business

Gola Sizzlers Unveils Gola Privé: A More Refined Expression of Its Iconic Legacy

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A contemporary space with a sharper focus on ambience, curated additions, and the brand’s enduring culinary identity

Gola Sizzlers

 

New Delhi, Apr 30: Gola Sizzlers expands its footprint with the launch of Gola Privé at Unity One Elegante, Netaji Subhash Place, marking a thoughtful evolution of the brand into a more refined, experience-led dining space. Known for its legacy of indulgent sizzlers and consistent flavours, Gola Sizzlers now steps into a format that prioritises ambience, detail, and a more elevated culinary journey.

Gola Privé has been conceptualised as a natural extension of the brand, one that retains its core identity while reimagining how guests engage with it. The space moves away from the high-energy, casual familiarity of traditional outlets, offering instead a more polished, intimate setting defined by design, comfort, and a slower, more intentional dining pace.

While the foundation of the menu remains rooted in Gola Sizzlers’ well-loved offerings, Gola Privé introduces a layer of sophistication through thoughtful additions. A curated selection of fresh salads and a range of Pan-Asian dishes expand the menu, bringing in lighter, more diverse flavour profiles that complement the brand’s signature indulgence. The idea is not to replace what works, but to enhance it. allowing diners to experience the brand in a more versatile way.

This launch reflects Gola Sizzlers’ continued ability to adapt to changing dining preferences while maintaining its emotional connect with customers. Over the years, the brand has built a strong reputation for consistency, generous portions, and flavours that resonate across generations. With Gola Privé, that legacy is carried forward into a more contemporary, design-conscious format.

Speaking on the launch, Manik Kapoor, Director, Gola Sizzlers, said,
 “With Gola Privé, we wanted to create something that feels more immersive and elevated without losing the essence of who we are. It’s about offering our audience a more refined environment where the same flavours they love can be experienced differently, more thoughtfully, more comfortably.”

Rajat Kapoor, Director, Gola Sizzlers, added,
 “The idea was to evolve with our audience. Dining today is as much about the space and overall experience as it is about the food. Gola Privé allows us to explore that balance, introducing new elements while staying true to the warmth and familiarity that define Gola Sizzlers.”

Strategically located in Netaji Subhash Place, Gola Privé is positioned to cater to a discerning, urban audience seeking both comfort and novelty within a single dining experience.

With this new chapter, Gola Sizzlers continues to demonstrate its ability to grow with intent bridging its legacy with a more elevated, future-facing approach to hospitality.

Entertainment

Bhubaneswar to Host ‘Shraddhanjali 2026’ — A Musical Tribute to Guru Bauri Bandhu Sethi

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Bhubaneswar, April 30: Delhi-based cultural organization Swaranjali is set to bring an evening of classical music and tribute to Odisha’s capital with Shraddhanjali 2026, a commemorative concert dedicated to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi.

The event will be held on June 20, 2026, at 5 PM at Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Organized in association with Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, the program aims to honor the legacy of the late guru through a curated lineup of classical performances.

Bhubaneswar to Host ‘Shraddhanjali 2026’ — A Musical Tribute to Guru Bauri Bandhu Sethi

 

The evening will feature a group vocal presentation by the disciples of Shri Avimanyu Sahoo from Sishuniketan School, Mancheswar. Instrumental highlights include a sitar and sarod duet by Shri Jeeban Prakash Das and Shri Sandeep Rout. Vocal recital by Smt. Bilambita Banisudha and a solo sitar performance by Shri Subrata De are also part of the program.

The event will be anchored by Vidwan Shri Alok Das, adding a narrative touch to the musical proceedings.

Organizers have extended an open invitation to music lovers, patrons of classical arts, and the general public to attend the event and pay tribute to the revered गुरु through music.

For further details and RSVP, interested attendees may contact 9910300319, 8447507053, or 9937001349.

Swaranjali, founded by Subrata De, continues to promote Indian classical music through performances and cultural initiatives across the country, in collaboration with partners like Shreyas Webmedia Solutions.

technology

WEX® Taps Extend to Enable Corporate Card Payments in SAP Concur Solutions

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WEX brings smarter AP solutions to Corporate Card customers with the help of growing fintech business, Extend.

