Lakshmi Mittal, ArcelorMittal

Man of Mettle

Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, who is at the helm of ArcelorMittal, the world's second-largest steel producer, is widely considered synonymous with the global steel industry. His legacy goes beyond his accomplishments in the steel industry through the LNM Foundation. 

The World Steel Association (WorldSteel) in its October 2024 report of the short range outlook (SRO) for FY24 forecast that the global steel demand would dip further by 0.9% to 1751 million tonnes. However, after three years of decline, WorldSteel is expecting a broadbased recovery globally, except China, in 2025. Demand for steel is forecast to rebound by 1.2% in 2025 to reach 1772 million tonnes globally.

According to Dr. Martin Theuringer, Managing Director, German Steel Association and Chairman of the WorldSteel Economics Committee, observed: "The year 2024 was a difficult period for global steel demand, as the global manufacturing sector continued to grapple with persistent headwinds, including decreasing household purchasing power, aggressive monetary tightening and escalating geopolitical uncertainties."

Despite the challenges, such as lingering effects of monetary tightening, higher costs, limited affordability and geopolitical uncertainties, WorldSteel is optimistic that global steel demand would enter a moderate growth phase in 2025. The global market for steel was estimated at 1.8 billion metric tonnes in 2024. It is projected to reach 2.2 billion metric tonnes by 2030, clocking a CAGR of 2.9% from 2024 to 2030. 

Lakshmi Mittal

Lakshmi Mittal is considered synonymous with the global steel industry. His role in building ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company, is attributed to his aggressive acquisitions and strategic leadership. He is looked up to for his role in reshaping the global steel industry. Thanks to his vision for the growth of the industry, he successfully transformed what was once a balkanised and localised industry into a more integrated global sector.

Lakshmi Mittal, a global businessman who serves on the boards of various advisory councils, is also a philanthropist engaged in children's health and education. He is a citizen of India but resides in the UK to helm his vast business.

Mittal Roots

Lakshmi Mittal was born into a Marwari Hindu family in Sadulpur, Rajasthan, India, in 1950. The family eventually moved to Kolkata. Subsequently, his father Mohanlal Mittal set up a steel mill, Nippon Denro Ispat, in 1976. Laxmi studied at Shri Daulatram Nopany Vidyalaya, Kolkata. He pursued his B.Com. at St. Xavier's College, affiliated to the University of Calcutta. Due to restrictions placed on steel production by the then Indian government, young Laxmi opened his first steel factory, PT Ispat Indo, in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. In 1989, Mittal purchased the loss-making state-owned steel works in Trinidad and Tobago. In a year's time he turned them into profitable ventures.

Until the 1990s, the Mittals' main assets in India were a cold-rolling mill for sheet steels in Nagpur and an alloy steel plant in Pune. Today, the family business, including a large integrated steel plant near Mumbai, is run by his younger brothers Pramod Mittal and Vinod Mittal. In 1995, Laxmi Mittal purchased the Irish Steel plant based in Cork, Ireland, from the government, but it was closed down after a few years. Subsequent environmental issues at the site drew flak. 

In 2001, Mittal acquired an existing business, which he renamed Ispat Mexicana, while he bought another unit, Ispat Katmet, in Kazakhstan. Shortly thereafter he renamed Sidex Galati to Ispat Sidex, which he had acquired in November 2001. In the late-2003, LNM Group concluded the $155-million transaction to take over the control of steel assets, Siderurgica Hunedoara and Petrotub Roman. Thereafter, it also took over the Polish PHS Steel Group. In 2007, Lakshmi Mittal made a hostile takeover of Arcelor, which he renamed ArcelorMittal. In the process, he obtained control over the Usinor of France, the Arbed of Luxembourg, and the Aceralia of Spain.

ArcelorMittal 

ArcelorMittal, an integrated steel manufacturing company, headquartered in Luxembourg, manufactures and markets a range of finished and semi-finished steel products. The product portfolio consists of flat steel, including sheet and plate, and long steel, including bars, rods, and structural shapes. Also, it produces pipes and tubes for various applications, and mining products, including iron ore lump, fines, concentrate and sinter feed, coking, pulverized coal injection (PCI) and thermal coal. The company is engaged in iron ore and coal mining operations in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. The company markets steel products largely in local markets and through centralized marketing to customers in appliance, automotive, construction, engineering, and machinery sectors. 

ArcelorMittal is ranked second on the list of steel producers. It reported an annual crude steel production of 78 million metric tonnes in 2023. However, In 2024, ArcelorMittal's crude steel production reached 57.9 million tonnes, a 0.3% decrease compared to 2023, while iron ore production increased by 0.9% to 42.4 million tonnes. lt generated a sales revenue of around $62.4 billion in 2024. It has strategic project capex investments for the Liberia expansion project (41%), the renewables energy project in India (14%), and Mardyck Electrical Steels (14%).  It has steel-making operations in 15 countries, including 37 integrated and mini-mill steel-making facilities. 

Mittal Family

Lakshmi Mittal has two brothers, Pramod Mittal and Vinod Mittal, and a sister, Seema Lohia. Seema is married to Prakash Lohia, who owns Indorama Corporation. (Read Prakash Lohia)

Lakshmi Mittal is married to Usha Dalmia. They have a son Aditya Mittal and a daughter Vanisha Mittal. He resides at 18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens, which was bought in 2004 for £67 million ($128 million). The opulent house, then the world's most expensive residence, is decorated with marbles taken from the same quarry from where marble stones were sourced by King Shahajahan to construct the Taj Mahal. The extravagance is often referred to by the media as the 'Taj Mittal'. It has 12 bedrooms, an indoor pool, Turkish baths and parking for 20 cars.

Also, Lakshmi Mittal bought No. 9A Palace Greens, Kensington Gardens, formerly the Philippines Embassy, for £70 million in 2008, for his daughter Vanisha Mittal. She is married to Amit Bhatia, a businessman and philanthropist. Vanisha's wedding reception is still remembered for its lavish 'vegetarian Party' held in the Palace of Versailles, France.

Achievements And Awards

The following are some of the major achievements and awards received by Lakshmi Mittal:

• Turning around the fortunes of state-owned steel works in Trinidad and Tobago.
• Acquiring and successfully managing the Irish Steel plant in Cork, Ireland, and renaming Sidex Galati to Ispat Sidex. 
• Acquisition of PHS Steel Group from the Polish government and renamed Ispat Mexicana and Ispat Karmet.
• Most significant achievement is the acquisition of Arcelor in 2006, creating the world's largest steelmaking company, ArcelorMittal. 
• Lakshmi Mittal has received numerous awards and honours, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2008.

