All posts by Neel Achary

São Paulo, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi, UAE – 2^nd June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, today acquired Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), Brazil’s leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator, entering the South American market with a strategically major expansion transaction.

São Paulo-based CLI operates two of Brazil’s most important agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions: CLI Sul, Brazil’s leading sugar export terminal and key export terminal for corn and soybeans, located in the Port of Santos; and CLI Norte, another key grains gateway at the Port of Itaqui, which is part of the Brazilian ‘Arc of the North’, an essential geographical region encompassing the Amazon basin that is a pivotal logistics hub and significant emerging corridor for agriculture exports.

In 2025, ports and terminals in northern Brazil recorded the fastest growth in the country, reinforcing the strategic role of the “Arc of the North’ corridor in reshaping the nation’s logistics map.

The two terminals play a key role in connecting the producing regions of Brazil, the world’s leading sugar exporter and one of the largest grain exporters, to the world.

AD Ports Group agreed to acquire CLI from joint owners Macquarie Asset Management, and IG4 Capital. CLI owns 100% of CLI Norte, which operates a terminal at the Port of Itaqui, and 80% of CLI Sul, which operates a terminal at the Port of Santos.

The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the second half of the year subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and antitrust approval, was conducted at an enterprise value of AED 3.1 billion (USD 835 million).

It has also been agreed that CLI’s existing senior management team will remain in place to continue running the company.

The CLI acquisition represents a transformative step for AD Ports Group, positioning it as one of South America’s leading independent agri-bulk terminal operators, with strategic access to a vast new number of opportunities for the Group’s associated businesses of maritime and shipping, logistics, economic cities, and digital services.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “The purchase of CLI is a game changer for AD Ports Group. The transaction extends our Group’s international reach for the first time into Latin America, and deepens our growing agrifoods activities, one of our core verticals. Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the United Arab Emirates, AD Ports Group is committed to enabling trade in one of the world’s most-important, fastest-growing agricultural commodities markets, which will not only benefit the Group’s global clients, including those in Brazil, but also strengthen the AD Ports Group global network.”

Brazil supports AD Ports Group’s geographic expansion as well as the Group’s plan to develop a major new East-West trade spoke linking South America’s largest economy to the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and Southeast Asia. The UAE is in advanced negotiations with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc that includes Brazil, to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Emirati investments in Brazil are estimated to be approximately USD 5 billion in total, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two countries maintain a highly active strategic partnership, having signed a Double Taxation Agreement and eliminated various tax and investment barriers to boost bilateral business.

Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, said: “Brazil’s agricultural export sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of agricultural commodities. As a long-term investor in the country, Macquarie remains committed to acting as a responsible custodian of essential infrastructure assets that help drive economic development, improve connectivity and support Brazil’s role in global trade and we believe AD Ports Group is ideally positioned to support CLI’s next phase of growth.”

Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO of IG4 Capital, said: Since becoming shareholders in CLI, our focus has been on strengthening the company’s operational capabilities, expanding its strategic footprint, and positioning the platform to capture the long-term growth of Brazil’s agri-bulk export sector. We believe AD Ports Group is the right strategic owner to build on this foundation, bringing global trade expertise, infrastructure capabilities, and a long-term vision that will support CLI’s continued growth and development.”

The purchase of CLI gives AD Ports Group an entry point into Latin America, and a platform for further regional expansion. Moreover, the agrifood sector is a priority vertical in the Group’s intelligent internationalisation expansion strategy, with several key investments made in that space recently.