NEW YORK–Extend, a leader in embedded virtual card payments, today announced a collaboration with WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX), a global leader in intelligent payment solutions, to enable virtual card payments inside Concur Invoice. WEX corporate card customers can now connect their WEX commercial account in Concur Invoice to generate and settle vendor payments with virtual cards—all automatically and without leaving the Concur platform.

As an established SAP Concur partner, Extend provides WEX with the infrastructure key to facilitating—and accelerating—this strategic integration designed to deliver more value to business customers. This news reflects Extend’s growing position as a trusted fintech partner for financial institutions and corporate payment providers looking to deliver embedded payment capabilities inside the platforms their customers already rely on.

A Seamless Payments Experience for WEX Customers

For WEX corporate card customers using Concur Invoice, this integration not only enables a new level of control and security over vendor payments, it also means a more streamlined and automated AP process. When an invoice is received, Concur Invoice automatically generates a virtual card linked to the customer’s registered WEX commercial account—complete with a unique 16-digit number, spend limit, validity date, and invoice reference—then authorizes, remits, and reconciles the payment end to end.

This gives WEX customers the ability to:

  • Settle invoices with single-use virtual cards generated from their existing WEX commercial account

  • Control payment amounts and timing with per-invoice virtual card parameters

  • Pay suppliers faster, improving cash flow, and days payable outstanding

  • Automate reconciliation and gain complete visibility into payment delivery

  • Eliminate paper checks and reduce associated risks and administrative burden

  • Earn available card rebates on vendor transactions

“WEX is committed to providing our customers with intelligence-led solutions that transform Accounts Payable from a back-office function into a strategic driver of working capital,” said  Carlos Carriedo, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Payments & Mobility, WEX. “By partnering with Extend to embed virtual card payments inside Concur Invoice, we are delivering infrastructure that offers granular control over every transaction, all without disrupting how they already operate.”

 

WEX: Optimizing the AP Lifecycle with Virtual Card Technology

WEX modernizes the entire AP lifecycle through an intelligence-led orchestration layer that replaces vulnerable credentials with single-use virtual tokens that help neutralize fraud at the point of issuance. This digital architecture simplifies complex global payments across countries, currencies and systems to manage virtual cards and process transactions — all on one platform. By combining this transaction processing with strategic supplier enablement and guided enrollment, WEX helps transform Accounts Payable from a traditional cost center into a scalable, value-generating asset.

Andrew Jamison, CEO and co-founder of Extend, shares “WEX is one of the most respected names in corporate payments, and this partnership reflects the momentum we’re seeing across the industry. Extend has built the infrastructure that lets card issuers and payment platforms deploy new capabilities inside the software their customers already use, without ripping and replacing what’s already working. As customer expectations rapidly evolve, so does the race to deliver more connected payment workflows—Extend is excited to be the partner that makes it possible.”

Extend: The Embedded Payments Layer for Enterprise

Extend’s platform sits at the intersection of card rails, spend management, and expense software—connecting legacy payment infrastructure to modern business workflows. With partnerships across major issuing banks, integrations with the three largest card networks, and a growing footprint within solutions like Concur Invoice, Extend has built the connective tissue that allows financial institutions and corporate payment providers to offer new experiences to end users without costly, time-intensive direct integrations.

As business software platforms and card programs continue to converge, Extend is uniquely positioned to accelerate this shift across the industry. The WEX partnership is the latest example of a leading corporate payment provider leveraging Extend’s infrastructure to move faster, reach more customers, and deliver more value from existing card programs. 

business

Merck Foundation With Kenya First Lady Celebrating Legacy to Transform Patient Care Landscape Nationwide in Kenya via More Than 328 Scholarships

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Business Wire India

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, launched their Educating Linda Program to support girl education at Kenya State House, in partnership with H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. During the visit, the Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit 2026 was also conducted to highlight the impact of their scholarships program with the aim to build healthcare capacity and transform patient care landscape across Kenya nationwide.

