Category Archives: Business

Perseverance, Focus and Discipline Are the Foundation of My Success: World Champion Esha Singh

Lifespan Pays Tribute to Legendary Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana

Hyderabad, June 13: Lifespan Private Limited organized a grand felicitation ceremony in Hyderabad to honour its Brand Ambassador, Esha Singh, for her remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup 2026 held in Munich, Germany. Esha brought immense pride to the nation by winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event and setting a new World Record.

To celebrate this historic achievement, Lifespan felicitated Esha Singh in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and guests.

The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Soni Bala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), and Gareth Wyn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Narendra Ram Nambula, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Lifespan Private Limited, congratulated Esha Singh on her historic accomplishment.

“Esha Singh’s extraordinary achievement is a proud moment for the entire nation. As Lifespan’s Brand Ambassador, she embodies perseverance, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to celebrate her success and remain committed to encouraging sporting talent that inspires future generations,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Esha Singh expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family members, supporters and well-wishers who stood by her throughout her journey. She encouraged young athletes to pursue their goals with focus, discipline and unwavering commitment.

“Perseverance, focus and discipline have been the foundation of my success. I hope my journey inspires young sportspersons to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals,” she said.

As a mark of respect, the gathering observed a one-minute silence in memory of Jaspal Rana, the legendary shooting coach whose immense contribution to Indian shooting has inspired generations of athletes. The attendees fondly remembered his invaluable role in the development of the sport and his lasting legacy in nurturing young talent.

The felicitation ceremony reflected Lifespan’s continued commitment to promoting health, fitness and sporting excellence while supporting athletes who bring glory to the nation.

Humanscale Debuts Diffrient Lounge, eFloat Quattro Studio, and M/Charge at Fulton Market Design Days

Chicago, Illinois, June 13: Humanscale, the leader in high-performance ergonomic design, will return to Fulton Market Design Days 2026 with a showcase centered on the future of adaptable, human-centered environments. Presented during the industry’s leading commercial interiors event, Humanscale’s exhibition will highlight solutions designed to support flexibility, wellness, and productivity across today’s evolving workplaces as well as hospitality and residential environments. Guided by the theme “Body. Planet. Materials.,” the presentation will explore the interconnected relationship between human wellbeing, sustainable innovation, and the future of materiality in design.

A major component of the presentation will be a museum-style exhibition exploring Next Generation Materials and the future of sustainable manufacturing. Centered on the belief that the future of design depends on materials that support both human wellbeing and planetary health, the installation will showcase emerging innovations that transform waste into resources and biology into manufacturing. The exhibit will examine how these advanced materials can reduce reliance on virgin extraction while opening new possibilities for high-performance, environmentally responsible design. Expanding on the “Body. Planet. Materials.” concept, the exhibition will also feature conversations and activations developed in collaboration with leading sustainability organizations including the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), Design for Freedom, and mindful MATERIALS, further reinforcing Humanscale’s commitment to transparency, material health, and ethical manufacturing practices across the built environment.

Among the featured products will be Diffrient Lounge, one of the final concepts envisioned by legendary designer Niels Diffrient and recently honored with a Red Dot Design Award in Product Design. Blending residential comfort with advanced ergonomic engineering, the lounge chair reimagines how people work, relax, and connect within hybrid environments. Motorized adjustments, integrated power, and an adaptable worksurface create a seamless experience that responds intuitively to the body while maintaining a refined, minimalist aesthetic while enabling smooth transitions between seated work, rest, and informal collaboration.

Building on this platform, Humanscale will debut eFloat Quattro Studio, a purpose-built meeting table designed specifically for today’s hybrid collaboration environments. Optimized for small-group meetings of two to seven people, eFloat Quattro Studio integrates connectivity, power, and display support directly into the table itself, simplifying meeting environments while enabling organizations to deploy collaborative spaces quickly and efficiently without complex AV infrastructure, permanent room builds, or extensive installation requirements. Designed to support both seated and standing collaboration, the solution creates flexible meeting environments that adapt seamlessly across open-office huddle spaces, executive offices, project review areas, and hybrid meeting rooms.

