Archives May 2026

Mumbai,  May 18 : India’s largest amusement and water park operator has approved a strategic investment of up to ₹100 crore in Shanku’s Water Park, a leading leisure destination in Mehsana, Gujarat, near Ahmedabad. This investment marks a significant step in the company’s nationwide expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in high-growth regional markets and reinforcing its long-term vision of building a diversified, customer-centric leisure ecosystem across India. With strong connectivity to key catchment areas including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana and surrounding regions, Shanku’s offers a compelling platform to enhance customer experiences, drive tourism-led growth, and expand access to organized family entertainment in Gujarat.

The Park is spread across 25+ acres with over 25 rides and attractions, Shanku’s is one of Gujarat’s largest and most established water parks, with strong access to Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Gandhinagar and surrounding catchments. The park has recently undergone extensive renovation and modernization, including advanced water filtration systems comparable to Imagicaa’s flagship Khopoli park.

The investment will be made through a mix of equity and debt, including capital for future expansion on adjoining surplus land. Imagicaaworld will also provide end-to-end Operations & Management services across park operations, guest experience, safety systems, F&B and revenue optimization, earning a management fee of 6%–10%, while leveraging its expertise to enhance performance and scale the destination further.

These developments mark Imagicaa’s strategic expansion beyond destination parks into scalable, high-margin formats. The company recently announced its Q4FY26 results where revenue from operations stood at ₹91.9 crore with a significant increase in footfalls by 5% year-on-year to 6.21 lakh visitors, while continuing to witness steady consumer demand across its existing parks.

Commenting on the development, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, said,

 “This transaction represents an important milestone in Imagicaaworld’s growth strategy as we deepen our footprint in Gujarat, one of India’s fastest growing leisure and tourism markets. Gujarat has a strong consumer base, rising discretionary spending and significant long-term potential for organized entertainment destinations.

Shanku’s Water Park is a well-established destination with high-quality infrastructure, strong regional recall and significant growth potential. Strategically located within a one-hour radius of Ahmedabad and GIFT City, this asset sits at the crossroads of commercial growth and weekend tourism.

Through this partnership structure, we aim to leverage Imagicaaworld’s operational expertise and brand capabilities to further enhance guest experiences, drive footfalls and create long-term value for stakeholders.”

Bhubaneswar, May 18 (BNP): Odisha is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, with Chandikhol set to emerge as a major strategic crude oil storage hub under a significant India-UAE energy partnership formalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Representational image

Under the proposed initiative, Chandikhol will house a massive underground strategic petroleum reserve with a storage capacity of nearly 40 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil. Estimated at around Rs 8,743 crore, the project is expected to significantly enhance India’s emergency fuel preparedness and strengthen long-term energy resilience.

The agreement for the project was signed between the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, following discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The partnership is seen as a major step toward deepening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and reinforcing India-UAE strategic ties.

Although the Union Cabinet had approved the project in 2018, implementation was delayed due to land acquisition-related challenges. With renewed focus and momentum, the project is now expected to move forward, positioning Odisha as an important pillar in India’s petroleum infrastructure network.

Experts believe the underground reserve will play a vital role during emergency or war-like situations by helping maintain fuel availability in the event of disruptions to global crude oil supplies. The facility is also expected to strengthen India’s strategic fuel reserves and improve preparedness against international supply uncertainties.

Once operational, the project is likely to boost industrial growth, infrastructure development and employment opportunities in Odisha, further reinforcing the state’s growing importance in India’s energy and industrial ecosystem.

Mumbai, May 18 : JK Lakshmi Cement Limited, India’s leading cement manufacturer focused on sustainable constructions solutions, participated in a strategic discussion with H.E. Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland in India and Bhutan, on low-carbon cement innovation, sustainable construction, and long-term industry collaboration. The meeting reflected on the shared journey of the Limestone Calcined Clay Cement  initiative and the growing importance of scalable decarbonisation solutions within India’s infrastructure and construction sector.

