21, Jul 2026
Rohde & Schwarz supplies conformance test systems to Marquistech for India’s first GCF RTO and PTCRB ATL lab
July 21: Marquistech has expanded its operations in Noida to build India’s first fully equipped conformance recognized test organization (RTO) lab for GCF and authorized test lab (ATL) for PTCRB testing based on Rohde & Schwarz systems. With this addition, the test house increased its local test capabilities for mobile devices, IoT products and wireless modules with support for 4G and 5G conformance, NB-IoT NTN, CAT-M, NB-IoT, MCX and location based service (LBS) certification.
Caption: Conformance test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz
Marquistech has selected Rohde & Schwarz to equip its conformance and EMI/EMC test lab in Noida, India, with various systems for GCF and PTCRB certification testing. The investment includes the R&S TS8980FTA-3A RF/RRM full type approval system, the CMX500 radio communication tester for protocol conformance, the R&S TS-LBS positioning test system for location based service testing and the R&S TS9982 and R&S TS9975 EMI/EMC test systems.
With this expanded setup, Marquistech has become the first fully equipped conformance test house in India for both certification programs. The lab, strategically located in the Delhi National Capital Region, is aimed at serving companies in the mobile, IoT and wireless module markets, at a time when India is gaining importance as an export focused electronics manufacturing location.
The newly installed systems from Rohde & Schwarz support legacy 4G as well as advanced 5G features, including non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and mission-critical communications (MCX), and lead in numbers of validated test cases covered. Additionally, Rohde & Schwarz has provided regulatory testing capabilities for EMC and EMI at the site to enable abroad range of services offered. This helps the test house minimize costs and reduce reliance on outsourced testing. For customers, it reduces the time to complete a certification campaign.
Marquistech has been active for some time as a GCF field testing RTO. With the expansion of their site in the Delhi National Capital Region, the company has now extended its global operations to conformance testing. This adds a broader local test offering for device makers that need certification support during development and before market entry.
Prashant Jain, VP, Marquistech, said: “Our goal is to provide a globally competitive certification hub for GCF and PTCRB testing, delivering quality, flexibility and faster time-to-market. Together with Rohde & Schwarz, we are helping strengthen the global wireless certification ecosystem.”
The local support structure provided by Rohde & Schwarz was a decisive factor for Marquistech. Rohde & Schwarz operates a major development site nearby with integrated laboratories that cover the wireless product lifecycle for conformance solutions, supported by local engineering and application teams.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Jul 2026
FCNR-B Inflows May Reach Dollar 70 Billion, Easing Bank Liquidity Concerns
New Delhi, July 21: India’s banking sector may see improved liquidity conditions as inflows through Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR-B) deposits are projected to increase significantly, with estimates suggesting they could reach up to $70 billion.
The expected rise in FCNR-B deposits is likely to provide banks with additional foreign currency resources and help ease funding pressures. The inflows are seen as a positive development for banks managing liquidity requirements amid changing financial conditions.
FCNR-B deposits allow non-resident Indians (NRIs) to place fixed deposits with Indian banks in foreign currencies, offering them an investment avenue while supporting the country’s financial system with overseas funds.
Banking experts believe stronger inflows could improve foreign currency availability, enhance funding stability, and support smoother operations for financial institutions. The development also reflects continued confidence among NRIs in India’s economic growth prospects.
As banks monitor deposit trends and market conditions, the expected increase in FCNR-B inflows is likely to play a role in maintaining a balanced liquidity environment and supporting the broader financial ecosystem.
The move comes as financial institutions continue efforts to strengthen their funding base and ensure adequate liquidity to support economic activity.
21, Jul 2026
K.M. Chandrasekhar Returns as Vice-Chairperson of Kerala Planning Board
Former Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar has been reappointed as the Vice-Chairperson of the Kerala Planning Board, bringing his extensive administrative experience back into the state’s policy planning framework.
Chandrasekhar, a former senior bureaucrat with decades of experience in governance and public administration, will continue to contribute to strategic planning and development initiatives through the board.
