Category Archives: Business

itel Power 451 Debuts with AI ENC, Type C Charging and 2500 mAh Battery

June 26: itel, one of the leading tech brands known for democratizing technology for Bharat, has recently launched its latest feature phone, the itel Power 451, bringing innovative technology generally found in premium smartphones to the feature phone category. With the introduction of AI Environmental Noise Cancellation (AI–ENC) – only provided by itel in Feature Phones in India – the itel Power 451 ensures clear and uninterrupted conversations by intelligently reducing surrounding noise from crowded markets, busy streets, workplaces and other noisy environments. The itel Power 451 phone is available in super stylish colours of Blue, Green, Purple and Black – now available at retail stores. itel also offers an exciting 1-year Counter Replacement offer for any manufacturing defect in feature phones

Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India, said, “At itel, our focus has always been to bring meaningful innovations that solve real consumer challenges while keeping technology accessible for every Indian. AI ENC technology was introduced in feature phones by itel and we are continuing this further with Power 451. For us, innovation has always has been about what makes the daily lives of consumers better.”

Continuing the brand’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to consumers, the phone comes with a free back cover inside the box that is only offered by itel in the feature phone industry, allowing users to protect their device from day one without any additional expense. Further elevating the experience, the Power 451 features Type–C charging support, bringing the convenience of a universal, modern charging solution that is commonly associated with smartphones. It is also equipped with a powerful 2500 mAh battery that delivers up to 55 days of standby time with Super Battery Mode, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for users who depend on their phones throughout the day. The latest Cyber Media Research (CMR) report on The Rising Role of Durability, Reliability, and Affordability in India’s Device Market has demonstrated strong all-round performance of itel – securing impressive scores of 0.65 in feature phones and 0.86 in smartphones – highest in the segment. Additionally, 85% of consumers feel they get great value for money, 81% associate itel with strength and durability, 79% appreciate its design, and 74% consider it a trustworthy and reliable brand.

The Power 451 is a well-rounded device, built for sustained outdoor use. Equipped with a big 2.4-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless FM radio with recording, 60 call logs, and 32GB of expandable storage, Built around the evolving needs of feature phone users, itel POWER 451 combines meaningful innovation, everyday convenience and exceptional value. By combining advanced call clarity, reliable battery life, modern charging convenience and thoughtful additions like a complimentary protective back cover, the device strengthens itel’s vision of making innovative technology accessible to millions of consumers across India.

Crude Oil Extends Losses, Set for Weekly Drop

June 26: Crude oil prices fell by up to 2% in early trading on Friday, extending losses through the week amid concerns over supply-demand imbalances and shifting global market sentiment.

Benchmark crude contracts continued to remain under pressure as investors weighed expectations of steady production levels against uncertain demand outlooks in key consuming regions. The decline has put oil prices on track for their sharpest weekly losses in recent weeks.

Market analysts said the downward trend reflects cautious trading sentiment, with participants closely tracking global economic indicators, inventory data, and production signals from major oil-producing nations.

Despite short-term volatility, energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and policy decisions that could influence future supply dynamics.

Traders are expected to monitor upcoming economic data and industry reports for further direction in global crude price movements.

India, UK Explore New Avenues to Strengthen Economic and Trade Partnership: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, June 26: India and the United Kingdom are exploring new opportunities to further deepen their economic and trade partnership, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday.

Goyal said both countries are actively engaged in discussions aimed at expanding bilateral trade, enhancing investment flows, and identifying new areas of cooperation to strengthen the overall economic relationship.

He noted that the India–UK partnership continues to offer significant growth potential across key sectors, including technology, manufacturing, services, and innovation. According to him, ongoing engagements reflect a shared commitment to building a stronger, more balanced, and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

The minister added that closer economic cooperation between the two countries will help create new opportunities for businesses and contribute to long-term economic growth on both sides.

India and the UK have been regularly engaging through high-level dialogues to further deepen their strategic and economic ties.

Daimler Truck Innovation Center India Pvt. Ltd. and United Way Bengaluru Restore 25-Acre Kithaganur Lake, Benefiting over 24,000 Residents

June 26: Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), has supported the rejuvenation of Kithaganur Lake, a 25-acre water body in East Bengaluru, under UWBe’s flagship Wake the Lake campaign. The rejuvenated lake was formally handed over to the gram panchayat on June 5, World Environment Day, reinforcing the shared vision of restoring Bengaluru’s vital water ecosystems.

