4, Sep 2026
US Trade Deficit Widens to Dollar 88.6 Billion in July as Imports Surge
Washington, Sep 4: The US trade deficit widened sharply in July as imports increased while exports declined, highlighting the impact of strong domestic demand and higher purchases of technology-related goods.
The goods and services trade deficit rose 24.4 per cent to $88.6 billion in July from a revised $71.2 billion in June, according to data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis and the US Census Bureau.
US imports increased 2.8 per cent to $399.3 billion, while exports fell 2.1 per cent to $310.7 billion during the month. The goods deficit alone widened to $119.6 billion, while the services surplus stood at $31 billion.
A key feature of the July data was the strong rise in imports of capital goods. These imports reached a record $140.3 billion, with computers, computer equipment and semiconductors among the products driving the increase. The trend reflects continued investment in technology and artificial intelligence-related infrastructure.
The US also recorded a $5 billion goods trade deficit with India in July, keeping the India-US trade relationship in focus amid ongoing changes in global trade and tariff policies.
For India, the US remains an important export market. Indian shipments to the US have remained significant across engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and other manufacturing segments. Strong US demand therefore remains important for Indian exporters, even as changing tariff and trade policies create a more challenging global environment.
The wider US trade gap also comes as the global economy adjusts to changing supply chains, tariff measures and shifting patterns of business investment. The surge in technology-related imports suggests that demand for capital equipment remains strong, particularly around the expansion of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
The July figures underline the changing nature of US trade, with strong import demand continuing to shape the country’s external balance even as export growth remains under pressure.
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- By Neel Achary
4, Sep 2026
Akasa Air commences operations in Vietnam; Strengthens footprint in Southeast Asia
Sep 04: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, today commenced operations in Hanoi, Vietnam, connecting it with Mumbai with four weekly direct flights. The inaugural flight departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 0535 hrs IST arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, at 1200 hrs ICT. This marks Akasa Air’s seventh international destination and expands the airline’s presence in Southeast Asia while strengthening connectivity across region’s one of most high demand travel corridors.
In an event held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, a special boarding pass was presented to the first passengers and a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, and Bhavin Joshi, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President – Strategy, Akasa Air, along with Mr. Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam, and attendees from Adani Group, CISF, customs, and immigration.
The new service responds to the growing interest among Indian travellers in Vietnam, driven by its distinctive culture, diverse cuisine, scenic landscapes and value-led travel experiences. With direct connectivity from Mumbai, Akasa Air will provide customers with greater choice and accessibility, while supporting the expanding flow of tourism and commerce between India and Vietnam.
Akasa Experience
Akasa Air’s empathetic and youthful personality, employee-friendly culture, customer-service philosophy, and tech-led approach have made it the airline of choice for millions of customers. Since its inception, Akasa Air has redefined flying in India with its multiple industry-first and customer-friendly offerings. Its brand-new fleet provides ample legroom and enhanced comfort and comes with USB ports in the majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go. Café Akasa, the airline’s onboard meal service, offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and industry-first options such as Kombucha, to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies. Akasa Air offers over 25+ ancillary products to deliver on its promise of exceptional customer service, such as Akasa GetEarly, Seat & Meal Deal, Extra Seat and Akasa Holidays, which offer personalisation that is second to none. Consistently enhancing the cabin experience for its customers, Akasa has launched several industry-firsts such as SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights and QuietFlights.
4, Sep 2026
DAMAC achieves handover of 50,000 homes, with 55,000+ in pipeline and USD 2.72 bn in H1 2026 construction awards
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DAMAC Properties, the largest private real estate developer in the UAE and the Middle East, is celebrating the handover of more than 50,000 homes. With more than USD 2.72 billion in construction contracts awarded during the first half of 2026, DAMAC is targeting 8,800-plus residential units to be delivered this year across DAMAC Lagoons, DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Hills 2, Chic Tower and Elegance Tower.
Amira Sajwani, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties, said: “As Dubai’s residential market continues to mature, the ability to execute at scale will increasingly differentiate developers . The ability to mobilise the right partners, maintain control across complex construction programmes and translate ambitious pipelines into completed homes and operational communities will define success in the months to come. We are strengthening our delivery platform and maintaining momentum across our portfolio to meet commitments made to our customers.”
