29, Jul 2026
SCRYPT Expands Leadership with Appointment of Adam Parnell as Vice President of Growth
ZURICH, Switzerland, July 29 – As financial institutions increasingly move from exploring digital assets to integrating them into their operations,SCRYPT, the operating system for digital assets, has appointed Adam Parnell as Vice President of Growth to lead the company’s next phase of global commercial expansion.
The appointment comes as SCRYPT continues to expand its global footprint amid accelerating demand for stablecoin infrastructure and institutional digital asset solutions. Recent expansion into African settlement corridors has strengthened SCRYPT’s ability to support businesses and financial service providers seeking faster, more efficient cross-border settlement solutions, while its platform continues to serve banks, asset managers, fintechs, payment providers, and corporate treasury teams globally.
In this role, Parnell will drive SCRYPT’s growth strategy across institutional client acquisition, strategic partnerships, market development, and global go-to-market initiatives. His focus will include expanding SCRYPT’s reach beyond the crypto-native ecosystem, strengthening relationships with financial institutions and enterprise clients, and identifying new opportunities as demand grows for trusted digital asset infrastructure.
“The next stage of digital asset adoption will be driven by institutions that can combine trusted infrastructure with strong commercial execution,” said Norman Wooding, Founder and CEO, SCRYPT. “Adam brings more than two decades of experience building high-performing commercial organisations across traditional finance, fintech, and digital assets. His ability to translate strategy into execution, develop long-term client relationships, and identify new growth opportunities will be invaluable as we continue expanding SCRYPT’s global footprint.”
Parnell brings more than 20 years of experience across business development, sales leadership, account management, and growth strategy. Most recently, Parnell held partnerships and client solutions roles at Zodia Markets, where he worked with institutional clients navigating digital asset markets. Earlier, he served as Business Development Director for Europe and the Americas at Liminal, helping expand institutional custody infrastructure across international markets. His broader career includes senior commercial leadership positions at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), where he led business development initiatives across technology and enterprise sectors.
Adam Parnell, Vice President of Growth, SCRYPT said,”Great strategy only matters if you can execute it. SCRYPT has built a strong foundation for institutional digital assets, and I’m excited to help translate that into long-term growth. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building relationships, identifying opportunities, and turning strategy into measurable growth. My focus will be on expanding our partnerships, entering new markets, and helping more businesses unlock the value of digital assets.”
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jul 2026
The Sound of Productivity: How Audio Shapes Focus at Work
Emilio Roig – Marketing Manager, Audiodo
July 29: In today’s always-on working culture, productivity is typically framed around flexibility, digital tools, time management strategies and ergonomic setup. Organisations invest heavily in collaboration platforms, workflow software and hybrid policies all designed to optimise output.
Yet one of the most influential – and often overlooked – factors affecting performance can be sound.
The environment we work in, whether that’s a shared co-working space, open-plan office or home setup, and the acoustic conditions within that environment can have an impact on concentration, cognitive load and overall wellbeing. In short, the right sound environment can support productivity, whilst unmanaged noise can undermine performance.
The Cognitive Cost of Noise
Modern workspaces are rarely silent. Even with the rise of hybrid working, employees report that background conversations, virtual meetings and environmental noise can cause distractions and make it difficult to sustain attention.
Research has found that exposure to intelligible background speech can significantly reduce performance on tasks involving working memory and reading comprehension (Halin et al., 2021). The reason is simply neurological: our brains are hard-wired to prioritise speech. Even when a conversation is irrelevant it automatically captures attention.
This constant redirection of focus increases cognitive load and over time, that additional mental effort can contribute to fatigue and reduced efficiency – particularly in knowledge-based roles where sustained concentration is critical.
In other words, noise is not simply an annoyance.
Reducing Fatigue in Hybrid Environments
While unmanaged noise can increase cognitive load, silence is not necessarily the answer.
Research has shown that controlled, predictable sound can positively influence mood and task engagement. Listening to self-selected music, for example, has been associated with improved focus and emotional state, leading to greater immersion in tasks and more sustained concentration (Küssner, 2020).
