Category Archives: Business

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.

FSAI Unveils Six-Pillar Electrical Safety Roadmap; Industry Discusses NBCS 2026 in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 27: With nearly 60 per cent of reported fire incidents in India linked to electrical faults, the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), Hyderabad Chapter, unveiled a comprehensive Six-Pillar Approach aimed at improving electrical safety practices, strengthening compliance, and reducing fire risks across the country. The roadmap was announced during the seminar “Electrical Safety Excellence  Beyond Compliance”, organised by FSAI Hyderabad Chapter in association with the International Copper Association India (ICA India) in Hyderabad.

As India witnesses rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure investments and the growing adoption of technologies such as electric vehicle charging systems and solar power installations, speakers highlighted the need for a proactive approach that complements regulatory compliance with stronger risk management, training and preventive measures. The seminar brought together regulators, policymakers, consultants, engineers, safety professionals and industry leaders to deliberate on best practices required to support India’s rapidly expanding built environment.

A key highlight of the event was the discussion on critical electrical safety provisions under the National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026, a significant development for India’s building, electrical safety and fire protection ecosystem. The sessions provided stakeholders with insights into the framework’s impact on building design, construction practices and electrical safety management.

Addressing the gathering, K. Nanda Kumar, Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government and Ex-Officio Chairperson of the Telangana Electrical Licensing Board said,

“As India’s infrastructure ecosystem grows in scale and complexity, stakeholders must focus on adopting robust safety practices, quality installations, and regular audits to minimise risks and protect lives. Platforms such as this seminar play an important role in building awareness and strengthening industry-wide safety culture.”

Meanwhile, Vikram Singh Mann, IPS, Director General of Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence said,

“It is true that a significant number of fire incidents continue to occur due to electrical faults and unsafe installations. Preventing such incidents requires greater collaboration between regulators, industry, designers, installers, and end users. This forum will reinforce the need to integrate electrical safety, fire protection, and risk management as part of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding people and property.”

Shri Linga Reddy, Chief Engineer, Electrical R&B Department, Telangana, said,

“The discussions on NBCS 2026 provided valuable insights into the future direction of electrical safety and building standards in India. The updated framework presents an opportunity for the industry to adopt safer design practices, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and ensure that safety considerations are embedded from the planning stage through execution and operation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Wahi, President, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter, outlined FSAI’s newly launched Six-Pillar Approach aimed at driving a nationwide culture of electrical safety. The initiative focuses on capacity building for professionals involved in electrical system design, installation and maintenance; large-scale residential safety inspections through the Ghar Suraksha Audit programme; electrical safety education for schoolchildren; awareness around the safe deployment of EV charging infrastructure and other emerging technologies; public outreach through digital platforms; and improving compliance among MSMEs while developing a national database on electrical accidents.

The day-long programme featured expert-led technical sessions covering key aspects of compliance, risk management and infrastructure safety. Hemant Sali, Technical Advisor, ICA India, led sessions on navigating NBCS 2026, Indian electrical statutes and the implementation of IS 18732 standards, while Amol Kalsekar of ICA India presented a case study on cable selection and installation practices. Dr. Janaki Raman discussed earthing and lightning protection requirements under NBCS 2026, and Hemant Kumar of ICA India addressed the safe integration of EV charging infrastructure and solar photovoltaic systems into existing buildings.

Additional sessions by Thiyagarajan and Gopalakrishnan of Chola MS Risk Services covered arc flash hazards, hazardous area classification, static electricity and earthing systems. Sreenivas Valluri spoke on electrical asset integrity, while Gopalakrishnan and Subbarao shared global best practices based on NFPA standards and international benchmarks. The programme concluded with a session on fire protection systems for electrical installations in line with NBCS 2026, NFPA and Indian standards.

The event was organised under the leadership of Manoj Wahi, President, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter; Huzefa Hussain, Secretary, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter; Shivaramakrishnan V., Regional Director – South, FSAI; and Valluri Srinivas, Immediate Past National President, FSAI.

India–UK CETA to Deepen Economic and Tech Partnership

London / New Delhi, June 27: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will play a key role in deepening investments, accelerating technology partnerships, and strengthening resilient global supply chains.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PiyushGoyal 

During his visit to London, the Minister held discussions with leading business and financial sector representatives, including a delegation led by Nicola Grady-Smith, Chief Transformation Officer at Rolls-Royce. The talks focused on India’s growing position as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering, and the opportunities emerging from the trade agreement to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.