Mohammad Tahaineh, Chief Project Officer, DAMAC Properties, said: “Having delivered more than 50,000 homes at scale, the next 55,000+ demand rigorous control at every stage. Our disciplined programme management enables us to closely track procurement, quality, contractor performance and site productivity; anticipating and mitigating risks before they affect delivery schedules. This operational resilience has kept construction progressing throughout 2026, despite significant geopolitical pressures on global supply chains.”
Handovers are accelerating across Dubai, with nearly 25,000 new homes completed in the first half of 2026, representing a 36 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. 1 Cushman & Wakefield Core research states 13,200+ units were delivered in Dubai during Q2 2026 alone, with approximately 32,000 additional units expected in the second half of the year. 2 This increase in handovers places greater emphasis on construction capacity, contractor performance and developers’ ability to convert project pipelines into completed homes.
With more than 55,000 units and over 100 million sq. ft. of project area in planning and development, DAMAC will focus on completing its targeted 8,800-plus handovers through 2026, while mobilising newly awarded construction packages. These works establish the base for the next phase of deliveries in 2027 and beyond.
DAMAC Lagoons makes up the largest component of DAMAC’s 2026 delivery programme, with approximately 6,300 homes targeted for handover, compared with around 513 in 2025. Overall infrastructure, landscaping and associated works have exceeded 80 per cent completion. The community features approximately 177,000 sq. m of water bodies, equivalent to around 141 Olympic-size swimming pools, commissioned in phases alongside residential and infrastructure works.
At DAMAC Hills, approximately 85 per cent of the community has been completed and handed over. This year, dozens of luxury residences are being handed over across Cavalli Estates and Utopia. At DAMAC Hills 2, more than 1,500 villas will be handed over in 2026. DAMAC is also progressing handovers at Chic Tower in Business Bay and Elegance Tower in Downtown Dubai, extending the delivery programme across the company’s high-rise portfolio.
Strategic contractor appointments, early procurement, bulk sourcing and technology-enabled project oversight are aiding DAMAC to meet its ambitious handover targets. Monthly quality and safety assessments measure project and contractor performance against defined benchmarks, supported by site inspections and corrective-action plans where required.
Ahmad Marouf, a homeowner at DAMAC Lagoons, said: “From the progress updates to the final inspection and handover, the process was well managed. Seeing the home and wider DAMAC Lagoons community come together was particularly rewarding. The quality of the residence, landscaping and family-focused amenities reflects what was promised, and my family and I are happy to call this vibrant community home.”
1 Dubai’s real estate sector completes 104 projects valued at over AED111 billion in H1 2026
2 MARKETBEAT- Residential Q2 2026, Dubai, UAE | Cushman & Wakefield Core
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4, Sep 2026
DAHON TECH Announces 2026 Interim Results; Revenue and Profit Record Strong Growth
HONG KONG and SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DAHON TECH (HKEX: 2543), a leading global folding bicycle company, announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
For the first half of 2026, the Company recorded revenue of approximately US$73 million, representing a 53.7% yoy increase. Gross profit margin rose to 35.2%, up 1.7 percentage points yoy. Profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to approximately US$10 million, representing a 72.3% yoy increase, while net profit margin reached 13.2%, yoy up 1.0 percentage point.
Meanwhile, online direct-sales revenue in China increased by yoy 84.3%, while sales in international markets grew by 86.6%.
Six key areas contributed to the Company’s robust growth:
01 | Brand Reach and Digital Community Continued to Expand
In China, 170 million impressions are generated across its brand channels, representing a 67% yoy increase, while the number of new social media followers jumped 356% year over year.
Internationally, DAHON continued to expand its presence at major global bicycle industry events, including EUROBIKE, the China International Cycle Show, and Taipei Cycle, with brand exposure across its international channels growing 39% year over year.
02 | Proprietary Technology and Patent Portfolio Drove Competitive Edge
Today, DAHON held 175 valid patents worldwide, including 66 invention patents. The Company continued to strengthen its proprietary DAHON-V Tech and advance its tri-fold frame technology. By integrating engineering simulation and AI applications into manufacturing, DAHON further improved product development and operational efficiency.
03 | Diversified Product Portfolio Supported Broad-Based Growth
Strong demand for several key models contributed to improved operating efficiency and overall business performance.
In China, the P10 and P8 continued to gain traction among both everyday cyclists and cycling enthusiasts, while the tri-fold LUNDEN M7 showcased DAHON’s innovation through its incorporation of DAHON-V Tech. Internationally, the ultralight K-Feather (12 kg) became a bestseller in the U.S. and Europe, and the Mariner D8 II was named “Best Folding Bike” by The New York Times for three consecutive years.
