India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
New Delhi [India], August 21: With its glittering launch on August 2, 2025, City of Dreams Sri Lanka redefines luxury tourism in South Asia. This resort not only transforms Colombo's skyline but also sets a new benchmark in hospitality, entertainment, and economic promise. Also Read | Is Ryan Reynolds Getting Cancelled? Netizens Flood 'Deadpool' Actor and Wrexham Co-Owner's Aviation American Gin Instagram Post With Angry Comments Amid Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Legal Drama. Colombo witnessed a historic moment with the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a landmark development poised to reshape South Asian travel and tourism. Backed by a $1.2 billion investment and a decade of planning the luxury resort signals Sri Lanka's bold entry onto the world's luxury map. Developed by John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) in collaboration with Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco), the opening of this destination represents more than the sum of its lavish amenities. It marks a transformative shift in Colombo's identity, taking it from a gateway city to a globally recognised lifestyle and business hub. Also Read | Thalapathy Vijay's 33-Year-Old Supporter Dies on the Way to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's Second State Conference in Madurai - Reports. The grand opening was marked by an evening of spectacle and celebration, with Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan among the high-profile guests in attendance, adding star power to an event that already symbolised ambition on a comprehensive scale. An Iconic First for South Asia City of Dreams Sri Lanka holds the distinction of being South Asia's first fully integrated resort. This status reflects the seamless combination of hospitality, gaming, retail, dining, and entertainment within one unified complex, offering guests a 360-degree lifestyle experience without ever needing to leave the premises. Until now, integrated resort models were largely synonymous with destinations like Macau, Las Vegas or Manila. With this launch, Sri Lanka joins the ranks of those international cities, becoming a pioneer in introducing this format to the South Asian region. The magnitude of the City of Dreams project is unprecedented in the region and is the largest luxury lifestyle development ever undertaken in the country. The project has been over a decade in the making and reflects deep confidence in the country's tourism potential. From the outset, it was envisioned as a game-changing anchor for Colombo's transformation into a modern city. World-Class Offerings Under One Roof City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a meticulously curated ecosystem, where hospitality, entertainment, business, shopping, dining and culture converge to deliver a seamless, world-class experience that rivals the best global destinations. What sets this integrated resort apart is not just its scale, but its soul. With over 1,000 artworks displayed across the property, including some exclusively commissioned pieces, the resort serves as a living gallery spotlighting Sri Lanka's vibrant cultural identity. From hand-carved interiors to immersive multimedia installations, every detail has been carefully designed to celebrate local craftsmanship and heritage on a universal stage. The opening weekend itself was a celebration of this ethos, featuring international and local artists, dynamic performances and culinary showcases that reflected the resort's promise: to create moments that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. More than a landmark destination, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a symbol of resilience and renewal, a new chapter for Colombo that blends tradition with transformation. Luxury Hospitality Redefined At the heart of the resort is Nuwa, the ultra-luxurious hotel brand by Melco and a highlight of the City of Dreams Sri Lanka experience. With 113 elegantly appointed rooms, Nuwa caters to the discerning traveller, offering world-class design, personalised service, and exclusive amenities. Complementing this is the Cinnamon Life hotel, a 687-room premium property that has been welcoming guests since October 2024. Known for its signature Sri Lankan warmth and contemporary comforts, Cinnamon Life adds depth to the resort's hospitality offering. Together, the two hotels create a seamless blend of indulgence and accessibility, merging local charm with international finesse and placing Colombo firmly on the map of international luxury destinations. The Casino and Entertainment Edge City of Dreams brings a state-of-the-art casino to Colombo, operated to elevated gaming standards by Melco, a leader in luxury integrated resorts across Asia and Europe. Designed not just for high rollers but also as a vibrant entertainment zone, the venue attracts both leisure seekers and cultural tourists. Complementing the gaming floor are immersive entertainment spaces poised to host international performances, art showcases and live cultural acts, offering a platform for both global and Sri Lankan talent. Retail