The presentation will also feature M/Charge, Humanscale’s new modular 2-in-1 magnetic wireless charging solution designed to integrate with the M/Connect 3 ecosystem while also functioning as a standalone charging dock. Supporting simultaneous dual-device charging through Qi2 and MagSafe-compatible technology, M/Charge delivers fast, efficient charging with magnetic alignment, flexible viewing angles, and a weighted metal base engineered for stability and effortless one-handed use. Designed for modern workspaces, hospitality settings, and residential environments alike, the solution reflects Humanscale’s continued focus on intuitive functionality, seamless integration, and reduced desktop complexity.

Humanscale’s presence at Fulton Market Design Days will further underscore its broader commitment to sustainability and purposeful innovation. As the only major commercial furniture manufacturer in the United States certified as a B Corp, Humanscale will continue to develop products and processes that prioritize both human health and environmental responsibility through a net positive design approach that integrates material transparency, reduced environmental impact, and long-term product longevity.

In addition to the showroom presentation, Humanscale will host a series of Fulton Market Design Days events and activations throughout the week designed to foster conversation around design, sustainability, and the future of work. Programming will include a Morning Walk/Jog Meet-Up on Monday, June 8 from 7:00–7:45 AM, followed by a Happy Hour with mindful MATERIALS from 5:00–6:00 PM and a Party at Federales from 6:00–9:00 PM. On Tuesday, June 9, Humanscale will host a Happy Hour with Living Future and Design for Freedom from 5:00–6:00 PM. The showroom, located at 345 N Morgan St., Suite 150 in Chicago, will remain open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM throughout Fulton Market Design Days from June 8-10, 2026, with coffee and light fare available at The Emily Hotel café adjacent to the showroom. These events and activations will bring together designers, architects, sustainability leaders, brand partners, and members of the broader creative community for networking opportunities and discussions centered on innovation, wellbeing, and material transparency.

IN-SPACe Announces Winners of Space Technology Use-Cases Under Seed-Fund Scheme

Ahmedabad, India June 13: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN SPACe) has announced the Grantees for five space technology use-cases under its Seed Fund Scheme for Use-Case Demonstration by Indian Non-Government Entities. The initiative aims to foster innovative and scalable space-enabled solutions addressing national priorities in agriculture, disaster management, water security, critical infrastructure monitoring, and other sectors.

Following technical evaluations of 92 proposals received, by a distinguished panel comprising domain experts, representatives from key user agencies, and experts from ISRO and IN SPACe, 15 respondents were selected for pilot demonstrations.

The selected grantees will undertake pilot demonstrations under the five use-cases announced by IN-SPACe. Infosys Limited, Bhoomicam Pvt. Ltd. and AgCane Science & Services Pvt. Ltd. have been selected for pest and disease forewarning and early detection of biotic stress in major crops. JalViks Pvt. Ltd., Nansei Restoration LLP along with Semantic Technologies and Agritech Services Pvt. Ltd. Will be working on SAR applications using NISAR data.

Biosky Space Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Quantasip Geomatic Informative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. have been selected for decision support systems for power sector installations and Right of Way management. Reservoir rim slope stability monitoring will be undertaken by Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., EarthSense Labs Pvt. Ltd. and Suhora Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Additionally, Vassar Labs IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Prithvi Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd., and Infosys Limited have been selected for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) monitoring and Early Warning Systems (EWS). These demonstrations are expected to showcase scalable space-enabled solutions addressing key national priorities.

Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, “This initiative marks a defining moment for India’s space economy. The downstream sector represents the most direct interface between space capabilities and citizen benefit, a large share of our projected $44 billion space economy. What makes this milestone truly transformative is the pathway it creates: successful pilot demonstrations are positioned to receive operational orders from user agencies, turning today’s proofs-of-concept into tomorrow’s national programmes. IN-SPACe is proud to connect India’s world-class space capabilities to those who need them most – first at home, and increasingly, across the world.”

Shri Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical Directorate), IN-SPACe, said, “The announced use-cases are the result of extensive stakeholder engagement conducted by IN-SPACe with user agencies (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Power), ISRO, and domain experts, wherein, the user requirements were translated into focused problem statements, forming the basis of the five Announcements of Opportunity (AOs). Submitted proposals underwent multi-stage technical evaluation by ISRO experts and the user agencies. The selected grantees will now proceed to pilot demonstrations using satellite data, AI/ ML techniques and ground based IoT devices to validate the effectiveness of their proposed solutions.”