04 | Omnichannel Strategy Delivered Double-Digit Growth Across All Markets
In China, DAHON’s brick-and-mortar network spans more than 30 provinces, with over 1,000 retail outlets. The Company ranked first by transaction value in the folding bicycle category on Tmall for 10 consecutive months and on JD.com for 18 consecutive months, while online direct-sales revenue increased by 84.3% year over year.
Internationally, distributor conferences took place in Thailand and Vietnam, contributing more than 10 new A-level branded stores in Asia. DAHON continued to strengthen its localized distribution networks in Europe and the Americas.
05 | Eco 360° Program Expanded Licensing and Partnership Revenue Base
To encourage an open, collaborative platform built around DAHON’s technologies, brand and core components, the Program had licensed DAHON’s patented component technologies to more than nine industry peers and had more than 18 brand-licensing partners. The program has also expanded into product categories that include mountain bicycles and children’s bicycles.
06 | Digital Transformation Drove Manufacturing and Operational Excellence
DAHON’s new Huizhou factory has upgraded smart manufacturing and supply chain systems, improving order fulfillment capabilities while maintaining high product quality-control pass rates. A product lifecycle management (PLM) system now enables end-to-end digital management — from components and assembly through to outbound shipping. AI-powered tools for information retrieval and fault identification further streamline operations.
In the second half of 2026, DAHON TECH will focus on brand diversification, product innovation, technology advancement, supply-chain optimisation and targeted acquisitions. The Company will expand tri-fold, carbon-fibre and e-assist portfolios, driving production growth and intelligent manufacturing at its new Huizhou facility. Meanwhile, DAHON-V Tech will be further advanced, alongside targeted acquisitions in new materials and core technologies to strengthen competitiveness.
Note: This press release has been prepared based on publicly available information contained in DAHON TECH’s 2026 interim results announcement. U.S. dollar figures are provided for the convenience of international readers and have been translated from RMB for reference only. The Company’s financial results are reported in RMB. This press release does not constitute investment advice.
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4, Sep 2026
Stronger Won Signals New Business Shift for South Korean Companies
Seoul, Sep 4: South Korea’s strengthening currency is creating a mixed business environment, offering relief to importers and companies dependent on overseas inputs while putting pressure on exporters as the won climbs to its strongest level in more than a year.
The won closed at around 1,350.4 per US dollar on Friday, its strongest level in 14 months, after falling into the 1,340-won range during intraday trading. The currency has gained significantly from its recent lows as the dollar weakened and market expectations around US interest rates shifted.
For Korean businesses that import raw materials, energy and equipment, a stronger won can reduce the local-currency cost of overseas purchases. This could provide some relief to companies facing higher input costs and help improve margins if the currency remains firm.
Export-oriented companies, however, face a different challenge. A stronger won can make Korean products relatively more expensive in overseas markets and reduce the value of foreign earnings when they are converted back into the local currency. This is particularly important for major exporters in sectors such as electronics, automobiles and machinery.
At the same time, South Korea’s technology sector continues to benefit from strong global demand. The country’s recent export performance has been led by semiconductors, with demand linked to artificial intelligence providing significant support to chipmakers and the wider technology supply chain.
Investor confidence has also improved. The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.64% to 6,687.21 on Friday, while foreign investors remained active buyers of Korean equities. Semiconductor companies were among the major beneficiaries of the improved market sentiment.
The currency’s gains also come against the backdrop of substantial foreign-exchange activity linked to SK Hynix. South Korean authorities reportedly purchased about $20 billion of dollars repatriated by the chipmaker following its US listing, highlighting the scale of capital flows influencing the won.
For businesses, the direction of the won will therefore remain important in the coming months. A stable currency could support import costs and business confidence, while a rapid appreciation could become a concern for exporters competing in global markets.
With semiconductor demand remaining strong and foreign investment flowing into Korean assets, the stronger won is emerging as an important factor for corporate earnings, trade competitiveness and investment decisions across South Korea.
4, Sep 2026
Apparel Group Redefines India’s Retail Landscape with Carrefour’s Ambitious Entry
Apparel Group sets the stage for Carrefour’s India journey, beginning with a 50,000+ sq. ft. Greater Noida flagship and laying the foundation for future growth across North India.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Apparel Group, a leading fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, announces the entry of Carrefour into India with the opening of the renowned retailer’s first flagship store at H&S Mall, Boulevard Walk, Greater Noida West, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for both businesses in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.
