Category Archives: Business

India’s Got Nova, an Unconventional Community-First Format Featuring Samay Raina and Rajiv Makhni; Continues Industry-First Open Review Program

New Delhi, June 22: Ai+ Smartphone today announced the reveal of the Nova 2 Neo 5G and Nova 2 Pro 5G, expanding its Nova Series portfolio and reinforcing their commitment to delivering trusted, accessible, and performance-driven smartphone experiences for Indian consumers. 

Designed for different user needs while sharing a common philosophy of design, reliability, and transparency, the Nova2 Neo 5G and Nova2 Pro 5G  bring the Nova experience to a broader audience from first-time smartphone users and value-conscious buyers to creators, professionals, and performance-focused upgraders.

In a departure from traditional smartphone launches, Ai+ Smartphones unveiled the devices through “India’s Got Nova“, an entertainment-led launch format hosted by comedian Samay Raina alongside Gadget Guru Rajiv Makhni. The launch combined audience interaction, product demonstrations, live debates, and real-world challenges to showcase the devices in a more authentic and consumer-centric manner. 

The reveal also follows Ai+ Smartphones’ recently announced Open Review Program, under which reviewers, creators, journalists, and members of India’s technology community were invited to use, test, challenge, and review the devices before they become commercially available. With no embargoes, no talking points, and no review guidelines, the initiative reflects the company’s belief that trust is earned through transparency and that consumer feedback should help shape products before they reach the market.

Commenting on the reveal, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone & Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said:

“The smartphone market is becoming increasingly diverse, with consumers seeking devices that align with their individual lifestyles, aspirations, and expectations rather than a one-size-fits-all experience. The Nova Series was created to address this shift by bringing together thoughtful design, dependable performance, trusted software, and meaningful innovation within a single portfolio.” 

“With the introduction of the Nova 2 Neo and Nova 2 Pro, we are expanding the reach of the Nova Series across a broader spectrum of users from first-time smartphone owners to performance-focused upgraders. At the same time, we wanted the launch itself to reflect the values we stand for. That’s why we chose to involve the community, invite honest feedback, and launch these devices through a format that prioritises real conversations over presentations.” he added.

The Open Review Program received an overwhelming response from the technology community, with hundreds of reviewers, creators, journalists, and technology enthusiasts registering to participate. Feedback from the program will continue to be incorporated as part of Ai+‘s broader commitment to transparency, product improvement, and consumer trust. 

NOVA 2 NEO: THE SMART ENTRY

The Nova 2 Neo is the most accessible device in the Nova Series, designed to bring the Nova experience of thoughtful design, dependable performance, and trusted software to first-time smartphone users and value-conscious buyers.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset, the device features a 6.745-inch HD+ 120Hz display, a 48MP Sony IMX582 AI camera, and an 8MP front camera.

A 6000mAh battery with 18W charging support ensures all-day usage, while expandable storage of up to 2TB, dual SIM 5G, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65 dust and water resistance, and a slim 8.5mm profile make it a highly practical everyday companion.

The Nova 2 Neo runs Android 16-based NxtQuantum OS and includes the NxtPrivacy Dashboard, AI Key support, and a clean software experience designed around user control and transparency.

Available Configurations:

• 4GB + 128GB
• 6GB + 128GB 

NOVA 2 PRO: THE PERFORMANCE STATEMENT

Built for creators, professionals, and users seeking a more immersive smartphone experience, the Nova 2 Pro combines elevated design with stronger performance and richer multimedia capabilities.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, the device features a 6.9-inch FHD+ 144Hz punch-hole display with up to 800 nits HBM brightness and a multi-layer cooling system.

Its camera setup includes a 48MP Sony IMX582 AI main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 13MP front camera for content creation and video communication.

The Nova 2 Pro also introduces customisable lights in the back panel for calls, messages, notifications etc, a premium 2.5D glass finish, dual stereo speakers, dual microphones, UFS storage, expandable memory of 1TB, and a 6000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

Like the Neo, it runs Android 16-based NxtQuantum OS with the NxtPrivacy Dashboard and advanced AI Key customisation.

Available Configurations:

• 6GB + 128GB
• 8GB + 128GB

Availability:

The Nova 2 Neo and Nova 2 Pro will be available on Flipkart and select retail outlets.

