Archives February 2026

New Delhi, Feb 20th: Employers’ and workers’ organizations in India marked a significant milestone in advancing Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) for decent work with the presentation of a Bipartite Roadmap, in the presence of International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo. 

The Bipartite Roadmap is the outcome of a structured year-long process of engagement between employers’ and workers’ organizations. It outlines shared priorities and joint actions to promote RBC across enterprises, including MSMEs, with a focus on fair employment practices, occupational safety and health, non-discrimination, social protection, green and digital transitions and strengthened social dialogue mechanisms, among others. 

The event saw representatives of employers and workers jointly present the roadmap, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing decent work, strengthening industrial relations and aligning national frameworks with international labour standards. 

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said: “The steps taken here in India contribute to the global movement by demonstrating how dialogue between employers and workers can identify shared priorities and translate them into practical cooperation”. 

He added,”Responsible Business Conduct for decent work contributes to respecting and enabling the core labour rights at work, strengthening industrial relations and meaningful social dialogue, and supporting sustainable development and inclusive growth. This aligns closely with the vision of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.” 

The event, held at Le Méridien, New Delhi, underscored the shared commitment of social partners to strengthen labour standards, foster social dialogue and promote sustainable and responsible business practices across enterprises and their supply chains. The roadmap highlights how employers’ and workers’ organizations will engage in capacity-building initiatives, dialogues and policy advocacy to operationalise RBC principles and enhance workplace cooperation. 

Michiko Miyamoto, Director of the Decent Work Team for South Asia and Country Office for India, ILO, said: “This roadmap marks the beginning of a journey built on joint prioritization and collaboration between employers’ and workers’ organizations and reflects the trust that they have built through sustained dialogue. It provides a practical framework for joint action. Through this bipartite cooperation on Responsible Business Conduct for decent work, India has showcased how dialogue can enable collaborative solutions to complex challenges and encourage businesses to engage in responsible business practices.” 

The roadmap was developed under the ILO programme “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations”, supported by the Government of Japan. Key milestones included consultations with trade unions and employer organizations in 2025, leading to the development of a roadmap for action based on common priorities. The joint roadmap was launched on 29 January 2026. Six employers’ organizations and six workers’ organizations have already committed to taking action under the roadmap, with more expected to join this collaborative initiative.

Ras Al Khaimah, Feb 20: Circle Awards 2026 placed long-term partnership at the centre of recognition, honouring the individuals and organisations whose sustained contribution continues to shape the business community at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). As a flagship annual celebration, the Circle is rooted in the principles of consistency, credibility, and shared standards, standing as a symbol of enduring collaboration and meaningful growth across the economic zone.

The event recognises partners whose performance, integrity, and long-term commitment directly influence the economic zone’s growth trajectory, going beyond short-term targets to deliver lasting value to investors.

The 2026 edition of the awards reflected on key achievements recorded across the RAKEZ community in 2025, a year that delivered record-breaking results in both company formation and visa issuance, further reinforcing the economic zone’s position as one of the most sought-after business destinations in the UAE. The event also looked ahead to the year to come, signalling priorities and initiatives that will shape the next phase of growth across the RAKEZ ecosystem.

Close to 300 service providers and agents were recognised across a wide range of categories, including Compliance, Growth, Long-Lasting Contribution, Loyalty, Newcomer, Partner of the Year, Service & Renewal, Value Creation, and Volume Performance.

Today, RAKEZ is home to nearly 40,000 active companies and is supported by an international network of more than 1,200 active agents, reflecting the scale and global reach of its business community.

Commenting on the occasion, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Circle Awards is designed to recognise partners whose contribution extends beyond short-term results. At RAKEZ, progress is built on consistency and credibility, and on partners who uphold the standards that investors expect. Through their professionalism, integrity, and market relationships, our partners play a vital role in strengthening confidence in the RAKEZ ecosystem. As we look ahead, it is these enduring relationships that will continue to shape our growth and direction.”

Stressing on the significance of the event, RAKEZ Chief Commercial Officer Anas Hijjawi, said, “Circle Awards represent more than recognition; they reflect the strength of the relationships we build and nurture throughout the year. Our partners are instrumental in translating RAKEZ’s value proposition into tangible results in the market. By working closely with our agent network and service providers, we ensure that investors experience consistency, responsiveness, and clarity at every touchpoint. This success is a shared achievement.”

