Archives April 2026

Lidl and 1GLOBAL: Shaping the Future of Mobile Connectivity Together

Business Wire India

 

  • Exclusive partnership to expand the Lidl Connect offering
  • Redefining mobile freedom: Maximizing people’s flexibility through simple, digital, and affordable mobile plans
  • Partnership offers new growth opportunities for established telecommunications providers

 

1GLOBAL, a pioneer in global telecommunications solutions, and the companies of the Schwarz Group, one of the world’s largest retail groups, are entering into a comprehensive strategic partnership. To this end, the companies of the Schwarz Group are acquiring a 9.9 percent stake in 1GLOBAL. The company will serve as the exclusive technology partner for mobile connectivity for the next five years.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413445664/en/

 

 

This exclusive partnership between 1GLOBAL and Lidl will enable new telecommunications offerings.

This exclusive partnership between 1GLOBAL and Lidl will enable new telecommunications offerings.

 

Against this background, 1GLOBAL and Lidl, one of Europe’s leading food retailers, will drive the digital transformation in the telecommunications market. With the help of Lidl Connect and Lidl Plus, the two companies will jointly introduce national connectivity services in Lidl’s markets.

 

Partnership Enables New Telecommunications Offerings from Lidl

 

 

Together with 1GLOBAL, Lidl is addressing a key need among telecommunications users: easily accessible, flexible, and affordable connectivity of the highest quality without long-term contract commitments. The solution and core of the partnership: Lidl will become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) itself, enabling it to offer mobile services to its customers independently. In collaboration with 1GLOBAL, Lidl will enter into partnerships with local mobile network operators to respond flexibly to local requirements.

 

 

Together, 1GLOBAL and Lidl are transforming the industry and expanding the overall telecommunications market: established network operators benefit as partners from Lidl’s reach, growth, and higher utilization, while Lidl handles customer acquisition and service. As a fully regulated telecommunications provider, 1GLOBAL supplies the technical platform as well as telecommunications licenses and partnerships with mobile network operators in twelve countries, which are expected to expand to over 30 countries in the future.

 

 

In addition, the strategic partnership includes the development of innovative telco solutions on STACKIT, the Schwarz Group’s cloud solution. Data sovereignty, particularly regarding the secure handling of customer data, is a top priority here.

 

 

Hakan Koç, founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL, explains: “Lidl is the partner that shares our vision: We want to make mobile communications as intuitive, flexible, and digital as possible for millions of people. Our technology focuses on digital offerings tailored to the needs of users and their various devices. We want to successfully drive the technological transformation of the global telecommunications market in the best interests of people.”

 

 

Julian Beer, Executive Vice President of Purchasing at Lidl International: “We are democratizing mobile communications. Simple, affordable, and of the highest quality. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with 1GLOBAL. This partnership enables us to become active as an MVNO ourselves. In doing so, we are setting new standards and making affordable mobile communications easier than ever for our customers. By integrating state-of-the-art technology, we can meet the needs of millions of customers for uncomplicated connectivity for their devices. Thanks to our reach of well over 12,000 stores and more than 100 million customers in our Lidl Plus loyalty app, we are creating an attractive platform for established telecommunications companies.

 

 

Synergy of customer and market advantages

 

 

Lidl has been offering prepaid mobile plans through Lidl Connect since 2015. As part of the collaboration with 1GLOBAL, Lidl Plus, Lidl’s digital customer card, will also play a central role. Lidl Plus is available in all European Lidl countries. For millions of people, Lidl is a trusted partner in everyday life. In the future, this will also include an affordable, high-quality mobile phone plan without long-term contracts, as well as the ability to easily manage their services via the Lidl Plus app.

 

 

“With this step, we are consistently evolving our loyalty app into a lifestyle companion for our customers and, with affordable connectivity, creating an offering that is relevant for the entire family. We are integrating this seamlessly with our core business,” says Julian Beer.

 

 

About Lidl

 

 

Lidl is a part of the Schwarz Group with headquarters in Neckarsulm, Germany, and is one of the leading food retailers in Germany and Europe. Lidl currently operates around 12,600 stores and more than 230 goods distribution and logistics centers in 31 countries and employs over 382,400 people.

 

 

At Lidl, we value an optimal price-performance ratio for our customers. Simplicity and process orientation determine the daily activities in the stores, the regional distribution centers and the national headquarters.

 

 

Lidl takes responsibility for people, society and the environment in its daily activities. For Lidl, sustainability means fulfilling its quality promise anew every day.

 

 

Performance, respect, trust, grounded and belonging are Lidl’s corporate values, which are at the heart of our corporate culture, shape our daily actions and form the basis for our entrepreneurial success.

 

 

Lidl achieved store sales of 132.1 billion euros in fiscal year 2024. The companies in the Schwarz Group generated total sales of 175.4 billion euros in fiscal year 2024.

