All posts by Neel Achary

Mumbai, May 13: iServeU, a global leader in payment infrastructure and banking technology, recently conducted an in-house ReactJS training programme as part of its ongoing focus on employee learning and skill development. The initiative aimed to help employees strengthen their front-end development capabilities and progress toward becoming full-stack developers.

The training programme was conducted across four batches and saw participation from 140 employees. The sessions focused on key areas of modern frontend development, including component-based architecture, API integration, and responsive application design using ReactJS.

The programme included practical assignments and hands-on learning sessions designed to provide participants with exposure to real-world development practices and collaborative problem-solving approaches.

Speaking about the initiative, Sanjib Kumar Parida, CTO of iServeU, said,

“We strongly believe that continuous learning is essential for both individual and organizational growth. Technology is evolving rapidly, and it is important for teams to continuously upgrade their skills to stay future-ready. This ReactJS training programme was designed to create more opportunities for our employees to learn, collaborate, and grow into stronger technology professionals.

The initiative received an encouraging response from employees, with participants actively engaging throughout the programme. To recognize consistent effort and performance, five top performers from each batch, 20 employees in total,were honoured for their outstanding performance.

The overall winner of the training program was awarded a Ronin bike in recognition of their performance and dedication during the course.

The initiative reflects iServeU’s continued focus on building a skilled and future-ready workforce through continuous learning and employee development initiatives.

May 13: Shriram General Insurance Company (SGI) reported a strong Q4FY26 performance, with Gross Direct Premium (GDP) rising 21% YoY to ₹1,332 Cr from ₹1,099 Cr, significantly ahead of the industry growth of 11%. The growth was primarily driven by the company’s motor insurance portfolio. For fiscal FY26 SGI’s GDP increased 24% to ₹4,636 crore from ₹3,753 Cr YoY –clocking 2.54 X the industry growth of 9% -reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing private general insurers in the country.

SGI’s Investment income rose by 22% in Q4 FY26 against 13% in Q4FY25.

SGI’s focus on profitable growth translated into a 28 % YoY increase in net profit, rising to ₹167Cr in Q4 FY26 from ₹130 Cr in the same period last year. For FY26 the net profit rose to Rs.601Cr from Rs.515 Cr – a 17 % increase from the previous year.

The Board approved final dividend payout of 53% taking the overall dividend payout for the fiscal@162%. For the previous year, SGI declared a total dividend of 140%.

The company continued to maintain a strong balance sheet, with a solvency ratio of 2.95 as of March 2026, above the regulatory requirement of 1.50.

Agent Network Expansion Drives Growth: SGI’s prudent phygital model remains a key enabler of its consistent growth. The company onboarded 19221 new financial advisors during FY26, an 18% increase over the previous year. The total advisor strength currently is 105675.

Branch network expanded to 289 from 279 a year ago, further strengthening its physical presence across geographies.

Active policies grew to 69 lakhs as of March 2026, compared to 65 lakhs in the previous year, reflecting deeper customer reach and sustained business momentum.

Segment wise GDP (in Rs. Cr) 

Particulars	Q4FY26	Q4FY25	Growth %	In FY26	In FY25	Growth %
Motor	1252.66	1031.17	21.48%	4293.01	3478.06	23.43%
Personal Accident	33.74	27.95	20.71%	139.95	119.49	17.13%
Fire	12.78	17.21	-25.76%	92.03	87.11	5.65%
Engineering	7.96	6.76	17.78%	29.06	24.10	20.59%
Health Insurance	9.89	1.58	524.82%	17.50	3.68	375.44%
Others Miscellaneous	14.63	14.43	1.42%	63.95	40.94	56.21%
Total	1332	1099	21.16%	4635.51	3753.38	23.50%

Mr. Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO, Shriram General Insurance Company, said: 

“Our FY26 performance reflects the strength of our business model and our focus on profitable and sustainable growth. Despite a competitive market environment, we outperformed the industry growth for the fourth consecutive year. Our motor portfolio remained key growth driver for the last quarter supported by disciplined underwriting, deeper distribution reach, and stronger claims servicing capabilities.”

