UST Wins Seven Awards At The ETHRWorld Future Skills Awards 2026

* Recognized across organizational and individual categories reflecting the depth of leadership, innovation, and learning excellence at UST

UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has been conferred with seven awards at the ETHRWorld Future Skills Awards 2026 across organizational and individual categories. The recognition across different leadership categories underscores UST’s commitment to building future-ready talent and continuously strengthening capabilities that drive client value.

The ET Future Skills Awards (ETFSA) honour organizations driving impactful learning and talent development initiatives that empower people, build future-ready capabilities, and shape the workplaces of tomorrow. UST has been honoured with four awards in the Organizational category - India’s Future Skills Impact Award, ‘Gold’ in Best Innovative Leadership Development Program, ‘Silver’ in Best Generative AI Learning Solution, and Excellence in AI-Driven Learning & Analytics. In the Individual category, UST received ‘Gold’ in Visionary Women L&D Leader - Mary Mathew and ‘Silver’ in Visionary Women L&D Leader - Krishna Ahir, and NextGen Learning Leader - Under 40 - Rajit Rangan.

“These awards are not just a celebration of learning programs; they are a recognition of the capability movement we are building at UST. The future belongs to organizations that can learn faster than change, build strategic skills ahead of demand, and translate learning into measurable business impact. At G.A. Menon Academy, our aspiration is to make continuous learning a cultural advantage and capability-building a strategic engine for UST’s future growth,” said Krishnan Nilakantan, Chief Learning Officer, UST.

The industry validation through the ET HRWorld Awards matters more at a time when skills are becoming a key source of competitive advantage. It recognizes UST's programs that are designed to contribute to the internal growth as well as setting a benchmark in developing the larger talent and learning ecosystem. The achievements reflect the depth of leadership, innovation, and learning excellence at UST.

UST’s learning ecosystem is driven through the G.A. Menon Academy (GAMA), which shapes enterprise capability. The Learning and Development initiatives at UST have been steadily evolving from a traditional learning delivery model to a more strategic capability-building engine focusing on building future skills, enabling leadership effectiveness, accelerating AI adoption and readiness, and driving measurable organizational impact, closely aligned with business priorities.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, driven by AI, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our AI-driven digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive business outcomes. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process.

Visit us at www.UST.com.

World Youth Skills Day: VISL Highlights Impact Of Skilling Initiatives Across States

On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Iron And Steel Limited (VISL), a leading ferrous resources company with operations across India & Africa, reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready workforce through a diverse portfolio of skilling, education, IT skilling, entrepreneurship and sports development initiatives that continue to create sustainable livelihood opportunities across its operating regions. Aligned with the year’s WYSD theme – Skills for a Shared Future – the company’s initiatives have helped transform over 1 lac+ lives across states.

As India advances towards becoming a global manufacturing and industrial powerhouse, a skilled and employable workforce will be central to achieving the nation's aspirations. Recognising this, VISL has consistently invested in empowering the youth with technical, vocational, digital and entrepreneurial capabilities, enabling them to become active contributors to economic and social progress.

In Goa, the Sesa Technical School (STS) has been nurturing technical talent for over three decades and has trained more than 2,100+ youth with a near 100% placement record, creating an industry-ready workforce across multiple trades. The STS provides quality technical skilling to the youth of Goa, with special emphasis on encouraging participation of girl students. In Bokaro, the Vedanta ESL Skill School is equipping youth with industry-relevant skills through residential, placement-linked training programmes in trades such as Solar PV Installation and Home Appliance Repair. Since inception in 2022, the Vedanta ESL Skill School has trained over 700 youth, with more than 400 successfully placed in organised sector employment.

