Category business

Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 07: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) continues to deepen its global engagement as it welcomed over a hundred delegates from across international markets in the first quarter of the year, reflecting growing interest in Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for business expansion and collaboration.

As businesses increasingly seek resilient, well-connected markets to support their growth strategies, cross-border engagement has become a key driver of long-term partnerships. In this context, RAKEZ has emerged as an active platform for dialogue, bringing together representatives from consulates, embassies, and business organisations to explore opportunities within Ras Al Khaimah’s evolving economic landscape.

The visiting delegations, representing countries including Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Spain, Guatemala, and Russia, were introduced to RAKEZ’s integrated ecosystem through a series of site visits across its industrial zones, gaining firsthand exposure to the emirate’s industrial infrastructure and operational capabilities.

These engagements enabled discussions around investment and collaboration opportunities across key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, reflecting the growing alignment between global business priorities and the opportunities emerging from Ras Al Khaimah.

This momentum builds on RAKEZ’s continued efforts to strengthen international ties, having hosted a growing number of delegations in recent years, further reinforcing its role as a trusted point of connection for global stakeholders seeking access to regional and international markets.

Commenting on the visits, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Welcoming international delegations to Ras Al Khaimah reflects the growing confidence in the emirate’s business environment and investment potential. These engagements create meaningful dialogue and lay the foundation for long-term partnerships. At RAKEZ, we continue to provide a platform where global stakeholders can explore opportunities, connect with the right ecosystem, and move forward with clarity and confidence.”

As global business dynamics continue to evolve, RAKEZ remains committed to facilitating impactful engagement with international partners, supporting businesses in identifying opportunities, building connections, and advancing their expansion plans from Ras Al Khaimah.

New Delhi, Apr 7: The Ministry of Mines has introduced the Minerals Concession Rules 2026, aimed at boosting the exploration and production of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, high-tech electronics, and defence equipment, according to an official statement on Monday.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Effective from March 30, 2026, the new rules provide a clear framework for:

• Incorporating contiguous areas into existing mining leases,
• Granting composite licences for deep-seated minerals, and
• Including associated minerals in the mining leases of both major and minor minerals.

The updated framework is expected to streamline the exploration process, attract investment, and strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic minerals. Officials noted that this initiative will reduce India’s dependence on imports and support emerging sectors such as electric mobility and advanced electronics.

Industry experts believe the rules could accelerate critical mineral production, enhance India’s global competitiveness in the mining sector, and contribute significantly to the country’s industrial and technological growth.

Swedish Brand Oriflame Presents Whosthat360 North-East Yatra Across 13 Cities Starting April 7, Bringing Business Opportunities to the Fore

Mumbai, Apr 07: As more young consumers look beyond the limitations of a traditional 9-to-5 and explore flexible ways to earn, social selling is steadily gaining ground as a low-barrier entry into entrepreneurship. Swedish brand Oriflame will roll out a month-long yatra with Whosthat360 across India’s Northeast starting April 7, bringing together on-ground beauty experiences with a focus on income opportunities.

 Spanning 13 locations through April and May, the yatra will begin at Lady Keane College in Shillong on April 7, followed by MBB College in Agartala on April 9 and Millennium Centre in Aizawl on April 12. It will then move to Dimapur on April 15 and Kohima on April 17, before covering Assam with stops at Guwahati College on April 21, Nagaon College on April 23 and Sohum Mall in Dibrugarh on April 25.

The route continues to Rajiv Gandhi University in Itanagar on April 27, followed by City Centre Mall in Siliguri on May 5 and Junction Mall in Durgapur on May 7. The final leg will take place in Kolkata, with South City Mall hosting the May 9 event and the closing scheduled for May 10.

Designed as a high-energy, on-ground format, the yatra will engage college students and young audiences through product trials, skincare sessions and interactive consultations across campuses, malls and public spaces. The focus is on participation and access, with formats that encourage direct interaction rather than passive viewing.

