Category Archives: Business

Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Leadership, Purpose, and Vision for Empowering Women

MUMBAI, India, June 17 — Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been featured by leading lifestyle media publication Vogue India. The feature article, titled “Empowering Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Vision for Women-Led Development”, highlights her inspiring leadership journey, her vision for empowering women and girls through education and healthcare, and the transformative impact of Merck Foundation’s programs in advancing healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, and driving social change across Africa and beyond.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential African Women (2019-present) shared, “I am truly honoured to be featured by Vogue India, yet again. As a long-time reader of Vogue, I have always admired its ability to celebrate fashion, individuality, and influential voices. This feature not only highlights the impact of my work but also reflects a message I strongly believe in that women should never feel they must compromise their femininity to become effective leaders. Leadership today is multidimensional; it is not only about the decisions we make, but also about how we present ourselves and represent our mission. I believe confidence, authenticity, professionalism, and personal style can coexist seamlessly, and that embracing our individuality can make us stronger leaders and role models for others.”

Beyond her personal leadership journey, The Vogue India feature also highlights Dr. Kelej’s close collaboration with 33 African and Asian First Ladies, through which she champions programs that empower women in healthcare and STEM, break infertility stigma, support girls’ education, and create lasting impact in communities across Africa and Asia.

Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the lives of millions through their impactful programs including the “Merck Foundation Scholarships Program”, through which more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

She also created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement in 2015, one of the most impactful and widely recognized campaigns, that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. The campaign is building quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention & male infertility, and Supporting Girl Education.

As a passionate advocate for supporting girls’ education Dr. Kelej has launched Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, in partnership with African first Ladies. To date, more than 1,500 annual scholarships are awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books and uniforms, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.

The article also showcases how Dr. Kelej has leveraged innovative and creative platforms, including media, fashion, music, animation films, and storybooks, to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Through these initiatives, Merck Foundation has been able to engage communities and create culture shift in communities across Africa and beyond.

The feature also spotlights Dr. Kelej’s distinctive style and fashion presence while offering insights into the personal philosophy that has guided her journey, she shares, “My learnings and takeaways from my work and journey have been to never give up and always be yourself. Be consistent, persistent, and disciplined. Not only in your work commitments and goals, but also in your personal ones, such as daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-development, to stay relevant. Most importantly, practice daily stress management, which is the key to sustainable high performance.”

Cinnzeo Bakery Café Signs Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement for Telangana Territory in India

Hyderabad – June 16:  Cinnzeo Bakery Café of Canada is pleased to announce the signing of a multi-unit franchise development agreement for the Telangana Territory in India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy.

Under the agreement, the new franchise partner will develop multiple Cinnzeo Bakery Café locations throughout Telangana, including key urban markets such as Hyderabad. The development will introduce Cinnzeo’s signature fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and premium bakery offerings to one of India’s fastest-growing and most dynamic regions.

“We are excited to welcome our Telangana franchise partner to the Cinnzeo family,” said Brad Turner, CEO of Cinnzeo Bakery Café of Canada. “India represents a tremendous growth opportunity for our brand, and Telangana’s strong economic development, vibrant retail sector, and growing consumer demand for premium café experiences make it an ideal market for expansion.”

The multi-unit development agreement reflects Cinnzeo’s commitment to partnering with experienced operators who share the brand’s focus on product quality, operational excellence, and exceptional guest experiences.

Cinnzeo Bakery Café is widely recognized for its oven-fresh cinnamon rolls, made with proprietary recipes and premium ingredients. In addition to its signature Classic Roll, the menu features specialty rolls, Cinnzeo Bites, gourmet coffee beverages, and other bakery café offerings designed to meet evolving consumer preferences.

“Our new franchise partner brings strong local market knowledge and a strategic growth vision,” added Gaurav Marya, CEO of Franchise India. “We look forward to supporting the successful rollout of multiple locations across Telangana and building a strong, long-term presence in the region.”

The first Telangana location is anticipated to open in 2026, with additional units to follow in accordance with the agreed development schedule.

This agreement further strengthens Cinnzeo’s global footprint and reinforces its position as a leading specialty bakery café brand committed to thoughtful, sustainable international growth.