 

 

About 1GLOBAL: Leading Digital Transformation in Telecommunications

 

 

1GLOBAL is a technology-driven global mobile communications provider dedicated to empowering enterprises worldwide to unlock the full growth potential of mobile connectivity. With a best-in-class telecom technology platform, a comprehensive suite of globally viable regulatory licenses, and privileged access to the telecom wholesale market, 1GLOBAL is uniquely positioned to deliver seamless mobile connectivity solutions. Serving the world’s leading banks, corporations, and digital-first businesses—including neo-banks, travel companies, and retail groups—1GLOBAL connects over 60 million devices globally.

 

 

In 2025, 1GLOBAL continued to grow profitably, generating revenue of USD 203 million and a profit of USD 26 million. The year was characterised by strong demand for the 1G Connect Travel™ offering, the expansion of enterprise and compliance solutions, and continued investment in eSIM technology. Going forward, 1GLOBAL will focus on expanding national connectivity, extending its MVNO footprint and scaling its technology platform to continue delivering sustainable, profitable growth.

 

 

Established in 2022 by experienced tech founders and entrepreneurs Hakan Koç and Pyrros Koussios, 1GLOBAL is a European technology leader driving digital transformation in the global telecommunications market. It operates as a fully regulated Mobile Virtual Network Operator (“MVNO”) in 12 countries and as a regulated telecommunications operator in an additional 28 countries. Headquartered in the Netherlands, with world-class R&D hubs in Lisbon, Berlin, and São Paulo, 1GLOBAL employs close to 500 experts across 15 countries.

 

 

 

 

 

Airship Expands Industry-first AI Agent Fleet, Bringing Goal Optimization to the Enterprise

Business Wire India

At Elevate’26 in Orlando, Airship, the mobile-first customer experience company, announced a major expansion and enhancements to its AI Agent Fleet — the world’s first grounded, tested, and trained multi-agent fleet designed to drive continuous goal optimization and deliver measurable results. This milestone launch introduces the Campaigns AI Agent, empowering teams to streamline campaign setup, scale production, and accelerate results.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413056637/en/

 

 

Airship’s AI Agent Fleet is the world’s first grounded, tested and trained multi-agent fleet designed to drive continuous goal optimization and deliver measurable results, without requiring developer resources.

Airship’s AI Agent Fleet is the world’s first grounded, tested and trained multi-agent fleet designed to drive continuous goal optimization and deliver measurable results, without requiring developer resources.

 

The announcement comes as product, marketing, and growth teams struggle to create personalized campaigns and run growth experiments at scale. Airship integrates unified customer data and cross-channel orchestration, enabling teams to navigate their insights and manage campaigns through intuitive, natural-language conversations while enabling continuous, goal-based optimization. Requiring zero developer time, the Airship AI Agent Fleet streamlines workflows to eliminate roadmap delays — turning month-long projects into measurable results in just hours.

 

“Airship is providing the first enterprise-grade platform with multi-agent collaboration, built into the platform – automating for scale,” said Brett Caine, Chief Executive Officer of Airship. “Our agentic AI is proving value for enterprises today, and driving the next generation of customer experiences. Our first-to-market, purpose-built agent fleet proactively optimizes for your goals, turning AI into a tangible engine for growth. In the coming months, we will continue to accelerate our innovation to ensure our customers stay ahead of the agentic AI curve.”

 

 

A Fleet of Specialized Agents that Work Together

 

 

“Our approach to the Airship AI Agent Fleet was a deliberate move toward a true multi-agent system where specialized agents collaborate to achieve a shared goal,” said Mike Herrick, Chief Technology Officer of Airship. “With the addition of the Campaigns AI Agent, we’ve closed the gap between strategy and execution. This is enterprise-grade infrastructure that automates the heavy lifting of analysis and execution while maintaining an intentional human-in-the-loop model for brand safety and strategic oversight.”

 

 

  • Campaigns AI Agent (New): Automates and accelerates the transition from campaign brief to execution through a streamlined, conversational interface, empowering users to launch and scale sophisticated, brand-compliant cross-channel experiences — across app, SMS, push, email, and app web experiences — with speed and precision.
  • Native Experience AI Agent (Enhanced): Builds native app and web experiences conversationally from text descriptions or image uploads. It replaces rigid templates with composable layouts, enabling teams to combine forms, surveys, and interactive content on a single screen without writing code. By rendering native UI components at runtime, the agent ensures every interaction automatically adapts to a user’s device settings and accessibility needs.
  • Journeys AI Agent (Enhanced): Product managers and marketers can now create and refine complex, multi-channel journeys via a simple conversational interface. The agent uniquely bridges the gap between sessions, picking up exactly where a user left off to ensure a seamless, persistent experience.
  • Recommendations AI Agent: Works from real-time audience data, analyzing customer movement over time to surface “next best action” that match specific conversion goals.
  • ​​Accessibility AI Agent: Automatically audits and flags fixes in digital experiences to meet critical standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and European Accessibility Act.
  • Brand Guidelines AI Agent: Acts as a tireless brand steward. It automatically audits every AI-generated draft against a company’s unique voice, tone, and visual identity.

 

Learn more about Airship AI Agent Fleet in this blog post.

