Home Blog Page 3

Niche Group Advances India's Vision Across Organic Farming and Cancer Treatment

An inspiring seminar was organized at the auditorium of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) on the theme “Healthy Farming, Healthy Nation – The Road Ahead in India.”

During the event, Chairman of the Niche Group, Harisharan Devgan, stated that chemical-based farming is gradually destroying soil fertility, and the only sustainable path forward is to return to organic and natural farming practices. He urged students to feel proud of calling themselves farmers and encouraged them to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make agriculture self-reliant and future-ready.

 

Chairman of Niche Group, Shri Harisharan Devgan, answered life-changing questions from agriculture students

 

At the same time, he revealed that Niche Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals Limited (NAPL) is working on affordable medicines for diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. Hundreds of PhD scholars were also interviewed and selected for opportunities during the event.

Nestled amidst the beauty of nature, the auditorium of CSKHPKV transformed into far more than a venue that day it became a witness to a dream where the fragrance of soil turns into medicine, and where the hands of farmers weave hope for cancer patients. Renowned agripreneur and Chairman of Niche Group, Harisharan Devgan, addressed agriculture students with visionary ideas capable of reshaping the future of Indian agriculture and healthcare. It was not merely a seminar, but a historic moment scripting the future of India.

The university had organized the seminar under the theme “Healthy Farming, Healthy Nation – The Road Ahead in India.” Harisharan Devgan attended as the chief guest and explained how agriculture can uplift not only farmers, but eventually strengthen the nation itself.

Harisharan Devgan – A Voice for Farmers
Speaking from the stage, Harisharan Devgan emphasized that he is not just an industrialist, but a farmer by heart and soul. Proudly calling himself the son of a farmer, he reflected on his own journey that began nearly 20 years ago with organic pomegranate cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing the students like members of his own family, he said, “Farming is not just a profession; it is our greatest responsibility toward nature and society. The blind race of chemical farming has destroyed our soil. We must return to organic and natural farming.”

Devgan personally manages a large gaushala housing thousands of cows, where organic manure is prepared from cow dung and natural pesticides are made using cow urine. Through these practices, he believes not only the soil but society itself can remain healthy and alive.

He explained the advantages of natural farming, highlighting that it not only protects soil health but also reduces production costs and increases farmers’ income. He urged students to reconnect with the soil from this very moment and reminded them that there should never be shame in proudly calling oneself a farmer.

He remarked, “Today many people become organic farmers only because it looks fashionable. But if you truly want to turn soil into gold, you must dedicate yourself fully and endure hardships with commitment.”

Harisharan Devgan further encouraged students to look at agriculture beyond simply producing grains, vegetables, or fruits. According to him, farming today must evolve from basic production to processing and global marketing.

“We cannot move forward by merely growing crops. We must process them, build brands, and take them to corporate markets and international platforms.”

Responding to a student’s question, he emphasized that anyone planning to establish a successful agricultural company must carefully study both the previous five years’ weather patterns and forecasts for the next five years.

“Young entrepreneurs should never start a business with half knowledge, but with complete preparation and understanding,” he added.

According to him, becoming a company owner from being a farmer is not impossible; it simply requires the right direction and consistent hard work.

AI and the Future of Agriculture
While answering a question regarding Artificial Intelligence, Harisharan Devgan explained that AI is not an enemy. However, if people fail to adapt to it, it could become one.

He stated that AI can help individuals become self-reliant and complete tasks that traditionally take days within minutes. He encouraged every farmer to use AI tools and advised small farmers to work collectively in clusters while adopting technology to improve productivity and decision-making.

He warned, “If we fail to adopt AI today, we will once again return to the same cycle of protests, frustration, and dependence on government support.”

Niche Group’s Fight Against Incurable Diseases
From the same platform, Harisharan Devgan also revealed that Niche Group is not limited to farming alone, but is courageously working in the pharmaceutical sector to combat serious diseases.

He announced, “Niche Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals Limited (NAPL) focuses on developing treatments for diseases that place a significant financial burden on underserved families.”
 

This is not merely a vision. The company is actively collaborating with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) on hemp pharmaceuticals research. Through this partnership, advanced hemp-based treatments are being developed to provide relief and hope to patients suffering from chronic illnesses.