 

The program was attended by The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale.

 

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign, emphasized, “It is a great pleasure to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H. First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and to recognize her for her tremendous efforts as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”.

 

I am proud that through our long-term partnership we have provided 328 scholarships for young Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties. I am also happy to share that nearly 50% of these scholarships have been awarded to women healthcare providers, reinforcing our commitment to women empowerment.

 

It was also great meeting Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale and our Alumni, who are the future healthcare experts of Kenya.”

 

“We are looking forward to extending our scholarship program to more healthcare providers in partnership with First Lady of Kenya and in collaboration with Medical Societies and Ministry of Health when possible.” She added.

 

H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, expressed, “Through our impactful partnership with Merck Foundation, we are not just implementing programs, we are transforming lives. Together, we are strengthening our healthcare capacity, empowering girls through education, breaking infertility stigma, and addressing other critical social and health challenges across Kenya. We are immensely proud that, through our strong partnership, we have been able to provide 328 scholarships for our healthcare providers, not only in the capital city, but across the country. It represents a powerful investment in the future of our healthcare system, a commitment to building expertise where it is needed most, and a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to quality care for all our people.

 

At the same time, we are equally proud to support the education of 47 high-performing yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, providing them with annual scholarships till they graduate. By empowering these young girls through education, we are not only transforming individual lives, but also shaping stronger families, communities, and a brighter future for our nation.”

 

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity in Kenya and across developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care through our scholarships program.”

 

Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kenya, shared, “We sincerely appreciate the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program through which 328 scholarships have been provided till today for our local healthcare providers in many critical underserved specialties, helping us to build and strengthen our healthcare capacity, across the country.”

 

One of the important specialties that Merck Foundation is focusing on in 2025 and 2026 in Kenya is the scholarship of One Year Diploma in Nutrition, to support the program of Feeding and Food Security of Kenya First Lady.

 

More than 90 scholarships are dedicated to this specialty across the 47 provinces of Kenya. This will create a culture shift in leading a healthy lifestyle for the whole population which will contribute to healthier communities and hence social and economic development of the whole country nationwide.

 

The program was also attended by the Kenyan winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024 and 2025.

 

“It was a pleasure meeting and celebrating our Winners, the health and social champions, who are the voice of the voiceless”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

 

Out of the total 328 scholarships, Merck Foundation has provided:

 

  • 121 scholarships for one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, and Endocrinology. These programs enable doctors to establish specialized diabetes clinics across the country.
  • 10 scholarships for Oncology, which is a critical specialty to strengthen cancer care capacity.
  • 49 scholarships for Fertility, Embryology, and Reproductive Medicine under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, bringing hope and support to couples facing infertility challenges.
  • 148 scholarships for other important specialties such as Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, and many more, contributing significantly to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.

Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers in 44 critical and undeserved specialties from over 52 countries.

 

During the Summit, Merck Foundation alumni shared inspiring testimonies on how these scholarships have transformed their professional journeys and improved patient care in their communities.

 

Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya, is also launching children’s storybooks — “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” in English and Swahili to raise awareness about critical social and health issues among young children. Thousands of copies will be distributed across schools in Kenya. These storybooks have also been adapted into animated films to further enhance their impact.

 

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted 4 Editions of their Online Health Media Training for Kenyan journalists to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and GBV, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices.

 

Merck Foundation, together with the First Lady of Kenya, also organizes annual awards for media, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers to encourage creative talents to raise awareness about important social issues.

 

Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important annual Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

 

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

Apply here: https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form

 

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App

https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

 

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard

Facebook: Merck Foundation
X: @MerckFoundation
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Flickr: Merck Foundation
Website: www.merckfoundation.com

business

inMorphis Appoints Shantanu Srivastava to Advisory Board to Bolster Global Risk & Security Business

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Business Wire India

inMorphis, a leading provider of enterprise risk and governance solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Shantanu Srivastava to its Advisory Board.

A veteran risk leader with over 30 years of experience across premier financial institutions—including HSBC, SBI Card, Standard Chartered, and ANZ Grindlays—Srivastava will drive thought leadership and go-to-market (GTM) strategy for the company’s Risk and Security business.

