Category Archives: Business

TransNusa Collaborates with Skywise to Launch Indonesia’s First Integrated Digital Aviation Ecosystem

TransNusa Maximizes Flight On-Time Performance For Passengers

SINGAPORE, Sept 25, 2026 – (ACN Newswire) – TransNusa, Indonesia’s fast-growing Premium Service Carrier, today announced a landmark expansion of its digital collaboration with Skywise, a leading digital services company owned by Airbus.

TransNusa signed a historic agreement with Skywise that will enable the airline to establish a unified, real-time data ecosystem that bridges flight and technical operations by adopting Skywise Core X2 and Skywise Fleet Performance+ (S.FP+).

“This partnership represents a leap forward in our commitment to our passengers,” said Datuk Bernard Francis, Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa.

“By becoming the first airline in Indonesia to adopt these advanced Skywise solutions, we are shifting from reactive reporting to real-time, predictive operations.

“For our passengers, this means exceptional on-time performance and reliability. For TransNusa, it ensures our fleet operates at maximum efficiency, paving the way for profitable, scalable growth across the region,” Datuk Bernard explained.

Meanwhile, Skywise Head of Region APAC, Alessandro Luzi said that this milestone marks the very first S.FP+ and Skywise Core X2 agreement in Indonesia.

He explained that the fully integrated portfolio simplifies workflows, ensures total data consistency across the entire organization, and establishes a new benchmark for operational excellence in Indonesian aviation.

He added that by upgrading from traditional, spreadsheet-based reporting to this advanced digital architecture, Datuk Bernard has positioned TransNusa at the forefront of regional aviation technology.

“This integration delivers clear, measurable benefits across two critical pillars, which is unmatched reliability for passengers and maximized asset efficiency for TransNusa,” Alessandro Luzi concluded.

From left: Skywise Head of Region APAC, Alessandro Luzi sealing the deal with TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Bernard Francis to position TransNusa into the digital forefront in the aviation industry in Indonesia

Elevating the Passenger Experience: Fewer Delays, Smoother Journeys

For TransNusa’s passengers, this digital transformation translates directly into enhanced travel reliability, minimal disruptions, and smoother operations.

Predictive Maintenance, Fewer Delays:

By integrating real-time in-flight aircraft data with maintenance systems, the airline’s Maintenance Control Centre gets instant visibility into fleet health. Technical anomalies are detected and resolved early, preventing the last-minute operational disruptions and cancellations that frustrate travellers.

Unrivalled Fleet Reliability:

The unified ecosystem ensures that TransNusa’s aircraft spend less unscheduled time on the ground and more time in the air, delivering highly dependable, on-time performance for passengers across the region.

A Fully Connected Flight Journey:

The new tools seamlessly link with TransNusa’s existing digital toolkit—including N-Flight Planning (N-FP), Mission+ FLIGHT (electronic Flight Folder), and Mission+ MAPS (advanced charting)—ensuring pilots, ground crews, and engineers are always aligned on a single source of data for every flight.

Enhanced Performance

For TransNusa, this expansion represents a highly strategic optimization of its capital assets and operational expenditure.

Maximizing Fleet Availability:

By implementing advanced data tools that enable data-driven fleet management, TransNusa reduces costly Aircraft on Ground (AOG) instances, keeping aircraft operational and maximising daily flight hours. This directly accelerates revenue generation.

Increased Operational Efficiencies and Scalability:

By eliminating fragmented, siloed data and replacing it with automated workflows, TransNusa significantly increases its operational performances. The automated workflows will also allow TransNusa to strategically scale its fleet and route network.

Keystone To Launch India Business With Bengaluru As First Hub, Plans To Hire Talent & Increase Workforce Over Next Two Years

Bengaluru team will support global technology, manufacturing and financial services companies including Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Amgen and many other multinational enterprises as they navigate India’s market structure, regulatory complexity, litigation exposure and platform risk.

Bengaluru, India, Sept 25 — Keystone, a global advisory firm that guides the most critical technology and science-based platforms and ecosystems, today announced it is establishing Keystone India, with Bengaluru as its first hub in the country. The company plans to hire talent and expand its workforce in India over the next two years.