Devgan emotionally stated, “Timely and cost-effective treatment can make quality healthcare more accessible for millions of families.”

He further explained that the company also aims to invest heavily in renewable energy and biofuels.

Opportunities for Young Researchers
Another remarkable aspect of the event was the large-scale selection process conducted for PhD scholars. Hundreds of researchers from across the country lined up to meet experts from the Niche Group and secure opportunities in agriculture and biotechnology.

At the beginning of the seminar, the university’s Vice Chancellor remarked, “Entrepreneurs like Harisharan Devgan are a source of inspiration for students. They have not come merely to deliver lectures, but to personally select students. This represents one of the strongest bridges between industry and education.”

Supreme Court advocate Shabanand Dalei and Adarsh Singh were also present during the seminar, while Dr. Deshraj Chaudhary concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

India’s Golden Future
By the conclusion of the seminar, the entire atmosphere had transformed into one filled with confidence, determination, and hope. Harisharan Devgan, whose family has a long-standing legacy connected to agriculture, demonstrated that India possesses immense untapped strength within its agricultural roots.

While Niche Group continues exporting fruits and contributing to the “Make in India” vision, it is simultaneously investing in disease research, creating employment opportunities for talented youth, educating farmers about advanced technology, and supporting India’s self-reliance in solar and clean energy sectors.

Niche Group’s Contributions to Society
Niche Group has emerged as a leading force in organic farming and pharmaceutical innovation aimed at making treatment affordable and accessible for the underprivileged. The organization has also contributed significantly to education by adopting an entire school.

Additionally, the group continues research and investment in renewable energy, biofuels, water conservation, and farmer welfare initiatives to secure sustainable resources for future generations.

The journey of Harisharan Devgan teaches us that unwavering determination can overcome even the greatest challenges. It stands as a powerful example of how one clear vision and one strong resolve can strengthen the backbone of an entire nation.

RateGain Launches The APMEA Direct Booking Friction Report 2026; Warns AI Search Could Push Hotel Websites Out of the Booking Journey

RateGain Travel Technologies Limited ((BSE: 543417, NSE: RATEGAIN), a global leader in AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today released The Direct Booking Friction Report 2026, a first-of-its-kind audit revealing that hotels across APMEA are not losing direct revenue to poor demand or weak pricing. They are losing it to friction inside their own digital experience.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/35733_rate_gain_image.png

The APMEA Direct Booking Friction Report 2026


The report maps, for the first time, exactly where and why hotels across APMEA are losing direct bookings before a guest ever reaches checkout, uncovering friction across visibility, pricing, booking experience, and guest trust. The findings also reveal sharp regional differences in digital maturity, pricing discipline, and booking experience readiness across APMEA markets.


What the Audit Found

  • Before the journey begins: Visibility: 42% of hotels don’t appear on Page 1 for unbranded search queries. Nearly half the market is invisible to high-intent travelers before consideration even starts.

  • At the comparison stage: Reputation and rates: 63% of properties list higher rates on their own website than on OTAs, actively losing guests to third-party platforms on price.

  • At the booking stage: Speed and experience: 72% of hotel websites fail the 3-second load benchmark. Average mobile load times reach 4.1 seconds. When a guest does persist, they face an average of 4 clicks to confirm a reservation against a global benchmark of 3. Every additional second and every additional click is a door left open for abandonment.

  • At the commitment stage: Trust and transparency: 44% of hotels withhold taxes and fees until the final payment screen, the single largest checkout abandonment trigger in the study. And 1 in 3 properties expose guests to a URL or domain disconnect between their website and booking engine, introducing security anxiety at the precise moment trust is most fragile. 

 

The findings of this report highlight a growing gap between where guests are actually being lost. The direct booking journey has become too fragmented across search, pricing, booking engine, and guest experience, while travelers increasingly expect a seamless experience across every touchpoint. What makes this moment urgent is that AI search is changing the rules of visibility faster than most hotels realize. Brands moving to unified platforms to fix these systematic gaps are already seeing up to 5X growth in direct revenue within 90 days, while hotels operating disconnected systems risk becoming invisible before the booking journey even begins,” said Ashish Sikka, Business Head – UNO Platforms, RateGain


The report also found significant regional variation across APMEA markets. Singapore and Thailand set the regional benchmark with average load times of 2.9 seconds and the strongest direct price parity discipline. The Maldives recorded the highest friction scores across speed, OTA bundle dominance, and pricing opacity.