New Product of the quarter:

Shri Health Suraksha 2.0: an enhanced indemnity-based health insurance plan offering all-inclusive protection with no room rent capping, unlimited restoration of sum insured, zero co-payment, and coverage for ambulance, air ambulance, consumables, and AYUSH treatments.

SGI’s next phase of Growth: 

• Distribution scale-up: SGI plans to expand its Financial Advisor network to 2 lakhs by FY 2029–30.
• Growth targets: The company expects to close the next fiscal with ₹6000 Cr in GDP and reach ₹10,000 Cr by 2030.
• Product diversification: SGI is exploring opportunities in parametric insurance and surety bond insurance

India, May 13 : BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, today announced a price revision across its electric passenger vehicle portfolio, effective July 1, 2026. The increase, driven by sustained foreign exchange movement, will range from 1-2%, depending on model and variant.

To support customer planning and ensure greater price certainty, BYD India will extend current prices to customers who complete bookings in May and June 2026, provided delivery is taken on or before July 31, 2026. Bookings made on or after July 1, 2026 will be subject to the revised pricing.

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, “This price revision is in lieu of foreign exchange fluctuations. Even in a challenging market environment, BYD India remains focused on delivering high-value, advanced, safe, and premium electric mobility solutions to customers. We continue to see strong market demand for products such as the BYD ATTO 3 and the BYD SEALION 7, reflecting growing confidence in premium electric mobility among Indian consumers.”

BYD India continues to deepen its presence in the market through a growing portfolio of premium NEVs that bring together advanced technology, performance, safety, and sustainability. The BYD ATTO 3 has established itself as a strong player in the premium electric SUV segment, while the recently introduced BYD SEALION 7 has also received a positive market response across India.

A key differentiator in BYD’s India journey has been its focus on in-house innovation, particularly through the Blade Battery, Cell-to-Body integration, and the 8-in-1 electric powertrain which enables faster charging, improved driving range, better cabin space, and a smarter connected driving experience across BYD’s electric vehicle lineup.

Globally, BYD continues to advance sustainable mobility innovation through the introduction of its second-generation Blade Battery and advanced flash-charging technology, reinforcing its commitment to safer, smarter, and more efficient NEV solutions. These next-generation technologies are designed to enhance charging speed, battery safety, energy efficiency, and overall vehicle performance.

The brand currently serves customers through a network of 48 dealerships across 40 cities, offering integrated sales and service nationwide. This expanding footprint underscores BYD India’s commitment to improving accessibility and strengthening the overall ownership experience.

BYD India is also expanding the BYD Pioneers Club, a dedicated platform designed to bring together customers and EV enthusiasts across the country. Through curated experiences, drive engagements, knowledge-sharing sessions, and brand-led activities, the initiative is intended to strengthen customer engagement and foster a vibrant community around sustainable mobility.

Chandigarh, May 13 : The Power Transmission & Distribution business vertical of L&T has secured a batch of EPC orders from prestigious clients in the Middle East for setting up extra-high voltage substations.

The orders pertain to constructing one 380 kV substation and two 132 kV substations. These high-capacity substations will ensure availability of reliable power to large load centres and decongest grids, thereby enabling them to meet the growing demands.

The orders have been awarded to PT&D on turnkey basis and are to be delivered against stringent timelines.

The Power Transmission & Distribution business vertical is a major EPC player, providing technology-driven, end-to-end solutions for enabling access to clean and reliable electricity. It offers integrated EPC services and related digital energy solutions, spanning from the establishment of smart and efficient transmission and distribution (T&D) networks to last-mile electrification. The business serves utilities, renewable energy developers, and industrial and infrastructure customers across 30 countries in the SAARC, ASEAN, Middle East, Africa, North America and CIS regions.