Goyal highlighted that the India–UK CETA is expected to create an enabling environment for businesses in both countries to expand operations, access new markets, and strengthen long-term collaboration in key sectors.

He also met Vivek Ramachandran, Head of Global Trade Solutions at HSBC, where discussions centered on the role of financial institutions in facilitating cross-border trade and investment flows under the new agreement. The Minister emphasized the importance of stronger trade finance mechanisms and enhanced banking solutions to support businesses in navigating international markets.

According to Goyal, banks and financial institutions will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth implementation of the agreement by enabling efficient capital movement and supporting global trade expansion.

The engagements underscore India’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the United Kingdom and positioning itself as a key partner in global manufacturing, technology, and financial ecosystems.

India Opens Dumping Investigation into Steel Imports

New Delhi, June 27: The Government of India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain steel products from China, Japan, and Russia, responding to concerns that low-priced shipments may be impacting the domestic steel industry.

The investigation seeks to determine whether imported steel is being sold in the Indian market at unfairly low prices, potentially causing material injury to local manufacturers. If evidence of dumping is established, the government may consider imposing anti-dumping duties to ensure fair competition and protect domestic producers.

The move comes as Indian steelmakers have raised concerns over rising imports, arguing that an influx of cheaper steel has placed pressure on prices, production, and profitability. The investigation will assess the extent of the alleged dumping, its impact on the domestic industry, and whether remedial measures are warranted under international trade rules.

Industry experts believe the probe reflects India’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field for domestic manufacturers while continuing to uphold fair and transparent trade practices. At the same time, the government aims to balance the interests of producers, downstream industries, and consumers.

The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for India’s steel sector, trade relations, and future import policies, particularly as the country continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and manufacturing under its industrial growth agenda.

India Marks Milestone in Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production

New Delhi, June 27: The Government of India has identified the integration of nuclear energy with hydrogen production as a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to leveraging advanced nuclear technology to produce low-carbon hydrogen, a fuel expected to play a vital role in decarbonizing industries, transportation, and other hard-to-abate sectors. By combining reliable nuclear power with hydrogen generation, the country aims to ensure a steady supply of clean energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Government officials emphasized that nuclear-powered hydrogen production can complement renewable energy sources by providing continuous, round-the-clock electricity for hydrogen generation. This approach is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, lower carbon emissions, and support the nation’s long-term climate goals.

The development aligns with India’s broader clean energy strategy, which focuses on expanding low-carbon technologies, promoting innovation, and accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen across key industrial sectors. It also reinforces the country’s vision of becoming a global hub for sustainable energy solutions.

Experts believe the successful integration of nuclear energy with hydrogen production could unlock new opportunities for industrial growth, technological advancement, and energy independence, positioning India as a leader in next-generation clean energy technologies.

FIIs Turn Net Sellers This Week; Domestic Investors Provide Cushion to Indian Markets

New Delhi, June 27: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) emerged as net sellers in the Indian equity market this week, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid evolving global economic conditions. However, strong buying by Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) helped offset the foreign outflows, providing much-needed stability to the markets.

Domestic investors, led by mutual funds, insurance companies, and other institutional participants, continued to invest steadily, underscoring growing confidence in India’s long-term growth story. Their consistent participation helped cushion the impact of foreign selling and prevented sharp market volatility.

Market experts believe that the increasing strength of domestic capital has significantly improved the resilience of Indian equity markets. With regular inflows from retail investors and systematic investment plans (SIPs), the market is now better positioned to withstand fluctuations in foreign investment.

While FIIs remain watchful of global developments, including interest rate expectations and geopolitical uncertainties, domestic investors continue to play a crucial role in supporting market sentiment. Analysts expect this trend to keep Indian markets relatively stable even if foreign investment remains volatile in the near term.

The week’s trading activity highlights a notable shift in market dynamics, where strong domestic participation is increasingly balancing foreign investment movements and reinforcing confidence in India’s financial markets.

Texas Tech Researchers Probe Interstellar Explosions, Unlock Knowledge

Researchers in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Texas Tech University recently used audio to represent the spectacular explosion of a star in deep space while also delving into the data to better understand how the phenomenon unfolded.

