3, Apr 2026
Salesforce & Galgotias Launch Tableau AI Excellence Hub
Greater Noida, April 3 : Galgotias University, in collaboration with Salesforce, the world’s leading AI CRM platform, has established the Salesforce Centre of Excellence Tableau AI Data Lab on its campus. The initiative marks a significant step towards embedding Artificial Intelligence driven data analytics and visualization capabilities into mainstream academic learning, preparing students for the evolving demands of the data driven economy.
The Tableau AI Data Lab is designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to advanced analytics, business intelligence, and AI enabled data interpretation. With a strong focus on real world application, the lab will enable learners to move beyond traditional dashboards towards intelligent, insight-driven decision making using next generation Tableau and Salesforce technologies.
Through this collaboration, students will gain access to industry aligned curriculum, practical learning modules, and exposure to enterprise-grade analytics platforms. The initiative also integrates faculty development, workshops, and guided learning pathways to ensure effective adoption within academic programs.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said,
“At Galgotias University, our focus has always been on creating meaningful, industry integrated learning experiences for our students. The Salesforce Centre of Excellence – Tableau AI Data Lab is a step in that direction, where students will not just learn tools, but develop the ability to work with data, derive insights, and apply them in real world contexts. As AI continues to reshape industries, building strong data and analytics capabilities becomes essential, and this collaboration will play a key role in preparing our students for that future.”
The Centre of Excellence will be accessible to students across disciplines, enabling interdisciplinary learning in areas such as data analytics, business intelligence, AI driven insights, and digital decision making. It is expected to support a wide range of use cases across domains including technology, business, healthcare, finance, and public systems.
This initiative further strengthens Galgotias University’s commitment to industry integration, experiential learning, and future ready education, while reinforcing its position as a leading institution driving innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.
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- By Neel Achary
3, Apr 2026
Atmosphere Core Expands into Shillong, Strengthening Northeast India Presence
DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will mark the company’s entry into the scenic hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya representing a prestigious addition into the Northeastern state of India.
Shillong, Apr 3: Atmosphere Core and Shri Rocky Dhar join hands to launch a boutique hotel – DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong in Meghalaya.
Atmosphere Core, a leading name in global hospitality, is pleased to announce its strategic collaboration with Shri Rocky Dhar to launch an upper up-scale boutique hotel in the picturesque northeastern hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya. Slated to open in 2027, DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will be ideally located in the Meghalaya’s capital city, only an hour from Shillong Airport and right beside the prestigious 18-hole Golf Link Arena.
Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core stated, “As part of our dynamic expansion across India, a key focus is our approach towards developing premium experiences in hill station destinations particularly in the beautiful northeastern region. This upcoming boutique property at Shillong, Meghalaya is being thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of travellers—from leisure seekers and corporate guests to curated events and social get-togethers”.
Operating under the distinguished Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, the property will feature 75 keys of upper up-scale accommodation, including deluxe rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Panoramic views of the Golf Course, mountain valleys, surrounding greenery and stunning city views will create a serene and immersive ambience.
DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong promises an exceptional culinary journey. Guests will enjoy a vibrant all-day dining venue with outdoor seating, a themed sports pub, and a specialty roof top Resto bar celebrating local and multi-cuisine flavours, while serving best of the spirits and wine from across the globe. The wellness offerings will be anchored by the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur spa, offering tranquil therapy rooms with experienced therapists—the perfect setting for rejuvenation and peace. Additional facilities will include a main swimming pool with an outdoor deck overlooking the golf course, a golf simulation pavilion, a kids’ play area, and an indoor games room.
At an elevation of 1,496 metres, Shillong seamlessly blends colonial charm with natural splendour. Ward’s Lake offers serene boating amid gardens, while Elephant Falls’ cascading tiers and Shillong Peak’s panoramic views thrill visitors. Umiam Lake sparkles for watersports, and the Don Bosco Museum unveils Khasi tribal heritage through artifacts and exhibits. As India’s “Rock Capital,” Shillong vibrates with live music at cafes and festivals like the Shillong Autumn Festival, featuring folk dances and local cuisine. Formerly Assam’s capital until 1972, it beckons eco-tourists to caves, waterfalls, and reserves year-round. Shillong’s harmonious mix of history, adventure, and melody invites discovery of Meghalaya’s soul.
Speaking on this latest venture destination, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, added, “The Northeastern state’s hill stations have always been central to our vision of creating iconic luxury experiences. Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As plans to enter this extraordinary destination unfold, I am confident that this collaboration will redefine hospitality in the region”.