The Direct Booking Friction Report 2026 is available for free download at www.uno.rategain.com/direct-booking-friction-report-apmea-2026. Benchmark your property against other hotels and identify which friction points are costing you the most.


Report Methodology
The Direct Booking Friction Report 2026 evaluated booking journeys across 65 hotel properties in India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Maldives, analyzing visibility, pricing parity, website performance, booking flow efficiency, and checkout transparency benchmarks across the direct booking journey.


About RateGain
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited is a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality, working with 13,000+ customers and 700+ partners across 160+ countries. RateGain helps travel and hospitality businesses accelerate revenue generation through acquisition, retention, and wallet share expansion.


Today, RateGain is one of the world’s largest processors of electronic transactions, price points, and travel intent data, enabling revenue management, distribution, and marketing teams across hotels, airlines, destination marketing organizations, online travel agents, metasearch companies, package providers, car rentals, travel management companies, cruises, and ferries to drive better business outcomes.


Founded in 2004 and headquartered in India, RateGain works with 33 of the Top 40 Hotel Chains, 4 of the Top 5 Airlines, 7 of the Top 10 Car Rental companies, and all leading DMOs, OTAs, and metasearch platforms, including 25 Global Fortune 500 companies, unlocking new revenue every day.

Jalna's Transformation from Drought to Water Security: The Art of Living and SGF

In the drought-prone villages of Maharashtra’s Jalna district, summer once meant dry wells, failing crops, and acute water scarcity, with groundwater levels falling to nearly 60 feet below ground.

 

Today, that story is changing.

 

Before & After, the land tells Jalna’s story

 

With support from the Save Groundwater Foundation (SGF), USA, Project JalTara by The Art of Living Social Projects through Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI) is helping recharge groundwater across villages in Jalna. The initiative uses scientifically designed recharge structures to capture rainwater and restore underground aquifers, improving water availability and farm resilience.

 

Turning Rainwater into a Resource

Jalna, in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, is highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall, recurring droughts, and groundwater depletion. Despite seasonal rains, much of the water is lost as surface runoff due to hard basalt rock formations, black cotton soil that limits infiltration, and shallow rocky terrain. Over time, excessive groundwater extraction has further reduced borewell levels and agricultural productivity.

 

Project JalTara addresses this through a decentralised, low-cost, community-led water conservation model. It uses simple recharge structures made of gravel, sand, and stones that filter rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground, replenishing aquifers.

 

Reviving Water Security Across Villages

The project was implemented across 10 villages in Jalna district, including Ambhor Shelke, Khandvi, Khandviwadi, Kirtapur, Pashta, Watur, Sondeo, Shrishti, Swargaon, and Pimprula.

 

Earlier, these villages faced dry wells, drinking and irrigation shortages, barren fields, and heavy dependence on tanker water.

 

Post-implementation, communities report improved groundwater levels, better soil moisture, and increased water availability. Farmers who earlier managed one crop cycle are now able to cultivate up to two in several areas, with reduced dependence on external water sources.

 

Additional benefits include improved vegetation, reduced soil erosion, better soil moisture retention, and increased awareness of water conservation. Women, in particular, have seen reduced burden from long water-fetching journeys.

 

Community Participation at the Core

A key strength of Project JalTara is strong community participation. Villagers were actively involved in site selection, construction, and maintenance, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability. The model’s simplicity and low maintenance make it easily replicable in other drought-prone regions.

 

The initiative also demonstrates how traditional ecological knowledge, when combined with scientific design, can deliver scalable water solutions.

 

Challenges on the Ground

Implementation in Jalna’s semi-arid terrain came with challenges, including hard rocky soil, extreme heat, and tight pre-monsoon timelines. Mobilising remote communities and coordinating sustained participation required continuous effort and planning.

 

Despite these constraints, the project was successfully completed through collaboration and efficient execution.

 

A Scalable Pathway for Rural Water Security

Project JalTara shows that meaningful solutions to water scarcity do not always require large infrastructure. Simple, locally adapted interventions can restore groundwater, strengthen agriculture, and improve rural livelihoods.