The explosion of NovaV612 Scuti, also known as ASSASSN-17hx, was discovered in 2017 and observed by astronomers around the world. Those observations produced a rich set of data that allowed researchers to study how the eruption changed over time. At Texas Tech the work has been led by undergraduate student Pragati Acharya under the guidance of Assistant Professor Elias Aydi. 

By transforming the nova’s changing light into audio, the team has added a new dimension to understanding how the explosion unfolded.

“This sonification allows people not only to see the changing brightness of the explosion, but also to hear its evolution,” Aydi said. “In other words, we can now offer audiences a way to experience what a stellar explosion might ‘sound’ like when astronomical data are translated into audio.”

The findings have been accepted for publication in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (Oxford Press).

The project is another example of the high-quality research taking place in Physics & Astronomy, said Sung-Won Lee, department chair.

“This study is an outstanding achievement that showcases the international stature and research excellence of the Texas Tech astrophysics program,” he said. “By combining observations from around the world and transforming the nova’s data into sound, the team has opened an innovative pathway for exploring and communicating astronomical discoveries.”

For Acharya, the opportunity to work on a real stellar explosion was especially meaningful.

“The chance to study a star was deeply meaningful to me,” said Acharya. “Growing up in Nepal, there wasn’t much awareness or conversation about astronomy, but the night sky was so clear and beautiful that it was impossible not to ignore. The stars themselves were the reason I became interested in this field. There was a moment when they stopped being twinkling dots and revealed themselves as entire worlds, the universe itself.

“That shift changed everything for me. My curiosity grew from wondering why stars twinkle to exploring why they brighten, erupt and evolve. Texas Tech, and especially Dr. Aydi’s patient guidance, helped me build the foundation to turn that curiosity into real research.”

A nova occurs when a dense stellar remnant, known as a white dwarf, pulls material from a companion star. As that material builds up on the white dwarf’s surface, it can trigger a sudden thermonuclear explosion, causing the system to brighten dramatically.

Novae occur fairly regularly in the Milky Way with about 10 to 15 discovered each year. Because they take place within our own galaxy, astronomers can study them in far greater detail than many stellar explosions in distant galaxies.

Aydi explained that although scientists have long studied these explosions, recent discoveries have changed how researchers understand these events.

“About 15 years ago, NASA’s Fermi gamma-ray satellite detected strong high-energy gamma rays from novae,” Aydi said. “This was not expected at all, so we had to rethink how these explosions happen. It turned out there is a lot we don’t know, and what we thought we understood very well, apparently, we don’t understand at all.”

These discoveries led astronomers to explore how novae could produce such energetic radiation. One explanation centers on shock waves. During a nova eruption, gas can be ejected at different speeds. Later faster-moving material may collide with gas ejected earlier, creating powerful shocks.

“These later ejections slam into the earlier ones, creating shock waves that lead to high-energy emission,” Aydi said.

The shocks also heat the surrounding gas, causing it to radiate at visible wavelengths. Recent studies have shown that much of the visible light typically observed from novae, long thought to come primarily from nuclear reactions on the surface of the white dwarf, may instead originate, at least in part, from the shock-heated gas.

“This has further changed our understanding of how these explosions unfold, Aydi said. “We now know that novae are far more complex than once thought, and that they can serve as important laboratories for understanding other stellar explosions across the cosmos, especially because they occur relatively nearby in astronomical terms.”

Nova V612 Scuti was particularly interesting because it showed major flares, or jumps in brightness, for several months after the initial explosion was discovered.

“The jumps within the explosion were extreme,” Aydi said. “We had a huge amount of energy somehow released after the explosion happened, and we didn’t know what was causing it. One of our hypotheses was that, after the initial explosion, there were subsequent substantial ejections of gas colliding with previously ejected material, creating powerful shock waves. The challenge was to confirm this using observations and detailed analysis.”

To investigate the eruption, the researchers used spectroscopy, a technique that separates light into different wavelengths, much like spreading light into the colors of a rainbow. This allows astronomers to measure how strongly the object emits at different wavelengths and to track the motion of gas during the explosion.

Astronomers around the world observed V612 Scuti using spectroscopy and shared their data with the broader scientific community. The Texas Tech team used those observations to examine when the brightness jumps occurred, what caused them and how the gas moved during the eruption.

