Category Archives: Business

AI Moves Beyond the Boundary Rope as Madhya Pradesh Premier League Modernises Cricket Administration

Indore & Bengaluru, India, June 29: Mahanaaryaman Scindia, President of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), is bringing AI into cricket administration through the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL), with the league deploying custom-built software to support finance, operations and administrative workflows. 

Built by Delhigence AI on Emergent, the AI software creation platform, the system is already being used by MPL’s finance and administration teams to manage key processes with greater visibility, structure and speed. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise the systems that support cricket administration in Madhya Pradesh. What began as a finance and operations platform for the league is expected to evolve into a wider technology stack supporting governance, monitoring and administrative workflows across cricketing activities managed by MPCA.

Speaking about the initiative, Mahanaaryaman Scindia said, “Cricket administration today needs the same speed, transparency and professionalism that the game demands on the field. Madhya Pradesh has a rich cricketing legacy, and our responsibility is to build systems that can support the next generation of players, leagues and institutions. AI gives us an opportunity to rethink how sports administration works — not in theory, but in the everyday systems that help a league run better.” 

While technology has transformed how cricket is played, analysed and consumed, many of the systems that run the game behind the scenes continue to rely on manual processes and fragmented workflows. MPL’s adoption of AI-built software reflects a growing effort among institutions to modernise operations through technology designed around their specific requirements. 

Mukund Jha, Co-Founder and CEO of Emergent, said, “This is exactly where AI-built software becomes powerful. Every institution has workflows that are unique to how it operates. Earlier, building software for those workflows required long timelines, large teams and heavy development cycles. With Emergent, teams can translate real operational problems into working software much faster. What MPL and Delhigence AI are doing is a glimpse of how AI can modernise not just companies, but institutions.” 

The platform has been designed to support day-to-day finance and administrative operations, helping teams move away from scattered workflows and towards a more structured operating environment. The system is hosted in India, with data and infrastructure aligned to domestic governance and operational requirements. 

The initiative reflects a broader shift in how sporting institutions are approaching technology. While AI has largely been associated with performance analytics and fan engagement, organisations are increasingly exploring its potential to improve governance, operations and administration. MPL’s deployment offers an early glimpse of what that future could look like.

Why Tier-II & Tier-III MSMEs are Facing a Working Capital Crunch Despite India’s Digital Growth

June 29 :As India marks MSME Day, it is important to recognise that the country’s MSME ecosystem has evolved into one of the strongest engines of economic growth, entrepreneurship and employment. Millions of small businesses are driving innovation, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating opportunities well beyond metropolitan centres. As this ecosystem expands in scale and sophistication, ensuring access to timely, affordable and inclusive finance will be critical to sustaining its growth trajectory.

While the government has taken several progressive steps to strengthen the sector through initiatives such as the expansion of the TReDS ecosystem, mandatory payment timelines and continued regulatory support, delayed payments remain one of the biggest constraints on MSME growth. Working capital continues to be locked up in receivables, limiting the ability of businesses to invest, expand operations and create jobs. Wider participation from large buyers and faster adoption of digital invoice financing can significantly improve liquidity across the ecosystem.

At the same time, India’s next wave of entrepreneurship is emerging from smaller towns, informal enterprises and deep-tier supply chains, where access to formal credit remains limited. As these businesses become increasingly integrated into organised value chains, the demand for flexible working capital and deep-tier financing is growing rapidly. Bridging this credit gap will require financial solutions that move beyond traditional lending models and are designed around the unique cash flow cycles of MSMEs.

Encouragingly, India’s rapidly evolving digital financial infrastructure – from account aggregators and digital public infrastructure to embedded finance and alternative credit assessment models – is transforming how MSMEs access capital. By enabling faster underwriting, data-driven lending and seamless financing across supply chains, technology is making formal credit more accessible to businesses that were previously underserved. Building on this momentum will be essential to creating a resilient financial ecosystem where every entrepreneur, regardless of size or location, has the confidence and capital to grow, ultimately accelerating India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Although lending options have expanded, nearly 85% of India’s 64 million MSMEs still depend on informal credit due to collateral requirements and lengthy loan processes. As a result, many businesses borrow at high costs simply to manage operations. While India’s digital financial ecosystem is also introducing new financing models that reduce reliance on collateral-heavy lending. Platforms like TReDS are helping MSMEs convert approved invoices into immediate liquidity instead of waiting months for payments.