Keystone’s model differs from traditional consulting firms. Since its founding in 2003, Keystone has studied how technology ecosystems develop, how digital platforms compete and how transformative innovations change markets. The firm’s “triad” of disciplines brings together economists, technologists and management scientists, allowing Keystone to examine a problem from its technical foundations through its economic, legal and strategic business consequences. Keystone India will expand the firm’s global presence, navigate India’s market structure, regulatory complexity, litigation exposure and platform risk.

“Our Bengaluru launch reflects Keystone’s long-term commitment to India as a strategically important growth market,” said Jeff Marowits, Keystone CEO. “Over the next two years, we will be making substantial investments in the exceptional talent here to provide our full suite of strategic and regulatory services for the most prominent firms in India.  These investments will ensure long-term growth and impact for Keystone throughout India.”

The Bengaluru team will support global technology companies including Microsoft and Meta, financial services firms like Goldman Sachs, as well as India’s largest law firms and global enterprises, helping each of these entities navigate this moment of AI disruption, as well as India’s distinctive market structure, regulatory environment and technology ecosystems.

Bengaluru provides a natural foundation for Keystone’s launch in India. The city brings together leading technology companies, research institutions, Global Capability Centres and a strong concentration of AI, data science and engineering talent. The Bengaluru office will form part of an integrated global platform, working alongside Keystone teams across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

The Bengaluru team led by Keystone Senior Principal Himanshu Singhi will contribute to Keystone’s global AI Centre of Excellence. By connecting advanced AI and data capabilities with Keystone’s expertise in economics, strategy, investigations and litigation, the centre develops rigorous and repeatable approaches to complex client problems. Its work supports the responsible use of AI through technical expertise, economic analysis, sound governance and human judgment.

In India for the long haul

Keystone is building its India presence deliberately and for the long term. In doing so, Keystone India will bring a distinct form of advisory capability to the market: one grounded in an inherent understanding of technology and AI, and strengthened by the combined power of economics, technology and business strategy.

India sits at the centre of several forces reshaping the global economy. Its expanding digital economy, sophisticated enterprise sector, growing AI ecosystem and deep base of technical and entrepreneurial talent are creating significant opportunities while raising complex questions for businesses, investors, law firms and policymakers. 

Under the leadership of its Global Head and Keystone Senior Partner Rohit Chatterjee, Keystone Advanced Technology Services, or K.ATS, is critical to its leadership in India. Within Keystone, computer scientists, data scientists, engineers and technologists work alongside Keystone’s economists, strategists and global expert network on critical strategic, legal and regulatory matters. The team can analyze source code and large-scale data, evaluate and audit AI systems, investigate complex technology environments and assess the architecture and operation of digital platforms. This technical depth allows Keystone to understand how a technology actually works before evaluating its economic significance or explaining it to a court, regulator, board or management team.

Keystone’s interdisciplinary model grew from its intellectual roots at Harvard Business School and has developed into an extensive group of leading academics, industry practitioners and former regulators. Keystone India will benefit from the remarkable talent and globally recognized academics across India to augment its offering.  

For Indian organizations, this combination offers access to more than conventional economic or strategic advice. Keystone India will help businesses understand and deploy emerging technologies, evaluate AI and data systems, address competition and intellectual-property questions, manage complex investigations and prepare for the legal and regulatory implications of increasingly technology-driven markets.

TROOPS allocates US$12 million for new unit focused on AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia

FTCCI’s ‘Telangana Through the Lens – 2026’ Photography Contest winners declared

Hyderabad, Sept 24: The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) declared winners of the  “Telangana Through the Lens – 2026,” an open photography contest which was aimed at celebrating and showcasing the vibrant, diverse and lesser-explored tourism potential of Telangana.

Themed “Explore, Experience and Exhibit the Spirit of Telangana Tourism,” the contest invitees entries from  photography enthusiasts from all walks of life to capture the essence of Telangana through their lenses. 

The response was overwhelming. It received 1400 plus submissions received from 554 photographers. 

Contest was organised to celebrate World Photography Day and photographers were urged to discover and showcase Telangana’s hidden tourism gems

The winners of ‘Telangana Through the Lens – 2026’ reflect the diversity of photographers who responded to FTCCI’s call to explore Telangana through a tourism lens. Mr. Shravan Thadanla, Photographer, S1 Studios, won the First Prize, followed by Mr. Mahimala Kyadhar Reddy, Photographer, who won the Second Prize, and Mr. H. Satish, Photographer, who secured the Third Prize.