Background 

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 32 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, Products and Services, operating across diverse domains and multiple geographies. With a strong impetus towards AI & technology, customer–focussed approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

 

The InnoVision CEO Expands the Agency’s Internal Leadership Training Into a Free Professional Development Series for Aspiring Leaders  SAN DIEGO — May 13 — While many businesses have been struggling to navigate economic uncertainty and workforce instability, national marketing agency InnoVision Marketing Group has continued to expand, a success CEO Ric Militi attributes to the company’s core philosophies and commitment to elevated client service. After earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 2025, the Anti-Agency™ continues to demonstrate how strong leadership and organizational culture can drive long-term growth.  Now, Militi is bringing those leadership principles to a broader audience through a free professional development series titled The Fundamentals of Success.  Created from the same weekly companywide meetings that have helped shape InnoVision’s culture for more than two decades, The Fundamentals of Success transforms internal leadership lessons into short-form digital content designed for professionals, entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders seeking practical guidance in today’s evolving business landscape.  During each companywide meeting, Militi introduces five different fundamentals ranging from extraordinary communication and detail obsession to grit, humility, accountability and enthusiasm. These sessions are recorded and repurposed into accessible educational content, offering viewers an authentic look at the principles that shape leadership and culture inside the agency.  “My family immigrated to the United States when I was three years old, and everything we owned fit inside an old ocean liner trunk. I still have it today as a reminder of where I came from,” said Militi. “Financially, we struggled. I went out on my own at a young age and often had to scrape together enough money for my next meal. It took me too long to figure out that success is rarely built on talent alone. Most of the time, it comes down to human behaviors like trust, loyalty, respect, communication, attention to detail and consistently showing up. The Fundamentals of Success is my way of sharing the many lessons I had to learn in a simplified, relatable, format. So even if it enriches only one person’s life, then it was worth doing.”  The series explores dozens of soft-skill principles designed to support long-term growth in both business and life. Each video focuses on a specific fundamental, with broader themes including leadership, communication, discipline, collaboration, consistency and personal development. By making this coaching content widely accessible, the series provides professionals with practical insights they can apply both personally and professionally.  Having taught these principles for more than 20 years, Militi and InnoVision Marketing Group have  demonstrated the impact of investing in people, culture and consistency. Through The Fundamentals of Success, Militi aims to inspire the next generation of leaders while reinforcing the importance of integrity, accountability and character in achieving sustainable success.  As companies continue adapting to shifting workplace dynamics and economic pressures, the demand for strong leadership and people-focused culture has become increasingly important. By opening these leadership conversations to a wider audience, Militi is extending InnoVision’s impact beyond the workplace while creating a practical resource for professionals seeking growth, resilience and long-term career development.

New Delhi, Delhi, India May 13: Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of open-source solutions, today announced expanded capabilities across its developer portfolio specifically built for the requirements of AI agents. Through the newly-available Red Hat Desktop and enhancements to Red Hat Advanced Developer Suite, Red Hat intends to smooth the transition from agents running locally on developer workstations to production-scale deployments across the hybrid cloud. 

Mumbai, May 13: Travel Food Services Ltd (TFS), a leading operator of Travel QSR outlets and lounges in India, transformed Mother’s Day into a nostalgic experience of journey back home for thousands of travellers from May 7th till 10th, 2026. Across its airport’s locations in Kolkata, Chennai, Dabolim, MOPA, Hyderabad, Delhi and Bengaluru Airport (T1 & T2) TFS curated moments that felt less like airport stopovers and more like heartfelt homecomings, reminding travellers that even amidst the rush of journeys, there is always time to say, “I love you, Maa.”