 

Experience the Future of Agentic AI

 

 

As a lead sponsor of the Elevate’26, Airship is showcasing exclusive, live demonstrations of these goal-optimized workflows. Attendees can witness firsthand how the Airship AI Agent Fleet interprets business requirements to build high-performing drafts and how the integrated fleet manages a continuous, autonomous loop of testing and improvement.

 

 

ABOUT AIRSHIP

 

 

Airship is the only mobile-first customer experience platform delivering the first live, purpose-built AI Agent Fleet for CX. For over 15 years, Airship has pioneered mobile innovation—from inventing the first push notification, the first mobile boarding pass, the first live activity, and now the first intelligent agent fleet. Thousands of top global brands trust Airship to deliver unified cross-channel experiences and orchestrated journeys that drive measurable results at scale.

 

 

 

 

 

IFF Explores the Science Behind Well-Being at In‑Cosmetics Global 2026

Business Wire India

IFF (NYSE: IFF)—a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences—will showcase scent and bioscience innovations focused on wellness and sustainability at In‑Cosmetics Global 2026, taking place April 14–16 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260410788004/en/

 

 

IFF showcases wellness innovation for beauty.

IFF showcases wellness innovation for beauty.

 

Across the event, including experiences and live sessions, IFF will illustrate how science‑led ingredients can enhance daily beauty routines and scent experiences, delivering physical and emotional benefits while remaining ecofriendly. The showcase will span scent solutions designed to support science-based wellness; natural fragrance ingredients with proven cosmetic benefits by LMR—IFF’s in‑house natural ingredients capability—derived through advanced extraction technologies; and sustainable, bioactive and functional ingredients for skin and hair care.

 

 

Visitors can discover scent solutions designed with METAMOOD™—which combines consumer perception data, neuroscience and AI-guided creation to deliver emotional benefits such as energy, relaxation and happiness—at the IFF booth and METAMOOD™ X LMR Sensory Bar Display within the In-Cosmetics Innovation Lab.

 

 

In-Cosmetics attendees can also experience natural fragrance ingredients from the LMR Active Essences collection, known for adaptogenic and nootropic benefits and scientifically proven skin care and hair care properties.

 

 

Additionally, IFF will highlight its METASLEEP™ scent solutions, designed to enhance relaxation and support a restful sleep experience.

 

 

On April 15, IFF Application Specialist Morgane Piet will deliver a technical seminar to share insight into how consumers experience hair care products across the full journey, from first impressions to post-use. IFF will demonstrate how AURIST™ AGC, IFF’s award‑winning, biotech‑enabled hair conditioning polymer powered by IFF’s Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials™ (DEB), can be used as a formulation tool to deliver targeted sensory and performance benefits.

 

 

IFF will also host a live session over three days, sharing real-world consumer usage insights and highlighting how IFF’s GENENCARE® range creates new formulation opportunities for brands navigating modern skin care routines.

 

 

At In-Cosmetics Global 2026, IFF will bring science, sensorial design and performance together to demonstrate consumer‑driven innovations that deliver wellness benefits. Across booth experiences and live sessions, IFF’s Science of Wellness program will come to life through scents designed to elevate mood and spark moments of joy—elevating the power of beauty.

 

 

Explore more about IFF’s Science of Wellness program at iff.com/scent/science-of-wellness/.

 

 

Welcome to IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in taste, scent, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we’re innovating for the future. Every day, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable solutions that elevate products people love — advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. Learn more at iff.com, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

LMR Naturals by IFF
LMR is an IFF in-house capability which brings together the best of nature and cutting-edge technology to craft a wide range of pure ingredients for perfumery, cosmetics and flavors. Headquartered in Grasse, its agronomists and scientists travel the world to uncover, farm, harvest and extract the highest quality of natural ingredients that make the signature of unforgettable fragrances, cosmetics, and flavors. Learn more at lmrnaturals.iff.com, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

 

© 2026 by International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. IFF is a Registered Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

Adani Foundation at ACC Gagal Rewrites Two Futures through ASDC: From Mandi’s Mountains to Mohali’s Mall Floors

Adani Foundation at ACC Gagal Rewrites Two Futures through ASDC: From Mandi's Mountains to Mohali's Mall Floors

Chandigarh, Apr 14: ACC, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, through its Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Gagal, is creating first-generation professionals from rural Mandi by equipping young people from simple backgrounds with the skills, confidence, and placement support to build careers in India’s booming retail sector.

What does it take to go from a village in Mandi to the floor of a Reliance Trends store in Mohali? As it turns out, not much more than the right training and someone willing to believe you can do it. For Pallavi Sharma from Baroti and Maheshwar Singh from Sihal, that someone was Adani Foundation’s ASDC at ACC Gagal — and what it gave them was not just a skill set but an entirely new sense of what was possible. Neither of them had retail experience. Neither of them had connections. What they had was the willingness to show up, work hard, and trust a process that had been designed specifically for people like them.

