Category Archives: Business

Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026 Wraps Up With 9,000+ Business Meetings

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): The seventh edition of Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar on Monday, recording more than 9,000 Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings as Odisha stepped up efforts to expand its footprint in the domestic and international tourism market.

 Pic Credit: x.com/DDNewsOdia

The three-day tourism event, organised by the Odisha Tourism Department in collaboration with FICCI at MAYFAIR Sanctuary, brought together more than 200 buyers and over 100 tourism businesses from across India and abroad.

The event featured 145 domestic tour operators from 32 cities and 45 international operators representing 27 countries. The interactions provided Odisha-based tourism stakeholders with opportunities to build partnerships, explore new markets and develop business collaborations.

OTB 2026 showcased the state’s diverse tourism offerings, including heritage and spiritual destinations, beaches, wildlife, nature, adventure, tribal culture and culinary experiences.

Focus on Tourism Investment

Investment promotion emerged as a key component of this year’s event. Around 40 leading hospitality brands from across the country and nearly 250 investors from Odisha participated in discussions on opportunities in the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Officials highlighted the state’s tourism policies, investment incentives, land availability, simplified approval processes and investor facilitation mechanisms aimed at encouraging private investment.

Push for MICE Tourism

The event also placed special emphasis on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Industry representatives and policymakers discussed the infrastructure and policy support required to position Odisha as a preferred destination for major corporate and business events.

The Odisha MICE Incentive Portal was inaugurated during a dedicated roundtable, offering a digital platform for promoting MICE tourism and facilitating applications for eligible incentives.

Culture and Cuisine Take Centre Stage

Odisha’s rich culinary traditions, handicrafts, culture and local experiences were also showcased during the event. Celebrity chef and Odisha’s official brand ambassador for Odia cuisine, Ranveer Brar, participated in the programme.

To give visiting tourism professionals first-hand exposure to the state’s lesser-known attractions, eight familiarisation (FAM) tours were organised before and after the main event.

With thousands of business interactions and participation from stakeholders across multiple markets, OTB 2026 is expected to strengthen tourism linkages, attract fresh investments and further enhance Odisha’s visibility as a diverse tourism destination.

World Bank Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 7.1 pc on Strong Domestic Demand

New Delhi, Oct 6: The World Bank has raised its forecast for India’s economic growth in FY27 to 7.1 per cent from 6.6 per cent earlier, pointing to resilient domestic consumption and stronger-than-expected economic activity.

The upgrade comes despite continued challenges from elevated energy prices, inflationary pressures and an uncertain global environment. The latest assessment suggests that India’s strong domestic market is helping the economy absorb external shocks while maintaining its growth momentum.

Domestic consumption provides a strong cushion

India’s large consumer base continues to be one of the strongest pillars of its economy. Steady demand for goods and services has helped businesses maintain activity even as input and energy costs remain under pressure.

The World Bank has also revised upward its growth outlook for South Asia to 6.9 per cent in 2026, compared with 6.3 per cent earlier, with India expected to account for a significant share of the region’s expansion.

Strong GDP performance supports optimism

The revised outlook follows 7.8 per cent real GDP growth in India during the April-June quarter, highlighting the strength of economic activity at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Continued infrastructure investment, digital expansion and policy reforms are supporting businesses across manufacturing, services, technology and other sectors. Strong domestic demand could further encourage companies to expand capacity, increase investment and create jobs.

Energy costs remain a key concern

The positive outlook is accompanied by risks, particularly from global energy prices.

Higher crude oil prices can raise transportation, manufacturing and logistics costs and put pressure on household spending. As India relies significantly on imported energy, international oil prices remain an important factor influencing inflation and economic growth.

The potential impact of El Niño and other weather disruptions is another factor to watch, particularly because weaker agricultural output could affect food prices and rural consumption.

AI offers fresh productivity opportunities

Artificial intelligence is also emerging as a potential driver of productivity for Indian businesses.

The World Bank assessment indicates that around 23 per cent of Indian firms report using AI, compared with approximately 43 per cent in the United States. While adoption remains lower, the gap represents considerable room for expansion.

Greater use of AI, combined with investment in digital infrastructure and workforce skills, could help Indian companies improve efficiency, develop new products and services and compete more effectively in global markets.

India’s domestic economy remains resilient

The World Bank’s decision to raise the FY27 growth forecast to 7.1 per cent offers a positive signal for businesses and investors amid continuing global uncertainty.

The key challenge will be to preserve the momentum of consumption and investment while managing inflation, energy costs and external risks. Continued reforms, infrastructure development and productivity-enhancing technology could strengthen India’s growth prospects further.