Commenting on this shift, Mr. Sundeep Mohindru, Founder & Promoter, M1xchange, said,

 “As India celebrated the Entrepreneur spirit of the MSME, it is important to recognise that the country’s MSME ecosystem has evolved into one of the strongest engines of economic growth, entrepreneurship and employment. Millions of small businesses today are driving innovation, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating opportunities well beyond metropolitan centres.

the government has made numerous progressive moves to enhance the sector by increasing the TReDS ecosystem, mandatory timelines and regulatory support, collecting dues on time or before time from their customers have been one of the reason for the growth of the MSME industry. Simultaneously, the future of entrepreneurship in India is coming up from small towns, informal businesses and deep-tier supply chains where access to credit is low. As these small businesses begin to get involved in the organized value chains, there has been a sudden increase in the demand for working capital and deep-tier financing.

Fulfilling this need for credit can only happen if there are financial solutions that not only go beyond conventional loans but are based on the cash cycle of MSMEs. Creating a financial ecosystem that ensures easier and inclusive access to capital would help countless entrepreneurs grow their business and make a significant contribution to the journey of Viksit Bharat.”

Beyond receivables financing, embedded finance is also improving access to short-term liquidity by integrating credit directly into supply chains, while alternative data-led underwriting is reducing reliance on traditional collateral requirements. Speaking on the same, Pallavi Shrivastav, Co-founder, Progcap, an MSME Fintech, said,

“To realise India’s Viksit Bharat vision, we must build a credit infrastructure tailored to the modern MSME. The traditional banking system struggles to address the ₹30 lakh crore MSME financing gap due to rigid collateral requirements. Today’s global economic volatility and supply chain disruptions are severely stretching working capital cycles for Tier-II and Tier-III enterprises. The solution isn’t just more credit; it is smarter, embedded credit. By digitising corporate supply chains and leveraging alternative transaction data, as an MSME Fintech, we are building credit rails for small retailers, much like UPI built rails for payments, delivering agile, short-term liquidity that aligns perfectly with their seasonal cash-flow realities.”

Commenting on this Deepak Gandhi, Director, Business Head, Exports, Drip Capital added,

“India has enormous potential to expand its exports, but realizing this opportunity will depend on our ability to empower millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in global trade. Today, the biggest constraint for many exporters is not a lack of international demand. Instead, they struggle with limited access to overseas markets, difficulty in identifying credible buyers and suppliers, inadequate market intelligence, constrained access to finance, and insufficient tools to manage trade risks.

Many businesses are capable of winning international orders but are unable to fulfill them because of working capital shortages, concerns over payment security, or the complexities of cross-border logistics and compliance. As global supply chains diversify and international buyers increasingly look toward India as a trusted sourcing destination, we have a unique opportunity to integrate millions of small businesses into the formal export ecosystem. By improving access to finance, digital trade infrastructure, logistics, market linkages, and risk management solutions, India can unlock a new wave of export-led growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship.”

Commenting on the same Munindra Verma, CEO, M1 NXT said,

“India’s MSMEs have demonstrated their ability to participate in global trade, with MSME-linked products contributing nearly half of the country’s merchandise exports. However, their ability to scale remains constrained by challenges related to market access, credit availability, and delayed payments. Addressing these gaps will be critical as India seeks to expand its export base and strengthen its position in global value chains.

For exporters, delayed payments and extended credit terms are not merely operational concerns. They often determine whether a business can take on its next order, negotiate better terms with suppliers, or enter new markets. A trade finance ecosystem supported by digital processes, risk assessment, and access to institutional capital can help MSMEs manage cross-border trade cycles more efficiently.

As global supply chains continue to evolve and businesses look to diversify sourcing destinations, India has an opportunity to bring a larger share of its MSME sector into international trade. Unlocking this potential could not only expand the country’s export footprint but also support employment generation, manufacturing growth, and broader economic development over the long term.”

Commenting on the same, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby said,

“MSMEs are the everyday engines of India’s growth. From kirana stores and small service points to local manufacturers and neighbourhood entrepreneurs, they keep commerce moving, create livelihoods and serve communities across Bharat. Their contribution to the economy is significant, but their real strength lies in how deeply they are embedded in India’s local markets.On MSME Day, it is important to recognise that the next phase of MSME growth will be shaped by three enablers: digital confidence, access to formal credit and stronger last-mile support. The next leap will come from helping them move from informal resilience to formal, scalable growth. This means making digital tools simpler, credit more accessible, and assisted support more available at the last mile.“ 

Tier-II and Tier-III cities will drive India’s next wave of growth, but digital adoption alone isn’t enough. If delayed payments persist and working capital stays slow and costly, MSMEs will continue to be held back. India has strong digital payments infrastructure; the next step is a similar system for working capital.

