Category: Business

London, July 10 – Dr Ian Campbell, co-founder of Breathe Battery Technologies, was presented with The Princess Royal Silver Medal last night by HRH The Princess Royal at the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Awards Dinner in London.

His win was announced last week, and the medal is one of the Academy’s most prestigious individual honours, recognising an outstanding personal contribution to UK engineering by an early- to mid-career engineer.

Ian received the medal alongside fellow 2026 honourees Dr Liucheng Guo (TG0) and Professor Robert Thomson FREng (Heriot-Watt University).

Breathe Battery Technologies is a London-based company whose software simulates the inner workings of batteries to optimise charging and design without any hardware changes.

Its technology has been adopted by major automotive and technology partners including Volvo Cars, OPPO and Bang & Olufsen.

Speaking when his win was announced last week, Dr Ian Campbell said:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Princess Royal Silver Medal. Climate change and air pollution continue to threaten health and livelihoods worldwide. By combining battery physics simulation with materials libraries built in industrial-scale labs, we can screen millions of potential designs and rapidly optimise the most promising candidates using advanced software. This capability is helping to bring cleaner, quieter, healthier and more affordable cars, trucks and energy storage systems to market faster.”

New Delhi, July 10: India’s efforts to expand clean energy access have received a major boost after the World Bank approved financing support for the country’s solar rooftop programme.

The initiative aims to increase the adoption of rooftop solar systems among households, businesses, and communities while making renewable energy more accessible and affordable.

The funding support is expected to strengthen solar infrastructure, encourage greater use of clean power, and create new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

The programme aligns with India’s broader goal of increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. It is also expected to support sustainable growth and contribute to the country’s long-term climate commitments.

With the latest support, India’s rooftop solar expansion is set to gain further momentum as the nation continues its transition towards a cleaner energy future.

Chandigarh, July 10: L&T Semiconductor Technologies , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro , has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Azuremoto Technologies Inc., Taiwan, a provider of semiconductor IP design and component solutions.

The MoU establishes a structured framework for cross-border business cooperation across Silicon Carbide power semiconductor products for the AI Data Centre market, and Rectifiers and MOS-based power semiconductor products targeting LTSCT’s key business verticals in India and worldwide.

Under the terms of the MoU, the collaboration spans two primary product domains. The first encompasses SiC MOSFETs, diodes and related modules and components for AI Data Centre applications such as power supplies, server power architecture, uninterruptible power supply systems and energy-efficient solutions. The second includes Rectifiers and MOS-based semiconductor products for applications such as energy metering systems, HVAC power control, solar inverter applications, BLDC motor drives and consumer electronics.

The MoU is structured around three key objectives – (1) Establishing a cooperative framework for market development, customer engagement and joint promotional activities targeting AI Data Centres, OEMs, ODMs and power solution providers, (2) Defining a mutual technical support structure encompassing reference designs, engineering samples, evaluation kits and application documentation, and (3) Building a foundation for long-term supply arrangements, product customisation, demand forecasting and potential codevelopment initiatives.

The parties have committed to executing a Definitive Agreement as a Distribution, Supply or Joint Development Agreement within one year.

Under the agreed structure, LTSCT will provide product roadmaps, technical specifications, application guidance, engineering samples and regulatory compliance support, and will participate in joint customer engagements. Azuremoto will lead market development, sales and customer relationship management within agreed territories, while delivering first-line technical support, market intelligence, and coordinating joint marketing efforts.

Commenting on this, Dr Sandeep Kumar, Chief Executive – LTSCT, said:

“India is no longer on the fringes of the global semiconductor map – it is shaping its contours. This MoU with Azuremoto signals LTSCT’s intent to build India’s semiconductor future through deliberate, strategic partnerships with leading global ecosystems. The India – Taiwan corridor is emerging as a critical axis in semiconductor development, and this collaboration positions LTSCT at its centre, combining our fabless design capability and IP-led product vision with Azuremoto deep ecosystem strengths”.

“We are not only addressing current demand for high-performance power semiconductors but also building the foundation for a resilient, cross-border value chain to serve AI infrastructure and industrial power markets over the long term”, he added.

Stanley Lin, Chief Executive Officer, Azuremoto Technologies Inc., said:

“This partnership underscores Azuremoto’s commitment to building a resilient, execution-driven power semiconductor ecosystem globally. By combining LTSCT’s IP-led product vision and application expertise in India, with Azuremoto’s Taiwan-based design know-how and go-to-market execution, we are moving beyond a traditional distributor model towards true co-design enablement.

“Our shared goal is to accelerate time-to-market for high-performance SiC and power semiconductor solutions that meet the stringent efficiency, reliability and scalability demands of AI Data Centres and industrial applications worldwide”, he added.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the global semiconductor industry. India’s Union Budget 2026 introduced five-year tax exemptions and near-zero import duties on semiconductor components, signalling strong policy support for deeper India–Taiwan collaboration. The India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 is accelerating the shift towards fabless design and IP-led development, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company already fabricating chip designs from Design Linked Incentive scheme-backed Indian start-ups.

At the same time, the broader trilateral model – combining Japan’s capital, Taiwan’s ecosystem expertise and India’s engineering talent – is taking shape. The MoU between LTSCT and Azuremoto reflects this growing momentum.

Gurugram, July 10: Swaranjali Delhi successfully organized Colours of India 2026 in association with Eternal Oasis Gurugram on July 9, 2026, at Prakriti Hall, Eternal Oasis, Sector 42, Gurugram. The cultural evening, supported by the Art and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Haryana, brought together renowned classical musicians, dancers, and art enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration of India’s diverse artistic traditions.

