Category Archives: Business

Imagicaaworld Entertainment Accelerates India Expansion Strategy with 50 percent Stake in Mehsana Next Park

Aug 06: Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, India‘s largest amusement and water park operator, today announced that it has signed an investment agreement to acquire a 50% equity stake in Mehsana Next Parks Private Limited (MNPPL), the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to own, operate and expand Shanku’s Water Park in Mehsana, Gujarat.

The investment marks another significant milestone in Imagicaaworld‘s expansion strategy, which is focused on scaling its presence across high-growth markets through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and disciplined capital deployment. By partnering with established regional destinations, the company is building a stronger nationwide network of leisure assets while elevating guest experiences and creating sustainable long-term value.

As part of the transaction, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited will invest ₹50 crores in MNPPL, which has acquired Shanku’s Water Park through a slump sale arrangement. The SPV also plans to raise additional capital over the next 12–18 months to introduce new attractions, enhance infrastructure and further strengthen the park‘s appeal as a leading family entertainment destination. Beyond its equity participation, Imagicaaworld will rebrand it as Aqua Imagicaa at Shanku’s and will serve as the Operations & Management (O&M) partner for the park, bringing its proven expertise in park operations, safety systems, guest experience, food & beverage, retail and revenue optimisation. Under the O&M arrangement, the company will earn management fees ranging between 6% to 10%, based on agreed performance parameters.

Commenting on the investment, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, said: “This investment represents another important step in our long-term growth journey. Our strategy is to expand Imagicaaworld‘s presence by partnering with strong regional assets where we can create value through our operational expertise, guest-centric approach and proven capabilities. Gujarat is one of India‘s fastest-growing leisure and tourism markets, and Shanku’s Water Park has built a strong brand and loyal customer base over the years. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to elevate the park into a destination that sets new benchmarks for water-based entertainment while delivering sustainable growth for all stakeholders.”

He further added: “India‘s leisure and entertainment industry is entering an exciting phase of growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing domestic tourism and growing demand for quality family experiences. At Imagicaaworld, we believe this presents a significant opportunity to build a stronger ecosystem of professionally managed entertainment destinations across the country. Our expansion strategy is designed not only to grow our business but also to contribute to the development of India‘s leisure infrastructure by bringing global operating standards, innovation and exceptional guest experiences to more markets.”

The investment further reinforces Imagicaaworld Entertainment‘s vision of becoming India‘s leading integrated leisure and entertainment platform. By combining strategic investments with best-in-class operational capabilities, the company continues to expand its footprint across the country, strengthen regional tourism, generate local employment, and contribute to the growth of India‘s rapidly evolving leisure and entertainment industry.

A Visionary Leader for a New Era: Abnash Kumar Joins OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI as General Manager

Maldives, Aug 05 – In a strategic appointment that signals a new chapter of operational refinement and sustainable innovation, THE OZEN COLLECTION welcomes Abnash Kumar as General Manager of its ultra-luxury sanctuary, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Abnash arrives with more than two decades of distinguished leadership across some of the world’s most iconic hospitality destinations—from a legendary hotel  in New York to the pristine shores of the Maldives. His career traverses the United States, South Africa, India, and the Maldives, offering a rare synthesis of global perspective and hands-on operational mastery.

Colleagues and industry peers describe him as a leader who quietly transforms the spaces he touches—elevating guest experiences not through grand gestures, but through the steady calibration of service, culture, and sustainability. His tenure at luxury resorts in the Maldives saw him spearhead award-winning projects celebrated globally for their innovation and eco-conscious design.

His philosophy is grounded in a belief that luxury and responsibility are not opposing forces, but essential partners. This alignment with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s ethos of Refined Elegance makes his arrival at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI particularly resonant. As the resort continues to evolve as a haven of privacy, personalisation, and quiet grandeur, Abnash’s leadership is expected to further deepen its reputation as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished retreats.

Reflecting on his appointment, Abnash shared: “It is a privilege to join OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI at such an exciting time. The brand and resort’s dedication to authentic, sustainable luxury resonates deeply with my own values. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to elevate the guest journey, nurture our people, and continue building a legacy of excellence across our island sanctuaries.”

