Category Archives: Business

Hotel industry faces severe manpower shortage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Pet Wellness Brand Dogsee Chew to Debut at Cannes Film Festival 2026

Bengaluru, May 15: In a landmark moment for the global pet care industry, Dogsee Chew, one of India’s top pet care brands, is all set to make its debut at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival 2026, bringing the fast-growing pet wellness industry to one of the world’s most influential global platforms.

For Dogsee, Cannes is more than just a brand presence. It is a sign of the growing cultural and commercial significance of pet care around the world. As pets become ever more integral family members in modern times, the conversation around pet nutrition, wellness and conscious care giving has evolved into a global mainstream movement, one that is now shaping consumer behaviour, retail trends and wellness choices across markets.

Founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs and pet parents Sneh Sharma and Bhupendra Khanal, Dogsee Chew pioneered the Himalayan yak chew category globally by introducing natural Chhurpi-based dog treats sourced from the Himalayas. Today, the brand is present in over 30 countries and trusted by more than a million pet parents worldwide based on the belief that pets deserve cleaner, healthier and more natural nutrition. At the core of Dogsee’s portfolio are its Himalayan Yak Chews, 100% natural, preservative-free, rawhide-free, and high-protein treats crafted using ethically sourced yak and cow milk through a traditional Himalayan smoke-drying process. Over the years, the company has expanded into dental chews, training treats, functional flavoured variants, and wellness supplements under the Dogsee Activet Plus+ range.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to represent the pet wellness industry on a platform as iconic as Cannes Film Festival. For us, this is a great opportunity and a moment that reflects how pet care has evolved into a meaningful global conversation around wellness, nutrition, and conscious living. Bringing a Himalayan-born brand to this stage is truly special”, said Bhupendra Khanal and Sneh Sharma, Co-founders, Dogsee Chew.

Dogsee’s presence at Cannes signals a larger shift taking place across the pet industry. Once considered a niche category, pet wellness has emerged as one of the fastest-growing global consumer sectors, driven by rising awareness around animal health, premium nutrition, and holistic care. The brand’s debut at Cannes underscores how businesses for pets are now entering the mainstream cultural and business conversations, along with fashion, beauty, wellness and lifestyle.

As Dogsee continues to strengthen its footprint across India, the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the company aims to position Himalayan natural nutrition as the global benchmark in pet wellness while building one of the world’s most trusted pet care brands from the Himalayas. 

Duckworth Prestex Introduces Big Date Automatic

Group 108 highlights ONE FNG and Grandthum at PRC 2026

Mumbai, May 15 : At a time when retail is steadily moving beyond the predictable, Group 108 marked a commanding presence at the Phygital Retail Convention 2026, held on May 13–14 at the Jio Convention Center, Mumbai. The participation emerged as a layered reflection of the group’s larger retail philosophy, anchored through its flagship developments – ONE FNG and Grandthum.

As one of the country’s most influential retail platforms, PRC served as a convergence point for prominent retailers, franchise networks, developers, and consumer brands engaging in conversations around the future trajectory of physical and phygital commerce. The two-day convention brought together more than 3,000 attendees representing over 1,000 brands, alongside celebrated retail leaders, global brands, technology innovators, and industry experts. With over 30 conference sessions and an expansive exhibition extending across 100,000+ sq. ft., the event highlighted advancements across retail technology, retail design, commercial real estate, and customer experience solutions. Against this backdrop, Group 108’s showcase aligned strongly with the convention’s larger discourse around experience-led retail environments and evolving consumer engagement.

Rather than positioning retail as a static proposition, Group 108 presented a more progressive perspective where spatial planning, movement dynamics, and consumer behaviour converge to create enduring engagement. The discussions emerging during the convention reflected this transition, shifting distinctly beyond transactional thinking toward environments that actively influence how brands are perceived and experienced.

At the center of attention stood Grandthum, envisioned as a high-energy commercial destination rather than a conventional retail address. Its expansive high-street format, uninterrupted frontages, and fluid pedestrian movement were highlighted as defining elements capable of transforming footfall into meaningful consumer interaction.

Alongside this, ONE FNG introduced a distinct yet equally compelling narrative. The development showcased a retail ecosystem shaped around sustained engagement, premium audiences, and continuous consumer circulation, strengthening both visibility and long-term brand value.

Across the two-day engagement, Group 108’s presence evolved into a focal point for strategic industry conversations, attracting retailers, franchise operators, and expansion leaders evaluating the next evolution of physical retail.

Sharing his perspective, Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said,

 “Retail is no longer defined by location alone; it is shaped by the experience it delivers. What we are building at Grandthum and ONE FNG is not just retail space, but environments that encourage engagement, strengthen brand presence, and create long-term value. PRC has been an important platform to engage with brands that share this forward-looking outlook.”

Group 108’s participation at PRC 2026 underscores a clear direction toward creating immersive retail environments aligned with evolving consumer and brand expectations.

Attracting young women to careers in construction

By Lara Pacillo

As Australia’s construction industry faces a critical skills shortage, new research from Adelaide University shows how the industry can better support women and therefore strengthen the future workforce.

In Australia, labour shortages are exacerbated by the underrepresentation of young women across various roles, particularly in blue-collar and trade sectors.

Women currently make up just 13 per cent of the construction workforce in Australia, with only around 3 per cent working in trades. At the same time, demand for infrastructure and housing continues to surge, with recent estimates pointing to a 61 per cent skills shortage across the sector.

An Australia-wide study, published in Construction Management and Economics, found that many young women are interested in careers in construction but feel the industry must adapt to better meet their needs.

Current support programs often address women as a single group, despite significant differences in motivations, priorities, and career goals.