The evening commenced with a captivating Kathak dance performance by the talented young artiste Ms. Oyeshi Bhattacherjee, whose graceful footwork, technical finesse, and expressive abhinaya won the appreciation of the audience.

The instrumental segment featured an inspiring Swar Ragini presentation by Pt. Subhas Ghosh, who mesmerized listeners with Raag Bageshree through compositions set in Jhaptaal, Ektaal, and Teentaal, followed by a vibrant folk dhun. He was accompanied by Pt. Susamoy Mishra on tabla and Shri Suresh Kumar on special effects, creating a memorable musical experience.

The vocal recital by Smt. Laxmi Priya Nayak showcased the beauty of Raag Shyam Kalyan with soulful vilambit and drut compositions, followed by a melodious Dadra presentation. She was accompanied by Shri Jitendra Swain on tabla and Ustad Zakir Dholpuri on harmonium.

The grand finale featured an enchanting sitar recital by Pt. Uma Prakash Shankar, who presented Raag Jhinjhoti with remarkable artistry. Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee provided accomplished tabla accompaniment, bringing the evening to a fitting musical conclusion.

The event was graced by distinguished guests Shri Umesh Mathur, noted author, educationist, journalist, and filmmaker, and Smt. Niharika Mathur, Manager and Program Director of Eternal Oasis. The programme was seamlessly anchored by Shri Subrata De, whose engaging presentation added to the evening’s charm.

Shreyas Webmedia Solutions served as the Online Media Partner for the event.

The organizers expressed gratitude to the performers, guests, supporters, and audience members for making Colours of India 2026 a memorable celebration of India’s classical arts while reaffirming Swaranjali Delhi’s commitment to promoting and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.

About Eternal Oasis

Eternal Oasis is a unique centre dedicated to arts, culture, and spirituality, founded on the belief that music and creative expression have the power to connect, heal, and inspire. Located in Sector 42, Gurugram, the expansive 1 lakh sq. ft. campus offers panoramic Aravalli-facing views and world-class infrastructure designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

The centre features three performance venues, six flexible workshop spaces, a large art gallery, a professional recording studio, 30 residential rooms, an 80-seater eatery, a modern Buddhist temple and meditation room, spacious terrace areas, lush green lawns, and dedicated parking for up to 100 vehicles.

Envisioned as a vibrant “third space” beyond home and workplace, Eternal Oasis provides a platform where individuals can reconnect with art, culture, and spirituality through a wide range of performances, workshops, exhibitions, and wellness programmes. Under the leadership of its founder Umesh Mathur, the centre continues to emerge as a prominent cultural and spiritual destination in Gurugram.

For updates on upcoming programmes, follow @eternaloasis_gurugram on social media.

For more information, visit:

• www.swaranjali.org
• www.eternaloasis.org

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.

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.

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.

India  July 10: Corning Incorporated  today released findings from a new Indian consumer study showing that the majority of Indian smartphone users (53%) say broken glass caused them to buy a new phone earlier than planned. 87% of smartphone users reported that they dropped their device in the past year, and 56% of them said that they felt anxious about drops because of concerns about cover-glass durability.

Indian consumers are increasingly prioritizing durability, long-term reliability, and display performance. The study, conducted via an online survey of 1,509 smartphone users across India, highlights how everyday drops, wear and tear, and repair costs are informing consumer decision-making across price and usage segments – and motivating consumers to want phones with tougher cover materials, like Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass.

“As smartphones become even more vital to how people work, communicate, and entertain themselves, durability is no longer a secondary specification. It’s central to the overall device experience,” said Andrew Beck, Vice President and General Manager, Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass. “Consumers are telling us they want devices that can better withstand real-world use without compromising performance, design, or clarity. Gorilla Glass is engineered to deliver advanced, science-backed materials that give consumers greater confidence in the products they choose.”

The impact of device damage extends beyond inconvenience. When a drop results in cover glass breakage, one in five consumers’ phones required professional repair or replacement, and nearly half of the consumers reported spending more than INR 2,000 on repairs.

Many consumers also reported stress, disruption, and anxiety linked to broken smartphone glass, underscoring why durability is increasingly tied to satisfaction and brand trust. Specifically, the study revealed that 61% of Indian consumers said durability claims influenced their smartphone purchase decisions. Among the most valued durability features are:

• Drop protection (52%)
• Scratch resistance (48%)
• Equal front and back protection (52%)

The study also demonstrated strong awareness of Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass:

• 66% of respondents recognized Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass, the highest percentage among cover glass brands cited in the survey
• 64% of consumers said they are more likely to consider a smartphone they know features Gorilla^® Glass

Expectations extend beyond durability alone. Nearly six in ten users (58%) said display clarity is a top priority, reflecting the growing role of smartphones in work, entertainment, and everyday communication. Additionally, 53% prioritized camera lens durability, highlighting that as cameras become one of the most advanced and valued features on a smartphone, damage to the lens can significantly impact usability and overall device performance.

As smartphone usage intensifies, consumers are showing a willingness to invest in better materials. 74% of respondents said they are willing to pay more for enhanced cover-material features, such as advanced durability and improved optical performance.

“As smartphones are used longer, more extensively, and in more demanding environments by consumers, this study reinforces the value of pairing premium design and functionality with proven durability. Consumers don’t have to sacrifice how their devices look, feel, or perform over time,” Beck added.

Methodology: The findings are based on a Corning-commissioned online survey of 1,509 smartphone users across India, conducted in November and December 2025. The sample included a balanced gender split and representation across age groups, regions, smartphone operating systems, device segments, and user profiles, including camera-centric users, gamers, power users, basic users, and professionals.

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.