Shravan, a photographer who runs a photo studio by nymae S1 Studio in Ramappa Village in Mulugu Dsitrict was selected as first prize winner for his picture on Cheriyal Painting. Cheriyal scroll painting is a critically endangered folk art form native to Telangana that is currently fighting against extinction.

The seven consolation prizes were won by Mr. Kishore Das, Mr. Kathroju Yadagiri, Mr. Vonteddu Nageswara Rao, Mr. Basheer, Mr. Tula Narendar, Mr. Aavula Srinivasulu and Mr. Veeragoni Rajinikanth Goud. Their photographs brought different facets of Telangana’s tourism landscape into focus, highlighting the State’s visual richness and the potential of photography to discover, document and promote its lesser-known tourism attractions.

The winners were selected by a jury comprised of  Yachendra Satyaprasad, a  landscape photographer, former President of Telangana Photographic society for several years; H. Satish, fromer Chief News Photo Journalist associated with the Hindu and K.N. Hari (Narahari K.), a prominent photojournalist associated with the Telugu daily newspaper Nava Telangana and serves as the general secretary—of the Telangana State Photo Journalists Association (TSPJA).

The contest carries attractive cash prizes. The first prize is ₹15,000, the second prize ₹10,000 and the third prize ₹7,500. In addition, five consolation prizes of ₹1,500 each will be presented.

The cash prizes will be presented in a function to be held on 28th September at FTCCI, Red Hills. 

FTCCI particularly encourages participants to venture beyond Telangana’s familiar tourist destinations and capture hidden gems, unexplored locations, lesser-known heritage sites, distinctive cultural practices, rural experiences, picturesque landscapes and other tourism attractions that deserve greater visibility. The contest seeks to use photography as a means of discovering and promoting new tourism possibilities across the State.

Beneath the Turquoise: Experience the Maldives in Manta Ray Season at BeKind Hotels & Resorts

Maldives, 24 September 2026: The Maldives may be defined by turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and villas suspended above crystalline waters, but between September and November, the destination reveals a more immersive side—one that lies beneath the surface.

For travellers staying at BEKIND Hotels & Resorts’ Fushifaru Maldives and Meyyafushi Maldives, the ocean becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes an invitation to explore, from seasonal manta ray encounters to vibrant reefs, marine excursions and experiences that bring guests closer to the natural rhythm of the Indian Ocean.

The manta ray season offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the waters around Fushifaru Thila, one of Lhaviyani Atoll’s celebrated marine sites and a natural draw for both divers and snorkellers. Located just a three-minute boat ride from Fushifaru Maldives and approximately 15 minutes from Meyyafushi, the site is home to a natural manta ray cleaning station, where these graceful giants regularly gather as cleaner wrasse and reef fish gently remove parasites from their skin. Divers can descend into the thila’s vibrant underwater world for a closer view of the mantas as they circle the cleaning station, while snorkellers can experience the spectacle from the surface as the rays glide through the crystal-clear waters below. During manta season, the short journey to Fushifaru Thila becomes an unmissable marine encounter—combining accessibility, remarkable biodiversity and the rare opportunity to observe one of the Maldives’ most mesmerising creatures in its natural habitat.  and its surrounding cleaning stations.

The experience extends beyond mantas. The wider Lhaviyani Atoll is home to colourful coral reefs, turtles, rays, dolphins and abundant tropical marine life. Fushifaru’s house reef and underwater playground offer accessible encounters for snorkellers, while nearby dive sites invite experienced divers to explore further.

At Fushifaru, a day can begin beneath the surface and end against a spectacular Maldivian sunset. Guests can unwind at Heylhi Spa, embark on dolphin or sunset cruises, or escape to a private sandbank. For couples, the signature Dig-In sandbank dining experience transforms a secluded stretch of sand into an intimate dining setting surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

At Meyyafushi Maldives, the ocean is woven into the experience in unexpected ways. Guests can explore coral gardens before experiencing Bubble Underwater Restaurant, where marine life becomes part of the dining experience. The Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge, rooftop glass-bottom pool and Raa Overwater Wine Cellar offer sophisticated ways to enjoy the island, while the Veyoge Overwater Spa brings wellness onto the lagoon through yoga, sound healing and floating-platform experiences.