Shri Rocky Dhar, owner of DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere, concluded, “Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a transcendent world-class hotel in Shillong. With our vision and focused approach, we are committed to manifesting inspiring, bespoke hotels and resorts that embody the pinnacle of sophistication. This illustrious partnership will not only elevate Shillong’s hospitality landscape but will also set an unrivalled benchmark for elegance and impeccable service in this breathtaking and scenic Northeastern state of India.”
3, Apr 2026
Master’s Transportation Earns Spot Among Midwest’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 3, 2026) – Master’s Transportation™, a leading provider of commercial buses and vans, has been ranked No. 66 in the sixth annual Inc. Regionals: Midwest list – the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Midwest. The region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Inc. Regionals ranking measures revenue and employee growth over a two-year period, making it one of the most credible benchmarks of sustained business performance in the country. Master’s Transportation earned its placement based on significant growth across its 12 locations nationwide, where the company employs 250 team members and serves customers across multiple commercial vehicle segments.
“Being named to the Inc. Regionals: Midwest list is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of every single person on our team,” said John Goodbrake, CEO, Master’s Transportation. “This recognition validates what we have been building for years, a company with the infrastructure, the talent, and the drive to grow without losing sight of what matters most, which is moving our customers and our people forward.”
Master’s Transportation’s growth is fueled by a business model that spans commercial shuttle buses and vans, school buses, multi-functional school activity buses, motor coaches, and used commercial buses. The company also operates seven service departments and a centralized parts department, giving it the capacity to serve customers nationwide. Its continued investment in people, facilities, and fleet has positioned it as one of the most comprehensive commercial vehicle providers in the Midwest.
“Landing on this list is significant because it reflects the trust our customers place in us and the commitment our team brings every single day,” said Rita Luukkonen, General Counsel at Master’s Transportation. “It is a reminder that when you invest in people and stay committed to your mission, the results speak for themselves.”
The 2026 Inc. Regionals recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for Master’s Transportation, which has earned multiple regional and national honors in recent years. The company continues to invest in its workforce and infrastructure, with plans to triple its team as it expands its footprint. As one of the few commercial vehicle companies operating at this scale in the Midwest, Master’s Transportation remains committed to creating opportunities for its employees and delivering reliable transportation solutions.
“The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn’t just persevere – they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.
Between 2022 and 2024, the 144 private companies listed for this year’s Inc. Regionals: Midwest had a median growth rate of 69 percent; by 2024, they’d also added 8,171 jobs and $5.2 billion to the region’s economy. Complete results of the Inc. Regionals: Midwest, including company profiles and an interactive database sortable by industry and metro area, visit: https://www.inc.com/regionals/
3, Apr 2026
Portugal votes to extend citizenship residency thresholds pending Presidential review
Lisbon – (April 3rd, 2026) – Global Citizen Solutions (“GCS”), a leading advisory firm in citizenship and residency planning, confirms that on 1st April 2026, Portugal’s parliament approved a revised package of amendments to the Nationality Law, again proposing longer residency requirements for citizenship eligibility.
Under the approved text, nationals from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and the European Union will require seven years of lawful residence to apply for naturalisation, while all other nationalities will require ten years. These changes remain subject to final drafting and presidential approval and are not yet in force.
Joana Mendonça, General Counsel at GCS, said:
“The majority vote in parliament confirms the government’s intended shift towards longer citizenship timelines, as observed in June and again in October with the Nationality Law causing much debate on and beyond the parliament floor. While certain provisions have been adjusted during the legislative process, the overall direction is clear.
This process has shown us, more than once, that a vote in parliament is not the final word. The President now has his moment, and the Constitutional Court may have another. We respect that — it is democracy working as it should. What we at GCS cannot accept is the absence of transitional provisions for those who made real decisions about their lives in good faith. There are rights at stake that cannot simply be legislated away.”
Key developments
- The new residency thresholds replace Portugal’s previous five-year pathway to citizenship, extending the timeline for all applicants. EU and CPLP nationals would require seven years of residence, while all other applicants would require ten years.
- The criminal bar has been revised. Effective imprisonment of three or more years for specified serious offences does not operate as an automatic disqualification but instead triggers a case-by-case assessment by the Public Prosecutor. This assessment considers factors including the nature of the offence, time elapsed, and evidence of integration into the Portuguese community, with the possibility of judicial challenge.
