Category Archives: Business

Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Announces Q1 FY27 Financial Results for Quarter Ended June 2026

Mumbai, Aug 08: Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Limited announced its unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter ended 30^th June’ 26. Salient features of the financial results are as under: 

Key Highlights

• Revenue from operations for the quarter Rs. 848 Cr.
• Sugar sales stood at 1.3 LMT for the quarter.
• Company delivered an average sugar NSR of Rs. 40.6/kg.
• Distillery volume stood at 4.3 Cr Ltr.
• Long term credit rating reaffirmed at CARE AA+; Stable.
• Short term credit rating reaffirmed at CARE A1+.

Higher sugarcane prices in the last sugar season increased opening inventory costs. Better sugar prices partly offset these challenges. Despite these headwinds, the Company reported revenue of Rs. 848 crore and EBITDA of Rs. 71 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Sugar NSR improved from an average of Rs 39.9/kg in Q1 FY 2025–26 to Rs 40.6/kg in Q1 FY 2026–27. Sugar NSR in July month is prevailing in the range of Rs 43–44/kg. 

Key Financials

Sugar Segment Overview

•  Sugar segment profitability was impacted due to higher cane prices and lower sales volume which is partially off-set by improved NSR Vs LY.
• Sugar inventory as on 30^th June 2026 stood at 2.36 Lac MT valued @ Rs. 36.9/Kg.

Distillery Segment Overview

Project Updates

• Ongoing CBG (Bio-CNG) Project at Kolhapur is tracking well within the targeted timelines of Nov-26 for commencement of its operations.
• Tanzania Project was approved on July 14, 2026, comprises of development of 10000 Ha sugarcane plantation and the establishment of a manufacturing unit with Sugar manufacturing capacity of ~70,000 MT together with a 20 MW cogeneration facility, with an estimated project cost of US$132 million. Over the medium to long term, this project is expandable to 20000 Ha plantation and 150000 MT sugar production capacity. The Company intends to progressively transform the integrated complex into a diversified bio-energy platform by maximizing the utilization of all by-products through commercially viable and environmentally sustainable value-added initiatives.
• The Board has approved, project of conversion of existing Cane distillery in Ramgarh to Dual feed 100 KLPD distillery with project cost of Rs 49 Cr and expected commissioning by April, 2027. 

Regulatory

• For sugar season 2026-27, the FRP has been increased from Rs. 355/Qtl to Rs.365/Qtl at a basic recovery of 10.25%.

Outlook

• Lower sale volume in Q1 has resulted in stock accumulation at the quarter end, hence Q1 lower sales shall be recovered in upcoming quarters in FY 2026-27.
• Sugar NSR in July month is prevailing in the range of Rs 43–44/kg. With steady domestic demand and a balanced supply position, sugar prices are expected to remain firm in the near term.
• The Company presently expects a healthy sugarcane crop in the upcoming season. However, the actual crop outlook will depend on weather conditions, including the impact of El Niño and other Agro-climatic factors. 

India recycles nearly 60 per cent of the plastics it consumes, placing the country among the global leaders in plastic recycling: Plastindia Foundation

 Hyderabad, Aug 07: Calling the plastics and polymers sector a “salient engine of India’s economic growth,” Telangana Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries & Commerce D. Sridhar Babu appealed to industry stakeholders to join hands with the government in making Telangana a leading hub for plastics and polymer manufacturing.

The Minister inaugurated HIPLEX 2026, South & Central India’s largest plastics exhibition and India’s third-largest plastics expo, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre on Friday.

The four-day international exhibition, organised by the Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA), features over 550 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 55,000 business visitors from India and abroad.

Addressing a gathering of over 500 industry leaders, entrepreneurs and exhibitors, the Minister said the exhibition represents much more than machines and products.

Everyone presents here has experienced plastics in one form or another throughout life’s journey. This exhibition is not merely about products and machinery. It reflects dreams, entrepreneurship, innovation and the courage to invest in the future, he said.

He said almost every manufacturing sector today depends on plastics and polymers in some form.

“The plastics and polymers industry is a salient engine of India’s economic growth. It provides direct employment to nearly 50 lakh people and indirect employment to over one crore. In Telangana alone, nearly two lakh families depend on this industry for their livelihood.”