His arrival comes as THE OZEN COLLECTION enters a transformative phase, with plans for international expansion and deepened commitments to regenerative tourism. Abnash’s expertise in Strategic Planning, Project Management, Business Operations and Hospitality sector makes him as a key architect of this next chapter.

“We are delighted to welcome Abnash to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI,” said Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core. “His notable career across the world’s most iconic destinations, combined with being a well-rounded hotelier with his passion for guest and team care, reflects our philosophy of Refined Elegance. We are confident that his leadership will further elevate the personalised journeys we craft for our guests—moments of quiet luxury that linger long after they leave our island.”

Abnash holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Mumbai and a Diploma from Rizvi College of Hotel Management. His appointment reflects THE OZEN COLLECTION’s continued investment in visionary leadership, ensuring that its island sanctuaries remain at the forefront of luxury hospitality in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The Deconstructed Self: Natalie Christensen Explores the Psychology of Place

University of South Dakota Presents Solo Exhibition by Internationally Recognized Santa Fe Photographer Natalie Christensen

Aug 5 – VERMILLION, SOUTH DAKOTA and SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The University Art Galleries at the University of South Dakota are pleased to present The Deconstructed Self: Photographic Works by Natalie Christensen on view October 7–30, 2026, in the John A. Day Gallery at the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, University of South Dakota. An Opening Reception will be held Friday, October 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Previous (Traveling) Exhibition: Deconstructed Self, Installation View, Intersect Arts Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 2022

In The Deconstructed Self, internationally recognized photographer Natalie Christensen transforms the overlooked spaces of everyday life into quietly compelling meditations on perception, memory, and identity. Rather than documenting dramatic landscapes or decisive moments, Christensen photographs the peripheral spaces of the American Southwest—parking lots, adobe walls, sidewalks, swimming pools, and the shifting interplay of light and shadow—revealing them as places where ordinary experience becomes psychologically resonant. Rooted in what might best be described as a psychology of place, her photographs explore the ways our inner lives are shaped by the environments we inhabit, inviting viewers to discover profound meaning within the most familiar surroundings.

open to new ideas

According to Amy Fill, Director of the University Art Galleries, Christensen’s work shows “the unexpected convergence of photography and identity,” asking viewers “what it means to find yourself in the places you least expected to look.” These spaces reveal themselves as psychologically charged landscapes that quietly reflect the complexities of personal transformation.

sign and chair

Christensen’s photographs are deeply informed by her previous career as a psychotherapist, where exploring the hidden, the unconscious, and the unspoken formed the foundation of her professional life. After relocating from Kentucky to New Mexico in 2014, she found herself captivated not by the grandeur of the Southwestern landscape, but by its quieter, overlooked spaces. Rather than documenting place alone, Christensen asks viewers to participate in the act of seeing itself, encouraging them to project their own experiences, emotions, and memories onto seemingly ordinary scenes. In doing so, she transforms commonplace environments into visual metaphors that reveal the subtle relationship between landscape and the human psyche.

you can’t get there from here

As Christensen explains,

“As a psychotherapist, I learned the art of asking the question—in many ways these photographs are an extension of that work.”

Deconstructed Self has enjoyed a successful national tour, premiering at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center in Fort Worth, Texas, before traveling to Intersect Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri; Sahara West Museum and Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; and most recently the Gannett Art Gallery at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York. Following its presentation at the University of South Dakota, The Deconstructed Self will travel to the Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a solo exhibition in the spring of 2028.

can’t escape my own escape

During the exhibition, Christensen will also present an artist talk and featured lecture as part of the South Dakota Art Education Association (SDAEA) and South Dakota College Art Association (SDCAA) Art Educators Conference, held October 8–10, 2026, at the University of South Dakota. The annual conference brings together K–12 art educators, university faculty, museum professionals, practicing artists, and students from throughout the region for lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and the exchange of innovative ideas in arts education.

The University Art Galleries at the University of South Dakota have established themselves as one of the region’s leading academic venues for contemporary art, presenting nationally and internationally recognized artists while serving as a vital cultural and educational resource for the university and the broader community. For students of art, design, psychology, education, and the humanities alike, the exhibition demonstrates the remarkable capacity of contemporary photography to foster critical thinking, close observation, and meaningful dialogue across disciplines. It is precisely the kind of exhibition that enriches both academic study and public conversation.