The event also underscored RAKEZ’s focus on enabling sustainable commercial outcomes, with shared insights on strengthening investor engagement, improving cash flow performance, accelerating sales cycles, and introducing enhanced rewards aimed at supporting long-term business growth. Looking ahead to 2026, the economic zone’s objective is to further empower its partners by helping them maximise revenue opportunities, increase transaction volumes, and deliver higher levels of customer satisfaction across every stage of the investor journey.

Circle Awards reflect RAKEZ’s commitment to recognising partners who contribute to the ecosystem’s long-term resilience, credibility, and continued growth.

Feb 20: The Urban Land Institute India (ULI India), the India chapter of the global non-profit and the oldest, largest network of cross-disciplinary land use experts, has announced the launch of its Education portfolio – strategic initiatives designed to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and the future of urban development. Globally, ULI plays an important role in the education sector: bringing academia and industry together to produce strong graduates who are prepared to meet demands of the industry. For this, ULI has developed education focussed products like the ULI Hines Student Competition, Case Studies, Internships, Mentorship, UrbanPlan and on-demand learning courses on its Knowledge Finder.

As urban centers in India grapple with rapid population growth, environmental concerns, and the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure, ULI India recognizes the critical importance of preparing young leaders to tackle these challenges. In the Indian context, the planned educational initiatives seek to foster collaboration between leading educational institutions, industry professionals, and corporate partners, thereby empowering the next generation of urban leaders – urban planners, architects, designers and entrepreneurs, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable, inclusive cities across India and globally.

ULI India’s Education portfolio is spearheaded by Education Co-Chairs, Chhavi Lal, Principal at Perkins Eastman, and Manas Rath, Founder of LEAP Cities and Mumbai Donut CoLAB, and supported by the organisation’s National Executive Committee. Their leadership ensures that ULI India’s educational initiatives are aligned with global best practices and respond to India’s unique urban challenges.

The organisation is already in discussions with leading institutions in key urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These cities, which represent key hubs for urban growth in India, will serve as focal points for ULI India’s efforts to nurture the next generation of urban professionals.

Speaking on behalf of the ULI India leadership, Education Co-Chair, Manas Rath, said,

“The Education portfolio aims to create a network of professionals capable of addressing India’s urban challenges, from decarbonization and housing attainability to sustainable urban design”, with Chhavi Lal adding, “Through our initiatives, we aim to build capacity at all levels, from students to professionals to government, to strengthen local capability while drawing on global perspectives.”

In the build up to the ULI India Annual Conference 2026 on 26th Feb 2026 in Mumbai, ULI India will host a full-day education program, featuring UrbanPlan and a closed door Education Roundtable on 24th February 2026 with senior representatives from top institutions, including RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University, CEPT University, Sir JJ College of Architecture, NICMAR, and ULI members and practitioners in attendance. The conversation will focus on practical pathways to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, including internships, case-based learning, curriculum relevance, and improving student readiness for professional practice.

Manasvini Hariharan, Executive Director of ULI India, said,

“Education is the mission priority we have chosen to focus on because that is where the capability gap is most visible. India needs stronger platforms for knowledge exchange, practical training, and leadership development to meet the scale and complexity of its urban transition.”

The conference will also present a Projects Showcase featuring 12 transformative urban projects from across the country, with ULI’s Founding Partners and Annual Sponsors leading from the front, demonstrating the best practices in design, sustainability, and urban impact. These projects will serve as a significant resource for students, educators, and professionals, providing real-world insights into the future of India’s cities.

Feb 20: Tourism Western Australia unveiled the second iteration of ‘Walking On A Dream’, its immersive global tourism brand that celebrates the state’s spellbinding landscapes, vibrant culture and creative talent.

 The campaign captures WA as a place where vast deserts glow beneath endless skies, coral reefs shimmer in turquoise seas, and ancient landscapes tell stories that stretch back millennia.

 Filmed across iconic locations, including Ningaloo Reef, Margaret River, Rottnest Island, Perth, and the ancient beauty of Mirima National Park in the Kimberley, the cinematic series brings WA’s dreamlike spirit to life through five 30-second destination vignettes and a 60-second film.