Complementing this effort, a total of 25 Vedanta Computer Centres and Vedanta Computer Labs across states such as Goa, Maharashtra & Karnataka, and the learning ‘cafes’ set up as part Project AAS Vidyalaya have benefited students in rural and remote areas of Jharkhand by improving digital literacy and academic outcomes. Overall 80000+ students and youth have benefitted from these digital focused initiatives.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, CEO, VISL, said, "The youth of our Nation are the driving force behind India's growth story, and investing in their skills is an investment in the nation's future. At VISL, our approach to skilling goes beyond employment by enabling aspiration, nurturing potential and creating pathways to long-term socio-economic progress. Across our operating regions, we are empowering youth through technical education, digital learning, entrepreneurship and sports, helping them build meaningful careers while contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat."

Empowerment through sports is a key focus area for VISL. The Sesa Football Academy, in Goa, has also emerged as a platform for sporting excellence, producing over 230 graduates as part of its unique residential training program, including 14 international players, while enabling the aspirations of 8000+ young footballers, boys and girls alike, through grassroots development programmes. SFA men’s and women’s teams have also made a mark at top National level leagues such as I-League3 and Indian Women’s League (IWL) – 2 and IWL. Meanwhile, the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy in Bokaro has also been making confident strides & has nurtured the careers of over 50 young archers, many of whom have cumulatively

won over 200 medals at the district, state and national competitions, while rural sports initiatives have reached more than 400 youth across surrounding villages.

Women's economic empowerment through vocational training is being advanced through Project JIVIKA across states in Goa, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and Jharkhand, which has strengthened 280+ self-help groups and benefited over ~4000 women by supporting sustainable micro-enterprises across diverse livelihood activities such as skilling through the Vedanta Tailoring Training Centres, workshops on saree tassels and jute bag making, promoting livelihood through mushroom farming and footwear manufacturing etc.

Together, these initiatives reflect VISL's holistic approach to youth development, creating opportunities through education, employability, entrepreneurship and sports, while building resilient communities and enabling inclusive growth across the regions where it operates.

ALLEN Students Spearhead India's Historic Victory At International Physics Olympiad 2026

* Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team on X

All five students representing the Indian team at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026), held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4 to 12, secured gold medals. Four of these five medals were won by students from Allen Career Institute. Based on this performance, India secured the top position among 87 participating countries. The gold medalists Kanishk Jain, Riddhesh Bendale, Rishit Garg, and Swarit Joshi are all Allen classroom students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team on X for its outstanding performance. He also appreciated the passion of the country's youth towards science.

Congratulating the students on their outstanding performance, Allen CEO Nitin Kukreja stated that Allen students are delivering excellent results across all fields. He noted that it is heartening to see Allen students win four out of the five gold medals at the first major international Olympiad of the year. These results reflect the country's growing stature on the international stage. To date, Allen students have won 188 medals, including 90 gold medals, across various official Olympiads, a testament to Allen's academic excellence.

This official Olympiad is conducted in four stages. The first stage, the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP), was conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT); 138 Allen students were selected for the second stage. Subsequently, 20 Allen students were selected for the third stage following the second stage—the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)—organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The third stage, the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), was held, after which a five-member team was selected to represent India; four of these students were from Allen. The fourth and final stage, the 56th International Physics Olympiad, took place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, featuring 381 participants from 87 countries. The four Allen students on the Indian team delivered outstanding performances, winning four gold medals and bringing glory to the nation.

Kanishk Jain, class 12th secured an All India Rank (AIR) 8 in JEE Advanced 2026. He has been selected for admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the world's top-ranked university. He described the experience as excellent, noting that the academic support received at Allen Kota was top-notch. He mentioned that the opportunity to meet students from various countries during the finals was valuable, and Allen's academic training proved highly beneficial.

Riddhesh Anant Bendale class 12th achieved AIR 18 in JEE Advanced 2026 and will pursue a B.Tech in Computer Science at IIT Bombay. He remarked that he learned a great deal at the International Olympiad and felt proud to bring honor to the country.

Rishit Garg class 12th secured AIR 109 and will pursue a B.Tech in Computer Science at IIT Delhi. He stated that the preparation at Allen Kota would prove useful for any exam, adding that this performance was a direct result of that training.