He observed that as manufacturing grows, industries expand, employment increases and the country’s economy prosper.

Referring to the challenges faced by the sector, the Minister said the industry has successfully navigated geopolitical uncertainties, volatile crude oil prices, fluctuating polymer prices, logistics disruptions, energy challenges and labour shortages.

“Industries are not built in easy times. They are built in difficult times. Your resilience has made you stronger than ever.”, he added.

Assuring continued government support, he said: “The Telangana Government is your partner in progress. Your success is our success. Whenever policy intervention is required for the betterment of the industry, the Government will stand with you.”

Highlighting Telangana’s industrial growth story, the Minister said the State has already established itself as a leader in IT, ITeS, Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Defence and Aerospace.

“We now want to replicate the same success in the plastics and polymers sector. The future belongs to industries that innovate responsibly, embrace sustainability and adopt green manufacturing practices. Let us together make Telangana the preferred destination for plastics and polymer manufacturing.”

The Minister also released the HIPLEX 2026 Show Directory.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raju Desai, President, Plastindia Foundation, said India’s plastics industry has grown into a ₹4.5 lakh crore industry, expanding at 6-9 per cent annually, with similar growth expected through 2031.

The industry today employs nearly 55 lakh people, while exports are expected to cross ₹1.4 lakh crore this year.

He said India recycles nearly 60 per cent of the plastics it consumes, placing the country among the global leaders in plastic recycling.

Dr. Desai noted that packaging continues to account for nearly half of the industry’s demand, while healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical devices are among the fastest-growing segments. The automotive sector, driven by lightweight materials and electric vehicles, contributes around 15 per cent of consumption.

Arvind Mehta, Chairman, Governing Council, All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), said the industry must now focus on four strategic priorities—exports, technology adoption, skill development and sustainability.

 

 

He observed that India has enormous potential to significantly expand exports of plastic products and become a stronger global manufacturing base.

Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President, AIPMA, appealed to the Governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to establish a dedicated Plastics Park with world-class infrastructure that would enable MSMEs to set up manufacturing units.

He also requested the allocation of 250 acres for a Recycling Cluster with a Common Effluent Treatment Plant.

He urged both State Governments to encourage investments in infrastructure, water management, packaging and medical plastics, with the goal of increasing plastics consumption in the two States to two million tonnes by 2030 and raising their share in the national market to over 8 per cent.

He said HIPLEX has been provided with a dedicated 2 MW power supply to enable exhibitors to conduct live demonstrations of advanced processing machinery, recycling systems, bio-polymers and next-generation polymer technologies.

Narendra Baldwa, President, TAAPMA, said the 55-year-old association, representing more than 1,000 members, has consistently promoted technology, innovation and sustainability in the plastics sector.

Meela Jayadev, Convener, HIPLEX 2026, said plastics have become indispensable to modern life.

“From a pin to an aeroplane, plastics are everywhere. The real question is not whether plastics should exist, but how responsibly they should be produced, used and recycled.”

He noted that India’s per capita plastic consumption is around 7 kg, compared with 24 kg in China, indicating tremendous growth potential.

One of the biggest attractions at HIPLEX 2026 is the Dedicated Recycling Pavilion, where visitors can witness how discarded plastics are transformed into high-value products such as roads, railway sleepers, furniture, construction materials and even garments.

The exhibition also features live machinery demonstrations, technical conferences, knowledge sessions and business networking events covering emerging raw materials, recycling technologies, sustainability, automation and future manufacturing trends.

HIPLEX 2026 is spread across seven exhibition halls covering over 26,000 square metres and will remain open to visitors until August 10, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm each day.

Rubystone Hospitality Partners with JYKIM to Elevate Premium Hospitality Experience in Saharanpur

Aug 07: Rubystone Hospitality has officially associated with JYKIM for the management and operations of its premium hospitality property, marking a significant step towards delivering elevated guest experiences and world-class hospitality services. This strategic collaboration reflects Rubystone Hospitality’s commitment to managing premium properties with excellence, innovation, and exceptional service standards. 

