30, Jun 2026
As hospitality jobs evolve faster than ever, Glion strengthens the bridge between academia and industry
India June 30: Glion Institute of Higher Education welcomed the members of its Hospitality & Luxury Industry Council (HLIC), established in 2025, for their third official gathering, the second on its Montreux campus, bringing together senior leaders from some of the world’s most influential hospitality, luxury and experience-driven brands.
- Grisha Davidoff, Owner & CEO, Utopian Hotels (Lisbon)
- Gaëlle Devins, Chief Customer Officer & Member of the Executive Board, Breitling (Grenchen)
- Amanda Hyndman, Chief Operating Officer, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (Hong Kong)
- Sybille de Margerie, President & CEO, Sybille de Margerie Interior Design (Paris)
- Nicholas Northam, former Executive Vice President International, Aimbridge Hospitality (London)
- Anthony Torkington, Managing Director, Relais & Châteaux (Paris)
- Jeffrey Wielgopolan, Service Director, Meadowood Estate Napa Valley (California)
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- By Neel Achary
30, Jun 2026
GST Completes Nine Years, Marks Major Milestone in India’s Tax Reform Journey
New Delhi, June 30: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has completed nine years, marking a major milestone in India’s indirect tax reform journey, officials and experts said.
Over this period, GST has evolved into a more stable and collaborative tax framework between the Centre, States, industry, and institutions. The system today is seen as a mature and technology-driven ecosystem supported by continuous reforms, improved compliance mechanisms, and growing alignment with business practices.
Key Changes and Evolution Over Nine Years
Officials highlighted several major improvements since the rollout of GST:
- Unified tax structure: Multiple indirect taxes were replaced with a single nationwide tax system, creating a common national market.
- Digital-first system: End-to-end online filing, e-invoicing, and automated return processing have significantly reduced manual intervention.
- Improved compliance: Technology-driven monitoring and data analytics have helped reduce tax evasion and improve transparency.
- Faster refunds: Streamlined processes have improved refund timelines for exporters and businesses.
- Frequent policy updates: Regular rate rationalisation and procedural changes have improved responsiveness to industry needs.
- Broader tax base: Greater formalisation of the economy has expanded the taxpayer base over time.
Stable and Collaborative Ecosystem
Experts noted that GST has now become a stable collaborative platform involving governments, tax authorities, and businesses. This coordination has helped address implementation challenges and refine processes based on feedback from stakeholders.
The regime is also increasingly aligned with modern business practices, with digital compliance systems reducing paperwork and improving efficiency for taxpayers.
Outlook
Officials said continued reforms, data-driven administration, and deeper digital integration are expected to further strengthen the GST framework in the coming years, making it more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly.
The government reiterated its commitment to further simplifying processes and improving ease of compliance for businesses and individuals.
30, Jun 2026
UTEP Researchers 3D-Print Battery Component That Could Reshape How Devices Are Powered
EL PASO, Texas June 30: A team of researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso has developed a way to 3D-print an essential battery component in nearly any shape. Their innovation could free engineers from the constraints of standard rechargeable battery sizes and allow energy storage to be built directly into the devices the batteries power.
The work, detailed in a study published in Communications Engineering, part of the Nature family of journals, centers on gel polymer electrolytes, the material inside a battery that carries the ions (the particles which carry the electrical charge) between the electrodes – the two terminals where chemical reactions occur and electricity enters or leaves the battery. Conventional electrolytes are liquids that must be sealed inside rigid casings, a design that limits battery shapes and raises safety concerns about leaks. The UTEP team instead created a printable gel by combining a light-curable resin with a lithium-based liquid electrolyte, then hardened it layer by layer using a technique called vat photopolymerization.
The printed material performed on par with electrolytes made by conventional methods, reaching ionic conductivities of up to 3.4 × 10⁻³ siemens per centimeter, close to the performance of the liquid electrolytes it could replace. The researchers also pinpointed an optimal recipe, a one-to-four ratio of resin to electrolyte, that balanced strong electrochemical performance with clean, reliable printing.
Just as important for real-world use, the team printed the electrolytes in ordinary laboratory air rather than inside a sealed, oxygen-free chamber, and the material kept its performance. To showcase the design freedom the method offers, the researchers printed simple discs, an open honeycomb lattice and a solid one-centimeter cube, illustrating how future batteries could be shaped to fit a wearable, a medical device or an aerospace part rather than forcing the device to accommodate the battery.
“For years, the shape of a battery has dictated the shape of the device it powers,” said Alexis Maurel, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher and a faculty member in UTEP’s Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering. “We are showing that you can print a high-performing electrolyte battery component with any shape and place it almost anywhere you want. That changes what designers are able to imagine.”
The work also clarified how the choice of solvent shapes both printability and battery behavior, a question the authors note had gone largely unexamined in earlier research on printable electrolytes. One formulation proved especially stable during repeated testing, helping the team identify the most promising path forward.
“This research demonstrates how advanced manufacturing and energy technologies are merging to create entirely new possibilities for battery design,” said Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering. “By developing a scalable method to 3D-print battery electrolytes in virtually any shape, Dr. Maurel and his collaborators are helping position UTEP at the forefront of next-generation energy storage research while providing our students with hands-on experience in technologies that are critical to the future of aerospace, transportation, and advanced manufacturing.”
The research was led by UTEP scientists in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories. The team plans to refine its formulations and work toward incorporating these printed electrolytes into complete battery cells.
The study is part of Maurel’s portfolio of projects focused on 3D printing of batteries, which includes a workforce development grant from the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. The funding established a partnership between UTEP and Texas A&M University that offers paid, research-intensive summer internships for students from both institutions.