The discussion highlighted the progress of LC3 as a commercially viable low-carbon cement technology capable of reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 40 percent compared to conventional cement. The technology has emerged as an important pathway for balancing infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility, particularly in rapidly developing economies such as India.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Vinita Singhania, Chairperson & Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., said,

 “The transition of LC3 from research and pilot implementation to commercial production reflects what meaningful collaboration between industry, academia, and global institutions can achieve over time. As India continues to expand its infrastructure and urban development footprint, sustainable construction materials will play an increasingly important role in shaping resilient and resource-efficient growth. Our production of Green Pro LC3 cement has been guided by a long-term commitment towards responsible manufacturing, operational excellence, and solutions that create enduring value for both industry and society.”

H.E. Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland in India and Bhutan, acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cement’s contribution towards advancing low-carbon cement adoption in India and appreciated the company’s early leadership in taking LC3 from research into commercial implementation. The meeting also reflected on the broader importance of international cooperation and industry participation in accelerating climate-responsive industrial solutions.

The interaction further explored opportunities for continued knowledge exchange with Swiss institutions working in sustainable construction and innovative building materials, including EPFL, EMPA, and ETH Zurich. Discussions also covered the evolving role of the cement sector in achieving long-term climate goals while continuing to support India’s infrastructure and housing requirements.

JK Lakshmi Cement has been closely associated with the LC3 initiative since its early stages in 2014, working alongside research and implementation partners including EPFL Switzerland, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, DA (Development Alternatives) and TARA (Technology and Action for Rural Advancement). The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and subsequently announced commercial production of Green PRO LC3 earlier this year from its integrated Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the world’s second-largest cement producer, with infrastructure expansion, urbanisation, and housing demand continuing to drive long-term sector growth. In this context, low-carbon technologies such as LC3 are gaining wider relevance as the industry strengthens its focus on environmental efficiency, resource optimisation, and resilient construction practices.

The meeting concluded with a shared acknowledgement of the importance of continued collaboration between industry leaders, research institutions, and international stakeholders in advancing sustainable solutions for the construction sector.

Hyderabad, May 18 : Zithara.AI, an AI first retail intelligence platform, announced its strategic entry into the Australian market with the onboarding of Ernesto Buono Fine Jewellery , the esteemed Sydney-based luxury atelier, as its first customer in the region. The launch marks the introduction of Zithara.AI’s unified AI-stack bringing together Customer Relationship Management , Customer Data Platform , marketing automation, conversational AI, omnichannel communication and online reputation management into a single platform built specifically for consumer-focused businesses in Australia.

Alongside this expansion, Zithara.AI also unveiled proprietary Meta and Google integrations designed to enable closed loop attribution for offline retail businesses. The platform allows brands to connect digital engagement, social media interactions and advertising spends directly with in store visits, customer conversations and final purchases, helping retailers clearly measure business impact and return on ad spend . Unlike traditional CRM platforms designed primarily for B2B workflows, Zithara.AI is purpose built for consumer-focused businesses operating across physical stores, websites, WhatsApp and social platforms, enabling retailers to centralise customer intelligence and create a unified 360-degree customer view.

As part of the partnership, Ernesto Buono Fine Jewellery will implement Zithara.AI’s AI native CRM platform to unify customer journeys across in store consultations, WhatsApp conversations, Instagram and Facebook interactions, Google reviews and digital campaigns into a single intelligence layer. Founded by master jeweller Ernesto Buono, the Sydney based luxury jewellery atelier is known for its bespoke engagement rings, wedding bands and handcrafted fine jewellery and was recently named among Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Jewelry & Watch Brands for 2025. Through this deployment, the brand aims to centralise customer data, automate personalised engagement workflows, improve retention and drive repeat purchases while maintaining the personalised luxury experience that defines the brand.

Varun Kashyap, Founder, Zithara.AI, said,

 “We are excited to enter the Australian market with Ernesto Buono Fine Jewellery as our first customer in the region. Luxury retail is built on relationships and personalised experiences, and our platform is designed to help brands unify every customer touchpoint into one intelligent ecosystem. From WhatsApp inquiries and social engagement to in store purchases, retailers can now build stronger and more measurable customer relationships powered by AI.”