Natalie Christensen in her Santa Fe, New Mexico, studio – Photographer Credit: Christine Alexander

Natalie Christensen is an internationally recognized photographer whose work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Her recent honors include the Great Meadows Foundation Grant (2025), the All About Photo Merit Award (2024), selection as a UAE Embassy Culture Tour Delegate, the commissioned cover photograph for the Santa Fe New Mexican special edition celebrating the opening of the Vladem Contemporary (2023), and selection for the New Mexico Purchase Initiative through New Mexico Arts / Department of Cultural Affairs (2023). Her work has received widespread critical acclaim in publications including The Guardian (London), Creative Boom, and The British Journal of Photography. She has also been featured in several distinguished publications, including Minimalism in Photography (teNeues, Düsseldorf, Germany), for which she was the cover and featured artist, and the monograph 007 – Natalie Christensen (Setanta Books, London). Her photographs are held in numerous public collections.

University of South Dakota, Art Galleries

Exhibition Information

The Deconstructed Self: Photographic Works by Natalie Christensen October 7–30, 2026

Opening Reception Friday, October 9, 2026 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Artist Talk & SDAEA/SDCAA Art Educators Conference Presentation October 8–10, 2026

University of South Dakota John A. Day Gallery University Art Galleries Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, South Dakota 57069

Sridhar Babu to inaugurate HIPLEX 2026, India’s third-largest Plastics Expo

Hyderabad, Aug 05: Telangana Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, Industries & Commerce D. Sridhar Babu will inaugurate HIPLEX 2026, South & Central India’s largest plastics exhibition and India’s third-largest plastics expo, at 11.30 am on August 7 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad.

The exhibition will remain open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm on all four days.

Online registration before August 7 is free. Visitors registering at the venue from August 7 onwards can enter by paying a ₹300 visitor fee.

Organised by the Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA), the four-day triennial exhibition will be held from August 7 to 10 across seven exhibition halls covering over 26,000 square metres, making it the largest edition of HIPLEX since its inception. The entry to the expo toll 6th August is free and can be revered online. From the inaugural days onwards, the entry will be by way of tickets priced at Rs 300/- per person per day. 

Other dignitaries expected to attend the inaugural include Krishna Aditya S., Special Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana; Arvind Mehta, Chairman, Governing Council, All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA); Dr. Raju Desai, President, Plast India Foundation. 

Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference at FTCCI, Narendra Baldwa, President, TAAPMA; Meela Jayadev, Convener, HIPLEX 2026; Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President, AIPMA; and N. Bhaskar Reddy, Senior Vice President, TAAPMA, said HIPLEX 2026 would be the biggest-ever edition of the exhibition.

More than 550 exhibitors will showcase products and technologies, while over 50,000 business visitors from India and abroad are expected to attend. Around 160 companies from Gujarat, 110 exhibitors from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and nearly 40 companies from China are participating.

The exhibition will feature live demonstrations of plastics processing machinery, moulds, raw materials, automation technologies, recycling systems, packaging innovations, specialty chemicals and finished plastic products.

Mr. Narendra Baldwa said TAAPMA, a 55-year-old apex industry body representing more than 1,000 members, has been working to promote technological advancement, sustainability and responsible growth in the plastics industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Meela Jayadev said plastics have become indispensable to modern life.

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

He said India’s per capita plastic consumption is about 7 kg, compared to around 24 kg in China, indicating enormous potential for future growth.

One of the biggest attractions at HIPLEX 2026 will be the Dedicated Recycling Pavilion, showcasing the remarkable transformation of plastic waste into high-value products.

Visitors will witness how 25 discarded PET bottles can be converted into a wearable T-shirt, while a wide range of innovative products made from recycled plastics—including roads, railway sleepers, bricks, benches, bus shelters, furniture, roofing materials and even houses—will be on display.

The pavilion carries a simple yet powerful message: Without recycling, garbage remains garbage. With recycling, garbage becomes a resource.

Mr. Jayadev said India has already built over one lakh kilometres of roads using waste plastic, making it one of the world’s leading adopters of plastic road technology. Around one tonne of waste plastic can be utilised for every kilometre of road, resulting in stronger, more durable and water-resistant roads.

