Author: Neel Achary

Francesco Allegra Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Automha

Grugliasco (Turin), September 16, 2026 – The Board of Directors of Automha has named Francesco Allegra Chief Executive Officer of the company. The appointment, which has already taken effect, supports the expansion and strengthening of Automha’s growth within Comau, which includes capitalizing on the synergies with Invent.

The intralogistics sector is expected to achieve double-digit growth over the next three to five years, driven by the continued expansion of e-commerce and the evolution of supply chains. As such, Francesco Allegra will build on the company’s strong track record to enhance its integrated logistics automation offering, allowing Automha to take on larger-scale projects, reach new markets and create new opportunities around the world.

Francesco Allegra, Chief Executive Officer of Automha, stated, “In assuming the leadership of Automha, my focus will be on realizing the company’s full potential. I have seen firsthand the strengths of the team and technologies, as well as the market opportunities that lie ahead. By working together with Comau and Invent as a single technology hub, we are well-positioned to drive transformation and the optimization of production processes of our customers around the world.”

Francesco Allegra brings two decades of executive leadership in operational excellence, risk management, and corporate governance. He holds a degree in Management
Engineering from Politecnico di Torino and has held senior executive roles within FCA, Geox, and Comau. Allegra will retain his current position as Chief Operational
Performance Officer at Comau, ensuring seamless strategic alignment across both organizations.

Francesco Allegra succeeds Automha founder Franco Togni, who transitions to the role of Honorary Chairman, continuing to support the business.

Kalitta Air and Air Atlanta Icelandic Adopt CHAMP’s Cargospot Weight & Balance Solution for Boeing 777-300ERSF Freighter Operations

Luxembourg, Sep 16: Kalitta Air and Air Atlanta Icelandic have successfully expanded their use of CHAMP’s Cargospot Weight & Balance to manage their new Boeing 777–300ERSF in live operations. By utilizing this single, centralized system to manage both their existing fleets and the new-to-market aircraft, both carriers are achieving unprecedented levels of operational synergy, safety, and cost-efficiency.

With Kalitta Air being the launch operator of the 777-300ERSF globally and Air Atlanta Icelandic being the second globally but first in Europe, the addition of the Boeing 777-300ERSF is a strategic move for both airlines to modernize their fleets and meet the surge in global e-commerce. Kalitta Air is using the aircraft to strengthen critical cargo routes between the US and Japan, while Air Atlanta Icelandic is using the new freighter to anchor a “cargo bridge” between Asia and Europe. Known for its high-volume capacity, the freighter requires sophisticated load planning to maximize its commercial potential.

By leveraging their established Cargospot Weight & Balance setup, Kalitta Air and Air Atlanta Icelandic eliminate the inefficiencies of fragmented systems. This unified application provides a consistent digital environment for loadmasters, ensuring that whether they are planning their existing fleet or the new 777-300ERSF, the process remains automated, accurate, and optimized.

Managing a diverse fleet within one familiar system reduces the need for additional training and eliminates the risk of human error associated with switching between different load planning tools. Furthermore, Cargospot Weight & Balance’s autoload feature calculates complex weight distributions for the 777-300ERSF in seconds, significantly reducing ground time and increasing aircraft utilization across the entire fleet. Achieving the optimal center of gravity consistently means both carriers can reduce fuel burn across all aircraft types, directly impacting the bottom line and sustainability goals. 

CHAMP is the chosen innovation partner for Kalitta Air and Air Atlanta Icelandic, supporting growing operations with advanced, market-leading solutions and ensuring sustained competitiveness in an evolving air freight landscape.  

Toby Ray, Chief Loadmaster, Kalitta Air, said:

 “As the launch operator of the 777-300ERSF, we needed a weight and balance solution that could support the aircraft from day one while remaining consistent with the processes already used across our fleet. By utilizing CHAMP’s Cargospot Weight & Balance platform, our loadmasters can work within a familiar environment, improve planning efficiency, and optimize aircraft loading to maximize payload capability while supporting fuel efficiency. The ability to manage our entire fleet within a single system has simplified training, enhanced operational consistency, and supported the successful entry into service of the 777-300ERSF.” 

Magnús Magnússon, Chief Loadmaster at Air Atlanta, said:

 “Operating a diverse fleet requires a load planning solution that is both flexible and precise. By extending our use of Cargospot Weight & Balance to the 777-300ERSF, we have streamlined our workflows while retaining the flexibility needed to manage the aircraft’s specific operational requirements. This unified approach strengthens our load planning processes and supports the continued development of our cargo operation.”