The Kerala Planning Board plays a key role in shaping the state’s development policies, preparing growth strategies, and advising the government on economic and social priorities. His reappointment is expected to strengthen the board’s expertise in areas related to administration, planning, and policy implementation.
During his long career in public service, Chandrasekhar has held several important positions, including serving as India’s Cabinet Secretary. His experience in handling complex administrative matters and policy issues has been widely recognised.
The state government expressed confidence that his leadership and knowledge will support Kerala’s ongoing development efforts and help address emerging challenges through effective planning and policy measures.
The reappointment highlights Kerala’s focus on experienced leadership and expert guidance in strengthening governance and long-term development planning.
21, Jul 2026
HCLTech report exposes widening AI divide with only 18 percent of enterprises seeing revenue impact despite near-universal adoption
New York And Noida, India, July 21: HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today released its global research report, The Blueprint for AI Leadership, revealing a widening gap between organizations adopting AI and those realizing meaningful business value.
The study, conducted with Raconteur among 500 enterprise decision-makers, shows that AI adoption is no longer the constraint. 90% of organizations report that GenAI and Agentic AI are transforming workflows, with 91% citing improved data access and 90% reporting productivity gains.
However, alarmingly, only 18% say AI is delivering significant revenue impact, exposing a critical gap between operational progress and business outcomes. These enterprises have emerged as AI Leaders by not just adopting AI, but by systematically converting it into growth, innovation and customer experience advantage. These enterprises are four times more likely to scale agentic and autonomous AI, with superior execution in defining measurable use cases (73% vs. 22%) and securing senior leadership sponsorship (63% vs. 36%).
The lagging enterprises that act as AI Followers remain trapped in incremental gains, evaluating AI through efficiency and cost lenses alone, limiting their ability to compete on differentiated outcomes or scale impact enterprise wide.
The divergence is sharpest in foundations. AI Leaders have integrated AI into business strategy, built data readiness and are far ahead in workforce transformation, with 93% having structured upskilling programs, compared to just 20% of AI Followers.
Critically, Leaders are embedding AI into core workflows and decision-making, enabling scaling, adaptability and continuous improvement, capabilities AI Followers are yet to institutionalize. This shift from deploying tools to orchestrating enterprise-wide transformation is the defining advantage in AI maturity.
“AI has entered a decisive phase, and success will come down to how well organizations bring people, data and technology together,” said Pawan Vadapalli, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, Digital Business Services at HCLTech. “The organizations pulling ahead are not just running more pilots; they are rethinking how the business works, embedding AI into everyday decisions and workflows. It is this coordinated shift across leadership, culture and foundations that turns AI from a tool into real, long-term advantage.”
To access the full report, please visit: The Blueprint for AI Leadership: AI ROI Report | HCLTech
21, Jul 2026
EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026…
EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana and seek entries from the school
Hyderabad, July 21: EThames Business School, Hyderabad’s premier AI-Native Business School, has launched the TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana. The initiative seeks to promote future-ready human skills such as public speaking, storytelling and debating—competencies that are becoming increasingly valuable in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
Announcing the challenge, Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames Business School and former Managing Partner of EY, said, “In a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse, what truly distinguishes people is their ability to communicate, persuade, collaborate and think independently. The future belongs not only to those who possess knowledge, but to those who can communicate it effectively.”
As AI takes over routine tasks, EThames launches statewide hunt for Human Skills. Communication, not coding alone, will define tomorrow’s leaders. These are life skills that set them apart from the crowd stated V.V. Laxmi Narayana, IPS (Retd.), Chief Transformation Officer, EThames Business School
Seven out of ten students fear speaking before an audience. More than 80% of school students have never participated in a debate or public speaking competition. Despite scoring high marks, many students struggle to express their ideas confidently, he shared.
