Amid a Shifting Publishing Scene, Ascot Media Group Reaches 18-Year Milestone

Texas-based firm reflects on nearly two decades of helping authors find visibility in a fast-changing media market

HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 25 — From the rise of self-publishing to growing concerns over AI-driven scams, authors today face a complex path to visibility. Ascot Media Group, now celebrating 18 years in operation, continues to work with writers across genres to help their stories reach journalists, producers and readers in an increasingly crowded media environment.

“For nearly two decades, our mission has been to help authors share their voices with the world,” said Trish Stevens, founder of Ascot Media Group. “Every story has the power to touch someone’s life. We just make sure it reaches the people who need to hear it.”

The Story Behind the Stories

Founded 18 years ago in Friendswood, Texas, Ascot Media Group has become a trusted bridge between authors and the media. From debut writers to NY Times bestselling authors and public figures, politicians, judges and celebrities, the company has helped clients across every genre find their audiences — and, in some cases, even movie deals.

“Every day, our inbox fills with fascinating people and powerful stories waiting to be told,” Stevens said. “Whatever the topic, whatever the genre, chances are we’ve worked with an author who has brought one of those stories to life.”

A Reputation Built on Access and Approachability

Behind Ascot’s success is Stevens’ belief that every author deserves a fair shot at being heard — not just those with big budgets or big names. Known for her compassion toward “struggling authors,” she offers a range of affordable publicity plans designed to meet writers where they are.

“I never want cost to be the barrier between an author and their readers,” Stevens said. “Some of our most inspiring clients started with nothing more than a manuscript and a dream of making it big.”

That approach has earned Ascot both loyalty and respect. Many authors return with every new book, and other PR firms even turn to Ascot behind the scenes to execute their campaigns — a testament to the firm’s results and professionalism.

Expanding Services for a Changing Market

In 2026, Ascot Media Group plans to expand its services to include additional support across the publishing process, such as editorial assistance, back-cover copy development, publishing guidance and audiobook production. The expansion reflects broader industry shifts as authors increasingly seek integrated support beyond traditional publicity.

Transparency in an AI Era

As AI-driven scams flood the publishing world, it’s become more important than ever for authors to do their due diligence when it comes to doing business with agents, publishers and marketing firms. Ascot Media Group stands apart because it operates with full transparency, credible testimonials (www.ascotmedia.com/testimonials) and a long track record of real results.

A Partner to the Media

With countless media relationships built over the years, Ascot remains a go-to resource for journalists and producers worldwide in search of credible guests and compelling story ideas.

“If you need stories, we have them — all of them,” Stevens said. “Because stories are what connect us, and helping share them is what drives us.”

Barakat Group Starts Construction of AED 150M Baby Food Manufacturing Facility in KEZAD

First Dedicated Industrial-Scale Halal Baby Food Purée Facility in the GCC to be Developed within KEZAD Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Feb 25: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, and Barakat Group, the UAE’s leading fresh food and juice producer, today announced the commencement of construction of a dedicated baby food manufacturing facility through Barakat Group’s joint venture with Pure Baby Food Industries, in KEZAD.

 The project marks the development of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s first industrial-scale facility dedicated exclusively to the production of baby food purées. Representing a total investment of approximately AED 150 million by the company, the facility will strengthen local food manufacturing capacity and support growing regional demand for locally produced infant nutrition.

 Once fully operational, the 10,000 sqm facility is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 90 million units of baby food products, covering fruit and vegetable purées as well as protein-rich meat and fish baby foods. Products will be manufactured using fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, and supplied in both pouch and glass jar formats. Selected ambient juice products will also be produced as part of the integrated operation.

 The facility is projected to create approximately 200 direct jobs, spanning manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and operational support roles. Additional indirect employment is expected across local supply chains, logistics, and agricultural sourcing.

 The facility is being designed as a fully halal-certified baby food manufacturing plant, applying end-to-end halal certification across the full baby food category, including protein-based meat and fish purées. This addresses a clear gap in the GCC market, where locally produced, halal-compliant protein baby foods remain limited.

 Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster – AD Ports Group, said, “This investment reflects the scale and sophistication of food manufacturing projects now choosing KEZAD. The projected production capacity and employment impact underline how specialised manufacturing can deliver both economic value and strategic resilience within the food sector.”

 Kenneth D Costa – Managing Director, Barakat Group, said, “By expanding our production footprint into premium infant nutrition, this facility reinforces Barakat Group’s mission to nourish the ambitions of the nation. Establishing dedicated capacity within KEZAD allows us to meet regional demand efficiently while creating skilled employment and maintaining the highest standards of quality and halal compliance.”

 Designed to meet the highest international standards for food safety, quality, and traceability, the facility will prioritise nutrition, freshness, and clean-label production. It is expected to reduce reliance on imported baby food products while contributing to the development of a domestic, halal baby food manufacturing ecosystem.

 The project supports national objectives related to food security, local manufacturing, and value-added food production, and represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Abu Dhabi’s food processing sector within KEZAD.

RAKEZ strengthens UK investment ties through multicity roadshow

Head of Business Development at RAKEZ, Holly Garforth (L), during the panel at BCCD’s London event

Ras Al Khaimah, Feb 25: A high-level delegation from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) visited the United Kingdom, engaging British investors and reinforcing its position as a strategic gateway to the UAE and wider regional markets. The economic zone’s representatives met with investors, industry leaders, and business stakeholders across London and Manchester.

In London, RAKEZ sponsored the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai’s (BCCD) business briefing titled ‘Doing Business in Dubai and Northern Emirates’, which brought together British investors exploring opportunities in the Middle East. During the session, Holly Garforth, Head of Business Development at RAKEZ, joined a panel discussion to provide practical insights on setting up and relocating businesses within Ras Al Khaimah’s plug-and-play ecosystem.

The roadshow continued in Manchester, where the RAKEZ delegation took part in discussions on Making the Right Business Setup Choice in the UAE.

Across both cities, the team conducted targeted B2B meetings with stakeholders from the advanced manufacturing, supply chain, and professional services sectors.

Commenting on the roadshow, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “The UK continues to be a priority market for RAKEZ, with strong interest from British companies seeking scalable, cost-effective bases for regional and global expansion. Our presence in London and Manchester allowed us to engage directly with decision-makers, understand their ambitions, and demonstrate how Ras Al Khaimah offers the infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and connectivity needed to grow with confidence.”

RAKEZ is home to more than 3,600 British investors operating across SME and industrial sectors. Established British companies at RAKEZ include Ahmad Tea, A2C, Spatial Composite, Polar Manufacturing, Green Rock Manufacturing Group, and Waste to Wonder, operating across sectors such as tea production, aircraft cabin crew training simulators, carbon fibre manufacturing, sustainable packaging, circular economy-led remanufacturing, and social enterprise initiatives. Their continued growth highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a reliable base for scale, export-oriented operations, and long-term investment.

The UK roadshow forms part of RAKEZ’s ongoing international outreach efforts to deepen commercial ties, attract quality investment, and further strengthen the economic bridge between Ras Al Khaimah and the United Kingdom.

Emmvee Clarifies No Impact from Recent U.S. Duty Developments

Bengaluru, Feb 25: In light of recent reports regarding countervailing duties imposed by the United States on solar imports from India, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power Limited has clarified that there is no impact on its business operations.

Emmvee’s integrated solar cell and module manufacturing operations are primarily aligned with domestic demand. With a strong focus on the Indian market and substantial domestic consumption of its solar cell output, the company remains insulated from external trade developments of this nature.

India continues to present significant long-term growth opportunities in renewable energy, supported by policy momentum and rising energy demand. Emmvee remains focused on scaling high-efficiency manufacturing capacity to serve the country’s expanding domestic solar market.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem through advanced technology, robust manufacturing capabilities, and a continued emphasis on quality and performance.