Arman Hussain’s 63 and Aayan Siddiqui’s four-for seal big Day 4 wins

June 29: Day 4 of the Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship belonged to the bowlers. Both chasing sides were knocked over inside fourteen overs, and the two winning margins finished a single run apart, with Karim Capital Chargers and Meerut Spartans each sealing an emphatic result.

Arman Hussain’s unbeaten 63 powers Karim Capital Chargers past Jayco Panthers

Karim Capital Chargers set up the win with the bat, posting 180 for 4 in their twenty overs. Arman Hussain anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 off 46, striking five fours and four sixes, while Siddharth Tomar got the chase off to a flier with a 24-ball 41 at the top. Jayco Panthers Faridabad never settled in reply, losing wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 88 in 13.5 overs. Yug did the bulk of the damage with 4 for 34, and Arman Hussain returned to pick up 2 for 31 to cap an all-round afternoon.

Brief scores: Karim Capital Chargers 180/4 in 20 overs (Arman Hussain 63, Siddharth Tomar 41; Vivaan Dasour 2/37, Tanmay Chaudhary 1/15) beat Jayco Panthers Faridabad 88 all out in 13.5 overs (Radhe 29, Nitin Rajput 16; Yug 4/34, Arman Hussain 2/31) by 92 runs.

Player of the Match: Arman Hussain (63 and 2 for 31).

Aayan Siddiqui’s four-for caps all-round show as Meerut Spartans crush Bahadurgarh Royals

Meerut Spartans pulled themselves out of an early hole to post 155 for 7. Four down for 41, they were rescued by a fifth-wicket stand between wicketkeeper Rachit (42 off 29) and Yajur Teotia (43 off 28) that added the bulk of the runs and swung the innings. Aayan Siddiqui then took charge with the ball, returning 4 for 11 from his four overs to leave the Royals reeling. Bahadurgarh Royals were skittled for 64 in 13 overs, with Prakhar (2 for 5) and Ashwin Mavi (2 for 13) sharing the rest of the wickets as three fell on the same score.

Brief scores: Meerut Spartans 155/7 in 20 overs (Yajur Teotia 43, Rachit 42; Arav 1/16, vedant Jakhar 1/21) beat Bahadurgarh Royals 64 all out in 13 overs (Dhruv Prabhakar 19, Arav 14; Aayan Siddiqui 4/11, Ashwin Mavi 2/13) by 91 runs.

Player of the Match: Aayan Siddiqui (13 and 4 for 11).

ASHRAE Recognizes Outstanding Member Achievements at Annual Conference

Honors and Awards recipients recognized for outstanding leadership, service and contributions to the HVAC&R industry

ATLANTA (June 28, 2026) – ASHRAE recognized outstanding member achievements during its 2026 Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, honoring individuals whose leadership, service and technical excellence have advanced the Society and the built environment. Through the ASHRAE Honors and Awards program, recipients were recognized for their contributions to innovation, sustainability, research, education and the continued advancement of HVAC&R and building sciences.

“ASHRAE’s strength is built on the expertise, dedication and leadership of its members,” said 2025–26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “This year’s Honors and Awards recipients have made meaningful contributions to our Society, our industry and the communities we serve. Their achievements exemplify ASHRAE’s commitment to advancing the built environment and creating a more sustainable future.”

A list of the awards and recipients are below:

Dan Mills Chapter Programs Award
Alvin Lo received the Dan Mills Chapter Programs Award, which recognizes excellence in chapter program endeavors. Lo is a Director, Decarbonisation Business at CLPe, Hong Kong, China.

Donald Bahnfleth Environmental Health Award
Iain Walker received the Donald Bahnfleth Environmental Health Award, which recognizes excellence in volunteer service focused on environmental health issues. Walker is a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif.

George B. Hightower Technical Achievement Award
Pratik Deokar received the George B. Hightower Technical Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence in volunteer service in the area of Technical Committee, Technical Group and Technical Research Group activities. Deokar is a Research Engineer at Rheem Manufacturing Company, Lewisville, Texas.