While Swarit Joshi class 11th is set to appear for the JEE Advanced exam in 2027. He observed that starting at the right time significantly increases the likelihood of achieving good results.

Allen at Official International Olympiads
Students from Allen Career Institute have consistently excelled in International Olympiads. To date, Allen students have secured a total of 188 medals across various International Olympiads, comprising 90 gold, 75 silver, and 23 bronze medals. These include nine gold medals won at the International Earth Science Olympiad, along with 39 at the International Junior Science Olympiad, 16 at the International Physics Olympiad, 7 at the International Chemistry Olympiad, 5 at the International Biology Olympiad, 3 at the International Mathematical Olympiad, 7 at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, and 4 at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (Junior).

SonicWall Research Finds Financial Services Running Overdrawn On Cyber Defenses

* As Attack Intensity Outpaces Every Other Tracked Industry

* New Financial Services Research Documents 42 million Hits Against Legacy Infrastructure, and Ransomware Families Targeting Institutions

SonicWall recently released its 2026 Financial Services Protect Brief, a vertical-specific companion to the SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report, revealing that financial services organizations face more cyberattack attempts per device than any other industry SonicWall tracks, more than double the cross-sector average, and that the sophistication and persistence of those attacks reflects a deliberate targeting calculation, not random exposure.

Every year, attacks look more sophisticated. In some ways they are; AI has made them faster, cleaner, and harder to spot at a glance. But the underlying methods have not changed. Attackers are still walking through the same unlocked doors. In financial services, they have simply become more deliberate about which doors they choose, focusing effort where the payoff is highest rather than casting a wide net.

"Financial services is not the most targeted vertical because attackers are indiscriminate," said Michael Crean, SonicWall SVP of Managed Services. "It's one of the most heavily targeted industries because the incentives are obvious. Financial institutions hold some of the world's most valuable data, operate under intense regulatory scrutiny, and have virtually no tolerance for downtime. Many also depend on legacy infrastructure that hasn't kept pace with today's threat landscape. That combination doesn't just increase risk, it draws highly organized adversaries who deliberately study these environments and exploit the weaknesses they already know are there.”

SonicWall's Financial Services Protect Brief draws on data from SonicWall's global network of more than one million security sensors to document the specific attack patterns, legacy vulnerabilities, and ransomware campaigns defining the financial services threat landscape in the first half of 2026.

Key Findings from the 2026 SonicWall Financial Services Protect Brief

Financial services saw 132,378 IPS hits per device in first half of 2026—the highest attack intensity of any industry SonicWall tracks.

The GoodTech Telnet Server Buffer Overflow vulnerability generated 42.2 million detection events, pointing to legacy banking and payment systems that still expose Telnet services to active exploitation.

Log4Shell remains a major problem, generating 35.6 million detection events more than two years after disclosure as attackers continue targeting unpatched Java-based banking and payment applications.

Heartbleed hasn't disappeared either. Despite being disclosed more than a decade ago, firewalls are still detecting attempts to exploit the vulnerability.

Ten ransomware families were active against the sector, including REvil (Sodinokibi) and Prometheus, both known for targeting financial organizations.

Malware activity averaged 39,341 hits per firewall, giving financial services the second-highest per-device malware intensity of any industry, behind only healthcare.

The Architecture Problem Has a Known Solution
The vulnerabilities documented in the Financial Services Protect Brief are well understood, and the controls that address them exist. What creates the gap between known risk and resolved risk in financial services is the same as in every heavily regulated industry: legacy infrastructure that cannot be patched without business disruption, and access models built for a world in which the perimeter was a meaningful concept.

SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge addresses the architectural problem directly. Zero Trust Network Access applies verification at the application level, not the network level. A credential validates access to a specific application, not to the environment behind it. Identity and device posture are verified continuously, not just at login. A stolen credential from a phishing campaign or a credential-stuffing attack no longer unlocks the network. It unlocks a single application, with no lateral path to payment systems, transaction records, or adjacent infrastructure.