With this in mind, it is no coincidence that many employees turn to headphones to create their own focus zone. However, there is another key factor that is often overlooked – hearing is highly individual.
A recent report from the World Health Organisation highlighted the increasing prevalence of subtle hearing variations across the working population. Even minor differences in frequency sensitivity can affect how clearly audio is perceived. When sound is not optimised for the listener, the brain works harder to interpret detail and balance which often results in listening fatigue.
In a working world where employees may spend hours on calls or virtual meetings, this strain can become significant.
The Role of Personalised Sound
This is where personalised sound technology is emerging as part of a broader movement towards adaptive technology.
Rather than treating audio as a one size fits all solution, software developers such as Sweden-based Audiodo are using hearing profiling to create an individual audio calibration which is then applied directly within compatible devices. Rather than simply increasing volume to overcome distractions, it fine-tunes frequencies to match the listener’s unique sensitivities in each ear. By tailoring sound to the individual, personalised audio can reduce unnecessary listening effort and help to support clearer, more comfortable communication throughout the working day.
Reducing listening fatigue is not just about comfort – it can have an impact on mental endurance, meaning cognitive capacity remains available for analysis, creativity and decision-making.
A Smarter Approach to Productivity
As organisations continue refining hybrid models and investing in employee wellbeing and performance, the acoustic dimension of work deserves greater attention.
Cognitive wellbeing and the ability to sustain focus, manage mental load and avoid burnout is increasingly a part of modern workplace design. From lighting to air quality, companies are examining environmental factors that can shape performance – and audio deserves equal consideration.
With research in workplace acoustics and cognitive psychology showing that intelligible background speech can reduce task performance and increase mental fatigue, while controlled or self-selected audio can support engagement and sustained attention (Jahncke et al., 2021; Halin et al., 2021), the future of productivity may not lie in eliminating sound altogether; but in managing it strategically and recognising that each employee hears and works differently.
By acknowledging the power of sound in cognitive performance and looking to embrace technologies that adapt to the individual, organisations can create environments where focus is supported, energy is preserved and productivity feels sustainable rather than forced.
In an increasingly competitive landscape, that may prove to be a sound investment.
29, Jul 2026
EPOS Strengthens Professional Audio Portfolio With Enhanced IMPACT 100 Wired Headset
New Delhi, July 29: Global audio specialist EPOS has announced the launch of an enhanced version of its popular IMPACT 100 wired headset, introducing a range of upgraded features designed to improve comfort, communication clarity, and overall user experience for modern professionals.
The improved EPOS IMPACT 100 is an ultra-lightweight and sleek headset built for hybrid working environments, offering all-day comfort, superior audio quality, and seamless integration with Microsoft Teams and other unified communication (UC) platforms.
Available in both mono and stereo variants, the updated headset now comes with ]softer materials for enhanced comfort, clearer voice transmission through an improved boom arm, an advanced noise-cancelling microphone, and dual USB-C and USB-A connectivity options. The headset is specifically designed for professionals who spend long hours on calls and require reliable communication tools for office and remote work settings.
According to Sudeep Roy, Sales Director India, EPOS, the IMPACT 100 continues to deliver the ideal balance between comfort, durability, and performance. “The EPOS IMPACT 100 balances lightweight comfort, high-quality audio, and robust build. Its noise-cancelling microphone, versatile connectivity, and extensive platform certifications make it suitable for office professionals, remote workers, and anyone needing reliable communication tools for extended periods,” said Roy. “Whilst there are many advantages of wireless headsets, high-quality wired versions remain extremely popular, especially where webcams are connected to desk screens, allowing users to benefit from easy plug-and-play functionality,” he added.
The enhanced headset also features intuitive call controls with distinctively shaped buttons and LED icons, enabling users to manage calls effortlessly without needing to look down at the device. In addition, the versatile boom arm can be worn on either side, while uni-directional microphone technology and advanced noise-cancelling algorithms help deliver improved call clarity in busy or demanding environments.
To ensure durability, the IMPACT 100 is equipped with leatherette earpads and an aramid fiber reinforced cable, making it dependable for long-term usage across home and office settings.