Besides, Lakshmi Mittal gained international recognition as a steel industry leader. In 1996, he was awarded Steelmaker of the Year by New Steel in the US. He was named Fortune's European Businessman of the Year in 2004, and Person of the Year by the Financial Times in 2006. In 2010, he received the World Steel Association’s medal in recognition of his contribution to the sustainable development of the global steel industry. In 2013, he received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland.

Lakshmi Mittal is Chairman of $68-billion (revenue) ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel and mining company by output. In 2019, Arcelor and Nippon Steel completed their $5.9 billion acquisition of Essar Steel, once controlled by former billionaires Shashi Ruia and Ravi Ruia. In 2021, Mittal made his son Aditya Mittal as CEO while he took over as Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal. As of March 2025, Lakshmi Mittal's net worth is estimated at $18.43 billion. 

Lakshmi Mittal’s legacy goes beyond his accomplishments in the steel industry. The LNM Foundation, a platform for social responsibility that he founded, is engaged in improvement of education, healthcare, and development of the community. His philanthropic efforts include numerous social causes, which show his belief in corporate responsibility in the fight against societal challenges and his dedication to giving back to society.

(Photo: Courtesy ArcelorMittal)

Taj Pabari, Australia

Australia's Young Taj

One of Australia’s youngest and most successful social entrepreneurs, Taj Pabari is CEO of The ASE Group and Co-founder of Fiftysix Creations. 

An inventor, entrepreneur and educational pioneer, Taj Pabari is passionate about providing inspiration to all regardless of age to discover and embrace the world of entrepreneurship through technology and innovation. The world of business always captivated him. From selling items during his free time and lunch breaks at school, he made his official entrepreneurial debut at the age of eleven by founding his first business: an electronic blogging site for children. After publishing around 300 articles, the blog was sold, and subsequently he stepped into his next venture.

Just out of his teens, Taj Pabari of Indian descent was born in the UK but later migrated to Australia with his family. He is the co-founder of The ASE Group, a social enterprise that helps develop the life and entrepreneurial skills of Australians. One of Australia’s youngest and most successful social entrepreneurs, Taj Pabari is the CEO of The ASE Group. He is also the co-founder of Fiftysix Creations. 

Taj Pabari's Early Days

Born in London, UK, Taj Pabari's family moved to Brisbane, Australia, when he was an infant. He studied at John Paul College. He was frequently suspended during school for his lack of interest in studies. However, his interest was in business, which prompted him to eventually start his first online business at the age of 10.

Taj launched Fiftysix Creations in 2014 by selling do-it-yourself electronic tablets for kids. In 2016, the firm began running digital literacy programs for indigenous students in Australia. Subsequently, Taj was appointed by Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk to the Queensland Plan Ambassadors Council in 2017 and the Premier's Anti-Cyberbullying Task Force.

In 2020, Taj co-founded The ASE Group. The organisation is engaged in education, entrepreneurship and employment programs with the Queensland Government and the Government of Australia.

Fiftysix Creations 

Founded by Taj Pabari, Fiftysix Creations specialises in designing and delivering unique, interactive and educational events. Besides, it organizes custom workshops for all age groups in Australia. Since 2014, Fiftysix Creations has educated more than 51,000 young and older Australians. It had the privilege to organise and coordinate the Minister's Climate Challenge for the Queensland Government in partnership with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship. This  statewide program featured esteemed US vice-president Al Gore. The team coordinated the educational program, orchestrated a VIP "meet and greet" for Queensland students. 

Fiftysix Creations has empowered over 1000 seniors through the Senior Startup Programs. Combining private mentoring and small group workshops, the team equips individuals aged above 50 years with essential technology skills for personal business, boosting their confidence in the digital realm. The program's curriculum also includes vital education in business and financial literacy, thereby helping participants to consider starting their own business from home. By fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment, it is proud to celebrate the seniors' progress and achievements as they embrace new opportunities for growth.

The ASE Group 

The ASE Group is a community-led and purpose-driven business, which delivers life skills education, entrepreneurship and employment programs to Australians. With the mission to equip every Australian, regardless of age, the skills, resources and mindset required to set up a business or seek employment.

The ASE Group, run by a panel of educators and professionals, is committed to driving innovation and positive transformation in education, entrepreneurship and employment. With a unique combination of extensive hands-on experience and business acumen, it brings a fresh and insightful perspective to industry challenges by understanding the issues affecting the Australian community. Taj created his business on the belief that children need to have an alternative way of learning. He recognised that as we enter the workforce of the future, the skills that will be useful are soft skills and people skills.

Taj has appeared in various television shows, including, The Today Show, CNBC, and the ABC. He was the speaker at two TEDx talks, as well as at the World Science Festival alongside Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt. Also, he was featured in The Australian, Channel Seven, Channel Nine, and Channel Ten. He was lauded for his exceptional work by the Prime Minister of Australia. 

Awards And Recognitions

In 2014, Taj won The Australian Young Innovator of the Year Award, an award given to the most exciting innovator and emerging talent. In 2017, he bagged the Queensland Young Australian of the Year Award in Brisbane, Australia. In 2020, he was on the Courier Mail Logan 50 Most Influential People list. In 2021, he was listed in Asialink's the 40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australians. In 2023, he was listed in the Courier Mail Top 30 Young Entrepreneurs Under 30 list.

Taj Pabari is also the author of the bestseller, Young, Dumb and Financially Independent: What School Didn't Teach You About Money. The book provides practical guidance on saving, investing and understanding the different aspects of tax and stock markets, empowering readers to take control of their finances. It was featured on ABC News Breakfast and The Australian.

(Photo: Courtesy The ASE Group)

Smart Tech

Lightweight Keocam Camera For Safety

As per an estimate, over 80% of assaults and hate crimes go unreported, and fewer than 5% lead to prosecution due to lack of evidence. Keocam, a lightweight body camera, changes that by capturing real-time proof. Keocam continuously records in a one-minute loop, storing footage on both the camera and your phone. In an emergency, Keocam uploads recordings to secure cloud storage. This ensures attackers cannot erase the evidence. Weighing just 70g, Keocam magnetically attaches to any clothing. The slim design is easy to carry in a bag or purse. It captures footage with a 160° viewing angle. It notifies trusted contacts with a live video link and real-time location tracking during an emergency. The power button locks down to prevent attackers from turning off your camera or phone.

