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All posts by Neel Achary

business

Rapid Solar Energy Expansion Creating New Green Employment Opportunities in India

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

New Delhi, June 24: India’s accelerating adoption of solar energy is emerging as a major driver of green job creation, with a new report highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to employment and sustainable economic development.

According to the report, the expansion of solar power capacity is generating opportunities across the value chain, including manufacturing, project development, installation, operations, maintenance and related support services.

The growth of the solar sector is being supported by increasing investments in renewable energy, favourable policy initiatives and the country’s commitment to expanding clean energy capacity. These developments are helping create a new generation of jobs aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Industry experts said the renewable energy sector is not only contributing to India’s energy security goals but is also opening up employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and rural workers.

The report noted that as solar installations continue to scale across utility, commercial and residential segments, demand for trained professionals in engineering, technical services and clean energy management is expected to rise significantly.

Experts believe the solar industry will play a crucial role in supporting sustainable growth, fostering innovation and creating future-ready employment opportunities as India advances its clean energy transition.

With renewable energy becoming a key pillar of economic development, the solar sector is expected to remain a major source of green jobs in the years ahead.

technology

Advancing Green Hydrogen Integration for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive European Industries

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

The EU has set an ambitious goal for Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The transition towards a green and sustainable society is underway.

Energy-intensive industries such as the ceramics and glass sector account for a significant share of Europe’s industrial energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Decarbonising these sectors is therefore essential to achieving the European Union’s climate and industrial competitiveness objectives. While electrification will play a key role, additional solutions are needed to address high-temperature industrial processes where direct electrification remains challenging.

Advancing Green Hydrogen Integration for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive European Industries

 

INDTEGRATE, a Horizon Europe Innovation Action that addresses this challenge, was officially launched. The project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of industrial companies, technology developers, research organisations, universities, and innovation experts from across Europe to accelerate the integration of Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cell (SOEC) technology into energy-intensive industries. By combining renewable electricity, industrial waste heat recovery, advanced digital technologies, and green hydrogen production, INDTEGRATE aims to demonstrate a practical and scalable pathway towards industrial decarbonisation. The project will develop a suite of advanced digital tools, including reduced-order models, Process and Electrolyser Digital Twins, to support the design, optimisation and operation of hydrogen production systems in the glass and ceramics sectors.

Building on these digital capabilities, INDTEGRATE will engineer and validate a modular 220 kW SOEC system combining renewable electricity and industrial waste heat recovery to produce green hydrogen more efficiently. Through pilot demonstrations in operational industrial facilities, INDTEGRATE will assess the technical performance, operational flexibility and economic viability, while supporting the wider adoption of hydrogen technologies through stakeholder engagement, skills development, training activities and a roadmap for large-scale replication across Europe.

Kick-off meeting overview and outcomes

Hosted by the project coordinator, KERIONICS S.L. (Spain), the kick-off meeting marked the official start of INDTEGRATE and brought together representatives from all partner organisations to establish a common vision and implementation strategy for the next three years.

During the meeting, consortium partners presented their respective roles and responsibilities and discussed the project’s technical, managerial, and communication activities. Particular attention was given to the development of the SOEC system, digital twin technologies, energy management solutions, and the preparation of the industrial pilot demonstrations in Spain and Slovenia. Partners also exchanged views on expected impacts, collaboration mechanisms, risk management procedures, and opportunities for creating synergies with other European initiatives supporting industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen technologies.

The discussions confirmed a shared commitment to delivering innovative, industry-driven solutions capable of accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen in energy-intensive sectors while supporting Europe’s broader sustainability ambitions.

Next steps

Over the coming months, the INDTEGRATE consortium will focus on the detailed design and development of the project’s technological building blocks, including digital modelling tools, energy management systems, and SOEC integration strategies. Preparatory activities for the pilot demonstrations will also begin, alongside stakeholder engagement, dissemination, and collaboration activities designed to maximise the project’s impact.

The first technical results and project developments are expected to be shared through the project’s communication channels and stakeholder engagement activities, contributing to the advancement of sustainable hydrogen solutions and the decarbonisation of European industry.

Project consortium

KERIONICS S.L.

