16, Sep 2026
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.

16, Sep 2026
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.”

16, Sep 2026
Arena Animation hosts an Alumni Meet in Gurugram celebrating 3 decades of industry impact in the AVGC-XR and creative sectors
Gurugram, Sep 16: Arena Animation, an institute in animation, visual effects, and digital media education and a training brand of Aptech Limited, recently hosted its Alumni Meet at Holiday Inn, Sector 36, in Gurugram. The event brought together alumni and partners, creating a vibrant platform to celebrate achievements, exchange industry insights, and strengthen community connections.

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

The event witnessed participation from over 100 attendees, including distinguished alumni who are now contributing across leading studios and organisations in the AVGC–XR and creative industries. The gathering served as a platform to celebrate their journeys and inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

 
Notable alumni in physical & virtual attendance included Mr. Gurmeet Singh,  Director of the Movie, Mirzapur, Ms. Anjali Dutta, Vice President, Tech Mahindra, Mr. Mukund Sagar Vasishta, Director – Client Relations, Lakshya Digital, Ms. Nancy Kapoor, Design Head, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Mr. Vikas Saini, Sr. Art Director, Aristocrat Technologies, Mr. Sachin Yadav, Creative Director, Mastercard and Ms Priyanka Kapoor, Partner, Neovation, among many others, reflecting both creative excellence and entrepreneurial mindset fostered at Arena Animation.
 
The event was also attended by Mr. Shajan Samuel Sr. Vice President & National Sales Head, Arena Animation, Aptech Ltd. Following the successful establishment of alumni chapters in Indore, Vadodara, Nashik, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Siliguri, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Ahmedabad, Jaipur & Pune, Arena Animation is expanding its alumni network with the launch of its 14th chapter in Gurugram. With more than 1500 alumni engaged across multiple chapters, the initiative continues to strengthen professional connections, celebrate alumni achievements, and nurture a thriving community of creative professionals. As part of this initiative, the brand will host similar meets across metro and non-metro cities, aimed at recognising the achievements of its alumni and fostering stronger connections within its growing creative network.
 
Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited said,
“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.”
Mr. Nitesh Jawarani,  Business Partner & Centre Director, Arena Animation, Gurugram, Sector 14, said,
“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.”
Mrs. Preeti Jawarani, Academics Director, Arena Animation, Gurugram, Sector 14, said,
“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.”
Spread across 5000 sq ft, self-owned premises, Arena Animation, Gurugram provides its students with an environment that goes well beyond computer-based learning, with dedicated space for professional shoots, creative workshops, collaborative activities and alumni interactions fostering a vibrant creative community.
 
Continuing its legacy of shaping India’s creative ecosystem, Arena Animation also launched a slew of innovative and future ready training programs including AI in Video Editing, AI in Motion Graphics & Design.  The celebration also highlighted Arena Animation’s continued focus on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, encouraging original intellectual property creation through initiatives such as Arena Animation Originals, integrating emerging technologies into learning, and developing globally competitive creative professionals.
 
The Alumni Meet also enabled engaging discussions around emerging technologies, evolving career pathways, and industry expectations. Alumni shared their professional journeys and insights, offering valuable guidance to aspiring creators on navigating a dynamic and competitive creative ecosystem.
 
With Gurugram being a key hub for creative arts, culture, heritage and storytelling, the event further reinforces Arena Animation’s role in nurturing talent that contributes to both national and global creative industries.
16, Sep 2026
PM Vishwakarma Scheme Reaches 30 Lakh Registrations, Strengthening India’s Traditional Artisan Economy

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.

16, Sep 2026
Nisara Unveils Chocolate Obsession, a Signature Perfume Inspired by the Irresistible Indulgence of Chocolate

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.

16, Sep 2026
IIT Madras develops integrated climate resilience framework to safeguard India’s coastal infrastructure

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

Chennai, 16th 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. 

16, Sep 2026
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.

