Category Archives: Business

Montra Electric Flags Off 65 Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks as Part of One of India’s Largest eM&HCV Deployments

Chandigarh, July 10: Montra Electric, the clean mobility brand of the Murugappa Group, today flagged off the first batch of its Rhino 5538 EV heavy–duty electric trucks from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Manesar, marking the commencement of a phased large-scale deployment across key industrial sectors in India.

The flag-off underscores the rapid evolution of India’s heavy commercial vehicle market from pilot deployments to commercial-scale electrification. As fleet operators increasingly adopt zero-emission freight solutions, Montra Electric has significantly scaled up production of its Rhino platform to meet a growing order pipeline and support the accelerating transition towards sustainable logistics.

Engineered for demanding freight operations, the Rhino 5538 EV delivers high performance, exceptional reliability and a lower total cost of ownership. Designed for applications across cement, steel, infrastructure, construction materials, mining and other heavy–duty sectors, the vehicle combines operational efficiency with the performance required for long-haul and high-utilisation freight movement.

The flag-off marks the first phase of deliveries, with the remaining vehicles scheduled for deployment over the coming months, further strengthening the electrification of freight operations across multiple industrial corridors.

Mr. Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Pvt. Ltd.) said: “India’s heavy freight ecosystem has reached an important inflection point. Customers today are making electric trucks a part of their mainstream logistics operations rather than evaluating them through limited pilots. This shift is driving commercial-scale production at our Manesar facility, and we are proud to be supporting leading enterprises with products that combine performance, reliability and sustainability. Our focus remains on building an ecosystem that enables customers to transition confidently towards zero-emission freight.” 

Mr. Navneet Sethi, CEO – eMHCV, Montra Electric (IPLTech Electric Pvt. Ltd.) said: “The conversation around electric trucking has fundamentally changed. Fleet operators are now asking how quickly they can scale, not whether the technology works. These are the most demanding freight applications, requiring uncompromised performance, high uptime and dependable operating economics. Rhino has been engineered precisely for these requirements, delivering a compelling combination of productivity, efficiency and lower total cost of ownership. With manufacturing now ramped up, we are well positioned to support the growing demand from customers across India’s industrial sectors.”

The Rhino 5538 EV combines an advanced electric powertrain, intelligent vehicle engineering and connected telematics to address the evolving needs of modern freight transportation. Designed for high-utilisation commercial operations, it delivers the performance, reliability and operational efficiency required across diverse heavy–duty applications.

Backed by a growing order book and increasing customer adoption across sectors such as cement, steel, infrastructure and mining, Montra Electric continues to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, service network and customer support ecosystem to enable large-scale fleet electrification.

As businesses increasingly balance operational efficiency with sustainability commitments, electric heavy–duty trucks are emerging as a commercially viable solution for mainstream freight movement. The latest rollout from Montra Electric‘s Manesar facility reinforces the company’s commitment to accelerating India’s freight electrification journey through indigenous innovation, advanced manufacturing and customer-centric mobility solutions.

Hexnode UEM integrates with ServiceNow, streamlining IT incident management and enhancing service efficiency

San Francisco, CA, July 10: Hexnode UEM, the enterprise software division of Mitsogo Inc., has announced a new integration with ServiceNow, the AI control tower for business reinvention. The integration connects Hexnode UEM with ServiceNow Incident Management, empowering enterprises to accelerate incident resolution and enhance overall IT agent productivity.
 
The ServiceNow AI Platform delivers tools that optimize enterprise operations and enhances service delivery through intelligent workflows. Building on this foundation, the integration establishes a two-way connection that centralizes critical endpoint management functions directly within the IT service workflow.
 
Key benefits include:
 

• Centralized Device Data: Automatically syncs device and user details from Hexnode UEM directly into ServiceNow Configuration Management Database (CMDB), providing IT teams with the deep visibility needed to resolve issues with greater speed and efficiency.
• Faster, Smarter Ticketing: Empowers IT technicians to raise and associate incident tickets with the intended devices, all from within ServiceNow Incident Management.
• Actionable Workflows: Enables admins to execute immediate endpoint remediation actions, such as device lock and app installation, directly from the ServiceNow AI Platform, allowing security teams to respond to threats immediately.
• Comprehensive Incident Visibility: Provides a complete, real-time view of all current and past ServiceNow incidents associated with a device, within the Hexnode UEM portal.
   