Khaled Chamsuddine, Product Manager Aircraft Operations, Cargospot Weight & Balance from CHAMP said,

“Cargospot Weight & Balance is designed to digitalize and automate one of the most critical operational processes for freighter airlines, combining advanced calculations with intuitive control for loadmasters. We are proud to partner with forward-looking operators to ensure they can maximize aircraft performance safely and efficiently from day one.”

Arena Animation hosts an Alumni Meet in Gurugram celebrating 3 decades of industry impact in the AVGC-XR and creative sectors

“It is inspiring to see our alumni from Gurugram successfully building ventures leading creative enterprises making meaningful contributions across leading studios and creative organisations. As Arena Animation marked 30 years, this milestone is not only a reflection of our legacy, but of the strong industry network we have cultivated over time. The Gurugram Alumni Meet celebrates these achievements while reinforcing our commitment to nurturing talent, strengthening alumni connections, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that inspires the next generation of creative professionals.”

“After three decades of being associated with Aptech & Arena Animation, it is truly special for us to host our first Alumni Meet of this scale and bring together the very people who have been an integral part of our journey. Our alumni are the living testament to what we have built over the years –  from students who once walked through our doors to professionals who have gone on to create successful careers worldwide. This gathering is much more than a reunion; it is a celebration of the relationships, opportunities and shared experiences that have shaped our journey.”

“Arena Animation, Gurugram has consistently placed strong emphasis on career-oriented education and quality placements, helping its students build successful careers in the animation, VFX, gaming, multimedia and creative industries. Over the past three decades, its shining placement record stands as a testament to this sustained focus on employability, industry readiness and nurturing talent that meets professional standards.”

PM Vishwakarma Scheme Reaches 30 Lakh Registrations, Strengthening India’s Traditional Artisan Economy

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme has reached a major milestone with 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople successfully registered under the programme, highlighting the growing focus on strengthening India’s traditional trades through skills, modern tools, affordable credit and wider market access.

Launched in September 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana was designed to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who depend on traditional skills and hand-based work for their livelihoods. The scheme covers a wide range of traditional occupations and aims to help these workers improve productivity, product quality and income opportunities.

The official PM Vishwakarma Scheme status currently shows that the target of 30 lakh successful registrations has already been achieved. The milestone is significant because many traditional artisans operate as very small businesses and often face challenges in accessing formal finance, modern equipment, training and organised markets.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme Benefits

One of the key features of the scheme is its focus on improving the business capabilities of artisans. Beneficiaries can receive skill training, support for modern toolkits, recognition through the PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card, and access to collateral-free credit at a concessional interest rate.

The scheme provides credit support in two stages, with eligible beneficiaries able to access loans of up to ₹1 lakh in the first tranche and up to ₹2 lakh in the second tranche, subject to the applicable conditions. The loans are offered at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent to the beneficiary.

For artisans, access to better tools and affordable finance can make a direct difference to their businesses. A carpenter, potter, tailor, blacksmith or other traditional worker can use improved equipment and working capital to increase production, improve quality and respond to changing customer demand.

PM Vishwakarma and Skill Development

Skill development is another important part of PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Traditional knowledge has often been transferred from one generation to another, but changing consumer preferences and technology are creating new requirements for small businesses.

The scheme combines traditional skills with formal training and modern tools, allowing artisans to strengthen their existing capabilities while adapting their products and production methods to contemporary markets.

The government has also been working to connect artisans with wider markets. Greater access to digital platforms and organised marketing channels can help traditional products move beyond local customers and reach buyers in other parts of the country.

Business Impact of PM Vishwakarma Scheme

From a business perspective, the expansion of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme could strengthen India’s grassroots enterprise ecosystem. Traditional artisans are often micro-enterprises in practice, with production, employment and income closely linked to individual families or small community-based businesses.

Improved access to credit and tools can help these businesses increase their capacity without making large upfront investments. As production expands, demand can also increase for raw materials, packaging, transportation, retail services and other supporting activities.

This creates a wider economic effect beyond the individual beneficiary. Stronger artisan businesses can contribute to local employment, rural incomes and the development of small markets around traditional manufacturing and handicraft activities.

Digital Markets Create New Opportunities

Digitalisation is also changing the way traditional artisans can reach customers. Online marketplaces and digital payment systems can reduce the geographical limitations that have traditionally affected small producers.

For artisans, the ability to showcase and sell products beyond their immediate locality can open access to a larger customer base. It can also encourage businesses to improve product presentation, packaging, pricing and inventory management.

