Category Archives: Business

MDI Gurgaon’s Samvaad X ScaNxt NXT STEP to Put Strategic Decision-Making Under Polycrisis Conditions to Test

Gurugram, September 29, 2026: As businesses increasingly operate amid interconnected disruptions spanning markets, technology, geopolitics, supply chains and changing consumer behaviour, the ability to adapt strategy in real time is becoming an important management capability. Reflecting this shift, Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon’s PGDM-BM 38th Batch, as part of Samvaad 2026, is organising Samvaad X ScaNxt – NXT STEP: The Polycrisis Challenge, a national-level case competition focused on strategic decision-making in an evolving business environment.

Built around the broader Samvaad 2026 theme of “Thriving in a Polycrisis,” the competition is designed to move beyond conventional case-solving. Participants are required to analyse a business situation, identify the central strategic challenge, develop recommendations and subsequently revisit those decisions when the underlying circumstances change.

The format reflects a broader question facing management education: how should future managers make decisions when the assumptions underlying a strategy can change faster than the strategy itself? Rather than evaluating a solution only on the basis of its initial logic, the final round places emphasis on participants’ ability to recognise changing conditions, reassess their choices and communicate a revised course of action.

“Today’s business environment demands the ability to learn, unlearn and adapt quickly. The assumptions behind a decision can change rapidly, and leaders need to be willing to test, learn and reinvent rather than remain constrained by an earlier approach. NXT STEP reflects this reality by asking participants to revisit their decisions as the situation evolves,” said Amitayu Roy, Managing Director – AI Strategy & Transformation, Accenture Strategy & Consulting, and Guest of Honour at Samvaad 2026.

Simran Thapar, HR Leader, Carrier – HVAC Business, said, “Polycrisis is not simply about the number of disruptions an organisation faces; it is about how we interpret those disruptions and navigate their interconnected impact. In today’s environment, professionals cannot look at challenges only through the lens of their individual functions. The ability to combine diverse perspectives, assess uncertainty and turn a crisis into an opportunity will be increasingly important for the leaders of tomorrow.”

“Management education must prepare future leaders not only to find solutions, but also to question their assumptions when the context changes. NXT STEP brings this approach to life by placing participants in situations where they must analyse a problem, make strategic choices and then revisit those choices as new challenges emerge. The ability to think critically, remain adaptable and make informed decisions amid uncertainty is central to preparing managers for the complexities of today’s business environment,” said Prof. Chinmaya Kulshrestha, Associate Professor, Chairperson – PGDM (BM) and Area Chairperson Marketing, MDI Gurgaon. 

Bringing an academic and technology perspective to the discussion, Prof. Sangeeta Shah Bhardwaj, Chairperson – Centre on Artificial Intelligence and its application in Business, MDI Gurgaon, said, “Technology can help leaders analyse complexity and identify possibilities, but the real value lies in translating those insights into timely and effective action. For future managers, connecting technology with business context, adapting their thinking and executing under uncertainty will be critical. NXT STEP gives students an opportunity to experience this complexity firsthand and rethink their decisions as the context evolves.”

Ratan Shrivastava, Chief Guest at Samvaad 2026, said, “In business, what ultimately matters is the tangible value you create. The impact you make and the revenue or business value you bring to the table are important indicators of the value you have actually added to the organisation. In a world defined by polycrisis and constant uncertainty, understanding your core strengths and leaning into them can help you navigate your career with greater confidence, clarity, and resilience. ” 

The initiative forms part of Samvaad 2026, the flagship business colloquium of MDI Gurgaon’s PGDM-BM programme, which brings together perspectives from academia and industry around contemporary business challenges. The 2026 edition, being held on September 26–27, focuses on how organisations and leaders can navigate an environment where multiple disruptions intersect and create complex, interconnected challenges.

