran talks.

Market sentiment remained cautious throughout the session as weak performance in key IT counters dragged the broader indices. Analysts noted that profit booking and global uncertainty contributed to the decline.

Investors also tracked geopolitical developments, particularly the scheduled US–Iran discussions, which are expected to influence global crude oil prices and broader risk sentiment in the coming days.

Despite the downturn, selective buying was seen in some defensive and sector-specific stocks, helping limit deeper losses in the broader market.

Market experts said volatility is likely to persist as global cues, currency movements, and geopolitical factors continue to shape investor sentiment.

transcosmos completes registration as a Financial Services Intermediary

Tokyo, Japan, June 30: transcosmos announced that it has completed registration as a Financial Services Intermediary with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Registration No. 27). The Financial Services Intermediary business involves operations that directly handle customers’ assets and transactions, and therefore requires a highly robust operational foundation, including adequate financial capacity, guarantee arrangements, and rigorous compliance and internal control systems.

Under these requirements, transcosmos has completed its registration and will commence support for licensed operations across deposit, lending, and securities areas. Through these services, transcosmos will contribute to expanding the customer base of financial institutions while providing integrated support from the design of digital customer touchpoints to back-office operations.

Background

In recent years, amid changes in the interest rate environment, competition in financial products and services has intensified, while customer needs have become increasingly diverse and sophisticated. Against this backdrop, there is a growing need to expand opportunities for customer proposals, deliver seamless and efficient operations in contract-related support and procedures, enhance customer experience (CX) through digital channels, and drive continuous improvement by leveraging Voice of the Customer (VoC).

Overview of registered business and services

[Intermediation Services for Deposits and Loans]

– Acceptance and processing of new applications for housing loans and deposit accounts
– Document verification, data entry, and handling incomplete or missing information
– Provision of product information and implementation of initiatives to promote applications

[Securities Intermediation Services]

– Administrative procedures and customer support related to the opening of securities accounts
– Inquiry handling and order intermediation via telephone
– Support for applications and promotion of investment trusts and NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) accounts

transcosmos’s strengths

• Extensive track record in financial operations
  Leveraging expertise gained through supporting the operations of financial institutions, transcosmos provides efficient and stable operational frameworks
• Integration of digital (Web/CX) and operations
  transcosmos delivers end-to-end services—from the design of customer touchpoints to back-office operations—enhancing CX and advancing operational capabilities
• One of the largest contact center infrastructures in Japan
  transcosmos provides high-quality, large-scale customer support and multichannel operations, including chat support, voice bots, and social media engagement

Next steps

Going beyond traditional outsourcing, transcosmos will work closely with financial institutions to address both management and operational challenges, while promoting the development of sustainable operational models. With this registration, transcosmos will expand its support in the CX domain to include licensed operations and establish an operating model that integrates digital and back-office functions. Through these initiatives, transcosmos will create an environment that enables financial institutions to concentrate on their core businesses, while contributing to the delivery of financial services that are clear, accessible, and reliable for consumers.

* transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.
* Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

BlaBlaCar Announces Global Expansion Into 20 New Countries

June 30: BlaBlaCar announces expansion into 20 new countries as carpooling emerges as a mainstream solution to persistent economic and environmental pressures on consumers. This deployment marks the company’s first major wave of new market entries in a decade, driven by artificial intelligence to accelerate localization and operational scaling, and brings global presence to 41 countries.

The expansion builds on mature regional operations where the platform has successfully established localized networks. By broadening its geographic reach, BlaBlaCar aims to address structural transport challenges in high-growth areas while completing its network coverage across Europe.

It comes at a critical time when carpooling is emerging as an affordable and efficient solution for intercity travel amid the current context of rising fuel prices for the foreseeable future. Carpooling is a collaborative mobility alternative in which several individuals share a vehicle to complete the same journey and split the travel expenses. The average distance of BlaBlaCar journeys is around 150–250 kilometers. Through its technology, the platform optimizes and facilitates the connection between passengers and drivers who list their empty seats for trips they were already planning to make with other users who need to travel to the same destination in a more direct or economical way than other forms of travel can offer.

