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  • REVA University a-nd Salesforce unveil REVAion to deliver AI-Powered Student Experiences across the Campus Lifecycle

    Bangalore, July 21: Salesforce, the #1 Agentic AI CRM*, in collaboration with REVA University, today announced the launch of REVAion, an AIpowered digital engagement platform designed to deliver personalised experiences across the student lifecycle. Supporting students from admissions and enrollment through academics and campus services, REVAion is central to the university‘s vision of building a connected, AIpowered, and student-centric digital ecosystem.

    Powered by Agentforce for EducationAgentforce for Marketing, and Agentforce 360REVAion marks a significant milestone in REVA University‘s four-year digital transformation journey with Salesforce.

    The engagement also supports REVA University‘s broader innovation ecosystem through its Salesforce Academia Centre of Excellence (CoE), powered by Agentforce for Education, and Student Lifecycle Management (SLCM). As one of theearly universities in India to embed Salesforce into its B.Tech. curriculum, REVA offers specialised learning pathways in Salesforce Administration, Salesforce Platform Development, Intelligent Systems with Agentforce, and MuleSoft Anypoint Platform Foundations through Trailhead and Salesforce Labs. Faculty Development Programs have further strengthened institutional capability, helping upskill educators and contributing to the development of more than 2,000 Salesforce-ready students through the CoE during FY26, FY27.

    Speaking about this initiative, Dr. P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor, REVA University, said, “At REVA University, we believe that the future of higher education lies in the convergence of technology, innovation, and human potential. Our collaboration with Salesforce reflects our commitment to creating a digitally empowered learning environment that prepares students for the opportunities and challenges of an AI-driven world. The launch of REVAion marks an important milestone in our digital transformation journey, and initiatives such as REVA Summit FutureX-26 further reinforce our vision of fostering innovation, industry collaboration, and future-ready talent.”

    REVA University’s Salesforcepowered Student Lifecycle Management (SLCM) platform forms the digital backbone for managing admissions, academics, examinations, student services, placements, alumni engagement, and institutional operations, enabling a connected and data-driven campus experience.

    REVA University also holds Partner Accredited University (PAU) status and is an active participant in Salesforce‘s Career Connect (C2) Program, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry. Complementing these efforts is the Agentforce Academia Advocate (AAA) Program, which has developed a vibrant on-campus Salesforce community, empowering students to explore emerging technologies, gain hands-on experience, and become the next generation of Agentblazers.

    Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director at Salesforce India, said, “Educational institutions are increasingly looking to AI, data and automation to reimagine how they engage with students and deliver services at scale. REVA University is demonstrating how a connected digital platform can help create more personalised experiences, improve operational agility and support innovation across the higher education ecosystem. We are proud to partner with REVA University as it continues to advance its vision of a connected, intelligent, and student-centric campus.”

    As one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities, REVA University serves a diverse and growing student community through more than 100 undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certification programmes. With a strong focus on innovation, industry collaboration, and student success, the university is leveraging AI and connected data to deliver more personalised experiences, streamline operations, and equip students with the skills and support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.  Over the past four years, REVA University has successfully integrated Salesforce across multiple institutional functions, creating a connected digital ecosystem that supports students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry stakeholders.

  • NDA to Hold First ‘Mangal Milan’ Meeting During Monsoon Session

    July 21: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to hold its first ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, bringing together alliance leaders for discussions on coordination, legislative priorities, and strengthening cooperation among partner parties.

    The meeting is expected to provide a platform for NDA leaders to exchange views on key political and parliamentary matters while ensuring better coordination among alliance members during the session. Leaders from various NDA constituents are likely to participate in the interaction and discuss strategies for effectively addressing upcoming legislative business.

    The initiative reflects the alliance’s focus on maintaining regular communication and strengthening ties among its members. With Parliament in session, discussions are expected to centre around important national issues, government initiatives, and the legislative agenda ahead.

    The ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting is also seen as an opportunity for NDA partners to reinforce unity and improve coordination on matters of common interest. Such interactions are aimed at ensuring a collective approach among alliance members while responding to emerging political and policy developments.

    As the Monsoon Session progresses, the NDA is expected to continue its engagement with alliance partners to maintain a coordinated approach on parliamentary affairs and governance priorities.