In December 2025, the Group’s Karachi Gateway Multipurpose Terminal Ltd. (KGTML) and the Pakistan unit of global merchant and agricultural goods processor Louis Dreyfus Company signed a long-term agreement to develop a clean bulk handling and storage facility for agricultural goods at Karachi Port. In January 2025, the Group agreed to invest about USD 30 million in the greenfield Sarzha Grain Terminal on the Caspian Sea at Kuryk Port in Kazakhstan and earlier this year, the Group secured a 30-year concession to operate the Aqaba multipurpose port in Jordan, which is a key player in agri-bulk in the Middle East with over 3 million tonnes of grains handled annually. Moreover, Noatum Ports’ Spanish operations are already significantly involved in agri-bulk with the Tarragona and Sagunto terminals handling around 2 million tonnes of grain imports annually and with an additional investment of AED 90 million (EUR 21 million) announced recently for modernising existing facilities at the Tarragona terminal.

In 2025, CLI handled a combined 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo and delivered a revenue of AED 654 million (USD 178 million), generating an EBITDA of AED 360 million (USD 98 million).

CLI operates one of Brazil’s few large-scale, agri-bulk port platforms, strategically located along export corridors and ports. The ports of Santos and Itaqui are structurally constrained, particularly in Santos, where limited expansion capacity and chronic congestion are expected to underpin long-term utilisation and pricing resilience.

Long-term demand for the Group’s Brazilian terminals is also supported by Brazil’s global leadership and the strategic importance of the country’s grain and sugar exports. Brazil is the world’s largest sugar exporters, accounting for 40-50% of total global sugar exports, according to industry figures, and a leader in soybeans, coffee, and corn.

The purchase of CLI is AD Ports Group’s largest acquisition to date following the Group’s AED 2.65 billion (USD 720 million) purchase of Spain’s Noatum in 2023, and its AED 1.9 billion (USD 510 million) purchase of a 51% stake in Dubai-based Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) in early 2024.

For the transaction, AD Ports Group was advised by BTG Pactual, while IG4 and Macquarie Asset Management were advised by Citi.

Pune, June 02: Gen Z can mute, block, and skip their way through the internet. Real life, unfortunately, has no such feature. It’s that gap – between the frictionless digital world they grew up in and the awkward, unpauseable moments of everyday life – that Mogu Mogu has built its newest global campaign around. “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew” lands in India this evening, at 6 PM IST, on June 1st, inviting Gen Zs to swap the phantom skip button for something that actually works: the brand’s signature sip-and-chew experience.

The campaign was conceived by Sappe Public Company Limited (SAPPE) – the Thailand-based parent of Mogu Mogu and creator of the Snack Drink category. After research on experiences among Gen Zs across global markets, three awkward scenarios surfaced as the most common ones: “The Stranger Eyes” (unbreakable eye contact with a stranger on public transport), “The Third Wheel” (being the only single person on a couple’s trip), and “The First Tinder Date” (when the profile and the person are two very different things). Each one plays out as the campaign’s creative backbone, leading to Mogu Mogu as the only response for each situation – ‘if you can’t skip it, you might as well chew through it.’

The act of chewing is physiologically linked to reduced stress and mood elevation, which makes Mogu Mogu’s “Tangible Fun” positioning more than just a tagline. It’s the reason the brand chose this particular insight: it earns the product’s place in the moment.

Vikash Singhal, Director & Founder of Sunbeam Ventures, Mogu Mogu’s distribution partner in India, said, “Mogu Mogu already has genuine fans in India; Lychee, Strawberry, and Grape are consistent bestsellers, and Blackcurrant has had a strong start since its launch. This campaign gives that momentum a story. It speaks the language of a consumer who lives online but has to show up in real life, and it does so with humour and a product that genuinely delivers on the premise.”

In India, the campaign runs across YouTube and Instagram, with a media plan targeting 80%+ reach among Gen Z, with influencer content and e-commerce promotions on key online platforms. The launch also marks Mogu Mogu’s biggest product expansion in India to date, with Mogu Mogu Candy and Mogu Mogu Ice Tea entering the market for the first time. Globally, the campaign runs simultaneously across 100+ countries, making this one of the most coordinated launches in the brand’s history.