Aulumu M01 Collapsible Wireless Charging Station For All Devices

Charge your devices easily with the Aulumu M01 collapsible wireless charging station. It is designed to keep your mobile devices charged wherever you are. It is collapsible and compatible with multiple devices. It offers 3-in-1 wireless convenience by charging your smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches simultaneously, all with MagSafe compatibility and an additional USB-C output. With Aulumu M01 you can experience rapid charging with up to 15W for smartphones and dedicated power outputs for other devices. Constructed from TPU and aluminum alloy, the M01 offers a superior touch and durability. You can fold it up and pack it away with ease. This compact charger comes with a 12-month warranty and dedicated customer support.

Effortless, Intelligent Mado Solar-Powered Shades

Upgrade your home with Mado Dynamic C-Series Smart Shades - the effortless, solar-powered solution for energy savings, comfort and automation. It provides tool-free, tension-fit installation: no drilling, no precise measuring, and no custom setup required. Built-in solar panels, it eliminates battery changes and charging, delivering maintenance-free performance. By using the included remote you can send voice commands via Siri, Alexa or Google, or use the MadoAI app to automate schedules and adjust for energy efficiency. AI-driven automation optimizes natural light, regulates temperature, and lowers utility bills effortlessly. Mado Dynamic C-Series Smart Shades redefine convenience, efficiency and style.

Wearable AI Memory Capsule Notetaker For All Professions 

Boost your productivity and capture important conversations with the Plaud AI NotePin. It is an advanced, ultra-thin, and lightweight wearable AI notetaker. It can streamline how professionals manage tasks across work, school and home. The NotePin has a compact, wearable design. Whether as a wristband, necklace, clip or pin, you can record conversations anytime, anywhere. You can improve your workflow with the Plaud app and web platform. They feature AI-powered speaker labels and note summaries with professional templates co-developed by experts.The NotePin has an impressive 40-day standby time and up to 20 hours of continuous recording. Hence, you can enjoy crystal-clear playback with high-definition recording for every important moment. Your data is protected with industry-leading encryption. The built-in "Find My" feature keeps your device within reach, and cloud integration allows you to access recordings across multiple platforms.

(Photos: Company Brochures)

Expat News

Qatar Airport Expansion 

Qatar's Hamad international Airport (DOH) in Doha is upgrading its facilities to self-boarding systems and designated chairs for ‘introverts’ to specialised services for the hearing challenged and a lush indoor tropical garden, with the aim to transform flight delays into a desirable experience. The new concourses, D and E, have been integrated into the existing terminal and feature advanced technology, including self-boarding gates, to improve passenger flow.

Iran Celebrates Ancient Fire Festival 

Iran’s fire festival known as "Chaharshanbe Souri" in Farsi, comes in the hours just before before Nowruz, which is the Persian New Year. To celebrate, people light bonfires, set off fireworks and send wish lanterns floating off into the night sky. Others jump over and around fires, chanting, "My yellow is yours, your red is mine," invoking the replacement of ills with warmth and energy. The fire festival also features an Iranian version of trick-or-treat, with people going door to door and being given a holiday mix of nuts and berries, as well as buckets of water. However, women remain sensitive about having their photographs taken who aren’t wearing Iran’s mandatory religious headscarf.

Expatriate Tax Burdens In US Get A New Focus

The tax plights of US taxpayers living abroad are gaining attention. While on the campaign trail in October 2024, President Donald Trump pledged to eliminate what he called "double taxation" on these individuals. Buoyed by Trump’s re-election, House Ways and Means Committee member Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) introduced the Residence-Based Taxation for Americans Abroad Act (H.R. 10468) two months later. LaHood, whose legislation seeks to apply residence-based taxation to US citizens living abroad, made it clear that he wants to work together with Democrats to ease those tax burdens. Republicans on the House Budget Committee are also interested. They are considering a menu of top budget options, and exempting non-resident US taxpayers from income tax happens to be one of them.

India Among Top Five Countries With Highest Visa Fees

If you are considering international travel, take note that Australia has emerged as the country with the highest visa fees, according to a study by expat insurance portal, William Russell, with India ranking fifth. Australia, known as ‘The Great Southern Land’, leads the list, closely followed by global heavyweights, such as the US, the UK, and Japan, securing the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively. Key factors, such as expat population, visa data, required vaccines and language proficiency tests were analysed by William Russell to identify countries with the most challenging immigration processes. India, with its low expat population (0.4 per cent), is deemed one of the most difficult countries to immigrate to, with an Employment visa cost of GBP 427 (INR 45,412).

Exotic Foods

Italian Pizza 

Italian Pizza or Pizza is one the most popular foods in the world. It is sold at a variety of restaurants, including pizzerias, restaurants, via delivery and as street food. In Italy, Pizza served in a restaurant is presented unsliced, which is eaten with a knife and fork. However, it is typically cut into slices to be eaten while held in the hand. It is also sold in grocery stores in a variety of forms, including frozen or as kits, which are then cooked using a home oven.

The term Pizza was first recorded in AD 997 in a Latin manuscript from the southern Italian town of Gaeta, Lazio. Often, Raffaele Esposito is credited for creating the modern Pizza in Naples. In 2009, Neapolitan Pizza was registered with the EU as a traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) dish. In 2017, the art of making Neapolitan Pizza was included on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

Preparation: Italian Pizza

(Video: Courtesy Emma's  Goodies)

Indian Uttappa

Uttappa or Uttappam is a type of Dosa from South India. Unlike a typical crisp and crepe-like Dosa, a Uttapam is thicker, with toppings. The term Uttappa is derived from  Tamil words 'appam' and 'utthia,' which means 'poured appam,' since appam is cooked in a round-bottom pan while utthia-appam is cooked on a flat skillet. Although it is similar to a Dosa, it has more vegetables and takes a longer time to prepare. It is popular in South India, mainly in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, the delicacy is available in all South Indian restaurants across India and also abroad.

Ancient Tamil literature mentions Uttappa by name. The classic breakfast of Tamil residents consists of Idli, Dosas or Uttappams, which are mostly accompanied by Sambar and Chutney.

Preparation: Indian Uttappa

(Video: Courtesy Hebbars Kitchen)

David And Simon Reuben

Midas Touch 

After immigrating to the UK from India in the 1950s, David and Simon Reuben went from strength to strength, thanks to their business acumen and strategy. Today, the Reubens are the fourth wealthiest in Britain. 