The opening marks a defining milestone in Apparel Group’s India growth journey and its expansion into food and hypermarket retail. Bringing together Carrefour’s international retail expertise and Apparel Group’s deep understanding of the Indian market, the partnership sets the foundation for a new generation of modern retail in India, built around quality, value, convenience and the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers.
Spanning more than 50,000+ sq. ft., the Greater Noida flagship introduces Carrefour’s established retail experience to India through a proposition thoughtfully adapted for the local market. The store features more than 15,000+ SKUs, including exclusive international products, alongside an extensive selection of locally sourced products across fresh produce, grocery, bakery, household essentials and personal care.
More than a first store, the flagship signals the scale of the ambition ahead. Apparel Group plans to expand Carrefour’s presence across North India over the coming years, building a nationwide retail platform supported by strong local partnerships, modern supply chain capabilities and an integrated omnichannel ecosystem.
Under Apparel Group’s operational leadership, Carrefour will work with a growing network of local suppliers and partners, strengthening connections across India’s retail, supply chain and agricultural ecosystem.
Mr. Nilesh Ved, Chairman of APPCORP Holding, Owner of Apparel Group and Founder of KORA Properties, said: “Carrefour’s entry into India represents more than the arrival of an iconic retailer. It reflects our conviction in India’s extraordinary potential and our ambition to help shape the next chapter of its retail landscape. Together with Carrefour, we are combining international retail expertise with deep local market understanding to build a platform designed for scale, relevance and enduring value. This flagship is the beginning of a much larger journey, one that will take Carrefour to more cities, serve more communities and create new opportunities across India’s evolving consumer ecosystem.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patrick Lasfargues, Executive Director – International Partnership, Carrefour, said: “Today’s launch marks a significant milestone for Carrefour as we officially begin our retail journey in India. We see India as one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, a rapidly evolving retail landscape and immense long-term potential. Our partnership with Apparel Group brings Carrefour’s global expertise with deep local market knowledge, creating a strong platform for sustainable growth. This flagship store is the first step in our long-term ambition to build a nationwide network and a robust omnichannel retail business that delivers quality, value and convenience to customers across India.”
India represents one of the most compelling growth opportunities in modern retail, powered by rising consumer aspirations, urbanisation and the continued evolution of organised retail. With the sector projected to exceed US$2.36 trillion by 2030, the opportunity extends beyond market growth to shaping how the next generation of Indian consumers shop, connect and experience retail.
Apparel Group and Carrefour aim to build precisely that model. The venture will combine Carrefour’s extensive international capabilities with Apparel Group’s local market expertise to bring a broader world of products and experiences to Indian consumers. Alongside the physical store network, Apparel Group will develop an integrated omnichannel ecosystem powered by modern logistics infrastructure, technology and strategic local partnerships, creating a platform built to evolve with India’s ambitions.
The Greater Noida flagship is only the beginning. It represents a long-term ambition to build Carrefour into one of India’s most relevant, accessible and trusted retail destinations, creating enduring value for consumers, suppliers, communities and the wider economy as the network expands across the country.
About Apparel Group (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate residing at the crossroads of the modern economy — Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, Apparel Group caters to eager shoppers through its 2600+ retail stores and 85+ brands on all platforms while employing over 28,000+ multicultural staff.
Apparel Group has carved its strong presence in the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary and Philippines.
Apparel Group India has created an omnichannel experience, operating brands originating from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The brands in India include leading names in fashion, footwear, and lifestyle such as Victoria’s Secret, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, Victoria’s Secret PINK, YSL, Charles & Keith, Crocs, Aldo, Aldo Accessories, Bath & Body Works, Cotton On, Levis Kids, Tim Hortons, Inglot, Call It Spring, Nike Littles, Jordan Kids, Anne Klein, Herschel, R&B, Carrefour, and Daiso Japan. Apparel Group has a multi-brand partnership with Marquee Brands for the licensing of BCBG, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli, Sur la table, and Martha Stewart brands, across GCC and India. With 300+ stores and 20+ brands, the company serves thousands of customers across 50 cities in India.
Apparel Group owes its amazing growth to the vision and guidance of its dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, who has taken the company from strength to strength since its inception in the last two decades.
