24, Jun 2026
India’s automotive market accelerates – Feintool opens first production site in Pune
June 26: On June 24, Feintool officially inaugurated its first production facility in India, located in the industrial hub of Pune. Production is now being ramped up to fulfil initial customer orders, with a focus on fine-blanked automotive components.
At the opening ceremony, CEO Lars Reich underlined the strategic relevance of the new site: “Feintool is proud to meet its customers’ demand for local production in India with the facility in Pune. We are in the right place at the right time to benefit sustainably from the momentum in the Indian automotive industry and to capitalize on further opportunities in the growing industrial markets in India.”
With 18 production sites across Asia, Europe, and the United States, Feintool offers large-series manufacturing of high-precision components based on its core technologies: fineblanking, cold forming, and e-lamination stamping.
Marcel Pernici, President of Feintool Asia, highlighted the strengths of Feintool: “With our ‘local-for-local’ approach, we supply our customers directly in their regional markets while leveraging Feintool’s global technological expertise. This makes us more agile and less dependent on geopolitical developments, while ensuring the high level of reliability our customers expect.”
India is already the world’s third-largest automotive market and is expected to grow strongly. At the same time, the country is gaining importance as an export hub. Many of Feintool’s existing automotive customers are expanding their activities in India and require reliable local supplier support.
Tobias Gries, Managing Director India, is responsible for building Feintool’s business in the region: “We have established a strong team in India. With Feintool’s global expertise, we are now ramping up production in Pune—starting with fineblanked automotive seating systems. Looking ahead, we are ready to expand into cold forming, e-motor core production and even hydrogen applications. The plant is fully prepared for further expansion as demand develops.”
The new Pune site reflects Feintool’s core strengths: a clear local-for-local strategy, globally leading technological expertise, and a consistent focus on customer and market needs.
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- By Neel Achary
24, Jun 2026
Hockey India Congratulates Savita Punia on Being Awarded Padma Shri
New Delhi, June 24: Hockey India has congratulated former India women’s hockey team captain Savita Punia on being conferred the Padma Shri, describing the recognition as a “richly deserved honour” for her outstanding contribution to Indian hockey.
The national federation said Savita’s journey reflects dedication, discipline and consistent excellence at the highest level of international competition. As one of India’s most dependable goalkeepers, she has played a key role in several historic performances of the women’s hockey team on the global stage.
Officials noted that her leadership and match-winning performances have significantly contributed to the growth and visibility of women’s hockey in India, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Hockey India stated that the Padma Shri recognition highlights her commitment to the sport and her role in strengthening India’s presence in international hockey over the years.
The federation added that Savita’s achievements will continue to serve as motivation for young players aspiring to represent the country.
Her contribution is being widely acknowledged as a landmark in Indian women’s hockey, marking her as one of the most influential figures in the sport’s modern era.
24, Jun 2026
India Emerging as Key Growth Engine for Amazon’s Expanding Global Business
June 24: India is positioned to play a central role in driving the fastest-growing segment of Amazon’s global operations, according to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
Highlighting the country’s strategic importance, Jassy said India’s large customer base, expanding digital infrastructure and rapid adoption of e-commerce are contributing to strong business momentum in the region.
He noted that India continues to be one of Amazon’s most dynamic markets, supported by increasing internet penetration, growing small and medium business participation and rising demand for online retail and digital services.
The company sees significant long-term opportunities in India across e-commerce, cloud services and digital innovation, driven by the country’s evolving consumption patterns and technology adoption.
Industry observers say India’s growing digital economy and supportive regulatory environment are helping global companies scale their operations and deepen market presence.
The remarks underscore India’s importance in Amazon’s global strategy as the company continues to invest in technology, logistics and infrastructure to strengthen its presence in the country.
24, Jun 2026
India Set to Emerge as Key Hub for Human Skills Economy Amid AI Expansion
June 24: A new report has highlighted that India is well positioned to emerge as a global leader in the “human skills economy” even as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates across industries.
The report suggests that while AI is transforming workplaces and automating routine tasks, demand for human-centric skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, communication and emotional intelligence is expected to rise significantly.
India’s large, young workforce and expanding talent ecosystem are seen as key advantages in meeting this evolving demand. Experts believe the country’s demographic strength, combined with growing investments in education and digital upskilling, can help it play a central role in the global skills-driven economy.
The findings also indicate that organisations are increasingly focusing on hybrid skill sets that combine technical knowledge with strong human capabilities, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance and services.
The report emphasises the importance of continuous learning and reskilling initiatives to ensure the workforce remains competitive in an AI-driven environment.
It further notes that countries which effectively balance AI adoption with human skill development are likely to lead the next phase of global economic growth, with India emerging as a strong contender in this space.