Communication, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership are among the world’s fastest-growing workplace skills, adds Mr Ajit Rangnekar, former Dean of the Indian School of Business
The TeenOrator Challenge 2026, Mr. VV Lakshminaraya says is designed not merely as a competition but as a learning journey that identifies, nurtures and celebrates the next generation of confident communicators, storytellers and debaters. The championship aims to groom young minds into future leaders, innovators and changemakers through structured learning and healthy competition.
TeenOrator equips teenagers with Future Skills, Human Skills, AI-Proof Skills, Leadership Skills and Employability Skills—capabilities that no machine can replace, Kali Prasad added.
The championship comprises three distinct competition tracks. Oratoria is dedicated to public speaking, Narrativa focuses on storytelling, and Dialectica is centred on debating. Students are eligible to participate in any one of these three tracks.
Unlike conventional competitions that evaluate only the final performance, the TeenOrator Challenge follows a unique four-stage qualification process that places learning before competing. Students begin by self-studying the official guidebook for their chosen track. They then submit a one-minute video explaining the key concepts and insights they have learnt from the guidebook, demonstrating understanding rather than memorisation. Shortlisted students are invited to an online interaction with the EThames Selection Committee, where their communication skills, comprehension and potential are assessed. Only those who successfully complete this process qualify to register for the championship, ensuring that every participant enters the competition with a strong foundation in the art and science of effective communication.
The TeenOrator Challenge is more than a competition—it is a talent development initiative. EThames Business School is committed to making the programme inclusive by encouraging participation from both urban and rural schools, with special outreach to government schools. Another important dimension of the competition is that it does not have any language barrier. Students can participate in any of the three languages such as English/Hindi/Telugu.
Each participating government school can nominate up to six students across the three championship tracks. All shortlisted participants will benefit from a structured learning and mentoring programme designed to enhance their confidence, communication ability and leadership potential before the championship.
Unlike conventional competitions that end with prizes, TeenOrator invests in the participants’ growth. Every shortlisted student will undergo a structured training and mentoring programme led by experienced communication professionals. The programme will help participants refine their public speaking, storytelling and debating skills, build confidence, receive expert feedback and maximise their impact during the championship and beyond making the TeenOrator Challenge an educational experience rather than merely a contest.
Many brilliant students remain unnoticed—not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack the confidence to express it. Confidence cannot be downloaded, outsourced or generated by Artificial Intelligence. It is earned through practice, perseverance and experience. TeenOrator is designed to provide exactly that experience.
Schools across Telangana are invited to nominate talented students and encourage them to participate. The nomination process is already underway, and schools and students can submit their nominations until July 28, 2026. Early registration is encouraged so that participants have adequate time to study the official guidebooks and prepare for the qualification process.
Participants are required to submit their one-minute learning video by August 2, 2026. Based on these submissions, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online selection interview and the list of qualified participants will be announced subsequently
To help students excel in the championship, EThames Business School will organise exclusive training workshops for all qualified participants before August 15, 2026. The Quarter Finals will be held on August 21, 2026, followed by the Grand Finale on August 22, 2026, at the EThames Business School campus in Raidurgam, Hyderabad.
Students can register by completing the online application form.
21, Jul 2026
Rise of PIK Structures Masks Borrower Stress and Challenges Private Credit System, New Study Shows
July 21: A substantial liquidity shift is underway in the global private markets as private equity fund managers are increasingly turning to PIK (payment-in-kind) structures to manage cash flows, which in turn is raising challenging questions around transparency and risk management, according to new research* from Ocorian, a leading U.S. and global asset services provider.
The study of private equity fund managers in in the U.S. and across Europe, managing $3.511 trillion, found that almost nine out of 10 (86%) expect PIK prevalence within their private credit exposure to grow over the next two years. Of these, 4% say their use will increase dramatically, and 82% say it will increase slightly. The remaining 14% believe PIK prevalence will remain unchanged.
Search for flexibility in a challenging market
PIK structures allow borrowers to issue additional debt or equity to lenders rather than servicing interest obligations with immediate cash payments. While this provides breathing room for portfolio companies, it simultaneously signals underlying vulnerabilities in corporate balance sheets.