According to Britain Tracker's industry report, prepared in conjunction with the Confederation of Indian Industry, of the fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK last year, 100 of them have clocked revenue growth of at least 10%. The combined turnover of these companies is estimated at £42.8 billion, aggregating an average annual growth rate of 48%. Together, they paid £473.6 million in corporation tax and made capital expenditure investments of £1.4 billion.

Of the 100 fastest-growing Indian companies, 27% are in technology and telecoms, while engineering and manufacturing companies represent 20% of companies. Hospitality and leisure companies particularly benefitted from a full year’s trading under normal conditions. They represented 10% of the Tracker companies, including five in the top 30 list. Around 52% of the fastest-growing companies are mostly focused in London.

Reuben Brothers

Born into a Baghdadi Jewish family in Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay), David Reuben and Simon Reuben are the sons of David Sassoon Reuben and Nancy Reuben. Their father migrated to Mumbai from Iraq in search of employment in the then large textile industry. However, the divorce of their parents led the brothers to a different destination, London, in the 1950s along with their mother. 

Due to financial circumstances, the brothers had a chequered early life and had to study in state schools. Simon Reuben could not complete his formal education, since he dropped out of school. They were brought up in Islington, North London.

Scrap Metals Business And Carpet Trading

Eventually, David set up a scrap metals business while Simon started out in carpets trade. He acquired England's oldest carpet company from the receivers, and subsequently he made a profit from carpet trading. Thereafter, he began investing in property. Initially, he invested in Walton Street and the King's Road in Chelsea. The brothers grew financially strong during the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to their successful metals and property businesses.

In the early 1990s, David and Simon were drawn towards the Russian metals market. However, the incapacitated Russian aluminum smelters soon became debt ridden. Trans-World, Reuben's firm, invested in the factories. They received raw materials in return for finished aluminum from them. The company's investment in Russia was estimated at $1.5 billion, with global sales in 1995 clocking over $8 billion. However, Trans-World was accused of involvement in illegal activities. The brothers were reportedly involved with a few members of the country's oligarchy. Eventually, they agreed to a multimillion-pound legal dispute with an oligarchy. And the settlement was awarded to Reuben Brothers.

By 2000, the brothers sold all Russian assets and focused their business activities particularly on the UK's property market. Since then they have made many acquisitions and investments in technology companies. By the mid-2000s their business interests in the UK and outside the country were primarily focused on real estate. Simon Reuben has investments in OneDome, a fintech business, in the UK. In 2008, the brothers once again focused on the commodity business. They expanded their mining footprint to Morocco, Indonesia and South Africa.

Realty Business And Investments

The Reuben brothers own a number of properties in the UK. Their primary properties include Millbank Tower; the John Lewis Partnership headquarters and American Express offices in Victoria; Carlton House SW1; Academy House on Sackville Street; Connaught House on Berkeley Square; and Market Towers. Besides, they also own London Primark store on Oxford Street; Sloane Street shops; and Cambridge House, the former premises of the Naval and Military Club. 

The brothers' other investments and developments are in Merchant Squaren (a 1.8 million sq. ft. complex comprising offices and flats in Paddington), London; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts (a 50-50 joint venture in a new apart-hotel under the 'art'otel' brand in Hoxton) in London; Hampton House; and airports at London Oxford and London Heliport. In 2006, they tied up with the FTSE-listed McCarthy & Stone, a retirement home construction company, though they reportedly exited from the deal subsequently.

In 2007, the brothers made investments in the luxury leisure group, Belmond Ltd. But they sold their stake in the group in 2019 for £233 million. Their other holdings are Travelodge Hotels; D2 Jeans and Blue Inc.,  Sir Stuart Rose; Luup and Metro Bank; The Wellington Pub Company (the largest free-of-tie pub estate in the UK, with about 850 tenanted pubs); Global Switch, the carrier data centre provider in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region; and a joint venture with British Marine.

In 2020, the ownership of Newcastle United Football Club was agreed between Mike Ashley and a consortium comprising Reuben Brothers, Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Besides, the brothers also have a stake in Arena Racing Company (ARC Racing and Leisure Group) created in 2012 by the merger of Arena Leisure and Northern Racing. In 2024, the brothers acquired a strategic stake in EDGLRD, an entertainment company founded by film-maker Harmony Korine.

Awards And Achievements 

The Reuben brothers have received many awards and accolades for their successful business. Some of prominent awards include Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2003; Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Westminster in 2005; Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jewish Leadership Council in 2007; and Philanthropist of the Year Award from The Sunday Times in 2012.

As per the Sunday Times Rich List 2023, David and Simon Reuben and their combined family had an estimated net worth of £24.4 billion, making them Britain's fourth wealthiest family.

(Photo: Courtesy Company Website) 

Prabhakar Sharan

Costa Rica's Indian Star

Prabhakar Sharan's success story of achieving stardom will inspire many ambitious youth. He gave one of the biggest hits in 2017. He has been involved in promoting Bollywood films in Costa Rica and the rest of Latin America.

Spanish conquistadors who first explored Costa Rica in the early-1500s aptly named the land "The Rich Coast." It is richly endowed with natural beauty, with lush sprawling rain forests, beautiful flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls and enchanting landscapes. It's also a place of misty mountains, rumbling volcanoes and pristine beaches. Thanks to its bio-diversity, eco-tourists are flocking to the land from all corners of the world attracted by its guided animal tours.

Most of the Costa Rican cinemas show Hollywood productions, but in recent years the number of movies produced in this Latin American country has increased in recent years. These range from horror and comedy movies, focused on entertainment value to art cinema. The country's art movies are often character studies, focusing on aesthetics and narrative and less on political issues. Costa Rica's top successful directors in the international art movies circuit include Paz Fábrega and Isthar Yasin Gutierrez.

Costa Rica's National Film Council started submitting entries for the Oscars since 2005. A new National Cinematheque building is being constructed in San Jose to support screenings and educational programs.

Perhaps, the first Indian who has achieved extraordinary success in Latin America's entertainment industry, Prabhakar Sharan wanted to become an actor in Bollywood, but landed in Costa Rica while wanting to migrate to the US back in the 2000s. Hailing from Bihar, India, Prabhakar Sharan's success story of achieving stardom will inspire many ambitious youth. He is a well-known star in Costa Rica, who gave the local film industry one of the biggest hits of 2017, "Enredados: la confusion" (Entangled: The Confusion). It is  the first Latin American film made in typical Bollywood style, with songs and dance. It was picturized in the magnificent Costa Rica, besides Panama and Mumbai. Prabhakar played the lead role opposite Nancy Dobles, a popular Costa Rican television hostess. The movie, a box-office success, was distributed by Cinepolis in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and San Salvador. The movie was an attempt at creating a bond between Indian and Costs Rican communities. 