16, Sep 2026
TransNusa Expands Australia-Bali Presence with Daily Melbourne-Bali Connection and First-Ever ‘Premium Plus’ Service

TransNusa Masterstrokes Australia-Bali Market with Powerhouse Double-Launch of New Melbourne-Bali Daily Connection Alongside Its First-Ever ‘Premium Plus’ Service 

 BALI, INDONESIA, Sept 16 – In just four short years, TransNusa has transformed from a rising regional player into a definitive trendsetter in the Asia-Pacific aviation landscape, boldly carving out significant new market shares by aggressively energizing the travel market with its highly tactical, formula-driven strategies. 

In its latest signature expansion move, the airline, lead by Datuk Bernard Francis, has masterfully synchronized its existing commercial assets to implement a twin launch guaranteeing passengers not only a convenient new flight schedule but also an elevated, next-level travel experience that can be enjoyed with family and friends. 

Today, the Premium Service Carrier has officially opened ticket sales for its highly anticipated direct flights between Melbourne and Bali (Denpasar), commencing as a daily service on October 19, onwards. 

This landmark launch seamlessly pairs optimized arrival and departure slots with the market debut of TransNusa’s customized Premium Plus seating, offering an intelligent travel solution, designed to maximize passenger comfort and connection efficiency. The travel solution provides TransNusa passengers with connections to 11 island and prime tourism destinations. 

Datuk Bernard Francis, Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa, in  highlighting the strategic importance of the new route, said, “The launch of the Melbourne-Bali route represents a monumental step forward in our international expansion strategy.” 

 

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

 

Datuk Bernard Francis… TransNusa unveils twin launch with new Premium Plus service introduction alongside its Melbourne-Bali route announcement 

“This new route introduction marks a defining milestone in TransNusa’s international growth strategy. It strengthens Bali’s position as a premier gateway between Australia and Asia, while giving travellers a compelling new choice that combines connectivity, value and a distinctly premium travel experience.” 

“Bali remains a prime global holiday destination, and by connecting it directly to Melbourne, we are providing travellers from Australia with a highly competitive, premium flying alternative,” Datuk Bernard explained, adding that TransNusa has always strived to deliver beyond expectations as its aim is to provide reliable, comfortable, and affordable travel choices across the region. 

In tandem with the route launch, TransNusa is breaking new ground by unveiling its first-ever Premium Plus service class. Tailored for travellers seeking elevated comfort without the traditional business class price tag, Premium Plus offers priority perks and enhanced baggage allowance. 

To celebrate the dual milestone, the airline is rolling out exclusive introductory fares with standard basic seats that starts from just AUD299, while the all-new Premium Plus experience begins at an introductory rate of AUD699, giving travellers the opportunity to experience the new Melbourne–Bali service and TransNusa’s all-new premium offerings at an exceptional value. 

The introduction of Premium Plus marks another significant milestone in TransNusa’s evolution as a premium-service airline, reflecting its commitment to giving passengers greater choice, comfort and value across its growing international network. 

To ensure an elite journey, the newly developed Premium Plus tier features only 20 limited seats per flight. 

Strategic Daily Flight Schedule 

To cater to both business travellers and holiday-makers, TransNusa will operate a highly efficient overnight and morning schedule. 

TransNusa Flight 8B 18 departs Bali (DPS) at 20:45 from I Gusti Ngurah International Airport and arrives at Melbourne Airport (MEL) at 05:40 the following morning. While the TransNusa Flight 8B 19 departs Melbourne Airport at 06:25, arriving back in Bali (DPS) at 09:40. 

Beyond Point-to-Point: A Gateway to Island Paradise and Major Asian Hubs 

Moving past conventional point-to-point operations, TransNusa’s new service is strategically engineered to offer passengers the ultimate flexibility for travel Beyond Bali. By positioning Bali as a primary international hub, the airline opens up thrilling, diverse journeys across its extensive network. 

Passengers from Australia can effortlessly transition to travel Beyond Bali to discover the sun, sea, and holistic healing benefits offered by Indonesia’s hidden tropical gems, including the world-class marine ecosystems of Wakatobi and the breath-taking volcanic landscapes of Manado, Bima, and Lombok. 