Torrecid SA

Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)

FUKS GROUP

Bitwise Oy

Steklarna Hrastnik LLC

Precision Resource Slovenia

Universitat Politècnica de València

Center for Applied Energy Research e.V. (CAE)

Ena Development Consultants

YIVA Engineering SRL

INCOTEC efficient Innovation

news

The Mid-Year Wardrobe Edit: From Summer Dopamine to Monsoon Mood Neutrals

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

June 24: There is a subtle shift that happens every year around this time. The vibrant optimism of early summer begins to soften, the days grow moodier and wardrobes instinctively start following suit. After months of saturated colour, playful dressing and fashion designed to demand attention, a quieter aesthetic is beginning to emerge.The Mid-Year Wardrobe Edit: From Summer Dopamine to Monsoon Mood Neutrals

The transition isn’t about abandoning joy. Instead, it signals a move towards a more considered kind of dressing, one that feels effortless, expressive and in tune with the slower rhythm that arrives just before the monsoon.

The End of Dopamine Dressing?

For the better part of the year, fashion has revelled in excess. Butter yellows, cherry reds, playful accessories and statement silhouettes dominated social feeds and street style alike. Dressing became a form of optimism, with wardrobes embracing colour as a mood booster and fashion as a source of instant gratification. Relaxed tailoring, fluid silhouettes and understated details are replacing overt statements, creating looks that feel less performative and more personal. Styles such as Cider’s Khaki High Waist Pleated Wide Leg Pantand Twenty Dresses’ Navy Blue Peplum Belted Top and Straight Leg Pant Co-Ord Set embody this shift, proving that impact doesn’t always require intensity.

The Rise of Monsoon Mood

The season’s emerging palette draws inspiration from rain-soaked city streets, overcast skies and lush landscapes after the first showers. Shades of moss green, slate grey, deep navy, chocolate brown and warm taupe are beginning to replace the bright colour stories of earlier months. Pieces like Twenty Dresses’ Navy Blue Stripes Strappy Pleated Side Pocket Midi DressandCider’s Beige Asymmetrical Neck Solid Ruched Maxi Dress reflect this mood perfectly, balancing seasonal relevance with understated elegance.

Fashion as a Mood, Not a Trend

Perhaps the most significant shift is the move away from trend-driven shopping towards aesthetic-led dressing. Rather than defining themselves through a single trend, fashion enthusiasts are curating wardrobes around moods and identities. The emphasis is no longer on following trends but on creating a personal visual language. The result is a wardrobe that feels fluid, adaptable and deeply individual. Whether it’s REVOLVE’s Thea Maxi Dress by ALL THE WAYS, with its easy halterneck draping, or Cider’s Linen-blend Asymmetrical Neck Two Tone Ruched Top, the appeal lies in pieces that can seamlessly move between aesthetics while maintaining a strong sense of personal style.

Fashion’s In-Between Season

It is in these in-between moments that personal style often feels most creative—less dictated by trends and more influenced by instinct. Pairing structured pieces with softer silhouettes, mixing seasonal colours with grounding neutrals or layering lightweight separates creates a wardrobe that feels both effortless and intentional. Pieces like Twenty Dresses’ Black Chiffon V-Neck Full Balloon Sleeves Ruffle Detail Top offer the perfect balance between structure and ease, making them ideal companions for the season’s changing rhythm.

As the season turns and the first signs of monsoon begin to appear, wardrobes are following suit. 

business

Omani Sanad Al Rawahi becomes first FIA scholar at the European Sport Business School

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says new scholarship supports next generation byopening doors to management careers in motorsport

Omani Sanad Al Rawahi becomes first FIA scholar at the European Sport Business School

 

Dubai, UAE, June 24: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, today announced that Omani Sanad Al Rawahi has been named the first-ever recipient of the FIA Scholarship for the Master’s in International Sports Management.

Delivered in partnership with the European Sport Business School (ESBS) in Spain, the scholarship offers aspiring motor sport professionals the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and network required to build a career in the global sports industry.

Provided through the FIA University Scholarship Programme, it creates new pathways into motor sport for talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

Al Rawahi, Motorsport Manager at the Oman Automobile Association, brings more than a decade of experience managing race facilities, coaching drivers and delivering national and international events.

He has progressed from marshal and racing coach to leading the development and growth of motor sport across Oman. A graduate of the FIA’s Immersion Programme (2024) and Advanced Leadership Programme (2025), he exemplifies the scholarship’s mission to develop motor sport leaders from emerging nations.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “This new scholarship opens doors to management careers in motorsport, ensuring that future leaders are defined by their potential and ambition.

