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VPN IBE Awards 2026 Recognizes Excellence Beyond Boundaries

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The prestigious Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2026 was held on June 23, 2026, at the Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre, Kochi, honouring distinguished personalities who have made remarkable contributions to business, technology, retail, innovation, and cinema. The awards were presented by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus. Hosted by Dr. Ajit Ravi, the event celebrated individuals whose achievements have inspired excellence and created a lasting impact on society.

Among the distinguished awardees, Dr. Jehangir, Chairman & Managing Director of NeST Group of Companies, received the Global Technology Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the global technology sector. As Dr. Jehangir was unable to attend the ceremony, the award was received on his behalf by Shri Sajan David, President, New Initiatives, who represented him at the event. Shri Gopu Nandilath, Chairman & Managing Director of Gopu Nandilath Group, was honoured with the Retail Industry Icon Award in recognition of his pioneering leadership in the retail industry. Dr. Viju Jacob, Executive Chairman of Synthite Industries Limited, was conferred with the Global Business Excellence and Innovation Award for his outstanding achievements in business growth and innovation.

Adding further prestige to the ceremony, Padma Shri Balachandra Menon, renowned Indian film director, actor, and screenwriter, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. The event concluded on a high note with the awardees receiving warm applause from an audience comprising business leaders, dignitaries, and distinguished guests. The VPN IBE Awards once again reaffirmed its stature as a platform that recognizes visionary leadership, innovation, and lifelong excellence across diverse fields.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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Europe’s Retail Sector Faces Fresh Pressure as Energy Prices Surge

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Europe’s retail industry is bracing for renewed pressure as rising energy prices linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran threaten to push operating costs higher. Retail stocks, including Zara owner Inditex and Britain’s Marks & Spencer, fell as investors warned that higher fuel and gas prices could hurt an already fragile sector. The industry has barely recovered from the inflation shock caused by soaring energy costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while consumer demand across the euro zone and the UK remains weak.

Retailers are particularly vulnerable because energy costs directly affect supply chains and store operations. Transport expenses, which account for about 5% to 10% of a retailer’s operating costs, are expected to rise as fuel prices climb. Supermarkets and shopping centres also face higher electricity expenses for refrigeration, heating, air conditioning and lighting. At the same time, rising oil prices are pushing fertiliser costs higher, adding further pressure on food producers and ultimately driving up prices across the supply chain.

Analysts warn that the sector may struggle to pass on higher costs to consumers because household spending power has already been weakened by years of inflation. Clothing retailers could be especially exposed, as fashion spending is often the first to be cut when essential costs rise. With Europe’s retail and consumer goods sector already among the most financially distressed industries, industry groups are calling on governments to limit additional inflationary pressures and protect consumers from further cost increases.

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