For more information, please visit:
Apparel Group India | LinkedIn | Download Club Apparel App
About Carrefour Group
With a multi-format network of over 15,000 stores in more than 40 countries, the Carrefour Group is one of the world’s leading food retailers. Carrefour International Partnership manages all the Carrefour Group’s franchised Partners worldwide, operating in more than 30 countries with over 4,000 stores. Carrefour posted sales of €91.5 billion in 2025. Its integrated store network employs more than 300,000 people who help to make Carrefour the world leader in the food transition for all, by offering quality food every day, accessible everywhere and at a reasonable price. In total, more than 500,000 people work under Carrefour banners worldwide. For more information, visit www.carrefour.com, or find us on X (@news_carrefour) and LinkedIn (Carrefour).
Contact
amruta.khatavkar@apparelgroup.in
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4, Sep 2026
Roborock Redefines Human-Centered Cleaning at IFA 2026: Unveiling a Comprehensive Ecosystem from the Living Room to the Pool
BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Roborock the global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life and World’s No.1 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Brand H1 2026* announces its participation in IFA 2026 strengthening its claim “Rocking Life with You.” Guided by the philosophy to simplify daily life, Roborock focuses on human-centered intelligent cleaning, where technology adapts seamlessly to the real and dynamic moments of everyday life. By prioritizing user needs, the products advanced intelligence works effortlessly in the background, providing autonomous and time-saving solutions that free up people’s schedules to spend more time on what truly matters.
This commitment to engineering excellence and thoughtful design has earned Roborock its position as a global leader. Quan Gang, President of Roborock, said:
“Our mission is to give time back to our customers by automating everyday tasks. Building smarter robots is the means, not the goal. Every minute spent on housework is time taken away from family, passions, and personal well-being. By staying customer-centric and strengthening our global presence and partner networks, we turn technological leadership into trusted, tailored solutions that make everyday life easier for people around the world.”
A new Frontier in Water Care: Roborock RockAqua P1
Roborock is thrilled to introduce the Roborock RockAqua P1 at IFA in Berlin, marking the debut of its first-ever pool cleaner line from the RockAqua series. This smart underwater robot is designed to master complex pool shapes with complete coverage across floors, walls, waterline, and shallow platforms down to 15 cm.
It combines a powerful 6,800 GPH suction, a 4L debris basket with 180+70μm dual-filtration, and up to 3.5 hours of runtime with a fast 3.5-hour recharge. Equipped with monocular camera obstacle avoidance, dynamic dirt detection, and Auto Waterline Parking, the RockAqua P1 effortlessly adapts to complex pool shapes for easy retrieval and maintenance.
The Roborock RockAqua P1 marks Roborock’s entry into pool cleaning and the latest expansion of its outdoor cleaning innovation. Bringing the company’s expertise in autonomous navigation and debris removal to the water, it extends Roborock’s intelligent cleaning capabilities to pool care while reducing the need for manual maintenance.
Mastering Every Threshold: the Roborock Robot Vacuum Series
The flagship Roborock Saros 20 Flow and Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro represent the pinnacle of robotic mobility. Both models are powered by a massive 36,000 Pa HyperForce® suction motor, feature the upgraded AdaptiLift® Chassis 3.0, which allows the robots to cross double-layer thresholds of up to 8.8 cm, and are equipped with the RetractSense Navigation System. The Roborock Saros 20 Flow utilizes a roller mop for thorough cleaning of floors. The Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro achieves a remarkably slim profile, effortlessly navigating under sofas and beds as low as 7.95 cm with advanced localization and mapping capabilities.
Versatile Power for the Whole Home: the Roborock F25 Series
For deep floor restoration, the new wet dry vacuum models deliver unmatched performance. The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 combines high-temperature steam and hot-water cleaning to tackle stubborn, dried-on stains while automatically adapting its power to different floor conditions. Alongside it, the Roborock F25 Pro Turbo Combo offers a versatile 5-in-1 system; with its detachable drive module and interchangeable heads, it effortlessly transforms from a powerful wet dry vacuum into a high-performance cordless vacuum for furniture and hard-to-reach areas.