and Dining Experiences The Shoppes, which is the premium shopping promenade at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, features luxury brands, lifestyle boutiques, and concept stores curated to meet international standards. Retail therapy is elevated with a Sri Lankan touch, offering an eclectic blend of global and local. Gastronomy, too, takes centre stage. The resort boasts 17 distinctive dining outlets, including restaurants and bars helmed by internationally acclaimed chefs. From pan-Asian fine dining to regional specialties, the culinary offerings span a wide range of cuisines, promising an unforgettable gastronomic journey for every palate. Business Meets Leisure The resort's MICE infrastructure (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) is designed to accommodate everything from intimate board meetings to major conferences. With cutting-edge technology and flexible venues, it opens new doors for Colombo as a premier business tourism destination in South Asia. Redefining Colombo's Global Identity Strategically located in the heart of the city, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is more than a place to stay. It is a reason to visit Colombo. The integrated resort is positioned to drive a surge in international arrivals, especially from India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, reinforcing Sri Lanka's tourism ambitions. For a long time, the island nation has been known for its beaches, tea estates and cultural heritage. With the City of Dreams, Colombo now stands out as a destination that balances heritage with world-class urban luxury. Moreover, this resort is not just for tourists. It is being marketed as a lifestyle hub for locals and global citizens alike. Residents, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and creatives find in it a space where modern elegance, entertainment and Sri Lankan culture intersect. Its scale and ambition place Colombo in the same breath as established urban resort cities like Macau, Manila, and Limassol, all home to previous iterations of the City of Dreams brand. Economic and Cultural Impact City of Dreams Sri Lanka is poised to make a significant contribution to the nation's economy and cultural landscape that is expected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities - from hospitality and culinary arts to logistics and event management -- the development has opened new avenues for local skill development and long-term career advancement, empowering a diverse segment of the workforce. Beyond job creation, the resort is set to become a key driver of foreign exchange earnings. Positioned as a high-end destination that attracts affluent international travellers, it is likely to boost investor confidence and act as a catalyst for further foreign direct investment. This launch comes at a critical time in Sri Lanka's economic journey, offering a sustainable model for growth and regional engagement. Melco Resorts & Entertainment is dedicated to bringing its expertise in luxury hospitality and entertainment to ensure that this project achieves the highest international standards. The company is committed to empowering local talent development through comprehensive training programs, creating meaningful career opportunities for the Sri Lankan workforce. Additionally, Melco will uphold the highest standards and implement industry's best practices in responsible operations, ensuring a world-class experience that prioritizes excellence, safety, and sustainability. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
New Delhi [India], December 2: The IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2024 commenced today in New Delhi, convening over 400 visionaries, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to chart a transformative path for India's green economy. The Summit is dedicated to aligning India's climate goals with its trillion-dollar economic aspirations for a 'Viksit Bharat,' spotlighting high-impact investment opportunities, addressing funding gaps, and driving actionable solutions for net-zero and climate adaptation. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee Says West Bengal Yet To Get INR 14,000 Crore From Centre for Supply of ...Read More >
Keerthy Suresh's post comes shortly after several reports claimed the couple will marry on December 11 at a destination wedding in Goa On Wednesday, the actress took to her Instagram handle and shared her first-ever picture with Antony alongside a heartfelt note. Sharing the photo, the actress wrote in the caption, "15 years and counting It has always been..AntoNY x KEerthy ( Iykyk)." In the photo, taken during Diwali, Antony Thattil is seen holding up a firecracker, lighting it as he raised it high. Keerthy stood beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder, as both of them gazed at the sky ...Read More >