For financial institutions managing third-party vendor access, partner integrations, and remote workforce access across regulated environments, the shift from broad VPN-based access to application-level Zero Trust is not a feature upgrade. It is an architectural change that removes the conditions that make credential compromise consequential.

About SonicWall
For more than 30 years, SonicWall has championed a partner-first model that combines purpose-built technology, cloud-delivered security services and real-time threat intelligence to help businesses prevent breaches, reduce risk and stay operational in the face of evolving modern threats. We are committed to deliver the best security outcomes for our customers where others deliver features and functions. Through its unified cybersecurity portfolio and global community of over 17,000 partners, SonicWall enables managed service providers to actively manage, continuously optimize and measurably protect networks, cloud environments, endpoints and applications. The company is redefining cybersecurity around outcomes that matter to business leaders, including breach prevention, compliance achievement, cost efficiency and reduced human error, because protection is not about what a product can do but about what it actually delivers.

Tata Motors And UCO Bank Partner To Strengthen India's Commercial Vehicle Financing Ecosystem

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UCO Bank, one of India’s leading public sector banks with a strong nationwide presence and extensive branch network, to provide customers across the country with access to organised financing solutions for commercial vehicles. The partnership brings together UCO Bank's deep financial outreach and Tata Motors' unparalleled commercial vehicle portfolio, with the shared goal of making vehicle ownership more accessible and financially rewarding for customers and businesses nationwide.

Under this collaboration, customers will have access to attractive interest rates designed to minimise the cost of ownership, along with quick loan approvals and fast-tracked processing that ensure rapid vehicle delivery. The partnership also brings simplified, customer-friendly documentation for a seamless buying experience, high loan-to-value funding options that lower upfront capital requirements for businesses, and flexible, structured repayment tenures tailored to the cash flow needs of fleet operators. Both organisations will work in close alignment across branches, dealerships, and market outreach to ensure that this competitive financing reaches customers wherever they are, particularly in underserved urban and rural markets.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Shashikant Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head – Mumbai, UCO Bank, said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited marks another significant milestone in UCO Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative and customer centric financing solutions. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to provide seamless, competitive and timely financing for TATA motors commercial vehicles, enabling entrepreneurs, fleet operators and businesses to expand with confidence.”

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with UCO Bank to further strengthen the financing ecosystem for our commercial vehicle customers. Access to organised and competitive financing is a key enabler for our customers' growth, and UCO Bank's strong nationwide presence makes them an ideal partner in this endeavour. This MoU reinforces our commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions, from world-class vehicles to organised financing that empower our customers to grow their businesses with greater confidence and convenience.”

Tata Motors offers the widest commercial vehicle portfolio spanning from sub-1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions. These robustly engineered vehicles are complemented by a range of value-added services for comprehensive vehicle lifecycle management through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. Fleet Edge, Tata Motors' connected vehicle platform for optimal fleet management enabling operators to maximise uptime and reduce total cost of ownership, and 24×7 support from a nationwide network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints, Tata Motors continues to set new benchmarks in end-to-end transportation solutions.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

About UCO Bank: UCO Bank, established in 1943, is a leading Government of India Undertaking. Headquartered in Kolkata, it offers a wide range of banking products and services, including retail banking, corporate banking, international banking, rural banking and various digital services. With a vast network of branches and ATMs across India, UCO Bank is committed to delivering innovative financial solutions and honouring its core value of customer trust.     

Checkmate Bengaluru: Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Hosts Week-Long Chess Festival With Arena Grandmaster Praveen Sagar

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will bring together players, learners and chess enthusiasts for Battle of the Boards, a week-long chess festival celebrating strategy, skill and sportsmanship from 13–19 July 2026.

The tournament will begin with a Chess Free Play Zone from 13–16 July, open to participants of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can register on BookMyShow or on the spot and play casual chess games in an interactive setting designed for learning, practice, and friendly competition.