He announced that school benches made from recycled plastic are expected to be introduced in Telangana shortly, reflecting the growing acceptance of recycled plastic products in public infrastructure.

The Recycling Pavilion will also showcase global innovations including plastic houses, recycled plastic bridges, plastic boats, bottle-to-fashion technologies and sustainable construction materials, demonstrating how discarded plastic is becoming tomorrow’s raw material.

Visitors will also learn how recycled plastic furniture outlasts conventional materials. Unlike wood, it neither rots nor attracts termites. Unlike metal, it does not rust. Many such products last 25 to 50 years and can themselves be recycled again.

Mr. Jayadev said plastics today extend far beyond packaging and consumer goods.

Advanced engineering plastics are replacing steel, copper and wood in several applications because of their strength, durability and lightweight properties. Today, plastics are extensively used in aerospace, defence, automobiles, electronics, precision engineering and renewable energy.

Modern medical-grade polymers are increasingly used in artificial joints, cardiovascular devices, life-saving medical equipment and components of next-generation artificial heart systems.

From hospitals to highways, from satellites to sustainable housing, plastics are quietly transforming modern life,” he observed.

Welcoming the Government of India’s move towards introducing ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes, Mr. Anil Reddy Vennam, Senior Vice President, AIPMA, described it as another milestone in the adoption of advanced polymer technology.

Polymer banknotes last significantly longer than paper currency, offer superior security features and reduce replacement costs. They are another example of how innovation is redefining the plastics industry.”

Mr. Reddy said that, based on industry discussions, polymer currency notes are expected to enter circulation later this year, though the rollout schedule rests with the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India.

He expressed the view that the first generation of polymer banknotes should preferably be manufactured using virgin polymer to ensure the highest standards of quality, durability and security. As recycling technologies continue to advance, he believes future generations of polymer currency could progressively incorporate recycled polymers wherever technically and security-wise feasible.

Mr. Reddy added that the Government of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework has mandated the phased use of recycled plastic content in several categories of plastic packaging, encouraging the industry to move steadily towards a circular economy.

He noted that India has emerged as one of the world’s largest plastic recycling ecosystems, with nearly 40% of plastics being recycled nationally, while Telangana has significant potential to further improve recycling levels.

The plastics industry, he said, is currently growing at 8–10% annually.

He also pointed out that PET bottles are increasingly being recycled into garments, furniture and other products. Coca-Cola and several other companies have significantly expanded bottle collection and recycling initiatives, contributing to the circular economy.

According to Mr. Reddy, the future belongs to smart plastics, recyclable plastics and circular manufacturing.

Plastics are no longer just packaging materials. They are enabling technologies for healthcare, transportation, aerospace, infrastructure, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

HIPLEX 2026 will also host technical conferences, knowledge sessions and business networking events covering new raw materials, emerging applications, sustainability, automation and future technologies.

HIPLEX 2026 aims to showcase how innovation, recycling and the circular economy are transforming the plastics industry while creating new opportunities for investment, technology partnerships and sustainable manufacturing.

Beyond Ola & Uber: Five mobility apps driving the future of urban transportation in India

Aug 5: As India’s urban mobility landscape continues to evolve, the conversation is shifting beyond traditional ride hailing. A new generation of startups is reimagining transportation through electric vehicles, premium customer experiences, technology driven fleet management, and more sustainable business models. These companies are not just moving people from one place to another, they are shaping the future of urban mobility in India.

As India’s urban mobility ecosystem evolves, commuters are looking beyond traditional ride hailing for experiences that are smarter, cleaner, and more reliable. A new generation of mobility apps is redefining how people travel by combining electric vehicles, premium service, technology-led operations, and customer-first experiences. Here are five mobility platforms that are shaping the future of transportation in India.

1. Trev Mobility

A Gurugram-based all-electric chauffeur-driven mobility app, Trev Mobility is redefining premium urban travel with services spanning airport transfers, city rides, rentals, corporate travel, and outstation journeys. Starting with just two electric vehicles, the company has grown to a fleet of over 100 EVs across Delhi NCR and has completed more than 50,000 rides. Its recent ₹3.65 crore community-led funding round, backed by users and customers, reflects the trust it has built by delivering a reliable, premium, and sustainable mobility experience.