Government Affairs Award
Eid Mohamed Abdelmoneim received the Government Affairs Award. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding effort and achievement in state, provincial and local government activities in connection with technical issues related to the Society. Abdelmoneim is Senior Mechanical Engineer – Design Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Lincoln Bouillon Award 
Kwaku Asiedu Boateng received the Lincoln Bouillon Award, which recognizes a member who performs the most outstanding work in increasing membership. The award commemorates Presidential Member Bouillon’s efforts in recruiting new members. Boateng is the Sales and Marketing Manager at Atlantic Climate Control Limited, Accra, Ghana.

Ralph G. Nevins Physiology & Human Environment Award
Federico Tartarini and Meng Kong, Ph.D. received the Ralph G. Nevins Physiology & Human Environment Award, which recognizes significant accomplishment in the study of human response to the environment. Tartarini is an Assistant Professor at The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Kong is a Principal Engineer at GTI Energy, Des Plaines, Ill.

Residential Buildings Service Award
Philip Fairey received the Residential Buildings Service Award, which recognizes excellence in volunteer service focused on Residential Building issues. It serves to heighten general membership awareness of, and interest in, Residential Building activities. Fairey is a Principal at Building Consultants Group, LLC., Merritt Island, Fla.

Standards Achievement Award
Steven Emmerich received the Standards Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence in volunteer service for developing ASHRAE standards and guidelines. Emmerich is a Group Leader at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md.

William J. Collins, Jr. RP Award
Kevin Clannon received the William J. Collins Jr., RP Award. The award, named in honor of Presidential Member Collins, recognizes a chapter RP chair who excels in raising funds for ASHRAE’s RP campaign. Clannon is a Senior Applied Sales Specialized Equipment professional at The Master Group Inc., Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada.

YEA Award of Individual Excellence
Tina Abbasi, Mohamed Faizal and Abraham N.O. OKOKO received the YEA Award of Individual Excellence, which recognizes YEA members for superior efforts during the preceding Society year in the promotion and success of YEA and its programs. Abbasi is Director of Operations at Zapas, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada. Faizal is an IAQ Consultant at Intercool, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. OKOKO is a Sales & Supports Engineer at AHI-Carrier, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

ASHRAE Journal Paper Award
David Traxler received the Journal Paper Award for the best article published in the previous volume year of the ASHRAE Journal. Traxler is an Associate Mechanical Engineer, Burns & McDonnell, Baltimore, Md.

Science and Technology for the Built Environment Best Paper Award
Shahzad Yousaf, Craig R. Bradshaw, Rushikesh Kamalapurkar and Omer San received the Science and Technology for the Built Environment Best Paper Award for “Development and performance evaluation of empirical models compatible with building energy modeling engines for unitary equipment.” The award is for the best paper published in the volume year of the Science and Technology for the Built Environment, the ASHRAE research journal.

Yousaf is a Research Assistant at The University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Champaign, Ill. Bradshaw is an Associate Professor and Executive Director of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Center (ACRC) at The University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Ill. Kamalapurkar is an Associate Professor at The University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

Crosby Field Award
Lukasz Sztaberek, Christopher Koenigsmann, Ken Haesslein, Arham Jamshaid, Jack Loughney and David Chacon, Jr. received the Crosby Field Award for “Understanding PCO Air Purification Systems” which was judged to be the best paper presented before the Society. The Crosby Field Award is named for a former Presidential Member.

Sztaberek is an Associate Professor at NYC College of Technology, Brooklyn, N.Y. Koenigsmann is an Associate Professor at Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y. Haesslein is a Research Assistant, Fordham University, Bronx, NY. Jamshaid is at Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y. Loughney is a Research Assistant at Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y.

Willis H. Carrier Award
S. Kia. Mossalaei received the Willis H. Carrier Award given to a member 32 years of age or younger for presenting an outstanding paper at a Society conference. The award was presented for “Laboratory Evaluation of Control Verification Procedures for Certification of Variable-Speed Heat Pump Behavior.” Mossalaei is a Research Assistant at Herrick Laboratories, West Lafayette, Ind.