At TFS airport locations, travellers marked Mother’s Day through “Postcards to Mom”, a handwritten messaging initiative that revived the charm of postcards, ink pens, and revenue stamps. For many younger passengers, it was a nostalgic tradition they had only heard about or seen in family albums. Across age groups, from professionals and students to travelling families, passengers wrote heartfelt notes to their mothers. TFS collected, stamped, and posted every postcard, turning everyday travel into a meaningful expression of gratitude and connection.

For a generation raised on disappearing stories and instant replies, the simple act of writing by hand and waiting for a letter to arrive felt almost magical. It was a heartfelt moment, a gentle pause in the middle of hurried journeys.

TFS lounges and also outlets came alive with the warmth of a family gathering. Specially curated Mother’s Day brunch – the kind of food to connect and emote. Interactive masterclasses invite mothers and children to cook, plate and create together. DIY craft corners kept little hands busy with activity; icing the cupcake for their mothers, while instant photo booths froze giggles and hugs into keepsakes families could carry onto the aircraft.

Gaurav Dewan, Chief Operating Officer, Travel Food Services Limited (TFS) commented on the activation, “Mother’s Day is deeply emotional for many people and we wanted to create experiences that allowed travellers to pause, reflect and celebrate those relationships even while in transit. From writing heartfelt postcards to sharing a meal together, the idea was to bring back the nostalgia of the postcard. At TFS, we believe in making every journey more meaningful by creating memorable moments for our travellers.”

 

May 13: F1® Authentics, operated by Memento Exclusives, is auctioning a rare collectible this month, combining motorsport and American football, captured at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.

Brought together by Atlas Air Worldwide, the signed helmets of both Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team driver Lance Stroll and Miami Dolphins NFL player Jordan Phillips, will be available for collectors to purchase as a unique set. This activation was created to help raise money and awareness for Movember and its work supporting men’s health.

 

A sporting exchange took place ahead of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, celebrating the power of using high-profile platforms to raise money for an important cause. The helmets then went on display over the race-weekend at the track before now being made available for one lucky collector to own.   
 
Moments like this are incredibly rare and made extra special for the way they unite sports such as Formula One® and the NFL, as well as charitable purposes in one distinctive collectible. This exciting set is expected to attract significant interest as it offers collectors the chance to acquire a unique multi-sport collaboration while also contributing to fundraising efforts that support vital conversations and action around men’s health. Atlas Air Worldwide and Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team have both committed up to $25k to match the winning bid. 

Previews of this listing and exchange are live now, with bidding set to begin on 11th May.

Collectors wishing to find out more and register their interest can do so by visiting F1® Authentics now.

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 13: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry, and logistics solutions, today reported strong revenue and net profit performance in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating the resilience of its diversified and integrated trade ecosystem amidst the challenging and complex geopolitical and macroeconomic backdrop.

From a service offering and geographic perspective, AD Ports Group’s diversified operations, and vertically integrated business model based on long-term partnerships and contracts, focused strategy, and operational flexibility, have proven once again to be effective in turning risks into differentiated opportunities. Throughout the obvious challenges posed by the geopolitical situation in the Arabian Gulf, the Group has been able to maintain uninterrupted services, operating normally with precautionary business continuity protocols activated.

Continuity measures include the rerouting of cargo operations and feeder services to Fujairah Terminals and Khorfakkan Port, and deployment of new land and air bridges, complemented by additional warehousing and storage facilities. AD Ports Group launched new regional feeder shipping services to maintain supply chain integrity, redeploying and scaling up its container and bulk cargo vessels fleet, with plans to further increase fleet capacity. The new services connect with ports in India, Pakistan and Oman, as well as Red Sea ports, and ports along the Upper Arabian Gulf region.

The Group also established a land bridge to transport cargo from Fujairah and Khorfakkan through bonded customs corridors across the UAE to Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, and Sharjah, using 800 trucks and four new daily rail services by Etihad Rail. These efforts were supported by the Group’s expanded warehousing and storage capacity for essential goods, currently exceeding 76,000 m2, with plans to more than double to 188,000 m2.