US-based Brain Digits Opens Office in Masdar City as Abu Dhabi Accelerates Push to Become World’s First AI-Native Government

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Sept 29: Brain Digits, a US-based AI transformation and innovation company, has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi as it expands its UAE operations and seeks to support growing demand for artificial intelligence adoption across government and business.

The new branch, located at Smart Station in Masdar City, will work with government entities, public institutions, universities and companies looking to integrate AI into their operations, develop workforce capabilities and redesign processes around emerging technologies.

The expansion comes as Abu Dhabi accelerates its push to become a global centre for artificial intelligence and digital government. Under the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027, the emirate is investing AED13 billion in digital infrastructure and aims to become the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027.

“Abu Dhabi is creating one of the world’s most ambitious environments for the practical adoption of artificial intelligence,” said Jack Jendo, Founder and CEO of Brain Digits. “Our expansion brings us closer to organisations that are asking the next important question: how AI can improve the way people work, decisions made and services delivered. Our role is to help turn that ambition into practical capability and measurable results.”

The Abu Dhabi branch is licensed for innovation and artificial intelligence research and consultancy, as well as management consultancy.

Brain Digits said the UAE will remain the centre of its regional expansion, with operations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai serving organisations across government, energy, healthcare, education, banking and other sectors.

The US-based company was established in Delaware in 2020 and has since expanded its work in organisational transformation and applied AI.

The Abu Dhabi office will also provide a base for Brain Digits to develop and test approaches for the UAE market that can later be applied across the GCC and wider Middle East.

Brain Digits is a US-based AI transformation and innovation company helping governments and organizations build the leadership, workforce capability, systems, data intelligence, advanced thinking and implementation capacity required for AI-enabled work.

Its work spans AI transformation strategy, organizational readiness, leadership, workforce enablement, data literacy, Design Thinking, AI agents and workflows, innovation, digital platforms, applied research and practical implementation.

Meet the Flagship: SunRay Social & Swim Club Lands at SAii Lagoon Maldives

Maldives | Sept 29 – Following the successful soft launch of its new hospitality concept, SunRay Social & Swim Club, at SAii Koh Samui Villas earlier this year, S Hotels & Resorts has announced its expansion to SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton ahead of a portfolio-wide rollout concluding at SAii Laguna Phuket later this year.

Designed to rethink the traditional beach club, SunRay shifts the focus from after-dark revelry to everything that happens under the sun: movement, good food, great music and time together. From sunrise to sunset, its programme follows the rhythm of the day, building towards golden hour and the Maldives’ spectacular sunsets.

The Indian Ocean edition brings that philosophy to the lagoon-front setting of SAii Lagoon Maldives, where the sun and ocean shape the day and experiences invite families, couples and groups of friends to move naturally between activity, connection and relaxation.

Four distinct periods shape the experience. First Light begins with sunrise yoga or a beach bootcamp, offering a gentle awakening or an active start. During Morning Drift, guests take to the water, from energising Aqua Flow workouts and games of newly introduced floating pickleball to discovering the lagoon’s marine life through snorkelling and diving. At Peak Sun, the tempo rises with mobile karaoke, water polo and pool volleyball, while water painting kits offer a creative pause by the beach.

Golden Hour pairs friendly rivalry with time together. Beachside table tennis, beach volleyball, padel clinics and Kick Box Fit keep the energy going, while family sandcastle competitions give imagination centre stage, bringing generations together to shape something of their own in the sand.

As the sun dips below the horizon, a Boduberu sunset ritual brings the rhythms of Maldivian culture to the shore. After dark, a rotating weekly line-up gives each evening its own character, from live bands and acoustic guitar sessions to DJ-led nights, collaborative sets pairing DJs with live guitarists, and DJ & SunRay chromatic ritual.

“Meshwarha” First Phase Concludes: Uber and INJAZ Egypt Celebrate the Empowerment of 60 Female Drivers

Cairo, Egypt [29September 2026]: After launching Meshwarha, Uber and INJAZ Egypt have completed the initiative’s first training programme, bringing together 60 female Uber drivers for a learning journey focused on personal and professional development. 