Piyajit Ruckariyapong, CEO of Sappe Public Company Limited, said, “Generation Z is a powerful force shaping global trends. They value experiences, fun, and authenticity, and Mogu Mogu understands this. The “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew” campaign works because the insight is honest, and the product delivers on it. We truly believe India is a critical market in this global push, and we are building here for the long term.”

As the world’s first fruit juice beverage with nata de coco, and the first drink to introduce India to the niche of snackable drinks, this campaign’s insights make Mogu Mogu different from every other drink on the shelf. Growing rapidly across 100+ countries, Mogu Mogu is renowned for its high quality and several flavour options. It is easily available in India, across modern trade, general trade, and online platforms.

For discerning traveller, the resort offers an experience of stillness, indulgence and beautifully unhurried island living

June 6: As luxury travellers increasingly seek privacy, presence and experiences with emotional depth, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO emerges as a rare kind of escape, one where time slows, the senses awaken, and every detail is designed for a more meaningful kind of indulgence in the Maldives.

Luxury today is no longer defined by excess alone, but by the freedom to experience a destination more deeply, more privately, and at one’s own pace. For affluent Indian travellers who increasingly value immersive escapes over hurried itineraries, slow travel has become the new marker of sophistication. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, set within the serene beauty of South Malé Atoll, this philosophy unfolds naturally through expansive ocean views, intuitive service, and a sense of calm that begins the moment one arrives on the island.

At the heart of the experience is the resort’s signature INDULGENCE™ Plan, a thoughtfully crafted concept that allows guests to surrender to the pleasures of island life without interruption. Days begin with leisurely Champagne breakfasts at THE PALMS and unfold into a choice of richly layered experiences; snorkelling in crystalline waters, restorative rituals at ELE | NA Elements of Nature Spa, tranquil moments in a private villa, or sunset voyages across the Indian Ocean. Dining is integral to the rhythm of the stay, from refined Far Eastern flavours at TRADITION PEKING and soulful heritage cuisine at TRADITION INDOCEYLON to reimagined Maldivian expressions at LONU. At M6m, the resort’s iconic underwater restaurant, contemporary seafood is served against a mesmerising panorama of marine life, transforming dinner into theatre.

“The most meaningful luxury today is the luxury of feeling completely present,” says Mei P. Pun, General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. “We are seeing a growing desire among travellers for journeys that restore, inspire and allow space for genuine connection. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, that sense of ease is woven into the island itself—through immersive dining, intuitive wellness, ocean-led experiences and the rare pleasure of unhurried time.”

The villas at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO are designed as sanctuaries of quiet refinement, where architecture and landscape exist in seamless conversation. The beachfront Earth Villas are nestled within tropical gardens, while the overwater Wind Villas open onto uninterrupted Indian Ocean views and expansive private decks above the lagoon. For families or guests seeking greater seclusion, the Earth Pool Pavilion and THE OZEN RESIDENCE offer exceptional privacy, generous proportions and an effortless sense of exclusivity.

At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, slow luxury is not a trend statement, but an elegant way of experiencing the Maldives—defined by space, beauty, privacy and the freedom to linger. For the modern Indian traveller seeking a journey that feels both indulgent and deeply personal, the resort offers not simply a holiday, but a return to life’s most exquisite pace.

Where time softens, the ocean shimmers, and every moment is crafted to be savoured.

CHENNAI, India — June 2 — Barry–Wehmiller is pleased to announce the appointment of Sukumar Bhasker as Vice President – Global Competency Center (GCC), based in Chennai, India. In this role, Sukumar will lead the continued growth, capability-building and strategic evolution of Barry–Wehmiller’s GCC, strengthening its role as a critical engine for global innovation, engineering excellence and shared services delivery.

Sukumar joins Barry–Wehmiller with more than two decades of global experience in building, scaling and transforming Global Business Services (GBS) and GCC operations across geographies, including India, China, Mexico and Romania.