Smart Outdoor Living: Roborock RockNeo Q2 LiDAR
Expanding the “Rocking Life” experience to the garden, the Roborock RockNeo Q2 LiDAR is a robotic mower designed to make professional lawn care effortless. Covering areas up to 800 m², it utilizes Sentisphere™ LiDAR environmental perception and ReactiVision Fusion for precision obstacle avoidance completely freed of cables or antennas. With its floating cutting deck and the built-in PreciEdge™ cutting module, with a 3 cm edge-cutting capability that delivers a near-perfect lawn finish with minimal manual setup.
The Greatest Meeting the Greatest: Partnership with Real Madrid
Roborock’s journey to becoming the World’s No. 1 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Brand* is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence – a mindset shared by its partner, Real Madrid.
With a record of 15 UEFA Champions League titles and 36 La Liga championships, Real Madrid embodies the same commitment to continuous progress and high performance. The partnership brings together two global leaders united by a shared ambition to keep moving forward.
“When the world’s number one in smart home robotics joins forces with the greatest football club in history, it is a partnership built on shared ambition,” said Quan Gang, President of Roborock. “Like Real Madrid, we never rest on past achievements. We continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and strive for excellence for our global community.”
About Roborock
Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. Having become the #1 best-selling robotic vacuum cleaner brand for H1 2026, according to IDC*, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robot vacuums, cordless vacuum cleaners, wet-dry vacuums, robotic lawn mowers, robotic pool cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in millions of homes across more than 170 countries and regions. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Poland and the Netherlands. Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. As of August 2026, Roborock serves more than 30 million households. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/.
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4, Sep 2026
CII-IGBC’s Green Synergy Noida 2026 Champions Climate Resilience and Water Security
Noida, Sep 4: The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organized the 2nd edition of Green Synergy Noida 2026, Noida, bringing together government, real estate, infrastructure, industry and sustainability leaders to deliberate on the future of climate-resilient, resource-efficient and low-carbon development.
Currently, in India we have 20,012 registered green building projects covering more than 16.33 billion sq. ft., across IGBC’s 33 Green and Net Zero rating systems. The movement spans approximately 41 lakh residential dwelling units, 11,770+ commercial projects, 1,320+ transit infrastructure projects, 985+ industrial buildings, 271 Net Zero projects and 190+ built environment projects.
Under the theme ‘Future-Ready Built Environment: Client Risk, Resilience & Business Value’, the programme focused on climate resilience, water security, high-performance buildings and the adoption of low-carbon construction materials. The discussions highlighted the need to integrate resilience and resource efficiency into the planning, design, development and operation of buildings and infrastructure.
Mr. K D Singh, Chairman, IGBC Noida Chapter and Managing Director, Aircon Engineers Pvt. Ltd, said:
“Climate resilience is no longer an option but an imperative for the future of our cities and built environment. As Noida continues to evolve as a leading hub for real estate and infrastructure, we must ensure that growth is supported by resource-efficient, resilient and future-ready development. Green Synergy Noida 2026 provides an important platform for government and industry to collaborate, exchange best practices and translate sustainability ambitions into actionable solutions.”
Mr. Nikhil Hawelia, Co Chairman, IGBC Noida Chapter and Managing Director, Hawelia Group, spoke on reimagining real estate by moving from sustainability towards resilience. “The real estate sector must now move beyond the question of whether a building is green to asking whether it is truly resilient and future-ready. With climate risks, water stress and extreme weather events increasingly shaping urban development, resilience must become an integral part of how we design, build and operate our assets. This is not simply a cost or compliance consideration—it is an investment in risk reduction, long-term asset value and customer trust. The developers who embrace resilience today will be the market leaders of tomorrow.”
The inaugural session, ‘Building a Future-Ready Built Environment: The New Imperative for Climate Resilience’, featured perspectives from government and industry. The inaugural session had a special address by Mr. Dinesh Gupta, President, CREDAI Western U.P & Managing Director, Samriddhi Group, said, “Climate resilience is fast becoming a defining factor for the future of real estate in NCR. With the region witnessing unprecedented growth, our responsibility is to ensure that the buildings and communities we create today remain efficient, resilient and valuable for decades to come. Sustainability is no longer a premium feature but a basic market expectation, and the way forward is to mainstream climate-resilient practices across every stage of development. At CREDAI Western UP, we believe that resilience is not a cost centre but a value-creation strategy that can strengthen both business performance and quality of life.”