“Enterprises rely on IT to keep every device and service running seamlessly, and efficient incident resolution plays a vital role in achieving that,” said Sahad M, Chief Technology Officer at Hexnode. “Our integration with ServiceNow is a force multiplier for handling device incidents, helping IT agents to deliver faster, more effective support. This is a key part of our strategy towards the convergence of ITOps and SecOps, bringing all these functions together in one workflow.”
 
Hexnode’s UEM platform offers organizations a centralized console for managing and securing endpoints across all major operating systems. The platform streamlines IT operations with core features such as Patch Management, Application Management, Remote monitoring, and AI-driven Automation.
 
Going beyond standard administration, Hexnode supports diverse enterprise environments with specialized tools, including Kiosk Management, BYOD Management, and Rugged Device Management, ensuring that productivity and security policies remain adaptable to modern business needs.
 
The new Hexnode integration is now available in the ServiceNow Store and is exclusive to customers on Hexnode’s Ultra plan.

India–New Zealand FTA to Boost Trade and Economic Growth, Says NZ Minister Simon Watts

New Delhi, July 10: New Zealand Minister Simon Watts has said that the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to unlock substantial economic benefits for both countries by enhancing bilateral trade, attracting investment, and creating new business opportunities.

Watts emphasized that the agreement would strengthen economic cooperation by improving market access and supporting collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, technology, education, renewable energy, and innovation. He noted that the FTA would help businesses expand into new markets while fostering sustainable growth and job creation.

The minister also reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to advancing trade negotiations with India, expressing optimism that the agreement would pave the way for a stronger and more resilient economic partnership.

Once finalized, the India–New Zealand FTA is expected to deepen commercial ties, encourage greater investment, and open new avenues for long-term economic cooperation, reinforcing the growing strategic relationship between the two nations.

Sensex Surges Over 700 Points; Nifty Crosses 24,160 as IT Stocks Lead Market Rally

Mumbai, July 10: Indian equity markets posted strong gains on Friday, with the BSE Sensex rising more than 700 points and the NSE Nifty surpassing the 24,160 mark. The rally was primarily driven by robust buying in information technology (IT) stocks, reflecting renewed investor confidence and positive market sentiment.

The sharp upswing was supported by broad-based buying across frontline stocks, with the IT sector emerging as the key contributor to the market’s momentum. Investors responded positively to improving earnings expectations and favorable global market trends, boosting demand for large-cap technology shares.

Market sentiment was further strengthened by sustained foreign investment inflows and optimism surrounding the ongoing corporate earnings season. The rally also extended to several other sectors, indicating a healthy participation across the broader market.

Analysts expect market participants to remain focused on upcoming corporate earnings, macroeconomic indicators, and global developments, which are likely to influence trading activity in the sessions ahead.

The strong performance underscores continued resilience in India’s equity markets and reflects growing investor confidence in the country’s economic outlook.

Nidec Advances Global Transformation with Enhanced Operating Model and Leadership Appointments

St. Louis, Mo. – July 10 – Nidec, a global leader in electric motors, drives, and controls, announced the next phase of its global transformation with the introduction of an enhanced operating model and leadership structure designed to accelerate decision-making, increase organizational agility, and better serve customers worldwide.

Nidec’s business units, group companies, and affiliates will be brought into closer alignment through an integrated enterprise framework. By connecting Corporate Headquarters, Regional Headquarters, and business operations through a common operating approach, Nidec is strengthening coordination across the enterprise while enabling business units to remain focused on customers, innovation, and growth.

Building on Nidec’s global scale and technical expertise, the new operating model demonstrates Nidec’s continued commitment to strengthening its operating foundation through enhanced governance, clear accountability, and disciplined execution. These enhancements position Nidec to respond more quickly to customer needs, capitalize on emerging market opportunities, and advance its long-term strategy.

