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  • 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.

     

  • India Gets First Approved Dengue Vaccine as DCGI Clears Takeda’s QDENGA

    New Delhi, July 20: In a significant milestone for India’s public health system, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorisation to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India’s QDENGA (TAK-003), making it the country’s first approved vaccine for the prevention of dengue.

    India Gets First Approved Dengue Vaccine as DCGI Clears Takeda's QDENGA

    Representational Image 

    The vaccine has been approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years and is expected to strengthen India’s fight against dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that continues to affect lakhs of people every year.

    QDENGA is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine developed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. It is administered in a two-dose schedule, with the second dose given three months after the first.

    One of the vaccine’s key advantages is that it can be administered regardless of whether a person has previously been infected with dengue, eliminating the need for pre-vaccination screening.

    The approval comes at a time when dengue remains a major public health concern in India. Reported cases have increased sharply over the past two decades, with the country accounting for nearly one-third of the global dengue burden. Health experts believe the actual number of infections is significantly higher than officially reported.

    According to Takeda, the approval is backed by an extensive global clinical development programme involving 19 Phase I, II and III studies with more than 28,000 participants from dengue-endemic and non-endemic countries.

    The company’s pivotal Phase III TIDES (DEN-301) trial, which enrolled over 20,000 participants across eight dengue-endemic nations, showed promising results. The vaccine demonstrated 80.2 per cent efficacy against laboratory-confirmed dengue one year after the second dose and 90.4 per cent efficacy in preventing dengue-related hospitalisation after 18 months. Long-term follow-up also indicated sustained protection against severe dengue and hospitalisation.

    The Indian approval was further supported by a Phase III clinical trial involving participants between 4 and 60 years of age, where the vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and capable of generating a strong immune response in children, adolescents and adults.

    QDENGA has already received regulatory approval in 43 countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America. More than 32 million doses have been distributed through public and private immunisation programmes. The vaccine has also received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification and is recommended by the WHO for use in dengue-endemic regions with high transmission.

    Takeda said it will work closely with Indian regulatory authorities, healthcare professionals and public health agencies to facilitate the rollout and availability of the vaccine across the country in the coming months.

    The approval marks a major step forward in India’s efforts to reduce dengue-related illness and hospitalisations, offering a new preventive tool against one of the country’s most persistent vector-borne diseases.

  • President Murmu Pays Tribute to Moldova’s Historic Icon ‘Stephen the Great’ During Landmark Visit

    President Murmu Pays Tribute to Moldova’s Historic Icon ‘Stephen the Great’ During Landmark Visit

     Pic Credit: https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn

    July 20: President Droupadi Murmu paid homage at the iconic ‘Stephen the Great’ monument in Moldova, as part of her historic visit to the European nation.

    The President laid floral tributes at the monument honouring Stephen the Great, a celebrated ruler and national figure of Moldova, acknowledging the country’s rich history and cultural legacy.

    The visit marks the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Moldova, underlining the growing significance of India-Moldova relations and the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

    During her visit, President Murmu is expected to engage with Moldovan leadership to explore new opportunities in areas such as trade, investment, education, technology, culture, and other sectors of mutual interest.

    The tribute ceremony reflected India’s respect for Moldova’s heritage and further highlighted the importance of cultural understanding in building stronger diplomatic ties between the two nations.

    The landmark visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Moldova cooperation and create new avenues for collaboration in the future.

  • Nathan Smith Named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2026

    July 20: New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith has been honoured with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June 2026 following his outstanding performances on the international cricket stage.

    Smith impressed with his consistent contributions with both bat and ball, playing a key role in New Zealand’s recent success. His match-winning efforts and all-round abilities earned him recognition among the top performers in world cricket.

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognised Smith’s exceptional form, highlighting his impact during crucial matches and his ability to deliver under pressure.

    The award marks another milestone in Smith’s growing international career and reflects his emergence as one of New Zealand’s most promising cricket talents.