The intervention has resulted in a 22% increase in the lake’s water-holding capacity, benefiting over 24,000 residents in the surrounding communities. The rejuvenated lake now supports approximately 65 species of flora and fauna and is expected to contribute nearly 9 tonnes of carbon sequestration annually.

Over the years, Kithaganur Lake has suffered from silt accumulation, sewage inflow, encroachments, and blocked feeder channels, reducing its water-holding capacity and affecting the surrounding ecosystem. The rejuvenation has involved scientific de-silting, fencing, clearing water channels, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement to ensure long-term conservation.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Smt. Manjula Arvind Limbavali, MLA, Mahadevpura Constituency, appreciated the collaborative efforts that brought Kithaganur Lake back to life and emphasized that lake rejuvenation is only the first step in a longer journey of environmental stewardship. She noted that the Solid Waste Management team must now play an active role in supporting the next phase of the lake’s development. She further urged the community, local authorities, and all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for protecting the lake, ensuring that it does not fall back into previous state. “A rejuvenated lake can remain healthy only when every citizen becomes its guardian. It is our shared responsibility to preserve this asset for future generations,” she said.

“The rejuvenation of Kithaganur Lake is a powerful example of how collaborative action can drive meaningful impact. Through our partnership with United Way Bengaluru, and a close collaboration with Shishu Mandir, Panchayath, we are proud to contribute to sustainable urban development and help create lasting benefits for both communities and the environment”, said, Mr. Radhakrishna Kodakkal – Managing Director and CEO, Daimler Truck Innovation Center India

“Lakes are among Bengaluru’s most valuable natural assets. Through the ‘Wake the Lake’ campaign, we are not only rejuvenating water bodies but also fostering community ownership and creating sustainable environmental impact. By bringing together committed partners such as Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, local communities, and government stakeholders, we are creating healthier ecosystems and a more water-secure Bengaluru, said Sriram Ananthanarayan, Director, United Way Bengaluru.

With the restoration of Kithaganuru Lake, Daimler Truck Innovation Center India strengthens its commitment to environmental conservation – Prakruthi Mitra, sustainable urban development, and creating lasting positive impact for communities through ecological restoration.

TDP MP Vijay Chinthakayala’s Oath Echoes Mangalagiri Weavers Legacy

New Delhi/Visakhapatnam, June 26: On a historic day for Andhra Pradesh in the nation’s capital, newly elected Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Vijay Chinthakayala Ayyannapatrudu took oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on June 25. He was joined by fellow TDP MPs Sana Satish Babu and Bhashyam Rama Krishna, alongside Jana Sena Party’s Lingamaneni Ramesh, marking a significant sweep for NDA in Rajya Sabha.

Elected under the leadership of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP Minister Nara Lokesh, MP Vijay marked the occasion by wearing a traditional Mangalagiri cotton shawl, bringing national attention to one of Andhra Pradesh’s most cherished handloom traditions.

The shawl carries a significance far beyond ceremonial attire. Every thread of that shawl traces its origins to Mangalagiri, the historic temple town in Guntur district and the Assembly constituency represented by Andhra Pradesh IT, Electronics and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh. Mangalagiri cotton carries over 500 years of recorded history.

During the Qutub Shahi period in 1593, heavy taxes on handloom products forced many weavers to leave the region, dealing a severe blow to the industry. Yet the craft endured. It adapted, recovered and continued to be passed down through generations. Today, Mangalagiri cotton enjoys Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognised for its distinctive weave and craftsmanship. Yet behind this celebrated legacy lies a painful reality.

In the early 1990s, Mangalagiri was home to nearly 20,000 weavers. Today, only about 6,000 active handloom weavers remain. Rising costs, shrinking margins and competition from machine-made imitations have steadily reduced the community that once made Mangalagiri one of India’s most vibrant weaving centres.

That is why Vijay Chinthakayala Ayyannapatrudu’s choice resonated far beyond symbolism. The gesture reflects the vision of TDP Minister Nara Lokesh who has been unambiguous about his commitment to this community. “Weavers are not workers. They are craftsmen. It is a God-given skill,” Nara Lokesh once remarked, announcing a Rs. 250 crore market intervention fund for international branding of Mangalagiri cotton back in 2019. “It will be my responsibility to attend the grievances of each and every weaver,” he pledged.

When Vijay Chinthakayala Ayyannapatrudu took oath in the Rajya Sabha, the shawl on his shoulders carried the hopes of thousands of weaving families, the pride of a centuries-old tradition and the promise that the voice of Mangalagiri’s artisans would be heard in the highest forums of the nation.