Building on the strong response to this initiative, IN-SPACe plans to launch additional use-cases and opportunities for Indian Non-Government Entities, further expanding the role of private industry and startups in delivering impactful space-enabled solutions for national priorities and contributing to India’s growing space economy.

Tourism Secretary extols PHDCCI platform for creating a new synergy for Simhastha 2027–28

SHIRDI June 13 : With preparations gathering momentum for Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28, policymakers, tourism leaders, temple administrators, hospitality stakeholders and spiritual organizations came together in Shirdi to chart a long-term vision for Maharashtra’s spiritual tourism future at रूहmantic: PHDCCI’s 3rd Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave.

Organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Maharashtra Tourism; Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC); and Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, the conclave brought together more than 300 delegates from across the country to deliberate on strengthening India’s spiritual tourism ecosystem and leveraging major pilgrimage destinations as engines of sustainable economic growth.

Inaugurating the conclave, Mr. Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, emphasized that spiritual tourism is not merely a tourism segment in India; it is deeply embedded in our civilizational identity and way of life. Maharashtra, with its unique concentration of Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peeths, pilgrimage centres and sacred destinations, possesses immense potential to emerge as a globally recognized spiritual tourism destination. The need of the hour is to connect these destinations through integrated circuits that combine spirituality, heritage, culture and local experiences, enabling visitors to experience the full richness of the region,” he said.

“India’s rapidly growing domestic tourism market presents immense opportunities for local communities, entrepreneurs, homestay operators and tourism stakeholders. Technology, ranging from virtual experiences and live-streamed religious ceremonies to seamless digital travel solutions, will play an increasingly important role in making spiritual tourism more accessible, inclusive and engaging,” he said.

He further added,

“As visitor numbers continue to rise, sustainable destination management becomes critical. Cleanliness, crowd management, carrying-capacity planning and quality civic infrastructure must remain central to our development strategy. Supported by initiatives such as the PRASHAD scheme and significant improvements in national connectivity, India has built a strong foundation for tourism growth. The next phase will require greater collaboration between government and industry to create world-class spiritual tourism experiences while preserving the authenticity and sanctity of our sacred destinations.”

Mr. Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, said,

“MTDC will soon partner with Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust to further enhance visitor experiences and strengthen destination development initiatives in Shirdi. We are actively upgrading tourism infrastructure through public-private partnerships and developing curated pilgrimage circuits that assure quality, reliability and seamless services for devotees. Spiritual destinations must evolve beyond darshan by creating meaningful experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, engage with local culture and contribute to local economies.”

Welcoming delegates to Shirdi, Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust highlighted Shirdi’s growing stature as a global spiritual destination, noting that devotees from more than 61 countries visit the sacred town inspired by the teachings and legacy of Shri Sai Baba. He emphasized that the Sansthan has developed extensive infrastructure and visitor facilities, including a modern darshan queue complex, dedicated services for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, large-scale accommodation facilities and a Prasadalaya that serves tens of thousands of devotees daily. He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to further enhance pilgrim experiences and strengthen the growth of spiritual tourism in the region.

Mr. Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director – Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said Maharashtra is preparing for Simhastha with a long-term vision extending beyond the event itself. “Our objective is not only to successfully host millions of pilgrims during Simhastha, but also to create lasting tourism assets and experiences that continue to benefit local communities for decades. Shirdi, Nashik and Trimbakeshwar have the potential to emerge as an integrated spiritual tourism circuit of international significance.”

Mr. Abhay Shelke Patil, Vice President, Shirdi Nagar Parishad, emphasized the importance of civic infrastructure, cleanliness and community participation in supporting the sustainable growth of spiritual tourism destinations.

Delivering the theme address, Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said,

 “India’s spiritual heritage is among its greatest competitive advantages. The challenge before us is to transform pilgrimage movements into opportunities for destination development, livelihood generation, cultural preservation and visitor experience enhancement. Simhastha offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how faith-based tourism can become a driver of inclusive economic growth.”

Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, remarked that the conclave had brought together a unique blend of policymakers, destination managers and industry leaders to create actionable recommendations for the sector.

The inaugural session, moderated by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, brought together senior government officials to deliberate on the opportunities emerging from Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28 and the future of faith-based tourism in India.