  • Chadivayal Elephant Camp to Become Tamil Nadu’s New Eco-Tourism Gem

    July 21: Tamil Nadu is preparing to welcome a new eco-tourism attraction with the upcoming development of the Chadivayal Elephant Camp, offering visitors a closer connection with nature, wildlife, and conservation.

    Located in a forest-rich environment, the camp aims to provide an enriching experience where tourists can learn about elephants, their care, and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. The initiative is expected to appeal to nature lovers, families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts looking for responsible and meaningful travel experiences.

    Beyond tourism, the project focuses on creating awareness about elephant conservation and the need to preserve fragile forest ecosystems. Visitors will have the opportunity to understand the role elephants play in maintaining ecological balance and learn more about efforts to protect these magnificent animals.

    The eco-tourism initiative is also expected to benefit nearby communities by creating opportunities in tourism-related activities such as local services, guided experiences, and hospitality. By involving local people, the project aims to support sustainable development while protecting the region’s natural heritage.

    The Chadivayal Elephant Camp represents Tamil Nadu’s growing focus on responsible tourism that balances visitor experiences with environmental conservation. Once developed, the camp is expected to become a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful and educational wildlife experience.

  • Gujarat Police Expand Cyber Awareness Campaign

    Gujarat, July 21: The Gujarat Police have strengthened their efforts to promote digital safety by conducting more than 5,000 cyber safety awareness programmes across the state, educating thousands of women and children about staying safe in an increasingly digital world.

    The extensive outreach initiative aims to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and prevent cyber threats such as online fraud, phishing scams, cyberbullying, identity theft, fake social media accounts, and financial fraud. As internet use continues to grow, particularly among young people, the campaign underscores the importance of cyber awareness as the first line of defence against digital crimes.

    The awareness programmes were held at schools, colleges, educational institutions, and community centres, where cyber experts and police officials interacted directly with participants. Through engaging sessions, practical demonstrations, and discussions, attendees learned how to safeguard personal information, create secure passwords, identify suspicious online activity, and use digital platforms responsibly.

    Special focus was placed on empowering women and children, who are often targeted by online scams and harassment. Participants were encouraged to report cyber incidents promptly and were informed about the various channels available for seeking assistance and lodging complaints.

    Officials said that preventing cybercrime begins with awareness, and informed citizens are better equipped to protect themselves and their families in the digital space. The campaign also highlights the Gujarat Police’s proactive approach to community policing by combining law enforcement with public education.

    With cybercrime becoming an evolving challenge, the Gujarat Police’s continued outreach reflects a commitment to building a safer and more secure digital environment. By spreading awareness across communities, the initiative is helping people navigate the online world with greater confidence, caution, and responsibility.

  • India Issues 1,331 Commercial Pilot Licences in First Half of the Year, Strengthening Aviation Workforce

    July 21: India’s aviation sector continues to gain momentum, with the government issuing 1,331 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) during the first six months of the year. The figures reflect the country’s growing investment in aviation training and its efforts to build a skilled workforce to support the rapid expansion of the civil aviation industry.

    The increase in the number of licensed commercial pilots comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is witnessing robust growth, driven by rising passenger demand, fleet expansion by domestic airlines, and improved regional air connectivity. As airlines continue to induct new aircraft and expand their operations, the demand for qualified pilots has grown significantly, making pilot training and certification a key priority.

    Government officials highlighted that the steady issuance of Commercial Pilot Licences demonstrates the country’s commitment to developing a strong talent pipeline capable of meeting the evolving needs of the aviation industry. The expansion of flying training infrastructure and improved access to pilot training programmes have also contributed to the growing number of licensed pilots entering the workforce.

    India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with increasing air travel creating new employment opportunities across the sector. Alongside pilots, the industry’s growth is expected to generate demand for aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals, further strengthening the country’s aviation ecosystem.

    Industry experts believe that the availability of a larger pool of trained pilots will help airlines sustain their expansion plans while ensuring operational efficiency and safety. A steady supply of qualified aviation professionals is also expected to reduce dependence on foreign pilots and support the long-term growth of the domestic aviation sector.

    The government’s continued focus on skill development, aviation infrastructure, and regulatory support is expected to play a vital role in meeting the industry’s future workforce requirements. As India’s aviation market continues to expand, the rising number of commercial pilot licences underscores the country’s preparedness to support one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.