This combination of skill development, digitalisation, financial support and market access makes the scheme relevant not only as a welfare initiative but also as a small-business development programme.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme and India’s MSME Sector

The 30-lakh registration milestone also connects with the broader formalisation of India’s MSME sector. Traditional artisans frequently operate at the smallest end of the enterprise spectrum, and bringing more of them into organised support systems can improve their access to institutional finance, government programmes and markets.

India’s MSME ecosystem is increasingly being supported through formalisation, technology, finance and market-linkage initiatives. Government data shows that Udyam Registration and the Udyam Assist Platform together crossed 8.7 crore registrations by June 2026, reflecting the expanding formal enterprise base.

For the artisan economy, the challenge is now to ensure that registration translates into actual business improvement. Training, access to tools, timely credit, digital adoption and market opportunities will determine how effectively beneficiaries can use the support available under the scheme.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme therefore represents an important link between India’s traditional skills and its evolving micro-enterprise economy. With the 30-lakh registration target achieved, the programme has created a large base of registered artisans, while continued implementation will be important for turning formal registration into stronger businesses, better livelihoods and wider market participation.

Nisara Unveils Chocolate Obsession, a Signature Perfume Inspired by the Irresistible Indulgence of Chocolate

Nisara, an Indian lifestyle fragrance brand, has launched its latest chocolate-inspired fragrance, Chocolate Obsession. Following the success of its top-selling fragrances Vanilla Rush, Cherry Bloom and Caramel Crush, Nisara continues to create scents that blend indulgence, elegance and everyday appeal 

Chocolate Obsession is Nisara’s tribute to one of the world’s most irresistible pleasures—fine chocolate. Rich, indulgent, and comforting, the fragrance captures the essence of premium chocolate and transforms it into an unforgettable olfactory experience.

Created for those who appreciate life’s little indulgences, Chocolate Obsession envelops the senses from the very first spray. Inspired by the experience of stepping into a luxury chocolatier, it brings together notes of cocoa, praline, fruits, and vanilla to create a warm, inviting trail filled with indulgence and desire.

Speaking about the launch, Tarvinder Pal, Founder of Nisara, said, “At Nisara, we believe fragrance should be a part of who you are and how you feel. For many of us, our first chocolate came from a parent, grandparent or teacher. More than a sweet treat, it became a little part of our childhood. Chocolate has a way of bringing those memories back, resonating with the warmth, comfort and nostalgia of simpler times. 

“With this launch, we wanted to capture that emotional connection while creating a fragrance that feels indulgent yet effortless to wear. Our focus is to make fragrance more expressive and meaningful, while continuing to create scents that reflect the evolving preferences and lifestyles of today’s consumers.” 

Nisara sees fragrance evolving into an essential part of modern lifestyle, shaped by social media, beauty creators, and global fragrance trends. Designed for today’s expressive consumer, including Gen Z and younger millennials, Chocolate Obsession reflects the growing desire for scents that complement personality, mood, and occasion.

With this launch, Nisara continues to bring contemporary, accessible, and expressive fragrances to everyday life, while evolving with changing consumer preferences.

IIT Madras develops integrated climate resilience framework to safeguard India’s coastal infrastructure

Chennai, 16^th September 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have created an integrated framework to evaluate the impact of climate change on India’s coastal regions and identify practical adaptation measures to protect critical infrastructure, ecosystems and vulnerable populations.

India’s long coastline supports major ports, fishing harbours, power plants, industries, urban settlements and sensitive ecosystems. Growing climate variability and more frequent extreme events threaten infrastructure and livelihoods, making robust, evidence-based adaptation essential.

This research was undertaken at IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Adaptation Strategies, which is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. This interdisciplinary centre brings together climate science, coastal engineering, water resources and environmental engineering.

The significant findings were presented at the IAHR World Congress 2025 in Singapore through the paper titled Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Infrastructure, Water and Waste Management Facilities. We also recently published the edited book Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Infrastructure, Water Resources, and Waste Management Along the Coasts with Springer Nature.

The researchers in this centre develop advanced models and tools to address rising risks from cyclones, storm surges, coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, sea-level rise and extreme rainfall.

Key achievements of the Centre include advanced climate, cyclone, storm-surge, wave, hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models tailored for the Indian coast. A novel wind-merging technique developed by the researchers notably improves storm-surge predictions. The team also conducted flood inundation modelling and mapping for Chennai to aid disaster preparedness and urban planning.

Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) maps that incorporate sea-level rise and storm-surge effects were produced for Chennai, Ennore and Karaikal. The researchers developed structural health monitoring approaches to track climate-driven deterioration of port infrastructure and proposed climate–resilient reservoir management strategies for flood-prone urban areas. The effectiveness of different saltwater intrusion prevention and mitigation measures in coastal areas was analysed.