24, Jun 2026
500 Robotic Knee Replacements Restore Mobility to Hundreds at CARE Hospitals
Led by Dr. Ravi Chandra Vattipalli, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Chief Robotic Knee Replacement Surgeon, the programme has helped hundreds of patients regain mobility and return to their normal lives after years of pain and disability.
“Robotic technology has significantly enhanced the precision of knee replacement surgery. However, the surgeon’s expertise, clinical judgement, and ability to tailor treatment to each patient remain equally important. Many of our patients who were once unable to walk independently are now leading active lives again. Several have resumed their jobs, agricultural work, and daily routines. This milestone is not merely about successful surgeries, it represents restoring mobility, independence, and livelihoods.”
“Symptoms such as pain while climbing stairs, morning stiffness, swelling of the knees, difficulty in walking, or reduced walking endurance should not be ignored. Early consultation can help slow disease progression. Weight management, regular exercise, physiotherapy, and timely treatment play a crucial role in preserving joint health.”
“Our goal is to provide world-class robotic orthopaedic care closer to home for the people of North Andhra. By combining advanced technology with clinical excellence, we are helping patients achieve faster recovery and improved quality of life. Greater awareness about knee health and timely treatment can prevent years of pain, disability, and reduced mobility.”
24, Jun 2026
AI, Sustainability Can Drive India’s Future Growth
June 24: Industry leaders have said that artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development together can play a transformative role in shaping India’s long-term economic and social progress.
Speaking on emerging technology trends, experts noted that AI is increasingly being integrated across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and financial services, helping improve efficiency, productivity and decision-making.
They added that when combined with sustainability-focused practices, AI can support cleaner production methods, better resource management and reduced environmental impact, aligning with global climate goals.
Leaders highlighted that India’s rapid digital adoption and strong innovation ecosystem provide a strong foundation for scaling AI-driven solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
They also pointed out that sustainable development goals can be accelerated through smart technologies that optimise energy use, reduce waste and improve supply chain efficiency across industries.
According to industry voices, the convergence of AI and sustainability will be critical in building resilient infrastructure, creating new job opportunities and ensuring inclusive growth in the coming decades.
Experts believe that strategic investments in technology, skills development and green innovation will be key to unlocking India’s full potential in this space.
24, Jun 2026
Assam Pushes Infrastructure Push to Enable Six-Hour Statewide Connectivity
Guwahati, June 24: The Assam government is planning to significantly upgrade its road infrastructure with a network of expressways and high-speed corridors aimed at enabling travel across the state within a six-hour radius.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen connectivity, reduce travel time and improve economic integration between key urban centres, industrial zones and rural regions.
Officials said the proposed corridors will be designed to support faster movement of goods and passengers, improving logistics efficiency and boosting regional development. The plan is also expected to enhance access to markets, healthcare, education and employment opportunities across the state.
The expressway network will focus on linking major growth hubs while integrating with national highways and existing transport infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity.
Government authorities believe the project will play a crucial role in accelerating Assam’s economic growth by improving mobility, attracting investment and strengthening supply chain networks.
The high-speed corridors are also expected to support tourism development by making remote and scenic regions more accessible to travellers.
Further planning and phased implementation details are expected to be rolled out as part of the state’s long-term infrastructure development roadmap.
24, Jun 2026
Iridium’s Next‑Generation Hybrid IoT Module and Development Kit are Now Commercially Available
The Iridium 9604 Module and Development Kit streamline global IoT development with integrated satellite, cellular, and GNSS connectivity
MCLEAN, Va., June 24: Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, today announced commercial availability of the Iridium® 9604 module and Development Kit, giving developers, OEMs, and solution providers a faster path to build and scale connected IoT solutions worldwide.
Combining Iridium Short Burst Data® (SBD®) satellite connectivity, LTE-M cellular, and GNSS positioning, the Iridium 9604 module delivers a compact, integrated solution for global IoT deployments. Alongside the Iridium 9604 Development Kit, developers can rapidly prototype, test, and validate hybrid satellite, cellular, and GNSS applications with resources that simplify integration and streamline deployment workflows.
Built on the u-blox SARA-R5 platform, the Iridium 9604 is designed to reduce hardware complexity, lower integration costs, and accelerate time to market for connected solutions operating across industrial, infrastructure, transportation, mobility, utilities, maritime, and remote monitoring applications. The integrated design helps reduce board space requirements by 60 percent or more while simplifying RF routing, power architecture, and firmware development.
“The Iridium 9604 module and Development Kit represent a major milestone in making truly global IoT connectivity more accessible and easier to deploy,” said Tim Last, executive vice president, Iridium. “By replacing three separate components with one integrated solution, developers can simplify device design, reduce costs, and create smarter, location-aware products capable of staying connected far beyond terrestrial coverage.”
Early developers and beta participants reported significant operational and economic benefits from the platform’s integrated architecture.