The latest forecast underlines the growing importance of India’s domestic demand as a stabilising force, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s major engines of economic growth.

Kotak Mahindra Bank and United Way Bengaluru collaborate to strengthen learning infrastructure across five government schools in Telangana

~Initiative expected to benefit approximately 2,200 students in Sangareddy district~

Oct 06:  Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”/“Bank”), in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (“UWBe”) and in collaboration with the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Government of Telangana, today announced the refurbishment of five government schools in Narayankhed, Sangareddy district, Telangana, under the Model School Project.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the schools’ physical infrastructure and create a safe and welcoming learning environment for approximately 2,200 students from the nearby areas.

The project includes comprehensive civil, electrical and structural upgrades across classrooms, hostels, corridors, kitchens, dining areas and toilets. The improvements cover repairs, painting, waterproofing, electrical work, enhanced water and sanitation facilities, and the provision of essential classroom infrastructure to create a safe and learner-friendly environment for students.

As part of the initiative, the refurbished Telangana State Model School and Junior College at Pothulaboguda, Narayankhed, was inaugurated by Ms. Rathikanti Rohini, District Education Officer, Sangareddy District in the presence of representatives from the local administration, Kotak Mahindra Bank and United Way Bengaluru.

Education is a key focus area under Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR agenda. Through this initiative, the Bank aims to help strengthen the foundational conditions required for meaningful learning by improving the environment in which children study. The project aligns with the Bank’s CSR vision of improving the quality of life of communities and its mission of creating lasting value by addressing pressing development challenges through focused interventions, including education.

Commenting on the initiative, Ridhi Bhatia, Senior Vice President, Group CSR, Kotak Mahindra Bank said “At Kotak, we believe that access to a safe and enabling learning environment is fundamental to helping children realise their potential. Strengthening school infrastructure helps create conditions that encourage students to attend school regularly and learn effectively. Through our partnership with United Way Bengaluru and the Government of Telangana, we aim to help schools build stronger foundations for learning and create lasting value for the communities they serve.”

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru, said “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, inclusive and engaging environment. Through the Model School Project, we are working with Kotak Mahindra Bank and the Government of Telangana to strengthen essential school infrastructure and create spaces that support students’ learning and overall development. We believe that partnerships such as these can help schools become more conducive to learning and create a meaningful, long-term impact in the lives of children and their communities.”

Dubai real estate remains on track for rental record while primary market sales continue to set pace

Dubai South leads off-plan sales for seventh consecutive month

Dubai, UAE, Oct 06: The Dubai real estate market recorded 37,429 sales transactions worth AED92.9 billion in Q3 2026, as primary sales from developers continued to outpace resales, and the rental sector remained on track to set an all-time record.

A market analysis from fäm Properties today revealed that the primary market delivered 25,441 third quarter sales worth AED52.6 billion compared with 11,988 resales valued at AED40.3 billion.

Just over 67% of all secondary market sales transactions were made in cash in Q3, which culminated in September with some notable month-on-month increases in sales volumes, as well as rentals.

Plot sales for last month were up 28.8% MoM to 237 valued at AED3.8 billion, commercial transactions, including offices and shops rose 27.7% to 539 worth AED2.2 billion, while villa sales increased by 3.9% to 1,428 at AED8.6 billion. The month also brought 9,055 apartment sales worth AED 14.8 billion.

Data from DXBinteract meanwhile shows that 48,639 rental contracts were registered across Dubai’s freehold areas in September, a 22.6% MoM increase. The volume of new contracts climbed 25.6% YoY to 25,345, while renewals increased by 7.6% YoY to 23,294.

This takes the total number of freehold rental contracts recorded for the first nine months in 2026 to 298,984, a 6.8% increase on the same period in 2025 which ultimately set a full-year record of 377,926 registered contracts.

“The figures show that Dubai’s primary sector remains the main driver of sales activity, while the resale market continues to attract significant cash investment,’ said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.

“At the same time, the rental figures point to sustained demand across the established freehold sector. Taken together, the data shows a market that remains active, but with different segments moving at different rates.”

The most expensive villa sold in September went for AED260 million at Eome, while the most expensive apartment was sold for AED71 million at Como Residences at Palm Jumeirah.

For a seventh consecutive month, Dubai South was the emirate’s best-performing area in primary market sales volume, recording 737 off-plan transactions worth AED980.5 million.

With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 8.3% of sales, 10.3% were between AED3-5 million, 14.6% between AED2-3 million, 32.4% between AED1-2 million and 34.1% were below AED1 million.