ASHRAE Best Paper Award
The following papers received a Best Paper Award, which recognizes the authors of the best papers presented at Society conferences during the previous year:

• Philip Boudreaux, Ph.D., Stephen Killough, Rui Zhang, Gurneesh Jatana and Diana Hun received an award for “Development of Novel Techniques for Non-Invasive Air Leakage and Moisture Detection in Building Envelopes.” Boudreaux is on the R&D Staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn. Zhang is an R&E Engineer at GTI Energy, Des Plaines, Ill. Hun is a Section Head at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
• Habib Arjmand Mazidi, Sajith Indika Wijesuriya, Ph.D., Ravi Anant Kishorem, Ph.D. and Chuck Booten, Ph.D. received an award for “Retrofit Solutions to Improve the Energy Performance of Existing Operational U.S Administrative Buildings.” Mazidi is an Assistant Professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering University, Milwaukee, Wis. Wijesuriya is at National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, Colo. Kishorem is a Senior Research Engineer at National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, Colo.
• Amy Allen, Ph.D., Jing Wang, Shadi M. Abdel Haleem, Matt Mitchell, Nicholas Long, Gregor P. Henze, Ph.D., P.E. and Jay Tulley received an award for “From Theory to Practice: Feasibility Study of a Thermal Microgrid at a US DoD Installation.” Allen and Wang are Research Engineers at The National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, Colo. Haleem is an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. Long is a Senior Researcher at National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, Colo. Henze is an Endowed Professor at The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colo. Tulley is a Research Engineer at USACE Construction Engineering Research Lab, Champaign, Ill.
• Hye-Jin Cho, Seong-Yong Cheon and Jae-Weon Jeong, Ph.D. received an award for “Experimental Investigation of Vacuum-Based Membrane Dehumidification and Evaporative Cooling-Assisted Dedicated Outdoor Air System.” Cho is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea. Cheon is a Research Assistant Professor at Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea. Jeong is a Professor of Architectural Engineering at Hanyang University, South Korea.

Poster Presentation Award
The Poster Presentation Award recognizes the authors of the best poster session paper presented at a Society conference during the previous year.

• Marie-Pier Trépanier and Louis Gosselin received an award for “When Variability on Climate and Occupants Meet – How Climate Change Can Affect Different Occupants in Their House?” Trépanier is a Ph.D. Candidate at Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
• Farouq Issam Riziq, Mingzhe Liu, Wei-An Chen, Zheng O’Neill, Ph.D., P.E. and Mario A. Medina, Ph.D., P.E. received an award for “Design and Operation of PCM-Embedded Radiant Cooling Systems for Enhanced Energy Flexibility.” Riziq is a Student at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Liu and Chen are Instructional Assistant Professors at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. O’Neill is a Professor at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Medina is Director of Architectural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

 Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award salutes members of any grade who have served the Society faithfully and with distinction and who have given freely of their time and talent in chapter, regional and Society activities. The following members were recognized:

• Aleksandar Anđelković is a Professor of Faculty of Technical Sciences at The University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
• Don Bailey, Dunnellon, Fla.
• Charles Bertuch, P.E., LEED AP is a Project Manager at Colliers Engineering and Design, Syracuse, N.Y.
• Marcus V A Bianchi is Owner of Marcus V A Bianchi, Littleton, Colo.
• Carrie Brown, Ph.D. is a Director at Resource Refocus LLC, Piedmont, Calif.
• Yan Chen, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Engineer & Team Lead at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash.
• Bob Coleman is a Lead Engineer at Trane Technologies, Lexington, Ky.
• Kimberly Cowman, HFDP is Director of Engineering at LEO A DALY, Omaha, Neb.
• Charles Cromer, Cocoa Beach, Fla.
• Mahroo Eftekhari, C.Eng., CDPhil, Fellow ASHRAE, SFHEA is a Professor and Course Director MSc in Net Zero Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
• Charles Eley is a Retired Architect & Engineer, San Francisco, Calif.
• Niss Feiner, CHD is Principal Mechanical Designer at Delta-T Designs Inc., Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada.
• Stan Gatland is the Manager of Building Science and Comfort at Saint-Gobain North America, Malvern, Pa.
• Reid Hart, P.E. is Chief Engineer at BirchGrove Hearth, LLC, Eugene, Ore.
• Kyle Hasenkox is a Principal at Rocky Point Engineering Ltd., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
• Heric Holmes, P.Eng. is Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering at Bird Construction, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
• Joshua Hughes, P.E. is an R&D Engineer at The Chemours Company, Wilmington, Del.
• Elizabeth Jedrlinic is a Sales Manager at Trane, New York, N.Y.
• Manfred Kehrer is a Senior Associate at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., Northbrook, Ill.
• Elise Kiland, P.E. is Founding Building Engineer at Cambio, San Francisco, Calif.
• Bruce B. Lindsay, P.E., CDP is a Principal at Lindsay & Associates, Melbourne, Fla.
• Carol Lomonaco is a Senior Product Manager at Vista Lake Consultants, LLC, Wauwatosa, Wis.
• Nicholas Long is a Senior Researcher at National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, Colo.
• Genevieve Lussier is President at Eequinox, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• Eduardo Maldonado, Life Member ASHRAE is a Professor at Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
• Andrew Manos is a Mechanical Engineer at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, N.Y.
• Meghan K. McNulty, P.E., is a Building Systems Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash.
• Kevin B. Mercer, P.E. is a Sr. Principal Engineer at Rheem Manufacturing Co, Fort Smith, Ark.
• Gwelen Paliaga is a Senior Director at TRC, Oakland, Calif.
• Scott Peach, P.E. is President at SP Engineering, Inc., Mobile, Ala.
• Les Pereira is Retired, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.
• Tulia I. Rios is an Applications Engineer at Stan Weaver, Miami, Fla.
• Michelle Shadpour is an Executive Project Manager at SC Engineers, San Diego, Calif.
• Carey Simonson is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
• Bill Simpson is a Sales Engineer at Harrison Energy Partners, Little Rock, Ark.
• Jeff Stein, P.E. is a Principal at Taylor Engineers, Alameda, Calif.
• Elia Sterling is at Theodor Sterling Associates LTD, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• Fitsum Tariku is a Professor at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
• Rick Vowels, P.E. is Retired, Louisville, Ky.
• Bruce A. Wilcox, P.E. is President at Bruce A. Wilcox, P.E. Inc., Berkeley, Calif.
• Jason Woods is a Sr. Research Engineer at National Laboratory of the Rockies, Golden, Colo.