Heaven Wood Exxotica, a Saharanpur property, features 69 well-appointed rooms, designed to provide guests with maximum comfort and convenience. It is also home to one of the largest swimming pools in the region, complemented by modern amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. Surrounded by scenic beauty and offering spacious event venues, the property is an ideal destination for destination weddings, family celebrations, corporate events, and relaxing vacations. 

Through this partnership, guests can expect personalized services, premium hospitality, and memorable experiences that blend comfort with luxury. The collaboration aims to enhance the property’s operational excellence while creating a welcoming environment for every visitor. 

Under the leadership of Mr. Yashraj, Managing Director of JYKIM and Mehardeep Singh, Director Aquisitions & Development, Rubystone Hospitality, this collaboration with Rubystone Hospitality marks another important milestone in strengthening hospitality operations. Together, the two organizations are committed to setting new benchmarks in guest satisfaction and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

Indian Army Ice Hockey Team crowned champions of the Inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers’ Cup

Leh, Ladakh; Aug 07: The inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers‘ Cup delivered a fitting finale as the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team survived a stirring challenge from Leh Kings, securing a 6-5 victory to lift the tournament’s first-ever title at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.

Representing the best emerging talent from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League, Leh Kings matched the nation’s most accomplished Ice Hockey team stride for stride in a breathtaking contest before eventually falling to a late winner, underlining the strength of the developmental pathway created under the Royal Enfield Social Mission. Padma Namgail struck the decisive goal in the closing moments, finishing off a pass from Phuntsog Namgail to cap a pulsating final played before a packed crowd.

Leh Kings made the brighter start, with Tsering Angchuk opening the scoring after converting Mushtaque Ahmad Giri’s precise assist. The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team responded almost immediately as Dorjay Angchuk restored parity from Phuntsog Namgail’s pass before Jigmath Kunzang scored another for the institutional side, converting Padma Namgail’s assist for a 2-1 lead,  placing them ahead for the first time by the end of the opening period.

They stretched their advantage early in the second period when Rigzin Norboo finished off a move created by Stanzin Namgail to make it 3-1. Leh Kings, however, refused to back down. Inspired by Stanzin Angchok, who struck twice in quick succession with assists from Stanzin Lotus and Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League side battled back to draw level at 3-3.

Rigzin Norboo restored the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team‘s lead with his second goal of the evening, only for Leh Kings to respond once again as Chamba Tsetan converted Tsering Angchuk’s assist to send the teams into the final period locked at 4-4. 

Leh Kings completed a remarkable turnaround just 60 seconds into the third period as Stanzin Angchok completed a superb hat-trick to put his side 5-4 ahead. With their unbeaten record under threat, the title winners demonstrated the composure that has made them India‘s benchmark in Ice Hockey. Jigmath Kunzang levelled the contest with his second goal of the night before Padma Namgail, assisted by Phuntsog Namgail, struck the decisive winner to seal a pulsating 6-5 victory and the inaugural Royal Enfield Challengers‘ Cup title. 

The tournament’s individual honours reflected the quality on display throughout the week. The Indian Army Ice Hockey Team’s goalkeeper Sonam Tsetan was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament following a series of commanding performances, while Leh Kings forward Tsering Angchuk earned the Best Player of the Tournament award after an outstanding campaign. 

The final perfectly validated the vision behind the Royal Enfield Challengers‘ Cup. Conceived as a competitive bridge between grassroots development and elite competition, the tournament gave the best players emerging from the Royal Enfield Social Mission’s developmental leagues an opportunity to test themselves against India‘s strongest institutional teams. Leh Kings’ fearless performance against the eventual champions demonstrated just how rapidly the sport’s next generation is developing in the Himalayas. 

The tournament, organised as part of the Royal Enfield Social Mission in collaboration with the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Lahaul & Spiti, brought together five teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the final. Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors and Spiti Titans were joined by the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team and the Central Ice Hockey Team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). 

Vigyat Singh, Director at Eicher Group Foundation, said, “When we started this journey, Ice Hockey in the Himalayas was largely a winter pursuit. Today, the Challengers‘ Cup taking place in August at Leh’s all-season artificial ice rink is a testament to how far the ecosystem has come. It is the coaches who train through the year, the referees who uphold the standards of the game, and the young athletes who show up every day to get better. Seeing these players go toe to toe with some of the best teams in the country reinforces why continued training and increased competitive exposure are so vital. This tournament is a celebration of that collective effort, and a reminder that building a sustainable sporting ecosystem is a long-term commitment we remain deeply invested in.”