Wood Mackenzie: Data centre metals demand isn’t an asset story. It’s a grid story.

Grid infrastructure requirements reshape base metals demand outlook to 2040

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, June 16: Research from Wood Mackenzie finds that the base metals required to power the global data centre boom extend far beyond the servers, cooling units, and enclosures inside the facility. When grid reinforcement, transmission networks, and facility-level power systems are included, total system-level metals consumption reaches an estimated three to four times the volume implied by the asset itself.

The research, Data centre metals demand: it’s all about the infrastructure not internals (Wood Mackenzie, June 2026), sets out why the conventional framing of this demand story is incomplete, and what that means for commodity markets, infrastructure investment, and energy policy.

“Most assessments of data centre metals demand stop at the server room door,” said Shashank Sriram, Senior Research Analyst, Al

uminium Markets at Wood Mackenzie. That captures the smallest part of the picture. The infrastructure required to keep a modern data centre running, redundant power systems, on-site generation, transmission reinforcement, has a metals footprint that dwarfs what is happening inside the facility. At the system level, we are looking at three to four times the volume implied within the asset. For investors and grid planners, that is a material difference.”

Key findings at a glance

• Internal aluminium demand peaks at 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes annually, declining from the late 2030s
• Cooling represents approximately 55% of internal aluminium demand; racking and enclosures approximately 25%
• Internal demand grows at approximately 8 to 10% CAGR to the early 2030s, then falls at approximately 2 to 3% per annum
• Annual data centre power capacity additions are projected to peak at approximately 30 to 33 GW in the early 2030s
• Asia-Pacific will exceed 50% of global additions at peak; North America leads early deployment

What is happening inside the facility

Inside the data centre, aluminium demand is concentrated in cooling systems, at approximately 55% of internal use, and racking and enclosures, at approximately 25%. Copper anchors performance at high-density nodes, driven by power density and system complexity rather than structure. Both metals grow at approximately 8 to 10% per year into the early 2030s, before plateauing and declining at approximately 2 to 3% per annum as efficiency gains and AI-driven design optimisation take hold. Total aluminium demand within the asset peaks at 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes annually before trending lower toward the late 2030s.

In short, the internal demand profile is front-loaded and bounded, even as underlying compute demand continues to rise.

Where demand is actually being generated

The first structural shift occurs at the facility boundary. As grid connections slow and local power capacity tightens, operators are building power systems into the facility itself. On-site generation now spans solar and wind with storage, gas engines and turbines, solid oxide fuel cells, and emerging small modular reactor concepts. None of this scales with compute load. It sits alongside it, engineered to guarantee uptime regardless of what the grid does. Wood Mackenzie estimates that this layer alone effectively doubles the metals demand implied within the asset, with aluminium expanding across busways, structural housings, and distribution systems, and copper scaling across high-load interconnections and grounding infrastructure.

The second shift occurs at the grid. Annual data centre-driven power capacity additions are projected to rise from approximately 15 to 20 gigawatts today to a peak of approximately 30 to 33 gigawatts in the early 2030s, stabilising at structurally higher levels thereafter. Asia-Pacific will account for more than half of global additions during the peak phase. North America leads early deployment. These are not incremental grid connections. They are network reinforcement programmes responding to load profiles that existing infrastructure was not designed to absorb.

At this stage, metals demand is no longer driven by the data centre. It is driven by the power system required to sustain it. Aluminium dominates here, scaling across overhead transmission, conductors, and utility-scale generation frameworks. Copper scales across substations, underground connections, and generation-side electrical systems. The split between the two metals is not a function of price. It is determined by the physical limits of each application. Physics defines outcomes. Price influences the boundaries.

When all three layers are aggregated, total system-level metals consumption reaches an estimated three to four times the volume implied within the asset. The result, the report concludes, is not substitution between aluminium and copper, but co-dependent expansion across the base metals complex.