Pallavi had grown up in a household where making ends meet took precedence over making plans. She had always sensed that her life could look different, she just had no clear path to make it so. Maheshwar had spent his childhood watching his father farm the land in Sihal, absorbing both the dignity of that work and the quiet anxiety that came with it. For both of them, the decision to enrol in the Retail Sales Associate course at ASDC Gagal was less a leap of faith and more a calculated bet on themselves, one that the centre was built to help them win.

The training was not easy. Stepping into a structured professional environment for the first time, learning to communicate with strangers, building the kind of confident demeanour that retail demands; none of it came naturally at first. Pallavi pushed through moments of doubt that would have stopped others. Maheshwar stayed focused when the gap between where he was and where he wanted to be felt widest. Slowly, steadily, both of them got there.

Today, Pallavi earns Rs. 13,520 per month at Reliance Trends, Mohali — her first real salary, her first step toward independence, and for her family, the first sign that the future might look a little different from the past. Maheshwar stands on the same floor, earning the same salary, carrying with him the quiet promise he had made to himself to make his father’s early mornings count for something.

Two people from a district in Himachal Pradesh that people have rarely heard of, now building careers in one of the country’s most recognised retail chains. That is what Adani Foundation’s ASDC at ACC Gagal is making possible in Mandi — and this is only the beginning.

SITL confirms its transformation and strengthens its position as a strategic meeting point for the industry

SITL confirms its transformation and strengthens its position as a strategic meeting point for the industry

 

 
Apr 14: At a time when geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs and new regulatory constraints are all converging, transport and logistics are more than ever proving to be key drivers of competitiveness, business continuity and industrial sovereignty. The Strait of Hormuz, like other critical transit routes, is a reminder of just how vulnerable supply chain fluidity remains to global disruption. 
 
Against this backdrop, SITL 2026, held from 31 March to 2 April 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte, brought together more than 27,000 professionals — a slight increase on 2025 — along with 585 exhibitors, 28% of them new, 80 conferences and workshops, and a stronger international presence, with 27% of exhibitors coming from outside France (versus 22% in 2025). 
A total of 3,478 business meetings also took place, up on 2025, confirming the success of the transformation undertaken over the past three years. The show now brings together, in one place, strategic debate, innovation, practical solutions and leading industry players, as illustrated this year by hosting CILOG and SELOA for the first time. 
 
« Attendance is rising, the exhibitor offering is expanding, and business meetings are also increasing; SITL is clearly meeting a strong need among professionals for an event capable of bringing together, over three days, feedback from the field and useful reference points in an unstable environment. » 
Jean-Charles Gillet, Director of SITL. 
 
CILOG AND SELOA: TWO FIRSTS THAT TAKE SITL TO A NEW LEVEL 
 
This year, the show’s central theme, “New territories to conquer”, took on a very tangible meaning. It provided a way to address issues of very different kinds — geopolitical, energy-related, technological, industrial and human — and to show how they translate very directly into the day-to-day decisions made by transport and logistics professionals. 
 
For the first time, SITL hosted CILOG (the Interministerial Logistics Committee), a forum for dialogue between public authorities and private-sector stakeholders on the national logistics strategy. In an industry directly exposed to rising costs, fragile flows and energy pressures, holding the committee within the show gave a new dimension to the discussions. It helped place logistics back at the heart of economic and industrial decision-making. 
 
The show also hosted SELOA (the Seminar on Outsourcing Operational Logistics for the Armed Forces) for the first time, focusing on defence logistics, force projection and cooperation between the armed forces and private operators. In a high-intensity context, this session highlighted the growing role of logistics in operational preparedness, strategic mobility and national resilience. 
 
SITL therefore brought together, at the same time and in the same place, two major first-time events that say a great deal about the position the sector now holds in public policy. 
 
STRONG INSTITUTIONAL AND INDUSTRY MOBILISATION 
 
This edition was marked by the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, who came to open the show during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and delivered a speech reaffirming the central role of transport and logistics activities. Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry, was by his side to underline the sector’s growing importance in today’s industrial landscape. 
 
The opening round table, “New territories to conquer”, which brought together Anne-Marie Idrac (President of France Logistique), Dimitri Serafimoff (President of CLECAT) and Sébastien Jean (Associate Director of IFRI), also set the tone for an edition shaped by resilience and competitiveness. 
 
On 2 April 2026, the Seminar on Outsourcing Operational Logistics for the Armed Forces (SELOA) joined SITL for the first time.
 