Furthermore, TransNusa has synchronized its flight schedules to provide timely, hassle-free transits to leading global tourism and commercial destinations, including Guangzhou (China), Singapore, and the sun-drenched beaches of Phuket, Thailand. 

“Today, we are celebrating more than just a single point-to-point connection. Our goal is to design ultimate travel experiences that bring the best of sun, sea, and healing experience directly to our passengers. By scheduling timely transits from Bali, we are giving travellers from Australia complete flexibility to extend their journeys seamlessly Beyond Bali to exotic domestic havens like Wakatobi, Manado, Bima, and Lombok, or major regional capitals like Singapore, Phuket, and key cities across China. 

“We are also incredibly proud to debut our first-ever Premium Plus service on this route. Premium Plus bridges the gap between value and luxury, ensuring our guests can experience superior comfort and hospitality at an introductory price of AUD699. Combined with our entry-level introductory fare of AUD299, we are ensuring that every traveller finds a personalized option that matches their budget and journey requirements.” 

TransNusa transitioned to its globally recognized Premium Service Carrier model to stand out from traditional low-cost competitors, ensuring that even standard tickets include generous baggage provisions with standard comfort features such as water and snacks and extended legroom. The new Melbourne service builds upon the success of the airline’s existing international networks, establishing a robust link between Australia and the rest of TransNusa’s rapidly growing Asia Pacific network. 

Tickets for the Melbourne–Bali route are available for purchase immediately. Due to the high demand and the strictly limited 20-seat capacity for the premium experience, travellers are encouraged to secure their seats and design their multi-destination itineraries early by visiting the official website at transnusa.co.id or through any authorized travel booking platform. 

16, Sep 2026
76 percent Young Talent: Hindustan Zinc’s Next-Generation Engineers Are Reimagining India’s Zinc Story

76%Young Talent: Hindustan Zinc’s Next-Generation Engineers Are Reimagining India’s Zinc Story

Udaipur, 16 September 2026: As India celebrates Engineers’ Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the world’s top ten silver producers, is spotlighting the growing role of young engineering talent in shaping the future of one of the country’s most critical industries. With 57.8% of Hindustan Zinc’s executive workforce comprising employees from engineering backgrounds, 76% of its young professionals coming from core engineering disciplines, and nearly 10% of the company’s leaders under the age of 35, a new generation of engineers is bringing together technical expertise, digital capabilities and innovation to transform mining and metals operations.

Across Hindustan Zinc’s technology-led operations, young engineers are increasingly working at the intersection of core engineering and emerging technologies. From remote blasting and tele-remote equipment handling to real-time monitoring systems, operational intelligence platforms, automated processes and digital control rooms, engineers are contributing to safer, smarter and more efficient ways of working across the company’s mines and smelters.

At Hindustan Zinc, this transformation is supported by a strong engineering talent base. Of the company’s total executive workforce of 2,685 employees, 1,551 are from engineering backgrounds, with women executives representing 20.5% across diverse disciplines including mining, metallurgy, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering. The company also continues to strengthen its young talent pipeline, with 335 campus hires in FY26, bringing fresh technical perspectives into an industry undergoing rapid technological and operational change.

Mr. Amarendu Prakash, CEO & Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said “The engineer of today is entering an industry that is fundamentally changing. At Hindustan Zinc, we are seeing a new generation of engineers bring this mindset to the workplace and challenge conventional ways of solving complex problems. Our responsibility is to create an environment where their curiosity, technical capability and ambition can translate into innovations that strengthen the future of mining and metals.”

With over 62% of its workforce under the age of 35 and a 26.3% gender diversity ratio, Hindustan Zinc is building a workplace where young talent is empowered with meaningful responsibilities, rich job content and the freedom to innovate. With rapid digitalisation and automation transforming industrial operations, the company is fostering a startup culture within a large-scale manufacturing environment, enabling employees to bring fresh ideas, agility and ownership to the shopfloor, mines and business functions alike.