Asian Energy Bags Rs 187.6 Crore Gujarat Power EPC Contract, Expands Beyond Coal India

Asian Energy Services Limited has secured a Rs 187.62 Crores EPC contract (including GST) from Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) for enhancement of a coal handling plant in Ukai Gujarat. The project marks a strategic milestone for the company as its first major order outside Coal India and its subsidiaries and associates. It signals a diversification of its client base and a strong entry into state utility-led infrastructure projects. The project involves capacity enhancement of the Coal Handling Plant (Stage-II) at the Ukai Thermal Power Station in Gujarat. The project is being executed on a lumpsum EPC basis, and the scope covers end-to-end engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning, which will take place over 2-3 years.

Dr. Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited, said, “Asian Energy is delighted to have won this project, which will involve upgrading the coal handling plant capacity of Ukai Thermal Power Station. The project expands our order book in the mineral infrastructure vertical and adds to our revenue visibility for the next 2 years. All our projects thus far have been for Coal India and its subsidiaries & associates, and working on this project reflects our successful efforts towards acquiring new customers for our service offerings.”

Centre Rules Out Stake Sale in Cochin Shipyard for Now

June 22: The Central Government has clarified that there are currently no plans to divest its stake in Cochin Shipyard Limited, reaffirming its commitment to the strategic public sector enterprise.

The clarification comes amid discussions surrounding the government’s disinvestment programme and the future of public sector undertakings. Officials stated that no proposal is under consideration at present for the sale of the Centre’s shareholding in the shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure company.

Cochin Shipyard, one of India’s leading shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, plays a significant role in supporting the country’s maritime, commercial, and defence sectors. The company has been instrumental in delivering a range of vessels and infrastructure projects while contributing to the growth of India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

The government’s position is expected to provide clarity to investors and industry stakeholders, reinforcing confidence in the company’s ongoing operations and long-term development plans.

Market observers noted that the statement underscores the strategic importance of Cochin Shipyard in India’s maritime ecosystem and aligns with broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and infrastructure capabilities.

The Centre reiterated that any future decisions regarding public sector holdings would be taken in accordance with policy objectives and prevailing economic considerations.

SEBI Move to Lower Margin Burden Expected to Strengthen Commodity Markets

June 22: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has eased margin requirements for commodity derivatives positions that are backed by the early pay-in of underlying goods, a move aimed at improving market efficiency and reducing costs for participants.

The regulatory change is expected to benefit traders, hedgers, and other market participants by providing margin relief when commodities are delivered in advance against derivatives positions. The measure is designed to better align margin requirements with the reduced risk associated with positions backed by actual goods.

SEBI said the revised framework will help strengthen the commodity derivatives ecosystem by encouraging greater participation and improving the ease of doing business in commodity markets. The move is also expected to support efficient price discovery and enhance liquidity across commodity exchanges.

Industry experts believe the relaxation could particularly benefit producers, processors, and traders who use derivatives markets to manage price risks. By lowering the margin burden on eligible positions, market participants may be able to deploy capital more efficiently while maintaining effective risk management practices.

The decision forms part of SEBI’s broader efforts to modernize India’s commodity markets and create a more robust regulatory environment that balances market growth with investor protection.

Market observers view the reform as a positive step toward deepening participation in commodity derivatives trading and strengthening India’s position as a growing commodities marketplace.

NSE and Bharat Metal Exchange Collaborate to Expand Non-Ferrous Derivatives Market

June 22: National Stock Exchange of India has entered into a strategic partnership with Bharat Metal Exchange to support the development and growth of India’s non-ferrous metal derivatives market.

The collaboration aims to enhance market participation, improve price discovery mechanisms, and strengthen the overall ecosystem for trading non-ferrous metal derivatives in the country. Industry stakeholders believe the partnership could play an important role in deepening commodity market infrastructure and expanding risk management tools for market participants.

Non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, zinc, and lead are critical to sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, automotive, renewable energy, and electronics. A stronger derivatives market is expected to help producers, consumers, and traders manage price volatility more effectively.

The partnership is also expected to contribute to greater transparency and efficiency in the metals value chain by encouraging wider adoption of hedging instruments and improving access to market intelligence.

Industry experts note that the initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen its commodity markets and support industrial growth through more sophisticated financial and trading mechanisms.

The collaboration reflects growing efforts to build a robust and globally competitive metals trading ecosystem capable of meeting the evolving needs of India’s rapidly expanding industrial economy.

Reliable Power Distribution in Focus as Haryana Builds for the Future

“The potential benefits of stronger distribution services extend beyond industry. Haryana remains one of India’s most productive agricultural states, where electricity plays an important role in irrigation, rural enterprises, food processing and cold-chain infrastructure. Improved service quality can further support agricultural modernization and help strengthen rural economic activity across the state,” said sector expert, Ashish Kapur. 