Families can complement marine adventures with Kids Club activities, watersports and recreational experiences, with private-pool villas and selected water villas featuring slides adding to Meyyafushi’s appeal.

“September to November offers our guests a wonderful opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond its iconic beaches and lagoons. The manta season is a highlight, but what makes this period truly special is the variety of experiences around it—from marine encounters and coral exploration to wellness, distinctive dining and secluded sandbank escapes. At BEKIND, we want our guests to experience the Maldives rather than simply visit it,” says Mr. Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager, BEKIND Hotels & Resorts.

From manta rays gliding through the deep blue to sunset cruises, underwater dining and private island escapes, September to November offers travellers a chance to discover a Maldives that is as captivating beneath the surface as it is above it.

Bhubaneswar’s BDA Ekamra Residency Flats Cost More Than Some Govt Homes in Delhi and Mumbai

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): The Bhubaneswar Development Authority’s (BDA) newly launched Ekamra Residency housing project in Kalinga Nagar has sparked discussion over its pricing, with some premium units nearing Rs 97 lakh and drawing comparisons with government housing projects in Delhi, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

 Representational Image 

The online application process for the 704-apartment project began on September 18, positioning the development as a premium residential offering with lifestyle-oriented amenities.

Flats Priced Up to Rs 96.82 Lakh

According to BDA’s pricing schedule, 2BHK apartments are priced between Rs 78.36 lakh and Rs 79.94 lakh, while 2BHK-plus-study units range from Rs 94.90 lakh to Rs 96.82 lakh. Registration and statutory charges will be additional.

The pricing has attracted attention because it overlaps with or exceeds the upper range of some middle-income government housing schemes offered by agencies in major metropolitan cities.

Comparison With Metro Housing Projects

According to a comparison reported by The Times of India, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) middle-income group (MIG) flats are priced between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 75 lakh, while MHADA projects in Maharashtra are in the Rs 45 lakh to Rs 75 lakh range. Similar projects by CIDCO in Navi Mumbai are priced between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 80 lakh.

The comparison has led to discussions among prospective buyers about affordability, particularly for the larger BDA units that extend beyond the upper end of those reported price ranges.

Premium Amenities Cited

BDA officials have described Ekamra Residency as a lifestyle-focused residential project featuring 704 flats with amenities such as a rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, community centre, parking facilities, lifts, CCTV surveillance and power backup.

Real estate experts have pointed to rising land values and construction costs as factors influencing pricing, while some prospective buyers have raised concerns over affordability in comparison with government housing schemes in larger cities.

The project marks one of BDA’s major residential launches in Bhubaneswar, with applications now open for eligible homebuyers seeking apartments in the Kalinga Nagar development.

Puma Project3 Makes Its Way To India For Runners Chasing World Marathon Majors

“There is a clear shift in the ambition of runners in India,” said Ram Sridharan, Managing Director, PUMA India. “More runners are chasing faster times and personal bests, and looking at the world’s major marathons as their next challenge. Project3 is about backing that ambition with the kind of support that can make a real difference to performance. We want to help build a stronger pool of Indian marathoners ready to compete at that level, and these first 50 runners are where that journey begins.”

• 1,673 Indian runners participated across the six World Major Marathons in 2025, up from 459 in 2014, according to Geeks On Feet, an independent running magazine.
• In 2025, 500+ Indian runners ran sub-three hours in the marathon – a benchmark typically associated with high-level marathon performance globally.

• Holding a valid 2027 Mumbai Marathon race bib/race entry
• Existing marathon PB of 3:15- 3:45 for male applicants and/or 3:30- 4:00 for female applicants

Cairns Crocodiles Launches 2027 With Bold New Identity, First Speakers, Regional Ambassadors & Awards Now Open

• Lindsey Belknap, Global Vice President, Marketing, ŌURA
• Joe La Pompe, Creative Plagiarism Hunter, Founder & Author
• Tetyana Denford, Founder of the Nobody Cares Movement, Author & Speaker
• Cheryl Goh, Group Head of Marketing, Sustainability, Loyalty and Support, Grab
• Sherele Moody, Award-Winning Social Justice Journalist, Founder Australian Femicide Watch, She Matters Podcast Host
• Tristan Graham, VP, Executive Creative Director, Vacation
• Serena Kim, Integrated Media & Marketing Communications Manager, IKEA Korea
• Lem Zakharia, Creator, Brand Builder, Podcast Producer & Director, Bedou

RAKEZ recognises companies for excellence in health, safety and sustainability

Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 24: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recognised companies within its business community for their achievements and commitment to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices through its HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme.