Beyond its executive engineering talent, Hindustan Zinc’s engineering ecosystem is strengthened by more than 423 non-executives who are directly and indirectly involved in critical engineering processes across its mines and smelters. Working closely with heavy machinery, complex equipment and high-intensity industrial operations, they form an essential part of the company’s operational backbone. 

The employee-first approach is also reflected in the company’s commitment to creating career-enhancing and equal opportunities for its people at every stage of life. From enabling women employees to take up roles across shifts and critical operations, to offering flexible work hours, spouse hiring, year-long sabbaticals for childcare, and leave policies that prioritise mental and physical well-being, Hindustan Zinc continues to strengthen a workplace where employees can grow both personally and professionally. The company also encourages talent mobility, giving employees the opportunity to explore roles across business functions based on their interests, aptitude and aspirations.

16, Sep 2026
Union Bank of India Unveils ‘Union SUDARSHAN’ and 14 New Initiatives for Smarter Banking

Union Bank of India Unveils ‘Union SUDARSHAN’ and 14 New Initiatives for Smarter Banking

Mumbai, September 16, 2026: Union Bank of India on 10.09.2026, inaugurated ‘Union SUDARSHAN’, the Bank’s first fully automated, centralised banking intelligence hub, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. The event, held at Union Bank of India, M.S. Marg, Mumbai, was graced by Shri Sanjay Lohiya (IAS), Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, in the presence of Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & CEO, Union Bank of India, along with Shri Nitesh Ranjan and Shri Ramasubramanian S, Executive Directors, and Shri Prakash Baliarsingh, Dr. Priti Jay Rao and Shri Prakash Chandra Kandpal, Non-Executive Directors on the Board of the Bank. Senior executives from other Banks, LIC and Indian Banks’ Association were also present on the occasion.

At the event, Union Bank of India also launched 14 new strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing customer convenience, improving operational efficiency, and enabling seamless banking services. Designed after extensive research and consultation with field functionaries, the initiatives are intended to help the Bank’s systems navigate and respond with far greater clarity, empowering employees to serve customers with confidence, speed and ownership.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of the ‘Union Bank Museum’, showcasing the Bank’s evolution and milestones, celebrating its legacy, culture and contribution to India’s banking and financial landscape, while paying tribute to the founders of Union Bank of India, erstwhile Corporation Bank and erstwhile Andhra Bank.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri Sanjay Lohiya, IAS, Secretary, DFS, MOF, GOI highlighted the growing importance of cyber security in today’s digital banking landscape and emphasised the effective use of technology to promote ease of doing business, strengthen cyber resilience, enhance customer-centric service delivery and support sustainable business growth. He encouraged the Bank to continue introducing initiatives that make it more robust, resilient and future-ready. He also highlighted the importance of engaging India’s youth in the banking and financial ecosystem and harnessing their contribution towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Asheesh Pandey, Managing Director & CEO, Union Bank of India, said, “Union SUDARSHAN reflects our vision of building a smarter, more agile and future-ready institution. By harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence and intelligent automation, we are building efficiency across systems, strengthening governance, enabling proactive risk management and enhancing customer service.”

Union SUDARSHAN represents a paradigm shift from conventional monitoring systems to an intelligence-led governance framework. Powered by advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the platform identifies anomalies across channels through intelligent behavioural baselines, combining automation with human governance. This enables early risk detection, stronger oversight and evidence-based decision-making, marking a strategic shift from reactive monitoring to proactive governance. The platform also features an exception-based alert management framework with automated escalation across hierarchies.

On the occasion, Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director, Union Bank of India, said “The 14 new initiatives launched today are aimed squarely at ease of doing business  for our customers and for our own staff. Each of them has been designed to simplify processes, cut down turnaround times and remove friction from everyday banking. Together, these initiatives mark a decisive step towards a more efficient, customer-centric Union Bank of India.”

Together, Union SUDARSHAN and the Bank’s strategic initiatives reflect Union Bank of India’s continuing commitment to becoming a Bank for the Future  one that combines technology, efficiency and institutional legacy to deliver stronger governance, sharper agility and a superior banking experience for every stakeholder.