Leveraging its award-winning digital trade infrastructure, the Group also launched new freight management platforms that delivered visibility and resilience, enabling the efficient management of trade flows. By unifying and processing data across the Group’s global operations, these platforms have enabled the Group to act on real-time trade lane intelligence to strengthen supply chain integrity, whilst repurposing empty import containers for export along alternative high-volume corridors, which enhanced resilience and reduced time and cost for customers.

In Maritime & Shipping, the strong performance was a combination of volume and price effects, notably in container feeders, Ro-Ro, and tankers, as well as increased drydocking activities. Container feeder shipping volumes rose 20% YoY to 871K TEUs in Q1 2026, driven by increased services and capacity, whilst the bulk, multipurpose, and Ro-Ro vessel fleet reached 63, up from 41 in the same period a year earlier.

In the Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster, growth momentum continued with 843,000 m2 (net) new industrial land leases in KEZAD Abu Dhabi, generating strong demand for warehouses, staff accommodation, and utilities provision. KEZAD also completed the sale of a group of warehouses to MAIR Group for AED 295 million and sold a 1.0 km2 mixed-use land plot to Danube Properties for AED 840 million, as part of the Group’s strategy to actively manage its asset portfolio across all business Clusters, and monetise real estate and non-core assets, when opportune.  

In the Ports Cluster, UAE operations remained resilient in the face of challenging regional events, with quarterly container throughput declining 5% YoY and general cargo volumes dropping 23% YoY, which were largely offset by strong growth internationally of 17% YoY and 21% YoY, respectively. In the UAE, container capacity utilisation stood at 54% (57% at Khalifa Port), whilst internationally it reached 65%, up from 58% in Q1 2025.

In Logistics, the global freight environment remains challenging, with rising operational costs, and in the UAE quarterly polymer volumes declined 6% YoY as a result of the regional situation.

In Q1 2026, AD Ports Group continued expanding internationally with a trade corridor and region-focused strategy. The Middle East, Central Asia, Pakistan, Egypt, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Mediterranean regions remained in focus, as the Group continued to build operational scale and long-term partnerships. A 30-year concession was secured for a brownfield multipurpose port in Aqaba, Jordan, and a 30-year concession was signed for a new greenfield dry bulk terminal at Douala Port in Cameroon. In parallel, the Group has continued to interconnect its 38 port terminals with associated maritime and logistics services, increasing synergies and enhancing asset utilisation.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “Faced with rapidly evolving regional developments with global macroeconomic and supply chain implications, AD Ports Group responded decisively in Q1 2026, demonstrating the agility, resilience, and forward-thinking that have underpinned our strong growth over the past two decades. Our Q1 performance was robust, with Group Revenue and Net Profit delivering strong double-digit year-on-year growth of 25% and 41%, respectively. We acted swiftly to mitigate disruption, elevating the ports in Fujairah and Khorfakkan as alternative gateways for the country and the region, launching contingency feeder shipping services, expanding warehousing capacity, and activating integrated land, rail, and air bridges that will sustain our growth into Q2 and beyond. Under the guidance of our wise leadership in the UAE, AD Ports Group will continue to anticipate and adapt to global developments, further strengthening the resilience of our UAE-based global supply chain network, while delivering sustained value creation and growth for our shareholders.”

In its Balance Sheet, AD Ports Group’s debt leverage continued to improve, with a Net Leverage of 3.9x, vs. 4.1x in Q1 2025, and 4.0x in Q4 2025.

Despite a low cash conversion ratio of 62%, Cash Flows from Operations reached AED 943 million in Q1 2026, +30% YoY, on steady growth in operating profit from core operations, and AED 74 million from the asset monetisation programme under a two-year payment plan for the sale of warehouses to MAIR Group.

With quarterly organic CapEx of AED 1.35 billion, the Group generated slightly negative Free Cash Flow to the Firm (FCFF) of AED 348 million but maintains annual guidance of positive FCFF going forward, subject to the evolving regional situation.    