Organised by the Centre for Operational Support and Transport Coordination (CSOA), this 4th edition, held under the theme “High intensity, high mobility”, illustrated the ambition behind an event that has become strategic for both military stakeholders and major private supply chain operators.
This unprecedented partnership between SELOA and SITL reflects closer ties between the armed forces and a key ecosystem, at a time when resilience, deployment and operational logistics issues are becoming more central than ever.
The programme included:
  • a round table on resilience at 10 a.m., attended by General Fabrice Feola
  • a technical session on public procurement at 11:20 a.m., open to all
  • a walk-through visit with private operators at 1 p.m.
  • followed, at 2 p.m., by an exclusive debrief of the Excalibur exercise for a selected audience of major transport and logistics players
SELOA 2026 was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Stanislas de Chargères du Breuil and Commissary General Olivier Marcotte, co-hosted with PFAT, and closed by General Pierre-Yves Rondeau.
True to its role as a hub for the wider ecosystem, the show brought together the leading organisations representing the main branches of transport and logistics — Union TLF, AUTF, OTRE, FNTR, AVERE, France Supply Chain, ADEME, DGITM, DGE, CGF, AFT, AFTRAL, GNTC and EVOLIS — all present to share analysis, proposals, partnerships and concrete initiatives. 
Several of them also used the event to formalise new partnerships and agreements, as illustrated by those signed by Union TLF with the Paris Police Prefecture and the National Guard, and by AUTF with ADEME.
 
 
A “DAYS” PROGRAMME FOR GREATER CLARITY 
 
One of the defining features of the 2026 edition was the structuring of content around themed Days. SITL therefore redesigned its editorial programme around clear thematic threads — European, Green, Logistic, Multimodal, Resilience & Risk and Maritime — designed to provide a clear reading of the issues, challenges and solutions shaping the sector. 
 
MÉTAMORPHOSE CENTER: AN EXPERIENTIAL HUB COMING INTO ITS OWN 
 
At the heart of the show, the Métamorphose Center is increasingly establishing itself, edition after edition, as a platform for inspiration, demonstration and action. Conferences, Tech’xplorations, Smart Solutions Tours, SITL Co-Lab, the Innovation Festival, the Solutions Desk and collaborative formats were all brought together there with the same objective: moving visitors from observation to use, from insight to implementation. 
Organised in partnership with BearingPoint, the Co-LAB sessions added a further dimension to this set-up, with small-group collaborative sessions focused on two structuring questionslogistics frugality as a new performance framework, and the growing role of agentic AI and robots in operations. Designed as spaces for exchanging ideas and co-constructing solutions, they helped bring out concrete courses of action and shared implementation conditions. 
 
 
The Métamorphose Center clearly embodied SITL’s ambition to move decisively beyond a simple showcase model and become a place where innovation is tested, compared and discussed as closely as possible to operational needs. The collaborative and immersive formats highlighted the value of an approach based not only on displaying solutions, but also on putting them into context and supporting their adoption.
MORE OPEN, MORE MATURE, MORE OPERATIONAL INNOVATION
The 2026 edition reflected the vitality of innovation across the sector, through the partnership with SprintProject for the Innovation Awards by SITL and the Start-up Contest by SITL.
The Innovation Awards by SITL recognised:
  • Operations: Urbantz
  • Intralogistics: Packsize
  • Infrastructure / Real Estate and Territories: Drop’n Plug
  • Services: Weenlo
  • HR Policy: CGI / City’Pro / Réseau C&S
  • Special Jury Prize: Sensolus (Intralogistics)
  • Special Jury Prize: Monstock (Operations)
These winners, and more broadly the entries submitted to the competitions, highlighted innovation that is above all practical and operational, designed to reconcile logistics performance with the environmental transition. Logistics real estate is undergoing profound change, with sites that are increasingly shared, mixed-use and reversible; buildings themselves are becoming technological assets — multifunctional, sometimes energy-producing, and designed to support new charging solutions.
 
On the ground, innovation is also showing that people remain central, especially in the last mile, provided they are better equipped and training is strengthened. In warehouses, automation is advancing rapidly, but in a model that is more hybrid than fully substitutive. Finally, the biggest acceleration is coming from digital technology and data: interoperability, cybersecurity, real-time visibility and reliable forecasting are becoming structuring issues, while AI is gaining ground in TMS, document reading, video analysis, decision support and the automation of time-consuming tasks.
 
The Start-up Contest by SITL also reached a new milestone. Open for the first time to both exhibiting and non-exhibiting start-ups, it recognised Storm and OuiDrop, confirming the growing maturity of young companies and their ability to address some of the sector’s core challenges.
 
HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS AND EMPLOYMENT: TWO REALITIES AT THE HEART OF THE SHOW
 
The 2026 edition gave greater visibility to humanitarian logistics issues through the show’s dedicated area. The presence of the CMA CGM Foundation around the PharmaBox, alongside organisations such as Aviation Sans Frontières, Bioport and the Agence du Don en Nature, served as a reminder that logistics can also be a driver of solidarity, resource pooling and collective efficiency.
For its part, the Campus continued its role as a space dedicated to employment, recruitment and training. This remains an important feature of the show, in a sector where attractiveness and skills-related challenges remain major issues. Throughout the event, France Travail and AFT helped bring this area to life by supporting candidates, recruiters and visitors with career guidance, job discovery and networking opportunities.
 