Aydi said the team found evidence that new ejections occurred with each jump in the light curve. By studying shifts in the spectra, they were also able to calculate the velocity of the material. Over several months of observations, they found that the gas increased significantly in velocity with each major jump.

The team decided to take the analysis a step farther.

“We had high-resolution spectra, which measure intensity versus frequency, and we said, ‘We can actually convert this extensive set of data into an equivalent of sound.’” Aydi said. “So, we converted the intensity of light into sound pitch and the frequency of light into frequency of sound.”

The process allowed the researchers to hear how the explosion changed over time. When the nova’s brightness jumped, the sound changed as well. The team could not only see the evolution of the explosion in the data, but also could hear it.

The sound also makes the discovery more accessible, including for people who are visually impaired.

“It is very difficult to transform astronomy data into audio data,” Aydi said. “You need really good data, and when we were working on this, I thought it was a perfect example. We had enough data because of the almost daily observations astronomers were taking, which allowed us to turn this set of spectra into a continuous sound that visually impaired people could listen to and use to imagine what was happening.”

Acharya carried out much of the data analysis, including creating the figures for the paper and producing the sonification.

“She created the graphs we are publishing in the paper, and she also did the sonification of the data,” Aydi said. “We experimented with multiple types of codes and decided on one that would make the sound as clear as possible for someone who could not see the data.

“This is significant scientifically because we are confirming something with the data for the first time in a very strong way. It is also significant because the work was done and led by Texas Tech students.”

Along the way, Acharya gained valuable experience in coding, spectroscopy and astronomical data analysis.

“I realized how it works bit by bit, code by code, and what the sonification script actually does,” she said. “When I did it all by myself and changed the wavelengths into frequencies and produced a sound, it felt like the best thing I had ever done, and it’s something I will never forget.”

Aydi said involving undergraduates in significant research is a point of pride for the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

“We are living in a very competitive academic world,” he said. “Our aim is that when our undergraduate students graduate and want to apply for graduate school, they already have the experience, the skills and the achievements that allow them to be competitive. This project is a clear example of the pioneering work we do with our students.”

Lee said the project reflects the department’s emphasis on challenging students to stretch themselves academically.

“It is especially noteworthy that this project was led by our very own undergraduate student, Pragati Acharya, whose leadership reflects both her remarkable potential and the strong research environment cultivated by Dr. Aydi and our astrophysics group,” Lee said. “I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Aydi’s team, particularly Pragati, for conducting this study with exceptional excellence.”

For Acharya, the project has been unforgettable.

“I cannot imagine this whole thing, but it actually feels like, ‘OK, I did something I always wanted to do.’ It’s why I chose physics,” she said. “You want people to hear you and understand your perspective on how you see the world and understand it. Overall, it feels like you are doing something meaningful for humanity and for science.”

Toss Brings 30 Million Users Into the AI Data Economy in Partnership With Poseidon

Toss users can now contribute real-world data to train AI and get paid for it, in a first-of-its-kind model launching in Korea ahead of global expansion

SEOUL, June 26, 2026 — Poseidon, the data infrastructure built to source and license real-world data for AI, today announced a partnership with Toss, the mobile financial platform operated by Viva Republica, to let everyday users contribute to AI training and be paid for what they provide. It is Toss’s first move into AI data, and it opens that market to its roughly 30 million users.

Frontier AI has run out of internet to scrape. The next generation of models depends on real-world data, the kind that captures how people actually speak, move, and react, which does not exist on the open web and has never had a clean way to be sourced, licensed, or paid for. Poseidon is building the infrastructure to change that, and Toss brings the reach to do it at scale.

Through the partnership, Poseidon’s contributor app, Numo, launches inside the Toss app. Toss users can help build Korean-language training data across voice, image, and video, and receive payment tied directly to what they contribute. Poseidon provides the infrastructure that tracks each contribution and its value, while Toss provides the user base and the financial experience that turns participation into payment. Together they offer a working answer to a question the AI industry has struggled with, which is how to compensate the people whose data makes models better.

Every contribution made through Numo is registered on DATA, the AI data network that Poseidon refines data for. DATA gives each record a verifiable provenance trail through Trace, its public audit layer, so a buyer can see where a piece of training data came from and a contributor can see that their work was counted and paid. DATA Foundation, which launched this week from the rebrand of Story, is building this layer alongside integration partners including the human data marketplace Kled, and Poseidon is one of the largest sources of refined data flowing into it.