- A proposal to introduce financial self-sufficiency requirements was not included in the final text.
- The law also confirms a change to how residency is calculated. Time spent awaiting issuance of a residence permit will no longer count towards the naturalisation period, which may extend effective timelines beyond the headline thresholds.
- Additional provisions include revised rules for children born in Portugal to foreign parents, protections for long-term holders of nationality acting in good faith, and the introduction of a potential loss of nationality penalty for dual nationals convicted of serious crimes. This measure is expected to face constitutional scrutiny.
- Parliament did not adopt transitional provisions for applicants who would have qualified under the previous five-year rule, leaving those currently in process subject to the final outcome of the legislative process.
Presidential stage
The legislative process now moves to the President of the Republic. Upon transmission, the President has eight days to refer the law to the Constitutional Court for preventive review. If no referral is made, the President has 20 days to sign the law into effect or exercise a political veto.
Given prior constitutional objections to similar provisions and the continued inclusion of legally sensitive measures, a referral to the Constitutional Court remains a plausible outcome.
Positioning within Europe
Portugal’s revised citizenship timelines bring it closer in line with core European norms. While no longer among the fastest citizenship pathways in the EU if the law is signed into effect, it remains competitive when considered alongside its flexible residency framework and limited physical presence requirements.
Even with extended citizenship timelines, Portugal continues to offer a structured pathway combining legal residence, EU access, and long-term optionality for global investors and families.
2, Apr 2026
UAE’s First Arrival of Break-Bulk Metals at Fujairah Port Led by Metal Park
UAE, 2 April 2026 – Metal Park has successfully received its first break-bulk cargo of metals at Fujairah Port, marking a further extension of its operational footprint and reinforcing the continuity of metal flows across the UAE.
This development builds on Metal Park’s existing logistics capabilities, which have consistently enabled the import, storage, distribution, and export of metals across multiple entry points in the country. The Fujairah operation adds further flexibility to an already established system, supporting stable cargo movement and supply chain continuity.
Operations remain uninterrupted.
Supply chains remain active.
Metal Park continues to manage metal flows through an integrated approach that connects port handling, inland logistics, storage infrastructure, and distribution within a single operational framework. This allows materials to move efficiently from vessel discharge through to end-market delivery.
A key component of this system is Metal Park’s Storage Hub, operating as an independent fulfilment centre dedicated to metals. The facility supports flexible storage based on metric tonne (MT) or cubic metre (CBM) per day, allowing users to manage inventory without reliance on fixed space or long-term commitments.
The platform also incorporates structured documentation and inventory management processes, including standardised handling of goods receipt, issuance, delivery documentation, and reporting, ensuring traceability and operational clarity across the supply chain.
In parallel, Metal Park has activated access to trade finance facilities of up to USD 50 million, supporting metal and steel producers, traders, processors, and fabricators in maintaining operational continuity and managing working capital requirements.
The combined logistics, storage, and financial framework allows industry participants to sustain operations, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain steady material flow across the UAE and the wider region.
Metal Park remains fully operational, with all services continuing on schedule.
2, Apr 2026
Metacarpal Adds Certified Prosthetist to Strengthen North American Expansion
CHICAGO, Ill. (April 2. 2026) – Metacarpal, a leading medical device manufacturer specializing in body-powered upper-limb prosthetics, added Léa Richer, MSOP, CPO, as Product Support Liaison for its North American team. Richer joined the company to support the expansion of Metacarpal’s GEM prosthetic hand in U.S. and Canadian markets while working with clinicians and limb loss communities across the United States.
In her role with Metacarpal, Richer will focus on clinical education and support, helping prosthetists, therapists, and care teams understand where the Metacarpal GEM can fit within care pathways and how to optimize outcomes for appropriate patients. Her path to orthotics and prosthetics represents her third career, inspired partly by her personal experience wearing a scoliosis brace as a teenager. Her academic training in medical anthropology and history gives her insight into how medical devices impact patients’ lives beyond their technical specifications.
“Seeing patients’ eyes light up when they realize how much the GEM could improve their day-to-day life is incredibly rewarding,” said Richer. “My role is to ensure that clinicians have the knowledge and confidence they need to recommend this technology to their patients, and that patients understand how it can fit into their specific lifestyle and goals.”