Since March 2026, BlaBlaCar registered more than 875,000 new drivers globally, demonstrating the impact of the platform in offsetting travel costs by sharing them.

“Our model works because it solves an economic reality for the consumer,” said Nicolas Brusson, CEO of BlaBlaCar. “Last year alone, our drivers saved over €568 million in travel expenses. As we scale into 20 new markets, we are unlocking massive, untapped economic relief for millions of travelers and commuters.”

The international rollout scales across four major geographical regions:

Latin America: The expansion follows a decade of operations in Brazil, where more than 25 million passengers used the platform in 2025. Brazil has become the second-largest global market for the group’s carpooling and bus offerings and this regional rollout introduces BlaBlaCar’s shared mobility infrastructure to neighboring countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

Southeast Asia: the company is launching services in several new countries. New market entries include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Structural transit gaps, particularly between big and mid-size cities, present high demand for shared travel solutions and carpooling offers an untapped opportunity in the region.

Europe: BlaBlaCar is expanding into several additional markets to complete its regional footprint across historical market, Europe. New entries include Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, and Moldova.

North Africa: The company is launching operations for the first time in Africa, starting with Morocco. The expansion leverages geographical proximity and existing similar travel patterns in the French and Spanish markets.

“Our mission is to optimize every empty seat on the road,” says Nicolas Brusson. “The growth we’ve seen in the last months demonstrates that consumers find the cost-sharing model more relevant than ever. And we are excited to see new communities form across new countries around the same concept.”

India, BlaBlaCar’s Largest Carpooling Market Globally

India has experienced 47% year-on-year growth in 2025 surpassing all European markets with 19 million passengers in 2025, thereby emerging as BlaBlaCar’s largest carpooling market globally.

In 2026, this momentum has only accelerated the platform now serves over 2 million passengers per month, with 315,000 new drivers joining since March alone. Remarkably, this growth has been driven entirely by word of mouth, reflecting the depth of demand for affordable intercity travel across the country. BlaBlaCar’s reach in India now extends well beyond metros, with shared mobility becoming a mainstream solution for travelers connecting cities like Pune, Jaipur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Chittoor, Meerut, Anantpur, amongst others.

Mumbai Property Registrations Hit Highest Level Since 2013, Up 6 pc in H1 2026

Mumbai, June 30: Property registrations in Mumbai increased by 6% in the first half of 2026, reaching their highest level since 2013, according to recent data released by industry sources.

The growth reflects sustained momentum in the residential real estate sector, supported by stable interest rates, improved buyer sentiment, and continued infrastructure development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Market observers said that consistent housing demand has played a key role in maintaining strong registration numbers.

Demand was seen across both mid-income and premium housing segments, with end-user purchases contributing significantly to overall transactions. Developers also reported steady sales performance during the period, indicating stable market activity despite broader economic uncertainties.

Experts noted that ongoing infrastructure projects, better connectivity, and urban development initiatives have further strengthened confidence among homebuyers and investors. The real estate market has shown resilience, even amid inflationary pressures and global economic challenges.

Going forward, the sector is expected to maintain stable growth, though factors such as interest rate changes, affordability constraints, and policy developments will continue to influence market trends. Analysts will closely monitor upcoming data to assess whether the current momentum sustains in the coming quarters.

Akamai Survey Reveals AI Adoption Outpacing Security Readiness Among Enterprises in India

Bengaluru, India June 30: As organizations across India accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation initiatives, many remain unprepared to address the security risks that come with them. According to a new survey conducted by Akamai during its 2026 Partner Summit in India, senior business and technology leaders across partner organizations, including CEOs, CTOs, vice presidents, business heads, and cybersecurity specialists, are increasingly concerned about the cybersecurity challenges customers are facing amid accelerated digital transformation and AI adoption. With increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, rising API attacks, and growing challenges in securing AI-driven environments, organizations are under increasing pressure to balance innovation with resilience. 