 

By capturing rainwater and replenishing aquifers, the initiative offers a scalable model for long-term water security in climate-vulnerable regions.

 

About The Art of Living Social Projects

The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is committed to addressing India’s pressing water challenges. Through its large-scale water conservation projects, the organisation works to mitigate water scarcity by restoring rivers, reviving ecosystems, and improving the quality of life for communities across the country.

 

To learn more about these initiatives or explore CSR partnerships, visit: Best NGO for CSR projects in India.

 

Follow: www.instagram.com/artofliving.sp/

Like: www.facebook.com/artoflivingsocialprojects

Post: x.com/artofliving_sp

Message: www.linkedin.com/showcase/artofliving-sp

M3M Foundation Hosts Grand Convocation Ceremony at iMpower Academy for Skills, Samalkha

M3M Foundation successfully organized a grand Convocation Ceremony under its flagship Kaushal Sambal Programme at iMpower Academy for Skills, Samalkha, Panipat, celebrating the achievements, aspirations, and transformational journeys of rural youth empowered through skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment initiatives.

 

Dignitaries with graduating students at the iMpower Academy for Skills convocation in Panipat

 

The prestigious ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of eminent dignitaries including Sh. Mahipal Dhandha Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana; Sh. Pawan Jindal Ji, Sarsanghchalak, North Region, RSS; Shri Vijay Ji, Pracharak, RSS; Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, along with respected MLAs, Sarpanches, government officials, employers, industry representatives, community leaders, alumni, trainees, and members of local Panchayats.

 

The event brought together more than 1000+ individuals, including youth, employers, community institutions, and local governance representatives on a common platform to celebrate the growing impact of skill-led empowerment and livelihood creation across rural Haryana. Representatives from 36 Panchayats of Samalkha participated enthusiastically in the programme, reflecting strong community engagement and collective support towards youth development initiatives.

 

The Convocation Ceremony highlighted inspiring stories of trainees and alumni who have transformed their lives through vocational training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures under the Kaushal Sambal Programme. The programme featured cultural performances, alumni success stories, employer interaction sessions, certificate distribution, and the unveiling of the “Vyapower Song,” celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of rural youth.

 

One of the major highlights of the event was the showcase of 30+ enterprise stalls established by trained alumni of iMpower Academy for Skills, as part of M3M Foundation’s Vyapower Programme, which promotes entrepreneurship and self-reliance among rural youth. The stalls displayed a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures including handicrafts, beauty services, mehndi art, jute products, and food items, reflecting the confidence and self-reliance nurtured through the Foundation’s skill development initiatives.

 

The event also witnessed the participation of 20+ employers and industry representatives who engaged with trainees and alumni for placement and recruitment opportunities, creating promising career pathways for rural youth.

 

The Convocation Ceremony also reflected the larger impact of M3M Foundation’s flagship Kaushal Sambal Programme, which is currently operational across 7 states, 12+ districts, and 353 villages through 19 iMpower Academies and 9 implementing partners. The programme has successfully trained and empowered more than 12,000 youth through skill development and livelihood opportunities across 18 trades, achieving an impressive 76% placement rate while promoting entrepreneurship through 14 enterprise development programmes.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Mahipal Dhandha Ji, Hon’ble Education Minister, Haryana, appreciated the impactful role being played by M3M Foundation in empowering unemployed and underprivileged youth through skill-based education and livelihood initiatives. He stated that such programmes are creating meaningful social transformation by connecting youth with employment and sustainable economic opportunities.

 

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Skill development is not merely about providing employment opportunities; it is about building confidence, dignity, and the ability to create a better future. At M3M Foundation, we strongly believe that when youth are empowered with the right skills and opportunities, they become catalysts of transformation not only for themselves but for their families and entire communities.”

 

The Convocation Ceremony concluded with a strong message of empowerment, entrepreneurship, and collective progress, reaffirming M3M Foundation’s commitment towards building a skilled, confident, and self-reliant India through impactful community-driven initiatives.