Noida International Airport Takes Flight A New Era of Connectivity and Growth Along the Yamuna Expressway

June 16 : The commencement of commercial flight services by IndiGo from the new Noida International Airport  at Jewar on June 15 marks a transformative milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure and economic development journey. In a landmark moment for Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure landscape, the airport welcomed its inaugural flight from Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, which landed at 8:05 AM on Monday. The return IndiGo service, flight 6E-2279, is scheduled to depart Noida at 6:55 PM and arrive in Lucknow at 8:00 PM. As the first airline to begin operations from the airport, IndiGo will connect the region to multiple cities across India, significantly enhancing accessibility and establishing the Yamuna Expressway corridor as one of the country’s most promising growth destinations.

The launch of flight operations is expected to catalyse investment, employment generation, logistics growth, tourism, and urban development across the region. With direct connectivity to more than 16 cities planned in phases, the airport is poised to emerge as a major aviation hub for North India, complementing Delhi-NCR’s expanding infrastructure ecosystem.

This landmark development further strengthens the investment potential of the Yamuna Expressway, a corridor already witnessing unprecedented momentum through planned infrastructure initiatives, including logistics parks, industrial clusters, Film City, Medical Device Park, and Airport City developments under the YEIDA Master Plan 2041.

While several real estate developers have turned their attention to the Yamuna Expressway corridor in anticipation of the transformative impact of the Noida International Airport, ACE Group has been among the pioneers in recognizing and investing in the region’s long-term potential. Over the years, the company has built a diverse and impressive portfolio of residential, commercial, and plotted developments along the corridor, establishing a strong presence in one of North India’s fastest-growing real estate destinations.

Among the flagship developments is ACE Terra, a premium residential project in Sector 22D that has emerged as one of the most sought-after addresses along the Yamuna Expressway. Building on the project’s strong response from homebuyers and investors, ACE Group has recently unveiled Aurea, two exclusive new towers within the development. Offering thoughtfully designed luxury residences, expansive green surroundings, contemporary architecture, and world-class amenities, ACE Terra and Aurea together reflect the growing demand for high-quality living spaces in close proximity to the now operational Noida International Airport. The development offers residents the unique advantage of enjoying a refined lifestyle while remaining connected to one of India’s most significant infrastructure-led growth corridors.

ACE Group has also introduced ACE YXP, a first-of-its-kind lifestyle and commercial destination on the Yamuna Expressway to be operational this year. Featuring high-street retail, entertainment zones, dining avenues, studio residences, and leisure spaces, and many high-end brands are already on board. The project is envisioned as a vibrant commercial hub catering to the growing residential and business population expected to emerge around the airport ecosystem.

For those seeking long-term investment opportunities, ACE Group presents two integrated township developments along the Yamuna Expressway corridor, each combining strategic location advantages with modern infrastructure and future-ready planning.

The first is a 68-acre township anchored by ACE Estate, a premium plotted development offering investors the foundation of land ownership within a thoughtfully planned community. Complementing the plots is ACE Edit, which offers a contemporary mix of studio apartments and retail spaces, catering to the growing demand for flexible living and commercial formats in the airport-influenced corridor.

The second is a expansive 100-acre township built around ACE Acreville, an equally compelling plotted development evolving into a vibrant mixed-use destination. Within this township, ACE Verde stands as a premium residential development designed to deliver an elevated lifestyle experience amidst thoughtfully planned surroundings. Complementing the residential component is ACE Hive, a commercial project featuring fully furnished business suites managed by Sarovar Hotels, bringing hospitality-led services and professionally managed workspaces to the region.

Together, these developments underscore ACE Group’s vision of creating integrated communities that seamlessly blend residential, commercial, hospitality, and investment opportunities while capitalizing on the immense growth potential of the Yamuna Expressway corridor.

As Noida International Airport welcomes its first passengers, the surrounding region stands at the threshold of unprecedented transformation.

AVILOO turns battery anxiety into battery confidence with industry-first warranty for used EVs

London, June 16 : AVILOO, the global leader in independent EV battery diagnostics, today announces the launch of the AVILOO Battery Warranty in the UK – the first product of its kind to provide used EV buyers with genuine, financially backed protection based entirely on independent battery health data.

The warranty comes into effect in July in the UK, launching simultaneously in Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland, following successful rollouts in France and Sweden in June.