The leading area of Dubai in freehold rentals in the first nine months of this year is Al Warsan First, with 28,825 registered tenancy contracts. Underlining a consistent apartments preference in the market, 124,113 (42%) of tenancy contracts registered were for one-bedroom units.

TOP FIVE PERFORMING AREAS IN OFF-PLAN SALES SEPTEMBER 2026

Volume Sales value

Dubai South 737 AED980.5M

Wadi Al Safa 3 560 AED574.5M

Al Barsha South Fourth 442 AED491.4M

Jebel Ali First 394 AED860.5M

Al Hebiah First 361 AED720.4M

BEST-SELLING PROJECTS DURING SEPTEMBER 2026

Primary market apartments

Project Volume Value Median price

Valia – Tower 263 AED725.4M AED2.3M

Primary market villas

Project Volume Value Median price

Greenz By Danube 62 AED305M AED4.5M

Resale apartments

Project Volume Value Median price

Dune Residency Dubai 32 AED24.0M AED651.2K

Resale villas

Project Volume Value Median price

Damac Lagoons – Portofino 16 AED49.6M AED2.6M

TOP TEN AREAS BY RENTAL CONTRACTS REGISTERED IN FIRST 9 MONTHS OF 2026

Al Warsan First 28,825

Jebel Ali First 24,710

Al Barsha South Fourth 24,564

Business Bay 19,781

Marsa Dubai 16,453

Nadd Hessa 15,722

Al Thanyah Fifth 12,459

Al Barsha South Third 10,655

Wadi Al Safa 5 10,009

Dubai Investment Park First 9,898

IIM Lucknow Faculty Research Examines Gendered Expectations in Senior PR and Corporate Communications Roles

Lucknow, 6^th October 2026: Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) faculty , in collaboration with a  faculty from NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai, finds that women in senior Public Relations (PR) and corporate communications roles often have to establish not only their professional competence, but also their legitimacy as leaders.

While women constitute a substantial share of the PR profession, the study finds that authority within the sector can still be associated with masculine norms.

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 24 women in senior PR and corporate communications roles, the research examines what it takes for women to reach senior positions and how they navigate expectations once they get there.

The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious Public Relations Review, an Elsevier journal, in a paper co-authored by Prof. Medha Bakhshi, Assistant Professor, Communication, IIM Lucknow and Prof. Papiya De, Assistant Professor, NMIMS, Mumbai.

The findings indicate that women in senior PR roles often face competing expectations about how they should behave and present themselves. Participants described having to be ambitious without appearing selfish, assertive without being perceived as aggressive, visible without inviting judgement, and successful while continuing to meet expectations around “respectable” behaviour for women.

The researchers also examine how perceptions of PR itself can shape these expectations. The profession emerged in liberalising India with an image associated with glamour, sociability and appearance. The study suggests that this association can lead to women in PR  being judged not only on their professional capabilities, but also on their appearance, manner, sexuality and choices outside the workplace.

The study identified four recurring patterns in the accounts of the women interviewed:

Ø  Participants described being perceived as either inadequate mothers or inadequate employees when professional and family responsibilities came into conflict.

Ø  Participants reported being treated as objects in a profession often perceived as glamorous and appearance-oriented.

Ø  Women were sometimes expected to overcome workplace obstacles through individual effort, rather than having those barriers addressed institutionally.

Ø  Participants described being excluded from important opportunities, including instances where larger or more significant clients were more frequently assigned to male colleagues.

However, the participants in the study were not passive in responding to these challenges. They described developing new skills, working through self-doubt and deliberately adapting their professional identities. Some challenged sexist assumptions and spoke up against them. Others used their positions to improve workplace conditions for colleagues, including by advocating for changes to maternity policies, protecting employees’ time and creating opportunities for other women.

Elaborating on the findings, Prof. Medha Bakhshi, Assistant Professor, Communication, IIM Lucknow, said, “The research reveals that women’s agency within organisations is far more ambivalent than either a story of constraint or empowerment would suggest. Women fashion themselves within structures that continually ask them to accommodate, recalibrate and prove themselves, but in doing so they also acquire the capacity to unsettle those structures, to contest inherited orthodoxies, to recast what leadership might look like, and, sometimes, to alter the conditions under which the next woman will be permitted to lead.”

The researchers argue that organisations need to examine the criteria used to identify talent, assess leadership potential and make promotion decisions, rather than placing the burden on women to adapt to existing norms.

The study also calls for workplace cultures that challenge stereotypes linking professional competence with appearance or sociability, alongside clearer and more objective standards for assessing expertise, leadership and strategic contribution.