Most recently, he served as Partner, Technology Consulting (GCC/GBS), at EY, where he advised global organizations on setting up and scaling technology and business service centers. Prior to that, Sukumar spent several years at Flex, where he led global IT GCC operations, overseeing a workforce of more than 1,500 team members and driving enterprise-wide digital transformation, process excellence and talent initiatives.

Throughout his career, Sukumar has demonstrated a strong ability to align business strategy with technology innovation, leading initiatives in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, data platforms and digital transformation. He has also been deeply committed to building high-performing teams, driving team member engagement and championing diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Sukumar brings a unique blend of global experience, operational depth and a strong people-first mindset,” said Carol O’Neill, Chief Transformation Officer, who leads Barry–Wehmiller’s GCC strategy. “His track record of building and transforming large-scale global centers, combined with his focus on developing people and strengthening culture, makes him the right leader to take our GCC to the next phase of growth.”

“I am honored to join Barry–Wehmiller, a company renowned for its people-centric culture and commitment to meaningful leadership,” said Sukumar. “As a GCC leader in India, I look forward to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and empowering our teams to create lasting impact together. Here’s to a journey of growth, purpose and shared success.”

In his new role, Sukumar will focus on expanding the GCC’s capabilities, deepening its integration with Barry–Wehmiller’s global platforms and enabling innovation-led growth while continuing to build a strong, people-focused culture.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in electronics and communication engineering and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in operations management. He has completed multiple professional certifications, including an Advanced Diploma in GBS (CIMA) and a Certified Corporate Director (IOD) designation.

Pune, Jun 2:  Shah Khandelwal Jain and Associates, Chartered Accountants, one of Pune’s most respected CA firms, marked a landmark 60th anniversary with Reconnect 2026, a grand celebratory event held over 2 days at a luxury hotel in Pune and attended by over 1000 guests including clients, alumni, and well-wishers.

Founded in 1966 by the visionary Late Mr. C. V. Khandelwal, the firm took root when Pune was still considered a pensioner’s paradise. Six decades on, it stands as a testament to his foresight, a thriving institution with its headquarters in Pune and network offices in Aurangabad, Indore, and Bagalkot.

Commenting on this milestone, Ashish Khandelwal said,

“some of our client relationships are for almost 6 decades. The trust that our clients repose in SKJ is what drives us to achieve excellence.”

“We have kept SKJ relevant by reinventing ourselves constantly. We have combined AI with our experience to improve client service. Our 3rd generation is ready to step in and we are also increasing our global footprint”, added Neelesh Khandelwal.

The firm today employs over 200 professionals and has been the training ground for more than 1,000 Chartered Accountants who completed their articleship within its walls. Many of these students came from remote rural areas of India and some of them are now CFO’s of big corporates. Leadership of SKJ is now shared by the second generation  Partners Ashish Khandelwal and Neelesh Khandelwal  alongside Nishant Mundada, a former intern turned Partner, embodying the firm’s tradition of nurturing talent from within.

With the third generation already qualified and ready  including daughters of Ashish and Neelesh who are practising CAs  the firm’s future is firmly in capable hands.

Looking ahead,

Shah Khandelwal Jain and Associates is set to launch offshore operations in the Middle East in June 2026 and has embraced Artificial Intelligence to drive operational excellence  staying true to its founder’s forward-thinking spirit.

The research group led by Prof. Sungjune Park from the Department of Chemical Engineering has developed an ultra-stretchable, anti-freezing hydrogel electrolyte using liquid metal particles. The material can stretch up to nine times its original length while maintaining stable electrochemical performance, even at −20 °C. This work provides a promising platform for energy storage devices that must operate reliably under extreme environmental conditions.

With the rapid growth of wearable electronics, there is increasing demand for energy storage systems that combine mechanical flexibility with environmental stability. However, conventional hydrogel electrolytes typically suffer from low mechanical strength and freezing at low temperatures, leading to significant performance degradation.