Sridevi Reddy, Co founder, Zithara.AI, added,

“Australia has always been a strategic market for us as retailers increasingly look for data driven engagement and measurable marketing outcomes. Through this expansion, we aim to help consumer brands bridge the gap between online engagement and offline retail experiences while improving customer retention, repeat purchases and overall customer lifetime value.”

The platform’s AI native architecture includes its proprietary AI Agentic Framework (MCP – Model Context Protocol Server), a retail first orchestration layer that monitors customer behaviour across physical stores, websites, WhatsApp, Meta and Google to automate engagement workflows and customer follow ups. Zithara.AI also offers Ziri, its AI powered data intelligence agent that delivers real time insights on store performance, customer behaviour and campaign effectiveness directly to business leaders without the need for complex dashboards. In addition, the platform supports unified messaging across WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger, helping retailers manage all customer conversations through a single interface while also enabling AI driven Google review nudging and online reputation management.

The launch further strengthens Zithara.AI’s growing international presence across consumer retail markets. The company currently supports more than 500 retailers across India and Southeast Asia. Businesses using the platform have reported up to 3x increase in repeat purchases, 28% improvement in customer retention, 25% uplift in customer acquisition, 25% higher WhatsApp conversion rates and 60% growth in customer lifetime value.

Gurugram,  May 18 : HCBS Developments Limited has announced the appointment of Jindal Stainless as the stainless steel supply partner for its upcoming residential project, Twin Horizon, located in Sector 102, Gurugram. The collaboration comes at a critical stage of construction, as the project advances in a phased manner through key structural milestones with a focus on durability, precision, and long-term performance.

As part of the construction process, HCBS Developments evaluated Rebars of various raw material for reinforcement in the critical diaphragm wall (D-wall) applications, post which HCBS has decided to go for ‘Jindal Infinity’ Stainless Steel Rebars. The stringent manufacturing process through which ‘Jindal Infinity’ Stainless Steel Rebars are produced make them particularly suited for high groundwater conditions due to their superior corrosion resistance and lifecycle performance. The developer has also used these Rebars for the raft foundation, becoming one of the prompt implementers of this application in high-rise residential construction.

By partnering with trusted and established manufacturers such as Jindal Stainless, the developer is ensuring that the project benefits from high-quality material and technical reliability, while also reflecting a progressive shift in how foundational structures are being constructed with longevity in consideration. This positions HCBS among the early adopters exploring stainless steel applications at this stage of development.

Spanning 5.2902 acres, Twin Horizon will comprise two high-rise towers with 268 residences, along with seven commercial spaces. The project is being designed by Morphogenesis, known for its contemporary and context-driven architectural approach, bringing together modern aesthetics with functional planning. Construction is being undertaken by Krishna Buildestates Private Limited (KBE), which has been engaged as the project’s construction partner, supporting on-ground execution and delivery timelines.

Commenting on the development, Saurab Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments Limited, said,

 “At this stage of construction, the quality and reliability of core materials become absolutely critical. Steel, in particular, plays a defining role in how a structure performs over time. Bringing JSL on board is a considered decision, driven by our focus on building with consistency and ensuring that there are no compromises at the foundational level. With work progressing steadily on site, we are focused on maintaining this pace while keeping quality firmly in check.”

Tarun Khulbe, CEO, Jindal Stainless, added,

 “The increasing adoption of stainless steel rebars in critical structural applications reflects a broader shift in the construction sector towards materials that offer higher durability, lower maintenance, and stronger lifecycle value. Projects such as this demonstrate how developers are beginning to integrate long-term structural performance into foundational and eventually into the full building design decisions. We are pleased to partner with HCBS Developments Limited in this journey and extend both material strength and application expertise to the project.”

On the construction front, the project is witnessing steady progress. Excavation and diaphragm wall (D-Wall) work for Tower West has been completed, while the same is currently in progress for Tower East, indicating a calibrated pace of execution as the development moves into its next stages.

