The Iland Mega-project, conceived as a first-class tourist and economic zone spanning 1400 hectares along the Tehran-Saveh highway, is still primarily focused on completing the first phase nearly two decades after work began.
The Iland Mega-project, conceived as a first-class tourist and economic zone spanning 1400 hectares along the Tehran-Saveh highway, is still primarily focused on completing the first phase nearly two decades after work began.
The Iland master plan covers 44 defined land-use zones, integrating commercial, recreational, residential, sports, and educational sectors. The project was planned considering its proximity to the capital and was intended to provide around 30,000 permanent jobs upon full realization. However, the pace of work on site has slowed since its launch in 2007, demonstrating a persistent gap between initial forecasts and actual operational readiness, especially when compared to developed areas such as Kish and Qushm.
Commenting on these execution delays, Mohammad Bigdeli, CEO of the Tourism Bank, emphasized the importance of major tourism developments for domestic tourism and employment. He noted that the banking sector's financing approach aims to accelerate the completion of basic works so that projects can transition into revenue-generating and operational phases, justifying the invested capital.
WOI India organized its first leaders' gathering in the 'Kashmir Edition' format from September 18 to 20, 2026, at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg. The event was held with the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It brought together leading founders, investors, business leaders, and ecosystem builders from India to discuss topics such as entrepreneurship, institutional building, and the next phase of India's growth.
This closed event, where invitations were extended only by special invitation, gathered over 40 founders and investors, including 30 confirmed unicorn and 'soon-to-be-unicorn' startup builders. The participating companies had a cumulative valuation exceeding 50 billion US dollars, according to a verified preliminary assessment.
The event was conceived as a private meeting without press access, allowing it to go beyond traditional conferences and panel discussions. It created a space for candid conversations, mutual learning, networking, and in-depth engagement with India's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Two significant outcomes marked this retreat: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WOI India and JKEDI aimed at strengthening the Jammu and Kashmir startup ecosystem, and a financial commitment from WOI India amounting to 2 crore rupees towards the Shurukar initiative, launched by Shraddha Sharma in collaboration with DPIIT.
The signing of the MoU between WOI India and JKEDI was a key result, laying the foundation for further cooperation in supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating more opportunities for local founders through access to entrepreneurial networks, mentorship, market contacts, and ecosystem-building initiatives.
During the retreat, there was also a special meeting of national startup leaders with approximately 40 founders from Jammu and Kashmir. The founders presented their projects, shared their aspirations, and interacted directly with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders. This meeting provided an opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir founders to showcase their work, receive feedback, explore potential collaborations, and build connections that could last far beyond the retreat.
Vikramjit Singh, Administrative Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, participated in the retreat and spoke with attending leaders about the region's entrepreneurial landscape. Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, was also present at the retreat, discussing the regional entrepreneurial and industrial landscape with the leaders.
He stated that 'Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a growing industrial and startup ecosystem, with new opportunities emerging across various sectors. As the investment and entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, I urge the founders and investors participating in this retreat to be part of this journey, explore the opportunities that Jammu and Kashmir offers, and contribute to the next stage of growth in the region.'
Mohammad Yunis Malik (JKAS), Director of JKEDI, and Irtif Lawn from J&K Startup Policy & CIIBM, JKEDI4U, also participated in the events.
One of the major announcements during the retreat was WOI India's commitment to allocate 2 crore rupees to support Shurukar—an initiative launched by Shraddha Sharma, founder and CEO of YourStory and The Bharat Project, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Shurukar aims to expand access to entrepreneurship and support the next generation of founders with the ambitious goal of creating 100,000 additional startups in India. WOI India's contribution demonstrates its commitment to initiatives that broaden India's entrepreneurial base, strengthen founder communities, and create meaningful pathways for more people who wish to run a business.
This commitment is part of WOI India's broader vision to establish a national institution for Indian founders that connects capital, opportunities, networks, and chances to help Indian entrepreneurship create long-term value.
The retreat gathered an outstanding group of founders, investors, business leaders, and ecosystem builders representing companies and institutions in technology, consumer goods, financial services, education, mobility, hospitality, and other sectors.
The diversity of participant experience facilitated discussions on the entire entrepreneurial journey—from launching and scaling businesses to investing, institutional building, and shaping India's broader startup ecosystem.
Furthermore, the program included a special interaction with renowned storyteller and comedian Zakir Khan, who joined the meeting for an insightful discussion on life, leadership, and personal experience.
The program featured founder meetings, discussions with ecosystem leaders, cultural events, and informal gatherings, creating an atmosphere where relationships could develop beyond boardrooms and formal business meetings. The focus was on substantive exchange of ideas rather than formal presentations, allowing participants to share experiences, learn from each other, and seek opportunities for future collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, Amar Dikshit, CEO of WOI India, noted: 'India does not lack entrepreneurial ambition. What we need to build at scale are the institutions, relationships, and support systems that will help these ambitions transform into sustainable businesses and meaningful impact. Our first India leaders' gathering was aimed at bringing together people who are building, funding, and shaping the future of India, while simultaneously creating a significant bridge between Indian startup leaders and Jammu and Kashmir founders. The MoU with JKEDI and our commitment to Shurukar are the first steps in a much longer journey. We thank the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, JKEDI, and every leader who joined us in Gulmarg. This is just the beginning of what we hope to turn into a growing, sustainable community dedicated to building the best entrepreneurial ecosystem for India.'