Worryingly, nine in 10 (90%) of those surveyed agree that there is a growing risk of PIK usage masking true borrower distress, with 16% of these strongly agreeing that deferring hard cash obligations makes it difficult to distinguish between proactive capital management and severe liquidity struggles.
Anatoly Sorin, UK Head of Loan Agency and Bond Trustee Services at Ocorian, said: “Our research reveals an overwhelming consensus that PIK structures are on the rise, and private equity fund managers are doing everything they can to support portfolio companies through a prolonged period of higher financing costs. However, this flexibility does come with a warning label.”
As PIK adoption grows, capability gaps emerge
In addition to this challenge, Ocorian’s study also exposes operational and technological vulnerabilities connected to the growing adoption of PIK structures. As PIK interest compounds, it directly alters preferred return hurdles, the distribution waterfall, and the complex calculation of realised versus unrealised gains – the metric that ultimately dictates performance fees, or ‘carried interest’.
Only 17% of firms surveyed report having robust, automated systems capable of fully accounting for PIK compounding within the waterfall modelling. Just under a third (32%) admit they rely entirely on external providers, such as fund administrators, to handle the structural complexity. Just over a third (39%) acknowledge they can model PIK but require significant manual adjustment, while 10% say this remains a gap in their current capabilities. A further 2% state that PIK is not yet material enough in their current portfolio to warrant a dedicated system.
Anatoly Sorin, UK Head of Loan Agency and Bond Trustee Services at Ocorian, added: “With PIK structures becoming more prevalent, firms’ operational and technological capabilities must keep pace, either in-house or by outsourcing to expert third-party fund administrators with the skills and experience required to ensure that waterfall and carry calculations remain accurate, consistent and transparent.”
Abi Reilly, Partner, Regulatory & Compliance at Ocorian said: “As firms navigate the operational demands of PIK structures, governance and oversight need to remain front of mind. It is important that firms are able to evidence how these structures are monitored, modelled and reported on, particularly where complexity increases and third-party support is involved.”
21, Jul 2026
Government Plans Simplified Export Rules to Support Small Businesses and Boost Trade
New Delhi, July 21: The government is considering easing export-related regulations to support small exporters and help them expand their presence in global markets.
The proposed changes aim to simplify compliance procedures, reduce operational challenges, and make it easier for small businesses to participate in international trade. The move is expected to benefit exporters who often face difficulties navigating complex processes and documentation requirements.
Small and medium-sized exporters play an important role in India’s economy by creating employment opportunities and contributing to the country’s export growth. The proposed reforms are aimed at providing them with a more business-friendly environment and improving their competitiveness.
Officials said the government is focusing on reducing procedural hurdles while ensuring that export systems remain transparent and efficient. Easier rules could encourage more small businesses to explore overseas markets and strengthen India’s position in global trade.
Industry representatives have welcomed steps aimed at improving ease of doing business, saying simplified processes can help smaller exporters save time, reduce costs, and focus on expanding their operations.
The proposed measures are part of the government’s broader efforts to promote exports, support entrepreneurship, and create more opportunities for businesses across sectors.
The final framework is expected to be shaped after consultations with stakeholders and relevant authorities.
21, Jul 2026
Explore Finland: The Best Day Trips from Helsinki
July 21: Helsinki is more than Finland’s vibrant capital, it’s the ideal gateway to experiencing the country’s diverse landscapes, heritage and culture. For Indian travellers flying directly to Helsinki with Finnair, Finland’s efficient rail and public transport network provides seamless access to destinations beyond the capital, from medieval towns and pristine national parks to emerging cultural hubs, all within a few hours. These easy day trips offer an opportunity to experience a different side of Finland while making the most of a Helsinki itinerary.