Mr. Rohit Puri, Convenor, CII Western Uttar Pradesh – Government Affairs Panel and Director, APPL Packaging, said,
“Western Uttar Pradesh stands at the forefront of India’s next phase of economic growth, driven by world-class infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and urban development. As the region scales new heights, competitiveness will increasingly depend on how effectively we manage climate risks, strengthen resource security and build resilience into every aspect of development. Sustainability is no longer merely an environmental consideration, it is a growth strategy that enhances productivity, attracts investment and secures long-term economic prosperity.”
A leadership panel on ‘Climate Risk, Water Security & Asset Value: Building Future-Ready Real Estate and Infrastructure’ examined how climate risk and water security were influencing investment decisions, urban planning and long-term asset performance. The panel featured Mr. Dharmendra Kumar Kamra, Former Member, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India; Mr. Pankaj Varshney, Omaxe Group; Mr. Atul Saxena, Pacific Group; Gaurs Group; Mr. Mukund Kumar, Brookfield India Real Estate Trust; and Mr. Keshav Singhal, Noida International Airport.
The technical session, ‘Designing Buildings That Perform Under Climate Stress’, showcased solutions for improving building performance, occupant comfort and long-term resilience. Mr. Karanvir Singh, Saint-Gobain India, spoke on next-generation glass technology; Mr. Mohit Agarwal, Vinayak Industries, discussed high-performance reflective materials for net-zero buildings; and Mr. Ankit Magan, Retas Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd, highlighted smart rainwater systems for water-positive infrastructure.
The programme also featured a special stakeholder consultation on ‘Accelerating the Acceptance of Low-Carbon Cement in India’s Built Environment’. The session examined the benefits, applications, market potential and life-cycle performance of low-carbon cement, with contributions from Ms. Shashikala Agrawal and Mr. Fattesinh Gaikwad of CII Green Business Centre.
The concluding stakeholder panel examined the technical, economic, market, regulatory and procurement barriers to low-carbon cement adoption. It featured Mr. Pankaj Khanna, Development Alternatives; Mr. Rajiv Sadavarti, Shree Cement; Mr. Ashish K Jain, AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Heidelberg Cement; and Ar Rahul Tyagi, Architects Association Noida, under the chairmanship of Mr. Sandeep Tandon, Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
Mr. Nilesh Kumar Rana, Deputy Director, CII—IGBC and Mr. Punit Agarwal, Senior Counsellor, CII—IGBC, set the context on climate resilience through
The event concluded with stakeholder consultations on barriers, opportunities and the way forward, reinforcing the importance of government-industry collaboration, climate resilience, water security and low-carbon construction in shaping a future-ready built environment for NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.
4, Sep 2026
Medhavi Group Launches MedhaviOne to Build India’s Education-to-Employment Infrastructure; Amit Haralalka Joins as Co-Founder & CEO
- The new venture leverages Medhavi Group’s 14-year legacy to shift the paradigm from degree-first to skills-first, making formal degrees deeply industry-relevant.
- Amit Haralalka, formerly Head of Growth at Tata Digital, joins as Co-Founder & CEO to lead the venture.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Medhavi Group today launched MedhaviOne, a platform built on shared standards for skills and credentials across education and employment. Amit Haralalka, formerly Head of Growth at Tata Digital, joins as Co-Founder and CEO, alongside group co-founders Pravesh Dudani and Kuldip Sarma.
A growing structural gap currently exists between what people learn, what industries need, and what employers trust as demonstrated capability. The rapid evolution of AI and new business models is shortening the shelf life of skills, demanding a shift from the sequential ‘education-then-work’ model to a continuous learning architecture. This is the gap MedhaviOne aims to address.
On the platform, institutions map programmes to live industry demand, enterprises participate directly in designing and validating capability, and individuals earn credentials that carry recognised value in the market. The architecture aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Credit Framework, and supports India’s larger ambition of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“India’s demographic dividend will not be realised simply because we have one of the world’s largest young populations; it will be realised when young people can convert learning into upward mobility. That is what we have spent fourteen years learning how to do, and MedhaviOne now takes it to a larger scale. For a venture of this scale, we needed someone who understands both technology and human potential. Amit and I have known each other for years, and I have always admired his ability to build and scale complex businesses from the ground up,” said Pravesh Dudani, Founder of Medhavi Group, and Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University.
Amit Haralalka joins MedhaviOne following a long tenure at Tata Digital, as well as global experience across the US, China and India. An alumnus of IIM Lucknow with nearly two decades of experience, Haralalka specializes in scaling consumer-tech as well as enterprise platforms.