“India is seeing a clear shift in how young people think about work and income. There is a strong appetite for flexibility and ownership. Through this yatra, we want to demonstrate how social selling can offer a practical starting point, where good products can translate into a meaningful business without the usual startup pressures, said Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President and Head of India and Indonesia at Oriflame.”

Adding to this, Abhishek Chakraborty, Head of Brand, PR & Digitalsaid,

“Markets like the Northeast are increasingly open to new formats of earning and self-expression. This initiative is about creating access, bringing opportunities closer to consumers, and building networks at a local level rather than expecting them to come to us.”

Alongside these engagements, Oriflame will introduce attendees to its social selling model, positioning it as a way to build a second income without the typical challenges associated with starting a business. With no heavy upfront investment or operational setup, the model allows individuals to start small and scale at their own pace.

A second income, increasingly, is not just supplementary but transformative, offering greater financial stability and flexibility at a household level. The company is positioning this as an opportunity for students, first-time earners and young professionals to explore entrepreneurship without the risks typically associated with it.

The Northeast is emerging as a key market for companies looking to build both consumer demand and seller networks, driven by a young population and growing participation in digital ecosystems. With a city-by-city rollout and consistent on-ground presence, the yatra signals a deeper push into the region, culminating in Kolkata on May 10.

The roadshow will also include on-ground engagement activities, where 10 participants who spot the truck and share entries will win curated beauty hampers daily, leading up to the mega event in Kolkata on May 10. For further information on the North-East Yatra, visit the link below.

India’s automobile market recorded a historic year in FY26, with total vehicle retail sales reaching an all-time high of 2,96,71,064 units, marking a 13.3% increase compared to 2,61,87,255 units in FY25, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Industry experts say the rollout of GST 2.0 played a key role in driving consumer confidence and demand, particularly during the latter half of the fiscal year.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Passenger and Two-Wheeler Sales Lead Growth

Passenger vehicle sales grew 13%, reaching 47,05,056 units, up from 41,63,927 units in FY25. Two-wheelers, which continue to dominate the market, also saw robust growth, with retail sales rising 13.4% to 2,14,20,386 units. Three-wheelers and commercial vehicles recorded steady growth as well, with sales increasing 11.68% and 11.74%, respectively.

A Landmark Year for the Auto Industry

FADA President C S Vigneshwar described FY26 as a “landmark year” for the automotive sector, noting that five out of six vehicle categories achieved record annual sales. He emphasized that strong policy support, market stability, and renewed consumer confidence contributed to this growth, even as the pace of sales varied across different segments.

Looking Ahead

With the positive momentum, industry insiders are optimistic about the future. Continued policy clarity, enhanced financing options, and consumer incentives are expected to sustain demand, helping India maintain its growth trajectory in the auto sector.

The record FY26 figures underscore the resilience of the Indian automotive market and highlight the growing appetite for both personal and commercial vehicles across the country.

Nagpur, April 07: Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited (NSE: VGINFOTECH), a leading provider of AI enabled hybrid SaaS platforms and enterprise software solutions, today announced its estimated standalone turnover for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, reflecting a year of strong operational execution and sustained business momentum.

The company reported an estimated turnover of Rs 5,466.07 lakh (Rs 54.66 crore) for the quarter ended March 2026, registering a healthy sequential growth over Rs 4,126.45 lakh (Rs 41.26 crore) reported in the quarter ended December 2025. This steady quarter-on-quarter improvement highlights the company’s consistent demand pipeline and effective delivery capabilities.

For the full financial year FY2025–26, the company achieved an estimated turnover of Rs 18,205.64 lakh (Rs 182.06 crore), marking a robust year-on-year growth of 51.53%, compared to Rs 12,014.35 lakh (Rs 120.14 crore) in FY2024–25. The strong annual performance underscores the company’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining operational discipline.

The growth trajectory has been supported by a combination of factors, including deeper client engagements, expansion into new business opportunities, and increasing adoption of digital and technology-led solutions across industries. The company has also continued to strengthen its delivery frameworks and execution capabilities, enabling it to effectively manage higher volumes and complex mandates.