The recognition highlighted businesses that have demonstrated strong performance in workplace safety, environmental responsibility, compliance and the continued improvement of HS&E practices across their operations.

As part of the HS&E Excellence Awards, Vesuvius Ras Al Khaimah was recognised for completing one million safe working hours by World Refractories Association, while Ni Met Recycling was honoured for receiving a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis Sustainability Rating based on its environmental, social, and ethical performance across its operations and supply chain.

RAKEZ also recognised four companies under its Nujoom Al Salama Programme, which evaluates and rewards businesses for excellence in HS&E practices. Elegant Industries and Peikko Gulf each received a four-star rating, while Sobha Modular Industries and AG Metal Industries achieved the programme’s highest five-star rating.

Under Nujoom Al Salama, businesses are rated from three to five stars based on their adherence to safety regulations, proactive measures and incident records. The programme is designed to encourage continuous improvements in safety and compliance across industrial, land and warehouse facilities.

Congratulating the awardees, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Strong businesses are built on environments where people can work safely and where responsible practices are embedded into everyday operations. The achievements of these companies demonstrate what can be accomplished when health, safety and environmental responsibility become an integral part of how a business operates. Through initiatives such as these, we want to recognise good practices while encouraging our wider business community to continuously raise standards across their facilities.”

Through its HS&E recognition initiatives, RAKEZ continues to promote a culture of safety, sustainability and responsible business practices across its growing business community

XLRI – Xavier School of Management to Organize Annual CHRO Strategy Conclave at Metamorphose 2026 in Udaipur

Metamorphose 2026, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur will organise its Annual CHRO Strategy Conclave to be held on September 25–26, 2026 at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Udaipur.

Returning for its second edition following its inaugural gathering in 2024, Metamorphose 2026, themed “Emerge, Sustain, Lead” will bring together around 120 CHROs and people leaders from India, the Middle East and Singapore for two days of strategic dialogue and knowledge exchange. The conclave will provide an opportunity for leaders to step back from operational priorities, exchange experiences and reflect on the organisational choices that will shape the future of work.

As part of the Metamorphose initiative, XLRI, Jamshedpur organised a series of mini-conclaves led by CHROs on the Future of Work and Organisational Readiness, bringing together 24 CHROs representing diverse sectors. The insights emerging from these conversations were further triangulated through inputs from more than 160 HR and business leaders, creating a broader perspective on how organisations and the HR function are evolving.

A key insight emerging from these discussions is that the HR function of the future will need to move beyond managing the next generation of the workforce towards designing organisations where people can create greater value. In this evolving landscape, CHROs are increasingly being called upon to play a broader role as architects of the future organisation.

The outcomes of the mini-conclaves and the broader survey have been brought together in a Future of Work White Paper which will be officially launched at Metamorphose 2026 in Udaipur.

The 2026 edition will examine the evolving challenges facing organisations and the choices required to translate them into meaningful action. The key areas of discussion will include Agentic AI and the evolving digital workforce, organisational value and agile design, future-ready talent and succession planning.

The discussions will look beyond individual trends to examine the organisational choices required to build more adaptive, technology-enabled and people-centric organisations while continuing to create sustainable value. A key highlight of the conclave will be a keynote address by Mr. Sandeep Bakhshi, Managing Director & CEO, ICICI Bank, who will offer perspectives on leading through change and building organisations for the future.

For XLRI, Metamorphose is more than a forum for discussing emerging trends. It will bring together academic perspectives, industry insights and lived leadership experience to explore how organisations can evolve while remaining grounded in people and purpose.

The journey leading to the 2026 edition reflects this approach with conversations involving CHROs and business leaders informing the research and insights that will be presented at the conclave. As leaders gather in Udaipur, Metamorphose 2026 will seek to move the dialogue beyond anticipating the future of work towards understanding the choices that will shape it.