“As part of our FIA University Scholarship Programme, this addition reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation by expanding opportunities around the world. Congratulations to Sanad as the first scholar to begin this exciting journey, I wish him all the success.”

Sanad Al Rawahi, FIA ESBS Scholar, said: “Winning the FIA Scholarship is a real honour and a milestone in my motor sport journey. It gives me the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, and I hope to bring that knowledge back to Oman to help develop local talent and contribute to the growth of motor sport across the region.”

The Master of International Sports Management prepares students for leadership roles across the sports industry through a practical, industry-focused approach.

Established in 2009, it is recognised as one of the leading sports management degrees in Spain and Europe, and has consistently ranked as the top Master’s of its kind in Spain since 2017. The scholarship covers full tuition fees alongside a contribution towards travel and living costs in Spain.

Jorge Coll, ESBS Founder and Honorary President at ACE Education Spain, said: “We are delighted to welcome the first FIA scholar to the Master’s in International Sports Management. Sanad’s experience and ambition embody exactly the kind of leadership this programme is designed to nurture.”

Further information about the scholarship and how to apply can be found at fia.university or by emailing scholarship@fia.com.

 

health

Toray Develops Breakthrough Hydrophilic Coating for Contact Lenses and Other Silicone-Based Medical Devices

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Tokyo, Japan, June 24: Toray Industries, Inc. announced today that it has developed an innovative hydrophilic coating that enhances the wettability of silicone materials by more than 20 times. This breakthrough enables silicone to achieve durable hydrophilicity, opening new possibilities for contact lenses and a broad range of medical device applications.

Silicone materials are widely used in medical devices, including contact lenses and catheters, due to their flexibility and excellent biocompatibility. However, silicone’s inherently hydrophobic nature limits its suitability for applications requiring high wettability or lubricity. In contact lenses, poor wettability can lead to dryness and foreign-body sensations, while in catheters it can reduce maneuverability and increase the risk of blockages. Although various approaches, such as surface modification and material redesign, have been explored to improve silicone hydrophilicity, these methods often complicate manufacturing processes and present challenges in achieving adequate hydrophilicity and long-term clinical durability.

To overcome these limitations, Toray leveraged its proprietary polymer molecular design and precision polymerization technologies to develop a novel hydrophilic polymer with a strong affinity for silicone. By utilizing the polymer’s self-assembly properties, the company successfully created a highly durable, nanometer-scale hydrophilic coating on silicone surfaces.

The ultra-thin coating imparts hydrophilicity while preserving the silicone’s intrinsic physical properties. By bringing the hydrophilic polymer into contact with the surface of commercially available silicone hydrogels and applying heat, Toray can form a hydrophilic coating layer approximately 20 nanometers thick. Tests demonstrated that the coated surfaces exhibited more than a 20-fold improvement in wettability compared with uncoated surfaces, while the coefficient of friction decreased by approximately 90%. The coating also maintained high durability even after repeated rubbing.

Applying this hydrophilic coating to contact lenses is expected to significantly enhance wearer comfort during prolonged use. In addition, studies have shown that the coating suppresses the adhesion of biological substances to silicone elastomers, suggesting potential applications in medical devices such as stents and catheters, where improved lubricity and reduced blockage could enhance performance and patient outcomes.

Toray plans to actively promote this coating technology and expand its application across a wide range of medical device materials.

Through continued innovation in advanced materials and healthcare technologies, Toray remains committed to helping create a world in which people can lead healthier, more comfortable, and more independent lives.

business

Beacon Group Launches Wasiyatt After Me to Help Indians Plan Their Legacy

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Mumbai,The Beacon Group, India’s listed fiduciary infrastructure house anchored by Beacon Trusteeship Limited (NSE: BEACON), today announced Wasiyatt After Me, a legacy-planning venture making estate planning accessible, structured and dependable for families nationwide.

Wasiyatt After Me addresses a problem that remains widespread in India: most people pass away without a valid Will, leaving assets distributed under default succession laws rather than their own wishes, and exposing families to avoidable litigation, delay and discord. Building on Beacon’s decade-long heritage as a SEBI-registered trustee, the venture extends the same fiduciary rigour that governs institutional bond and fund mandates to the personal task of helping individuals protect what they have built.