The used EV market in the UK is growing rapidly, but buyer confidence has not kept pace. For most consumers, the battery – the single most expensive component in any electric vehicle – remains an unknown quantity at the point of purchase. Manufacturer-reported health figures are neither independently verified nor standardised. The AVILOO Battery Warranty changes that.

How it works: for dealers

The Battery Warranty is issued as a standalone document, separate from AVILOO’s existing independent battery certificate. It is managed through AVILOO Connect, a new digital dashboard for professional EV remarketing, giving dealers, fleet operators, and remarketing platforms a single interface to manage battery test lifecycles from incoming inspection through to warranty issuance.

For each vehicle, an individual State of Health (SoH) floor is calculated using AVILOO’s proprietary diagnostics database – the largest battery health dataset in the world. The calculation sets the minimum SoH the battery must maintain at 20,000 kilometres over the one-year warranty period. Dealers can offer this warranty to buyers as a credible, independently underwritten selling point, without carrying the risk themselves.

How it works: for buyers

Buyers receive a one-year warranty period during which they can carry out an AVILOO FLASH Test – a three-minute, manufacturer-neutral diagnostic that assesses real battery capacity, thermal management, and charging capability against original factory specifications, covering 96% of EV models currently on the road.

If the battery’s SoH falls below the calculated threshold during the warranty period, the buyer receives £2,700 in compensation plus a full refund of the FLASH Test costs. This is a concrete, unconditional financial backstop, not a vague assurance.

Marcus Berger, CEO of AVILOO, said:

“The AVILOO Battery Warranty raises the used electric vehicle market to a new level. For the first time in the UK, we are providing the foundation for a warranty based solely on objective, independent measurement data. This builds trust and gives British dealers and buyers a level of certainty that simply has not existed before. The UK has one of Europe’s most dynamic used EV markets, and we see enormous appetite from both dealers and consumers to get this right. With the Battery Warranty, we are setting a new industry standard – one that provides orientation for all market participants, strengthens the case for electric mobility, and ensures that used EVs are seen not as a risk, but as a sustainable, trustworthy choice.”

Already trusted by Europe’s biggest automotive names

AVILOO’s credentials in independent battery diagnostics are already well established. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Porsche Holding have each selected AVILOO as their preferred third-party battery testing provider for dealerships across Europe, with the FLASH Test deployed on both own-brand and trade-in vehicles.

Leasing majors Ayvens and Arval use AVILOO as part of their end-of-lease remarketing process. Auction groups BCA and Cox Automotive have integrated the FLASH Test into their European operations. Major dealer groups Hedin and Emil Frey are also live. All relationships are underpinned by European-level agreements.

Navitas Solar Announces Rs. 1,500 Crore Integrated Manufacturing Expansion in Gujarat with 3.6 GW Cell Line and Pilot Wafer & Ingot Line

Surat, June 16 : Navitas Solar, one of India’s solar manufacturers, today announced a proposed investment of approximately INR 1,500 crore towards an integrated manufacturing expansion in Gujarat. The project includes a 3.6 GW high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing facility and a pilot wafer & ingot line, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to deepen backward integration and strengthen India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

The proposed expansion is designed to enhance domestic value addition, reduce long-term dependence on imported components and support India’s broader clean energy and manufacturing ambitions. The project will be developed in phases, with Phase I targeted for commissioning in 2027 and subsequent capacity additions planned thereafter, subject to market conditions and project readiness.

As part of the project, civil work covering over 10 lakh sq. ft. is currently underway. Navitas Solar has put in place the required technology tie-up for the planned manufacturing line and appointed senior leadership to spearhead the new business vertical. The company is further strengthening its project execution, manufacturing, technology and quality functions with experienced talent to support the successful implementation of the expansion and its long-term growth plans.

The cell manufacturing facility is being designed as a highly automated and future-ready production platform capable of supporting next-generation solar technologies. The manufacturing line will be developed with upgradeability and flexibility to adapt to evolving technology pathways, including potential transitions to advanced cell architectures, subject to market and technology readiness.