 \At its heart is the reimagining of Empire of The Sun’s hit song Walking On A Dream, overseen by WA–raised frontman Luke Steele, and performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) Aboriginal artist and Karajarri man Billy-Jo Shoveller.

 “Walking On A Dream has always been about a sense of wonder and escape,” said Steele. Working with Billy-Jo and WASO to create this new version was magical—it feels like WA itself, magical and otherworldly.”

Billy-Jo Shoveller said the collaboration was deeply personal and reflects his passion for sharing the Kimberley’s spirit with the world.

“I’m proud to be part of this campaign as a Karajarri man, working with Luke Steele on ‘Walking On A Dream’ gave me a chance to bring some of my culture and connection to Country into the project— WA is a special place, and it feels good to help show that to people everywhere.”

 Starring Nyikina man Nelson Baker and emerging actor Angelica Blazeska, both of whom are Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts alumni, the films blurs the line between reality and reverie, celebrating Western Australia as a place where culture, creativity and nature are deeply connected.

Developed alongside Traditional Owners and WA’s Aboriginal tourism sector, the campaign celebrates culture, Country and connection. The campaign rolls out from February 2026 across key global markets.

 First launched by Tourism WA in 2022, Walking on A Dream has played a key role in driving Western Australia’s tourism recovery, with WA welcoming just over one million international visitors in the year ending October 2025, surpassing the previous record of 996,000 international visitors set in 2019.

Oil markets are currently moving within a repricing framework to keep pace with geopolitical risks. Setting a time window of 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program has created what can be described as a time-compressed risk window, which is an important point from a pricing and price-action perspective. The market is not dealing only with the probability of escalation and its continuation, but with a timeline that could shift the scene from political pressure to a field development within a relatively short period, especially given that military assets are already present in the Gulf. This time factor in itself justifies the move in prices to their highest in several months.

Price action indicates that Brent crude is not moving in a vacuum. It shows a transition since the January low near 60 dollars, where we see a sequence of higher highs and higher lows, reflecting a shift in investor behavior from selling rallies to buying dips. The return of price to test the 71 to 72 dollar range, a supply zone that previously formed a ceiling, suggests that consolidation below it is characterised by relatively lower volatility compared to prior rejection waves, pointing to an absorption of available demand. A break of this area would reflect a shift from a temporary risk premium to a broader repricing of the range, and the path toward 80 dollars per barrel appears to be a realistic target should geopolitical tensions evolve further.

The fundamental angle is more complex as the Gulf region represents around one third of global crude supply, a high geographic concentration of risk. A broad disruption could affect flows exceeding 15 million barrels per day in a severe scenario. On the other hand, data has shown Saudi exports declining to around 7 million barrels per day, a relatively low level compared to previous periods, implying available spare capacity to compensate for supply shortages.

Logistically, Saudi Arabia possesses important elements of flexibility. Ras Tanura port is capable of handling around 6 million barrels per day, and the East–West pipeline transports approximately 5 million barrels per day to Red Sea ports, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Yanbu facilities also provide additional export alternatives. However, this flexibility remains within a normal operating framework. In the event of military escalation or a direct threat to routes, insurance risks and shipping costs could become independent pressure factors in their own right, potentially amplifying costs.

As for the world’s ability to absorb a major supply shock, the picture is less reassuring. Strategic reserves held by International Energy Agency countries are estimated at around 1.5 billion barrels but the actual daily draw capacity ranges between 4 and 6 million barrels only. If we assume a disruption exceeding 15 million barrels per day in a worst-case scenario, the theoretical gap between the shock and compensation capacity could reach roughly 9 to 11 million barrels per day before accounting for any spare production capacity. Even the US strategic reserve, at about 380 million barrels, provides relatively limited time coverage in the event of a severe disruption.

Therefore, the market is not currently pricing in a major supply outage, but it recognises that the margin of safety is not wide. The current risk premium reflects a mix of the political time factor, the geographic concentration of supply and the limited effective ability for rapid compensation. In the coming days, the price path will remain contingent on whether tensions shift from negotiated pressure to a material event affecting global oil flows.