2. Green SM

The international electric ride hailing platform has entered India with an app-first approach focused exclusively on electric mobility. Its expansion underscores the growing confidence in India’s EV ecosystem and rising demand for sustainable urban transportation.

3. Rapido

Originally known for bike taxis, Rapido has evolved into a full stack mobility app offering bike, auto, and cab services. Its focus on affordability, accessibility, and technology has made it one of India’s fastest-growing urban mobility platforms.

4. Shoffr

Shoffr is a chauffeur-driven mobility app designed for users seeking scheduled, premium, and dependable transportation. The platform caters to business travellers and professionals who prioritise comfort, punctuality, and a superior ride experience.

5. Namma Yatri

Built on an open network model, Namma Yatri is reimagining ride hailing through a driver-first approach. The platform offers greater transparency, lower commissions for drivers, and a community-led ecosystem that is reshaping the economics of urban mobility.

RBI’s Stable Policy to Drive Growth in Tier 2 Real Estate Markets:Mr. Nikhil Madan

By:- Mr. Nikhil Madan, MD Mahima Group on RBI MPC Announcement

“The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25%, coupled with an upward revision in the GDP outlook to 6.7%, reinforces the view that the economy is entering a phase of measured and sustainable growth. For Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, this macroeconomic stability is particularly significant, as rising incomes, infrastructure investments and improving business activity continue to reshape both residential and commercial demand.

In the luxury housing segment, buyers today are driven less by short-term market movements and more by long-term confidence in the economy and the quality of the product they are investing in. At the same time, a stable inflation trajectory creates a supportive environment for commercial real estate, as businesses remain focused on expansion and long-term capacity building. The current economic indicators point towards a market that is becoming more mature, with Tier 2 centres emerging as important engines of growth across both residential and commercial real estate.”

RBI’s Stable Repo Rate Strengthens Confidence in Real Estate Growth: Mr. Ravi Agarwal

“The RBI‘s decision to maintain the repo rate reflects a measured approach in navigating evolving global and domestic economic conditions. Policy stability provides greater confidence to businesses, investors, and homebuyers while supporting long-term planning.

 

For the real estate sector, a stable interest rate environment continues to encourage homebuyer confidence and enables developers to plan investments with greater certainty. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), strong infrastructure development, urban redevelopment, and sustained demand continue to reinforce the market’s long-term growth potential.

 

We remain optimistic about India’s real estate sector, with structural demand, improving connectivity, and continued policy support positioning it for sustainable long-term growth.”

Leap Launches AI Answer Engine to Give Study-Abroad Students Instant, Counsellor-Grade Answers

Aug 05: Leap, South Asia’s largest AI-powered study–abroad ecosystem, today announced the launch of the Leap Answer Engine, an AI system that answers the questions Indian students ask most while preparing to study overseas: visas, budgets, English-proficiency tests and university requirements. The engine serves students directly and acts as an always-on co-pilot for Leap‘s counsellors, who otherwise field hundreds of these questions each day.

Study–abroad advising is high-volume: a single counsellor can be handling dozens of students at once, each tied to different visa rules and shifting test-score cutoffs. Students who cannot wait often turn to forums for answers Leap‘s own team already has. The Answer Engine puts that experience directly in front of them.

When a student asks a question, such as whether IELTS is required for a Canadian master’s degree, the engine searches three sources at once, Leap Brain, the open web and the 11/10 Knowledge Base, and writes a tailored response in seconds.

Leap Brain serves as the foundation of the Answer Engine, acting as Leap‘s institutional memory built from years of guiding students through the study–abroad journey. It contains transcripts from past counselling sessions, documents from previous applications, country-specific guides and curated knowledge articles, enabling the engine to draw on real application experience rather than relying solely on information available on the internet.

“Our counsellors already knew most of the answers students needed. What was missing was speed,” said Arnav Kumar, Co-founder, Leap. “The Answer Engine puts that experience in front of students the moment they need it and frees our counsellors for the decisions that need a human.”

Every answer is logged and reviewed. A flagged response is fixed at the rule level, added to Leap Brain as new knowledge, or promoted into the 11/10 Answer Bank if it was excellent, with a human reviewer signing off before any change reaches the live system. Leap calls these rules its Skill Library, built from mistakes reviewers catch repeatedly, such as the engine misrouting a country-specific question or overstating a visa timeline.