  • Wozoyo Partners with Liqvd Asia to Build Its Digital-First Brand Journey

    India, July 21: Wozoyo, the newly launched consumer technology brand from Hong Kong-based Secure Connection, has appointed Liqvd Asia as its integrated digital marketing partner as it builds its presence across India and the United States.
     
    Founded by consumer technology veteran Mohit Anand, Wozoyo builds on the three-decade legacy of Secure Connection, a global consumer technology company with operations across more than 80 countries. Over the years, the company has established a strong presence across air care, IT accessories, audio solutions and enterprise technology through partnerships with leading global brands. Wozoyo represents the company’s next phase of growth, bringing together its deep category expertise with a renewed focus on product innovation, design and consumer experience.
     
    Designed in Japan, Wozoyo has been created around a simple philosophy: technology should quietly enable everyday life rather than demand attention. The brand‘s portfolio includes air purifiers, charging solutions, connectivity products, laptop accessories and other everyday technology essentials, combining thoughtful design, dependable performance and intuitive functionality for modern consumers.
     
    Commenting on the partnership, Mohit Anand, Co-Founder and CEO, Secure Connection, said, 
    Wozoyo reflects our vision of creating thoughtfully designed consumer technology that simplifies everyday life. Drawing on decades of experience in the category, we wanted to build a brand that gives us the freedom to innovate across product development, design and consumer experience while staying true to our philosophy of simplicity and reliability.”
    He added, 
    “As we introduce Wozoyo across key markets, it was important for us to partner with a team that could translate this vision into a compelling digital narrative. Liqvd Asia’s integrated capabilities, strategic thinking and understanding of today’s digital ecosystem made them one of our partners for this journey.”  
    Arnab Mitra, Founder and Managing Director, Liqvd Asia, said,
     “Wozoyo enters the market with a compelling product proposition backed by decades of category expertise and a clear brand philosophy. Our role is to shape that into a differentiated marketing narrative that resonates with today’s consumers and builds long-term brand relevance. By bringing together creativity, creators, media and performance, we look forward to helping Wozoyo establish a distinctive position in the consumer technology category.”
    The partnership brings together Secure Connection’s global consumer technology expertise and Liqvd Asia‘s integrated marketing capabilities as Wozoyo builds a strong digitalfirst presence across key markets.
  • Indian Equity Markets Open Flat Amid Middle East Tensions, Softer Crude Prices

    July 21: Indian equity markets began Tuesday’s trading session on a subdued note, with benchmark indices opening largely flat as investors weighed persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East against the positive impact of declining crude oil prices. The cautious start reflected a balanced market sentiment, with participants closely tracking global developments while assessing their potential implications for economic growth, inflation, and corporate earnings.

    Market activity remained range-bound during the opening hours, as buying interest in select sectors was offset by profit-booking in others. Investors largely refrained from taking aggressive positions, preferring to await greater clarity on the evolving geopolitical landscape and its possible impact on international financial markets.

    The recent moderation in crude oil prices offered a measure of support to domestic equities. As one of the world’s largest importers of crude oil, India typically benefits from lower energy prices, which help reduce import costs, ease inflationary pressures, improve the current account balance, and create a more favourable environment for economic growth. Softer oil prices also provide relief to sectors that are heavily dependent on fuel and transportation costs, contributing to improved business sentiment.

    Despite this positive development, concerns surrounding the Middle East continued to influence investor behaviour. Ongoing uncertainty in the region has heightened caution across global financial markets, with investors remaining attentive to any developments that could disrupt energy supplies, affect commodity prices, or increase market volatility. Such geopolitical risks often encourage investors to adopt a defensive investment strategy until greater stability emerges.

    Domestic investors also remained focused on broader macroeconomic indicators, including inflation trends, corporate earnings, foreign institutional investment flows, and expectations surrounding monetary policy. These factors are expected to play a significant role in shaping market direction in the coming weeks alongside international developments.

    Analysts believe that while short-term market movements may remain influenced by global events, India’s underlying economic fundamentals continue to provide resilience. Strong domestic consumption, sustained infrastructure spending, healthy corporate balance sheets, and ongoing policy reforms are expected to support long-term growth prospects.

    Going forward, market participants are likely to monitor geopolitical developments, movements in global crude oil prices, and key economic data releases for further cues. Until greater certainty emerges, Indian equity markets may continue to witness cautious trading, with investors maintaining a balanced approach while navigating an evolving global environment.