Along with this investment, a strategic pilot wafer & ingot line is planned in 2027 as a part of its long-term roadmap for deeper backward integration. The initiative is expected to strengthen internal capabilities, enhance technology understanding and support future localization requirements across the solar value chain.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Director Finance & Strategy, Navitas Solar, said,

 “India’s clean energy transition requires strong domestic manufacturing capabilities across the entire solar value chain. Our planned integrated manufacturing expansion in Gujarat is a strategic step towards building a future-ready platform across modules, cells and deeper backward integration. With civil work underway, technology partnership in place, key government approvals secured and senior leadership appointed to drive the project, we are progressing with a clear focus on execution, quality, innovation and long-term competitiveness. This expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem, enhancing supply-chain resilience and supporting the country’s vision of becoming a global clean energy manufacturing hub.”

The expansion comes at a pivotal time for India’s solar sector, following the Government’s implementation of the ALMM List-II framework for solar PV cells.  As domestic module manufacturing capacity continues to expand, the availability of approved domestic solar cells is becoming a critical factor for project planning, supply-chain security and long-term competitiveness. Navitas Solar’s proposed 3.6 GW cell facility is aligned with this national policy direction and is expected to support the industry’s transition towards higher domestic value addition, reduced import dependence and stronger clean energy self-reliance.

The project is expected to generate nearly 1,000 employment opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, operations, project execution, quality assurance and research functions, while also creating significant indirect employment across logistics, ancillary industries and supporting services. Navitas Solar currently has an annual solar module manufacturing capacity of 3 GW and offers a comprehensive portfolio of Mono PERC and high-efficiency TOPCon modules ranging from 40W to 720W. The company also has upstream integration through its subsidiary, Navitas Alpha Renewables Pvt. Ltd., which manufactures solar encapsulants, further strengthening the group’s position across the solar manufacturing ecosystem.

With this planned Rs. 1,500 crore investment, Navitas Solar is taking a significant step towards becoming a more integrated, technology-driven and future-ready solar manufacturer, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation, self-reliance and India’s clean energy future.

India’s Culinary Stars Shine at NDTV Food Awards 2026

New Delhi, June 16: The NDTV Food Awards 2026 celebrated some of the finest names in India’s food and hospitality industry, honouring chefs, restaurants, restaurateurs, institutions and professionals who are shaping the way India eats, discovers and experiences food.

The awards brought together the many worlds that define India’s food story today – iconic restaurants, celebrated chefs, ambitious new openings, regional excellence, contemporary dining spaces, landmark institutions and professionals whose work continues to raise the bar for the industry.

This year’s winners reflected the creativity, enterprise, imagination and depth that have made India one of the most exciting food destinations in the world. They also captured the growing confidence of Indian food – rooted in tradition, but increasingly contemporary, experimental and global in its ambition.

What gives the NDTV Food Awards their distinctive credibility is the integrity of the process. Every award was decided on merit alone, with the jury process kept independent of commercial considerations, partnerships or external influence.    

For NDTV, this principle is fundamental. In a landscape where recognition must earn its credibility, the NDTV Food Awards have been built on merit, discernment and trust. Commercial partnerships and event associations have remained entirely separate from the jury process and award decisions.

Over the years, the NDTV Food Awards have become an important platform for recognising the people and places that are shaping India’s food culture with originality, consistency and craft. The awards celebrate excellence across the industry while keeping the focus firmly on contribution, credibility and the quality of work.

NDTV has also been privileged to chronicle India’s changing relationship with food through iconic shows and formats such as Zaika India Ka, anchored by Vinod Dua, Highway On My Plate, Café Maria, Gourmet Central and many others. The NDTV Food Awards are an extension of that journey.

The NDTV Food Awards 2026 were adjudicated by an eminent jury chaired by Vir Sanghvi. The jury included Sourish Bhattacharyya, Asma Khan, Anindya Sundar Basu, Dr. Shabnam Banu, Ananya Banerjee, Marryam H Reshii, Kurush Dalal and Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, said: ‘India’s food landscape is going through a remarkable moment of creativity, confidence and reinvention. The NDTV Food Awards celebrate the people and places that are adding depth, imagination and distinction to this journey. This year’s winners represent the very best of craft, originality and enterprise across the industry. For us, credibility is non-negotiable. These awards cannot be bought. They stand for merit, integrity and trust. At NDTV, we are proud to recognise the chefs, restaurants and institutions that continue to make India’s food story richer and more exciting.’