Indian Roots 

Born in Bihar's Motihari, Prabhakar Sharan initially went to Costa Rica for studies and to pursue an acting career. His parents Prabhunath Sharan and Subhadra Prasad are retired bankers from Motihari, Bihar. He was born in Patna and did his schooling from Bhurkunda and Ramnagar, which are now in Jharkhand. He went to Rohtak for his college education. He later moved to Costa Rica for further studies. After moving to the country, he gradually opened a chain of Indian clothing stores and restaurants in 2010. He studied at Costa Rica's Universidad Panamericana in 2000. During his tenure in the university, he became the president of the university. 

Six years later, Prabhakar Sharan decided to bring Bollywood movies to theatres in Costa Rica. Subsequently, he started movie distribution, production and a chain of different businesses. He was the first to bring Bollywood movies commercially to Central America. While he lived in Costa Rica, he married a local woman. However, things didn't work for him professionally and personally. He moved back to India and even divorced his wife. In 2014, he decided to move back to Costa Rica once again and make a movie. Teresa Rodriguez Cerdas, a university owner, educationist and philanthropist, helped him to achieve his ambition of producing a movie. 

Bringing Bollywood To Latin America 

Indian actor, producer and screenwriter Prabhakar Sharan, who is the owner of the Pacific Investment Corporation (PIC), observed:  "There is no other person or other production company that does the work I have been doing...I have worked with Panama and Costa Rica to bring Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry, to the region." Also, he signed an agreement with a major production company in India, with the backing of the Panama Film Commission of the Ministry of Commerce, to make the first Bollywood film in this country.

Prabhakar Sharan has plans to produce further movies in Panama with Bollywood producers on Costa Rica's indigenous communities, such as Ngäbe chieftain, Urracá, from the central province of Veraguas, who fought against the Spanish conquistadors. Latin America-based top Indian diplomats have praised Prabhakar for his efforts in promoting Indian films.

Currently, Prabhakar Sharan is further exploring the possibility of promoting Bollywood movies in Latin America. He visited India last year, and met with some movie producers and marketing companies to pursue his passion for  quality movies, with the objective of entertaining movie buffs. 

(Photo: Courtesy PIC)

Smart Tech

Portable Neck Fan With Turbo AirFlow For Lightweight Cooling On The Go 

Stay cool anywhere with the Torras COOLiTE Portable Neck Fan. It's a hands-free cooling solution that keeps you refreshed indoors and outdoors. With six hill-type air ducts directing air up and down, it cools your face, neck and back in just 3 seconds. With a 4000mAh rechargeable durable battery, you can enjoy up to 14.6 hours of cooling in Eco Mode, or 2.5-4 hours on full blast. You can choose from three cooling modes: Breeze Mode, Cool Mode, and Turbo Mode. Weighing just 10.9 oz, the COOLiTE is 50% smaller than traditional neck fans, which is easy to pack, store and carry wherever you go. The Neck Fan is available in Ivory, Space Black, and Light Blue. So stay fresh and cool, taking comfort to the next level with the COOLiTE portable Neck Fan.

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera For Content Creators And Vloggers

Sony ZV-1 has pro-level features packed into a pocket-sized camera. It is perfect for vloggers and content creators. It delivers sharp focus, smooth video and clear audio in a lightweight design. The camera's 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor and 0.94"-2.76" F1.8-2.8 ZEISS lens create a natural background blur that makes subjects appear clear. Its real-time Eye AF locks onto faces instantly, while real-time Tracking keeps everything sharp, even when subjects move. The device keeps your face well-lit as the AE adjusts brightness automatically. The camera's  built-in 3-capsule mic captures your voice clearly. It reduces background noise, providing professional-quality sound. Its optical and electronic stabilization feature keeps your footage steady. Even when walking or filming with the camera in the hand, videos stay smooth. Sony ZV-1 gives you everything you need for high-quality videos in a compact device.

Local Weather Reporting Device, A Work Of Art

Experience weather like never before with the Author Forecast Local Weather Reporting device, where classic literature meets real-time forecasts. With thousands of quotes from history’s greatest writers, every glance at the weather is a poetic journey. You can get your local forecast through the words of Tolstoy, Austen, et al. A new quote appears with every weather change, keeping it fresh even on repetitive days. Rotate the Sundial to switch between hourly and weekly forecasts. It's crafted in solid white oak, with a golden brass dial and an elegant paper-like E-Ink display. Its built-in Wi-Fi ensures automatic updates, with new quotes and forecasts. The Author Forecast Local Weather Reporting device turns daily weather checks into an inspiring literary experience, beautifully blending function with art.

Mini Gimbal Stabilizer With Intelligent Tracking 

The DJI RS 4 Mini, a compact gimbal stabilizer,  keeps your shots silky smooth whether you are filming with a mirrorless camera or smartphone. It is designed for vloggers, film-makers and content creators. Its Lock & Roll feature takes only a second, and hence you need not fiddle with manual locks. Its RS Intelligent Tracking Module keeps your subject locked in frame, whether you are doing orbit shots or solo filming. The teflon-enhanced balancing lets you make quick, precise adjustments within seconds. You can opt for vertical mode in 10 seconds, effortlessly switching from horizontal to vertical for mobile-friendly content. Its responsive follow mode makes your camera react to your every move. Weighing just 1.8 lbs, it supports up to 4.4 lbs (2 kg), handling mirrorless cameras, vlogging rigs, and even smartphones with ease. The DJI RS 4 Mini is your go-to for buttery-smooth footage, whether you are shooting for the big screen or social media.

(Photos: Courtesy Company Brochures)

Expat News

UAE's New Traffic Law: Lower Driving Age And Stricter Penalties

The UAE has introduced a new federal decree-law on traffic regulations, updating existing laws to keep pace with global transportation advancements. Key changes include lowering the legal driving age to 17, incorporating new modes of personal transport, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, into traffic regulations while introducing updated rules for both motorists and pedestrians. Stricter penalties for traffic violations are introduced. Drunk driving: Fines up to Dh100,000 and/or imprisonment. Two of the major changes in traffic regulations are: a) Jaywalking: Increased fines for crossing roads at non-designated areas, and b) Hit-and-Run: Up to two years in jail, and a Dh100,000 fine for fleeing an accident scene.