Performance Snapshot: 

Mr. Avinash Shende, Chairman, Executive Director & CFO, Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited said,

 “FY26 has been a defining year for Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited, marked by strong growth, consistent execution, and deepening client engagement. Our 5153% year-on-year increase in turnover reflects not only favourable market opportunities, but also the strength of our capabilities and the trust our clients place in us. We have built a solid foundation through focused investments in technology, scalable delivery models, and a customer-first approach. As we move forward, we remain committed to sustaining this momentum by expanding our service offerings, embracing emerging technologies, and strengthening our presence across key markets. We are confident that our strategic direction will continue to drive long-term, sustainable growth.”

The company’s consistent performance across quarters reflects a well-diversified business model and its ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics. With a clear focus on innovation and customer centricity, the company continues to strengthen its position in the competitive technology landscape.

Looking ahead, Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited remains optimistic about sustaining its growth momentum. The company is focused on leveraging emerging technologies, enhancing service capabilities, and expanding its footprint across key markets to drive long-term value creation.

By Marta Wegorzewska

Which details in a de-identified scientific record are enough to still identify a person? If, for example, the record includes that a person is a CEO, the abundance of CEOs in the world would make identification nearly impossible. If the person is a CEO living in Missouri, the list becomes notably shorter but likely extensive enough to safeguard identity. But the name of a CEO living in St. Louis and working at a particular company is easy to figure out.

Some scientific research studies collect qualitative data — information provided through focus groups, surveys and interviews — that harbor potentially telling information, including cities lived in, work histories, personal anecdotes and other details. Privacy concerns have kept such data largely inaccessible to the wider scientific community and the public, with only the study’s researchers having access.

But now, a team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has developed software that flags sensitive information in interview text — such as where a person works or lives — making it easier for scientists to remove or modify identifiable details. Subtracting the risk of identifying study participants opens the doors to sharing qualitative data with other researchers and the public, which has several benefits, according to James DuBois, DSc, PhD, executive director of the Bioethics Research Center within the WashU Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences.

“Sharing data can be critical for improving public trust in science,” said DuBois, who led the development of the software, which has become the De-ID App. “Greater access to data also supports new research with existing data, allows for verification of results, and provides teaching opportunities. Our software will guide researchers in the safe and ethical sharing of qualitative data that have historically remained hidden.”

DuBois developed the software with fellow researchers at WashU Medicine and other institutions. The group then worked with WashU’s Office of Technology Management to license the software to Socio-Cultural Research Consultants, a company that creates tools for researchers in various sectors, for further development and commercialization. De-ID became commercially available in early 2026.

As much as necessary and as little as possible

Under a National Institutes of Health (NIH) data-sharing policy updated in 2023, researchers are required to share all data gathered during NIH-funded research — including qualitative data — with the public. But to meet that requirement without sacrificing participants’ privacy or making their information vulnerable to misuse, researchers must painstakingly identify and remove personal details from the text before sharing it, which can be time-consuming and vulnerable to human error.

With funding from the NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute, DuBois’ team collaborated with programmers and researchers in the WashU Medicine Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB), as well as researchers and data curators at a large data repository at the University of Michigan, to develop resources to help scientists to meet the NIH’s new requirements. They created a toolkit to guide researchers through the intricacies of qualitative data sharing and developed the new software to help researchers de-identify private information quickly and correctly.

De-ID highlights and suggests generic replacements using a color-coding scheme: red for the 18 identifiers protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including names, Social Security numbers and phone numbers; yellow for information that has a medium risk of identifying a participant on their own or when combined with other details contained in the file, such as dates or locations; and blue for low-risk information that is probably safe to keep but can occasionally identify an individual when combined with other information in the file, such as age references or driver’s license numbers.

The original owner of the data is prompted to review the flagged details and accept the suggested changes or otherwise alter identifiable details as warranted. DuBois cautioned that this process requires care and discernment: Mindlessly deleting or modifying potential identifiers could negatively impact the usefulness of the data, he warned.