• API attacks have emerged as the leading cybersecurity concern: 79% of respondents cited API attacks as one of the top cyberthreats customers are most concerned about. 
• Cyberthreats are becoming more sophisticated: 42% cited evolving attack techniques as the biggest security challenge customers are facing today.
• AI security readiness remains low: Only 17% believe organizations are very well prepared to manage security risks associated with AI adoption, highlighting a significant preparedness gap.
• Data privacy concerns dominate AI risk discussions: 70% identified data privacy and leakage as the top security concern emerging from AI adoption, reflecting growing apprehension around sensitive enterprise data exposure and governance risks.

As cloud adoption and AI implementation continue to grow across industries, security teams are facing growing pressure to protect a rapidly expanding attack surface. APIs now serve as the backbone of modern applications, cloud services, and AI ecosystems, making them an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals. 

Centre Releases INR 1 Lakh Crore Support Package for MSMEs Amid Gulf Crisis

New Delhi, June 30: The Government of India has disbursed ₹1 lakh crore to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in addressing liquidity challenges arising from the ongoing Gulf crisis, a senior government official said.

The financial assistance aims to ease cash flow pressures, stabilize operations, and ensure continuity of business activities for MSMEs that may be impacted by disruptions in trade, supply chains, and overseas markets linked to the Gulf region.

Officials stated that the support package is intended to strengthen working capital access and help businesses manage short-term financial stress caused by external geopolitical uncertainties. The initiative is also expected to safeguard employment and maintain stability in critical sectors dependent on MSME supply networks.

The government emphasized that MSMEs remain a key pillar of India’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and exports. The measure reflects a proactive approach to mitigate risks arising from global developments.

Further details on implementation mechanisms and eligibility guidelines are expected to be issued by the concerned ministries and financial institutions.

Abu Dhabi Residential Real Estate Market on Target for Record Year

ADXinteract reveals sales climb 173% in value to AED 84.49 billion and 103% in volume to 16,585 deals in the first half of 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 30th June: The Abu Dhabi real estate market is on course for a record-breaking year after the volume and value of residential sales transactions soared to new heights in the first half of 2026.

A market analysis issued today by ADXinteract revealed that sales of apartments and villas combined have climbed by 173.9% in value to AED 84.49 billion and by 103% in volume to 16,585 transactions compared with the first six months last year.

The report highlighted steady growth in annual sales volumes in Abu Dhabi over the last five years, from 7,242 transactions in 2021 to 9,053 in 2022, 15,013 in 2023, 16,244 in 2024 and 24,942 with a total value AED 91.9 billion last year.

So far this year, off-plan transactions represent 78% of all sales, and the median property prices stand at AED 1,927 per sqft for apartments and AED 1,500 per sqft for villas, rising by 22.5% and 41% respectively on the first half of 2025.

The bulk of the market activity so far this year has centred on Al Reem Island which has seen the biggest volume of sales, Al Hudayriyat which has recorded the highest overall value for transactions, Yas Island and Al Saadiyat Island.

Data from ADXinteract, the recently launched online property market intelligence platform, shows that major development in these four areas has accounted for 11,137 (67.15%) of overall sales deals and AED 54.8 billion (64.86%) of total sales value.

Significantly, it also reveals a 51% average absorption rate for all 286 projects comprising 98,823 units which are currently under development in Abu Dhabi.

Fateh Al Msaddi, Founder of ADXinteract, said the market was continuing to display continued momentum following a strong Q1 performance which saw 8,806 residential property sales with a combined value of AED 48.76 billion.

“The Abu Dhabi market has moved from quiet strength to strong, visible momentum,” said Al Msaddi. “The sharp rise that we’ve seen in sales value and the growth in transactions show that the capital is entering a new phase, one driven by real buyer demand, major project activity, and increasing market transparency.”