Vir Sanghvi, Jury Chair, NDTV Food Awards, added: ‘The winners of the NDTV Food Awards 2026 capture the remarkable diversity and ambition of India’s food culture. They reflect excellence, originality, consistency and a deep respect for craft. Together, they represent the richness of India’s culinary landscape and the exciting direction in which it is moving.’

The winners of the NDTV Food Awards 2026 represented the full breadth of India’s food and hospitality landscape.

Baoshuan at The Oberoi New Delhi was named Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year, while Izumi, Goa, won Best Japanese Restaurant of the Year. Seefah, Mumbai, was recognised as Best Asian Restaurant of the Year.

In the Indian restaurant categories, Chor Bizarre, Delhi, was named Best Indian Restaurant of the Year for North Indian cuisine, while Karavalli, Bengaluru, won Best Indian Restaurant of the Year for South Indian cuisine. Ethnic Table, Dimapur, was recognised as Best Indian Restaurant of the Year in the Regional category, and Sienna, Kolkata, was named Best Indian Restaurant of the Year in the Modern category.

Avartana at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, was named Most Innovative Indian Restaurant of the Year.

Americano, Mumbai, was named Best Italian Restaurant of the Year, while The Table, Mumbai, won Best European Restaurant of the Year. Nisaba by Chef Manish Mehrotra was recognised as Best Opening of the Year. Paris My Love, Delhi, won Best Bakery & Patisserie of the Year, and The Qube at The Leela Palace, New Delhi was named Best All-Day Dining Restaurant of the Year.

The awards also honoured India’s much-loved food institutions. Aminia, Kolkata, was named Historic Restaurant of India, while Bukhara at ITC Maurya, Delhi, received the honour of Legendary Restaurant of India.

Among individual honours, Mirelle Pingfu of Masque was named F&B Professional of the Year. Papa’s, Mumbai, won Best Restaurant of the Year. Himanshu Saini was recognised as Chef of the Year – International, Doma Wang was named Best Restaurateur of the Year, and Chef Manu Chandra was honoured as Chef of the Year.

The Outstanding Contribution to Indian Food honours went to Chef Kunal Kapur, recognising his influence on the way Indian food is celebrated, interpreted and taken to the world.

As India’s food culture continues to evolve with new ideas, deeper regional pride and a growing appetite for originality, the NDTV Food Awards 2026 celebrated the people and places giving this movement its strongest expression.

NDTV Food Awards 2026 Winner list:

1. Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year: Baoshuan, The Oberoi, New Delhi
2. Best European Restaurant of the Year: The Table, Mumbai
3. Best Asian Restaurant of the Year: Seefah, Mumbai
4. Best Italian Restaurant of the Year: Americano, Mumbai
5. Best Japanese Restaurant of the Year: Izumi, Goa
6. Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (North Indian): Chor Bizarre, Delhi
7. Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (South Indian): Karavalli, Bengaluru
8. Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (Regional): Ethnic Table, Dimapur
9. Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (Modern): Sienna, Kolkata
10. Best Opening of the Year: Nisaba by Chef Manish Mehrotra
11. Best Bakery & Patisserie of the Year: Paris My Love, Delhi
12. Best All-Day Dining of the Year: The Qube, Hotel Leela, New Delhi
13. Most Innovative Indian Restaurant of the Year: Avartana, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
14. Historic Restaurant of India: Aminia, Kolkata
15. Legendary Restaurant of India: Bukhara, ITC Maurya, Delhi
16. F&B Professional of the Year: Mirelle Pingfu, Masque
17. Best Restaurant of the Year: Papa’s, Mumbai
18. Chef of the Year (International): Chef Himanshu Saini
19. Best Restaurateur of the Year: Doma Wang
20. Outstanding Contribution to Indian Food: Chef Kunal Kapur
21. Chef of the Year: Chef Manu Chandra

Knauf India Launches Advanced Drywall Solution ‘Knauf Drystar’ for Moisture-Prone and Wet Environments

New Delhi, June 16 : Knauf India, the world’s No. 1 company in Drywall & Ceiling Solutions, has launched ‘Knauf Drystar’, a specialised gypsum board system engineered for humid and wet environments, addressing the requirements of the modern construction projects which increasingly demand building materials that are able to resist mould growth, withstand moisture, and maintain structural performance over a period of time.