May 18 | Siliguri, West Bengal: Hakimpara NrityaMalancha Siliguri is all set to present “GATI 2026”, its prestigious annual Festival of Indian Classical Dance and Music, from 5th to 7th June 2026 at Dinabandhu Mancha, Siliguri, beginning daily from 5:30 PM onwards.

Organised under the guidance of renowned Guru and Founder Vidushi Sangita Chaki, the festival has been celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage for the past 42 years, making it one of the region’s most respected platforms for Indian classical performing arts.

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning movement and rhythm, GATI embodies the spirit of Indian classical traditions through an immersive showcase of dance, music, and folk artistry. The three-day cultural celebration will feature acclaimed artists, distinguished musicians, and vibrant performances representing diverse classical forms from across India.

The festival will also host a special evening dedicated to Indian classical instrumental and vocal music featuring celebrated maestros:

• Sitar: Pt. Sandeep Neogi
• Sarod: Pt. Sunondo Mukherjee
• Tabla: Pt. Subir Thakur, Pt. Subir Adhikari & Shri Riju Saha
• Harmonium & Vocal: Pt. Sourav Chakraborty

GATI Festival 2026 – Day Wise Highlights

5th June 2026 | Day 1

The inaugural evening will begin with devotional and classical presentations including:

• Ganesh Vandana
• Guest Felicitation
• Maha Ganapati Shlokam
• Pushpanjali
• Nagendra Haray Shiva Stotram
• Ananda Nartana Ganapati Kirtanam
• Jatiswaram
• Tillana
• Provincial Folk Dances from Different States

Guest Artist: Shri Rahul Dev (Kathak, Agartala)

6th June 2026 | Day 2

The second day will feature an elaborate Kathak repertoire and traditional rhythmic compositions including:

• Shiva Vandana
• Felicitation Ceremony
• Guru Charanam in Trital
• Trital Sidhya Nritya
• Jhaptal Sudha Nritya
• Darbari Tarana
• Ektal Shudhyo Nritya
• Rupak Sudhyo Nritya
• Chautal Sudha Nritya
• Trital Sudhya Nritya
• Thumri
• Provincial Folk Dances from Different States

Guest Artist: Shri Shuvojit Dutta (Kathak, Kolkata)

RSVP

Vidushi Sangita Chaki
Founder, NrityaMalancha Siliguri
Contact: 9434006943

NrityaMalancha Siliguri

Media Partner: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions

Ras Al Khaimah, May 18 Shyam Middle East Resources FZ-LLC, part of India’s renowned Shyam Steel Group, is establishing a new non-ferrous metals processing and manufacturing facility at Al Ghail Industrial Zone in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

With an investment of AED 40 million, the project marks a significant step in the Group’s global expansion strategy, strengthening its regional footprint while tapping into Ras Al Khaimah’s growing industrial ecosystem.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony at RAKEZ’s Compass Coworking Centre, represented by Shyam Steel Group Chairman Shri Purushottam Beriwala and RAKEZ Sales Director Mustafa Shaker.

Spanning approximately 21,000 m², the facility will be developed in two phases. The first unit is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2027, followed by the second unit in the next quarter. The facility will process and manufacture non-ferrous metals, including lead, aluminium, and copper, along with alloy production from non-ferrous ingots, with a projected capacity of up to 2,000 tonnes per month. Once fully operational, it is expected to generate around 150 employment opportunities.

Commenting on the partnership, Beriwala said, “Our decision to establish operations in Ras Al Khaimah was driven by its cost-effective operating environment, investor-friendly policies, and strategic connectivity to global markets. RAKEZ provided a seamless set-up experience, supported by efficient processes, readily available industrial land, and a well-integrated. This investment marks an important milestone in strengthening our presence in the Middle East and expanding into new international markets.”

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Shyam Steel Group’s set-up reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a growing hub for manufacturing and industrial activity. Demand for industrial materials and metal processing continues to grow alongside the region’s construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors, creating strong opportunities for specialised industrial operations. At RAKEZ, we focus on enabling investors to move efficiently from set-up to production through ready infrastructure, responsive support, and a business environment designed for scale. We are pleased to support the Group as they expand their regional footprint and bring new industrial capabilities to the emirate.”