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Spiritual Tourism, titled ‘From Darshan to Destination: The Transformation of Spiritual Tourism in India’. The report examines evolving pilgrim behaviour, technology adoption, sustainability imperatives, destination planning frameworks and emerging opportunities for creating integrated spiritual tourism ecosystems across the country.

Delivering a virtual keynote address, Mr. Amrit Abhijat (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary – Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared lessons from Uttar Pradesh’s successful transformation of destinations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. “The success of spiritual tourism lies in balancing faith, infrastructure, heritage conservation and visitor experience. Large religious events should be viewed as opportunities to create long-term tourism assets and destination value. The transformation witnessed in Uttar Pradesh demonstrates how strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration can create lasting impact.”

The day-long deliberations featured a series of thought-provoking sessions:

·Simhastha 2027 – From Kumbh to Spiritual Tourism Corridor: Moderated by Mr. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect, the session featured Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar (IAS), CEO, Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust Shirdi and Mr. Shekhar Singh (IAS), Commissioner, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority. The discussion focused on leveraging Simhastha as a catalyst for regional development through improved connectivity, visitor infrastructure, destination branding, crowd management systems and integrated tourism circuits. Speakers emphasized that the true legacy of Simhastha would be measured not by the event itself, but by its ability to transform Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi into vibrant year-round spiritual destinations.

·Creating Round-the-Clock Spiritual Experiences: Chaired by Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism and moderated by Mr. Aalap Bansal, Partner, KPMG India, the session explored how pilgrimage destinations can enhance visitor engagement through evening aartis, cultural performances, digital interpretation, sacred food streets and immersive tourism experiences. Panelists Dr. Kiran Shinde, Professor – Planning, La Trobe University Australia; Mr. Prasad Ajgaonkar, Managing Director, iRealities; Mr. Vikash Mishra, Founder & CEO, Trip to Temples; and Mr. Sameer Bajaj, Head – Corporate Communications & Corporate Affairs, MakeMyTrip highlighted the importance of creating experiences that encourage longer stays and deeper destination engagement.

·The Architecture of Faith: Hosted by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, this conversation featured Mr. Kiran Kalamdani, Conservation Architect and Prof. Manoj Mathur, Architect.The discussion highlighted how India’s temples represent a unique confluence of architecture, science, symbolism and storytelling. Speakers stressed the need for heritage conservation, interpretation centres and immersive storytelling initiatives that enable visitors to better appreciate the cultural significance of sacred spaces.

·Roohmantic Reflections: In a deeply engaging session, Sister Deepa of Brahma Kumaris reflected on the growing convergence of spirituality, wellness and mindful travel. She noted that modern travellers are increasingly seeking journeys centred on self-discovery, emotional well-being and inner transformation, creating new opportunities for meditation retreats, wellness tourism and conscious travel experiences.

The conclave concluded with delegates participating in darshan at Shri Saibaba Temple, a devotional Bhajan Sandhya and a familiarization visit to Nashik and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, providing firsthand exposure to destinations that will play a pivotal role during Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027–28.

The conclave was supported by Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board; Jharkhand Tourism; IRCTC; DigiDevalaya; Vama; Ramalaya; Hotel Radisson Individuals, Shirdi; Mann Fleet Partners; KPMG; Temple Connect; Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); and Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).

ROHL Strengthens Spiritual Tourism Portfolio with Launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati

Bengaluru, June 13: Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), through its subsidiary Regenta Hotels Private Limited, announces the launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati, further strengthening its presence in Andhra Pradesh. The new hotel marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion strategy, offering a perfect blend of contemporary luxury, modern amenities, and spiritual serenity in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.

Regenta is Royal Orchid’s upscale 4-star brand known for delivering exceptional value, contemporary facilities, and the group’s signature warmth and personalized service. Positioned with the tagline “Where Devotion Meets Comfort & Contemporary Luxury”, Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is ideal for devout pilgrims, families, and business/leisure travelers seeking both spiritual fulfillment and modern comfort.

Strategically located in the heart of Tirupati at 20-7-27/101, DBR Hospital Road, Kothapalli, Subash Nagar, the hotel offers stunning views of the sacred Seshachalam Hills (seven hills) and enjoys excellent connectivity. It is just 2 km from Tirupati Railway Station and RTC Bus Stand, 9 km from Renigunta Railway Station, and 15 km from Renigunta (Tirupati) International Airport. The property is among the closest branded hotels to major temples, including the world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati Balaji), along with Sri Padmavathi Temple and ISKCON Temple.