  • NORD extends functional safety of its drive electronics

    New safety features for NORDAC ON

    News In Pics

     

    NORD has equipped the NORDAC ON with new functional safety features

    Extensive safety upgrade for NORDAC ON: the most recent product family of decentralised frequency inverters from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS receives new functional safety features. The specialist for drive solutions thus optimises the system for use in automation environments.

    In automated production, drive electronics with integrated safety functions enable safe control and monitoring of all motion sequences. Functional safety is therefore also becoming increasingly important in drive systems from NORD and is being continuously extended. The decentralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter now receives an extensive safety upgrade.

    Safe control of speeds

    In addition to STO and SS1, the safe motion functions SLS, SMS and SSM are now also integrated for fail-safe control of the rotary movement. The NORDAC ON thus not only features safe standstill functions (Safe Torque Off and Safe Stop 1) but also enables safe control of a drive solution’s speeds (Safety Limited Speed, Safe Maximum Speed and Safe Speed Monitor).
    The future variant of the decentralised frequency inverter can be integrated into a fail-safe application within an existing Industrial Ethernet network via PROFIsafe or FSoE. The desired Industrial Ethernet dialect is simply parameterised during commissioning. Stand-alone use is possible as well. The safe digital inputs and outputs of the NORDAC ON can be used to incorporate fail-safe peripheral components or functions. This enables the connection of, for example, emergency stop buttons, safety door switches or photoelectric sensors. Two safe one-channel digital inputs can be combined into one safe two-channel digital input and two safe outputs can be combined into one safe two-channel output.

    Made for modern production environments
    The decentralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter is characterised by its compact design and full plug-in capability. Thanks to its plug-and-play functionality, it significantly reduces the wiring effort and provides a maintenance-friendly, economical solution for modern production environments. It also features PLC on board for PLC and drive-related functions. It can process data from connected sensors and actuators, initiate control sequences and communicate drive and application data to the control centre, networked components or to cloud storage. NORDAC ON is available for a power range from 0.37 kW to 3.7 kW.

  • The New Goa: 5 Reasons Luxury Buyers Are Looking Beyond Beachfront Homes

    The New Goa: 5 Reasons Luxury Buyers Are Looking Beyond Beachfront Homes

    Luxury in Goa has always been about more than the beach. It’s about mornings that begin a little slower, afternoons that stretch a little longer, and homes that invite you to spend more time outdoors than in.

    As more buyers embrace flexible lifestyles and longer stays, the idea of what makes the perfect Goa address is changing. Today, it’s not just about proximity to the shoreline. It’s about finding a neighbourhood with character, thoughtful design, and a sense of belonging.

    Here are five reasons luxury buyers are discovering a different side of Goa.

    1.    The Best Addresses Have a Story to Tell

    The most memorable neighbourhoods aren’t always the busiest. They’re the ones with a distinct identity, where great cafés, beautiful architecture, independent boutiques, and a strong sense of community come together naturally. That’s the kind of lifestyle many luxury buyers are seeking today.

    It’s one of the reasons Assagao has become one of Goa’s most sought-after addresses. Often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Goa, the village blends old-world charm with contemporary living in a way few places can. 

    2.    Privacy Has Become a Priority

    For today’s buyers, luxury often means having the freedom to slow down without feeling disconnected. Easy access to beaches and restaurants still matters, but so does coming home to a neighbourhood that feels peaceful and lived-in rather than seasonal.

    That’s where Anjuna continues to appeal. Beyond its vibrant coastline, the area has evolved into a well-rounded residential destination with boutique cafés, wellness spaces, and everyday conveniences close at hand. 

    3.    Homes Are Designed for More Than Holidays

    Luxury homes in Goa are no longer reserved for festive weekends or annual vacations. More buyers are spending extended periods here, making flexibility, comfort, and everyday functionality just as important as aesthetics.

    This changing lifestyle is particularly visible in Vagator, where contemporary design meets a laid-back coastal atmosphere. 

    4.    Lifestyle Is Shaping Every Buying Decision

    Location today is about much more than a pin on the map. Buyers are looking for neighbourhoods where they can enjoy morning walks, discover new cafés, spend evenings by the beach, and have everyday essentials within easy reach.