“We wanted a system that learns judgment the way a counsellor does, case by case,” said Rajan Chaudhary, Co-founder, Leap. “That is what makes it something students and counsellors can rely on.”

The Leap Answer Engine:

●        Draws on Leap Brain, Leap‘s own record of past applications, transcripts and country guides

●        Cross-checks the open web for current visa and university requirements

●        Serves gold-standard answers directly for Leap‘s most common questions, through the 11/10 Knowledge Base

●        Logs and reviews every answer, routing mistakes into rule updates, gaps into Leap Brain, and strong answers into the 11/10 bank

●        Works for students on web and app, and for counsellors as a live co-pilot

The Answer Engine went live last week across Leap‘s app and web platform for all students.

The Answer Engine now handles 11,000 questions a day and has served 6,314 students directly since launch. Monthly active users on Leap‘s app have climbed to nearly 20,000, with adoption running strongest outside the metros, in cities including Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow, Surat and Jaipur, as well as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and New Delhi. 50% more users come back to user after seeing the answer which helps them to gain trust and confidence over leap

Goa Tourism Set to Showcase a Range of New-Age Experiences at TTF Ahmedabad 2026

Focus on Weddings, MICE, Spiritual, Wellness, Culinary and Adventure Tourism to Strengthen Western India Market

Panaji, Goa, Aug 05: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will participate in the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad 2026, one of western India’s leading travel trade exhibitions, being held from August 6 – 8, 2026 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, with a renewed focus on positioning Goa as India’s most diverse year-round tourism destination. Led by the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the state’s participation will highlight Goa’s expanding portfolio of high-value tourism experiences that extend far beyond its beaches.

Recognising Gujarat as one of Goa’s most important domestic source markets, Goa Tourism will engage with travel trade partners, wedding planners, MICE organisers, tour operators, airlines, hospitality stakeholders and media to strengthen collaborations and promote specialised tourism segments that appeal to today’s evolving traveller.

Speaking ahead of the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said: “Goa’s tourism story is evolving. While our beaches remain an enduring attraction, today’s traveller is looking for meaningful, immersive and personalised experiences. Through our participation at TTF Ahmedabad, we want to showcase Goa as a destination that offers world-class weddings, business events, wellness retreats, spiritual journeys, culinary discoveries and adventure experiences throughout the year. Our focus is on creating greater value for visitors while ensuring tourism growth benefits local communities and businesses across the state.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, said: “TTF Ahmedabad serves as an important platform for Goa Tourism to engage directly with travel trade stakeholders and strengthen partnerships in one of our key domestic markets. Through our participation, we are showcasing a wide spectrum of tourism experiences that cater to diverse traveller interests, while creating new opportunities for collaborations with tour operators, wedding planners, MICE organisers and the hospitality sector.”

At TTF Ahmedabad, Goa Tourism will showcase six strategic tourism pillars that are driving the state’s transformation into a year-round experiential destination.

– Weddings – Goa has emerged as one of India’s preferred destinations for destination weddings, offering an unmatched combination of luxury resorts, heritage venues, beachfront celebrations and a mature hospitality ecosystem capable of hosting intimate ceremonies as well as large multi-day celebrations.

– MICE – The state is also strengthening its position as a leading MICE destination, with premium hotels, modern convention facilities, excellent air connectivity and a unique blend of business and leisure experiences that make Goa an ideal choice for conferences, corporate meetings, incentive travel and executive retreats.

– Spiritual Tourism – A key highlight will be the recently launched Ekadasha Teertha Yatra, a curated spiritual circuit connecting 11 ancient temples across Goa. The initiative offers visitors an opportunity to experience Goa’s sacred heritage, local traditions, village life and cultural legacy while supporting tourism in the state’s hinterland.

– Wellness – Goa Tourism will also spotlight the state’s growing wellness tourism offerings, including Ayurveda, yoga, holistic healing, nature retreats and luxury wellness resorts that cater to travellers seeking rejuvenation and mindful travel experiences.