OS Studios Appoints Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India Expansion

June 26; Bengaluru, India: OS Studios, the global fan experience agency born from gaming culture, today announced the appointment of gaming, esports and live events veteran Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India. Arya will spearhead the agency’s expansion across newly established hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai.

OS Studios, a Project Worldwide agency, recently entered the Indian market to deploy its signature ‘Fan Z’ playbook, bridging the experience gap for brands looking to integrate into South Asia’s rapidly evolving gaming, esports and live events ecosystem. The expansion leverages the established infrastructure and production capabilities of sister agency George P. Johnson (GPJ) India.

“The future of gaming will be shaped by the communities that care about it most, and few markets embody that more than India,” said John Higgins, CEO of OS Studios. “To build something meaningful, you have to be part of the culture, not looking in from the outside. Ishaan understands that better than anyone. He’s exactly the kind of leader we want building the future of OS Studios in India.”

OS Studios brings unparalleled global expertise, having delivered iconic experiential and broadcast campaigns like Call of Duty: Next, League of Legends Fanfest at Worlds, Major League Rugby, Ultimate Sevens, Red Bull Basement World Final, Red Bull Homeground 2025, TikTokLiveFest EU 2025, Riot Games’ Arcane Season 2 Launch Campaign, NBA 2K League, to name a few.

In his new role, Arya will oversee all operations, drive strategic brand partnerships, and scale the agency’s local capabilities in the region.

“Brands are investing heavily in Indian gaming, but true fan experience is too often an afterthought,” said Rasheed Sait, Chief Growth Officer for India and South Asia at Project Worldwide. “Alongside GPJ India’s experiential footprint, OS Studios will set a new standard for fan engagement in the region.”

Arya brings over a decade of industry expertise to the role. He previously co-founded esports powerhouse The Esports Club and most recently served as Vice President of Partnerships at Nodwin Gaming, where he led Comic Con India.

“A massive gap remains between brand intent and authentic community engagement in India,” said Arya. “I’m thrilled to leverage Project Worldwide and GPJ India’s operational strength to build culture-defining experiences for brands and fans alike.”

His appointment signals OS Studios’ commitment to embedding hyper-local expertise into its global framework.

Under Arya’s leadership, OS Studios India will offer full-service capabilities, including:

Brand Strategy & Activation: Authentic integration blueprints for non-endemic brands.

Live Event Operations: Large-scale experiential gaming and community activations.

End-to-End Broadcast Production: World-class live streaming and event production.

Creator Management: Cultivating and scaling local gaming influencer campaigns.

Community Building: Developing and nurturing engaged fan communities around brands and IPs.

From City Heat to Island Bliss: CROSSROADS Maldives Invites GCC Travellers to Return to Paradise

Maldives, 26 June 2026: Kicking off the summer holiday season, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives invite GCC residents to swap the desert heat for the turquoise calm of the Indian Ocean with the newly extended offers designed around the region’s love of effortless luxury, privacy, family-friendly flexibility and seamless weekend travel. Created exclusively for the GCC and Türkiye markets, the offers elevate short stays with a suite of benefits designed around regional travel preferences.

At SAii Lagoon Maldives, the ‘Lahthat Al-Nour’ (Moment of Light) package captures the bright, sun-drenched spirit of the Maldives and the ease of slipping into island time within minutes of landing. As a special benefit, all single-bedroom categories will welcome families with up to two children under 12. Other accommodation options range from interconnected rooms and spacious suites to multi-generational overwater villas where privacy, comfort and connectivity are perfectly balanced.  

 At Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, the offer’s name Mawsim Al-Music (Music Festival) nods to the brand’s legacy as a global icon of music-infused hospitality, which is brought to life through such benefits as nightly live performances, beachfront acoustic sessions, and brand’s signature Sound of Your Stay® programme, which offers in-villa Fender guitars, curated vinyl with a Crosley turntable, and mood-setting playlists. 

With Lahthat Al-Nour and Mawsim Al-Music offers, stays of three nights and more offer the benefit of meal plan upgrades from half board to full board and from full board to all-inclusive. Children stay and dine for free from the kids’ menu, while adults can choose from 13 dining venues serving halal-certified meat, with cuisines ranging from Thai and Maldivian to Mediterranean. Guests also enjoy airport transfers; a one-time shisha session; express or complimentary spa treatments; a 30-minute photo session with a 5×7” print for capturing family or honeymoon moments; a floating breakfast for pool villa categories; and guided house-reef snorkelling. Staying active is easy with an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and the newly added GZ19 padel courts that bring the GCC’s favourite sport to the lagoon’s edge.