 

About M3M Foundation

M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Arihant Academy Ltd.'s FY26 PAT Doubles to Rs. 9.11 Crore; Total Income Grows

Arihant Academy Ltd. (NSE: ARIHANTACA), Mumbai’s premier coaching institute for SSC, ICSE, CBSE, Science & Commerce, has announced its audited consolidated financial results for the financial year ended 31st March 2026.

 

Arihant Academy

 

The company delivered a strong financial performance in FY26, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 9.11 crores, reflecting a 104.85% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to Rs. 4.45 crores in FY25. Total Consolidated Revenue for the year increased by 52.57% to Rs. 64.87 crores in FY26, as against Rs. 42.52 crores in FY25. The growth was driven by sustained student enrolments, expansion across new geographies, diversification into career-oriented programs, and continued operational efficiencies.

 

For Q4FY26, the company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 3.32 crores, registering an 87.28% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth compared to Rs. 1.77 crores in Q3FY26. Total Revenue for the quarter stood at Rs. 16.11 crores, reflecting a 10.78% increase over Rs. 14.54 crores reported in Q3FY26. The quarterly performance highlights the company’s continued momentum, strong academic demand, and improving scalability across its expanding network.

 

Commenting on the FY26 performance, Mr. Anil Kapasi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Arihant Academy, said, “Since the previous year, we have witnessed strong momentum throughout our organization as a result of the growing trust from our students & parents, expanded academic opportunities available to them, and the steadfast commitment and hard work of our dedicated faculty and operational teams. Our results for this quarter reflect not only healthy growth in various financial and operational areas, but also the scalability of the model we have built over the years.

 

As we strive to augment our presence and engage deeper with our students and their parents, our main objective is to provide quality educational outcomes while ensuring that we sustainably expand our reach. The visibility we are seeing across our business pipeline and enrolment ecosystem gives us confidence for the coming quarters. We believe our team’s consistent efforts, disciplined execution, and student-centric approach will continue to support our long-term expansion journey.”

 

In FY26, Arihant Academy expanded its presence across multiple education hubs through strategic centre launches in Nashik (Maharashtra), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), and Rajasthan, where the addition of two new centres increased the total count in the state to five. The company also strengthened its footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with the launch of seven new centres, further enhancing accessibility to quality education for a larger student community.

 

During the year, Arihant Academy also introduced the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification course in association with NSE Academy, aimed at providing students and professionals with industry-relevant expertise in auditing, compliance, and financial systems. These initiatives reflect the company’s continued focus on expansion, academic innovation, and career-oriented learning opportunities.

 

About Arihant Academy Limited

Arihant Academy is a premier educational institution specialising in coaching services and comprehensive educational support across Mumbai, Maharashtra. Catering to students from Class 8 to 10 across State Board, ICSE Board, and CBSE Board, we offer tailored programs for students of class 11 & 12, for both Science and Commerce streams. Our expertise extends to preparing students for competitive exams like JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET, MHT-CET, CA, and CS, with a commitment to excellence in every field. Operating through 40+ strategically located coaching centers, we serve approximately 20,000 students, providing them with an integrated learning experience through our hybrid teaching model that combines traditional classroom instruction with digital learning.

Kiro Launches Barely There SPF 35 Skin Tint – A Three-Minute Fix for the 137-Hour Routine

The best kind of base is the one you don’t notice; it blends in, evens out, catches the light just enough, and leaves skin looking impossibly fresh, like you’ve done more than you have. It’s the promise of effortlessness bottled: breathable, flattering and quietly flawless. Barely There SPF 35 Skin Tint, available in 12 thoughtfully created shades for Indian Skin tones, is built exactly for that moment, where skincare meets makeup and the mirror reflects skin that simply looks right.

 

Barely There SPF 35 Skin Tint

 

At a time when the average woman spends 22.5 minutes getting ready each day, amounting to nearly 137 hours a year, according to a Yahoo Health / Ipsos survey of 1,993 respondents globally, Kiro positions this launch not as another addition, but as a reduction. Because those 137 hours are not simply about effort; they are about structure: moisturiser, sunscreen, primer, foundation. Four products. Four decisions. Four applications, repeated daily. Barely There was created as a response to that reality a streamlined approach that combines skincare, sun protection and makeup into one seamless step.