Beyond the matches themselves, the three regional teams also participated in dedicated on-ice training sessions from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM each day between August 1 and August 4, working alongside experienced coaches to sharpen their technical skills and tactical understanding throughout the tournament.

Tsewang Namgyal, Captain of the Indian Army Ice Hockey Team, said, “For us, playing in front of large crowds is something we are used to. But for the young players from Ladakh and Spiti, this kind of exposure can be life-changing. Holding the Challengers‘ Cup during the peak tourism season meant these emerging athletes could showcase their talent to thousands of spectators, many of whom were watching Ice Hockey for the first time. That kind of visibility matters. It gives these players recognition, it brings attention to their journey, and it shows the world what Indian Ice Hockey is building in the Himalayas. Every team in this tournament, including ours, benefited from the energy that this timing and this stage created.”

Designed as a new platform under the Royal Enfield Social Mission, the Challengers‘ Cup gave emerging athletes from the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League and Spiti Cup their first opportunity to test themselves against the country’s top institutional teams. Competing as the Leh Kings, Kargil Warriors, and Spiti Titans, these local players gained critical exposure to elite competition.

Hosted at Leh’s newly upgraded all-season artificial ice rink, the inaugural tournament marked a major milestone for Himalayan ice hockey. Held during peak summer, the six-day event drew over 15,000 spectators—introducing competitive ice hockey to global and domestic visitors for the first time while demonstrating how modern infrastructure can expand the sport beyond its traditional winter season.

Alongside the regional leagues, the tournament strengthens the player pathway and reflects Royal Enfield’s commitment—alongside the Ice Hockey Associations of Ladakh and Lahaul & Spiti—to building a sustainable, community-led sports ecosystem across the region.

PayMe India Marks a Decade of Digital Lending, Celebrates 10th Foundation Day

Noida, Aug 7: PayMe India, one of the country’s fastest-growing fintech brands, celebrates its 10th Foundation Day, marking a decade of redefining digital lending through innovation, trust, and technology.

Founded in 2016, PayMe began its journey as a Lending Service Provider with a simple conviction: that access to credit in India should be quick, transparent, and built for the digital-first customer. Over ten years, that conviction has grown into an integrated fintech ecosystem. In 2018, the company expanded its capabilities with an RBI-registered NBFC, now operating as ScaleUp Financial Services Pvt. Ltd., while the proprietary software, AI-driven innovations, and technology backbone powering the platform are developed by Huey Tech Limited. Together, PayMe, ScaleUp, Credit Assist and Huey Tech form a single, tightly integrated ecosystem built to make financial services smarter, faster, and more accessible.

Across the decade, PayMe India has achieved more than ₹2,100 crore in total loan disbursals since inception and served millions of customers across the country through a seamless digital lending platform. What began with personal loans has since expanded into a broader suite of offerings, including Loan Against Property  and the newly launched Credit Assist platform.

“Ten years ago, we set out to make credit work for the everyday Indian, not the other way around,” said Mahesh Shukla, CEO and Co-Founder of PayMe India. “This milestone belongs to the millions of customers who trusted us, and to the teams across PayMe, ScaleUp, and Huey Tech who built the technology that makes financial access effortless. As we enter our next decade, our focus is clear: to move from helping people borrow to helping people build lasting financial health.”

Reinforcing that focus, PayMe India recently launched Credit Assist, an AI-powered credit intelligence platform that helps users understand, improve, and build their credit health. The app addresses a persistent gap in the market, the widespread lack of awareness around credit, by giving users real-time credit insights, personalized recommendations, AI-driven guidance, and instant loan eligibility checks, all in one place.