At its core, Wasiyatt After Me offers end-to-end Will and succession-planning services. Its team — drawn from former bankers and trusteeship professionals — guides clients through drafting Wills in clear, precise terms so that the testator’s intention is captured with accuracy and is far less vulnerable to challenge. The venture also provides Will review, assistance with registration at the Sub-Registrar of Assurances, and safe custody of signed Wills and securities, reducing the risk of loss or tampering. For complex matters, in-house consultants and empanelled legal experts advise on intricate succession questions.

To widen access, Wasiyatt After Me has launched My Wealth Diary, a mobile application available on both Android and iOS via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Users record their details and asset information and generate a Will through a guided digital experience, bringing organised estate documentation within reach of a far broader population than traditional advisory channels serve.

“Legacy planning should not be a privilege reserved for the few, nor a subject families avoid until it is too late,” said Pratapsingh Nathani, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Beacon Trusteeship Limited. “For a decade, Beacon has safeguarded the interests of investors and lenders at scale. With Wasiyatt After Me, we bring that same stewardship to the individual — so that every person can ensure their wishes are honoured and their family is spared uncertainty.”

“A Will is among the most important documents a person ever signs, yet the one most often postponed,” added Sahna Vaidya, Legacy Concierge, Wasiyatt After Me. “Our role is to make that step simple, dignified and certain — ensuring a family’s hard-earned wealth passes exactly as intended.”

The venture also serves as a gateway to more sophisticated structures for families whose needs extend beyond a Will. For high-net-worth individuals and business families seeking continuity, control and privacy across generations, the Beacon Group offers family trust services through BeaconX, its dedicated family-trust subsidiary, which is today associated with managing close to US$7 billion (nearly ₹60,000 crore) of wealth and estate assets. Where a Will directs the distribution of assets after death, a private family trust allows wealth to be transferred and governed during one’s lifetime, helping families avoid probate delays and protect vulnerable beneficiaries. Together, Wasiyatt After Me and BeaconX give individuals a clear pathway — from a first Will to a governed succession framework — within one trusted group.

The launch reflects Beacon’s broader conviction that India’s deepening pool of household wealth deserves the same standard of fiduciary care long applied to its capital markets. As financial assets, real estate and digital holdings grow more complex, the cost of inadequate planning rises in step — a gap Wasiyatt After Me is designed to close.

business

India’s Emerging Insurgent Brands Drive Dollar 7.5 Billion Revenue in FY25

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

June 24: A new report has highlighted the rapid rise of India’s “insurgent brands,” which together generated over $7.5 billion in revenue in FY25, reflecting strong consumer demand for new-age, digital-first businesses.

These brands, typically characterised by innovative business models, strong digital presence and direct-to-consumer engagement, have been expanding rapidly across sectors such as lifestyle, personal care, food and beverages, and consumer goods.

According to the report, the growth of these brands has been driven by changing consumer preferences, increased online adoption and greater willingness among younger consumers to explore alternative products beyond traditional market leaders.

Industry observers note that improved access to digital platforms, logistics networks and funding ecosystems has enabled these brands to scale quickly and compete with established players in the market.

The report also highlights that insurgent brands are increasingly focusing on niche markets, product differentiation and community-driven marketing strategies to build strong customer loyalty.

Experts believe the segment is expected to continue expanding as India’s digital economy matures, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation in the consumer sector.

technology

PPDS and BrightSign® form strategic partnership; new AI-ready and UltraSlim Philips Signage ranges unveiled at InfoComm 2026

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

InfoComm 2026: PPDSredefines digital display design with UltraSlimPhilips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

Delivering an alternative to PPDS’ Android OS, the new Philips Signage 6060 with BrightSign Built-
In unlocks a wealth of new opportunities for businesses, while the Philips Signage 7000 Series
UltraSlim — up to 60 per cent slimmer than comparable models — becomes PPDS’ thinnest and

June 24: At InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays, announced a series of new products and strategic partnerships designed to expand the possibilities of digital display deployments. The announcements introduce advanced AI capabilities, greater installation flexibility, and new opportunities for businesses across a wide range of industries.

PPDS and BrightSign® form strategic partnership; new AI-ready and UltraSlim Philips Signage ranges unveiled at InfoComm 2026

PPDS Partners with BrightSign for AI-Ready Signage

A key announcement at the event was PPDS’s strategic collaboration with BrightSign, a global leader in digital signage media players and operating systems. Together, the companies introduced the new Philips Signage 6060 with BrightSign Built-In, offering customers an alternative operating system option that combines high performance, enhanced security, and improved sustainability.