 

Barely There Skin Tint – available in 12 shades

 

At Kiro, this launch was never just about helping women reclaim time, it was about recognising that women’s time has value in the first place,” says Vasundhara Patni. “Women today are constantly multitasking across careers, relationships, responsibilities and personal ambitions, and beauty routines need to evolve alongside that reality. They don’t need more steps; they need better ones. That thinking led us to create Barely There as a skincare-first 4-in-1 formulation that combines moisturiser, primer, SPF 35 PA+++, and light coverage into one fluid layer, a three-minute routine designed to simplify everyday beauty without compromising on performance, protection or skin health.”

 

What sets Barely There apart is its skincare-first formulation philosophy. While most complexion products are traditionally built around coverage first, Kiro approached this launch from the perspective of skin health and long-wear comfort. The idea was simple: if women are wearing a product for eight to ten hours a day, it should actively work for their skin throughout that time, not simply sit on top of it. The formula is infused with Polyglutamic Acid, known to be four times more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid, helping skin retain moisture while maintaining a fresh, breathable finish through the day. The result is makeup tested like skincare designed not only to look good instantly, but to support skin over hours of wear.

 

Each function within the formula is built to stand on its own. Tested for 100-hour hydration, Barely There is designed as an essential addition to the modern face wardrobe, especially through humid, dry summers. As a moisturiser, it delivers a 38% boost in hydration, measured through Corneometer testing conducted on 33 Indian women. As sunscreen, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ protection with blue light defence, formulated without the three toxic O’s. As a primer, it meets baseline performance standards, with 100% of test subjects reporting a lightweight, non-cakey, easy-to-blend texture. In terms of coverage, it remains intentionally skin-first: low to medium, buildable, with a skin-fusion finish that doesn’t settle into fine lines or turn ashy  supported by a carefully curated shade range designed to truly match the depth and undertones of Indian skin.

 

Its desirability lies not just in what it replaces, but in how it wears. The finish reads like skin even, breathable, quietly polished. The kind of base that holds in daylight, in heat, and in close proximity, without ever announcing itself. In a category built on adding more, Barely There makes a case for less and makes it feel like luxury.

 

That performance is tested where it matters. Evaluated at 40°C and 80% relative humidity conditions that mirror the Indian summer, the formula was built to withstand the environment it lives in. 82% of users confirmed it stayed comfortable, resisted heat and humidity, and held its colour through the day.

Lords Hotels and Resorts Launches Lords Inn Katra Near Vaishno Devi Shrine

Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Lords Inn Katra, further strengthening the group’s presence across India’s prominent spiritual destinations. Strategically located near the revered Vaishno Devi shrine, the hotel offers convenient access for pilgrims as well as leisure travellers.

 

Lords Inn Katra, Jammu 


Located in the heart of Katra, the hotel is designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enriching stay experience while reflecting the spiritual essence of the destination. The property features 45 well-appointed rooms, modern amenities, and thoughtfully curated hospitality services catering to both devotional and family travellers.


Commenting on the launch, Pushpendra Bansal, COO, said, “Katra, one of India’s most prominent spiritual destinations, attracts millions of devotees and travellers every year. With Lords Inn Katra, we are pleased to strengthen our presence in the region and offer guests a comfortable stay experience backed by Lords’ signature hospitality and service standards. We thank our partners for their trust and look forward to welcoming travellers to the heart of Katra.”


Speaking on the development, Vikas Suri, Vice President – Lords Hotels & Resorts, said, “Spiritual tourism in India continues to witness strong and sustained growth, and Katra remains a key destination within this segment. Lords Inn Katra reflects our strategic focus on expanding across high-potential pilgrimage and leisure markets while delivering warm hospitality and enriching guest experiences.”


Kumar Roushan, Senior GM – Development & Pre-opening, added, “The launch of Lords Inn Katra marks another important milestone in strengthening our footprint in Jammu & Kashmir. We see significant growth potential in the region and remain committed to expanding our presence while creating quality hospitality experiences for travellers visiting these destinations.”


The hotel will feature dining options and guest facilities designed to offer comfort, convenience, and relaxation during the stay. The development is expected to address the growing demand for quality hospitality infrastructure in the region.