Vinkesh Gulati Joins BARS as Founding Member, Calls for Citizen-Led Road Safety Movement

 New Delhi: Reinforcing the urgent need for a unified and citizen-driven approach to road safety in India, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati has joined as a Founding Member of the Bharat Association of Road Safety Volunteers (BARS) and will serve as Vice Chairperson and President – Corporate Affairs. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the Automotive Skills Development Council.

Announcing his association with BARS, Mr. Gulati emphasized that road safety is not merely a policy discussion but a national responsibility that demands collective action, accountability, and sustained collaboration. He described the initiative as a people’s movement aimed at bringing together diverse stakeholders under one unified platform to reduce fragmentation and accelerate meaningful impact on road safety outcomes.

The Bharat Association of Road Safety Volunteers (BARS) has been envisioned as a collaborative forum that connects volunteers, industry leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders who are working tirelessly to save lives on India’s roads. By fostering transparency, collaboration, and accountability, BARS seeks to strengthen coordination among all road safety partners and create a structured approach to awareness, advocacy, and action.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gulati expressed his gratitude to the founders and mentors of BARS for their trust and for providing him the opportunity to contribute to what he termed a “transformative journey.” He reiterated that improving road safety requires long-term commitment, strong governance mechanisms, and active public participation. “Road safety in India must evolve into a mass movement. It is not just about enforcement or infrastructure—it is about shared responsibility. Through BARS, we aim to build a transparent and collaborative ecosystem that delivers measurable outcomes and ensures accountability at every level,” he said.

With India facing significant challenges related to road accidents and fatalities, initiatives like BARS are expected to play a critical role in aligning efforts across sectors and driving sustained behavioral change.

BARS stands on three core pillars – Transparency, Collaboration, and Accountability – serving as guiding principles for its mission to make Indian roads safer for every citizen.

Echoing the spirit of collective commitment, Mr. Gulati concluded with a strong message: “Together we can. Together we will.”

EUR/USD Remains Under Pressure as the USD Maintains Its Advantage on Growth and Interest Rate Differentials

By Linh Tran, Market Analyst at XS.com

EUR/USD has continued its downward trend since peaking around 1.2080 at the end of January, as the divergence in economic prospects between the United States and the Eurozone has become increasingly evident. This movement reflects the current macroeconomic landscape, where the US dollar remains supported by relatively stable growth and inflation that is still above target, while the Eurozone faces slower expansion and lacks sufficient policy momentum to trigger a meaningful shift in expectations.

Recent US economic data suggest that growth has moderated but has not deteriorated significantly. GDP expanded by only 1.4% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, a notable slowdown from the 4.4% recorded in the third quarter, partly reflecting the impact of a prolonged government shutdown that disrupted public spending and investment. Nevertheless, for the full year 2025, the US economy still grew by 2.2%, its lowest pace since 2020 but sufficient to avoid a broad-based recession.

While growth has cooled, inflationary pressures have not fully subsided. Core PCE remained around 3.0% year-on-year, well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, forcing the central bank to maintain a cautious stance. At the same time, the US trade deficit in goods and services widened to approximately $901.5 billion in 2025, among the highest levels since records began in 1960, highlighting structural imbalances in external trade. However, with inflation still above target, the Fed’s primary policy focus remains price stability rather than growth stimulus.

The combination of slower but still positive growth and persistent inflation makes it difficult for the Fed to signal an early easing cycle. The “higher for longer” narrative continues to gain traction, keeping US Treasury yields relatively attractive compared to Europe. This yield differential remains a key factor supporting the US dollar and weighing on the euro.

On the other hand, the Eurozone has posted modest growth. The region’s GDP rose by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2025 and approximately 1.5% for the full year. Although the February Flash Composite PMI improved to 51.9 from 51.3 the previous month, indicating a mild expansion in overall activity, the pace of improvement remains insufficient to significantly alter expectations for ECB policy. In an environment of fragile growth, the ECB has less room to maintain a hawkish stance compared to the Fed.

In my view, the near-term outlook for EUR/USD will largely revolve around the policy divergence between the Fed and the ECB. With US policy rates still considerably higher than those in the Eurozone and core US inflation hovering around 3%, the Fed is unlikely to ease policy soon. Conversely, Eurozone inflation has eased to around 1.7% while growth remains modest, giving the ECB limited incentive to maintain a restrictive stance.

