7, Jul 2026
PM-SETU: Centre Clears INR 1,238 Crore Plan to Upgrade ITIs Nationwide
New Delhi, July 7: The Central Government has approved an investment of ₹1,238 crore under the PM-SETU programme to modernise Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and strengthen the country’s skill development ecosystem.
The initiative aims to transform selected ITIs into advanced training centres by upgrading infrastructure, introducing modern equipment, and improving training facilities in line with the evolving needs of industries.
The nationwide rollout of PM-SETU is expected to enhance the quality of vocational education, improve access to industry-relevant skills, and create better employment opportunities for young people. The programme will focus on developing a skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of emerging sectors and new-age technologies.
Officials said the initiative will help bridge the gap between technical training and industry requirements by promoting practical learning, modern teaching methods, and stronger industry linkages.
The government’s investment in ITI modernisation is part of its broader effort to build a future-ready workforce, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s position as a global hub for skilled talent.
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- By Neel Achary
7, Jul 2026
India Boosts Global Cooperation on Critical Minerals to Build Resilient Supply Chains
New Delhi, July 7: India is strengthening its global partnerships to ensure a secure and stable supply of critical minerals by collaborating with 35 countries, marking a significant step towards enhancing resource security and supporting future industries.
The initiative focuses on developing reliable and diversified supply chains for minerals essential to key sectors, including clean energy, electric mobility, semiconductor manufacturing, defence technologies, and advanced industries.
Through strategic international partnerships, India aims to improve access to critical mineral resources, encourage investments, promote technology exchange, and support sustainable exploration and processing capabilities.
Officials highlighted that securing critical mineral supplies is vital for India’s long-term economic growth and its transition towards a technology-driven and sustainable industrial ecosystem.
The government is working with partner countries to strengthen cooperation, reduce supply chain risks, and create a resilient framework to meet the growing demand for critical minerals in the years ahead.
7, Jul 2026
Advancing ambitions: PPDS strengthens Nordic leadership with the promotion of Jonas Fjeld to Business Manager for the region
Progressing with purpose: Building on a fast track record of success at PPDS, Jonas Fjeld takes on expanded responsibilities to accelerate growth and strengthen relationships with customers and partners across the Nordic countries.
Amsterdam, July 07: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jonas Fjeld to Business Manager Nordics.
Part of a broader organisational realignment designed to support future growth and deliver more localised, tailored service and support to partners and customers, Jonas has been appointed to the newly created role after joining PPDS in August 2025 as Country Sales Manager for Philips Professional Displays in Norway.
With more than 15 years of top level AV/IT sales and management experience under his belt, including a decade working at two of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors, Jonas has consistently demonstrated the leadership and expertise required to support the company’s continued growth across both local and international markets and through all verticals.
Reporting to Jae O Choi Park, EMEA Commercial Head at PPDS, Jonas’ expanded role now covers Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Estonia, and the Baltics. He will be responsible for leading the sales and commercial strategy across all products and solutions – including Philips LED and Videowalls, Signage, ePaper and interactive displays, professional and hotel TVs, and solutions – driving growth and strengthening brand presence in each country.
Working closely with his team, including Lilly Janson, Sales Manager Finland and Baltics, Peter Bystrom, Sales Manager Sweden, and Peter Thurner, Sales Manager Sweden, Jonas will also focus heavily on further strengthening and expanding channel relationships with distributors, system integrators, AV/IT partners, designers and architects, ensuring PPDS remains at the forefront of future project tenders.
Commenting on his appointment, Jonas said: “Since joining PPDS, I have believed strongly in what we can achieve with our portfolio and talented team. We have built strong momentum in Norway, and I am proud to now take on this expanded role. There are significant opportunities ahead across the Nordics, and together we will continue to strengthen PPDS’ position in the market.”
Jae added: “Jonas has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear ability to develop and execute strategies that deliver results. His deep understanding of the Nordic region made him the natural choice for this role. On behalf of PPDS, I wish him every success.”
7, Jul 2026
AVer Introduces NC30 NDI Converter for Seamless NDI and HDMI Signal Conversion
Taipei, Taiwan – July 7: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, today announced the AVer NC30 NDI® Converter — a compact, bi-directional device that simplifies signal conversion between NDI and HDMI® for professional video environments. AV and IT teams can bring local HDMI sources into NDI-based production and distribution workflows, or output live NDI streams to local displays and USB-C connected laptops, all without additional equipment.
Designed for flexibility across a wide range of applications — from live monitoring and meeting-room sharing to multi-room video production — the NC30 enables organizations to deploy, manage, and scale high-quality networked video with a single, consistent setup.