“As Nidec continues its transformation, we are evolving the way we operate to better support our customers and create long-term value for stakeholders,” said Mitsuya Kishida, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nidec. “The actions we have taken to strengthen governance are an important foundation for our future. This new model builds on that progress and underlines our commitment to building a company defined by integrity, accountability, and operational excellence.”

Carla Otto Appointed to Lead Regional Strategy

As part of the new operating model, Nidec announced the appointment of Carla Otto as President of Nidec Americas Holding Corporation (NAHC) and Chair of Nidec Europe BV (NEUN).

Carla will lead Nidec’s Regional Headquarters strategy across the Americas and Europe. She will work closely with business unit leaders and corporate functions to strengthen regional collaboration, establish common ways of working, and provide enterprise support that enables business units to execute their strategies effectively.

“Carla is a highly respected leader with deep experience driving performance, leading complex organizations, and building strong teams,” said Michael Briggs, Chairman, Motion & Energy and Chief Executive Officer, Appliance Automotive Division. “Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening regional governance, expanding enterprise capabilities, and accelerating execution across our organization.”

“Nidec has an extraordinary opportunity to leverage its technical expertise and talented teams to deliver even greater value for customers and stakeholders,” said Carla Otto. “I’m excited to help bring our businesses and regions closer together, strengthen collaboration, and provide the support that enables our business units to focus on what they do best: serving customers, driving innovation, and delivering results.”

As global demand continues to increase across markets driven by electrification, automation, digitalization, and energy efficiency, Nidec remains focused on investing in its people, capabilities, and operating model to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional customer support worldwide. These enhancements further strengthen Nidec’s ability to leverage its global capabilities and technical expertise to deliver long-term value for customers, employees, and shareholders.

Shri Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Prawaas 5.0, Reinforcing India’s Vision for Safe, Smart & Sustainable Passenger Mobility

Mumbai / Gandhinagar, July 10: Prawaas 5.0, India’s Biggest Show on Public Transport, was officially inaugurated today by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. Organised under the theme “Towards Safe, Smart & Sustainable Passenger Mobility,” the event is aligned with the larger vision of “Steering the Nation Towards Viksit Bharat” by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and transport stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of India’s passenger transport sector.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Arjun Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Labour, Government of West Bengal, Dr. Shankar Ghosh, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Shri Pradeep Batra, Hon’ble Transport Minister, Government of Uttarakhand, Shri Kantilal Amrutiya, Hon’ble Minister of State, Labour, Skill Development & Employment, Government of Gujarat; Smt. Darshnaben Vaghela, Hon’ble Minister of State for Urban Development and Urban Housing, Government of Gujarat.

The occasion also witnessed the presence of Shri Anand S, Vice President & Business Head – CV Passenger, Tata Motors Ltd., Shri SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), Shri Manoj Agarwala, Chief Business Officer, redBus, Shri Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, Shri Jagdeo Singh Khalsa, Chairman, BOCI, Shri Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI, Shri Meghajibhai Khetani, Chairman, Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vaahan Sanchalak Trust, Shri Lalitkumar Sukhwani, President, Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vaahan Sanchalak Trust, Ms. Jalpa Jain, Spokesperson, Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vaahan Sanchalak Trust, Shri Prakashbhai Patel, President, Gujarat Tourist Vehicle Operators Association, Shri Amit Shah, President, Gujarat Luxury Cab Owner’s Association (GLCOA), Shri Siddiq Gandhi, Jt. Treasurer, BOCI, Shri Allah Baksh Afzal, National VP, BOCI, Shri Dharmaraj D R, Gen. Secretary, BOCI, Shri Harsh Kotak, Treasurer, BOCI, Shri Jagdish Patankar, Event Curator, Prawaas 5.0, Executive Chairman, MM Activ, along with senior government officials, industry leaders, and more than 10,000 transport operators from across the country.

Organized by BOCI, hosted by the Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vahan Sanchalak Mahamandal, co-hosted by the Gujarat Luxury Cab Owners Association and the Gujarat Tourist Vehicles Operators Association, and curated by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd., Prawaas 5.0 has evolved into India’s premier business and knowledge platform dedicated to the passenger transport industry. The event creates a unique convergence of government, transport operators, manufacturers, technology providers, entrepreneurs, investors and mobility innovators to discuss, demonstrate and drive the future of public transport.