The research group used liquid metal particles as an initiator for polymerization. Under ultrasonication, the bulk liquid metal was broken into fine particles, which then initiated the polymerization of acrylamide and acrylic acid to form the hydrogel. This process eliminates the need for external stimuli such as heat or ultraviolet irradiation, simplifying fabrication and improving scalability.

The group added stearyl methacrylate (SMA), a hydrophobic material that does not mix well with water, to create physical crosslinking between polymer chains. These physical crosslinks act as reversible connections within the network. When an external force is applied, the bonds can break to dissipate energy and then easily reform once the stress is released, thereby imparting exceptional stretchability and mechanical robustness to the material. As a result, the elongation at break (defined as the maximum stretch before the material fails) reached up to 900% of its original length.

After soaking the hydrogel in a lithium chloride (LiCl) solution, it exhibited anti-freezing properties by suppressing hydrogen bonding between water molecules. It maintains both ionic conductivity and mechanical flexibility even at −20 °C, where conventional hydrogel systems typically fail. Energy storage devices fabricated with this electrolyte retained 98% of their performance after 45,000 charge-discharge cycles.

The research group noted, “For practical applications, it is essential to ensure long-term stability and reproducibility in large-area manufacturing processes.”

Prof. Park stated,

“This work introduces a new design strategy for hydrogel electrolytes based on liquid metal and provides a viable platform for next-generation wearable electronics and flexible energy storage systems operating under extreme conditions.”

The research results were published on March 13 in Nano-Micro Letters.

Bhubaneswar, June 2 (BNP): In a major boost to India’s push for self-reliance in strategic resources, the Centre has selected Odisha among four states for the establishment of critical mineral value processing plants under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

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The proposed facilities, also planned in Gujarat, Telangana and Maharashtra, are aimed at strengthening India’s domestic capabilities in processing and refining critical minerals that are essential for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence and advanced manufacturing.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the initiative forms part of the Centre’s long-term strategy to reduce import dependence and build a robust domestic supply chain for minerals considered strategically important for economic growth and technological advancement.

Under the National Critical Mineral Mission, the government has already undertaken large-scale auctions of critical mineral blocks and, for the first time since Independence, created separate mining blocks dedicated to strategic minerals. Officials said several mineral blocks have already been successfully auctioned, marking significant progress in securing domestic access to key resources.

As part of the next phase of the mission, the Centre is moving ahead with the establishment of value processing plants in the four selected states. Land for the proposed facilities has reportedly been allotted by respective state governments, while local administrations are preparing action plans to support project implementation.

The government has also signed multiple memorandums of understanding with several countries to strengthen international cooperation and secure global supply chains for critical minerals.

The upcoming plants are expected to significantly enhance India’s mineral processing and refining capacity — an area where the country has traditionally relied heavily on imports and overseas facilities. Odisha’s inclusion is seen as particularly significant given the state’s vast mineral reserves and strong industrial ecosystem, with the project expected to boost investment, industrial growth and employment opportunities.

Delhi/NCR, June 2 : Comorin Gurugram, the acclaimed restaurant by EHV International, is set to host an exclusive two-day culinary residency with Kolkata’s celebrated restaurant and cultural institution, Sienna Calcutta on 10th and 11th June 2026. Bringing the flavours and culinary heritage of both ‘epar’ and ‘opar’ Bengal to Gurugram, the pop-up features a thoughtfully curated menu that combines Comorin’s ingredient-led, regional approach with Sienna’s distinctive exploration of Bengal’s food traditions. Together, the two restaurants offer a celebration of the region’s diverse culinary culture and enduring food stories.

The pop-up menu at Comorin Gurugram will be led by Co-Head Chefs Avinandan Kundu, whose culinary journeys combine classical training with a shared desire to represent Bengal through a more layered and contemporary lens. The menu will feature small plates such as Mocha Salad, Cholar Daal Hummus, Cheese Puff, Stuffed Chicken Wings with Laljhol Glaze and Golda Chingri, followed by larger plates including Mushroom Bhorta with Ladi Pav, Echor Rezala Pulao, Ros Omelette, Bhetki à la Kiev and Maach’r Deem XO Rice. Desserts will include Makha Sondesh and Mishti Doi, bringing the experience to a close with flavours deeply associated with Bengali kitchens and sweet-making traditions.