Launched in July as Uber’s long-term initiative supporting women’s economic participation in Egypt through learning, earning, and growth opportunities, Meshwarha began with a dedicated partnership with INJAZ Egypt. 

Over four weeks, the 60 participating women took part in three complementary learning tracks: Drive with Confidence, Drive Your Money, and Drive with Balance. The sessions covered soft skills, financial literacy and wellbeing, giving participants practical knowledge and tools they can apply both on and off the road. 

The programme also created a space for participants to exchange experiences, learn from one another and build confidence around their personal and professional goals, while fostering a community of women drivers who can continue to support, encourage and learn from one another moving forward. 

Turning Learning into Opportunity 

This initiative reflects Uber’s continued commitment to the Egyptian market and its efforts to expand flexible earning opportunities for women. “Meshwarha” was designed as a long-term platform that will continue to evolve through new partnerships and programs aimed at supporting women throughout their journey of learning, earning, and growth.

“ ‘Meshwarha’ initiative reflects our commitment to supporting women’s economic participation in Egypt at every stage of their journey, and this partnership with INJAZ Egypt marks a key first step in that direction” said Mohamed El Shamy, General Manager, Uber Egypt. “It has been inspiring to see the participants’ dedication and investment in developing skills that positively impact both their personal and professional lives. We are proud of what the female drivers have achieved today, and at Uber, we look forward to continuing to build on and expand the impact of the ‘Meshwarha’ initiative through future partnerships and programs.” 

“We were very proud to partner with Uber on the Meshwarha program, where we had the opportunity to witness the enthusiasm of the 60 female Uber Captains as they came together to learn, grow, and support one another as one community. It has been incredibly rewarding to see them learn from one another, build their confidence, and grow throughout this journey. At INJAZ Egypt, we believe that sometimes having the right space to learn, share, and believe in yourself can make all the difference. We are proud to have been part of their Meshwarha journey and look forward to seeing where it takes them next.” said Yasmine Wilson, Managing Director, INJAZ Egypt.

The Journey Continues 

The completion of the INJAZ Egypt programme marks the first milestone under Meshwarha, with the broader initiative continuing beyond the four-week programme.

Uber aims to expand the impact of “Meshwarha” as a sustainable platform and continue supporting women at different stages of their journey through new partnerships and initiatives designed to support women in learning, working, and growing, while creating access to new opportunities across Egypt.

The closing session brought the 60 participants together to celebrate their progress and receive their certificates, with Mohamed El Shamy joining the women to mark the occasion and recognise their commitment throughout the programme.

realme announces INR 500 crore worth of festive offers, bringing unbeatable value to consumers

New Delhi, September 29, 2026: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, is gearing up to make this Diwali more exciting with its “Real Wali Diwali” celebrations, bringing ₹500 crore worth of offers across its portfolio of smartphones & AIOT products

As part of its Real Wali Diwali celebrations, realme will bring attractive offers and benefits for consumers looking to upgrade their devices during the festive shopping season. The offers will be available on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days Sale and realme.com, along with mainline stores nationwide giving consumers access to exciting deals across the brand’s latest offerings.

With these festive offers, realme aims to make its technology more accessible to consumers while adding greater value to their festive shopping experience. The ₹500 crore festive offer will further strengthen realme’s commitment to bringing innovative products and compelling value to Indian consumers.

Puri Intensifies Khaja Inspections Ahead of Festive Season, Five Units Sealed

Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): With demand for the famous Puri khaja expected to rise during the upcoming festive season, district authorities have intensified inspections of sweet-making units to curb adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety norms.

 Representational Image 

A joint team from the Food Safety Unit and Puri district administration conducted raids at several khaja manufacturing units in and around the town, including establishments in Dolamandap Sahi near the Shree Jagannath Temple.