A key highlight of Prawaas 5.0 is India’s Largest Expo Showcasing the Future of Public Transport, Technologies & Services, featuring the latest innovations from OEMs, Components, Aggregators, Systems & Accessories, EVs, Energy Storage & Charging, Smart Mobility & Fleet Management, Tech & Digital Solutions, Alternative Fuels & Lubricants, and Start-ups & Innovation. The exhibition provides a comprehensive platform for businesses to showcase cutting-edge products, emerging technologies and integrated mobility solutions that are redefining passenger transport.

Prawaas 5.0 is also recognised as one of the country’s most preferred platforms for new product launches and technology unveilings, with leading automotive manufacturers and mobility companies choosing the event to introduce next-generation buses, intelligent transport solutions, digital platforms, electric mobility innovations and advanced fleet technologies. The event provides a strategic opportunity for companies to engage directly with transport operators, policymakers and business decision-makers from across India.

Beyond the exhibition, Prawaas 5.0 will host an extensive programme of conferences, leadership addresses, policy dialogues, technical sessions, panel discussions and business networking initiatives, bringing together experts from government, industry and academia to deliberate on the future of passenger mobility. The event will also celebrate excellence across the sector through the Bharat Prawaas Awards, recognising outstanding contributions and innovation within the passenger transport industry.

As India moves towards a future of safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility, Prawaas 5.0 stands as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and policy dialogue. By bringing together the complete passenger transport ecosystem under one roof, the event continues to strengthen partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange and create new opportunities that will help shape the next chapter of India’s public transport journey.

Westerlay Orchids Expands Farm-Direct Access Through Box of Orchids Online Ordering

Premium Phalaenopsis orchids arrive fresh from the farm, making it easy for florists, event planners, venues, interior designers, and other wholesale buyers to order online

Carpinteria, Calif. – (July 10th 2026): Westerlay Orchids, a third-generation, family-owned company based in Carpinteria, California, is expanding farm-direct access to premium Phalaenopsis orchids through its Box of Orchids online ordering program. Designed for florists, event planners, venues, interior designers, and other wholesale buyers, the program offers a convenient way to order premium orchids shipped fresh from the farm directly to a home, business, or event location.

“The Box of Orchids program was created to make ordering premium orchids simple, reliable, and convenient for our customers,” said Toine Overgaag, Owner and President of Westerlay Orchids. “By shipping our orchids in bud form, we’re able to help ensure the quality, longevity, and presentation our customers have come to expect from Westerlay.”

Most orders arrive within two to three days. Customers simply unpack the orchids, remove the protective sleeves, and allow the buds to naturally open. For the best presentation, Westerlay recommends scheduling delivery 10 to 14 days before an event to allow the orchids to reach peak bloom.

By overseeing every stage of the growing process, from propagation through the finished plant, Westerlay maintains exceptional consistency and quality. This hands-on approach enables Westerlay to consistently provide premium orchids while maintaining the high standards that have defined the company for generations.

Westerlay delivers to customers throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah (Salt Lake City), New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. Each year, the company distributes more than four million orchids directly to customers, as well as to local and national supermarket chains, florists, and designers.

A pioneer in environmental stewardship and sustainable growing practices, Westerlay Orchids is also deeply committed to giving back through ongoing support of local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives.

STARLUX Airlines and Pantone Announce New Standard for Metallic Aircraft Liveries with AIRSORAYAMA Silver and Gold

Custom finishes bring Hajime Sorayama’s liquid-metal aesthetic to STARLUX’s A350-1000, redefining the aesthetics of aviation

Jul 10, 2026 — Two new colors have emerged from the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA project, with Pantone translating acclaimed Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama’s signature metallic aesthetic into bespoke aviation colors. Developed in a collaboration between STARLUX Airlines and global color authority Pantone, these colors serve as the defining element of the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA aircraft, a three-year initiative that required solving technical problems never before confronted at this scale.