Amit Haralalka, Co-Founder and CEO of MedhaviOne, said, “Pravesh and Kuldip have built an incredible foundation over the years championing youth employability. My focus now is taking that deep institutional knowledge to a national scale. I view MedhaviOne as a critical piece of national infrastructure, and am honoured to lead this mission towards a truly Skills-First India, alongside this stellar team.”
In his new role, he will work closely alongside the co-founders and Group Chief Strategy Officer Devender Saini to realize MedhaviOne’s vision to build the infrastructure where India learns to work.
About MedhaviOne
MedhaviOne connects institutions, employers and learners through shared standards for skills and credentials. It enables institutions to align programmes with industry demand, employers to help design and validate capability, and individuals to earn recognised credentials to drive stronger career outcomes.
https://www.medhavione.com/
About Medhavi Group
Founded in 2012 by Pravesh Dudani and Kuldip Sarma, Medhavi Group has grown from grassroots skill development into an education, skills and employability ecosystem spanning higher education, apprenticeships and industry partnerships. The Group has reached over 6,50,000 learners nationwide and works with 600+ enterprise partners across 30+ sectors.
Partners include Hyundai, FIAT, Mahindra, Hero Motors, Motherson Group, MRF, Daikin, Quess Corp, BVG, NephroPlus, Chai Point, Barbeque Nation, Nexus Malls, IHG Hotels and Roseate Hotels. The ecosystem proudly partners with our esteemed defence organizations, such as Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, as well as EdTech platforms like Emversity and Polaris (Classplus).
Medhavi Skills University was ranked 4th among skills universities in the Outlook-ICARE Rankings 2025 and named Emerging University of the Year at the FE India Education Awards 2025.
For media queries, contact:
Astha Sheel | 9153963508 | astha.s@medhavione.com
Ansu Singh | 8927041929 | ansu.singh@dentsu.com
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4, Sep 2026
El Nino Raises Fresh Concerns as India Braces for Weak September Rains
New Delhi, Sep 4: India’s monsoon outlook has come under renewed pressure as strengthening El Nino conditions coincide with expectations of below-normal rainfall in September, raising concerns for agriculture, water resources and the broader rural economy.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast September rainfall at less than 91 per cent of the long-period average. The projection follows a weak August, when rainfall across the country was 16 per cent below normal.
The developing weather pattern is particularly important because September is a crucial month for crops that were sown during the southwest monsoon. Reduced rainfall at this stage could affect crops such as cotton, soybean, maize and pulses, while lower soil moisture may also create difficulties for farmers preparing to sow winter crops.
El Nino is adding to the uncertainty. The weather phenomenon, marked by warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, can disrupt global weather patterns and is often associated with drier conditions across parts of Asia. The IMD has indicated that El Nino conditions have strengthened and could influence the final phase of this year’s monsoon.
The implications extend beyond the farm sector. The monsoon supplies a large share of India’s annual rainfall and plays an important role in replenishing reservoirs, rivers and groundwater. With a significant portion of Indian agriculture still dependent on rainfall, a prolonged shortfall can affect farm incomes, food production and rural demand.
Lower rainfall could also put pressure on water availability in areas already experiencing deficient precipitation. Reservoir levels, irrigation requirements and drinking-water supplies could become more important concerns if the dry conditions persist.
The agricultural impact may be particularly significant because crops affected by August’s rainfall deficit are entering important stages of development. A further shortage of rain could increase the risk of lower yields, while insufficient soil moisture could complicate the planting of wheat, chickpea and rapeseed later in the year.
The weather outlook also comes against the backdrop of an unusually hot August. India recorded its warmest August since 1901, with the national mean temperature reaching 28.01 degrees Celsius, while rainfall during the month was among the lowest recorded since 2001.
For policymakers, the immediate focus will be on monitoring rainfall distribution rather than looking only at the national average. Rainfall can vary sharply between regions, and the impact on crops and water availability depends heavily on where and when the rain falls.
The possibility of a weaker September therefore adds another layer of uncertainty to India’s monsoon season. While it does not automatically point to a severe drought, continued rainfall shortages combined with strengthening El Nino conditions could increase pressure on agriculture, water management and rural economic activity.
With the monsoon entering its final stretch, the coming weeks will be critical. For farmers, reservoirs and policymakers alike, every spell of rainfall could make a significant difference to how India closes the 2026 monsoon season.