30, Jun 2026
Nadda Praises PM Modi’s Push to Strengthen India’s Medical Education System
New Delhi, June 30: BJP National President JP Nadda has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and leadership in strengthening India’s health sector and medical education ecosystem.
He said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the country has witnessed significant expansion in healthcare infrastructure, including an increase in medical colleges, medical seats, and improved access to quality healthcare services.
Nadda noted that ongoing reforms have helped modernise the medical education system, improve healthcare delivery, and address the shortage of trained medical professionals across the country.
He further stated that these initiatives are contributing to a stronger, more resilient health system capable of meeting the country’s growing healthcare needs.
The BJP reiterated its commitment to supporting continued reforms and development in the health and medical education sectors under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
30, Jun 2026
Indian Pickleball Association Unveils Official Jersey Ahead of Pickleball World Cup
New Delhi, June 30: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has officially unveiled the national team jersey ahead of the upcoming Pickleball World Cup.
The new jersey has been designed to represent India’s sporting identity, unity, and competitive spirit as the national team prepares to compete on the global stage.
According to officials, the unveiling marks a significant milestone in India’s preparations for the World Cup, reflecting the rapid growth of pickleball in the country and the increasing participation of athletes in the sport.
The team is expected to undergo final preparations, including training camps and selection processes, ahead of the international tournament.
The Indian Pickleball Association expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the sport across the country.
30, Jun 2026
Ancelotti’s Calm Leadership Inspired Brazil’s Comeback Win, Says Martinelli
Rio de Janeiro, June 30: Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli praised head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s calm approach after the team secured a spirited comeback victory in their FIFA World Cup match.
Martinelli said the coach’s composure and clear communication played a key role in keeping the team focused during a difficult phase of the match. He added that Ancelotti’s leadership helped restore belief in the squad, which eventually turned the game around in Brazil’s favour.
The Brazilian team showed strong resilience after going behind early, responding with improved coordination, attacking intent, and disciplined gameplay in the second half.
Players and staff credited the team’s unity and tactical adjustments for the turnaround, highlighting the importance of staying composed under pressure in high-stakes tournament matches.
The win strengthens Brazil’s position in the competition as they continue their campaign in the FIFA World Cup.
30, Jun 2026
Delhi Government’s EV Push to Boost Investment, Manufacturing and Green Jobs: PHDCCI
New Delhi, June 30: The Delhi government’s electric vehicle (EV) policy push is expected to catalyse investment, strengthen manufacturing activity, and generate green employment opportunities, according to industry body PHDCCI.
The chamber said that the continued focus on EV adoption and supporting infrastructure will help accelerate the transition towards clean mobility in the national capital. It added that the policy environment is likely to encourage both domestic and global investors to expand their presence in the EV ecosystem.
According to PHDCCI, increased investment in charging infrastructure, battery technology, and related manufacturing units will play a key role in building a sustainable mobility framework. The initiative is also expected to create significant employment opportunities across manufacturing, services, and allied sectors.
Industry experts noted that Delhi’s EV push aligns with broader national goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban transport systems.
PHDCCI expressed optimism that sustained policy support and industry collaboration will further strengthen Delhi’s position as a key hub for electric mobility in the coming years.
30, Jun 2026
Sensex, Nifty End Lower as IT Stocks Weigh; Markets Track US–Iran Talks
Mumbai, June 30: Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Monday, weighed down by selling pressure in information technology stocks, while investors closely monitored developments around upcoming US–Iran talks.
Market sentiment remained cautious throughout the session as weak performance in key IT counters dragged the broader indices. Analysts noted that profit booking and global uncertainty contributed to the decline.
Investors also tracked geopolitical developments, particularly the scheduled US–Iran discussions, which are expected to influence global crude oil prices and broader risk sentiment in the coming days.
Despite the downturn, selective buying was seen in some defensive and sector-specific stocks, helping limit deeper losses in the broader market.
Market experts said volatility is likely to persist as global cues, currency movements, and geopolitical factors continue to shape investor sentiment.
30, Jun 2026
Coal India Plans INR 1,900 Crore Investment in Research & Development by 2030
New Delhi, June 30: State-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced plans to invest around ₹1,900 crore in research and development (R&D) by FY30, aiming to strengthen innovation and modernise its operations.
The investment is expected to focus on improving mining efficiency, adopting cleaner technologies, enhancing safety standards, and supporting sustainable coal production practices.
The move comes as Coal India looks to align with long-term energy transition goals while maintaining its role as a key supplier of coal to the power sector.
Officials said the R&D push will help the company integrate advanced technologies and improve productivity across its mining operations over the coming years.
30, Jun 2026
India Shielded Consumers from Gulf Crisis: Ex-Petroleum Official
New Delhi, June 30: India successfully shielded its consumers from the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis through timely and well-planned energy management measures, a former senior petroleum official said.
According to the official, proactive steps taken by the government, including diversification of crude oil sourcing, strategic petroleum reserves management, and efficient supply chain coordination, helped maintain stability in fuel availability and prices.
The official noted that India’s energy security framework played a key role in minimizing disruptions despite global uncertainties arising from the Gulf situation. Coordinated efforts between policymakers, refiners, and distribution agencies ensured continuity in supply across the country.
Experts added that India’s approach to energy management highlights the importance of long-term planning, international partnerships, and flexible procurement strategies in safeguarding consumers during global supply shocks.
The remarks underline India’s growing resilience in managing external energy risks and maintaining stability in the domestic market.