“We have designed the IMPACT 100 to meet the needs of professionals working in increasingly dynamic and demanding environments. The latest upgrades represent a significant improvement on its predecessor and further demonstrate our audio expertise that stretches back more than 115 years,” Roy concluded.
29, Jul 2026
NSE Highlights Market Risks as It Prepares for Mega IPO Launch
Mumbai, July 29: The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has said that lower trading volumes could impact its revenue as it prepares for its proposed Rs 30,000-crore IPO.
In its IPO documents, NSE highlighted that its earnings depend largely on trading activity and market participation. A decline in investor activity or changes in market conditions could affect the exchange’s transaction-based income.
The exchange said that while growing retail participation and increased interest in financial markets have supported its business, market fluctuations remain a key factor that could influence future performance.
NSE’s upcoming IPO is expected to attract strong interest from investors as the exchange plays a major role in India’s capital markets.
The company will continue to focus on strengthening its platforms, expanding market participation, and maintaining a transparent and efficient trading environment.
29, Jul 2026
Sensex Surges 889 Points, Nifty Crosses 24,250
Mumbai, July 29: Indian equity markets witnessed a strong rally as benchmark indices surged on Wednesday, with the Sensex gaining 889 points and the Nifty crossing the 24,250 mark, supported by broad-based buying across key sectors.
The positive momentum reflected improved investor sentiment, with strong participation from large-cap stocks helping lift the overall market mood. Buying interest was seen in sectors such as information technology, banking, and financial services, contributing to the sharp rise in benchmark indices.
Market experts said the rally was supported by a combination of favourable global cues, optimism over corporate growth prospects, and renewed confidence among investors. The gains indicate continued resilience in Indian equities despite ongoing global uncertainties.
The upward movement provided relief to investors and strengthened expectations of sustained market momentum. However, analysts advised caution, noting that global developments, economic data, and upcoming corporate results will continue to influence market direction.
The strong market performance highlights the confidence of investors and reflects the underlying strength of India’s equity markets as they navigate evolving domestic and international conditions.
29, Jul 2026
India Moves to Tighten Exam Security with New Anti-Paper Leak Legislation
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking a major step towards strengthening the security and credibility of public examinations across the country.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh
The legislation aims to tackle the growing challenge of examination malpractice, including paper leaks and unfair practices, by introducing stronger safeguards and improving accountability within the examination system.
During the discussion in the Lok Sabha, the government said the amendments are focused on protecting the interests of millions of students who appear for competitive and recruitment examinations every year. Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the need for a robust framework to ensure transparency, fairness, and trust in the examination process.
The bill was passed through a voice vote amid disruptions and a heated debate in the House. Despite the political differences, the government maintained that preventing exam-related fraud remains a priority to safeguard students’ hard work and ensure merit-based selection.
The move comes after concerns over examination irregularities in recent years, with students and aspirants demanding stronger measures to prevent leaks and ensure a fair opportunity for all.
With the new amendments, the government aims to build a more reliable examination ecosystem where transparency, accountability, and student confidence remain at the centre of the process.
29, Jul 2026
RAKEZ partners with Control Risks to initiate a comprehensive framework for workers’ welfare, wellbeing and happiness
Ras Al Khaimah, July 29: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has signed an agreement with Control Risks Middle East Limited to develop a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare, quality of life, and accommodation standards across labour accommodations in the economic zone.
This initiative reflects the economic zone’s commitment to fostering standards of safety, health and wellbeing within labour accommodations, while supporting employers in adopting leading practices that contribute to workforce satisfaction and sustainable business growth.
The agreement was signed by RAKEZ CFO Alida Helena Scholtz and Control Risks Global Head of Business and Human Rights, Dr James Sinclair at RAKEZ headquarters.
As part of the partnership, Control Risks will work closely with RAKEZ’s Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) department to conduct a detailed assessment of labour accommodation practices, benchmark them against regional and international best practices, engage relevant stakeholders, and develop a structured framework that provides a long-term roadmap for improving accommodation standards and promoting continuous improvement.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Responsible growth is built on creating an environment where businesses and the people behind them can thrive. This collaboration will help us establish a clear and consistent approach to worker wellbeing, strengthening the wider RAKEZ community and supporting sustainable progress across our ecosystem.”