Credit Assist is designed for individuals aged 18 and above who want to build, improve, or maintain a healthy credit score, including first-time borrowers and existing credit users. It sets itself apart through four distinctive capabilities: Personalized Video Guidance tailored to each user’s credit behavior; Cleo, an AI chatbot offering instant answers to credit-related queries; an Agentic AI Credit Manager that continuously monitors credit, identifies risks, and recommends corrective actions; and a single dashboard to manage Bills, Utilities, and Assets. The app is available on both Android and iOS, launching first for the Indian market with plans to expand globally in later stages.

PayMe India’s decade of growth has been accompanied by industry recognition, including the Times Business Awards North 2026 for Excellence in New Gen FinTech, the Great Indian BFSI & FinTech Awards 2026, and the Best Brands Award by ET Now.

Looking ahead, PayMe India is also preparing to launch a startup pitching and investment programme built exclusively for Uttar Pradesh’s founders. Streamed digital-first on YouTube and social media rather than television, the initiative will bring founders face-to-face with a panel of investors, including Mahesh Shukla alongside external investors, to negotiate live funding deals in equity, debt, or a mix of both, drawn from a total fund pool of USD 1 million. The programme is slated for a tentative launch in November 2026, extending PayMe India’s mission from individual financial empowerment to backing the entrepreneurs shaping the state’s economy.

XElectron Announces Exciting Offers on Smart Projectors and Portable Monitors During Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 and Flipkart Freedom Sale

New Delhi, Aug 07: XElectron, one of India’s fastest-growing homegrown consumer electronics brands, has announced exclusive offers across its innovative portfolio of smart projectors and portable monitors during ongoing Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 and Flipkart Freedom Sale. The special offers bring advanced entertainment, productivity, and gaming solutions closer to consumers with attractive price benefits on feature-rich devices.

Commenting on the sale, Mr. Gagan Sharma, Managing Director, XElectron, said, “The Amazon Great Freedom Sale and the Flipkart Freedom Sale provide an excellent opportunity for consumers to upgrade their digital lifestyle with advanced technology at attractive prices. At XElectron, we continue to focus on delivering innovative, reliable and affordable smart technology solutions for Indian consumers. Our latest range of projectors and portable monitors is designed to enhance home entertainment, professional productivity and gaming experiences.”

Specifications and Features

• XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theater Movie HD Projector

The XElectron Techno Android 14 Smart Home Theater Projector delivers an immersive cinematic experience with support for Full HD 1080p and 4K content. Featuring an in-built speaker, electric focus, auto focus adjustment and 4D Keystone correction, it ensures hassle-free setup. With built-in apps, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and screen mirroring support, users can enjoy seamless entertainment at home.

• XElectron Techno Plus Android 14 Smart Home Theater Movie Full HD Projector

Designed for premium home entertainment, the XElectron Techno Plus Android 14 Projector offers Full HD visuals with 4K support. Its rotatable design, electric focus, auto and 4D Keystone correction deliver flexible viewing options. Equipped with built-in apps, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen mirroring and an integrated speaker, it provides a complete smart theatre experience.

• XElectron PocketBeam Android 13 Portable Smart Projector

Built for entertainment on the move, the XElectron PocketBeam Smart Projector features Android 13 with support for popular OTT applications including Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube. It delivers 1080p resolution, 6000 lumens brightness and supports up to a 150-inch display. With a built-in battery offering up to two hours of playback, Miracast, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, it is ideal for portable home cinema experiences.

• XElectron Luminex Certified OS Smart Home Projector

The XElectron Luminex Certified OS Smart Home Projector brings an immersive theatre-like experience with official OTT certification, native 1080p resolution and 4K support. Featuring 16,000 lumens brightness, ARC support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it delivers vivid visuals on screens up to 250 inches. Its certified operating system ensures smooth access to premium streaming platforms.

• XElectron New iProjector 1 Plus Smart Home Projector

Powered by Official Google TV, the XElectron New iProjector 1 Plus combines smart entertainment with advanced projection technology. Featuring native 1080p resolution, 4K Ultra HD support, 2500 ANSI brightness, auto focus and 4D Keystone correction, it delivers sharp visuals with effortless setup. HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and screen mirroring further enhance connectivity.

XElectron iProjector 2 Plus Auto Focus Smart Home Projector

The XElectron iProjector 2 Plus is designed for users seeking a premium smart entertainment experience. Featuring native 1080p Full HD resolution with 4K support, Android 12, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, it delivers smooth performance. With 20,000 lumens brightness and 2GB RAM + 32GB storage, it ensures immersive viewing and seamless multitasking.