Travel and Hospitality Spending Expected to Surpass Goods Purchases in India

June 22: A recent market outlook suggests that by 2030, consumers in India are likely to spend more on travel, hospitality, and experiential services than on physical goods, reflecting a major shift in lifestyle and consumption patterns.

The report indicates that rising incomes, changing preferences among younger consumers, and increased access to digital travel platforms are driving stronger demand for experiences such as tourism, hotel stays, leisure activities, and curated travel services.

It notes that the growing emphasis on experience-based consumption marks a structural change in spending behaviour, as consumers increasingly prioritise memories, convenience, and personalised services over traditional material purchases.

The travel and hospitality sectors are expected to benefit significantly from this trend, supported by improved infrastructure, expansion of domestic tourism, and greater affordability of travel options. The rise of online booking platforms and digital payment systems has also made travel planning more accessible.

Experts say this shift is being led by millennials and Gen Z consumers, who are more inclined toward experiential lifestyles, including short trips, wellness tourism, and cultural experiences.

However, analysts also caution that economic conditions, inflation trends, and global uncertainties could influence the pace of this transition over the coming years.

Overall, the outlook highlights a long-term transformation in India’s consumption landscape, with services and experiences expected to play an increasingly dominant role in household spending by 2030.

EU Expresses Concern Over Growing Chinese Presence in Spain’s Strategic Ports: Report

June 22: The European Union is reportedly concerned over China’s expanding economic and logistical footprint in key Spanish ports, amid broader debates on strategic infrastructure control and supply chain security across Europe.

According to a recent report, increasing Chinese investment and operational involvement in port infrastructure has raised questions among European policymakers regarding long-term strategic implications for critical trade gateways in the region.

The developments come as European economies reassess the role of foreign investment in essential infrastructure, particularly assets linked to shipping, logistics, and international trade routes. Concerns have been raised about potential dependencies and the influence of external stakeholders in strategically important locations.

Spain’s ports play a vital role in Europe’s maritime trade network, serving as key entry and exit points for goods moving between Europe, Asia, and other global markets. Any shifts in control or influence over such infrastructure are being closely monitored by EU authorities.

Officials are reportedly evaluating regulatory frameworks and security considerations to ensure that foreign participation in critical infrastructure aligns with the bloc’s economic and strategic interests.

While investment in port infrastructure is seen as important for modernization and efficiency, the balance between openness to foreign capital and safeguarding strategic autonomy remains a key policy discussion within the EU.

The report highlights ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions surrounding global infrastructure investment and the increasing scrutiny of cross-border strategic assets.

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. Certified as a Great Place to Work in India for 2026–27

Bengaluru, 22nd July 2026: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. has been certified as a Great Place to Work® in India for 2026–27, recognizing the company’s commitment to fostering a high-trust, people-centric workplace culture.

The Great Place To Work® Certification is conferred on organisations that achieve a minimum of 70 percent positive responses on the Trust Index survey, which assesses credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. With insights drawn from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries over the last three decades, Great Place To Work® represents the global benchmark for measuring and recognising exceptional workplace cultures.

At Royal Orchid Hotels, a strong inclusive workplace philosophy continues to drive the brand’s growth. The organisation has built a future-ready talent ecosystem anchored in continuous learning, leadership development and holistic well-being. Associates at Royal Orchid benefit from structured career progression, continuous learning opportunities, capability-building programs, and a culture that celebrates contribution and achievement. What truly distinguishes Royal Orchid as a Great Place to Work® is its ability to translate its values into everyday experiences—fostering an environment built on trust, mutual respect, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

“We are pleased to be certified as a Great Place to Work® in India,” said Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. This recognition reflects the culture we have consciously built at Royal Orchid Hotels-one founded on trust, respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our people have always been at the heart of our success, shaping memorable guest experiences and driving the growth of our organisation. Receiving this certification based on employee feedback makes it especially meaningful, as it validates our efforts to create an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work. We dedicate this achievement to every member of the Royal Orchid family whose passion, resilience, and dedication continue to define who we are.”

Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Employee Survey is the world’s most widely used model to understand employee perceptions about their workplace. According to GPTW, an increase in Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Score positively impacts productivity, innovation, costs, and other business results.