Panaji (Goa) [India], November 27 (ANI): Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, known for his films with gripping storylines, shared his experience of being part of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and discussed his upcoming project, Wives of Bollywood. Speaking with ANI, he said, "I am very happy to be here. I have been attending for almost 20 or 22 years. I have been involved in various capacities -- sometimes as part of the standing committee, sometimes as a jury member, and sometimes as the chairman. It's a place where filmmakers from all over the world, as well as different sta ...Read More >
Air India launched a Black Friday Sale with discounts up to 20% on domestic flights and up to 12% on international flights to various destinations. The sale is available through the airline's website and mobile apps. Additional savings are possible with waived convenience fees and specific payment methods. The airline continues offering student and senior citizen discounts.Air India on Friday launched a limited-time Black Friday Sale offering discounts of up to 20 per cent off base fares for domestic flights within India. The Tata-owned airlines will also offer up to 12 per cent off base fares ...Read More >
* Commoditisation and similarity of products and services with competitors will have the most significant impact on how businesses deliver customer experiences over the next two years, according to the latest IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Affinidi * However, businesses who are looking to hyper-personalise their products as a competitive differentiator are facing several obstacles in addressing the privacy-personalisation dilemma, with 56% of them highlighting data collection and management to be a key challenge. * To truly enhance customer experiences through more personalised insights, they m ...Read More >
Air India is also offering additional discounts through various payment offers, so you can enjoy even more savings. Air India has launched its limited-time Black Friday Sale, offering up to 20 percent off base fares for domestic flights and up to 12 percent off on international flights to destinations like the United States, Europe (including the UK), Australia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The sale is available exclusively on Air India's official website and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The sale runs from 00:01 IST on 29 November 2024 to 23:59 IST on 2 December 2024. The travel peri ...Read More >
Pune Airport is set to boost international travel with new daily flights to Dubai and bi-weekly flights to Bangkok, starting October 27. Pune is gearing up to enhance its international flight connectivity with the launch of new routes beginning October 27.The city will soon have a daily flight to Dubai and a bi-weekly service to Bangkok. This announcement was made on Thursday by Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation. Currently, Pune airport caters to two international destinations. A prominent route from Pune is the well-established Dubai flight, currently operated by Spi ...Read More >
Baby John is releasing on 25th December 2024. Reportedly, Salman Khan will also make a special appearance in the film. Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh have set the internet on fire with their song "Nain Matakka" from the upcoming film Baby John. To add to the excitement, today, the actor shared a set of behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos featuring Keerthy Suresh and Diljit Dosanjh. In no time, it went viral, and fans also reacted to it. Taking to his Instagram handle, Varun Dhawan shared photos to see how they have prepared for the song. "#nainmatakka crazy energy on this set. Are u doing the na ...Read More >
Hit by economic slowdown and poor infrastructure, industrialists from Jharkhand's key industrial districts -- East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan -- are looking to the newly formed state government for revival and support. The industrial zones of Adityapur, Gamharia, Kandra, and Chandil have been grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads, lack of bridges, erratic water supply, and unreliable power. Entrepreneurs in these regions hope the new administration will address these issues and work toward improving the state's industrial ecosystem ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Mumbai: Bollywood star Varun Dhawan has heaped praise on actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who worked alongside him in the series "Citadel: Honey Bunny", and said that she is the "best co-star ever". Samantha took to Instagram, where she shared a sequence of pictures from the success party. The photographs featured the actress along with Varun, the creators Raj and DK and the entire crew of the show. "A beautiful evening spent with the loveliest people, my heart overflowing with gratitude. #CitadelHoneyBunny," she wrote as the caption. Varun took to the comment section and praised Samantha: "Th ...Read More >
LONDON - The Rank Group (LON:RNK) Plc, a British gambling company, announced today the appointment of Mr. Christian Nothhaft as a non-executive director, effective immediately. This change comes as Mr. Chew Seong Aun retires from the board, also effective today. Mr. Nothhaft brings a broad range of experience to the Rank board, including expertise in digital transformation. Alex Thursby, Rank's chairman, expressed confidence in Nothhaft's abilities, stating that his international and strategic experience will be valuable to the company. Nothhaft has a notable background in business managemen ...Read More >