Katra continues to attract millions of devotees and tourists each year due to its religious significance and strong tourism connectivity, making it an important addition to the Lords Hotels & Resorts portfolio.


About Lords Hotels & Resorts
Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading mid-market hospitality chains, known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across leisure, business, and pilgrimage destinations in India and Nepal. With a growing portfolio of hotels, the brand continues to expand with a commitment to quality, affordability, and warm hospitality.

 

Suntec Successfully Hosts Dealer Meet 2026 in Kasauli to Strengthen Dealer Network and Showcase Advanced Heating Solutions

Suntec successfully organized its annual Dealer Meet 2026 in the scenic hill town of Kasauli. The event brought together authorized dealers and channel partners from multiple states across India with the objective of strengthening business relationships, sharing market insights, and introducing the latest technological advancements in heating solutions.
 

Suntec successfully hosted its annual Dealer Meet 2026, “Summit 7.0″
 

The two-day event witnessed enthusiastic participation from dealers representing diverse industrial and commercial sectors. The gathering served as a strategic platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business growth discussions aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and expanding Suntec’s market presence nationwide.
 

During the event, Suntec’s leadership team presented the company’s business performance, annual sales achievements, future expansion plans, and upcoming growth opportunities in the heating and energy-efficient solutions segment. Dealers were provided with detailed updates regarding market trends, customer expectations, and evolving industrial demands related to burners and heat pump technologies.
 

A major highlight of the Dealer Meet was the comprehensive product presentation on Riello burners and modern heat pump systems. Technical experts conducted informative sessions demonstrating product efficiency, fuel-saving capabilities, environmental benefits, and application areas across industries. Dealers also received insights into new product developments, installation best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and after-sales service improvements.
 

The management team emphasized the company’s commitment toward delivering high-quality, energy-efficient, and sustainable heating solutions to the Indian market. Discussions also focused on strengthening dealer support systems, improving response times, enhancing customer engagement, and building long-term partnerships with channel associates.
 

Speaking at the occasion, Managing Director Mr. Siddharth Vadodaria from Suntec stated, “Our dealers are the backbone of our business growth and customer outreach. This Dealer Meet was organized not only to share our achievements and future vision but also to understand the expectations and challenges faced by our partners. Together, we aim to drive innovation, strengthen service excellence, and expand the adoption of advanced heating technologies across India.”
 

A standout moment of Summit 7.0 was the presence of Mr. Andrea Balani, representative of Riello Burners.
 

Apart from business sessions, the event also included networking activities, dealer recognition programs, and interactive discussions that encouraged collaboration among participants from different regions. Outstanding dealers were appreciated for their exceptional sales performance, dedication, and contribution to the company’s growth journey.
 

Experts form the field also shared insight for the benefit of the dealers as to how to enhance and grow business multi-folds.
 

The successful completion of the Dealer Meet 2026 reflects Suntec’s continued focus on dealer engagement, technological advancement, and customer-centric business development. The company remains committed to building a strong nationwide dealer ecosystem while promoting reliable and energy-efficient heating solutions for industrial and commercial applications.

 

About Suntec

Suntec is a leading supplier of premium industrial heating solutions, specializing in Riello burners and advanced heat pump systems. The company is dedicated to providing innovative, efficient, and sustainable heating technologies supported by strong technical expertise and customer service across India.

Strong Momentum Ahead: Tiger Logistics MD as Company Reports 34.5% Volume Growth

Tiger Logistics (India) Limited, a leading international logistics solutions provider, reported a robust operational performance for FY26, with container volumes growing 34.5% year-on-year to 92,614 TEUs from 68,858 TEUs in FY25. Revenue of the company increased by 6.81% YoY to Rs. 572.82 crore from Rs. 536.30 crore in the previous financial year, despite persistent geopolitical uncertainties and a sluggish global trade environment.
 

Representative visual of global freight and logistics operations
 

Tiger Logistics’ continued growth amidst global supply chain disruptions highlights the resilience of its diversified business model and the company’s ability to successfully navigate evolving trade challenges over the last four quarters. During the year, global trade continued to witness volatility arising from geopolitical conflicts, tariff-related uncertainties, and fluctuating freight demand across key global markets.
 

Despite these headwinds, the company has continued to strengthen its operational footprint and expand its market share across strategic growth verticals through reliable execution, long-standing customer relationships, and market diversification.
 