What Numo collects is first-person data, recorded by real people in real environments, which is among the hardest and most valuable categories to obtain. It is the raw material for physical intelligence, the AI that has to operate in the physical world across robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other applications. Demand from global AI labs for this kind of data is climbing, and Korea is positioned to supply it, with its dense real-life data and Toss’s user base. Poseidon and Toss intend to prove the model in Korea, then expand to global markets.

Changhoon Seo, Executive Director of New Business at Toss, said: “As the AI industry grows, demand for high-quality data is rising just as fast. Toss plans to build an environment where users can take part in the data economy more easily and naturally, and to expand a structure in which the value they contribute is rewarded transparently.”

SY Lee, Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of Poseidon, said: “Korea is one of the few markets where the strategic importance of AI data, a mature financial system, and world-class mobile experience all exist at once. Toss is the right partner to turn user-contributed AI data from an early idea into a standard the rest of the world can adopt.” Lee previously founded the web-novel platform Radish and sold it to Kakao Entertainment, co-founded Story, the IP infrastructure that recently rebranded as DATA Foundation, and was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum this year.

2026 Pair’d Festival Program Announced Australia’s leading wine festival returns to Margaret River this November

Friday, 26th June 2026
Pair’d Margaret River Region has today unveiled its 2026 program – a masterful, multi-sensory celebration of wine, food, music and culture, that will utilise the region’s incredible natural assets as the backdrop for the four-day festival this November (19-22).

Hot off major global recognition at the prestigious Eventex Awards (the only Australian festival to receive this accolade), today’s program announcement will see Pair’d bring together a once-in-a-lifetime combination of Michelin stars, global music icons, rare museum wines and beachside feasts at Australia’s leading wine-first festival.

Pair’d Festival Director Hannah Pike said the team were thrilled to present a program that pushes far beyond the traditional food and wine festival format. “The 2026 program is about the art of the blend, from museum pours and fire feasts, to musicians in caves and sunset sessions by the ocean, we’ve curated a collection of experiences that simply couldn’t happen anywhere else in the world.” Ms Pike said. “In between festivals, we spend the year scouring the world to find talent who genuinely love and have a real connection to wine – be it musicians, chefs or artists – to deliver a multi-sensory celebration of place, creativity and connection. The program is wine-led, designed to be inclusive and welcoming to guests of all tastes, interests and price-points. I strongly encourage anyone interested in attending to start exploring the program now, ahead of tickets going on sale next week.” Ms Pike finished. The Grand Tasting returns to Howard Park Wines as the only event of the year where Margaret River’s most prestigious and iconic producers gather on a single lawn. Guests can indulge in a festival menu curated by Matt Moran and Aaron Carr, explore legendary vintages through Museum Masterclasses with Erin Larkin and Nick Ryan in the Howard Park Wine Chapel, and enjoy live music from jazz artist Mark Turner
and a headline performance by Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures).

Western Australian-born chef Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore) will return home for the hugely anticipated Burnt Ends & Friends at Wills Domain. Selling out within minutes last year, the next instalment will see Pynt collaborate with American BBQ Pitmaster and Netflix royalty Rodney Scott, Hong Kong chef Matt Abergel, Larissa Goncalves (Si Paradiso) and Ben Cross (Mason Bali) for one of the festival’s signature dining events.

Scott will also host An Evening with Pitmaster: Rodney Scott alongside good friend Morgan Mcglone (The Goodies Group), an intimate live-fire feast on the festival’s opening night. Festival favourite Pair’d Beach Club will return to Meelup Beach, bringing together two ex-Noma alumni – Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Published on Main and No. 17 in North America’s 50 Best, and Ben Ing, Noma’s former head chef now behind Alberta’s in Busselton.

Guests will arrive to oysters, sparkling and coastal spritzes before choosing their experience: the Beach Club Restaurant, where a three-course menu is matched with Margaret River wines curated by sommelier Cyndal Petty or the Beach Bar, a more relaxed setting of casual beach bites, wine, music and dancing on the sand. WA seafood chef Scott Bridger of Pearla & Co. will offer a live raw bar throughout the event.