• XElectron iProjector 3 Plus Smart Home Projector

The flagship XElectron iProjector 3 Plus offers an advanced home theatre experience with Official Google TV, native 1080p resolution and 4K Ultra HD support. Featuring 2500 ANSI brightness, dust-proof design, auto focus, 4D Keystone correction, HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and screen mirroring, it is designed for premium entertainment and professional applications.

• ARZOPA Portable Monitor Range

The ultra-slim ARZOPA 14-inch Portable Monitor is designed for professionals, students and travellers looking for an efficient second screen solution. Featuring Full HD 1080p resolution, dual speakers and an integrated kickstand, it supports laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles and tablets through USB-C and HDMI connectivity, enabling flexible work and entertainment anywhere.

• ARZOPA 16.1 Inch FHD 1080P Portable Monitor

Featuring a 16.1-inch IPS Full HD display, the ARZOPA Portable Monitor delivers vibrant visuals with eye-care technology for comfortable extended usage. Its built-in kickstand, speakers and USB-C and HDMI connectivity make it compatible with laptops, MacBooks, mobile devices and gaming consoles, offering enhanced productivity and entertainment flexibility.

• ARZOPA 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable Gaming Monitor

Designed for gaming enthusiasts, the ARZOPA 16.1-inch 144Hz Portable Monitor features a high refresh rate, HDR support and 106% sRGB colour accuracy for immersive visuals. The Full HD IPS display ensures smooth gameplay, while its slim design, built-in speakers and USB-C/HDMI connectivity make it suitable for gaming consoles, laptops and mobile devices.

• ARZOPA Z3FC 16.1-inch 180Hz 2.5K Portable Gaming Monitor

The ARZOPA Z3FC delivers a premium gaming and creative experience with a 2.5K resolution display, 180Hz refresh rate and 106% sRGB colour gamut. Designed for gamers and professionals, it features an adjustable stand and supports seamless connectivity with laptops, MacBooks, Xbox, PlayStation and other compatible devices.

• ARZOPA 17.3-inch Portable Monitor

The ARZOPA 17.3-inch Portable Monitor offers a larger viewing experience with Full HD resolution and 103% sRGB colour coverage. Featuring an IPS display, built-in kickstand, integrated speakers and USB-C/HDMI connectivity, it is ideal for professionals, designers, gamers and multimedia users seeking a powerful portable display solution.

Offshore gas platform proves green hydrogen can be produced using existing infrastructure

The Hague, the Netherlands, Aug 07 – Just 13 kilometres off the coast of Scheveningen, a Dutch pilot project is demonstrating a promising way to repurpose the vast network of offshore oil and gas infrastructure around the world. As part of the energy transition, green hydrogen has, for the first time, been successfully produced on an operational offshore gas platform while natural gas production continued simultaneously. The pilot, known as PosHYdon, is being carried out on the operational Q13a-A platform.

The achievement by the PosHYdon project demonstrates that the infrastructure built for the gas industry could one day be repurposed for a new role: producing and transporting green hydrogen using offshore wind energy. As countries expand offshore wind capacity, one question is becoming increasingly important: how can that renewable energy be transported efficiently to where it is needed?

One possible answer, instead of bringing all electricity ashore through subsea cables, renewable electricity generated by offshore wind can be used directly at sea to produce green hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be transported through offshore pipelines, many of which already exist as part of the North Sea’s extensive gas network.

This successful proof of concept shows that offshore platforms, once their gas production ends, could potentially be repurposed for hydrogen production. In the future, the same offshore pipeline network that currently transports natural gas could also be used to transport hydrogen, reducing the need for entirely new infrastructure.

The quantities of hydrogen currently produced are deliberately small and therefor not used yet. At this moment the purpose of PosHYdon is to demonstrate that the technology works safely and reliably under real offshore conditions and to collect the operational data needed for future large-scale projects.

Over the coming months, TNO and the project partners will analyse the results and findings from the pilot and present them to Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer, Minister of Climate and Green Growth in Q4. Those results will help determine the next steps towards scaling up offshore hydrogen production and accelerating the reuse of existing North Sea infrastructure.