A key highlight of Battle of the Boards is the participation of Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar, who will lead a series of exclusive chess sessions. On 17 July, participants can attend the Masters Showcase & Workshop, an exclusive, interactive chess workshop led by Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar. The AGM will conduct simultaneous walk-throughs across every board, interacting directly with young minds and providing live strategic guidance. The workshop will be conducted in two batches, from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM and 7:00 PM–8:00 PM.

On 18 July, chess enthusiasts will have the opportunity to challenge Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar during the Challenge the Arena Grandmaster event. A thrilling public attraction, the event will give pre-registered players a rare opportunity to match wits with one of the game's accomplished players in a friendly yet competitive setting.

The programme will feature a simultaneous chess game from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, where AGM Praveen Sagar will play multiple opponents at the same time. This will be followed by the Face the Master Challenge from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, giving participants another chance to test their skills against the grandmaster in individual games.

The tournament will culminate on 19 July with the Grand Chess Tournament, for a day of competitive play, strategic thinking and sportsmanship open to all.

Open to children, students, families, chess clubs, academies and competitive players, Battle of the Boards aims to make chess more accessible while fostering a vibrant community of players and enthusiasts.

Through initiatives such as Battle of the Boards, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as a destination for experiences that bring communities and families together. By curating engaging events that combine learning, recreation and meaningful social interaction, the mall continues to create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, participate and make lasting memories.

Event Details

Battle of the Boards - 13–19 July 2026
Free Play Zone	13–16 July	On-site registration. 4 PM Onwards	Complimentary chess games for all visitors.
Masters Showcase & Workshop	17 July	Registration Fee: ₹100 per participant. Batch 1: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Batch 2: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Interactive workshop led by Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar. Live demonstrations, strategic insights and practical chess guidance.
Challenge the Arena Grandmaster	18 July	Simultaneous Chess Exhibition: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Face the Master Challenge: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM	Opportunity to compete against AGM Praveen Sagar. 10 selected participants will compete against the Grandmaster simultaneously.
Grand Chess Tournament	19 July	4 PM Onwards	Competitive tournament open for all.

 

Goldmedal Electricals Won Red Dot Award 2026 For Two Exceptional Design Innovations

* The ROOTS Modular Lighting System and the VOID BLDC Fan

* ROOTS Modular Lighting System and VOID BLDC Fan Receive Global Recognition for Design Excellence

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, has been honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Award 2026 for two standout design innovations, the ROOTS Modular Lighting System and the VOID BLDC Fan. This global recognition celebrates the highest standards of product design, innovation, and aesthetic excellence.

The Red Dot Award is one of the most respected design accolades worldwide. Winning this honour underscores Goldmedal’s commitment to creating products that seamlessly blend intelligent functionality, nature-inspired aesthetics, and contemporary design.

ROOTS Modular Lighting System

The ROOTS Modular Lighting System impressed the jury with its nature-inspired modular design and intelligent responsiveness. It redefines lighting by actively responding to indoor air quality, creating a more harmonious and adaptive living environment. The ROOTS Modular Lighting System has also won the iF Design Award 2026.

VOID BLDC Fan

The VOID BLDC Fan was recognised for its distinctive sculptural design that masterfully combines innovation, functionality, and modern aesthetics. It transforms a functional ceiling fan into a bold design statement, reflecting Goldmedal’s design-forward philosophy.

Speaking on the recognition, Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals said, “Winning the Red Dot Award is a proud moment for us and reinforces our belief in the strength of the Make in India movement. It's incredibly encouraging to see products designed and manufactured in India being recognised on the global stage. Awards like these reaffirm our commitment to creating products that combine innovation, functionality, and a superior user experience, while showcasing India's growing capabilities in product development and manufacturing.”

Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals added, “At Goldmedal, our focus is on creating products that bring greater ease, intelligence, and beauty to everyday living while maintaining the highest standards of design and innovation. Winning the Red Dot Award 2026 for ROOTS and VOID is a proud validation of this commitment and reflects our team’s dedication to excellence.”

This double win further strengthens Goldmedal Electricals’ reputation for delivering thoughtfully designed, high-quality electrical and lifestyle products.