In water and environmental sustainability, the Centre created climate–resilient wastewater treatment solutions, including a patented in-stream wastewater treatment method. The team also introduced the BASIEC framework to support community-based adaptation to sea-level rise and other coastal hazards.

Prof. S. A. Sannasiraj, Principal Investigator of the Centre and Faculty, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “India’s coastline hosts some of the country’s most critical infrastructure and supports millions of livelihoods. Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of coastal hazards, making resilience an urgent priority. Our Centre has adopted a systems-level approach that integrates climate modelling, engineering solutions and community adaptation to provide actionable strategies that can help reduce risks and improve preparedness across coastal regions.”

Prof. B. S. Murty, Centre Coordinator and Faculty, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, added, “Climate adaptation requires much more than understanding individual hazards. We are developing scientifically robust and practically-implementable solutions through advanced simulations, field observations and stakeholder engagement. The outcomes from this Centre can support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to sustainable coastal development in India.”

The Centre’s distinctive approach traces the full chain of impacts from changing cyclone behaviour and coastal flooding to infrastructure vulnerability and adaptation planning. It integrates field measurements, laboratory experiments, numerical simulations and policy-relevant solutions, while emphasizing open-source tools and locally appropriate adaptation measures.

The research outputs are expected to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure ports, fishing harbours, power plants and transport networks, improve disaster preparedness and flood management in coastal cities, safeguard groundwater resources and encourage sustainable nature-based coastal protection.

A major deliverable from the project is the edited volume “Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Infrastructure, Water Resources, and Waste Management Along the Coasts,” published by Springer Nature.

The Centre brings together 15 Co-Principal Investigators from four IIT Madras departments and has produced substantial scientific output, including 73 journal articles, six book chapters, one edited book, 60 conference papers and one patent. 

Finance’s Best Festive Week Isn’t Diwali. Marketers Who Catch It Win

By Sanjay Trisal, GM, India, AppsFlyer

September 16, 2026: Every festive season, finance marketers converge on the same seven days. Diwali gets the media plan, the war room, and the results deck circulated to leadership afterward. Our numbers say that week doesn’t decide the season.

AppsFlyer’s India Festive Report 2026 tracked 2.1 billion installs, 5 billion re-engagement conversions, and $700 million in ad spend across India’s 2025 festive window. Inside that scale sits a pattern most finance marketers never check for: the vertical’s biggest revenue week didn’t fall during Diwali. It landed the week after, alongside Chhath Puja, and pulled in 13% of the season’s Android revenue and 11% of iOS revenue, ahead of Diwali week’s own 11% and 9%.

The spend backs up the shift. Re-engagement budgets rose 102% on Android during Diwali week, then climbed another 97% the week after. Conversions moved even more, up 124% on iOS and 23% on Android over that same stretch. Read on its own, this looks like the best kind of marketing story: customers who came back for Diwali stayed engaged well past it. A loyalty win, hard-earned.

I’d have believed that story too, if I’d stopped at the top-line numbers. Retention data tells a sharper story. iOS cohorts acquired in this window hit 13.1% retention on Day 7, well above the usual 11.5%. By Day 30, that lead has shrunk to 8% against a baseline of 7%, a gap that’s nearly closed. Android shows almost none of this movement, at Day 7 or Day 30. Average the two platforms together, and the whole pattern vanishes. What looks like sustained loyalty is really a short, real, platform-specific window, not a lasting behavior change.

October’s install data points to the same conclusion from a different angle. The events driving the post-Diwali surge – gold buying around Dhanteras and financial planning tied to Chhath Puja – also produce the strongest install-to-purchase conversion of the entire year: 3% on Android, 7% on iOS. This isn’t a single-week sentiment spike. It’s intent that shows up consistently, in a season built around exactly this kind of financial decision-making. 

None of this shows up on a chart that plots one metric against time. It only appears when spend, conversion, revenue, retention, and platform get read together, and even then only if nobody averages away the split between Android and iOS. That’s the harder discipline, and it pays off.

I don’t think the answer is to wait until Day 30 to decide whether a spike was real, and I don’t think it’s to write off the week after Diwali as a short transaction bump dressed up as engagement. The value sits earliest, in the days right after Chhath Puja, while that financial intent is still active. For finance marketers in India, that week is this season’s clearest opening. It rewards whoever measures it precisely enough to see it: split by platform, counted in the week it’s actually earned, not folded into an average that hides it.

TransNusa Expands Australia-Bali Presence with Daily Melbourne-Bali Connection and First-Ever ‘Premium Plus’ Service