US, Spain, Thailand, China, Tokyo, Munich, and more will showcase Marriott International's trailblazing luxury experiences, offering transformative travel in 2025. At the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, Marriott International, Inc. has unveiled an exciting new phase of global expansion. The Luxury Group is introducing a range of innovative brand extensions, including luxury tented camps, remote lodges, and personalized experiences, all designed to elevate Marriott's position as a global leader in premium hospitality. With a portfolio that includes renowned names such as T ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
India Quality Conclave 2024: Driving Excellence in Quality Management Presto Group proudly presents the India Quality Conclave 2024, set to take place on November 30 at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi. This transformative event will bring together industry leaders from packaging, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors to discuss cutting-edge quality improvement practices. Key highlights include strategies for cost reduction, boosting QC team productivity, and ensuring hassle-free audits. Attendees will benefit from keynote speeches, case studies, panel discussions, and a special book launch, Per ...Read More >
Shehnaaz Gill, known for her social media presence, shared a video of herself dancing to a revamped version of 'Kajra Mohabbat Wala' on the sets of her upcoming film. She expressed her love for dancing and acting, calling reels her 'meal'. Actress and social media sensation Shehnaaz Gill shared a video of herself dancing on a revamped version of the classic "Kajra Mohabbat Wala" and declared that reel is her "meal". Shehnaaz Gill Shows Off Her Dance Moves to Badshah's 'Morni' Track, Says She's Never Too Busy for What She Loves (Watch Video). Shehnaaz took to her Instagram, where she was seen ...Read More >
Aishwarya Rai recently attended the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai, where her name appeared without the "Bachchan" surname, sparking social media buzz amid ongoing divorce rumors with Abhishek Bachchan. Speculations intensified after Aishwarya attended a wedding solo with daughter Aaradhya, while Abhishek was elsewhere with his family. Rumors also linked Abhishek to actress Nimrat Kaur. Breaking his silence, Amitabh Bachchan addressed these rumors through a blog post, urging readers not to believe unverified information marked by "question marks," emphasizing the harm of baseless speculation. T ...Read More >
The escalating conflict could upset a hard-fought consensus that G20 negotiators reached around 5 a.m. on Sunday, after an overnight push to ready the joint statement for final review by leaders arriving in Rio. That preliminary consensus after six days of negotiations included streamlined language about global conflicts including the war in Ukraine, focusing on the need to negotiate peace rather than criticism of any participants. However, sources said even that "simpler" consensus may now be up for reconsideration following the Russian air strike and the prospect of further escalation. Un ...Read More >
'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' (2001) is a romantic drama directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, marking the Bollywood debut of R Madhavan and Dia Mirza. At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, actor R Madhavan opened up about the emotional journey of his iconic film 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' (RHTDM), which has achieved cult status over the years. The film, initially released in 2001, marked a significant milestone in Bollywood, both for R Madhavan and his co-star Dia Mirza, as it was their debut film. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the romantic drama also starred Saif ...Read More >
Sunmei Hotels Group has announced the launch of Sunmei Group International (SGI) and three new overseas brands—SHANKEE, PENRO, and LANOU—marking its expansion into the UAE market. The company plans to introduce SHANKEE Hotels, a smart economy brand, to cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. SGI focuses on smart marketing, modular renovations, and intelligent operations, leveraging big data and AI to enhance service and guest experiences. Chairman Ma Yingyao aims to open 100 hotels globally within the next decade, doubling revenue and establishing a strong international presence for Chinese ...Read More >
H.E. Josel Francisco Ignacio, current Ambassador of the Philippines to India shares his credentials with President Droupadi Murmu On 16 November 1949, the Philippines and India, the two independent democracies would forge diplomatic ties. The two republics were born just a few years apart, first set out on the road to their bilateral friendship and collaboration. This inaugurated a period of closer government interaction, commerce and investment, and other bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Building on much common ground in history, democratic ideals, socio-economic imperatives and aspi ...Read More >