Shafi Shukat, Chairman of WOI Global, emphasized: 'At WOI, we believe that building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem requires long-term commitments, meaningful partnerships, and institutions that put founders first. The India leaders' gathering embodies this belief in action. Our commitment is to contribute to the ecosystem in ways that go beyond a single event, creating opportunities, providing connections, and helping founders build businesses that deliver long-term value to India. We view this retreat as the start of a longer path of collaboration, institutional building, and empowering Indian founders.'
The India Leaders' Gathering, Kashmir Edition, marks an early milestone in WOI India's journey toward establishing a national institution for Indian founders. Through continuous collaboration with government bodies, ecosystem institutions, investors, and entrepreneurs, WOI India strives to create a community where founders can learn from each other, access opportunities, and contribute to India's long-term growth.
The retreat concluded with a shared intention to maintain community connection and make this assembly a permanent platform for meaningful relationships, collaboration, and institutional building. For WOI India, ambitions extend beyond a single retreat: the goal is to create a growing global movement that empowers Indian founders and ensures that the value created by India through entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology continues to generate opportunities and influence within the country.
WOI India is building a national institution for Indian founders with a mission to preserve the value created by India within India itself. As part of WOI Global, WOI India works to connect founders with capital, opportunities, networks, and execution support to help build sustainable businesses. With a global vision and a commitment to strengthening India's entrepreneurial foundations, WOI India aims to empower founders, facilitate meaningful collaboration, and foster a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem for India.
Jeep has launched a new promotional campaign that includes the 2026 Compass Sport with a cash price of R$ 137,990. This value positions the mid-size SUV in a price range similar to the Volkswagen Taos, a subcompact that has become one of the best-selling vehicles in the country.
The announced price corresponds to a discount of R$ 37 thousand from the list price of R$ 174,990 and is valid only for units in Carbon Black color and without additional options.
This offer is part of a national initiative by the manufacturer aimed at repositioning the entry-level versions of the three SUVs produced by Jeep in Brazil: Renegade, Compass, and Commander. The conditions include discounts on cash payments, bonuses on the appraisal of traded used cars, and financing options with zero interest rate.
According to the manufacturer, these conditions are valid for orders placed until October 1st or while stock of the participating units lasts.
With the new price, the Compass Sport is only R$ 4,800 above the Taos Comfort, whose list price is R$ 133,190, and R$ 8,200 below the Taos High model, which costs R$ 146,190.
Despite the proximity of prices, there are significant differences in size and mechanics between the two vehicles. The Jeep measures 4.40 meters in length and uses the 1.3 turbo flex T270 engine, generating 176 hp and 27.5 kgfm. The Volkswagen measures 4.15 meters and is equipped with the 1.0 170 TSI engine, which delivers 116 hp and 16.8 kgfm with ethanol.
To take advantage of this condition, it is necessary to trade in a used vehicle, and the offer is linked to interest-free financing over 24 months. The Sport version offers six airbags, dual-zone air conditioning, electric steering, and Auto Hold function, but features a simplified interior finish to keep the final cost low.
In the segment of direct competitors, the promotional price of the Compass places it below recently launched Chinese models, such as the Caoa Chery Tiggo 7 Sport and the Caoa Changan CS55, both quoted above R$ 140 thousand.
The 2027 Commander Longitude, a seven-seater model, received the largest absolute discount, dropping from R$ 228,790 on the list to R$ 179,990 in cash, representing a reduction of R$ 48,800. Similar to the Compass, this condition is limited to the black body and the absence of options.
Even as an entry-level version, the Longitude maintains advanced driving assistance features, including lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, in addition to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel.
The 2026/2027 Renegade Altitude remains available for R$ 124,990 in cash, a price maintained in recent months. This compact entry-level version features full-LED headlights, electronic parking brake, and adaptive traction control.
The most expensive configurations of the line also participate in the campaign, but through another modality. For the Renegade Sahara, Compass Longitude, and Commander Blackhawk, Jeep guarantees payment of 100% of the Fipe List for the used vehicle traded in, along with interest-free financing.
In an interview with CNBC, Bassent stated that all Iranian airlines will completely cease operations worldwide on September 23rd.
The Finance Minister explained that Washington aims to prevent Iranian carriers from accessing vital services for aviation activities, threatening exclusion from the US financial system. He specified that upon landing, they will be unable to obtain fuel, landing services, or sell tickets, or they will be outside the dollar system.
A few hours after this decision, Washington, according to Iraqi government sources reported to the France-Presse (AFP), announced that Baghdad would suspend flights by Iranian airlines. An Iraqi official stated that the ban would be implemented in accordance with the US Treasury Department's decision starting Wednesday, adding that countries failing to comply with this decision would face sanctions.
At the beginning of September, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 36 organizations, including 27 Iranian airlines. These companies are accused of assisting in the transportation of weapons, personnel, and cargo for the authorities in Tehran. According to Washington, these measures are aimed at disrupting the financial networks and logistical chains of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Bassent did not specify which airlines or routes would be directly affected starting Wednesday, nor did he provide details on the application of restrictions outside of US jurisdiction.