Under the base-case scenario, where US growth continues to slow but avoids a sharp downturn and inflation declines only gradually, the US dollar is likely to retain its relative advantage through yield differentials. The euro may only stage a sustained recovery if US economic data weaken sufficiently to push the Fed toward earlier-than-expected rate cuts. For now, the macro balance continues to tilt slightly in favor of the dollar, leaving EUR/USD more prone to sustained pressure than a decisive reversal.

Dhoot Transmission Partners with FourFront to Scale Automotive Electronics Business

Bangalore, Feb 25: Dhoot Transmission Limited one of India’s leading electrical and electronic companies, today announced a partnership, pursuant to which FourFront Limited a Tier-1 supplier of customized electro-mechanical and electronic solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers headquartered in Pune, will merge with one of the Company’s subsidiaries.

FourFront will become part of Dhoot Transmission’s automotive electronics and electrical platform, enabling the Company and its team to continue serving its existing customer base while moving towards the next phase of growth. The combined platform brings together complementary product capabilities, manufacturing depth, and long-standing OEM relationships to support the increasing electronics content and electrification requirements of the automotive industry.

FourFront is a trusted supplier to leading Passenger Vehicle (“PV”)and Commercial Vehicle (“CV”) OEMs in India, with a strong portfolio spanning electromechanical switches, power electronics products and electric vehicle (“EV”) products. With the rapid evolution of vehicle architectures and rising adoption of electric vehicles, FourFront is well poised to benefit from EV tailwinds, supported by its capabilities in power electronics, engineering depth, and focus on quality and reliability.

The merger represents an important step in the Company’s journey to build a scaled, integrated automotive electronics and electrical platform, offering end-to-end solutions to OEM customers across conventional and electric vehicle programs.

Bain Capital will continue to support Dhoot Transmissions and FourFront through its global automotive experience and value-creation capabilities, as it scales its automotive electronics and electrical platform and pursues its next phase of growth. This support is expected to further strengthen the combined platform’s ability to deepen OEM partnerships, expand product offerings, and drive operational excellence in line with evolving customer requirements.

Commenting on the transaction, Rahul Dhoot, Managing Director, Dhoot Transmission Group, said, “This partnership is closely aligned with our strategy of building a differentiated automotive platform with strong capabilities in electronics and electrical systems. FourFront has developed trusted relationships with OEM customers and built meaningful expertise in power electronics. As part of the Dhoot platform, FourFront and its team will be well positioned to continue delivering the same level of quality and service levels to customers while benefiting from our scale, manufacturing depth, and long-term investment approach.”

Saahil Bhatia, Partner at Bain Capital, said,

“India continues to be an economy with a strong long-term growth trajectory, supported by favourable demographics, rising domestic consumption, and sustained investment in manufacturing and infrastructure. Against this backdrop, we see a compelling opportunity to support platforms like Dhoot, and now FourFront, as they scale capabilities, deepen OEM partnerships, and build high-quality automotive solutions aligned with evolving technologies such as ADAS and increasing electronics content across vehicle segments.”

“Over the last 15+ years, FourFront has built very a strong foundation and is recognized for innovative solutions, superior design capabilities, and responsiveness towards customer demands,” said Shrikant Neurgaonkar, Chairperson and Managing Director at FourFront. “The partnership with Dhoot Transmission and Bain Capital will put us in a strong position to further enhance our product offerings and continue to invest in manufacturing facilities, R&D and people for the next phase of growth. We’re very excited to partner with Dhoot Transmission to create an electronics platform focused on technical and operational excellence.”

The partnership is expected to support growth by enabling broader product offerings, deeper customer engagement, and operational efficiencies through a shared manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystem. It also strengthens the Company’s presence across PV and CV segments, aligned with long-term industry trends, including electrification and increasing electronics penetration.