As part of CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first fully integrated lifestyle destination, guests at both SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can roam freely between two islands. A short stroll across a footbridge leads to The Marina @ CROSSROADS, home to upscale shopping; the legendary Hard Rock Café; the Marine and Maldives Discovery Centres for cultural and natural exploration; and Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp, where children aged 4-15 stay creatively engaged.

Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, CROSSROADS Maldives is one of the Maldives’ most accessible retreats for travellers flying from Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait or Muscat. For GCC guests seeking a quick but complete change of scenery, the resort offers a smooth transition from city pace to barefoot bliss.

The offer is available for stays until 31 October 2026, ideal for summer getaways or autumn breaks. 

Bookings are open until 31 August using SLMME26 for SAii Lagoon Maldives (rates from USD 880++ per night) and HRHME26 for Hard Rock Hotel Maldives (from USD 923++). 

For more information, visit saiilagoonmaldives.com and https://hotel.hardrock.com/maldives

SCRYPT Integrates Franklin Templeton’s BENJI on its Swiss-Licensed Infrastructure

Zurich, June 25: SCRYPT, the Swiss-licensed institutional digital asset infrastructure provider, has integrated Franklin Templeton’s BENJI, the tokenized share of the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund  to optimise and manage its treasury operations. 

The deployment positions SCRYPT among the first Swiss-licensed institutional digital asset infrastructure providers to use a tokenised money market fund issued by a global asset manager for its own internal treasury management. The implementation provides SCRYPT with 24/7, on-chain access to a yield-bearing tokenised money market fund issued by Franklin Templeton. With approximately USD 1.68 trillion in assets under management, Franklin Templeton is one of the world’s largest asset managers and a leading innovator in blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

The integration pairs Franklin Templeton’s global asset management and tokenization expertise with SCRYPT’s Swiss-licensed, institutional-grade trading and custody infrastructure. It serves as one of the clearer demonstrations of how traditional finance and digital asset markets are converging in practice, with a regulated counterparty putting its own treasury on tokenised cash rails before extending the model to clients.

“We built SCRYPT’s bespoke investment strategies to be the regulated bridge between traditional finance and on-chain markets. Integrating BENJI into SCRYPT’s treasury gives us 24/7 intraday liquidity in a tokenised money market fund issued by one of the world’s most established asset managers.” – Sylvan Martin, Founder & CGO, SCRYPT

Crypto markets operate continuously. Traditional money market funds do not. Conventional funds typically settle on T+1 and are constrained by banking-hour market infrastructure, creating a structural mismatch for digital asset firms managing liquidity in real time. With BENJI, SCRYPT is able to deploy idle treasury into a tokenised money market fund with immediate liquidity, operating on the same institutional-grade infrastructure it already uses for trading, settlement, and custody services. 

India–Saudi Arabia Talks Focus on Boosting Ties and Supporting Diaspora

June 25: India and Saudi Arabia have held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing issues concerning the Indian diaspora living in the Kingdom.

The talks focused on enhancing cooperation across key areas including trade, investment, energy, labour mobility, and people-to-people ties. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

Special attention was given to matters related to the welfare and safety of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. Officials discussed ways to improve support mechanisms and ensure smoother resolution of consular and employment-related issues faced by expatriates.

The two countries also explored opportunities to expand collaboration in emerging sectors, while building on their strong energy partnership and growing economic engagement.

Officials noted that India and Saudi Arabia share a robust and evolving relationship, supported by regular high-level exchanges and mutual interests in regional stability and economic growth.

The discussions reflect continued efforts by both nations to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation for mutual benefit.

PM Modi to Visit Seychelles for Golden Jubilee Celebrations of National Day

June 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Seychelles to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s National Day, marking an important milestone in India–Seychelles bilateral relations.

The visit is expected to further strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations and reinforce ongoing cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, development partnership, and regional stability in the Indian Ocean region.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will participate in official commemorative events and hold discussions with the leadership of Seychelles on ways to expand and deepen bilateral engagement. The two sides are also expected to review progress in existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration.

Officials note that India and Seychelles share long-standing and friendly relations built on mutual trust, shared democratic values, and close maritime connectivity. The visit underscores India’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Indian Ocean island nations and enhancing regional cooperation.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations of Seychelles’ National Day mark 50 years of the country’s national journey, and India’s participation highlights the importance it places on its partnership with Seychelles.

The visit is expected to add further momentum to bilateral relations and support broader cooperation in the Indian Ocean regio