New Delhi, Feb 20: Nimmit, a sustainable luxury lifestyle brand that sits at the intersection of interiors and fashion, has launched a new Black Pottery collection that celebrates slow craft, timeless design, and understated luxury. Created for India and the world, the collection reflects Nimmit’s philosophy of bringing people, craft, and design together.

The name Nimmit translates to “the one who brings people together.” This belief guides the brand’s approach to design by connecting tradition and innovation, heritage and contemporary living. The Black Pottery collection is a natural extension of this philosophy.

Each piece in the collection is handcrafted using traditional pottery techniques. The clay is shaped by hand and fired using natural processes that create a deep black finish. The surface carries organic textures and subtle variations. No two pieces are the same, making each product truly one of a kind.

The collection features functional and decorative pieces such as bowls, plates, vases, and serveware. The forms are simple and balanced. The matte black finish highlights the raw beauty of the material. Designed for modern homes, the pieces add depth without overpowering a space.

Quiet luxury is at the core of this collection. It does not rely on excess or ornamentation. Instead, it focuses on thoughtful design, honest materials, and craftsmanship that speaks softly. The pieces are meant to be lived with and used every day.

Speaking about the launch, Manish Shah, Founder of Nimmit, said,

“At Nimmit, we believe luxury lies in intention, not excess. The Black Pottery collection is about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of handmade objects. Each piece carries the marks of the artisan’s hand and the time it took to create it. That is where its true value lies.”

Nimmit celebrates India’s cultural and artisan legacy while shaping a modern narrative around responsible luxury. The brand is deeply rooted in zero-waste systems and circular craft practices. Natural materials are used, and traditional techniques are preserved to reduce environmental impact.

Founded by Manish Shah, a second-generation textile entrepreneur, Nimmit reinterprets traditional techniques into timeless handcrafted pieces across décor, textiles, and wearable art. While the brand is known for working with crafts such as block printing, eco printing, kantha, and Ajrakh, the Black Pottery collection extends this design philosophy into a new material language.

Nimmit works closely with artisan communities across India through long-term collaboration, fair value practices, and skill development. Each creation reflects a shared journey of heritage, care, and craftsmanship.

The Black Pottery collection is now available on Nimmit’s website.

HDFC Mutual Fund Encourages Financial Awareness through ‘Barni Se Azadi – An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative’ and Diya Floating Films at Magh Mela

Mumbai, Feb 20: HDFC Mutual Fund, through its Investor Education and Awareness Initiative, has unveiled two investor education films capturing its on-ground participation at the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The films, centred around the ‘Barni Se Azadi’ initiative and the culturally resonant Diya Floating activity, reinforce the importance of moving beyond traditional savings practices towards informed, long-term investing.

The first film documents the ‘Barni Se Azadi’ activation at the Magh Mela. Set against the backdrop of one of India’s largest religious gatherings, the film conveys a simple yet powerful message: dreams are not meant to remain locked away in a traditional barni (jar); they grow when they are set free through investing.

At the heart of the activation was a giant Barni installation symbolising conventional household savings practices. Visitors were invited to select a personal aspiration through a digital interface. As each dream was chosen, a visual cloud rose into the sky, representing aspirations being set free and the beginning of a journey towards financial independence. The film captures real interactions and reactions, demonstrating how relatable storytelling can spark conversations around financial awareness.

The second film focuses on the Diya Floating activity organised on the occasion of Maghi Purnima. Deeply rooted in cultural tradition, participants were invited to float dream-inspired diyas carrying personal aspirations such as owning a home, purchasing a vehicle, or securing a child’s education. Upon completing the ritual, the ceremonial plate revealed a simple message: “Nitya Nivesh Karoon. Swapna Satya Karoon.” (Invest regularly. Turn dreams into reality.)

The on-ground campaign ran from January 12 to February 15, 2026, aligning with the peak footfall period of the Magh Mela. Activities included:

• The giant Barni installation
• Nukkad nataks across multiple Mela locations
• An AI-enabled photo booth
• The Diya Floating engagement

Through these films, HDFC Mutual Fund reiterates its commitment to taking investor education beyond conventional platforms, leveraging large community forums and culturally meaningful moments to promote informed financial participation across diverse audiences.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

• Freedom from market timing
• Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation
• Disciplined wealth creation