KPMG and PwC served as financial advisors, and Trilegal served as legal advisors to Dhoot Transmission. KPMG Corporate Finance and Desai & Diwanji served as advisors to FourFront

MedScout Raises $10M and Launches AI Agents for MedTech Commercial Teams

Backed by Fulcrum Equity Partners, MedScout has grown enterprise revenue by 3x since its Series A as MedTech companies adopt AI agents to turn commercial strategy into field execution

AUSTIN, TX — Feb 25

MedScout, the commercial engine for MedTech, announced a $10M growth round led by Fulcrum Equity Partners, with participation from existing investors Live Oak Venture Partners and Stage 2 Capital. The round, which more than doubled the company’s valuation from its Series A, will fuel continued investment in MedScout’s AI capabilities and support growing demand from enterprise customers.

“MedScout is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in MedTech: turning company strategy into revenue performance,” said Philip Lewis, Partner at Fulcrum Equity Partners. “What they’ve built combines commercial expertise and AI to solve that problem in a highly actionable way that’s unique to each customer. This is the future of how companies put AI to work, and it’s why we’re doubling down on our investment in MedScout.”

Alongside the funding, MedScout is launching Strategies, AI agents that analyze market and account-level referral networks, procedure volumes, payer dynamics, and more to deliver prioritized, ready-to-work territory plans to reps.

“MedTech companies spend months developing commercial strategies that don’t make it to the field as intended,” said Skylar Talley, Co-founder and CEO of MedScout. “MedScout bridges that gap by translating commercial priorities into clear, territory-specific actions. Sales reps know which providers to prioritize and how to build and expand those relationships.”

MedTech commercial teams face a core disconnect: strategy is set at the top, but the tools reps use in the field don’t reflect it. Instead, reps rely on Google, stale spreadsheets, or data platforms that lack the context to tell them what really matters.

Each Strategy is an AI agent built around a company’s specific commercial context, how it wins in the market, and its definition of a best-fit target. Drawing on industry expertise and field-tested patterns from working with hundreds of MedTech commercial teams, each agent can pinpoint the accounts and physicians most likely to convert. MedScout made Strategies available to customers in late 2025.

“In January, our customers deployed 81% more unique AI agents than the month before — evidence that sales teams are seeing value quickly and building on early success,” said Talley.

MedScout’s growth reflects the urgency of the problem it solves. Enterprise MedTech organizations are increasingly relying on MedScout to keep their large and distributed sales forces focused on the right accounts and opportunities. Enterprise revenue has grown 3x since its Series A in July 2024, and monthly active reps are up 135% month over month as sales teams expand their use of Strategies.

“Everything we do is in service of better patient outcomes, and that starts with getting our innovations into the hands of the right clinicians,” said Meraj Khan, Chief Marketing Officer, Surgical Innovations at GE Healthcare. “MedScout has been a strategic partner in helping our field teams identify, prioritize, and connect with the facilities and providers where our technologies can have the greatest impact. The result is stronger commercial performance and more patients benefiting from precision care. We’re proud to work with MedScout and excited for this next phase of our partnership.”

MedScout customers deploy Strategies aligned to their specific growth priorities and market positioning, such as:

• A surgical robotics company pinpoints orthopedic surgeons who perform high volumes of traditional total knee replacements, have a Medicare-heavy patient mix (60%+), and haven’t adopted robotic-assisted procedures. Reps get a clear list of high-fit targets where the clinical case for adoption is already established.
• A diagnostic imaging company identifies primary care physicians within a 25-mile radius of a priority account who see patients with pulmonary nodules but refer lung biopsies to competing practices. Reps receive a prioritized list of physicians whose referral patterns offer the greatest opportunity to expand biopsy volume at the target facility.
• A cardiology device company identifies hospitals that performed 30% fewer TAVR procedures year over year while maintaining 250+ annual cardiac catheterization cases. Reps get a ranked list of high-capacity programs losing structural heart volume — a clear signal to re-evaluate technology partnerships. Each site has a tailored ROI story that quantifies revenue at risk and frames a path to recapture volume.