The new partner platform for the well-established DXBinteract was introduced to meet market demand for a comprehensive source of real estate data in the capital. In addition to tracking deals, it presents detailed insights on the key players in the Abu Dhabi real estate ecosystem.

This currently consists of 1,124 agencies and 3,699 brokers, 3,378 of which are employed by registered agencies, with 321 self-licensed and operating independently. Of the 140 developers presently operating in Abu Dhabi, 38 are primary developers holding primary project registration, and 102 are secondary developers who build within a primary developer’s master project.

TOP 5 ABU DHABI AREAS TO DATE IN 2026 BY SALES VOLUME

TOP 5 ABU DHABI AREAS TO DATE IN 2026 BY SALES VALUE

Specta’s New Ad Series Turns Colour Swatches into Comic Gold

Jaipur, June 30: Specta Quartz Surfaces, India’s leading luxury quartz surface brand by ARL Group, has launched a new campaign titled “Colours That Make The World Stop”, marking the latest chapter in its ‘Palette of Possibilities’ vision. Through a series of multiple humorous films, Specta aims to reinforce its position as one of India’s most colour-forward quartz brands, championing wider design possibilities for modern homes. 

The campaign places Specta’s colours at the centre of absurd, high-stakes situations. Whether it is a bomb disposal expert debating shades of red, a chef comparing browns in a commercial kitchen, or a police officer arguing over the nuances of green while investigating a crime, each story uses a combination of comedy, exaggeration, and relatable observations to demonstrate how distinctive colours can create lasting recall.

The campaign highlights some of Specta’s most distinctive shades, including Lustre Grey, Lustre Red, Sahara Swirl, and Mint Mirage. While engineered quartz has traditionally been dominated by neutral tones, Specta has pioneered unconventional colours, pastels, and statement surfaces. The campaign builds on this disruptive approach to product design with entertaining ads that conclude with a playful disclaimer warning viewers that Specta’s surfaces may be distracting and that important tasks should be handled with care.

Commenting on the campaign, Ankit Jain, Founder, Specta Quartz Surfaces, said, “At Specta, we believe that colour presents one of the biggest opportunities for innovation in quartz. With “Colours That Make The World Stop”, we wanted to explore an entertaining and emotionally engaging way of talking about this innovation. The result is a series of films that are humorous, memorable, and true to our belief that great design deserves great storytelling. The campaign reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of quartz design while helping homeowners discover colours that transform everyday environments into something extraordinary.”

The campaign forms part of Specta’s larger ‘Palette of Possibilities’ philosophy, which seeks to expand the role of quartz in interior design by introducing colours, textures, and finishes that go beyond conventional surface choices. Rather than focusing solely on product performance, Specta is pursuing narrative-led advertising to establish a lasting connection with consumers through culture, humour, and everyday experiences, bringing a fresh perspective to a functional product category.

As the company continues to expand its portfolio with distinctive shades, “Colours That Make The World Stop” reinforces Specta’s positioning as a brand that combines material innovation with creative expression, bringing a new language of storytelling to the world of interior surfaces.

Gold and Silver Prices Fall as Federal Reserve Rate Concerns Weigh on Markets

June 30: Gold and silver prices extended losses as investor sentiment remained under pressure amid growing expectations around Federal Reserve monetary policy and potential interest rate adjustments.

Precious metals faced selling pressure as market participants weighed the impact of higher interest rates, which typically reduce the attractiveness of non-yielding assets such as gold and silver. A firmer US dollar also contributed to the downward trend in prices.

Analysts said uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s future policy direction has led to cautious trading in commodity markets, with investors shifting toward yield-bearing and safer alternative assets.

Despite short-term volatility, experts noted that long-term demand for precious metals continues to be supported by global economic uncertainty and inflation-related concerns.

Market movements are expected to remain sensitive to upcoming macroeconomic data and policy signals from the US central bank.