The company’s key growth drivers remained the automotive, renewable energy – solar and BESS, EVs, electronics, tyres, and pharmaceutical sectors, which will continue to contribute significantly to cargo volumes across major trade corridors. Supported by deeper market penetration and sectoral diversification, Tiger Logistics expects to maintain a healthy 15–20% year-on-year growth in TEU volumes going forward.
 

Commenting on the company’s performance, Harpreet Singh Malhotra, CMD, Tiger Logistics stated, “We are pleased with the robust growth recorded in our TEU volumes during the year, especially amidst continuing geopolitical uncertainties and global trade disruptions. This performance reflects the strength of our sectoral diversification strategy and the agility of our business model in navigating evolving market conditions.”


“The strong momentum across our focus sectors gives us confidence that volume growth will remain robust going forward and that the future ahead for Tiger Logistics remains bright. With enhanced business acquisition and execution capabilities across integrated international logistics solutions, we continue to strengthen our footprint across emerging markets such as Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico, the Philippines, and the Maldives. Going forward, we remain focused on expanding global partnerships, deepening customer relationships, increasing our market share across key trade verticals, and delivering sustainable long-term growth,” he further added.
 

As India continues to strengthen its role in global manufacturing and trade, Tiger Logistics remains committed to delivering efficient, technology-enabled, and customer-centric logistics solutions that support evolving global supply chain requirements.

A Historic Bridge Between Nations: 'Indian Aisle in Canada' Brought India's Premium Craft to International Retail Spaces

In a landmark moment for India’s growing global cultural and trade presence, GWNS officially launched the ‘Indian Aisle in Canada’ on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Nuvo Event Space, Canada. The initiative marks the historic debut of Indian beverage within Canada’s duty-free retail landscape across major international gateways including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, key airports across Alberta, as well as prominent land-border duty-free locations in Ontario and British Columbia. The evening’s highlight was a Grand Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony celebrating the arrival of Indian heritage, craftsmanship, and premium offerings into mainstream international retail spaces.

 

From Left to right: Natalie Hart, Sheref Sabawy, Deepak Anand, Pooja S & Balaji Nagaraja, Nina Tangri, Catherine West, Tania Lee and Parth Makwana

 

The launch is being viewed as a significant milestone in India’s expanding global footprint, aligning with the country’s larger push over the past decade towards strengthening international partnerships, promoting Indian enterprise abroad, and taking Indian culture beyond borders. As India continues to emerge as a major economic and cultural force globally, initiatives such as the Indian Aisle reflect the growing international appetite for Indian products, stories and craftsmanship.

 

The presence of Indian beverage in Canada’s premium duty-free ecosystem is not merely a retail development, but a symbol of India’s soft power and evolving global identity where Indian brands are increasingly being recognised for quality, authenticity and heritage on the world stage.

 

Beyond commerce, the initiative also highlights the strengthening relationship between India and Canada through culture, tourism and trade. The visibility of Indian beverages across major Canadian travel hubs reflects the importance and influence of the Indian diaspora while opening new opportunities for cultural exchange and bilateral business growth. At a time when Indian cuisine, wellness, fashion, cinema, and artisanal products are finding wider global audiences, the Indian Aisle adds another powerful dimension to India’s international cultural presence.

 

Today is not just about launching products into a new market; it is about opening doors for Indian heritage, craftsmanship and stories to travel globally,” said Mr. Balaji Nagaraja & Ms. Pooja S, Founders of GWNS. “Canada’s multicultural identity makes it the perfect home for an initiative like the Indian Aisle. Through this platform, we hope to create stronger cultural connections, introduce travellers to the richness of Indian beverage, and build meaningful commercial opportunities between India and Canada. This launch represents the coming together of tradition, innovation and international collaboration.

 

The exclusive launch event witnessed the presence of government officials, diplomatic representatives, cultural leaders, trade stakeholders, hospitality professionals, retail partners, and members of the media. Guests experienced an evening centred around networking, curated showcases of premium Indian beverage, cultural celebration, and ceremonial moments surrounding the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The launch marked not just a business milestone, but a proud cultural moment reflecting India’s growing confidence and influence on the global stage.