MedScout is actively deploying Strategies within commercial teams across MedTech.

Maharashtra Tourism Gears Up to Showcase the “Unlimited” Potential of the State at SATTE 2026

Feb 25: The Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, is set to make a dynamic and impactful presence at the 32nd edition of SATTE 2026 – South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) – the region’s premier B2B travel and tourism exhibition. Organised by Informa Markets, the three-day event will be held from 25 to 27 February 2026 at the world-class Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), Dwarka, New Delhi – a venue that benefits India’s ambitions as a global tourism powerhouse. The 32nd edition of SATTE is expected to see participation from over 50 countries and 28 state tourism boards, making it an unparalleled platform for business, networking, and destination promotion.

Maharashtra Tourism will highlight the state’s rich and diverse tourism offerings – a compelling narrative that encapsulates everything the state has to offer: UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, picturesque hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, 12 UNESCO Forts, Kumbhmela, thriving wildlife sanctuaries like Tadoba, pristine beaches along the Konkan coast, spiritual circuits, adventure hotspots, and the cultural vibrancy of bustling urban centres like Mumbai and Pune. The participation is aimed at forging new partnerships, deepening B2B collaborations, and firmly positioning Maharashtra as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers.

The Maharashtra delegation led by Shri Santosh Jadhav, Joint Director (DoT), Shri Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, General Manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and Shri Vijay Jadhav, Deputy Director DoT, will bring together a cross-section of key tourism stakeholders – including hoteliers, tour operators, heritage site managers, adventure providers, and destination management experts. At the dedicated Maharashtra Pavilion, visitors can look forward to immersive audio-visual displays on LED screens, interactive B2B meetings, and one-on-one sessions to explore tailored itineraries, product innovations, and fresh collaboration opportunities.

SATTE 2026 provides an ideal platform for Maharashtra to engage with tour operators, wholesalers, inbound travel agencies, and global industry professionals at a time when India’s tourism sector is experiencing robust growth. Maharashtra has emerged as India’s top-ranked state for foreign tourist arrivals, accounting for 17.69% of all foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2024. The state welcomed approximately 3.705 million international visitors in 2024 – a remarkable surge from 3.388 million in 2023 and 1.512 million in 2022, underscoring the state’s accelerating appeal. With a sustained focus on responsible and sustainable tourism – as recently recognised at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards 2026 – Maharashtra Chapter – the state is well-poised to attract discerning travellers seeking authentic, inclusive, and meaningful experiences.

SATTE 2026 is a key milestone in Maharashtra’s ongoing efforts to promote its diverse tourism landscape to global audiences. Attendees are invited to visit the Maharashtra Stall at B310, Hall 1 and discover how Maharashtra offers truly unlimited possibilities — from the historic hill and sea forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the serene backwaters of the Konkan coast, to the thriving wildlife of Tadoba and the cultural vibrancy of cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). B2B meetings at the event will help build sustainable partnerships that benefit local communities and visitors alike.

Speaking to the media, Sri. Shambhuraj Desai, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Maharashtra’s presence at SATTE 2026 is our vision of positioning the state as a global tourism powerhouse. With our ‘Unlimited’ potential – ranging from the legendary forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to our pristine Konkan coastline—we are proud to remain India’s top destination for international travelers. Our goal at this 32nd edition is not just to showcase our heritage, but to invite the world to witness a Maharashtra that is modern, sustainable, and culturally unmatched.”

On this Occasion, Sri. Sanjay Khandare, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, said, “With Maharashtra accounting for nearly 18% of India’s foreign tourist arrivals, SATTE 2026 serves as a strategic bridge to further globalize our reach. We are focusing heavily on a diversified portfolio that includes MICE, eco-tourism, and adventure hotspots to ensure Maharashtra remains an all-season destination. By engaging with over 50 countries here at Yashobhoomi, we aim to forge long-term B2B partnerships that will drive high-value, responsible tourism growth across our urban and rural circuits.”