Australia Plans To Ban foreigners From Buying Established Houses

Australia is planning to ban foreigners from buying established houses for the next two years. The move is part of the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese-led government's election pitch to tackle surging home prices. This is likely to affect a large number of Indians who go to Australia for higher education. Australia's Housing Minister Clare O'Neil announced that from April 1, 2025, foreign investors will be banned from buying established property until March 31, 2027. After the deadline, the restriction will be reviewed to determine whether it should be extended, she noted, adding that the tax office will be given extra funding to help enforce the ban.

Indian Expat’s Video On Why India Is More Convenient Sparks Debate

An Indian expat residing in Sweden has sparked a widespread discussion on social media by comparing the convenience of life in India to that in Sweden. Her video highlights the swift grocery delivery services available in India, contrasting sharply with her experiences in Sweden, where it takes over 10 minutes just to reach the nearest bus stop for shopping. "India is just more convenient!" she states, pointing out that these conveniences often go unmentioned in romanticised portrayals of life abroad. "A lot of these small things are not talked about enough, so you kind of romanticise this idea of living abroad just from what you see on social media, which is very misleading," she adds. Despite her observations, she clarifies, "Don’t get me wrong, I love living in Sweden." The video has ignited a vibrant conversation about the realities of living abroad vis-a-vis the perceived conveniences back home. 

Online Applications Now Open For UAE’s New 10-Year Visas

Foreign nationals eligible for long-term residence permits in the UAE, as announced by the government last year, can now submit an online application for a six-month entry permit. The application is part of the process in completing procedures related to the expat’s purpose of residence, which will enable them to finalise their immigration process in the UAE. The following categories of foreign nationals can now forward an application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s website – entrepreneurs, investors, individuals with exceptional talent, and outstanding students. Applications must be supported with a proof of long-term residence eligibility and a fee of AED300.

Exotic Foods

English Trifle

Trifle, a type of English dessert, is made by stacking layers of sponge cake, fruits, and whipped cream in a glass dish. The sponge cake is soaked in sherry before stacking into a Trifle. Different ingredients can be added to a Trifle, such as chocolate or fruit jelly.

Trifle finds a mention in English cookbooks from the 1500s. The oldest recipe for Trifle comes from Thomas Dawson's cookbook, "The Good Huswife's Jewel," written in 1585. It was made by cooking cream, ginger, rose water and sugar into a custard. Trifle was originally a dessert made by mixing fruit and cream, but now the word "Trifle" describes a dessert made with cake, cream and fruits. The modern Trifle was invented in the 1750s.

Preparation: Trifle

(Video: Courtesy  Allrecipes)

Indian Gulab Jamun 

A ubiquitous dessert that you find at all Indian weddings, parties and festivals is Gulab Jamun. It is one of the most popular Indian desserts. It is an irresistibly delicious bite-sized donut dunked in a rose and cardamom-infused sugar syrup. 

Gulab  Jamun is a 'rose water berry' sweet confectionery or dessert, which has its origins in the Indian subcontinent. This sweet or mithai is popular in India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is also popular in countries with an Indian expat population.

Gulab Jamun is made mainly from milk solids, traditionally from khoya, which is milk reduced to the consistency of a soft dough. Modern recipes recommend dried or powdered milk instead of khoya. It is often garnished with dried nuts, such as almonds and cashews, to enhance flavour.

According to culinary historian Michael Krondl, 12th century Manasollasa mentions a recipe for fried fritter balls made of chenna cheese and rice flour and was soaked in cardamom-scented syrup but without the rosewater (gulab) syrup. The 13th century Arab dessert Luqmat al-Qadi is similar in appearance to Gulab Jamun, though it is made of entirely different batter. Perhaps, the only Persian connection is the common use of rosewater syrup. Gulab Jamun emerged in medieval India during the Mughal Empire, blending Persian influence with local influences.

Preparation: Gulab Jamun 

(Video: Courtesy Rajshri Food)

Joyalukkas Group

Joyalukkas: Favourite Gold Shopping Destination 

Joy Alukkas, Chairman and MD, Joyalukkas Group, is a jewellery retailer, with over 100 outlets in India and 60 overseas. The group enjoys the trust and patronage of numerous nationalities, who consider Joyalukkas as their favourite destination for jewellery shopping. A report.

Almost all cultures have used gold to represent power, beauty and accomplishment throughout history. Wedding rings, Olympic medals, Oscars, Grammys, money, religious icons, and art are among the most important items made of gold today. No other substance of comparable rarity occupies such a prominent and visible position in society.

As per The World Gold Council’s Full Year 2024 Gold Demand Trends report, the total annual gold demand, including over the counter, hit a new record high of 4,974 tonnes. This was mostly driven by strong and sustained central bank buying and growth in investment demand. The record high gold prices, along with volumes, resulted in the highest ever total value of demand at $382 billion.

However, high prices dampened demand in the jewellery sector, with annual consumption decreasing by 11% to 1,877 tonnes. This was driven largely due to China's decreased year-on-year consumption of 24%. On the other hand, Indian demand remained resilient, dropping only 2% in 2024, thanks to a record high price environment. In fact, India's gold demand growth outperformed the global average, as the country clocked a 5% growth in 2024. As per sources, the overall demand for gold in the country stood at 802.8 tonnes during the year compared to 761 tonnes in 2023. The climb was sharper in value terms, as it went up by 31% to Rs 515,390 crore in 2024 from Rs 392,000 crore in 2023.

The Indian jewellery market is projected to grow at 10% CAGR by 2030. The share of organised retail in this market is expanding more rapidly than the industry average. Currently, the organised segment, which accounts for less than 50% of the market, is growing at a fast rate.

Joy Alukkas' Epic Journey 

Joy Alukkas is a jewellery retailer with over 100 outlets in India and 60 overseas. The owner has been ranked the 712th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $4.4 billion. Alukkas was born to Kerala-based businessman, Alukka Joseph Varghese. Alukkas' father was involved in diverse businesses, including umbrella manufacturing, selling clothes, real estate and earthen pots. In 1956, the year Joy Alukkas was born, the family set up a jewellery shop in Thrissur, Kerala. 