Named after the red soil of Santiniketan, Sienna is rooted in Bengal’s craft and culinary traditions, with a food philosophy shaped by local ingredients, regional techniques and the culture of the Bengali bajaar. Through its restaurant in Kolkata, Sienna has become known for presenting a broader and more layered perspective on Bengali cuisine, moving beyond familiar stereotypes while remaining deeply connected to the region’s food memories and everyday flavours. Deeply rooted in regional traditions yet viewed through a contemporary lens, Sienna’s cuisine reflects a nuanced interplay of seasonal produce, age-old techniques, and the evolving identity of Bengali food culture.

New Delhi, June 2 (BNP): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially launched the online portal for Class 12 students to apply for answer sheet verification and re-evaluation, following delays linked to technical upgrades and system improvements.

The portal became operational on June 2, 2026, allowing eligible students who have already accessed scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets to report discrepancies, seek clarification on marking issues, or request re-evaluation of specific answers. The application process will remain open until midnight on June 6, 2026.

The move comes after concerns were raised over the rollout of CBSE’s new On-Screen Marking system, which reportedly faced technical glitches and delayed the reopening of post-result activities. CBSE is understood to have worked with technical experts to strengthen the system and address operational issues before reopening the portal.

According to board guidelines, students can apply for verification of answer book-related concerns, including issues such as blurred or incomplete scanned pages, by paying a fee of ₹100 per answer book. Re-evaluation of individual questions can be requested at ₹25 per question.

To access the facility, students must log in through the CBSE portal using their Roll Number, School Number, and Admit Card ID. Aadhaar-based verification has been made mandatory for authentication. In cases where a student does not possess an Aadhaar number, details of a parent or guardian may be used, subject to identity matching requirements.

CBSE has clarified that only students who have already downloaded and reviewed their scanned answer sheets are eligible to apply. No offline applications or requests submitted after the deadline will be entertained.

Education experts have advised students to carefully review answer sheets and act within the limited application window to avoid missing the opportunity for corrections or reassessment.

Kuala Lumpur, June 2 (BNP): Malaysia on Monday began enforcing new regulations prohibiting children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts, marking a major step in the country’s effort to strengthen online safety for minors.

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Under the new rules, major platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia — including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube — are required to implement age-verification systems and prevent underage users from opening accounts. Authorities said existing users identified as younger than 16 will be given a one-month period to download or transfer personal data, including photos and videos, before restrictions take effect.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the age-verification mechanism for current users will be introduced in phases over the next six months. Companies that fail to comply with the regulations could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit (approximately $2.5 million).

The government said the move is aimed at shielding children from cyberbullying, harmful online content and addictive platform features that encourage excessive screen time. Officials clarified that the restrictions are not intended to cut children off from digital technology but to create safer online environments and hold platforms accountable for protecting younger users.

Malaysia joins a growing list of countries, including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, that are imposing age-based restrictions on children’s social media access. Nations such as Britain, France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand and South Korea are also exploring similar regulatory measures.

However, the move has triggered mixed reactions among families and digital rights experts. Some parents welcomed the decision, arguing that children lack the emotional maturity to safely navigate social media and benefit more from offline activities and supervised screen time.

Others expressed concern that the restrictions may be too rigid and could push teenagers toward unregulated digital spaces. Critics also raised questions about privacy, warning that mandatory age verification may require sensitive personal information and increase risks related to data protection and surveillance.

Technology companies are yet to clarify how they will implement the regulations, while experts say the effectiveness of the law may depend on enforcement mechanisms and whether families can bypass restrictions through parental accounts or alternative access methods.