    Smith expressed his gratitude for the recognition and credited his teammates, coaches, and support staff for their encouragement and contribution to his success.

    The ICC Men’s Player of the Month award celebrates outstanding individual performances and recognises cricketers who make a significant impact during each month of international competition.

  • Fine Acers Strengthens Its Global Footprint with the Inauguration of Its London Office

    Fine Acers Strengthens Its Global Footprint with the Inauguration of Its London Office

    Mumbai, July 20: Fine Acers, India’s pioneer branded luxury resort developer, has marked a significant milestone in its global growth journey with the inauguration of its new office in London, United Kingdom, on 18 July 2026. The new office reinforces the brand’s commitment to expanding its international presence while catering to the growing demand from global investors and the Indian diaspora seeking premium hospitality and real estate investment opportunities through its distinctive Sales Leaseback model, which combines luxury second-home ownership with professionally managed hospitality operations.

    The London office was inaugurated by Mr. Dimitris Manikis, President – EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, in the presence of distinguished members of the Indian business community and prominent UK-based Indian residents, celebrating Fine Acers continued global expansion.

    The launch of the London office marks another step in Fine Acers‘ vision to establish a stronger international presence and build deeper relationships with investors and partners across key global markets. With an established network spanning India, the United States, Dubai, Singapore and Australia, the addition of London further strengthens the brand’s international footprint.

    Founded with the vision of redefining luxury hospitality investments, Fine Acers has emerged as one of India’s leading branded luxury resort developers. Through its distinctive Sales Leaseback model, the company enables investors to own premium villas in sought-after leisure destinations while earning long-term returns through professionally managed hospitality operations. The model offers a seamless ownership experience by combining the benefits of premium real estate investment with the expertise of globally recognized hospitality management.

    Today, Fine Acers has a growing portfolio of luxury developments across some of India’s most desirable destinations, including Goa, Jaipur, Udaipur, Coorg, Pushkar, Jawai and Sakleshpur, with several new projects in the pipeline. The company currently operates through nine offices across India, supported by its expanding international network in the United States, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and now the United Kingdom.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dinesh Yadav, Founder & Managing Director, Fine Acers, said, “The inauguration of our London office marks a proud milestone in Fine Acers‘ growth journey. The UK has long been home to a vibrant Indian community and a discerning investor base that recognises the value of premium hospitality-led real estate. Establishing our presence here allows us to engage more closely with our international clients while showcasing India’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape to a global audience. This is an important step in our vision of taking the Fine Acers brand to key markets across the world.”

    Dayaparan Ponnambalam, Head- International Business, Fine Acers, said, “The opening of our London office marks an important step in our international expansion strategy. The UK represents a mature market with a sophisticated investor community that is increasingly looking towards India for high-growth, hospitality-led investment opportunities. Our presence here allows us to engage more closely with investors, strengthen strategic partnerships and showcase the long-term value proposition of Fine Acers‘ Sales Leaseback model to a global audience.”

    The London office is expected to serve as a strategic hub for business development, investor engagement and international collaborations, further strengthening Fine Acers‘ position as a global luxury hospitality and real estate brand. 

  • India’s Money Makeover: RBI Moves Closer to Introducing High-Security Plastic Banknotes

    India’s Money Makeover: RBI Moves Closer to Introducing High-Security Plastic Banknotes

    India’s currency system could soon witness one of its biggest transformations in decades as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes significant steps towards introducing polymer-based banknotes, popularly known as plastic notes.

    The move aims to replace traditional paper-based currency with a more durable, secure, and technology-driven alternative. The initiative gained momentum after the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), a subsidiary involved in currency printing, invited global technology partners to help establish a polymer substrate manufacturing facility in India.

    The development marks a major step towards building a domestic ecosystem for producing the specialised material required for polymer banknotes.

    A New Era for Indian Currency

    Most Indian banknotes currently use cotton-based paper embedded with multiple security features. Polymer notes, made from a specialised plastic film, offer greater durability and can withstand daily wear and tear more effectively.