Richer brings extensive clinical experience in orthotics and prosthetics, including three and a half years as a Certified Orthotist Prosthetist at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois. She completed specialized training through NCOPE-certified residencies at VA Portland Health Care System, where she served as Lead Resident nationally and coordinated research examining associations between mental health and prosthetic use. Metacarpal’s U.S. presence continues to grow as more clinics explore the Metacarpal GEM for patients who need a robust, mechanically intuitive option for partial hand difference.
“Léa is instrumental in our North American expansion because she bridges the gap between clinical expertise and patient advocacy,” said Fergal Mackie, founder and CEO of Metacarpal. “Her experience as a Certified Orthotist Prosthetist, combined with her background in medical anthropology and history, makes her passionate about informed decision-making in healthcare for both patients and clinicians. This perspective directly supports our mission to rebuild trust in prosthetics.”
Richer’s appointment coincides with Metacarpal’s recent U.S. launch in January and OrtoPed’s distribution partnership in Canada in February. Her fluency in French and English, along with conversational Spanish skills, will help the company serve diverse patient populations across North America.
For clinicians and clinics interested in learning more, please visit www.metacarpalprosthetics.com.
2, Apr 2026
Amrita Hospital Kochi Inaugurates Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit
Kochi, Apr 02: The Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, inaugurated its Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit (NDCCU), marking a significant step toward addressing the long-term developmental needs of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). The inauguration was followed by a national seminar titled “Enabling Optimal Brain Development and Cognition after Childhood Heart Surgery,” which brought together leading child development experts and healthcare professionals from across the country.
The initiative aims to bring greater attention to the long-term developmental needs of children with CHD and promote an interdisciplinary approach to care that integrates brain, behaviour and heart health. Experts at the seminar emphasised that while advances in pediatric cardiac care have significantly improved survival rates, it is equally important to focus on how children grow, learn and function in their daily lives following heart surgery.
Speakers highlighted that children with congenital heart disease often demonstrate a distinct neurodevelopmental profile. While many successfully undergo life-saving cardiac procedures, they may later experience challenges in areas such as attention, executive functioning, learning and adaptive skills—difficulties that may become more apparent as the child grows.
Distinguished speakers including Dr. Kirsten Verity (NHS, Edinburgh), Dr. Deepa Bhaskaran (Director, CDC, Trivandrum) and Dr. Arun Singh, National Advisor to RBSK (Government of India), emphasised the importance of focusing on key developmental areas such as learning, executive skills and adaptive behaviour. They also stressed the need for early neurodevelopmental assessments and regular follow-ups to ensure timely support and intervention.
The seminar was conducted as part of Project Medha, a CSR-supported initiative by Premji Invest aimed at strengthening neurodevelopmental care and improving long-term outcomes for children with CHD. Discussions highlighted the importance of making neurodevelopmental assessment a standard practice embedded within the continuum of cardiac care.
The initiative was led by Dr. R. Krishna Kumar, Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, and Dr. Manu Raj, Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatrics, with conceptualisation support from Ms. Sonam Manoj, National Coordinator – Project Medha, through the Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit.
The seminar and the inauguration of the NDCCU are among the first initiatives of their kind in India, aiming to transform the way long-term care is delivered to children with congenital heart disease—ensuring that they not only survive complex cardiac procedures but also thrive in their cognitive, behavioural and everyday development.
2, Apr 2026
Govt Exceeds FY23 Spending by ₹54,067 Crore; Debt Repayment Drives Overshoot
New Delhi: The Union government exceeded its approved expenditure by ₹54,067 crore in the financial year 2022–23, largely due to higher-than-expected debt repayments, according to a report by the Public Accounts Committee.
The report, recently tabled in the Lok Sabha, highlighted concerns over gaps in budget planning and expenditure management. It noted that despite seeking additional funds through supplementary grants during the year, actual spending still surpassed the sanctioned limits.
A significant portion of the excess—over 99%—was attributed to debt servicing under the Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry. A smaller share of the overspending was linked to capital expenditure by the Ministry of Railways.
As per parliamentary procedures, the excess expenditure will now require formal approval for regularisation. The development has raised questions about the accuracy of budget estimates and the effectiveness of financial controls within key government departments.
The findings underscore the need for more precise fiscal forecasting and tighter monitoring of public spending to ensure better alignment with approved budgets in the future.
2, Apr 2026
India’s First Coal Gasification-Based Ammonium Nitrate Plant Planned in Odisha
Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: A major industrial boost is on the horizon for Odisha with the signing of a key agreement for a large-scale ammonium nitrate project in Jharsuguda. The project, to be set up in Lakhanpur, is expected to attract an investment of around ₹25,000 crore.