Exceptional Service Award 
The Exceptional Service Award recognizes Distinguished Service Award recipients who have continued to serve faithfully and with exemplary effort. The following members were recognized:

• Robert Bean, RET, PL(Eng) is a Retired Practitioner, Lake Chestermere, Alberta, Canada.
• Robin Bryant is a Senior Project Manager at B&I Contractors, Inc., Fort Myers, Fla.
• Susanna Hanson is a Principal Engineer at Solstice Advanced Materials, Morris Plains, N.J.
• Isabelle Lavoie is General Manager at Johnson Controls, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• Corey Metzger is a Principal at Resource Consulting Engineers, Omaha, Neb.
• Ahmed Alaa El Din Mohamed, Ph.D. is Chairman at Portec Link General Trading LLC, Green Vision Contracting, and Cool Pro, Alexandria, Egypt
• Carey Simonson is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
• Iain Walker is a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif.
• David A. Yashar, Ph.D. is Deputy Director of the Standards Coordination Office, The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md.
• Douglas Zentz is an Emeritus Professor at Ferris State University, Elkhart, Ind.

Distinguished 50-Year Member Award
The Distinguished 50-Year Member Award is given to individuals who have been a member for a minimum of 50 years, and are either a past Society president, Fellow ASHRAE or Distinguished Service Award recipient or who have performed outstanding service to ASHRAE or its predecessor societies – the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (ASHVE), the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE), and the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE).

• Mark Allen is President at A.J. Allen Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa.
• Erv Bales, Summit, N.J.
• Albert Black, III, Creve Coeur, Mo.
• Robert Cappelletti, Lansing, Mich.
• Dale Carter, Comox, British Columbia, Canada.
• Julian de Bullet, Gainesville, Va.
• Michael N. Hart is Chairman of the Board at EEA Consulting Engineers, Austin, Texas.
• Donald C. (Don) Herrmann, BEAP is Owner at Building Resources LLC, Hudson, Fla.
• David E. Knebel, P.E. is a Consultant, Tulsa, Okla.
• Reza Mashayekhi is President at Mashatyekhi Consultants, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Frank Mills is Owner of Frank Mills Consulting, England
  Awarded posthumously to Garry Neil Myers, Retired, Allendale, N.J.
• Thomas Reinarts, Rio Verde, Ariz.
• Richard Rooley, FREng, with Rooley Consultants in Stoke Poges, England.
• Ronald Shelton, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
• Phil Trafton is Principal Advisor at Coffman Engineers, Woodland Hills, Calif.
• Saul V. Villanueva, P.E. is President at Mechanical Applications Consultants, Inc., San Jose, Calif.
• Timothy G. Wentz, HBDP is an Emeritus Professor at The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.

Distinguished 75-Year Member Award
The Distinguished 75-Year Member Awards is given to individuals who have been ASHRAE members for a minimum of 75 years.

• Joseph S. Lea, P.E. is Retired, Jamaica, N.Y.