STRONG MOBILISATION FROM COMPANIES AND LEADING INDUSTRY PLAYERS
 
The ecosystem mobilised on a large scale, in all its diversity. The participation of decision-makers from transport, logistics, supply chain, institutions and leading shippers provided the clearest demonstration of this. Through conferences, speaking slots, immersive formats and exhibition areas, SITL brought the entire value chain into dialogue.
Among the companies present or represented throughout the show and its content were ORANGE, AMAZON, GEODIS, CEMEX, ESSITY, CEVA LOGISTICS, AXA CLIMATE, SNCF RÉSEAU, ARCELORMITTAL, DAHER, CHRONOPOST, RENAULT TRUCKS and EDF, along with many other major players.
 
“The sector is under pressure, but it is also highly resilient. The real issue today is no longer paralysis in the face of crises, but the ability to keep delivering, keep producing, make decisions quickly and turn constraints into levers for action. SITL is precisely the place where these issues are tested against reality, where the focus is less on concepts and more on solutions, feedback from the field and decisions that need to be made immediately.”  Jean-Charles Gillet, Director of SITL.

 

 

NeuroPi Tech Founder Dr Aperna Volluru Honoured at Economic Times Industry Achievers Awards 2026; Expands Impact Across Academic and Defence Ecosystems

Business Wire India

NeuroPi Tech Pvt Ltd, a deep-tech company pioneering Human Development Intelligence, today announced that its Founder & CEO, Dr Aperna Volluru, has been conferred the Economic Times Industry Achievers Award 2026 in the category of Deep Tech Leader.

The recognition comes alongside a series of high-impact sessions delivered by Dr Volluru for university students, defence personnel, veterans, families, and SSB officials in Prayagraj marking a significant expansion of NeuroPis national footprint.

 

Recognition for Building a New Category: Human Development Intelligence

The Economic Times Industry Achievers Award 2026 acknowledges Dr Vollurus pioneering work in integrating:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics and Epigenetics
  • Artificial Intelligence

into a unified platform—NeuroPi EDGE—designed to transform how human potential is understood, developed, and measured.

NeuroPi is not an EdTech or HealthTech platform. It is a foundational intelligence layer for human development across education, defence, and longevity,said Dr Volluru.

 

Strategic Engagement with Defence Personnel and Families

In Prayagraj, NeuroPi conducted a series of interactive sessions for defence personnel, veterans, and their families, focusing on:

  • Cognitive resilience
  • Stress and emotional regulation
  • Child development in military families
  • Longevity and wellness optimization

The sessions introduced NeuroPis core philosophy:

Attention is biological energy. Stress impairs cognition. Environment shapes human outcomes.

Participants engaged in real-time discussions on how biological intelligence can enhance performance, decision-making, and family wellbeing within defence ecosystems.

 

Advancing Officer Selection: Engagement with SSB Officials

NeuroPi also presented its framework to SSB (Services Selection Board) officials in Prayagraj, showcasing:

  • A non-DNA-based Human Assessment Model
  • Behavioral and cognitive profiling frameworks
  • AI-assisted interpretation of Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs)

 

The NeuroPi approach enables:

  • Deeper candidate evaluation
  • Enhanced observation accuracy
  • Scientific augmentation of traditional selection processes

The future of selection systems lies in augmenting human judgment with biological and behavioral intelligence,Dr Volluru emphasized.

 

Academic Impact at Rajju Bhaiya University

At Rajju Bhaiya University, Prayagraj, NeuroPi delivered a forward-looking session for university students, introducing them to:

  • The science of human potential
  • The intersection of AI, neuroscience, and genetics
  • Emerging careers in deep tech and human development

The session positioned NeuroPi as a next-generation platform at the intersection of education, science, and national development.

Students responded with strong interest in NeuroPis vision of:

No human potential remaining undiscovered or misunderstood.

 

From Education to National Human Capital Intelligence

Originally deployed within school ecosystems through My School ITALY, NeuroPi has evolved into a multi-sector platform with applications across:

  • Education systems
  • Defence and performance optimization
  • Longevity and preventive health
  • National policy intelligence

These engagements in Prayagraj signal NeuroPis transition from institution-level deployment to national-scale human capital infrastructure.

 

Looking Ahead

With increasing interest from government bodies, defence institutions, and academic ecosystems, NeuroPi is now preparing for:

  • National-level pilot programs
  • Strategic collaborations with defence and education sectors
  • Expansion of its AI-powered NeuroPi EDGE platform

​Toscano Starts Its Second Chapter in Delhi, Expands With Another Outlet in Pitampura

​Toscano Starts Its Second Chapter in Delhi, Expands With Another Outlet in Pitampura

Delhi, Apr 14: Toscano has steadily become the go-to brand for Italian dining in India. After finding warmth from its patrons in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Delhi, it has come back to the capital with another outlet. Their authentic Tuscan-inspired menu of pizzas, handmade pastas and delicious main courses will now also be available in Pitampura’s Unity One Mall. 

Co-founded by Chef Jean-Michel Jasserand and Chef Goutham, their combined eye blending European technique with local sensibilities gives Toscano its award-winning edge. Over 20 outlets across India, the regulars know and return for their menu spanning sourdough pizzas, seasonal specials and Italian multi-course experiences. With each dish reflecting balance, technique, and flavour consistency, Toscano transports you to Italy, while still being in Delhi. 