RAKEZ continues to support industrial investors through its integrated ecosystem, combining flexible solutions, world-class infrastructure, and end-to-end support services that enable businesses to establish, operate, and scale efficiently.

Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 18 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, announced the award of three major contracts for the design and construction of marine and landside infrastructure, and the sourcing of crane equipment, for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of the Congo.

The container terminal is being developed under AD Ports Group’s majority-owned joint venture with the CMA CGM Group, through its subsidiary CMA Terminals, following an agreement signed between the two parties in February 2025.

The contract awards, with a combined value of approximately AED 735 million (USD 200 million,), mark a milestone in the development of the new container terminal, which is being delivered under AD Ports Group’s 30-year concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Congo, extendable by a further 20 years.

The awards include two contracts for marine works and topside works valued at approximately AED 551 million (USD 150 million) to MAR CONTRACTING SARLU and MBTP SA JV, in addition to a AED 184 million (USD 50 million) contract for three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and nine rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes awarded to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC).

The container terminal will initially include a quay wall of approximately 420 metres in length and 16 metres in depth, capable of accommodating Patagonia-class vessels, alongside a 100,000 sqm logistics area. Under its concession agreement with the Congolese government, the Group has the right to develop additional multipurpose cargo capabilities, to be evaluated in line with evolving business demand. 

Mohamed Eidha AlMenhali, Regional CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “These contract awards mark a significant step towards delivering a modern and future-ready container terminal at the Port of Pointe-Noire, in partnership with CMA Terminals. This development reflects AD Ports Group’s long-term commitment to investing in high-growth markets and developing integrated maritime and logistics infrastructure that strengthens regional trade connectivity. This strategic investment will not only enhance port capacity, but also to create lasting value for Congolese communities through job creation, skills development, and stronger integration into global trade. In addition, this development will support economic diversification, attract leading global shipping lines, and deliver sustainable value for the Republic of the Congo and the wider region, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE.”

The foundational contracts advance the development of the new container terminal at the Port of Pointe-Noire, enhancing its capacity to handle larger vessels and higher annual throughput, which further reinforces its role as a regional trade gateway serving Central and West Africa. Construction is expected to be completed in approximately two years.

Based on comparable port developments, Noatum Ports’ Pointe-Noire Terminal is estimated to create up to 9,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, from the initial phase of construction and through the start of operations.

Construction activities are projected to create up to 800 jobs, whilst direct terminal operations are expected to support a further 400 roles. In addition, up to 7,000 indirect jobs are anticipated through new business opportunities enabled by the terminal.

The development of the Noatum Ports Pointe‑Noire Terminal is closely aligned with the Government of the Republic of the Congo’s vision and the National Development Plan for Congo‑Brazzaville, which prioritises economic diversification, reduced dependence on hydrocarbons, and inclusive growth.

By modernising port infrastructure, enhancing trade competitiveness, and strengthening logistics capabilities, AD Ports Group supports the Government’s ambition to position Pointe‑Noire as a leading maritime and logistics hub for Central and West Africa, whilst generating sustainable economic and social benefits. 

The marine works contract includes the full design and construction of the quay wall, marine structures, crane foundations, quay infrastructure, and associated waterside works. The topside works contract covers the development of a concession area, including container yard infrastructure, operational and administrative facilities, utilities networks, substations, and supporting terminal infrastructure.

The crane supply contract covers the manufacture and delivery of Super Post-Panamax STS cranes, which are amongst the largest and most advanced in container ports. The hybrid RTG cranes are expected to reduce diesel consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional diesel-powered RTGs, equivalent to savings of approximately 1 million litres of fuel per year, and a reduction of around 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

AD Ports Group continues to expand across Africa, with port terminals and logistics businesses in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo, supporting regional trade integration and long-term economic development. In addition, the Group provides maritime shipping services in West and East Africa, and is building a 20km² industrial and logistics park in East Port Said, Egypt, at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.