The appointment comes at a time of growing convergence between Cyber and Operational Resilience — a shift that demands seasoned leadership with hands-on expertise in risk frameworks. Srivastava brings deep experience in implementing, upgrading, and scaling risk frameworks across India, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, equipping inMorphis with the strategic insight necessary to lead in the global Integrated Risk Management (IRM) and security space.

“Shantanu’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in our IRM journey,” said Himanshu Singhal, CEO of inMorphis. “His rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on execution across the world’s most respected financial institutions will be instrumental as we deepen our practice and expand our global footprint.”

Most recently, Srivastava served as the Chief Risk Officer at SBI Card, where he led enterprise-wide risk governance across all risks with an emphasis on credit, fraud, third party, cyber and other operational risk domains. His career also includes senior leadership roles at HSBC, where he embedded non-financial risk frameworks and led resilience transformation programs across the Asia-Pacific region, in line with global regulatory standards and international best practices. He is the Founding Regional Director of PRMIA (Professional Risk Managers’ International Association) and has lectured on Risk Management at globally renowned institutions including National Institute of Securities Markets (Mumbai), Columbia University (New York), Hindu College and IMI (Delhi).

Strengthening the Risk & Security Frontier

Srivastava’s arrival reinforces the inMorphis commitment to delivering adaptive, secure, and resilient business solutions. His core leadership experience includes:

  • Operational Resilience and Governance: Bridging the gap between technical security domains and enterprise-level risk governance.

  • Global Scale: Deep experience across diverse markets including India, Indonesia, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

  • Sector Depth: Extensive knowledge of Retail Banking, Wealth Management, and Asset Management.

In his advisory role, Srivastava will work with inMorphis leadership to shape product strategy, support BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) go-to-market initiatives, and advise on emerging risk domains.

 

“Risk management is no longer a mere regulatory obligation—it is a strategic imperative, a competitive advantage and an active enabler of resilient, scalable growth,” said Shantanu Srivastava. “I am excited to partner with inMorphis to help organizations build smarter, more adaptive risk, governance and security frameworks for today’s VUCA environment.”

 

business

etrailer First in St. Charles County to Offer Missouri Child Care Works

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The company is the first in the county to introduce the shared child care support solution for its employees.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 30, 2026) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), in partnership with Kids Win Missouri, recently worked with etrailer to launch the Missouri Child Care Works Tri-Share program. As the first local business to adopt the program, etrailer is expanding access to shared child care support for its workforce.

Missouri Child Care Works is designed to increase family access to affordable, high-quality child care through locally coordinated cost-sharing partnerships. St. Charles County-based etrailer is bringing this new shared child care support model to its employees. The program is modeled after the Tri-Share approach, which divides the cost of child care among employers, families and either state government or a philanthropic partner.

etrailer First in St. Charles County to Offer Missouri Child Care Works

 

This initiative helps employee families with children age five and under to receive child care support through funding from etrailer and the state. Administered by CCAMO, the employer and state contributions are paid directly to participating child care providers, making the benefit easy to use for etrailer employees.

etrailer is a family-owned and operated business specializing in RV, trailer and towing accessories. Founded in 1946, the company’s showroom and installation facility is located at 1507 Highway A in Wentzville, Missouri. etrailer.com is the world’s leading online retailer of custom-fit towing accessories.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the support this program brings to growing families around the shop, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next,” said Greg McCarthy, Team Enthusiast at etrailer.

“When employers invest in child care benefits, they play a critical role in removing barriers for families returning to the workforce while strengthening their ability to attract and retain talent,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “With full-time child care representing one of the largest expenses for working families, our partnership with etrailer offers a meaningful solution to support employee retention.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

business

The LYCRA Company Strengthens Sustainability Leadership, Appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

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Business Wire India

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260430942396/en/

 

 

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products.

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products.

 

Williamson has four decades of experience in textile fibers and apparel, having held commercial, sales, and marketing leadership roles across EMEA, North America, and South Asia. Before joining the predecessor of The LYCRA Company in 2007, Williamson worked for two nylon spinners.