Look for the Insalata di Formaggio di Capra e Pere with goat cheese and roasted pears; the Pizza Toscano, for pizza lovers, Salmon Grigliato with Norwegian salmon. The Chicken di Toscano, filled with spinach and ricotta, is a staple across every city Toscano has entered. The beverage menu pairs wines and cocktails to the food with the same level of detail by the coming month, until then guests can enjoy the refreshing mocktails at the outlet. The dessert menu ensures a lingering aftertaste of a complete meal. Their house Tiramisu is much talked about, the Crème Brule and Kahlua Mousse have gained a loyal audience across six major cities. 

The interiors follow the brand sensibility earthy tones, dark green, brown accents, lighting that doesn’t try too hard. Alfresco seating brings in the European element easily within. 

“Opening our second outlet in Delhi is a proud milestone for Toscano. We are bringing the same obsessive dedication to quality that defines us across India, now available in a new neighbourhood in the capital. We invite Delhi to savor the craft and enjoy the Italian dining experience made with love ,” says Rohit Tokhi, COO. 

The second address in Delhi is now open. Come in, the menu and hospitality ensures you have a good time.  

Automha and Comau to Showcase Integrated Logistics Automation Solutions at Modex 2026

Atlanta, April 14, 2026 – Automha and Comau, will present their synergistic portfolio of integrated logistics automation solutions at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16 in Atlanta, Georgia (USA), booth A3418.

The joint portfolio enables customers to rely on a complete offering that covers all phases of the logistics flow: inbound product handling, intelligent storage strategies, automated storage and retrieval, order preparation and synchronized shipping. This integrated 360° approach ensures seamless connectivity across the entire logistics process and can include, when required, process design, software orchestration and turnkey solutions implementation.

Our presence at MODEX 2026, marks an important step forward in Comau’s expansion strategy into high-growth markets, with a primary focus on automated logistics, that is expected to grow more than 10% of annual growth” stated Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “In a global landscape where flow efficiency has become a critical competitive factor, we are bringing our long-standing expertise to new, dynamic segments. By integrating Comau’s robotics, mobile automation and digital capabilities with Automha’s expertise in automated storage systems, we offer a comprehensive modular ecosystem. Our goal is to simplify the automation of complex processes, providing customers not only with productivity and scalability but also with enhanced operator ergonomics through our wearable solutions.

At MODEX, Automha unveils for the first time NOVA AI, showcasing it through a live demo. NOVA AI is an artificial intelligence assistant natively integrated into AWMS (Automha Warehouse Management System) that leverages real-time plant data to interpret operations, events, and anomalies, enabling faster issue analysis and more efficient process management. Built on a multi-agent architecture and accessible via a conversational interface, it delivers contextual insights without the need for manual data consultation, improving efficiency and reducing intervention times.

During the event, visitors will be able to see Quaterways, Automha’s multidirectional shuttle system designed to move orthogonally along aisles and easily access accumulation channels to enable fully automated storage and retrieval operations. Managed through the Automha Warehouse Management System (AWMS), the solution allows operators to optimize storage density while maintaining flexibility and real-time control. Its capability to manage multiple pallet formats within the same channel and dynamically optimize travel paths makes it well suited for high-mix logistics environments such as those typical of 3PL and e-commerce operations.

Unlike traditional shuttle solutions, which are limited in movement or require dedicated transfer systems between different warehouse areas, Quaterways introduces a truly multidirectional movement logic, allowing the shuttle to operate continuously and smoothly both along main aisles and within storage channels. This approach enables significantly reduced cycle times, increased storage density, simplified system architecture and improved operational flexibility, especially in high-variability environments.

Integrated with the Automha proprietary Warehouse Management System (AWMS), Quaterways offers high versatility, enabling maximum storage density, operational flexibility and real-time control. Its capability to manage multiple pallet formats within the same channel and dynamically optimize travel paths makes it well suited for complex logistics environments, such as those typical of 3PL and e-commerce operations.

Pallet Runner GTR and Pallet Runner 4D solutions, the latest evolutions of Automha’s shuttle technology for multi-depth pallet storage, will also be on display. With over 12,500 units installed worldwide and a presence in 79 countries, the system is available in multiple standard configurations designed to accommodate different pallet types and load units, while maintaining full compatibility with major racking systems and forklifts, ensuring easy integration into both new and existing warehouses.

Comau will also present its MyMR autonomous mobile robots, developed in collaboration with Milvus Robotics. Built to Comau’s quality standards, with Comau acting as an integrator in developing the innovative AMR product, MyMR robots provide flexible, infrastructure-free material transport between storage areas, workstations and production lines. Key advantages of the MyMR platform include a robust fleet management system, rapid deployment without fixed infrastructure, flexible navigation capabilities and advanced safety features that allow the mobile robots to operate efficiently alongside people and existing equipment. These characteristics help companies improve internal logistics flows while achieving fast return on investment and scalable automation.