“We follow the rule of as much as necessary and as little as possible,” said DuBois, who is also the Steven J. Bander Professor of Medical Ethics and Professionalism at WashU Medicine. “It’s a fine line. If you want other researchers using the data to understand the context and who is speaking, you want to leave in as much as you can — but you absolutely don’t want to risk identifying any individuals.”

Aditi Gupta, PhD, an assistant professor of biostatistics at the I2DB, and Albert M. Lai, PhD, a professor of medicine in the Division of General Medical Sciences at WashU Medicine, also were leaders in the software’s development.

“The software knows to look for certain details,” Lai said. “But it doesn’t know how to combine details and determine whether they can identify a person. For example, it can flag a person’s age, but it would be challenging to identify someone based on that information. However, when combined with information such as their profession and workplace institution, it could make someone look unique.”

A scientific manuscript serves as a vehicle for disseminating discoveries and fostering innovation. It allows other researchers to build upon a study’s findings, advancing societal understanding and progress — in theory. But the challenge of sharing sensitive, qualitative data has limited its potential impact, DuBois explained.

“Most research participants’ voices never get heard,” said DuBois, also a professor of psychology and brain sciences. “Researchers performing qualitative studies control how the story is told. There is huge room for bias in research articles that rely on data collected from interviews, focus groups and surveys. Sharing full data can help correct for this, but it must be done in a way that respects confidentiality. That was the aim in developing this software.”

Personalised Wellness Archetypes, Elemental Healing, and Conscious Luxury at ELE|NA Elements of Nature

Apr 07: Wellness travel today is no longer about one-size-fits-all spa rituals. It is about intention, individuality, and experiences that respond intuitively to who you are. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, this philosophy comes to life through a deeply personalised approach to well-being, one that recognises that every guest’s journey is distinct.

At the heart of this evolution lies ELE|NA Elements of Nature, where bespoke experiences are thoughtfully crafted around defined wellness archetypes. Rather than offering standardised treatments, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO exemplifies its dedication to personalised wellbeing by tailoring each journey to individual needs, whether guests seek restoration, vitality, balance, or transformation.

Wellbeing at ELE | NA Elements of Nature extends far beyond the spa. Guests are invited to explore a range of restorative healing modalities including sound healing sessions using a combination of handpans and Tibetan bowls, energy healing therapies, breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement practices designed to restore balance between body and mind.

Education is also a central part of the experience. Through engaging wellness and sustainability workshops, guests gain practical knowledge they can integrate into everyday life, from conscious living practices to holistic self-care rituals. These sessions empower individuals to deepen their understanding of wellbeing while reconnecting with simple, meaningful habits that support long-term health.

In collaboration with the resort’s culinary team, a dedicated wellness menu blends Ayurvedic wisdom with expert culinary craftsmanship. Emphasising nourishment, sustainability, and conscious sourcing, each dish is thoughtfully designed to support the guest’s healing journey, ensuring that restoration continues well beyond the treatment room.

Guests experience these offerings within serene overwater treatment rooms where skilled therapists deliver deeply personalised care using carefully selected products aligned with holistic wellbeing principles.

“Today’s discerning traveller seeks more than relaxation; they seek alignment,” said Mei P. Pun, General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. “At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, wellness is deeply personal. Through ELE|NA Elements of Nature’s archetype-led journeys, elemental therapies, and mindful culinary collaborations, we offer a destination where luxury and well-being exist in complete harmony—allowing our guests to reconnect with themselves in a truly meaningful way.”

Complementing this immersive philosophy is the resort’s signature INDULGENCE™ Plan an all-encompassing holiday plan, which seamlessly integrates wellness experiences, curated dining, and island discoveries into one effortless journey. Designed to remove logistical distractions, it allows guests to fully surrender to restoration where every detail is considered and every moment intentional.

In this serene enclave of the Maldives, wellness is not a programme, it is a way of being. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO invites travellers to experience a sanctuary where personalised care, elemental balance, and refined island luxury redefine what it means to truly travel for well-being.