 Andrew T. Boggs Service Award

Larry J. Fisher received the Andrew T. Boggs Service Award. The award, named after ASHRAE’s executive vice president emeritus, recognizes an Exceptional Service Award recipient for continuing unselfish, dedicated and distinguished service. Fisher is Founder of ECT Service, Louisville, Ky.

Eunice Foote Decarbonization Award

Luke Leung, P.E., P.Eng, BEMP received the Eunice Foote Decarbonization Award, which recognizes a member who works to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment. Leung is a Principal at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Chicago, Ill.

 Louise & Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award

Costas Balaras received the Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award. This annual award is given to an ASHRAE Fellow for continuous preeminence in engineering or research work. The honor was initiated in 1979 by Presidential Member Bill Holladay. Balaras is the Research Director for the Institute for Environmental Research & Sustainable Development at The National Observatory of Athens, Greece.

Indian Markets Close Week Higher on Soft Crude Prices

Mumbai, June 27: Indian equity benchmarks ended the week on a positive note, with the Nifty and Sensex registering modest gains supported by easing crude oil prices and selective buying across key sectors.

Market sentiment improved as a decline in global crude oil prices helped ease concerns over inflationary pressures and input costs for domestic industries. Investors also showed interest in select banking, energy, and consumer stocks, contributing to the overall upward movement in indices.

Despite intermittent volatility during the week, the broader market maintained stability, with participation from both institutional and retail investors helping absorb fluctuations in global cues. Analysts noted that easing commodity prices provided relief to sectors sensitive to energy costs, supporting overall market confidence.

However, caution persisted due to mixed global economic signals and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, which kept gains in check. Market participants are expected to closely monitor upcoming economic data releases and global developments for further direction.

Overall, the week reflected a balanced market environment, where supportive commodity trends and steady domestic participation helped Indian equities close with modest gains.

CareEdge ESG Ratings Upgrades Adani Ports, Cites Strong Sustainability and Governance Performance

Mumbai, June 27: CareEdge ESG Ratings has upgraded the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) score of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, recognising the company as a strong performer in sustainability and responsible business practices.

The upgrade reflects the company’s continued progress in strengthening its ESG framework, with improvements across environmental management, social responsibility initiatives, and governance standards. The rating agency noted that Adani Ports has demonstrated consistent efforts to embed sustainability considerations into its core operations and long-term strategic planning.

According to the assessment, the company’s environmental initiatives, including efficiency improvements and better resource management across its port operations, have contributed significantly to the upgraded score. On the social front, initiatives focused on workforce welfare, community engagement, and safety standards were highlighted as key strengths.

The report also underscored the company’s robust governance systems, including enhanced risk management practices, compliance mechanisms, and transparent operational oversight, which have helped strengthen overall ESG performance.

The recognition places Adani Ports among leading infrastructure companies in ESG performance, reflecting its growing alignment with global sustainability benchmarks and investor expectations.

Company representatives stated that the upgrade validates their long-standing commitment to sustainable and responsible growth while continuing to expand port infrastructure and logistics capabilities. The company added that it will further strengthen its ESG initiatives to support long-term value creation and environmental stewardship.

GI-Tagged Rewa Sundarja Mangoes Exported to UAE

Rewa / New Delhi, June 27: GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes from Madhya Pradesh have been successfully exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant step in expanding the global reach of India’s premium agricultural produce.

The export highlights growing international demand for region-specific Indian fruits recognised for their unique quality and geographical identity. The Rewa Sundarja mango, known for its distinctive taste and aroma, carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag that certifies its origin and authenticity.

Officials stated that the export reflects India’s continued efforts to promote GI-tagged products in global markets and strengthen agri-export ecosystems. The initiative is expected to benefit local farmers by improving market access, enhancing income opportunities, and encouraging value-added agricultural practices.

The shipment to the UAE is seen as part of a broader strategy to position India as a reliable supplier of premium horticultural products in international markets. Authorities also emphasized ongoing support for farmer producer organisations and export facilitation measures to boost the visibility of indigenous products abroad.

Experts believe such exports will help strengthen rural economies while promoting India’s rich agricultural heritage on the global stage.

Stadium To Screen: FIFA World Cup 2026 Comes Live To PVR INOX

June 27: PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibition company, in association with leading Content & Technology Powerhouse, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (‘Z’), today announced that it is bringing the thrilling live action of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to the big screen across PVR INOX cinemas in select cities. Building on its commitment to transforming cinemas into multi-format cultural destinations, the association offers sports fans an unprecedented opportunity to experience the scale, emotion and intensity of the world’s biggest football tournament in a larger-than-life theatrical setting. 