“Our research suggests that young women would be willing to enter construction if workplace conditions improved,” explained Professor Nancy Arthur, Dean of Research at Adelaide University’s College of Business & Law, who was joined on the research team by Adelaide University’s Dr Lynette Washington, Dr Ali Ardeshiri and Professor Akshay Vij.

“We also found that salary alone is not enough. Workplace culture, flexibility, and career pathways often matter more.”

Many participants expressed interest in roles that emphasise collaboration, problem-solving, and career progression, challenging how construction jobs are traditionally designed and communicated.

Professor Arthur says the research points to several clear priorities for industry reform:

• Make workplaces safer and more inclusive
• Offer flexible work arrangements
• Create clear and visible career pathways
• Increase the visibility of female role models
• Tailor strategies to different groups, not a one-size-fits-all approach

“The issue is not motivation. It is mismatch,” said Dr Washington.

“Across all groups, there was a clear pattern in what women are after. More than a gender issue, it is a workforce, productivity, and economic sustainability issue.

“If the industry cannot attract and retain more women, it simply will not have the workforce needed to meet future demand.”

While the research supports prior studies identifying safety concerns, workplace culture, and gender bias as major barriers, the new study shows how much these factors matter and how they influence women’s career choices.

“We show that young women are not all the same. Some prioritise flexibility, others value career progression, others respond to financial incentives,” said Dr Ardeshiri.

“This helps explain why many past initiatives have struggled. They treated women as a single group.”

“Fixing construction industry barriers for women will fix construction for everyone,” Professor Arthur says.

“This is about equity, but also about unlocking a workforce the industry cannot afford to ignore.”

5 Digital Lending Apps That Let You Borrow For Education With Flexible Repayment Options 

With the rising cost of higher education, professional certifications, and career-focused upskilling continues to rise. Students and young professionals across India are increasingly seeking faster and more flexible financing solutions, while traditional education loans involve lengthy paperwork and repayment structures, digital lending platforms are emerging as a more accessible and convenient alternative for modern learners. Powered by fintech innovation, a new wave of lending apps is simplifying education financing through seamless digital applications, quicker approvals, minimal documentation, and flexible repayment options customized to evolving financial needs. These platforms are helping bridge financial gaps with greater ease, speed, and convenience.

Digital lenders like RupeeRedee, MoneyTap, Kredit-Bee, Navi, and Kissht are emerging as preferred lending platforms for students and young professionals by offering faster access to credit, simplified loan journeys, KYC Process and flexible repayment solutions.

RupeeRedee: Incepted in 2018, RupeeRedee is a tech-driven digital lending platform that provides personal loans within minutes. Leveraging technology and data sciences, it serves India’s underserved customers with smooth KYC processes and robust data protection. Customers can get small-ticket loans up to ₹25,000. With more than 1Cr installs on Google Play Store and 400K average website traffic, RupeeRedee operates through its captive NBFC, FincFriends Private Limited, offering short-term loans with diverse underwriting methods. Following the Fair Practice Code, it ensures a hassle-free consumer experience.

MoneyTap:  Incepted in 2015, MoneyTap is one of India’s early pioneers in app-based consumer credit, offering instant personal credit lines via fully digital and paperless process. Built to simplify short-term borrowing, the platform enables users to access funds up to ₹5 lakh with flexible repayment tenures and a unique “borrow-as-you-need” model.Backed by advanced data analytics and technology-led underwriting, MoneyTap partners with RBI-regulated banks and NBFCs to deliver quick approvals, seamless KYC, and accessible credit solutions for salaried professionals and emerging borrowers across India. With its customer-first approach and flexible credit ecosystem, the platform has emerged as a key player in India’s fast-growing digital lending space. 

Kredit-Bee: KreditBee is a platform that facilitates loan transactions between borrowers and personal loan providers such as NBFCs/Banks. All loan applications are approved and sanctioned by the NBFCs/Banks registered with the RBI. KreditBee takes pride in being inclusive as an Instant Loan provider, where users can apply for Personal Loans up to ₹ 4 lakhs as per the requirement. The documentation needed is minimal and the entire process starting from registration to disbursement takes an average of 10 minutes. The application process is completely online and on approval, the funds are immediately transferred to the bank account of the applicant. There are a number of unique Loan Offers available with simple repayment plans.

Navi: Incepted in 2018, Navi Finserv has rapidly emerged as a technology-first financial services platform simplifying access to credit through a completely digital ecosystem. Focused on speed, convenience, and accessibility, this platform offers instant personal loans with minimal paperwork, seamless KYC verification, and flexible repayment options tailored for modern borrowers. Backed by data-driven underwriting and a user-friendly mobile experience, Navi enables customers to access loans of up to ₹20 lakh with quick disbursals and transparent processes. With its strong digital infrastructure and customer-centric approach, the platform continues to strengthen financial inclusion by making formal credit more accessible to India’s evolving consumer base.  

Kissht: Listed on the BSE and NSE, Kissht, operated by OnEMI Technology Solutions, offers quick and accessible credit solutions through a completely digital process. The company has also strengthened its brand presence with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. Known for its tech-driven underwriting and fast disbursal capabilities, Kissht provides instant personal loans of up to ₹5 lakh in as little as 5 minutes with minimal documentation and flexible repayment options. The platform also supports education-related financial needs through personal loans, while offering a wide range of other credit products across consumer and secured lending segments. Over the years, Kissht has built a strong customer base of 63+ million users by focusing on convenience, accessibility, and responsible lending practices. As digital borrowing continues to grow in India, platforms like Kissht are helping bridge the credit gap for consumers looking for faster and more seamless financial solutions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any digital lending platform. Loan approval, interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria may vary based on the lender’s policies and the borrower’s credit profile. Readers are advised to verify whether the lending app is registered with a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-regulated entity and carefully review all terms, charges, and repayment obligations before applying for a loan.