– Food and Culinary Trails – The state’s vibrant culinary tourism landscape will be another major focus, celebrating Goa’s diverse gastronomic traditions through authentic local cuisine, seafood, temple food, farm-to-table experiences, feni heritage, local markets and culinary trails that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage.

– Adventure and Water sports – For adventure enthusiasts, Goa continues to expand its portfolio of adventure tourism experiences across land, sea and forest landscapes, including kayaking, trekking, cycling, wildlife experiences and eco-adventures in the Western Ghats, reinforcing its appeal as an all-season destination.

Goa Tourism’s participation at TTF Ahmedabad aligns with the state’s long-term strategy of promoting high-value, sustainable and regenerative tourism while encouraging visitors to explore the state’s culture, heritage, nature and communities throughout the year. Visitors to the Goa Pavilion will have the opportunity to interact with tourism officials, hospitality and travel stakeholders, discover new itineraries and explore collaborative opportunities across leisure, weddings, MICE, wellness, spiritual, culinary and adventure tourism.

As Goa continues to diversify its tourism offerings and strengthen partnerships with key domestic markets, TTF Ahmedabad provides an important platform to build new business relationships and inspire travellers to experience a side of Goa that is richer, deeper and more immersive than ever before.

SK Telecom Announces Q2 2026 Results

SEOUL, Korea, Aug 5 — SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, hereinafter “SKT”) today announced its consolidated earnings for the second quarter of 2026, based on Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS): revenue of KRW 4.3591 trillion, operating income of KRW 566.0 billion, and net income of KRW 466.0 billion.

Compared with the same period last year, revenue increased by 0.5%, driven by growth in the data center business. Through efficient, profitability‑focused management, operating income rose 5.3% quarter over quarter (QoQ). Year over year (YoY), it surged 67.3%, supported in part by a favorable base effect from one‑off expenses in the prior year.

The telecommunications business, which has remained focused on restoring customer trust, showed a clear turnaround driven by efforts to enhance customer value and improve profitability. The AI business also recorded robust growth as execution accelerated under the company’s strategy of focus and prioritization.

On a non-consolidated basis, the company reported revenue of KRW 3.1170 trillion, operating income of KRW 427.7 billion, and net income of KRW 310.6 billion. The second-quarter dividend is KRW 830 per share,unchanged from the first quarter.

AI data center business gains momentum, fueling growth through rapid execution

The AI data center (AIDC) business is the fastest-growing segment among SKT’s business areas. In the second quarter, AIDC revenue reached KRW 136.2 billion, up 92.5% year over year, driven by expanded operations.

As generative AI adoption spreads across industries and demand for high-performance computing infrastructure surges, timely delivery of AI infrastructure for customers such as global Big Tech companies has never been more critical.

Last month, SKT established SK Hyper to spearhead AIDC business development, strengthening the company’s execution engine. SK Hyper will proactively secure key resources, including land and power capacity, and attract global customers to accelerate execution and seize market leadership.

Led by SK Hyper, SKT has set an initial goal of bringing AIDCs online in phases starting in 2029, targeting a combined capacity of 5 GW.

The telecommunications business continues to deliver qualitative growth centered on customer lifetime value (CLV). Through efficient marketing activities such as identifying new customer segments and running differentiated campaigns, it achieved net additions in mobile subscribers amid a stable market environment.

Customer Lifetime Value represents the total value a customer generates over the entire period of using a particular service, serving as a critical metric that reflects the depth of the relationship between the company and its customers.

In particular, SKT launched integrated 5G and LTE plans in July to reorganize its overall pricing structure while continuously enhancing customer value by improving customer experience and service accessibility.

“In the first half of the year, we focused on strengthening our fundamentals based on stable telecommunications business profitability while laying the foundation for the rapid expansion of our AI data center business,” said Park Jong-seok, CFO of SK Telecom. “Going forward, we will make every effort to play a leading role in enabling Korea to emerge as an AI infrastructure hub in Asia.”

※The conference call regarding SKT’s Q2 2026 earnings will be available on SKT’s website on Wednesday, August 5, at 16:00 KST.

https://irsvc.teletogether.com/skt/skt2026Q2eng.php

 1. Summary of Consolidated Income Statement (Unit: KRW billion)

 2. Summary of Non-Consolidated Income Statement (Unit: KRW billion)