Control Risks Global Head of Business and Human Rights, Dr James Sinclair said, “We are pleased to partner with RAKEZ on this important initiative. Our role will be to translate recognised regional and international practices into a framework that is practical, measurable and suited to the economic zone’s business environment. By engaging relevant stakeholders and assessing current practices, we aim to provide clear guidance that supports meaningful and lasting improvements.”
Once completed, the framework will provide businesses with practical guidance for managing and continuously improving labour accommodation standards. It will also support the UAE’s broader efforts to enhance workers’ quality of life and promote responsible, sustainable labour accommodation practices.
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29, Jul 2026
Indian Tourists Get Easier Access as UPI Payments Reach Burj Khalifa Bookings
Dubai, July 29: Travelling to Dubai has become more convenient for Indian visitors, with UPI payments now available for online bookings at Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.
The new payment option allows Indian travellers to use familiar UPI-enabled apps to purchase tickets and services, making the booking process faster, simpler, and more seamless while visiting the UAE.
The move marks another milestone in the global expansion of India’s digital payment ecosystem. With UPI gaining acceptance in international markets, Indian travellers are increasingly able to use a trusted and secure payment method while shopping, dining, and accessing tourist services abroad.
The initiative is expected to benefit the large number of Indian visitors travelling to Dubai each year by reducing payment-related challenges and improving the overall travel experience.
The growing adoption of UPI across global destinations highlights the rising influence of India’s digital finance infrastructure and reflects stronger technology and economic cooperation between India and the UAE.
As digital payments continue to expand worldwide, the availability of UPI at major international attractions like Burj Khalifa showcases India’s progress in building a globally connected and convenient payment network.
29, Jul 2026
Thodi Si Umeed Thoda Sa Aasman Actress Aarti Birajdar on Vaidehi’s New Chapter: Marriage Should Never Mean Giving Up on Your Dreams
Talking about the ongoing track, Aarti Birajdar, who plays Vaidehi, says,
“In the current track of Thodi Si Umeed, Thoda Sa Aasman, Vaidehi is getting married while also preparing for her exams, and she is trying to balance both these important phases of her life. While I am portraying this on screen, in reality, there are so many girls who are managing their studies, careers, marriages and responsibilities at the same time. It is not easy to take care of a home and family while also working towards your dreams, but so many women continue to do it every single day.I have even come across stories of girls who have appeared for their exams in their wedding outfits, attended their exams, and then gone back to their own wedding ceremonies. Just imagining the strength and determination it takes to do something like that is truly inspiring. I have immense respect for all the girls who are balancing their responsibilities while refusing to give up on their dreams. They may be ordinary girls, but the way they manage their lives and dreams makes them truly extraordinary. Marriage should never mean giving up on your dreams. A huge salute to every such girl who continues to believe in herself.”
29, Jul 2026
Nepal’s Tiger Conservation Success: Population Climbs to 429 in 2026
Kathmandu, July 29: Nepal has achieved a major milestone in wildlife conservation, with its tiger population increasing from 121 in 2009 to 429 in 2026, marking significant progress in protecting one of the world’s most endangered big cats.
The rise in tiger numbers reflects years of dedicated conservation efforts, including stronger wildlife protection measures, improved habitat management, anti-poaching initiatives, and greater involvement of local communities in preserving forest ecosystems.
Wildlife experts said the steady growth in the tiger population is a positive indicator of Nepal’s successful conservation strategy and highlights the importance of long-term efforts to protect natural habitats and maintain biodiversity.
The increase has also strengthened Nepal’s position in global tiger conservation efforts, demonstrating how coordinated action between government agencies, conservation groups, and communities can help revive threatened wildlife populations.
Authorities continue to focus on protecting tiger habitats, managing human-wildlife interactions, and ensuring sustainable conservation practices to support the long-term survival of the species.
Nepal’s achievement serves as an encouraging example of wildlife recovery and shows the impact of consistent conservation efforts in safeguarding the country’s rich natural heritage.