The researchers highlight that understanding women’s leadership in PR requires attention to individual career trajectories, and to the wider professional and organisational contexts in which those careers unfold. They suggest that further research should examine how these experiences differ across career stages and social and regional contexts, offering a broader understanding of leadership and career progression in the profession.

FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 to Convene Global Manufacturers and Buyers in Shenzhen

IIT Organises Wildlife Photography Workshop as Part of National Wildlife Week 2026

Gandhinagar, October 06, 2026: IIT Gandhinagar’s Dr Kiran C Patel Centre for Sustainable Development (KPCSD) organised a three-day hands-on workshop on “Wildlife Photography and Filming for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development” from October 2 to 4, 2026, as part of National Wildlife Week 2026. Bringing together students, staff and residents from the IIT Gandhinagar community, the workshop aimed to foster a deeper appreciation of wildlife and biodiversity while exploring how photography and filmmaking can serve as powerful tools for nature documentation, awareness and conservation.

Prof C N Pandey, Coordinator, KPCSD, delivered the welcome and inaugural address highlighting the significance of National Wildlife Week and the need to develop a deeper connection with nature and wildlife. He connected the spirit of wildlife conservation with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of ahimsa, emphasising compassion, respect and love for all forms of life.

“Appreciation of nature should ultimately translate into greater care and responsibility towards our natural environment. Developing a deeper connection with wildlife allows us to understand not only its beauty but also our responsibility towards protecting it,” said Prof C N Pandey, Coordinator, KPCSD.

This was followed by a workshop overview by Mr Mukesh A Acharya, renowned wildlife photographer, visual artist and nature educator with over four decades of experience. He spoke about the importance of bringing together “action, story, and science”, where photographs are supported by scientific understanding and can communicate important conservation messages.

“The coming together of action, story and science allows photography to go beyond visual appeal and become a meaningful medium for understanding nature and communicating conservation messages,” said Mr Mukesh A Acharya.

The resource persons included Mr Mukesh A Acharya, Mr Wilkis James, Mr Aayush Dudhiya and Mr Arijit Reeves, who shared their knowledge, experience and passion for photography, filmmaking and nature conservation with the participants throughout the three days. Participants were also encouraged to learn more about the Wildlife Protection Act and, more importantly, understand the value of the natural resources and biodiversity around them.

Over the three days, participants explored the fundamentals of photography and composition, camera equipment and techniques, wildlife behaviour and field craft, photo editing, and responsible wildlife photography. Participants were provided with a chance to see biodiversity and experience wildlife photography first hand through a field visit to Indrora Nature Park, Gandhinagar and photography sessions at IIT Gandhinagar campus.

The resource persons stressed that photography needs a lot of patience and constant learning. It takes years of practice and observation to learn light, exposure, ISO and the many tools of photography.They also mentioned that IIT Gandhinagar itself is rich in biodiversity and participants have a great opportunity to continue observing, exploring and learning through photography on the campus.

The workshop concluded with a photography exhibition showing enthralling images based on two themes, Wild Feet & Fur and Colors and Textures of Nature & a special photography exhibition of the photographs of Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand by Mr Mukesh A Acharya on the theme of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

The workshop demonstrated that taking pictures of nature can be the start of a deeper journey of understanding, valuing and conserving biodiversity.It encouraged participants to look more closely at their surroundings, to appreciate the natural resources around them, and to recognize their role in protecting them.

Through such initiatives, the Dr Kiran C Patel Center for Sustainable Development at IIT Gandhinagar aims to promote a higher level of environmental consciousness and strengthen the bond between people and nature, thus contributing to a more sustainable future.

Fiesta Americana Travelty Gives U.S. Travelers the Opportunity to Know Mexico and the Caribbean Like a Local

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, FALL 2026 — Fiesta Americana Travelty, the online booking platform bringing together the distinct portfolio of Grupo Posadas hotel brands, has introduced a new U.S. consumer campaign inviting travelers to discover Mexico and the Dominican Republic with the insight of a hospitality company that has called Mexico home for more than 50 years.

Available at seven participating resorts, the offer includes 25% savings on stays of three nights or more plus a $300 Experience Credit toward select culinary, wellness, adventure, and destination experiences.

The “Know It Like We Do” campaign builds on Grupo Posadas’ Mexican-born hospitality philosophy and more than five decades of experience welcoming guests. Rather than focusing on rooms and amenities, the campaign highlights the local knowledge, personal connection, and experiences that allow travelers to see beyond the resort and go deeper than familiar landmarks and hotspots.

“Our resorts are gateways into the places we call home,” said Jose Jaime Lorenzo, Grupo Posadas Chief Commercial Officer. “We want guests to leave with more than beautiful photographs. We want them to carry home a story, a connection, a flavor. And with it all, we want them to gain a new understanding of the destination.”