The agreement was signed between Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited for leasing land required to establish the facility. The signing took place in New Delhi in the presence of Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
The project will come up on nearly 350 acres of land under MCL and is being developed as India’s first coal gasification-based ammonium nitrate plant. It will use indigenous technology developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in the chemicals and energy sector.
Once operational, the plant is expected to produce around 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day. The project is being implemented by Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited, a joint venture involving BHEL and Coal India Limited. Engineering and development work has been assigned to BHEL and Larsen & Toubro, with groundwork already underway at the site.
Officials indicated that preparatory work, including land development and infrastructure setup, is progressing, with a target to complete the project within 42 months.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported ammonium nitrate while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. It is also likely to generate employment and support industrial growth in the region, positioning Odisha as a key hub for advanced industrial projects.
2, Apr 2026
AVer Goes “Modus Match” Official: TR Series Auto Tracking and Professional PTZ Cameras Now Verified for Precision 3D Installation Planning
Taipei, Taiwan – Apr 02: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, today announced its official entry into the Modus Match Partner Program. Following comprehensive technical integration, AVer’s high-performance TR Series AI Auto Tracking cameras and PTZ Series cameras are now fully verified and supported within the ModusVR ecosystem — bringing manufacturer-certified 3D planning to one of the industry’s most trusted camera lines.
Don’t Just Place a Camera. Simulate the Experience.
In the world of Pro AV, “guessing” camera placement is a recipe for a costly truck roll. With this official Modus Match integration, integrators can now move beyond 2D blueprints and experience AVer cameras in fully immersive 3D environments before a single bracket is mounted.
When deploying the latest TR Series models alongside PTZ cameras, ModusVR users can now:
- Visualize Camera Sightlines: Instantly see the exact Field of View (FoV) to ensure the camera can capture presenters over podiums, monitors, or pillars
- Test Pan-Tilt-Zoom Coverage: Adjust PTZ positions in real-time to verify the camera’s mechanical range covers the entire stage, classroom, or conference room
- Validate Mounting Locations: Virtually position cameras at different heights and angles to find optimal placement before installation begins
- Eliminate Installation Guesswork: Identify blind spots, mounting challenges, and coverage gaps in the virtual environment, not during the truck roll
- Optimize the Design Experience: Enable system integrators and end users to preview TR and PTZ cameras within their specific spaces, experiencing the layout to ensure optimal performance and accelerated AV project adoption
- Generate Accurate BoMs: Transition seamlessly from design to purchase with manufacturer-verified specifications
The “Modus Match” Guarantee: Digital Twins, Not Generic Models
The “Modus Match” seal means these aren’t just generic 3D shapes: these are digital twins. Every focal length, pan/tilt limit, zoom range, and physical dimension has been manufacturer-verified by AVer’s engineering team. When you drag an AVer TR or PTZ camera into your ModusVR project, the Bill of Materials (BoM) is 100% accurate, and the field-of-view simulation reflects real-world optical performance.
“Presentation cameras are an important part of many of the spaces our users design in Modus,” says Ken Brueck, Co-Founder of Modus VR. “With AVer’s TR Series now part of the Modus Match program, integrators can accurately visualize placement and confidently define camera coverage in classrooms, divisible training spaces, and auditoriums before installation begins.”
Total Design Certainty for Professional AV Installations
“Our TR Series cameras are built for intelligence and movement,” says David Kuo, President at AVer Information Inc. “By joining the Modus Match program, we’re giving our partners the power to validate camera placement and coverage in a virtual twin of their client’s space. It’s about total design certainty and ending the era of onsite adjustments. Whether it’s a university lecture hall, corporate boardroom, or K-12 classroom, integrators can now design with confidence knowing exactly what AVer cameras will capture.”
Key Benefits for AV Integrators:
- Pre-Installation Confidence: Test multiple camera placements and validate coverage before purchasing equipment
- Faster Client Approval: Present immersive 3D walkthroughs showing exactly what cameras will capture, accelerating stakeholder buy-in
- Reduced Site Visits: Eliminate unnecessary truck rolls by identifying coverage issues in the virtual environment
- Time Savings: Compress weeks of planning into hours with real-time, accurate 3D simulation
Availability
The AVer TR Series and PTZ Series camera libraries are available now for all ModusVR subscribers at no additional cost. Simply update your ModusVR library to start building more accurate room designs with precise camera coverage validation. For demonstrations or technical specifications, visit www.modusvr.com or contact your local AVer representative.
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