During the latest operation, officials seized around four quintals of khaja, sugar syrup and eight domestic LPG cylinders from the inspected premises.

Five Manufacturing Units Sealed

Authorities sealed five khaja manufacturing units for alleged violations of food safety regulations. Two pushcarts were also seized during the enforcement drive.

Officials said inspections would continue across different parts of Puri to monitor the quality and safety of food products being sold to devotees, tourists and local consumers.

The intensified checks come amid preparations for the festive season, when Puri witnesses a significant increase in visitors and demand for its traditional sweets.

Earlier Raids Also Conducted

The latest enforcement action follows another major inspection drive carried out in Puri days earlier.

During that operation, authorities seized approximately five quintals of khaja and khaja syrup and destroyed the material. Four khaja manufacturing units were also sealed for alleged violations.

Officials have indicated that further inspections will be conducted as part of the ongoing food-safety campaign.

Focus on Traditional Puri Sweet

Khaja is one of Puri’s best-known traditional sweets and is closely associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple and the city’s religious and tourism economy.

With the festive season expected to bring increased demand, authorities are stepping up surveillance of manufacturing and selling points to ensure that khaja and other food products meet prescribed safety standards.

The enforcement drive is expected to continue in the coming days, with officials maintaining checks on manufacturing units and vendors across the town.

Tata Chemicals Mithapur Launches ‘Suraksha Gurukul’ Safety Training Centre

Chandigarh, 29 September 2026: Tata Chemicals Mithapur has launched ‘Suraksha Gurukul’, a Safety Training Centre for employees, contractors, visitors and drivers. The centre was inaugurated by Vikrant Deoras, Site & Manufacturing Head, Tata Chemicals Mithapur, in the presence of senior leadership, department heads and employees.

Developed over two years, the centre brings together Tata Chemicals’ Golden Safety Rules, digital learning, simulation-based training, practical demonstrations and competency assessments.

A key feature of the centre is its vehicle driving simulators, which allow drivers to practise different driving scenarios before entering operational areas. The training focuses on driver competency, hazard perception and defensive driving.

The centre also offers VR-based modules on areas such as working at height, fire safety and emergency preparedness. Plant locations and operational activities at Tata Chemicals Mithapur have also been digitally recreated to provide site-specific learning.

Suraksha Gurukul includes a Safety Exhibition Gallery with safety equipment models, demonstrations, learning displays and best practices. The training journey covers classroom and digital learning, practical sessions, simulator and VR training, assessment and certification.

Commenting on the launch, Vikrant Deoras, Site & Manufacturing Head, Tata Chemicals Mithapur, said: “Safety is a core part of how we operate at Tata Chemicals. Suraksha Gurukul brings together technology, practical training and site-specific learning to strengthen safety competence among our employees and partners. As we continue our journey towards Zero Harm, the centre will support a stronger and more proactive safety culture at the Mithapur site.”

The centre was developed with support from the Safety, Civil, Electrical and Plant teams at Mithapur.

Suraksha Gurukul is part of Tata Chemicals Mithapur’s continued efforts to strengthen safety capabilities across the site and support its Zero Harm journey.

Servotech Marks the Beginning of a New Era at ‘Navaarambh 2026’, Celebrates Channel Partnership and Unveils Next-Generation Solar Inverters

New Delhi, 28th September 2026: Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. (NSE: SERVOTECH), India’s leading manufacturer of solar and renewable energy solutions, hosted ‘Navaarambh 2026’, a special channel partner meet and product launch event bringing together its channel partner network from across India to celebrate partnerships, recognise contributions and unveil the company’s latest innovations. Signifying a new era, Navaarambh reflected Servotech’s continued journey towards innovation, growth, and a cleaner energy future.