Varghese Alukkas, Joy Alukkas' father, subsequently shared his business among his sons: Jos, Francis, Joy Alukkas and Anto Alukkas. Joy Alukkas later set up shop in the Gulf countries and started a gold business. Although Alukkas' brothers were sceptical about him making a foray into the Gulf countries and also doubted his ability to set up a jewellery store, Alukkas convinced that the Malayali diaspora there were spending most of their income on buying gold, which was cheaper while India had restrictions about individual gold possession.  

In 2001, Alukkas founded Joyalukkas Jewellery. The group has its major offices in Thrissur (India) and Dubai (UAE). In 2007, he opened a Gold & Diamond jewellery showroom and a 'Diamond Cave' in Chennai, India. In 2012, Joyalukkas was authorized to sell Forevermark branded diamonds from De Beers. Joy Alukkas has other businesses, including Mall of Joy, a shopping retail destination, Jolly Silks, a silk fashion label, Joyalukkas Exchange, a money exchange platform, and Joyalukkas Lifestyle Developers, a real estate company. Jolly Silks was named after Jolly Joy his wife.

By the early 1980s, the Alukka family expanded its business from Kerala's Thrissur to Kozhikode, which was developing as a trading hub. Setting up of a jewellery store in Kozhikode, a city that had seen large migration to the Gulf countries, as the Gulf boom gathered pace, proved to be a catalyst for the rapid growth of Alukkas Group. The success of Alukkas Group in Kozhikode prompted other jewellers, including Malabar Gold, to foray into gold retail. As business thrived, the family had also identified the GCC Countries, with a large Malayali diaspora, for the next phase of growth.

In 2002, the Alukkas family divided its business among the brothers. Joy Alukkas was handed control of the Middle East business. His brothers Jos, Paul and Francis opened several jewellery stores in Kerala, and they continue to run their own retail businesses. Jos has 49 stores located largely across South India. Francis has six stores, all of them situated in Kerala. Paul, another brother, operates two retail stores in Kerala, besides being a real estate developer. And Anto, the youngest brother, has discontinued the jewellery business.

Nearly 90% of Joyalukkas' revenues in India are from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This is followed by the northern and western markets, particularly Maharashtra, where the company now sees enormous potential to expand. Unlike some of its competitors, the group's stores are built on leased land. Apart from India, it has Jewellery stores in the UAE, the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore and Malaysia. The company employs over 9,000 people.

Joyalukkas' Overseas Operations

Joy Alukkas bought a Rolls-Royce after being insulted by a salesperson at a Dubai car showroom in the early 2000s. He then gave away the car in a raffle to boost his jewellery business in the UAE. This marketing strategy proved to be a masterstroke. Today, he owns a number of jewellery stores in the UAE.

Some of the major overseas branches of Joyalukkas are located in the UAE's Al-Ain, Ras-al-Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. In Oman, it has branches in Boushar, Ruwi, Seeb, and Sohar. It has branches in Qatar's Al-Gharafa, Al-Wakrah, Doha, and Abu Hamour Doha. In Bahrain, it has branches in Bab-Al-Bahrain and Manama. The company has stores in Saudi Arabia located in Jeddah, Al-Batha, Riyadh, and Al-Khobar. In Kuwait, it has branches in Souk Al-Watiya, Kuwait City, Al-Rai, and Fahaheel. It has branches in Southall and London, UK. In the US, its stores are located in Georgia, Dallas, and New Jersey.

Awards And Accolades 

In 2016, Joy Alukkas received ‘The Business Excellence Award 2016’ from Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, organized by the Indian Business Professionals Council (IBPC) 2016.

In 2018, Alukkas was listed in Forbes Magazine in both its World's Billionaires list and India's Rich list.

In 2019, he was honoured with Best Indian Diamond Jewellery of the Year by Retail Jeweller Middle East innovation Awards.

In 2022, he was ranked the 69th richest Indian in Forbes India’s Richest List.

Philanthropy 

In 2018, Joy Alukkas contributed a large sum of money to the relief fund for victims of the Cyclone Ockhi. After the Kerala Floods in September 2018, the Joyalukkas Foundation announced its plans to build 250 houses for those who lost their homes. Around 350 orphaned students were awarded the 'Joy of Hope' scholarship by Joyalukkas Foundation securing educational support for five years. The foundation also has plans for an old age home in Thrissur, Kerala, and a palliative care centre.

(Photo: Courtesy Joyalukkas)

Chandrika Tandon

Artistic Genius

Chandrika Tandon who first came to the US at a young age for a job at McKinsey & Company went on to become a partner in the firm and later an independent businesswoman. Her passion for music got her the prestigious Grammy Award in 2025.

Indian-American businesswoman and musician Chandrika Tandon grabbed the headlines recently for bagging the coveted Grammy Award at the 67th award function. She won the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for her album, Triveni. 

Chandrika has won several awards and received accolades for her integrity and leadership. The prominent awards she has received are the Gallatin Medal, the Walter Nichols Medal, and the Polytechnic Medal. Besides being a businesswoman, she is a composer and a vocalist. She studied  Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western music.  Soul Call (2009), her first studio album, was nominated for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the Grammys in 2011.

Born in 1954 in Chennai, India, Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon is a well-known businesswoman. She has the distinction of being the first Indian-American woman to be elected partner at McKinsey and Company. In 2015, along with  her husband, Ranjan Tandon, donated $100 million to the NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering. The institution has since been renamed the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. It is still the largest donation made by an Indian-American in the US. 

Chandrika Tandon was a trustee to New York University, NYU Langone Health, and American India Foundation. Also, she has served as a member of the President's Council on International Activities at Yale University, besides as the President's Advisory Council at the Berklee College of Music. Moreover, she has been on the Board of Governors for the New York Academy of Sciences.

Being a music composer and vocalist, and a trained Carnatic and Western musician, Chandrika Tandon has held many benefit concerts and performances across the globe. Some of her well-known concerts were held in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, Olympiastadion, Lobkowicz Palace, and National Mall for the World Culture Festival.

Family And Education 

Chandrika Tandon is the elder sister of Indra Nooyi, the erstwhile CEO of PepsiCo. The latter has consistently ranked among the world's 100 most powerful women. Besides, she was associated with the boards of Amazon and the International Cricket Council. Chandrika was born into a conservative Tamil Brahmin family alongside her sister Indra and a brother. Her father was a bank officer while her mother was a musician. As their first daughter in the family, her parents planned for an arranged  marriage at eighteen, but at the influence of her grandfather, she pursued a higher education at Madras Christian College. When her mother initially refused to let her attend college, she persuaded her by going on a hunger strike. Eventually, the headmistress of Chandrika's convent school convinced her mother about the benefits of higher education.