The hotel features 56 thoughtfully designed accommodations comprising Deluxe Rooms, Club Rooms, Suite Rooms, and 2 Presidential Suites with larger room sizes, contemporary design, and elements of spiritual serenity. Guests can enjoy modern amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ergonomic workspaces, LED televisions, tea/coffee makers, and comfortable bedding.

The culinary experience is anchored by Pinxx, an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant offering a diverse menu with South Indian specialties, North Indian favorites, vegetarian delights, and a wide selection of beverages — perfect for pilgrims and families. Guests also benefit from round-the-clock in-room dining and refreshments.

Key highlights and USPs include:

• Rooftop Infinity Swimming Pool with panoramic mountain views
• Gym / Fitness Centre
• Spa on the 6th floor
• Versatile Banquet & Event Facilities (up to 200 pax) and 3 Board Rooms
• EV Charging Stations
• Travel Desk with guided tours and transportation assistance
• 80% power consumption from solar energy – the first hotel in Andhra Pradesh and 9th in India with Vertical Solar (220 kW capacity)

Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said: “The launch of Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is a proud addition to our growing portfolio and aligns perfectly with our Vision 2030. Tirupati’s spiritual significance and rising tourism make it an ideal destination for the Regenta brand. We are excited to partner with the ownership group to deliver a comfortable, convenient, and spiritually enriching experience for guests while upholding the trusted service standards of Royal Orchid Hotels.”

Regenta Devarayah Tirupati is now open and accepting reservations.

Government Revises Onion Procurement Price to Rs.1,650 per Quintal to Support Farmers

New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening onion procurement operations and ensuring better returns for farmers, the government has revised the Minimum Assured Procurement Price (MAPP) for storage-grade onions to ₹1,650 per quintal, effective from June 13, 2026.

The decision was taken following a review meeting chaired with officials from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), where discussions focused on enhancing procurement mechanisms and safeguarding farmers’ interests amid prevailing market conditions.

According to officials, the revised procurement price has been determined based on current mandi rates and quality requirements for onions intended for storage. The increase is expected to provide greater price assurance to farmers while supporting the government’s efforts to maintain adequate buffer stocks.

In addition to revising the MAPP, the government has refined its pricing methodology to make procurement more responsive to changing market dynamics. The updated framework is expected to enable more efficient procurement decisions and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation in line with market realities.

The move underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural marketing systems, stabilizing onion supplies, and improving income security for farmers. Onion remains one of India’s most important horticultural crops, and procurement interventions play a key role in balancing farmer welfare with consumer interests.

Officials said the revised procurement mechanism will help ensure timely purchases, support price stability, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural supply chain.

India Launches Strategic Documents for Bharat Innovates Ahead of Global Showcase in France

New Delhi: The Government of India has launched the strategic documents for Bharat Innovates, a flagship initiative aimed at showcasing India’s growing innovation and technology capabilities on the global stage. The launch took place in the presence of Ajay Kumar Sood and senior officials from the Ministry of Education, ahead of the initiative’s international showcase in Nice.

Bharat Innovates seeks to strengthen collaboration among academic institutions, industry leaders, startups, and researchers to develop affordable, high-quality, and accessible solutions to challenges faced by both India and the global community. The initiative is designed to foster sustained engagement across the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the translation of research into impactful technologies.

Officials highlighted that the initiative reflects India’s emergence as a global innovation hub and demonstrates the country’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and entrepreneurship. The strong international interest and commitments received for the programme have further reinforced global confidence in India’s research ecosystem and the ingenuity of its young innovators.

The initiative draws inspiration from the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose focus on innovation-driven development and youth empowerment has helped shape India’s rapidly expanding startup and technology landscape.

The government also acknowledged the support of President Emmanuel Macron and the Government of France in strengthening India-France cooperation in innovation and technology for the benefit of global society.

Emphasizing the growing international recognition of India’s innovation ecosystem, officials expressed confidence that the country’s young innovators will continue to develop solutions to address humanity’s shared challenges and contribute meaningfully to global progress.