Key User Benefits at a Glance
- Flexible, AV-over-IP Deployment: One device supports both encoding and decoding, so organizations can flexibly adapt rooms to different events and formats without changing hardware.
- Built for the AVer Ecosystem: Natively works with AVer cameras, Matrix Tracking Boxes, and BYOM Matrix Switchers, simplifying the distribution of AV across rooms and keeping system setups consistent organization-wide.
- Centralized Control on Enterprise Management: AV and IT staff can assign signals, switch sources, and monitor multi-stream previews from one intuitive interface.
- Real-Time Live Monitoring: HDMI loop‑out enables zero‑latency live feeds.
- Long‑term value and easier installs: PoE support reduces power adapters and cabling, and the 5‑year warranty offers long‑term peace of mind.
7, Jul 2026
ISB Welcomes the PGP Young Leaders Class of 2028 as the Second Cohort Begins
July 7: The Indian School of Business has welcomed 132 students to the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders Class of 2026–28. Building on the success of its inaugural batch, the programme continues to attract exceptional young talent from across the country, bringing together high-potential graduates and early-career professionals who aspire to become future-ready business leaders. As part of its commitment to making world-class management education accessible, ISB has awarded tuition waivers to 24 percentage of the incoming class, including 17 full-tuition waivers and 14 half-tuition waivers.
The cohort, with an average age of 23 years, reflects a strong blend of academic excellence, professional exposure, and diversity. Women constitute 48% of the class, while students from engineering backgrounds account for 47% of the cohort, underscoring the programme’s appeal across disciplines. Students bring between zero and two years of work experience, with backgrounds spanning consulting, banking, healthcare, operations, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
The PGP YL Class of 2026–28 has emerged from a highly selective admissions process and demonstrates strong academic credentials. The cohort reports an average CAT percentile of 99.09, an average GMAT Classic score of 725, an average GMAT Focus score of 684, and an average GRE score of 330. These achievements reinforce ISB’s commitment to attracting some of the brightest young minds from across India.
The incoming class also reflects a rich diversity of experiences and accomplishments beyond academics. The cohort includes national and state-level sportspersons, technology innovators, entrepreneurs, scholarship awardees, corporate professionals, and creative achievers. Students have represented India and their states in disciplines ranging from basketball, cricket, skating, and karate to technology competitions and entrepreneurial ventures, bringing unique perspectives and leadership potential to the classroom.
Speaking about the new cohort, Professor Pranav Jindal, Associate Dean – Admissions & Careers, ISB, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the PGP YL Class of 2026–28 to ISB. This cohort reflects the exceptional talent, ambition, and diversity that define the next generation of leaders. As business, technology, and society continue to evolve rapidly, it is imperative that young professionals develop the skills, mindset, and adaptability required to lead with impact. Through a rigorous curriculum, immersive learning experiences, global exposure, and close engagement with industry leaders, the PGP YL Programme aims to equip students with the capabilities needed to create meaningful value in an increasingly complex world.”
Designed specifically for recent graduates and young professionals with up to two years of experience, the 20-month PGP YL programme combines rigorous management education with technology, data analytics, leadership development, and global exposure. The programme has already demonstrated strong industry acceptance, with the inaugural cohort having completed their summer internships with companies
7, Jul 2026
Payfuture Launches Local Payments Integration for Merchants on Shopify in India
London, UK – July 7; Payfuture, a global payments company helping merchants scale in high-growth regions, now integrates with Shopify to provide merchants with seamless access to local payment methods in India’s fast-growing ecommerce market.
Merchants using Shopify can now enable popular Indian payment methods, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and NetBanking, through a single connection with Payfuture’s payment app.
India is one of the most strategically important ecommerce markets in the world, with its online retail sector projected to reach USD 150–170 billion by 2027. Widespread mobile-first behaviour and consumer trust in domestic payment systems continue to drive growth across the Indian subcontinent and broader South Asia. As the region matures, platform readiness, payment localisation, and regulatory infrastructure are becoming key competitive differentiators for merchants seeking long-term scale.
“This integration makes digital commerce more accessible, scalable, and locally optimised for global merchants in fast-growth markets,” said Manpreet Haer, CEO and Co-Founder of Payfuture. “India is a vital market for ecommerce growth, and our infrastructure makes it easier for merchants to reach local buyers while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.”
This integration builds on Payfuture’s broader strategy to deliver local payment connectivity through major ecommerce platforms. The company continues to invest in infrastructure and regional capabilities to help merchants expand into India and other high-growth markets.