Inspired by her grandfather, who was a judge in Chennai, Chandrika initially desired to go to law school on completion of her education at Madras Christian College. However, one of her professors motivated her to join the IIM-Ahmedabad and pursue a career in business. 

After her graduation from IIM-Ahmedabad in 1975, she secured employment as an executive at Citibank in Beirut, Lebanon. Later, at age 24, she was offered a position at McKinsey and Company in New York City, US. She holds the distinction as the first Indian-American to become a partner in the company. 

Tandon Capital Associates

In 1992, Chandrika formed Tandon Capital Associates and has since worked as a consultant to many clients. As per sources, she has advised over 40 big financial companies how to improve their overall efficiency and performance. Some of the top companies she offered her expertise include Chase Manhattan Corporation, Comerica, Unibanco (Brazil), Suncorp-Metway Ltd. (Australia), Fleet Financial Group, Bank of America, Rabobank, and ABN Amro.

Chandrika Tandon currently resides in New York with her husband and businessman Ranjan Tandon. She is the chairperson of Tandon Capital Associates and Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation. Ranjan, a Harvard Business School graduate, holds a degree from the IIT-Kanpur, India, in Chemical Engineering. He has held several top positions, including in DCM, India, and Halliburton, Europe. Also, he was associated as a CFO of Intermarine in Texas, US, and a financial Executive with Merrill Lynch. He later became an investor and advisor. Being on the board of the Krishnamurthy-Tandon Foundation, he has provided leadership and management advices to the Harvard Business School and Yale University.

"Music is love, music is light and music is laughter. And let's all be surrounded by love, light and laughter. Thank you for the music and thank you to everyone who makes the music," said Chandrika Tandon in her Grammy-winning speech.

(Photo: Courtesy Grammy)

Smart Tech

Portable Espresso Machine by Wacaco

Experience café-quality espresso on the go, with the compact and versatile Wacaco Minipresso GR. You don’t need any electricity for this portable espresso machine. It operates completely manually. All you need to do is add your favourite ground coffee and boiling water for authentic espresso. It can extract up to 50ml of espresso with crema using the built-in piston. It lets you enjoy a flavourful brew anywhere. Being lightweight and compact, it is the perfect companion for day trips, office breaks, or extended adventures. It comes with optional accessories, which help you upgrade your experience with add-ons for longer shots and added protection. So you can now enjoy flexibility, convenience and delicious espresso wherever life takes you.

Philips' Sparkling Water Maker

Make fresh sparkling beverages easily with the Philips GoZero soda maker. This sleek and compact device simplifies carbonation and promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. Use cold water, press until you hear a buzzing sound. Repeat 2-3 times to adjust carbonation to your liking. Its compact design ensures that it fits in any space, from kitchens to outdoor settings. It has 3 steps—fill, twist, and press. It requires no electricity, making it easy to use and carry. It has a carbonating cylinder that makes up to 60L of soda water, cutting down on single-use plastic bottles. Also, it includes a BPA-free bottle and cup, along with an airtight lid, to keep your drinks fizzy for longer.

FujiFilm's Hybrid Instant Camera And Smartphone Printer

You can now capture creativity with the Fujifilm instax WIDE Evo, a hybrid instant camera with features to bring your vision to life. It offers a wide-angle lens and unique film styles. It has 10 lenses and 10 film effects. You can adjust the degree to achieve precise control and unique results. You can also capture more in every frame. You can relive the analogue experience by turning the Print Crank, and prints are developed in just 90 seconds. You can take selfies with its built-in mirror, thus helping you to take accurate and effortless self-portraits. You can print your favourite shots from a smartphone, using the companion app and connecting via Bluetooth.

Satechi 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand

The wireless charging stands Satechi 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 Foldable Qi2 deliver 15W of power to your iPhone and 5W to your AirPods and Apple Watch. This new technology’s single cable solution makes powering your daily essentials easy. Besides, the 3-in-1 Charging Stand includes a 45W power adapter for other USB-C devices. The charging stands offer power to the iPhone, with 15W, instead of the typical 7.5W from standard Qi devices. Also, you can power your AirPods and Apple Watch at 5W. Both stands support Standby mode in iOS 17. This lets you view important information during charging. These wireless charging stands are useful for home and on the go, thanks to their foldable designs. These stands made with top-quality materials are sleek and attractive.

(Photos: Courtesy Company Brochures)

Expat News

Dubai Designates Car-Free Zones Under ‘Super Block’ Project

Dubai has announced to transform a number of residential and commercial areas into car-free zones. To reinforce Dubai’s status as a pedestrian-friendly global city, the Executive Council has approved the ‘Super Block’ initiative. The project focuses on transforming designated urban areas into pro-pedestrian zones to enhance quality of life, foster social interaction, and promote sustainable mobility. Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas, enhancing quality of life by increasing green spaces, and fostering social interactions through shared recreational public spaces. Al-Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al-Karama, and Al-Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to benefit from the initiative.

Saudi e-Commerce Sales Using Mada cards Hit $53 Billion In 2024

E-commerce sales using Mada cards in Saudi Arabia reached SR197.42 billion ($52.64 billion) in 2024, a year-on-year growth of 25.8%, according to data from the central bank. Figures released by the institution showed that in December, sales totaled SR19.37 billion, representing a 42.06% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. Mada, the Kingdom’s national payment card system, supports both debit and prepaid services within its network. The cards utilize near-field communication technology for contactless payments.

PM Modi To Co-Chair AI Summit In France With Macron Before US Visit Next Week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day working visit to the US from February 12 during which he will meet President Donald Trump, the external affairs ministry has announced. Addressing a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Modi's visit will give further impetus and direction to the India-US bilateral relationship. PM Modi will visit France for the AI Action Summit and bilateral talks with President Macron. Afterward, he will visit the US for a working visit, marking his first during Trump's second term. Prior to his US visit, Modi will be in France during February 10-12 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Double Joy For Newlyweds At Riyadh Festival 

An annual entertainment and tourist festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has doubled the joy of 300 grooms in style. The Riyadh Season celebrated their marriages at a televised gala titled the "Night of Life" held at the Boulevard City, one of the festival’s popular zones. On the occasion, a concert headlining celebrated Saudi singers was broadcast live on several TV channels and digital platforms, allowing the audience to follow the details of the ceremony. A ceremony for their brides will be held later at the Mohammed Abdo Arena Theatre in Riyadh.