PosHYdon is an initiative of DEME, EBN, Eneco, Emerson, Gasunie, Hatenboerwater, Investa Expertise Centrum, Iv, Nel, Eni, Nexstep, NGT, Nogat, TAQA and TNO. Their ambition is to accelerate the development of offshore hydrogen production as Europe expands its renewable energy capacity.

Read the full article: https://thehague.com/newsroom/en/news/offshore-gas-platform-proves-green-hydrogen-can-be-produced-using-existing-infrastructure

Lava Announces Exciting Deals on Smartphones During Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale

New Delhi, Aug 07: Lava International Limited, India’s trusted homegrown smartphone brand, is bringing exciting offers on its popular smartphone portfolio during the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale. The offers are available from 7 August to 12 August, giving consumers an excellent opportunity to upgrade to a feature-packed Lava smartphone at attractive prices. 

As part of this limited-period sale, consumers can avail attractive offers on Lava‘s popular smartphones, including the Agni 4, Bold N2 Lite, Bold N2, and Bold N2 5G. Along with special sale pricing, consumers can also avail HDFC Bank Credit Card and EMI offers, making it even more rewarding to upgrade to a Lava smartphone. Additionally, Agni 4 will be available with a limited-period price drop, offering even greater value to consumers looking to experience Lava‘s flagship smartphone.

The following offers will be available during the sale: 

All offers are valid from August 7 to August 12, 2026, exclusively on Amazon.in, and can be availed using HDFC Bank Credit Cards and HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI transactions, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Researchers Create the Most Complete DNA Profile of the Brown Rat to Date

Researchers have created the most complete genetic profile of the brown rat to date, according to a UTHealth Houston-led team, paving the way for scientists to more accurately research the genetic links to conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. 

The research was published today in Cell Genomics and led by corresponding author Peter Doris, PhD, director of the Center for Human Genetics at The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine within McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

The assembly of the brown rat’s genome provides a complete genetic fingerprint and reveals that the brown rat’s DNA is more complex than scientists previously understood. In addition to uncovering more than 60 new genes, many of which were previously difficult to sequence and are thought to play a role in immunity and other biological processes, the team discovered that brown rat sex chromosomes differ in a significant way from those in humans.

In humans, the X and Y chromosomes contain a region known as the pseudoautosomal region, or PAR, which plays a unique role in allowing the two dissimilar chromosomes to pair up and replicate. In most mammals, this region contains about 20 genes shared by both the X and Y chromosomes. This shared sequence is what allows these dissimilar chromosomes to match up and replicate. 

Doris and his team found that these PAR genes have been lost from the X and Y chromosomes in the brown rat, indicating rats use a different mechanism to reproduce. The team found that the PAR genes have moved to the regular chromosomes and uncovered new sequences that cause the X and Y chromosomes to pair head to tail, rather than head to head as in most other mammals.

“Sexual reproduction in the rat can take place, but it’s not taking place in exactly the same way that it is in humans,” said Doris, who is the Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Distinguished University Chair in Metabolic and Inflammatory Disease Research. “We wouldn’t have been able to discern that if we hadn’t had this complete, high-quality, and accurate sequencing of the genome.”

The findings have important implications for healthcare research, as scientists will now have a more accurate starting point during preclinical studies that use the brown rat. 

“We know that there are genetic causes of diseases, but when we try to find out where in the genome they’re coming from, we kind of get lost,” Doris said. “Until now, it has been extremely difficult to recognize genetic differences because the assemblies that we were working with had missing pieces.”

Many of these pieces were regions in which genes have duplicated. The nearly identical copies could not be seen independently of each other prior to Doris’ work. Gene duplication is a key mechanism by which individual genomes, and the functions they encode, can differ.

The rat genome, or genetic fingerprint, is made up of 22 pairs of chromosomes, at each end of which is a sequence called a telomere. Doris’ research represents the first telomere-to-telomere assembly of the brown rat’s genome, providing complete, unbroken descriptions of each chromosome’s sequence.