“Our role is to help global merchants operate like locals in markets that are often difficult to access,” added Manpreet Haer. “The Shopify integration allows us to bring that vision to life in one of the most important commerce ecosystems in the world.”
7, Jul 2026
Indian Companies Step Up AI Adoption as Workforce Preparedness Improves
New Delhi, July 7: Nearly one-fourth of Indian companies believe their workforce is prepared to adopt and leverage artificial intelligence (AI), as businesses across sectors accelerate the integration of AI-driven technologies into their operations.
The growing adoption of AI is encouraging organisations to invest in employee training, digital skills development, and workforce transformation initiatives. Companies are increasingly focusing on building AI capabilities to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation.
Industry experts said that while AI adoption is gaining momentum, organisations continue to face challenges related to skill gaps, employee readiness, and the need for continuous learning. Upskilling and reskilling programmes are emerging as key priorities for businesses seeking to maximise the benefits of AI.
Indian enterprises are exploring AI applications across areas such as automation, customer experience, data analytics, and operational efficiency. The shift reflects the broader trend of businesses adapting to a technology-driven workplace.
With AI becoming an integral part of business strategies, companies are expected to increase investments in workforce development and digital transformation efforts to remain competitive in the evolving global economy.
7, Jul 2026
GIFT City, Vietnam’s Da Nang Financial Hub Join Hands to Drive Investment and Financial Cooperation
July 7: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam’s Da Nang financial hub to enhance investment opportunities, strengthen financial cooperation, and foster collaboration between the two emerging financial centres.
The strategic partnership aims to create a platform for knowledge exchange, promote cross-border investments, and encourage cooperation in key areas including financial services, fintech, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
The MoU is expected to support businesses and investors from both regions by facilitating greater connectivity, sharing best practices, and exploring new avenues for growth. The collaboration will also contribute to strengthening economic relations between India and Vietnam.
As India’s leading international financial services hub, GIFT City continues to expand its global partnerships to attract investments and promote innovation in the financial sector. The collaboration with Da Nang marks another step towards building stronger links with international financial ecosystems.
Officials highlighted that the partnership will help unlock new opportunities for investors, encourage financial innovation, and support the development of globally connected financial centres in the region.
The agreement reflects the growing cooperation between India and Vietnam and their shared vision of creating a more integrated and investment-friendly financial environment.
7, Jul 2026
Gold, Silver Prices Decline Up to 2 pc on Weak Global Cues
New Delhi, July 7: Gold and silver prices witnessed a decline of up to 2% on Tuesday, tracking weak global cues and subdued investor sentiment in the precious metals market.
The fall in international bullion prices impacted domestic markets, with both gold and silver coming under selling pressure. Market analysts attributed the decline to a stronger US dollar, shifting expectations on global interest rates, and cautious investor participation.
Gold prices remained under pressure as traders assessed the outlook for monetary policy and key economic developments. A firm dollar and higher interest rate expectations often weigh on demand for non-yielding assets such as gold.
Silver prices also moved lower, following weakness in global markets and reduced demand from investors. However, analysts noted that precious metals could find support from ongoing economic uncertainties and changing market dynamics.
Going ahead, bullion prices are expected to remain influenced by global currency movements, central bank policy decisions, inflation trends, and broader market sentiment.
7, Jul 2026
116-Year-Old Devotee Inspires Millions by Climbing 3,550 Steps to Tirumala Temple
Tirupati, July 7 (UDN): In an inspiring display of devotion and resilience, 116-year-old Navaneethamma completed the arduous pilgrimage to Tirumala by trekking the 9-km Alipiri footpath and climbing 3,550 steps, capturing the admiration of devotees across the country.
Accompanied by her family, the centenarian successfully completed the uphill journey to the sacred Sri Venkateswara Temple, demonstrating extraordinary determination despite her advanced age. Her remarkable feat has become a powerful example of faith transcending physical limitations.
Deeply moved by her dedication, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) arranged a special VIP Break Darshan, enabling Navaneethamma and her family to offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara with ease. The TTD administration also felicitated her with a traditional silk shawl and presented her with sacred prasadam in recognition of her inspiring pilgrimage.
Temple authorities described her journey as a testament to unwavering spiritual commitment and noted that her determination had inspired pilgrims of all ages. Her story has since gained widespread attention on social media, where thousands have hailed her courage, endurance and steadfast devotion.
The inspiring pilgrimage also received appreciation from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who commended Navaneethamma’s resilience and described her accomplishment as a shining example of the strength of human spirit and faith.
As one of the oldest devotees to undertake the traditional Tirumala trek, Navaneethamma’s extraordinary journey has touched millions, reinforcing the timeless belief that devotion, perseverance and inner strength know no age.