On the AIRSORAYAMA aircrafts, Sorayama’s iconic metallic “silver” and “gold” aesthetic are translated to precision-engineered shades designed for consistent reproduction. The result, visible at scale on STARLUX’s Airbus A350-1000, is a fluid, liquid-metal effect that shifts in depth and tone depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions, transforming the aircraft fuselage into a striking visual statement.

“This time we aren’t just tuning color, we are tuning light.” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone Color Institute™. “Through specialized formulation, all visible shimmer particles were removed to achieve an almost liquid smoothness. They embody future luxury—not the ostentation of traditional gold and silver, but a quiet confidence: precise, elegant, and technologically refined. ”

The project united STARLUX, Airbus, and German premium coating specialist Mankiewicz around a fundamental challenge: Sorayama’s signature mirror-like metallic finishes could not be used on the Airbus A350-1000 due to aviation safety, structural, and lightning-protection requirements. A new technical solution needed to be developed. 

The solution was a family of high-concentration mica-based pigments capable of producing reflective metallic luster while meeting the rigorous standards of commercial aviation. After extensive testing and validation, the formulation underwent more than 10 iterative adjustments before receiving final approval from Sorayama himself. This process yielded the signature finishes of the AIRSORAYAMA Silver and Gold aircrafts.

With the formula approved, engineers implemented a precision multi-layer coating process to apply the colors at aircraft scale, balancing visual performance with engineering requirements. It took a team of 16 specialists over 20 days to complete the livery. 

The STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA livery marks a new milestone in commercial aviation—establishing that color science, artistic collaboration, and aerospace engineering can be integrated at the highest level of craft.

“STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA | PANTONE  – Colors That Capture Light” documentary is available here: https://youtu.be/X9vWlWHSF90

JobElephant CEO Named 2026 Top Tech Nominee

San Diego Program Honors Michael Ang Among Region’s Most Innovative IT Leaders

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 9, 2026) – Michael Ang, founder and CEO of leading recruitment advertising and technology company JobElephant, has been named a qualified nominee for the 2026 San Diego Top Tech Awards.  The annual program recognizes the most outstanding information technology leaders in the San Diego region and will hold its 19th annual awards ceremony on Sept. 17, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium.

The San Diego Top Tech Awards, presented by Cox Business, celebrates the region’s most innovative technology leaders who shape industries through forward-thinking solutions. Michael Ang’s selection as a Qualified Nominee recognizes his 25-year career transforming how organizations find talent, growing JobElephant from a garage startup into a nationally recognized recruitment advertising technology company that processes more than 93,000 job advertisements monthly for higher education institutions, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and more across the United States and internationally.

“San Diego has always been home base for us, so being recognized here means a great deal,” said Michael Ang, CEO and Founder, JobElephant. “We built Horton® and JobStats because HR professionals were spending too much time guessing where to post jobs and too little time understanding whether those ads were actually working. Our goal has always been to answer that question with real data.”

Under Michael Ang’s leadership, JobElephant grew from processing 1,500 job ad placements monthly in 2006 to more than 93,000 today, a 6,100% increase in volume. That growth follows a consistent pattern of technology innovation, including the 2018 launch of Horton® with machine learning capabilities, the 2024 integration of API technology connecting JobElephant’s tools directly with applicant tracking systems and job boards, and the 2025 introduction of JobStats, powered by Microsoft Power BI. 

“Twenty-five years in, and the problems HR professionals face are still evolving, which means we have to evolve with them,” said Michael Ang, CEO and Founder, JobElephant. “The jump from 1,500 job placements a month to more than 93,000 did not happen because we stood still. It happened because we kept asking what comes next and then built the tools to answer that question.”

The honorees will be announced at the 2026 Top Tech Awards ceremony taking place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.

The 2026 Top Tech Awards nomination adds to a growing list of recognitions for JobElephant this year. In March 2026, the company earned finalist status in two categories of the international Digital Job Advertising Excellence Awards, including Excellence in Client Success and Support and Innovation in Job Advertising. JobElephant also earned nominations in four categories of the 2026 MarTech Breakthrough Awards, including Overall AdTech Company of the Year, AdTech Innovation Award, AI-Powered Ad Targeting Solution of the Year, and Predictive Analytics Solution of the Year. 

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