Porvoo: Finland’s Most Charming Medieval Town
[Credit: Finnair]
Located just over an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo is one of Finland’s oldest towns and among its best-preserved medieval destinations. The picturesque Old Porvoo is characterised by cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses and the iconic red riverside warehouses that have become symbols of the city. Highlights include the historic Porvoo Cathedral, independent boutiques, art galleries and local cafés, where visitors can sample the traditional Runeberg Torte, one of Finland’s most celebrated pastries.
Nuuksio National Park: Escape into Finnish Nature
[Credit: Visit Finland]
Less than 90 minutes from Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers visitors an introduction to Finland’s celebrated natural landscapes. Home to peaceful lakes, dense forests and well-marked hiking trails, the park provides opportunities to experience the country’s rich biodiversity and outdoor lifestyle. The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia further enriches the visit with interactive exhibitions, guided experiences and a restaurant showcasing locally inspired cuisine.
Lahti: Finland’s Emerging Cultural Hub
[Credit: Finnair]
Just over an hour by train from Helsinki, Lahti has established itself as one of Finland’s leading cultural destinations. The city is home to Malva – Museum of Visual Arts, housed within the historic Malski brewery complex, alongside the architecturally acclaimed Sibelius Hall, which overlooks the shores of Lake Vesijärvi. During summer, Lahti Harbour becomes a lively waterfront destination, with cafés, restaurants and outdoor terraces creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the city’s contemporary character.
Discover More with Finnair
From the medieval charm of Porvoo and the pristine landscapes of Nuuksio National Park to Lahti’s thriving cultural scene, these destinations showcase the diversity of experiences available just beyond Helsinki. With Finnair’s direct flights from Delhi to Helsinki and seamless onward rail and public transport connections, travellers can easily extend their journey and discover more of Finland beyond the capital.
21, Jul 2026
Turmeric Prices Climb in Erode as Supply Concerns Push Rates Higher
July 21: Turmeric prices have witnessed a significant increase in Erode, Tamil Nadu, with rates approaching ₹20,000 per quintal as concerns over drought conditions and limited supply continue to impact the market.
Traders and farmers said reduced availability of turmeric stocks, along with uncertainty over future production, has contributed to the recent rise in prices. The supply pressure has strengthened demand for available stocks, leading to higher market rates.
Erode, one of India’s major turmeric trading centres, has been experiencing increased activity as buyers look to secure supplies amid concerns over crop availability. The price movement has drawn attention from farmers and traders across the region.
Farmers are hopeful that the rise in prices will help improve their earnings after facing challenges related to weather conditions and cultivation costs. However, market participants are closely watching the upcoming crop outlook and weather patterns to assess future price trends.
Traders said that while higher prices may benefit growers, sustained increases could also affect buyers and industries that depend on turmeric as a key raw material.
The turmeric market is expected to remain closely linked to supply conditions, rainfall patterns, and demand trends in the coming weeks as stakeholders monitor developments.
21, Jul 2026
Nivin Pauly’s ‘Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai’ Arrives on October 1
Chennai, July 21: The wait for actor Nivin Pauly’s much-anticipated Tamil film ‘Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai’ is coming to an end, with the makers announcing that the film will hit theatres on October 1.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ram, the film has been generating interest among cinema lovers for its distinctive storyline, emotional themes, and creative vision. The project brings together a talented team of artists and technicians, creating anticipation around its theatrical release.
The announcement of the release date has sparked excitement among fans who have been eagerly waiting to experience the film on the big screen. Known for choosing diverse and performance-driven roles, Nivin Pauly is expected to bring another memorable character to audiences through this project.
‘Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai’ promises a blend of meaningful storytelling, strong performances, and captivating visuals. The film aims to offer viewers an immersive experience while exploring emotions and relationships through its unique narrative style.
With its October release, the film is set to join the lineup of upcoming theatrical releases and hopes to connect with audiences across regions. The makers are confident that the movie’s story, performances, and cinematic appeal will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
As the release date approaches, expectations continue to grow among fans and film enthusiasts eager to witness Nivin Pauly’s latest cinematic journey.