The global showcase of Bharat Innovates in Nice is expected to provide a platform for Indian startups, researchers, and innovators to present cutting-edge solutions and deepen international partnerships in emerging technologies.

RAKEZ earns 3 prestigious Stevie Awards for innovation and customer experience excellence

Ras Al Khaimah, June 12: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has secured three distinguished accolades at the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards, recognising its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional client experience.

The awards recognise the achievements of the RAKEZ Customer Experience team and its pioneering Smart Licensing model, which has transformed the post-licensing journey for businesses through a digital-first, transparent, and customer-centric approach. The initiative received both the Award for Excellence in Innovation in Business Product & Service Industries and the Award for Innovative Management in Government. In addition, Fatemah Fakhraldeen, Licensing Operations Manager at RAKEZ, was recognised as Most Innovative Operations Leader of the Year for her role in advancing the initiative and helping simplify post-licence services through digital innovation and process enhancement.

Commenting on the achievement, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad, said: “At RAKEZ, innovation is driven by the simple objective of creating better experiences and outcomes for our business community. These awards recognise the progress we have made in transforming our services through smarter processes, digital solutions, and a client-first mindset. As the needs of businesses continue to evolve, we will remain focused on delivering services that are efficient, accessible, and designed to help companies expand and achieve more growth from Ras Al Khaimah.”

The award-winning Smart Licensing model was designed to simplify and modernise post-license services by creating a seamless digital experience for clients, business agents, and internal teams. The initiative introduced a comprehensive digital framework that streamlines processes, improves visibility, and enhances service delivery across key licensing and immigration-related transactions.

The transformation has delivered measurable results, including faster processing times, higher customer satisfaction levels, greater automation of routine services, and increased operational efficiency. By reducing manual intervention and introducing intelligent digital workflows, the model has enabled RAKEZ to provide a more responsive and convenient experience for its growing business community.

The Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards is one of the region’s leading business awards programmes, recognising innovation in all its forms with a strong focus on customer experience, organisational excellence, and business performance. The 2026 edition attracted more than 1,400 entries from organisations and individuals across 18 countries in the MENA region.

The three awards underscore RAKEZ’s continued focus on leveraging innovation to enhance service delivery, strengthen operational excellence, and create greater value for the thousands of businesses that choose Ras Al Khaimah as a base for growth and expansion.

JW Marriott Goa Appoints Akshay Shetty as Director of Sales & Marketing

Goa June 12: JW Marriott Goa is pleased to announce the appointment of Akshay Shetty as Director of Sales and Marketing.  Akshay brings over 14 years of rich experience in the realm of Business Development and Sales and Marketing within the luxury sector and hospitality industry.  He now leads the dynamic sales team of JW Marriott Goa, creating and overseeing revenue plans and achieving targets.  

Bringing a strong sales acumen and a result-driven approach to luxury hospitality, Akshay has been associated with leading brands in Indian and International hotel chains, where he has successfully helmed the sales and business development teams, sustained revenue growth and market share leadership within their respective competitive sets. His key focus areas include revenue management, reservation sales, room sales and expansion of sales reach to key feeder markets in India spanning diverse segments such as corporate, MICE, leisure, weddings and travel trade.  In addition, his past experience also includes roles in the front office department allowing him a deeper understanding into the operational aspect of the hotel industry.

His most recent appointment was at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, where he spearheaded a high-performing sales team and played a pivotal role in elevating the hotel’s group rooms and catering portfolio. Renowned for his strategic foresight and market-driven approach, he consistently delivered exceptional commercial performance while cultivating enduring relationships within the luxury hospitality landscape.

At JW Marriott Goa, Akshay will oversee the hotel’s Sales & Marketing function, focusing on driving revenue performance, strengthening brand positioning and unlocking new growth opportunities across key segments. He will also play a pivotal role in enhancing market visibility and aligning sales strategies with the brand’s luxury positioning.

Akshay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Mangalore University and is the recipient of distinguished industry accolades, including the BW Hotelier Sales Leader of the Year – West Zone in 2024 and Marriott International’s prestigious President’s Circle APEC Top Performer Award in 2024 and 2025, an accolade that sets him apart from the regular.

Known for his dynamic leadership and strategic vision in hospitality, Akshay brings a deep passion for guest experiences and luxury service excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband and father who enjoys travelling and immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world.