The event witnessed the presence of Servotech’s Global Brand Ambassador Sonu Sood, alongside Raman Bhatia, Managing Director, Servotech, and Sarika Bhatia, Director Sales, Servotech, over 300 Channel Partners of Servotech, and other Key Management Personnels. A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of an exclusive privilege program for Servotech’s channel partners. Sonu Sood, Raman Bhatia and Sarika Bhatia presented certificates to the channel partners who became a member of the privilege program on the announcement day itself, celebrating the partnerships that continue to drive Servotech’s growth.

As part of Navaarambh 2026, Servotech unveiled three new products: Sparkle Pro IP54 Hybrid Inverter, Sparkle Elite IP65 Hybrid Inverter and Advanced Micro Grid Inverter. Designed as a new generation of advanced solar inverter solutions, these products reflect Servotech’s focus on smarter energy management, enhanced performance and evolving customer requirements. The newly introduced products are also set to be exported to SAARC countries and the Middle East, marking a step forward in Servotech’s international expansion. These innovations further strengthen the company’s commitment to advancing cleaner, more technology-driven energy solutions.

Sonu Sood brought an added energy to the celebration, engaging with the Servotech team and its channel partners. With channel partners joining from different parts of India, Navaarambh became a platform for meaningful interactions, recognition and a shared vision for the road ahead.

The event marked more than a product launch, it celebrated the ecosystem behind Servotech’s growth and opened a new chapter of innovation and collaboration.

Speaking of Navaarambh, Raman Bhatia, Founder & Managing Director, Servotech, said, “Navaarambh represents a new era for Servotech, but also a renewed commitment to the partners who have been integral to our journey. With our new-generation inverter solutions, we are taking another step towards delivering smarter, cleaner and more reliable energy solutions while growing together with our channel partner ecosystem.”

Speaking of his experience at Navaarambh, Sonu Sood, Global Brand Ambassador of Servotech said, “It was wonderful to be part of Navaarambh and witness the energy of the Servotech team and its channel partners. The spirit of innovation, collaboration and growth was truly visible throughout the event, and I wish Servotech and its partners continued success as they build towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

India’s Battery Storage Market Enters a New Growth Phase as Renewable Energy Expands

India’s energy transition is creating a new business opportunity in battery storage, as the rapid expansion of solar and wind power increases the need for electricity that can be stored and supplied when demand is high.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in India is expected to reach around 45-50 GWh over the current and next financial years, a sharp increase from the roughly 1 GWh installed by the end of the previous financial year, according to a recent industry assessment.

The growth reflects a simple change taking place in India’s power sector. Solar panels can generate large amounts of electricity during the day, but power demand often rises in the evening when solar generation falls. Batteries can store surplus electricity when generation is high and release it later when consumers and businesses need more power.

This makes battery storage increasingly important as India adds more renewable energy to its electricity system. Renewable energy accounted for about 39 per cent of the country’s installed power capacity and 15 per cent of electricity generation in FY26, increasing the need for flexible power resources.

Battery storage creates a new business ecosystem

The expansion of BESS is not only about installing large battery banks. It is creating opportunities across the wider energy and manufacturing ecosystem, including battery manufacturing, power electronics, battery-management systems, energy-management software, engineering and construction, operations, maintenance and battery recycling.

Government auctions are already reflecting this shift. BESS-linked projects accounted for nearly 40 per cent of renewable capacity auctioned in FY26, compared with around 5 per cent in FY24 and FY25. Around 50-55 GWh of BESS capacity is scheduled for commissioning in FY27 and FY28, with roughly 40 GWh linked to distribution utilities and another 10-15 GWh expected to serve commercial and industrial users or the merchant power market.

For businesses, this means batteries are gradually moving from being a supporting technology to becoming an important part of the power infrastructure itself.

How batteries can change the power market

A battery storage system can charge when electricity is available or cheaper and discharge when demand is higher. This can help reduce pressure on the grid during peak hours and make renewable electricity more useful throughout the day.

For industries and large commercial users, storage can also provide greater control over electricity consumption and help manage fluctuations in power supply. For distribution companies, batteries can support peak-hour supply and improve grid flexibility.