The global smoke grenade market is expected to grow from $297.24 million in 2023 to $456.46 million by 2031, driven by a 5.5% CAGR. Military, law enforcement, and emergency services are the primary sectors fueling demand, especially for tactical operations, training, and crowd control. Advances in technology have led to safer, more effective smoke grenades, while commercial uses in activities like paintball and film production are rising. Environmental concerns are promoting the development of eco-friendly products. North America leads the market, with rising military expenditures further boos ...Read More >
Sobhita Dhulipala, Naga Chaitanya is set to marry tomorrow at Hyderabad. Sobhita has been sharing pictures from her pre-wedding festivities on her Instagram. Let's check out their relationship timeline Naga Chaitanya was spotted with Sobhita Dhulipala at his home in 2022, few months after his divorce from Samantha in October 2021. The duo appeared comfortable in each other's presence and Chay was seen giving Sobhita a tour of his house. This sparked rumours online about a budding relationship In March 2023, Michelin Star Chef Surender Mohan posted a picture with Naga Chaitanya at his London ...Read More >
Shaleena Nathani has outdone herself. Her latest styling for Tamannaah Bhatia may be her best work with the actor so far. On Wednesday, the stylist and the actor took to Instagram to share pictures from a stunning shoot. (Also read: Wedding bells for Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma? 'Kyun nahin?', says Tamannaah) For the pictures, Tamannaah wore a black Skims X Dolce and Gabbana dress that hugged her body perfectly, putting her hourglass figure on full display. She also wore diamond earrings, a wide black hairband and black Louboutin shoes. Shaleena aptly summed up the look as 'sexxaayy'. O ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Don't Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a fam ...Read More >
Alia Bhatt has always shared a special bond with her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, and their close relationship is often evident on social media. On Shaheen's birthday, Alia made the day even more special by posting a heartfelt wish on Instagram, referring to her sister as "her life." Alia Bhatt shares heartfelt birthday wish for sister Shaheen Bhatt with adorable selfie, watch The Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani star shared an adorable selfie with her sister Shaheen. In the photo, Alia looked radiant in a floral outfit, while Shaheen wore a chic orange dress. Alongside the image, Alia wrote, "Happy ...Read More >
An Indian fried chicken dish was named among the top 10 worldwide (Photo Credit: iStock) A wide variety of fried chicken dishes are prepared in regions around the world. From lesser-known traditional delicacies to staple snacks famous in multiple countries, exploring these dishes can be a fascinating exercise. Taste Atlas, the popular food and travel guide, has even curated a list of the 'Best Fried Chicken Dishes' across the globe. It recently updated the same as per its ranking data for December 2024. A single Indian dish was named among the top 10. Chicken 65, a lip-smacking treat from Sou ...Read More >
Uber has launched India's first Shikara ride on Srinagar's Dal Lake, offering a unique and scenic experience. This new service allows passengers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake while riding in a traditional Shikara boat. Booking is easy through the Uber app, with rides available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the region while providing locals with a new way to experience the lake. With Uber's entry into the Shikara market, visitors can now enjoy a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm on Dal Lake. ...Read More >
Rupee has maintained its position as one of the best performing Asian currencies, despite the ongoing challenges and geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance on Monday said that this stance indicates India's strong economic fundamentals. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, he mentioned that Rupee's is market-determined, not limited to any target or specific level. He noted that, as of November 19, 2024, the domestic currency had dropped 1.4 percent against the US dollar in the current calendar year (CY) 2024 and decline was primarily driven by ...Read More >
Still, the ongoing U.N. climate talks have thrown a spotlight on their efforts to tackle global warming. While the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tasked with agreeing a goal to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate, leaders of the Group of 20 major economies half a world away in Rio are holding the purse strings. G20 countries account for 85% of the world's economy and are the largest contributors to multilateral development banks helping to steer climate finance. "The spotlight is naturally on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions," U.N. Secretary Ge ...Read More >