Workforce Solutions Major Tryfacta Files for GIFT City IPO, Set to Become First US-Headquartered Company to List in India

Tryfacta, Inc. (“Tryfacta”), an artificial intelligence (“AI”)-enabled provider of specialized workforce and technology solutions serving Federal government and State, Local and Education (“SLED”) government agencies across the United States, has filed its Draft Offer Document (DOD) with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) for its proposed initial public offering (IPO) on the exchanges at GIFT City, Gujarat.

Upon listing, Tryfacta is expected to become the first US-headquartered (foreign) company to list its equity shares in India through the GIFT City framework.

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of up to 13.3 million equity shares and an offer for sale of up to 3.0 million equity shares by selling shareholder Ratika Tyagi. The issue will be denominated in US dollars, and the equity shares are proposed to be listed on NSE IFSC Limited (NSE IX) and India International Exchange (India INX).

As per Regulation 25(1) of the IFSCA (Listing) Regulations, 2024, allotment to investors shall be on a proportionate or discretionary basis as decided by the company in consultation with the Book Running Lead Manager and disclosed in the offer document.

As set out in the offer document, the company intends to use the net proceeds of the fresh issue towards repayment and/or pre-payment, in full or in part, of working capital facilities; to fund inorganic growth through acquisitions and other strategic investments; and for general corporate purposes.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Dublin, California, Tryfacta, Inc. is led by Ratika and Adesh Tyagi and has evolved from a niche Healthcare, IT and commercial staffing and services firm into a comprehensive workforce-solutions provider with services ranging from recruitment to payroll management across healthcare, information technology, administrative and professional-services segments.

Its business is supported by a technology-led operating model that leverages AI-powered recruitment tools, automated candidate screening, digital onboarding and workforce-management platforms.

While Tryfacta’s primary focus is across Federal and SLED programs, it also offers temporary-to-permanent staffing and direct placements; payroll services covering compliance, benefits administration and wage processing for contractual employees; executive hiring and leadership recruitment; and managed services, enabling clients to access both contingent and on-roll talent pools. Its first SLED contract was awarded in 2017.

The company’s client contracts reflect both recurring demand and long-term relationships. As of December 31, 2025, nearly 47% of its contracts had a tenure of 5–10 years, 38% between 2–5 years, 8% of two years or less, and the balance of about 6% over 10 years. Recent awards include work for a Texas political subdivision and medical support and services for a Federal agency.

In Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2025, it served 70 and 105 clients, respectively, across Federal and SLED government projects, deploying a contractual workforce of 3,960 and 2,591 professionals in those years.

As of December 31, 2025, it maintained a large database of experienced candidates and had been awarded contracts for the supply of staffing solutions and professional services by over 220 Federal and SLED clients across 41 states in the US.

The company operates through a diversified delivery model supported by a team of recruiters, delivery managers and account managers. It has also established a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Mohali, India, supporting recruitment operations, technology development, pre-sales and account-management functions. Through its subsidiary Tryfacta Global IFSC Private Limited — an IFSC unit registered as a BATF service provider under the IFSCA (Book-keeping, Accounting, Taxation and Financial Crime Compliance Services) Regulations, 2024 — the company plans to expand its international service offerings from GIFT City.

In March 2026, Tryfacta was awarded two task orders with an aggregate value exceeding USD 62 million under a medical-services contract vehicle administered by a U.S. Department of War (DoW), formerly the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), supporting U.S. Army installations in Texas.

Its net revenue improved from USD 37.0 million in Fiscal 2023 to USD 50.5 million in Fiscal 2025, a CAGR of 16.76%, with the majority derived from SLED contracts. Gross profit grew from USD 4.9 million to USD 6.6 million over the same period.

According to the 1Lattice industry report cited in its offer document, the US workforce-solutions market grew from USD 135.4 billion in 2019 to USD 177.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 224.5 billion by 2030, an annual growth rate of about 4.8% during 2025–2030, driven by rising federal investments across defense, cybersecurity, healthcare and digital-modernization programs.

While growth in government staff compensation has moderated in recent years, overall SLED spending continues to expand, indicating a shift in spending composition rather than a reduction in total public-sector expenditure. As a result, governments often rely more on contract staffing, workforce augmentation and outsourced digital services to maintain service delivery without increasing permanent headcount.