“The Iridium 9604 has enabled us to develop a truly global asset tracking solution without relying on terrestrial network infrastructure. Its reliable coverage, compact form factor, and straightforward integration have significantly accelerated our development process and allowed us to focus on optimizing the end-user experience,” said Askar Gabit, CEO, GPSOne. “For applications in remote and challenging environments, the Iridium network provides the confidence that critical data can be delivered when it matters most.”
The Iridium 9604 gives developers independent control over satellite, LTE-M, and GNSS subsystems, enabling flexible implementation of failover logic, location-aware connectivity decisions, and application-specific routing strategies. A unified AT command set and comprehensive SDK resources further simplify development and integration.
Built for scalable and power-sensitive IoT applications, the Iridium 9604 features a compact 16 mm x 26 mm x 2.4 mm form factor optimized for deployments where size, resiliency, and efficiency are critical. The platform supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou GNSS services alongside LTE-M (Cat-M1) and Iridium’s 100% global L-band satellite network.
The Iridium 9604 represents the next evolution of Iridium’s broader IoT strategy, expanding beyond traditional satellite-only hardware to support unified, multi-mode connectivity architectures. The Iridium network now supports multiple IoT pathways, including dedicated Iridium SBD modules, Iridium NTN DirectSM standards-based direct-to-device capabilities, and larger payload connectivity through the Iridium Certus® 9704 module.
Operating on the world’s only truly global mobile satellite network, the Iridium 9604 delivers reliable connectivity across remote land areas, oceans, airways, and polar regions where other networks are unavailable or unreliable.
24, Jun 2026
Odisha’s ‘Golden Egg’ Enters Europe as Balangir Firm Exports First Dried Egg Powder Consignment to Austria
Bhubaneswar/Balangir, June 24 (UDN): In a landmark achievement for India’s agricultural and processed food export sector, Odisha has successfully exported the country’s first-ever consignment of dried whole egg powder to Austria, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s efforts to expand value-added food exports to premium global markets.
Representational image
The maiden shipment, comprising 22.6 metric tonnes of dried whole egg powder, was exported by Balangir-based OVO Farm Pvt. Ltd. with facilitation and support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The export assumes added significance as it marks the entry of an Odisha-based food processing enterprise into the highly regulated European market, known for its stringent food safety and quality standards. Industry experts believe the development will pave the way for greater participation of Indian egg processors in high-value international markets.
To cater to export demand, OVO Farm established a state-of-the-art egg processing facility in Balangir in 2025. The unit manufactures dehydrated egg products in compliance with Export Inspection Council (EIC) norms, European Union hygiene regulations and internationally accepted food safety standards.
The facility is certified under the globally recognised FSSC 22000 Version 6 food safety management system and also possesses HALAL and KOSHER certifications, enabling it to access diverse international markets.
Dried whole egg powder is widely used in bakery, confectionery, ready-to-eat foods, pasta, sauces, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical products due to its long shelf life, ease of transportation and high nutritional value.
The consignment was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of senior officials from the Odisha government, representatives of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Balangir district administration and industry stakeholders.
Officials said APEDA has extended support to the exporter through various financial assistance and export promotion schemes aimed at strengthening food processing infrastructure, quality management systems and export readiness.
The successful export is expected to boost Odisha’s agro-processing ecosystem, create new opportunities for poultry farmers and allied industries, and attract further investments in food processing infrastructure across the state.
Industry stakeholders view the development as a major step towards enhancing farmers’ incomes through value addition and strengthening India’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality processed food products in global markets.
With increasing international demand for processed egg products, the achievement is being hailed as Odisha’s “Golden Egg” moment, reinforcing the state’s emergence as a promising hub for value-added poultry exports.
24, Jun 2026
ACS Reviews Progress of Proposed Haridaspur–Vizianagaram Fourth Railway Line Project
Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): Revenue and Disaster Management Department Additional Chief Secretary Aravind Kumar Padhi on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the proposed fourth railway line project between Haridaspur in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the importance of timely implementation of the strategically significant rail corridor.
During the review meeting, Padhee assessed the status of land acquisition, inter-departmental coordination, and other preparatory activities related to the ambitious infrastructure project. He directed officials to expedite pending processes and ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders for the early execution of the project.
The proposed fourth railway line is expected to substantially enhance rail connectivity and freight handling capacity along the busy east coast corridor, which serves as a vital transportation link for industries, ports, and mineral-rich regions of Odisha and neighbouring states.
Officials informed the meeting that the project is aimed at easing congestion on the existing rail network, improving operational efficiency, and facilitating faster movement of both passenger and freight trains.
Padhee stressed the need for close coordination between district administrations, the Railways, and other concerned departments to address land acquisition and rehabilitation-related issues in a timely manner.
Senior officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, district administrations, and representatives of the Railways participated in the review meeting and discussed measures to expedite project implementation.
The proposed rail corridor is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth in eastern India.