    Reports suggest that the initial phase may focus on lower denomination notes, including ₹10 and ₹20, with field trials planned to evaluate their performance under Indian conditions. However, the RBI has not yet announced an official launch date or final rollout plan.

    Why Polymer Notes Could Change the Way India Uses Cash

    The proposed polymer currency comes with several advantages:

    Longer Life: Unlike paper notes, polymer notes are more resistant to tearing and damage, allowing them to remain in circulation for a longer period.

    Water and Dirt Resistant: Their plastic-based material prevents damage caused by moisture, stains, and frequent handling.

    Advanced Security Features: Polymer notes can include sophisticated anti-counterfeiting technologies such as transparent windows, optical elements, and advanced security markings.

    Cost Savings Over Time: Although manufacturing costs may initially be higher, the extended lifespan of polymer notes can reduce the need for frequent replacement.

    RBI Focuses on Domestic Production

    Through the Expression of Interest (EOI), BRBNMPL is looking for companies with expertise in manufacturing security-grade polymer substrates. The objective is not only to source technology but also to develop India’s own manufacturing capability for currency materials.

    The process includes strict security guidelines to ensure that the production of currency-grade materials meets national security requirements.

    Learning From Global Examples

    Countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have already adopted polymer banknotes due to their durability and enhanced security features.

    More than 60 countries worldwide currently use polymer currency, making it an established technology in the global financial system.

    No Demonetisation-Like Move

    The possible introduction of polymer notes should not be confused with demonetisation. Existing paper currency will continue to remain legal tender, and old notes will circulate alongside the new polymer notes if the RBI proceeds with the rollout.

    The transition, if approved, will be gradual and based on the outcome of trials and assessments.

    India’s Next Step Towards Smarter Currency

    The RBI’s move reflects a broader effort to modernise India’s currency infrastructure by combining durability, security, and technology. If successfully implemented, polymer banknotes could redefine everyday cash usage in India and mark a new chapter in the country’s financial journey.

  • Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for FIH World Cup 2026 Challenge

    New Delhi, July 20: The Indian women’s hockey team is preparing for its journey towards the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with the squad focused on delivering a strong performance on the global stage.

    Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for FIH World Cup 2026 Challenge

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/narendramodi 

    The team’s qualification campaign has reflected its determination, consistency, and growing strength in international hockey. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India aims to compete against the world’s best teams in the prestigious tournament.

    The players and coaching staff have been working on improving tactical execution, fitness levels, and match strategies ahead of the World Cup challenge.

    The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 will provide India with an opportunity to showcase its progress and build on recent achievements in international competitions.

    With strong preparation and renewed confidence, the Indian women’s hockey team is looking to make a memorable impact at the global event.

  • ‘Lahari’ Wins Best Odia Film Award at 72nd National Film Awards

    New Delhi, July 20 (UDN): Amartya Bhattacharyya’s Odia-language film Lahari has been adjudged the Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards, bringing national recognition to Odisha’s film industry.

    ‘Lahari’ Wins Best Odia Film Award at 72nd National Film Awards

    The awards, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, honoured films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during 2024. The recognition marks a significant achievement for Odia cinema and highlights the state’s evolving storytelling tradition.

    Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya, Lahari is known for its unique narrative style and visual presentation. The film explores the life of a fisherman named Dinu and portrays the conflict between tradition and progress while focusing on family relationships and changing social values.

    The film features Ahmad Al-Ghaili, Prasanta Kumar Behera, and Jhilik Bhattacharjee in prominent roles and was released in 2025.

    At the 72nd National Film Awards, Article 370 was honoured as the Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for the film. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor honour, while Rajkummar Rao-starrer Srikanth was recognised as the Best Hindi Film.

    The honour for Lahari is expected to further strengthen the presence of Odia cinema on the national platform and encourage regional filmmakers to create impactful stories.