Available in 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch models, the Philips Signage 6060 is designed for diverse environments, including retail, corporate offices, public venues, transportation hubs, and hospitality settings. Each display features a 500-nit UHD 4K panel, ensuring sharp, vibrant, and highly detailed content presentation.

The new series also introduces a slimline design measuring less than 40mm in depth, enabling sleek, close-to-wall installations where aesthetics and space optimization are critical.

BrightSign Integration Enhances Performance and Security

The Philips Signage 6060 represents a major evolution in PPDS’ digital signage portfolio by integrating BrightSign’s flagship all-in-one XS156 player system-on-chip (SoC). Powered by the trusted BrightSignOS™, the displays provide superior control, enhanced security, and improved energy efficiency for both single-site and global deployments.

Customers and channel partners gain access to BrightSign’s complete software ecosystem, including supported content management systems and the free remote device monitoring and management platform, BrightSign Control. These tools allow AV and IT teams to create and deploy content, monitor device health, and remotely manage software and security updates, helping to maximize uptime and extend product lifecycles.

AI Processing Built Directly Into the Display

Equipped with BrightSign Built-In technology, the Philips Signage 6060 leverages the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) within the XS156 platform to run AI applications directly on the display. This architecture enables faster, smoother AI processing without affecting CPU or GPU performance, ensuring seamless user experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Bruce Wyrwitzke, Senior Director for North America at PPDS, said:

“The new Philips Signage 6060 is a further demonstration of our commitment to support our partners and customers at every turn and for every need, no matter how complex or unique they might be. We’re delighted to have partnered with BrightSign to deliver this incredible new addition to our Philips Signage range.”

Introducing the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim

PPDS also unveiled the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim, the company’s thinnest and lightest 4K UHD digital signage range to date. Developed for demanding 24/7 environments, the new series combines premium visual performance with an innovative ultra-slim design.

The displays are available in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch sizes and support both landscape and portrait orientation. Target applications include retail, corporate environments, hospitality venues, public spaces, and food and beverage establishments.

Featuring a breakthrough chassis design, the 65-inch model measures just 30mm in depth, while the remaining sizes are only 28.5mm deep—up to 60 percent thinner than comparable Philips signage models. Weight reductions are equally significant, with the 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch variants weighing 10 percent less than their 4050Q counterparts, and the 65-inch model weighing 20 percent less.

All models deliver 500 nits of brightness and feature an elegant 11.5mm uniform bezel, creating a refined appearance suitable for premium commercial environments.

AI-Ready, Secure, and Built for Continuous Operation

Powered by a professional Android 16 SoC and equipped with a TOPS 3.0 Neural Processing Unit, the Philips Signage 7000 Series is fully prepared for AI-driven applications while delivering reliable connectivity and enterprise-grade security.

The series also incorporates PPDS’ FailOver technology, which automatically switches to backup content in the event of a primary media player failure, ensuring uninterrupted display operation when continuous communication is essential.

Andrea Barbuti, Global Product Management Lead EMEA at PPDS, commented:

“The new Philips Signage 7000 Series marks a new chapter in our signage display design, delivering visually spectacular performance and presentation across an unparalleled range of use cases. With the all-new slimline design, together with reduced weight, the installation opportunities are limitless.”

Concluding the announcement, Bart Wouters, International Product Manager at PPDS, stated:

“The Philips Signage 7000 Series delivers brilliance and beauty for almost any environment, enhancing and opening new opportunities for an even wider audience. Essentially, it brings all the features you expect from our premium Philips Professional Displays, together with an all-new, ultra-slim design.”

 

 

news

Rajasthan Pushes Ahead with Pachpadra Refinery Project

Jun 24, 2026 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Jaipur, June 24: Rajasthan Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Pachpadra Refinery project and stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the project soon, signalling the nearing completion of one of the state’s key industrial developments.

The Chief Minister assessed construction and operational readiness of the refinery, which is considered a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting energy capacity, industrial growth and employment generation in the region.

Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the current status of work, including technical installations, connectivity infrastructure and final-stage preparations required before commissioning.

The project is expected to strengthen Rajasthan’s position in the petroleum and petrochemical sector, while also contributing to regional economic development through industrial expansion and downstream opportunities.

Authorities said the refinery will play an important role in enhancing energy security and supporting long-term industrial growth once fully operational.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the project will soon be ready for inauguration, marking a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development journey.