Under this association, PVR INOX will kick off live screenings on Monday, 29th June 2026, beginning with the highly anticipated Round of 32 across select cities. Audiences will experience the world’s finest footballing nations battle it out on the big screen, enhanced by premium large formats, cutting-edge projection technology and the unmatched surround sound of PVR INOX auditoriums. 

Mr. Gautam Dutta, CEO – Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Limited, said, “Football has an unmatched ability to cross borders and bring people together, and we are absolutely thrilled to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to fans through PVR INOX. From edge-of-the-seat penalty shootouts to brilliant tactical masterclasses, audiences across the country can now experience every goal, save and celebration on the grandest screens available. At PVR INOX, we remain dedicated to creating unforgettable entertainment experiences, and this association celebrates the growing interest in global football in India, offering a stadium-like environment that makes every match truly unforgettable.” 

The live screenings are designed to bring passionate fan communities together for an immersive viewing experience, recreating the electrifying atmosphere of the world’s greatest stadiums inside the comfort of multiplexes. The schedule follows the tournament’s most exciting moments, taking audiences from the Round of 32 all the way to the historic Final. 

Football fans can book their seats for the knockout matches through the PVR INOX website or mobile app, as well as BookMyShow, and experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ together on the big screen.

Dubai Shines as The Grand Iconic Star Business Awards 2026 Concludes in Spectacular Style

Dubai, UAE – June 27: Avighna Productions, in association with ISPAY Global, proudly hosted The Grand Iconic Star Business Awards 2026 at the prestigious Airport Millennium Hotel Dubai, marking an extraordinary evening of recognition, celebration, and global business excellence.

The grand event brought together more than 300 distinguished guests, including prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, dignitaries, celebrities, media professionals, and industry influencers from around the world. The awards ceremony created an inspiring atmosphere of achievement, networking, and prestige, honouring individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions across diverse industries.

Widely recognized as one of the most talked-about business recognition events of the year, the evening stood out as a dynamic fusion of international business excellence, glamour, entertainment, government representation, and strong media presence. Guests experienced a memorable celebration featuring prestigious award presentations, high-level networking opportunities, cultural entertainment, and inspiring stories of success and innovation.

The event also welcomed several notable personalities, including H.E. Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al Kindi, Former Minister of Water and Environment, H.E. AarefA Al Falahi, Board Member of RAK Chamber of Commerce and RAK Insurance Company Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri, CEO & Founder of Hanan Empire;; Dr. Mohamed Rafique, Medical Director of Prime Hospital;, UAE; and Heena Arora Dhawan, Business Entrepreneur and Tarot Reader.

The resounding success of The Grand Iconic Star Business Awards 2026 was made possible through the invaluable support of its valued sponsors, esteemed award recipients, media partners, volunteers, event coordinators, and dedicated support staff. Their professionalism, commitment, and collaboration played a vital role in delivering an event of exceptional impact and distinction.

Avighna Productions and ISPAY Global extend their heartfelt gratitude to every individual and organization that contributed to this remarkable achievement. The overwhelming response and enthusiastic participation reaffirm their commitment to creating world-class platforms that celebrate excellence, inspire innovation, and promote leadership on a global stage.

As the curtain falls on this year’s successful edition, Avighna Productions and ISPAY Global look ahead with renewed passion to continue their mission of recognizing outstanding talent, empowering entrepreneurs, and building meaningful global business connections.

Assam includes tea plantation land in Farmers’ Registry, boosts support for small tea growers

Guwahati, June 27: The Government of Assam has officially included tea plantation and small tea garden land holdings in the state Farmers’ Registry Portal, marking a major reform aimed at strengthening the livelihood of small tea growers across the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the decision a “historic step,” stating that it will bring lakhs of small tea growers into the formal agricultural system and ensure they receive direct access to government welfare schemes and financial support.

With this integration, small tea growers will now be eligible for a Farmer ID, enabling smoother access to subsidies, crop insurance, institutional credit, and various agricultural development programmes.

Officials said the move is part of Assam’s broader digital agriculture initiative aimed at improving transparency, reducing middlemen, and strengthening direct benefit transfer systems for farmers.

The decision is expected to significantly benefit Assam’s small tea sector, which contributes a large share of the state’s tea production and supports rural livelihoods across multiple districts.