The Pair’d Beach Club is also your ticket to experience this year’s music headliners, legendary Austrian electronic duo Kruder & Dorfmeister for their only Australian performance in more than a decade. Pioneers of the “Vienna Sound” and passionately involved in the wine industry themselves, they are a natural fit for Pair’d – artists who have shaped both sound and wine culture, performing at sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Led by proud Wadandi-Pibulman man Zac Webb, Nature’s Table will return under the canopy of Tanah Marah Forest, with Paul Iskov (Fervor) and Bundjalung woman Mindy Wood (World’s 50 Best Restaurants ‘Champions of Change Award) teaming up to present an exclusive four-course lunch that weaves the essence of the blooming Peppermint Tree. Paired with a prestigious wine list curated by Erin Larkin and the soulful melodies of Noongar artist Bumpy, this is a dining experience in complete harmony with the forest around.

With so many of the events in the program utilising the incredible natural assets of the Margaret River Region, Ngilgi Reverie will transform the ancient chambers of Ngilgi Cave into one of the world’s most unique stages with didgeridoo and soulful acoustic performances, followed by a Cullen Wines-led and bushfood-inspired tasting experience. Meanwhile, Xanadu Wines Under the Stars will celebrate WA’s glittering night sky for a unique evening of food, wine, astronomy and cultural storytelling.

If it’s Michelin stars you’re chasing, Vasse Felix x Bonheur presented by Lexus is an exclusive event bringing together the artistry of Vasse Felix Estate chef Cam Jones and winemaker Virginia Willcock, with the world-class refinement of Gordon Ramsay protege, Matt Abé, Chef Patron of Bonheur (London), who gained 2 Michelin stars in his new restaurant within months of opening. The event celebrates heritage, innovation and the deep connection between premier wine-making and world-class gastronomy.

Wayfinder x St. John presented by Lexus will see Wayfinder’s Brendan Pratt join forces with London’s legendary St. John to present a menu that honours the regenerative cycles of the land. Set against the backdrop of the estate, this forward-thinking dining experience is a raw dialogue between the winemaker and the chef, merging St. John’s pioneering nose-to tail philosophy with Wayfinder’s soil-first viticulture.

In 2026, New Wave Gathering is taking over crowd favourite Chow’s Table for a night of wine, delicious Chinese food, and live music headlined by Australian indie-electronic favourites Boo Seeka. Guests can expect fresh pours from the region’s next-gen labels with big tunes to match.

Oenophiles are in for a treat at The History Makers hosted by Nick Ryan, with a menu masterfully delivered by Dave Pynt and Leeuwin Estate’s Dan Gedge. Space is strictly limited to 24 seats, with Leeuwin Estate opening its gallery for the ultra-exclusive dinner featuring pinnacle bottles and revered museum releases never before tasted by the public. Ryan said: “I’ve drunk a lot of great Margaret River wines in my time, but never have I seen a collection quite like what’s on offer at this dinner. It really is the best of the best and we’ll be talking about this night for years to come.”

Western Australian Tourism Minister the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said the WA Government is excited to invite local, national and international guests to experience an event celebrating world-class wine, food, culture, and creativity in a truly unique destination.

“Now in its third year, Pair’d Margaret River Region is a proudly West Australian homegrown event that has already built a strong presence on the global stage, Minister Whitby said. “The 2026 program showcases internationally recognised chefs, musicians and storytellers through unique experiences that highlight the region’s natural beauty and exceptional wine and culinary offerings.”

“This event plays a key role in driving visitation to the Margaret River Region, supporting local businesses and delivering strong economic outcomes for the community, while further cementing Western Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination.” 

Key Notes:

• Access the full Media Toolkit HERE
• Festival dates: Thursday 19 November – Sunday 22 November 2026.
• The full program can be viewed now at pairdmargaretriver.com with tickets on sale at 10am AWST (Perth), Wednesday 1 July.
• The 2026 program includes more than 40 wine-led events set across beaches, forests, caves and vineyards in the Margaret River Region.
• Crowd favourite Burnt Ends & Friends will see Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore) return and join forces with American Pitmaster, Netflix royalty Rodney Scott and Hong Kong’s “King of Chicken,” Matt Abergel (Yardbird, Hong Kong), for a smoke fuelled masterclass in global flavour. Scott will also host An Evening with Pitmaster: Rodney Scott with Morgan Mcglone, an intimate live-fire feast on the festival’s opening night.
• Legendary Austrian DJ duo and now winemakers, Kruder & Dorfmeister (K&D) will return to Australia for the first time in a decade for their only Aus gig at two exclusive sunset sets at Pair’d Beach Club on Meelup Beach.
• Ben Ing (Alberta’s, Busselton) will team up with Gus Stieffenhoffer-Brandson (Published on Main, Vancouver) celebrate the best of Western Australian seafood across a variety of dining options at Pair’d Beach Club, with wines curated by Cyndal Petty.
• Wayfinder x St John presented by Lexus will see the esteemed London restaurant that is credited with pioneering nose-to-tail dining collaborate with chef Brendan Pratt on a menu that honours the regenerative cycles of the land.
• Vasse Felix x Bonheur presented by Lexus brings together Vasse Felix chef Cam Jones and winemaker Virginia Willcock with Gordon Ramsay protege Matt Abé, Chef Patron of Bonheur (London), who gained 2 Michelin stars within months of opening.
• Returning favourites include Nature’s Table, Ngilgi Reverie, The Grand Tasting, New Wave Gathering, and Pair’d Beach Club.
• Many events sold out within 20 minutes of going on sale last year, so early movement is strongly encouraged for those wanting to attend the event.
• Early Access sign-ups and travel packages are available now via Pair’d Margaret River Region.
• For interstate guests, direct flights available from Sydney and Melbourne straight into Busselton Margaret River Airport.

Event Owner
Tourism Western Australia Tourism Western Australia (WA) is the WA Government agency responsible for promoting Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination. Their role is to inspire more people to visit WA from Australia and around the world. Tourism WA does this by marketing the state to the world through innovative campaigns; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, arts, cultural and business events; working with government and the tourism industry to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences for our visitors; and by informing and empowering the WA tourism industry through sharing key insights and global trends, building stakeholder relationships and providing leadership to the sector.

Event Organisers

Mellen Events With over 30 years of experience, Mellen Events is Western Australia’s leading concert promoter and event management company. As the exclusive concert operator at Kings Park for more than two decades, they have staged over 140 outdoor concerts for more than one million fans, hosting global artists such as Sting, Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Lorde, and Groove Armada. Their portfolio also spans major festivals and bespoke experiences, including Kaleidoscope Festival of Light and Dark Sky Festival. In partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, Mellen combines global talent access with a deep understanding of the WA market to deliver premium events that unite communities and showcase the region on the national and international stage.

We Are Gather

2025 winners of ‘Best Small Event Agency in Australia’ at the Australian Event Awards, and 2026 Winners of Event Ex Rising Star Agency and Boutique Agency. We Are Gather is a bold, collaborative curator of premium experiences, designing and delivering large-scale festivals, destination-led events, and brand activations with clarity, creativity, and commercial acumen. Built on deep roots in food, wine, tourism, and culture, we create immersive experiences that not only elevate brands and bring people together but also drive real results for regions, communities, and collaborators. We believe in creating gatherings that ‘leave a legacy’.

AHOY Management

AHOY Management specialises in festivals that sell out, build loyal followings, and are beloved in real life. Their standout events include Cabin Fever in Margaret River, Taste Great Southern, and Subi Spritz in Subiaco. With years of local and international experience, AHOY brings bold ideas to life, turning seeds of concepts into thriving celebrations. They work closely with communities, brands, and agencies, delivering big agency expertise with a boutique, boundary-pushing approach.

ASPIRE Scheme Boosts Rural Entrepreneurship with 109 Business Incubators Across India

New Delhi, June 26: The Centre’s ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship) initiative is strengthening rural entrepreneurship by supporting innovation and self-employment through a nationwide network of 109 business incubators.

The scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), aims to promote entrepreneurship in rural and semi-urban areas by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with access to incubation facilities, skill development, mentoring, and business support.

Officials said the incubators are helping startups and first-generation entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures, while creating employment opportunities and encouraging local economic development.

The ASPIRE scheme focuses on fostering innovation in the agriculture and rural sectors by supporting enterprises that generate sustainable livelihoods and strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

The government said the initiative is playing a key role in promoting inclusive economic growth by nurturing entrepreneurship at the grassroots level and empowering rural youth to become job creators instead of job seekers.

The scheme continues to expand India’s rural innovation ecosystem, supporting the government’s vision of strengthening the MSME sector and accelerating rural economic development.