 

“Alistair’s expertise will drive our sustainability agenda and support our customers’ evolving requirements,” said Doug Kelliher, executive vice president, product. “His leadership will ensure we continue delivering high‑performance solutions with greater transparency and lower environmental impact.”

 

 

In recent years, The LYCRA Company has achieved several key sustainability milestones. These include launching Renewable LYCRA® fiber with 70 percent plant-based content, introducing products made from recycled materials, and obtaining third-party certifications to promote transparency and traceability across the value chain.

 

 

“I’m honored to step into this role as our industry continues to shift toward more sustainable, transparent practices,” said Williamson. “I am committed to advancing sustainability as a shared priority across the organization, partnering closely with industry stakeholders, and driving meaningful, lasting outcomes.”

 

 

About The LYCRA Company

 

 

The LYCRA Company is a leading global fiber and technology solutions provider to the apparel and personal care industries, committed to offering sustainable products made with renewable, pre- and post-consumer recycled ingredients that reduce waste and help set the stage for circularity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, it owns the LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL® brands. The LYCRA Company adds value to its customers’ products by offering unique innovations that meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. Learn more at thelycracompany.com.

 

 

 

 

 

business

Riskified Announces 2026 Titans of Ecommerce Award Winners

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Business Wire India

Riskified (NYSE: RSKD), a global leader in ecommerce fraud and risk intelligence, today announced the 2026 Titans of Ecommerce Awards, recognizing outstanding ecommerce leaders who are redefining fraud prevention while driving business growth.

 

The winners are:

 

 

  • Titan of Americas: Joseph Chin, Senior Director of Revenue Assurance, Michael Kors
    Joseph Chin has evolved revenue assurance into a strategic lever for growth at Michael Kors. Deeply knowledgeable in fraud and payments, he maintains a hands-on approach, continually collaborating with Riskified to identify innovative opportunities, optimize performance, and pilot new initiatives. Joseph is highly effective at building internal alignment and securing stakeholder buy-in for new strategies. His leadership shone during Cyber Five, where his close collaboration with Riskified and real-time insights delivered one of Michael Kors’ strongest performance periods.

 

  • Titan of Europe: Ash Cummings, Ecommerce Fraud Prevention Manager, Gymshark
    Ash Cummings is revolutionizing how Gymshark addresses fraud and policy abuse, transforming it into a strategic, data-driven discipline. He achieved significant reductions in promo, loyalty, and Item Not Received (INR) abuse, protecting both revenue and customer experience. This was accomplished by implementing advanced policy rules, integrating fraud intelligence into operational systems, and utilizing tools like Identity Explore to pinpoint abusive networks. Moreover, his work integrates fraud prevention with customer care and data analytics, enabling objective, data-backed decision-making at scale and enhancing Gymshark’s operational efficiency, especially during critical, high-demand product drops.

 

Now in its fourth year, the Titans of Ecommerce Awards honor members of Riskified’s global merchant community who are turning risk management into a driver of ecommerce performance. The program recognizes leaders who have delivered strong results navigating increasingly complex fraud environments through innovation, data-driven decisioning, and close collaboration with Riskified.

 

Winners of the 2026 Titans of Ecommerce Awards will be celebrated across Riskified’s global Ascend series. The two honorees, Titan of North America and Titan of Europe, will be showcased at their respective regional events: Ascend North America 2026, Riskified’s flagship summit taking place May 4-6 in New York City and Ascend Europe in London, June 15-16. Each winner will be featured and recognized in-region, highlighting their achievements within their local ecommerce ecosystems.

 

 

Award recipients are selected through a structured evaluation process assessing leadership in ecommerce fraud and abuse management, innovation in strategy and execution, measurable business impact, and effective utilization of Riskified’s AI platform and risk intelligence network. Nominees are evaluated based on outcomes such as fraud reduction, conversion and approval rate improvements, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.