Knauf Drystar is a high-performance fibre-reinforced gypsum board that has been developed for usage in interior dry construction systems which are exposed to moisture, high humidity, and intermittent water contact. The board blends a moisture-resistant glass-fleece surface with a specially engineered gypsum core, allowing advanced protection against mould formation and water absorption.

Knauf Drystar features a low-level of water absorption of below 3% in combination with a high resistance to mould. It is classified according to EN 15283-1 as GM-FH1IR, signifying enhanced fire performance, increased surface hardness, less water absorption, and improved strength. It carries a fire classification of A2-s1,d0, turning it into a non-combustible building material which is suitable for projects that require stringent fire safety standards.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Sumit Bidani, CEO of Knauf India, said,

“Modern construction demands materials not only delivering durability and performance but also addressing evolving concerns such as hygiene, fire safety, moisture management, sustainability and safety. With Knauf Drystar’s launch, we are introducing an advanced drywall solution that is engineered  specifically for wet-area and high-humidity applications. Drystar amalgamates superior mould and moisture resistance with the flexibility, speed and efficiency of modern dry construction systems, enabling developers, architects and contractors to build with greater confidence.”

Use Case Scenarios:

Knauf Drystar is suitable for various scenarios such as commercial and residential washrooms where ceilings and walls are exposed to moisture on a regular basis, making it an ideal base for waterproofing systems and ceramic tiles. It has usability in hospitality projects and hotels, which often require ceiling and wall systems in spas, bathrooms, wellness facilities, helping to maintain long-term performance while lowering the risk of mould growth in high-humidity environments. Again, hospitals, diagnostic centres and clinics necessitate moisture-resistant and hygienic interiors. Knauf Drystar’s mould-resistant properties offer support to cleaner indoor environments in treatment zones and wash areas. Areas which are exposed to elevated humidity levels and occasional water splashes can also benefit from the moisture resistance property of Knauf Drystar and its robust surface characteristics. Besides, Knauf Drystar can be used for suspended ceilings in semi-exterior areas such as entrance canopies, covered walkways, balconies and others. Airports, schools, public infrastructure projects, shopping centres, can use Drystar in changing rooms, washrooms, and other utility areas where moisture resistance and durability play a critical role.

Product Specification:

Knauf Drystar includes the following features:

• Enhanced Mould & Termites Resistance

• High resistance to moisture and humidity

• Low water absorption

• Non-combustible construction material

• Easy installation, similar to conventional gypsum boards

• Flexible and bendable for curved applications

• Suitable substrate for waterproofing membranes, tiles, and sealants

The launch of Knauf Drystar reinforces Knauf’s commitment towards bringing high-performance, globally proven building solutions to the Indian market and support the development of future-ready spaces across hospitality, residential, commercial and healthcare sectors.

Persistent Announces Partnership with San Francisco Unicorns as Official ReAIimagining Partner

June 16 : Persistent Systems , a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, announced a partnership with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 Major League Cricket season. Under the agreement, Persistent will serve as an official Remagining Partner within the team’s premium partnership tier. The partnership highlights Persistent’s focus on bringing AI and data-led innovation into real-world high-performance environments where speed, adaptability and insight define outcomes.

This collaboration aligns with Persistent’s strategy to expand its AI-led capabilities in North America and build closer proximity to clients operating in real-time, decision-intensive environments. The partnership will be activated through Persistent’s GameReAImagined campaign, which explores how AI is helping make the hidden layer of the game more visible through performance insights on the field and richer fan experiences off it.