Q1 2026 Financial KPIs

AED m	Q1 2025	Q4 2025	Q1 2026	YoY %
Revenue	4,597	5,954	5,750	25%
EBITDA 1)	1,136	1,606	1,516	33%
EBITDA Margin (%)	24.7%	27.0%	26.4%	1.7%
Profit Before Tax (PBT)	515	646	729	42%
Total Net Profit	464	567	653	41%
Net Profit – Owners of the Company	348	454	497	43%
Non-Controlling Interests	116	113	156	34%
Reported EPS (AED) 2)	0.07	0.09	0.10	43%

1)EBITDA is calculated by taking net profit and adding depreciation and amortization, finance costs, income tax expense, impairment of investment properties and subtracting government grants, fair value gain on pre-existing interest in a joint venture and finance income.

2)Based on the weighted average number of shares for the period.

Key Developments in Q1 2026

Ports Cluster 

·Joined Africa Ports Development’s (APD) 30-year concession to design, build and operate a new dry bulk terminal at the Port of Douala in the Republic of Cameroon. The agreement establishes an investment structure, under which AD Ports Group together with two other UAE investors own 60% of the operating company, alongside ADP’s 40% ownership, implying an effective economic interest of 51% for AD Ports Group.

·Signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) to operate the brownfield Aqaba Multipurpose Port, Jordan’s only and exclusive general cargo and multipurpose seaport. The concession was secured through a JV with AD Ports Group holding 70% ownership and ADC 30%.

·Secured a USD 115 million project finance facility led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt (NBK) to support the development of the Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal in Egypt.

Economic Cities & Free Zones Cluster

·Signed a 50-year land lease with Galadari Brothers’ heavy equipment division to establish a AED 75 million facility in KEZAD A (Al Ma’mourah). The 150,000 m2 facility will be used for storage and distribution of heavy machinery and industrial equipment in the region.

·Sold a group of warehouses in KEZAD Logistics Park – KLP Free Zone 3 (FZ3) in Abu Dhabi to MAIR Group for AED 295 million.

·Launched the 450,000 m2 Metal Park, the world’s first pay-as-you-grow metals ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

·Signed an AED 840 million land sale agreement with Danube Properties for a 1.0 km2 plot located within the 16 km2 KEZAD Town Centre for the development of a residential and mixed-use project.

·Signed a 50-year land lease with Jotun Abu Dhabi to establish a new 83,177 m2 manufacturing facility in ICAD – KEZAD Musaffah with an investment value of AED 450 million. Jotun Abu Dhabi is relocating from its existing 22,000 m2 facility.

Maritime & Shipping Cluster

• Safeen Drydocks, part of Noatum Maritime, acquired 100% ownership of Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard, one of Spain’s most established and technologically advanced shipbuilding and repair facilities, for a total consideration of EUR 11.2 million.

Others

• Refinanced a USD 2.5 billion syndicated loan with two UAE banks, extending maturity to March 2029, and reducing future borrowing costs.

Key Developments Post Q1 2026

·Signed new land leases for five new projects in KEZAD Al Ain and KEZAD A (Al Ma’mourah), covering a total footprint of over 84,000 m2 and representing a total investment of AED 147 million. The projects are in the automotive (car cleaning products), metal, and logistics industries.

·Sold three warehouses in KEZAD Logistics Park (KLP) in Abu Dhabi to Aldar for AED 650 million.

·Signed a strategic partnership with Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement to develop Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone in Abu Dhabi. Al Selmiyyah will be developed as a zone dedicated to advancing defence manufacturing in the UAE. AD Ports Group will serve as a strategic partner and advisor for the zone, leading the master planning process, shaping land use and infrastructure planning, and providing industrial zone development expertise to support phased delivery, ecosystem integration, and connectivity to regional and global trade networks, in line with international best practices.

 

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