The Search For India’s Next Breakthrough Innovations Begins As Marico Innovation Foundation Invites Applications For Indian Innovation Icons 2027

Mumbai, June 22 : Marico Innovation Foundation , a pioneer in championing impactful innovations, today invited applications for the 11th edition of its flagship biennial platform – Indian Innovation Icons.

Launched in 2006, Indian Innovation Icons has emerged as one of the country’s premier innovation recognition platforms, spotlighting ‘currently hidden, yet potentially game-changing’ Indian innovations creating socio-economic and environmental impact. Over the years, the platform has spotlighted several upcoming innovators whose solutions have gone on to transform communities and industries across the country.

The 11th edition will recognize innovations across Business (For-Profit) and Social (Not-For-Profit) categories. Applications will remain open from 22^nd June 2026 to 22^nd July 2026, and interested innovators can apply through Indian Innovation Icons 2027 | Application Form

Indian Innovation Icons follows a unique and rigorous evaluation process spanning over eight months to identify the most disruptive and promising innovations. The process includes two rounds of deliberations by an independent jury for each category, followed by detailed on-ground due diligence conducted by an independent knowledge partner, Deloitte Monitor.

The jury for the 11th edition will feature distinguished leaders from the business, startup, investment, science, and social impact sectors. The Business Category jury will be chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson Bain Capital and India, Co-Founder, ATE Capital and include Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals; Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog, former President of Nasscom and former Vice President & MD, Intel South Asia; Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory; Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive India. Ravi Mariwala, Chairman and MD, Smaart Water; Sanjiv Kaul, Senior Partner, ChrysCapitall.

The Social Category jury, also chaired by Amit Chandra, Chairperson Bain Capital and India, Co-Founder, ATE Capital, will comprise Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation; Samarinita Shetty, Co-founder and CEO, IDR; Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder and Chairperson, Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation; Aniket Doegar, CEO, Haqdarshak; Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-founder, AssisTech Foundation; Luis Miranda, Co-founder and Chairperson, Indian School of Public Policy.

The grand finale of the 11th edition of Indian Innovation Icons will take place on March 4, 2027, at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The event will bring together a distinguished gathering of leaders from the business, startup, investment, social impact, and media landscape to celebrate extraordinary stories of innovation, perseverance, and change.

Harsh Mariwala, Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation said, 

“India is witnessing a strong wave of innovators building solutions that have the potential to create meaningful impact at scale. Yet, many breakthrough ideas often remain under-recognized despite solving real challenges on the ground. Through Indian Innovation Icons, we aim to identify and champion such disruptive innovations by providing them with greater visibility, access to networks, and opportunities that can help accelerate their growth and impact. Over the years, the platform has recognized innovators who have gone on to create significant change across sectors and communities, and we look forward to discovering the next generation of transformative ideas through the 11th edition.”

Winners of the 11th edition will gain strategic guidance from Mr. Harsh Mariwala, access to Marico Innovation Foundation’s ecosystem of investors, business leaders, grant makers, and ecosystem partners, along with bespoke mentoring from Marico’s senior leadership, enhanced national visibility, and curated opportunities to accelerate their growth and scale.

Amit Chandra, Jury Chair and Chairperson of the Governing Council at Marico Innovation Foundation said,

“India’s future will be shaped by people who see problems differently and have the courage to build disruptive solutions. Indian Innovation Icons exists to identify and champion such innovators early in their journey. Past winners like Skyroot Aerospace, Dozee, and Astrome Technologies are powerful examples of what happens when bold ideas are recognized and backed early.

Every edition leaves me inspired by the ingenuity, resilience, and ambition of India’s innovators. I look forward to discovering the next generation of those whose ideas might create impact at scale and help shape India’s next chapter.”

Previous winners have included organizations such as Skyroot Aerospace, Indra Water, People’s Archive of Rural India , India Development Review, Ishitva Robotic Systems, Dozee and Khushi Baby, among others.

In the previous edition, the platform received over 1,100 applications from across India, showcasing innovations addressing diverse challenges across the country.

Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation, said, 

“It has been exciting to witness the progress of our past Indian Innovation Icons winners over the years and see how India’s innovation ecosystem has continued to evolve. As we launch the 11th edition, we are eager to discover the ideas, innovators, and impact stories that have emerged since the last edition of Indian Innovation Icons. At Marico Innovation Foundation, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate innovation, and also to learn from the individuals and organizations shaping the future of India. We look forward to spotlighting the next generation of path breaking innovations and invite innovators from across the country to wholeheartedly apply and share their stories with us.”