Finally, Comau’s MATE-XT GO wearable robotic exoskeletons, designed to support operators during repetitive or physically demanding tasks by reducing shoulder strain, is also on display. The device, along with the entire MATE exoskeleton family, can help improve worker ergonomics and productivity in applications such as truck unloading, manual sorting and warehouse handling activities.

* In-house estimates based on published market research.

Source Logistics Named In 2026 Latino Leaders Index 500

Top logistics provider earns a spot among the nation’s largest Latino-owned companies for the second year in a row

HOUSTON, April 14: Source Logistics, a leading omni-channel distribution, warehousing, and transportation provider, has been named to the 2026 Latino Leaders Index 500, an annual ranking of the largest Latino-owned businesses in the United States. Published by Latino Leaders Magazine, the list underscores the nationwide economic strength, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by Latino entrepreneurs.

This recognition marks the second consecutive year that Source Logistics has earned a spot on the prestigious Index 500, reinforcing the company’s continued growth trajectory and its position as one of the most prominent Latino-owned logistics providers in the country.

“Being named to the Latino Leaders Index 500 for another consecutive year is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our entire team,” said Marcelo Sada, President of Source Logistics. “We are proud of our heritage and the journey that has brought us here. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on creating opportunities for our employees, delivering exceptional value to our customers, and contributing meaningfully to the communities we serve.”

Over the past year, Source Logistics has continued to invest in infrastructure, technology, and talent to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The company has strengthened its capabilities in warehousing, transportation management, and integrated supply chain solutions, supporting clients across industries such as food and beverage, consumer goods, and retail. This sustained growth underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and long-term customer partnerships.

The Latino Leaders Index 500 ranks companies based exclusively on annual revenue, serving as a benchmark for the scale and economic impact of Latino-owned enterprises across diverse industries. Source Logistics’ continued inclusion reflects not only its expanding national footprint but also its increasing influence within the highly competitive U.S. supply chain and logistics sector.

The recognition also highlights the broader impact of Latino-owned businesses on the U.S. economy. Collectively, companies on the Index 500 generate billions in revenue and play a critical role in job creation, innovation, and economic development across the country.

As Source Logistics scales nationally, it remains committed to driving innovation, delivering best-in-class supply chain solutions, and creating value for customers and partners. Learn more at www.sourcelogistics.com or contact the team to discuss your supply chain needs.

Central KYC Access: A Game Changer for Crypto Compliance and Growth

Delhi, 13th April, 2026: 

With India’s crypto ecosystem growing rapidly, the importance of strong compliance systems has never been greater. One key piece of this puzzle is access to the Central KYC (CKYC) Registry. Amendments under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) have brought Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) service providers within the category of “reporting entities.” This means they must now follow stringent KYC procedures, maintain detailed records, and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND).

To keep pace with evolving developments and address system inconsistencies, FIU-IND has updated the guidelines with more stringent onboarding processes. Against this backdrop, access to CKYC becomes essential.

Central KYC Access for the Virtual Digital Asset Industry

Central KYC serves as a single, standardised database containing verified KYC information for individuals and entities across India’s financial system. Operated by the Central Registry of Securitisation, Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI), the CKYC platform was designed to simplify customer onboarding, avoid repetitive KYC submissions, and improve adherence to anti-money laundering norms. According to the official CKYC FAQs, access is provided only to institutions authorised or notified under the PMLA or by financial sector regulators such as the RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, or PFRDA.

Despite being registered with FIU-IND — the body responsible for AML supervision — Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) still do not have access to the CKYC database. This is puzzling, especially since CERSAI and other financial sector entities ultimately fall within the purview of the Ministry of Finance. Excluding VASPs restricts their ability to meet PMLA obligations fully and raises concerns about regulatory coherence across the financial system. Granting them CKYC access would not only make compliance smoother but would also strengthen India’s overall AML ecosystem.

The roadblock stems from the fact that CKYC access is normally reserved for entities regulated by traditional financial authorities such as the RBI or SEBI. Since VDA platforms do not fall under these supervisory frameworks, they remain outside the current eligibility criteria. However, given that they are now formally subject to AML requirements, this is ultimately a technical issue — one that policymakers can address with a clear notification or amendment.

This conversation becomes even more relevant when seen in the context of wider KYC challenges across sectors. A year ago, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) discussed the need for uniform KYC standards. A committee led by then Finance Secretary T. V. Somanathan was formed to streamline and harmonise these norms. Including the VDA sector in such committees would help ensure that no key stakeholders are left out of efforts to build a robust KYC framework.

For the VDA industry, complying with PMLA is not just about meeting regulatory expectations; it is essential for building user confidence and ensuring the credibility of the sector. Strong KYC processes and timely reporting help reduce the risk of financial crimes, protect consumers from fraud, and encourage the healthy growth of digital assets in India. Allowing VASPs to use the CKYC system would be a pragmatic step forward, enhancing both regulatory compliance and consumer protection, while reinforcing trust in India’s digital asset ecosystem.