 

 

This year’s awards are evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts spanning fraud prevention, payments, ecommerce, and technology, including Rahul Mutha, CEO of Aurus; Kevin Luh, Partner at Deloitte; Dan Beardall, Head of Partnerships at IXOPAY; Gabriel Le Roux, CEO of Primer; and Juan Pablo Ortega, CEO of Yuno. The panel brings together cross-industry expertise to ensure the selection of leaders who demonstrate both innovation and measurable impact across the ecommerce ecosystem.

 

 

“Each of this year’s Titans of Ecommerce faced complex fraud and risk challenges in very different environments, and still managed to improve outcomes across their businesses,” said Jeff Otto, Chief Marketing Officer at Riskified. “What stands out is not just the scale of what they were dealing with, but the way they approached it in practice. They made faster, more confident decisions, improved performance, and in many cases created smoother experiences for good customers while still protecting revenue. That balance between growth and risk is what really sets them apart this year.”

 

 

Ascend is Riskified’s global summit series for ecommerce risk management, bringing together leading merchants, fraud and risk executives, and technology partners across North America, Europe, Australia, China, and Japan. In 2026, the series will run under the theme “Intelligence in Motion,” exploring how AI, real-time intelligence, and agentic commerce are reshaping fraud prevention, checkout optimization, and digital commerce strategy.

 

 

For more information about Riskified’s Titans of Ecommerce Awards, visit https://www.riskified.com/titans/

 

 

About Riskified

 

 

Riskified (NYSE:RSKD) empowers businesses to unleash ecommerce growth by outsmarting risk. Many of the world’s biggest brands and publicly traded companies selling online rely on Riskified for guaranteed protection against chargebacks, to fight fraud and policy abuse at scale, and to improve customer retention. Developed and managed by the largest team of ecommerce risk analysts, data scientists, and researchers, Riskified’s AI-powered fraud and risk intelligence platform analyzes the individual behind each interaction to provide real-time decisions and robust identity-based insights. Learn more at riskified.com.

 

 

 

 

 

news

EC Introduces QR-Based ID Cards for Counting Centres Ahead of May 4 Vote Count

Neel Achary 0 Comment

Kolkata, Apr 30 (BNP): The Election Commission of India has introduced QR code-based photo identity cards for counting centres to prevent unauthorised entry during vote counting for the Assembly elections in five states on May 4.

EC Introduces QR-Based ID Cards for Counting Centres Ahead of May 4 Vote Count

The new system will be implemented during counting of votes for the Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with by-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states. Officials said the system will later be extended to all Lok Sabha and Assembly elections nationwide.

According to the Commission, the QR-based verification system has been developed through the ECINET platform and forms a key part of a newly introduced three-tier security arrangement at counting centres.
Under the security protocol, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer will be manually checked at the first and second security layers. At the innermost level near the counting halls, entry will be permitted only after successful scanning of the QR code on the authorised identity card.

The Commission said the move is aimed at eliminating the possibility of unauthorised persons entering sensitive counting areas and ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and security during the counting process.
The new identity cards will be applicable to all authorised personnel allowed inside counting centres, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical teams, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
Election officials described the initiative as a significant technological upgrade in election management, designed to strengthen the integrity of the counting process and streamline access control on a crucial day of the electoral exercise.

 
business

South Indian Bank and Asset Homes Enter Strategic Partnership to Elevate Home Loan Experience

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South Indian Bank and Asset Homes Enter Strategic Partnership to Elevate Home Loan Experience

Kochi, Apr 30: South Indian Bank, one of Kerala’s leading private sector banks, has entered into a strategic partnership with Asset Homes Pvt. Ltd. to further strengthen its home loan portfolio through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement was formally signed by V. Sunil Kumar, Founder & Managing Director of Asset Homes and Anto George T, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of South Indian Bank in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

This collaboration aims to enhance the overall customer experience by offering exclusive home loan benefits, faster processing, and integrated sales initiatives. By combining South Indian Bank’s financial expertise with Asset Homes‘ strong presence in the residential real estate sector, the partnership aims to provide seamless and efficient home financing solutions to customers.

The initiative also reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to deliver greater value, improve accessibility to housing finance and support home-buyers with tailored offerings.