Participating resorts include Devossion by Live Aqua Playa del Carmen, Live Aqua Punta Cana, Live Aqua Cancun, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun, Fiesta Americana Riviera Nayarit, and Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta.

The collection includes adults-only and family-friendly options; all are all-inclusive resorts, offering a wealth of elevated culinary journeys that bring local flavors and authentic traditions to life. Eligible experiences vary by resort and may include select dining, wellness, recreation, and destination activities.

For more information on participating resorts, eligible experiences, and booking details, visit https://www.fiestamericanatravelty.com/en/deals/resorts-deals

Leonardo DRS Establishes UK Subsidiary and Launches Local Capabilities for its Tactical Radars including Full Manufacturing

New DRS UK capability will support growing demand for counter-UAS, air defence and active protection system applications

ARLINGTON, Va.– Oct. 6, 2026 – Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) announced the establishment of DRS UK, a new subsidiary created to support the company’s business in the United Kingdom, along with the launch of local production of tactical radars in the UK.

The newly purpose-built production site expands DRS’s manufacturing footprint and creates a dedicated local presence to support UK defence customers, industry partners and system integrators. The company said the investment is intended to strengthen long-term support for UK programmes and provide greater flexibility to meet evolving operational requirements.

DRS tactical radars are designed to detect, track and classify a wide range of airborne and ground threats, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and rockets, artillery and mortars (RAM). The radars support counter-UAS, air defence, force protection and active protection system applications.

DRS said more than 10,000 radar panels have been deployed worldwide with operational service with the United States Armed Forces, NATO allies and other international customers.

“Establishing DRS UK and launching a full local tactical radar capability, strengthens our ability to support customers and partners with the proximity, responsiveness and manufacturing capacity needed to meet evolving operational requirements,” said John Baylouny, president and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS. “This investment enables closer collaboration with UK industry partners and integrators to deliver counter-UAS, air defence and force protection capabilities that help protect the warfighter.”

“Our investment in UK-based manufacturing for advanced sensing technologies reinforces the industrial capability, supply chain resilience and skilled workforce needed to support critical defence priorities,” said Max Cohen, senior vice president and general manager overseeing DRS’s tactical radar portfolio. “By establishing this local capacity, we are creating high-value engineering and manufacturing opportunities while positioning DRS UK to support future export growth and deliver greater value to customers across the UK and Europe.”

The UK operation will serve as a strategic hub for DRS’s tactical radar business in the UK and Europe, the company said.

Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction Division

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (October 6, 2026) – Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, named Vic Harshman as Head of Residential Construction. Harshman joins the new leadership team with more than three decades of hands-on industry experience and a long-standing relationship with the company to one of its most critical leadership roles. 

Harshman has held senior construction leadership positions in Arizona and Texas, and worked closely with Shasta Pools, developing firsthand knowledge about the company’s standards, culture and customers. The appointment reflects the momentum Shasta Pools has built since its August 6 acquisition by Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction, and positions the full-service 60-year old pool company for continued growth.

Leadership Perspective

“Vic brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense, customer-first leadership our residential construction division needs,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “His philosophy is deeply aligned with ours. Keeping customers’ needs as the foremost priority at every stage of the build process is at the center of everything we do, and Vic lives that every day.”

Harshman’s career in pool construction began at age 19, when he purchased a backhoe and launched a business digging plumbing trenches and footings. When the housing market declined in the late 1980s, he relocated to Las Vegas and began excavating swimming pools, a move that led to the creation of Harshman Excavating. 

Harshman built and operated excavation businesses in Nevada, Arizona and Texas, primarily serving the pool industry, and served for a period as Shasta’s exclusive excavation contractor. 

In 2012, Harshman joined A&A Manufacturing, serving pool builders across an eight-state region and growing annual sales by 10x. In 2020, he joined Keith Zars Pools in Texas as Director of Construction, where he brought together decades of ownership, leadership and industry knowledge.

A Return Rooted in Relationships

“I have always believed that strong relationships, hard work, accountability and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business,” said Vic Harshman, Head of Residential Construction, Shasta Pools. “Shasta has been a meaningful part of my career for many years. I am genuinely excited to come back and help lead this team into a very exciting future.”

Harshman steps into the role with the full support of Dan Thiessen, Chairman of the new ownership team, and John Mortensen, the outgoing head of residential construction. Mortensen recommended Harshman for the position and will now serve as the company’s lead trainer. That transition reflects Shasta Pools’ commitment to investing in its people and preserving institutional knowledge as the organization continues to grow.