Speaking to the media, Dr. B.N.Patil, IAS, Director, Directorate of Tourism (DoT), said, “Our pavilion at SATTE 2026 is designed to be an immersive experience, reflecting the authentic and inclusive spirit of Maharashtra. Following our recent recognition at the Indian Responsible Tourism State Awards, we are eager to highlight our community-based experiences and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta and Ellora. We invite all industry stakeholders to visit us at Stall B310 to explore how our tailored itineraries and innovative tourism products can create meaningful value for travelers and local communities alike.”

On this Occasion, Sri. Neelesh Gatne, Managing Director, MTDC, said, “Our mission is to translate Maharashtra’s vast potential into world-class guest experiences. For SATTE 2026, we are showcasing a revamped hospitality infrastructure—from our heritage properties to new boutique eco-resorts – that caters to the modern traveler’s demand for authenticity and comfort. By integrating digital-first booking systems and specialized packages for the MICE and wedding segments, we are ensuring that our B2B partners have a robust, reliable foundation to bring the world to Maharashtra. We aren’t just selling destinations; we are offering the soul of ‘Majha Maharashtra’ through sustainable and community-driven hospitality.”

The Maharashtra Pavilion will feature engaging elements including audio-visual displays on LED screens, curated promotional materials on flagship initiatives such as eco-tourism, rural and community-based experiences, adventure tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities – reinforcing Maharashtra’s credentials as a world-class, all-season destination.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India starts production of the new Škoda Kushaq at Pune Plant

Pune, Feb 24: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has marked a key milestone in India with the start of production of the new Kushaq at its world-class Chakan plant in Pune. Built on the Group’s ‘Make in India, for India and the world’ vision, the SUV reflects the evolving aspirations of customers in India and markets around the world.

As a catalyst for the Group’s focus on high localisation, low ownership costs, and quick turnaround times, the Kushaq was the first model under the INDIA 2.0 strategy – designed specifically for India’s versatile driving conditions and diverse customer needs. The new Kushaq blends refined European driving dynamics, advanced equipment, passenger comfort, and safety with compelling value. 

Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto a.s. Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “For us, the Kushaq holds a very special place as the first car developed specifically for a market outside Europe and born from true collaboration between India and the Czech Republic. The start of production of the new Kushaq in Pune in such a short span of time highlights how strongly India is integrated into our global manufacturing ecosystem. The robust production quality, combined with the continuous improvement in our processes, allows us to deliver feature-packed vehicles that meet domestic expectations and international standards. Kushaq’s continued success underlines how India is not only a key growth market but also an increasingly important production and export base for our global operations.”

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “The new Kushaq is an evolution and continues to be a key pillar in our mission to bring European engineering excellence within reach of Indian families. This SUV embodies our DNA with its robust design, advanced features and uncompromising safety. Listening closely to our customers, we have added several premium features such as a Panoramic Sunroof, rear-seat massage function and a new 8‑speed automatic transmission option, making it an even more compelling offering. With the start of production, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to India and to positioning it as a strategic manufacturing hub. We are confident that the new Kushaq will continue to delight customers and increase its fanbase in India.” 

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The Kushaq has been a transformative product for Škoda in India. As our first model under the INDIA 2.0 strategy, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that combined high localisation, world-class manufacturing at Pune, a deep understanding of Indian customers, and our commitment to democratising technology for the Indian market. With the new Kushaq, we are further building on that strong foundation, delivering European driving dynamics and 5-star safety that customers associate with Škoda. This is the start of our product offensive for this year, as we expand our product range in line with evolving customer demands. Alongside our product expansion, we will continue our focus on growing our network, maintaining a service-first approach, and establishing a differentiated brand, reinforcing our strategy of building trust and driving excellence.” 

Over the years, the Kushaq has built a reputation for driving dynamics, creature comfort and solid safety, making it a dependable choice in India and international markets. The SUV has played a pivotal role in SAVWIPL’s growth in India and is a key contributor to the Group’s record-breaking 117,000 units sold in 2025.

The new Kushaq made its world premiere in January 2026, with deliveries set to begin in March. The overwhelming pre-booking response to the new Kushaq further reinforces customer trust in the marque.