As the Official Re magining Partner, Persistent will explore opportunities with the franchise across data, AI and fan engagement initiatives, extending the relationship beyond sponsorship into potential areas of innovation. With MLC rapidly expanding across key U.S. markets, the partnership creates a compelling environment to demonstrate how intelligence, analytics and technology can shape both performance and fandom.

As part of the partnership, Persistent will have a strong presence across team and digital platforms. The partnership has been designed as an integrated engagement platform, including brand visibility through on-field perimeter boards, team kit branding and a dedicated branded content property, Persistent Coaches’ Corner. Together, these elements combine on-field visibility with deeper storytelling and curated interactions. The collaboration also includes a dedicated hospitality suite, creating opportunities to connect with clients and partners in North America within a high-performance setting, including select invite-only experiences to enable deeper engagement.

Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent

“Cricket, like business, is becoming a game of intelligence as much as execution. The ability to convert data into real-time insight is increasingly the difference between good and great outcomes. At Persistent, we help organizations reimagine how AI creates advantage and this partnership with the San Francisco Unicorns brings that vision to life in a high-performance environment where every decision matters. Together, we have an opportunity to explore how AI can enhance performance, strategy, and fan engagement in new and exciting ways.”

David White, CEO, San Francisco Unicorns

“Sport is evolving quickly, with data and technology playing a bigger role in how teams prepare, compete and engage with fans. Partnering with Persistent gives us an opportunity to explore new ways of applying these capabilities across performance and strategy. We also see strong potential to enhance how fans experience the game as it continues to grow in the United States.”

RAKEZ delegation highlights pathways for European companies to expand strategically through Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, June 16: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) concluded a series of business engagements in Germany and Finland aimed at strengthening economic ties, fostering new partnerships, and showcasing the opportunities available to European companies looking to establish and/or expand into the UAE and wider regional markets through Ras Al Khaimah.

The programme was headlined by a business breakfast held at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Düsseldorf, in collaboration with IHK Düsseldorf and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK). The event brought together representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Germany, business leaders, industry representatives, and investors to discuss opportunities for growth amid an evolving global economic landscape and explore the advantages of establishing and expanding operations in the UAE

Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including UAE business laws, advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, sustainability, logistics, and innovation, while highlighting the UAE’s position as a globally connected business hub and Ras Al Khaimah’s growing role as a destination for companies seeking competitiveness, operational flexibility, and access to regional and international markets. Germany remains one of the strongest investor markets within the RAKEZ business community, with more than 1,100 German companies operating across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, furnishings, industrial equipment, construction solutions, electronics, and specialised services.

As part of the wider European programme, the RAKEZ delegation visited Finland, where it met with Her Excellency Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, in Helsinki to discuss opportunities for enhanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the UAE, Finland, and Estonia. During the visit, the delegation also participated in Match & Grow: A business networking event in Lahti organised in collaboration with LADEC. The event brought together Finnish businesses and ecosystem partners to explore opportunities for international growth, investment, and collaboration, while providing direct access to RAKEZ experts and insights into expanding into the UAE market through Ras Al Khaimah.

A key feature of both events was the participation of established RAKEZ investors who shared practical insights into doing business in the UAE from a base in Ras Al Khaimah. In Germany, Harald Hotop, Chief Executive Officer of Kludi, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen fittings, discussed the company’s experience of operating from Ras Al Khaimah and serving regional markets from the emirate. In Finland, Topi Paananen, CEO of Peikko Group, highlighted the company’s growth journey in the UAE and the opportunities the market continues to offer international manufacturers and industrial businesses. Both companies are among the many European businesses that have chosen RAKEZ as a base for their regional operations.

Commenting on the engagements, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Europe continues to be an important strategic market for Ras Al Khaimah, and our engagements in Germany and Finland reflect our commitment to building long-term economic partnerships that create value for businesses on both sides. Germany, in particular, remains one of our most established investor markets, and we continue to see strong interest from European companies seeking a competitive, well-connected, and future-focused environment from which to serve regional and global markets. Through initiatives such as these, we are strengthening the bridges between our business communities and creating new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

The engagements form part of RAKEZ’s ongoing international outreach efforts to connect with key investor markets, strengthen global partnerships, and support companies seeking growth opportunities through Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic business ecosystem.