    Candolim continues to attract buyers for exactly these reasons. Combining established infrastructure with a vibrant social scene and excellent connectivity, it remains one of North Goa’s most enduring luxury addresses. 

    5.    Luxury Is Becoming More Intentional

    The idea of luxury has become more personal. Instead of focusing solely on size or amenities, buyers are placing greater value on thoughtful design, peaceful surroundings, and neighbourhoods that continue to feel special long after the novelty wears off.

    That enduring appeal is one of the reasons Dona Paula remains among South Goa’s most prestigious residential destinations. Known for its panoramic coastal views and established character, the neighbourhood continues to attract discerning buyers.

  • Netchex Launches Mesh: AI HR Teammates for the Deskless Workforce

    Six AI specialists proactively handle payroll, compliance, scheduling, and HR work for restaurants, hotels, dealerships, and other real-world businesses, inside Netchex and inside ChatGPT & Claude

    COVINGTON, LA, July 21— Netchex, a payroll and human capital management (HCM) platform for businesses with deskless workforces, announced Mesh, a team of AI HR teammates that anticipate problems and complete work before anyone asks. It goes beyond the ask-and-answer chatbots that define most AI in HR today.

    Most HR software is built for the corporate office. But in a restaurant group, a hotel, a dealership, a healthcare practice, or another real-world business in America, roughly 80% of employees never sit at a desk. Shift swaps happen over group texts and timecards come in late. The HR teams behind these operations are lean and chronically understaffed. Often a single admin is running payroll, approving timecards, fielding PTO requests, and onboarding new hires, all before lunch. None of it is hard. All of it adds up.

    Rather than waiting to be asked, Mesh’s six specialists continuously monitor payroll, scheduling, time, and HR data. Each handles a complete workflow, with humans approving the decisions that matter:

    1. Penny, a payroll assistant who chases missing timecards and flags payroll issues

    Atlas, a people ops coordinator who connects onboarding, status changes, documents, and approvalsSentinel, a compliance and risk analyst who watches for patterns and gaps teams don’t have time to seeNova, a workforce analyst who turns scattered data into signals managers can act onMilo, an employee concierge who files PTO, arranges shift coverage, pulls pay stubs, and answers policy questions instantlyNettie, a service partner who troubleshoots issues and answers product questions for admins, drawing on every Netchex knowledge article and training resource

    These six are the founding roster. Netchex plans to add more teammates over time. Because Mesh sees across pay, scheduling, time, and HR in one platform, it connects dots other tools see only in pieces: flagging a schedule-loading pattern that is turning a strong employee into a flight risk, or catching expiring technician certifications weeks before they create a staffing gap.

    Mesh builds on Netchex’s acquisition of Mesh.ai, a Y Combinator backed, AI-first performance and engagement platform. After the acquisition, the Mesh.ai team set out to scale the technology across every workflow an HR team touches, and built the AI teammates announced today.

    “Our mission has always been to build the best software and support for deskless industries. AI teammates are how we keep delivering on that, giving every operator the bench strength that used to be reserved for companies ten times their size,” said Abhinav Agrawal, CEO of Netchex.

    “Operators have been told AI will change everything, but so far it mostly just answers questions when you ask. Mesh gets ahead of the work, handles what people hate doing, and lets them focus on what matters. It can do that because it sees payroll, time, scheduling, and HR as one operation, not different disconnected systems,” said Saurabh Nangia, Chief Product Officer of Netchex & founder of Mesh.ai.

    Mesh also works where teams already are. Employees can file PTO, swap shifts, and check pay stubs directly inside ChatGPT or Claude. Managers can spot overtime trends and approve requests. Admins can run payroll audits and pull headcount reports without opening Netchex. Nothing sensitive is submitted without human approval.

    “Our team is small, and we all wear a lot of hats. Having an AI agent continuously checking for errors, handling the prep work, and taking care of routine steps could be a total game changer,” said Tabitha Lehman of Northwest X Southern, a multi-property hotel group and Netchex customer.

    Customers in Netchex’s early access program report winning back roughly half of their Monday admin time and a double-digit drop in payroll corrections (directional results from early access, not audited benchmarks). Gartner predicts 40% of enterprise applications will feature task-specific AI agents by 2026, up from less than 5% in 2025.

    Mesh is rolling out to Netchex customers, beginning with early access. To meet the AI teammates or request a demo, visit netchex.com/mesh.