Prior to this research, scientists were essentially trying to put together a complicated jigsaw puzzle without the photo you find on the puzzle box, Doris said. 

“If the puzzle doesn’t come with a picture on the box, and if there are a lot of pieces in there that just look like pieces of blue sky, it’s very hard to know where to put those pieces,” he said.

Using the long-read assembly method, Doris and his team were able to create eight different reference-quality genome assemblies, allowing scientists to better understand genetic variations among different brown rats and to track down the genetic variation contributing to disease. Like in humans, individual rat genomes are unique. That means that one rat’s genome, or jigsaw puzzle, will have pieces that another rat’s “puzzle” does not have.

The eight reference strains allowed the team to create what’s known as a pangenome, which allows scientists to compare the genomes of multiple rats simultaneously. This pangenome adds 7% more sequence to the genome of the rat species.

“You can go into any particular place around any particular gene that you’re interested in, say, the protease gene that’s involved in digesting your steak dinner. Is that gene going to be the same in all of these animals, or could it be different?” Doris said. “Turns out, in some rats, the gene is specialized to do one job in digestion and another one in the immune system. Each function resides in the original and a recently duplicated copy of the gene. The pangenome gives you one place to go where you can capture all of the major differences that you’re likely to encounter. That’s a very, very valuable tool to have.”

Yaming Zhu, a research assistant in the Center for Human Genetics at The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine with McGovern Medical School, also served as an author on the study. 

Additional authors include: Theodore Samuel Kalbfleisch, PhD; Julia L. Ciosek, MS; and Kai Li of the University of Kentucky; Sergey Koren, PhD; Adam Phillippy, PhD; Brandon Pickett, PhD; Gerard Bouffard, PhD; and Shelise Y. Brooks of the National Institutes of Health; Melissa Smith, PhD; and William A. Lauer of the University of Louisville; and Beth Dumont, PhD, of The Jackson Laboratory. 

Dubai stays on course for record year in property rentals

In real estate sales, Dubai South ranked as the best-performing area for the fifth successive month

Dubai, UAE, Aug 07: The Dubai real estate market remains on course in 2026 to set a new all-time high for rental contracts recorded in one year.

A market analysis from fäm Properties today shows that 38,197 rental contracts were registered in July, 18,431 of these new agreements, with 19,766 renewals.

This takes the total number of rental contracts recorded for the first seven months in 2026 to 214,445, a 1.9% increase on the same period last year which ended with a record number of 377,660 registered contracts.

To date in 2026, reflecting a consistent preference for apartments in the market, 88,327 (41%) of tenancy contracts registered were for one-bedroom units.

Meanwhile, the market delivered 13,872 sales transactions valued at AED34.5 billion last month. Once again off plan sales dominated with 9,585 transactions worth AED 20.5 billion compared with 4,287 valued at AED14.0 billion in the resale market.

Data from DXBinteract shows Dubai South as the emirate’s best-performing area in sales volume for the fifth consecutive month, recording 2,351 transactions worth AED2.6 billion. Of these, 2,231 were off plan deals amounting to AED2.3 billion.

“The level of rental activity overall is a good sign of market resilience,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “The volume of renewals alone shows that, regardless of regional uncertainty over the last few months, people still see Dubai as one of the best places in the world to live and work.”

July recorded 11,759 apartment sales worth AED 17.8 billion, alongside 1,322 villa sales worth AED 7.8 billion, 268 plot sales valued at AED 6.9 billion, and 515 commercial transactions, including offices and shops, worth AED 1.9 billion.

The most expensive apartment sold in July went for AED166 million at Aman Residences Tower 2 at Jumeirah Second, while the most expensive villa fetched AED73 million at The Oasis – Lavita.

With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 7% of sales, 8.2% were between AED3-5 million, 11.4% between AED2-3 million, 30.3% between AED1-2 million and 43.4% were below AED1 million.

BREAKDOWN OF RENTAL AGREEMENTS BY BEDROOMS TO DATE IN 2026

TOP TEN AREAS BY RENTAL CONTRACTS REGISTERED TO DATE IN 2026

TOP FIVE PERFORMING AREAS IN SALES VOLUME JULY 2026

                                                Off plan          Sales value     Re-sale                        Sales value