The government is also supporting the development of storage through measures such as viability-gap funding, transmission-charge waivers for eligible projects and policies aimed at increasing energy-storage deployment. The National Electricity Plan projects BESS requirements could rise to 236 GWh by 2031-32, indicating the scale of the potential market.

Manufacturing could become a major opportunity

As demand increases, India has an opportunity to develop a larger domestic battery-storage ecosystem instead of relying heavily on imported batteries and critical components.

The opportunity extends beyond cells to battery packs, power-conversion equipment, thermal management, control systems, software and recycling. A larger domestic ecosystem could support new manufacturing capacity, engineering services and skilled jobs while strengthening the supply chain for renewable energy.

However, the industry also faces challenges. Higher battery costs, dependence on overseas suppliers for some critical components and limited execution experience among some developers could affect project returns and commissioning timelines. Around 8-9 GWh of awarded capacity is considered more exposed to delays.

Despite these challenges, the direction of the market is becoming clearer. As India adds more solar and wind capacity, the value of electricity will increasingly depend not only on how much power is generated, but also on when that power is available.

Battery storage is emerging as the link between renewable generation and reliable electricity demand, opening a growing market for energy companies, manufacturers, technology providers and infrastructure investors.

JINGDONG Property to Establish Advanced Logistics Facility in KEZAD

Company to build a 150,000 square-metre logistics facility that will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s logistics ecosystem

 Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sept 28: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has signed an agreement with JINGDONG Property, the infrastructure investment and asset management arm of JD.com, Inc., to establish an advanced logistics facility in KEZAD Area A – KEZAD Al Ma’mourah.

The project will comprise approximately 150,000 square metres of warehousing facilities, with delivery expected in 2028. It will provide premium warehousing solutions and integrated logistics infrastructure, designed to support local and international enterprises, enhance supply chain efficiency and facilitate the seamless movement of goods across regional and global markets. Leveraging JINGDONG Property’s strengths in high–quality warehousing, intelligent operations and green building, the project will introduce smart automated warehousing systems and digital operations technologies, while offering flexible, customised development services to customers.

The company will develop the facility to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading logistics and trade hub. Once operational, it is expected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs across logistics, distribution and administration functions, while generating additional indirect employment opportunities in upstream and downstream sectors, including manufacturing, retail, transportation and support services. The construction phase will also contribute to local job creation and economic activity.

 Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, KEZAD Group, said: “The establishment of this advanced logistics facility reflects the growing confidence of international investors in Abu Dhabi’s economic ecosystem and highlights the pivotal role played by KEZAD in driving industrial growth through its economic zones. Our agreement with JINGDONG Property will enhance KEZAD’s logistics capabilities, further cementing its position as a gateway for regional and global trade, while advancing economic diversification, industrial expansion and sustainable development.”

 Feng Guo, CEO of JD.com Middle East, said: “This milestone logistics facility in KEZAD represents a critical step in JINGDONG Property’s UAE expansion strategy. By leveraging KEZAD’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure, the facility will deliver seamless multimodal logistics solutions tailored to the demands of fast-moving supply chains. We are thrilled to be contributing to the UAE’s continued growth as a global trade hub while deepening our footprint in Abu Dhabi.”

JINGDONG Property manages more than 300 infrastructure assets globally, covering over 28 million square metres of gross floor area, with over USD 16 billion in assets under management. The company specialises in the investment, development and management of high-quality, green logistics parks, business parks and data centres, serving clients across e-commerce, third-party logistics, manufacturing, retail and other emerging industries.

The development underscores KEZAD’s commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s logistics and industrial capabilities, in line with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy and the objectives of Operation 300Bn. By enabling investors with access to world-class infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and an integrated ecosystem, KEZAD continues to attract foreign direct investment, drive economic growth, and strengthen the emirate’s role as a global hub for trade, logistics and supply chain innovation.