Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as its First Brand Ambassador; Launches ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ Campaign

• India’s World Cup-winning captain fronts a nationwide campaign urging families to choose a rooftop solar partner they can count on for the next 30 years

• Freyr’s “Rishta Pakka” ad film features brand ambassador Rohit Sharma

National, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freyr Energy, India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, announced Rohit Sharma, India’s World Cup-winning captain, as its first-ever brand ambassador. The association launches with ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’, a nationwide campaign built on a simple idea: rooftop solar is a 30-year decision, and it deserves a company that delivers year after year. The campaign also features an ad film, “Rishta Pakka,” with Rohit Sharma as the protagonist, talking about solar, subsidies, and its benefits through a humour-led narrative.

The partnership brings together two records of consistency and benchmark-setting. Rohit Sharma has spent nearly two decades delivering at the highest level of international cricket, setting standards others now measure themselves against. Freyr Energy has done the same on India’s rooftops for more than a decade, designing, financing, installing and servicing 24,000+ solar systems across 40+ cities, and introducing industry firsts such as its Freyr Energy App, self-cleaning solar systems and solar experience centres. The launch comes at a turning point for the category, with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana bringing millions of Indian families to rooftop solar for the first time. Eligible households can access government subsidy support of up to ₹78,000, while financing options at low and competitive interest rates can further reduce the upfront financial burden of making the switch. A solar system is meant to perform for decades, long after installation day, so the real risk for a family is not whether to go solar, but whom to trust with it. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to answer that question.

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder & Managing Director, Freyr Energy, said, “Our aim has always been to raise the bar for what Indian homeowners can expect from rooftop solar, not just on installation day but across the 30-year life of their system. Rohit has spent his career doing exactly that in cricket, which made him the natural choice as our first brand ambassador.”

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder & Director, Freyr Energy, said, “When a family puts solar on its roof, they are trusting a company for the next 30 years. That company has to show up every time and stand behind the family’s decision long after the system is switched on. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ says that in five words, and no one says it better than Rohit.”

Speaking about the association, Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, said, “Protecting the environment has been close to my heart for years. Rooftop solar gives families a chance to do their bit for the planet, and it’s important to have a partner you can trust for the journey. That’s what drew me to Freyr Energy. I’m happy to be part of their campaign, encouraging more families to embrace solar and choose a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Rajan Mahalingam, Marketing Head, Freyr Energy, said, “‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to make Freyr the first name families think of when they consider rooftop solar. Rohit’s reputation for consistency and trust mirrors what we promise every customer, and that gives the campaign an authenticity audiences will connect with. We look forward to taking this message to millions of homes across India.”

The ad film “Rishta Pakka” is live across Freyr Energy’s YouTube channel on: https://youtu.be/SW_0c1FSaQU   

About Freyr Energy

Founded in 2014 by Saurabh Marda and Radhika Choudary, Freyr Energy is India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 24,000+ installations for homes and businesses across 40+ cities. The company brings system design, installation, financing assistance and technology-enabled customer support under one roof to make the switch to rooftop solar simple and dependable.

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Canton Fair Buyers Alliance Launched as the 140th Edition Opens

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 15, the Canton Fair Buyers Alliance was officially launched at the Canton Fair Complex, marking a significant milestone as the fair celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding.

More than 140 overseas buyers attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the fair’s enduring role as a bridge connecting global commerce with China’s export sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Luís Vilariça, CEO of Joinco, Import & Export, Ltd., discussed his company’s long-standing relationship with the Canton Fair. Drawing on years of participation, he reflected on the growth opportunities created through cooperation with Chinese suppliers and highlighted the fair’s role in supporting international business development and global trade exchanges.

The ceremony also featured a joint declaration by alliance members. Representatives from five member companies read the statement in their respective native languages, underscoring the international character of the new organization. Additional members sent video congratulatory messages, joining the celebration and witnessing the official launch of the alliance.

The Canton Fair Buyers Alliance represents one of the fair’s key service innovations. Designed primarily for Fortune Global 500 companies, buyers from the world’s top 250 retailers and leading sourcing enterprises across a diverse range of markets, the alliance aims to offer members a platform for information sharing and resource coordination. The first cohort of alliance members includes 58 companies from 32 countries and regions across 5 continents. Through the alliance, members will gain access to a range of priority benefits spanning four major areas: services, events, resources and information.

 For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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Crisis • Resilience • Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future: The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026 Grandly Commences

MACAO, Oct. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 12^th Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macao 2026 (“GTEF”) grandly commenced today at the MGM Theater at MGM COTAI. Returning to Macao, its founding host city, under the theme “Crisis Resilience Evolution — Building a Tourism Economy for a Shared Future”, the event serves as a premier platform connecting China with the global cultural and tourism sectors. The Forum gathers government and business leaders, experts, scholars, and representatives from international organizations around the world to address the evolving global environment and key challenges facing the sector. Participants will explore strategies to overcome growth plateaus, enhance industry resilience, and chart a forward-looking path toward high-quality development and sustainable transformation for global cultural tourism.

The Forum is organised by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region, in collaboration with UN Tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) serves as collaboration organisation, while the Macao Government Tourism Office and the China Chamber of Tourism serve as co-organisers, with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre acting as coordinator.

The event also receives strong support from key official and international entities, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the European Travel Commission (ETC), the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), the China Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC), the China Tourism Association (CTA), the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Macao (ACEM). Together, these organizations unite global collaborative strength to champion the sustainable development of global cultural tourism.

In his welcome remarks, HO Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Forum Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, stated: “This year marks a major milestone in the evolution of the Forum. Last December, the 11th Forum ventured beyond Macao for the first time, hosting a highly successful event in Harbin, Heilongjiang, and achieving a historic breakthrough as the Forum expanded nationwide. Building on this momentum, this year’s Forum centers on the timely theme ‘Crisis, Resilience, Elevation: Reshaping a Sustainable Global Future through Tourism Economy’. As an international platform deeply rooted in Macao, the Forum actively aligns with the Special Administrative Region’s overarching development, continually injecting new dynamic momentum into Macao’s economic diversification.”

SAM Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, delivered welcome remarks, stating: “Since its inception in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum has become an important platform for high-level dialogue and multilateral cooperation in global tourism. Macao will actively leverage its unique strengths of ‘backing by the Motherland and connecting to the world’, while advancing the ‘Northward, Southward, Westward and Eastward’ strategies. Furthermore, the SAR will spare no effort in promoting the development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, alongside the exchange and cooperation base with Chinese culture as the mainstream and co-existence of diverse cultures. We look forward to working with all partners through this year’s Forum to extend the momentum of the tourism economy into wider domains, while fostering a collaborative landscape for mutual benefit and driving sustainable innovation across the global industry.”

Shaikha AL NUWAIS, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, delivered opening remarks, stating: “So far this year, 690 million people have travelled internationally – 3 million more than during the same period last year. With the geopolitical situation and with everything happening in the Middle East, this number is very promising, and this tells us that the tourism sector has tremendous potential. But success is not only about how many people travel. It’s about what their journeys create for destinations and for communities. As tourism evolves and travellers’ expectations rise, we must equip our workforce with the skills, professionalism, and service mindset to deliver the quality today’s travellers’ demand. Macao has an important story to tell. Macao is moving from volume to value, connecting culture, gastronomy, health and innovation, as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

LONG Yongtu, Former Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation of China, and Former Secretary-General of Boao Forum for Asia, delivered a keynote speech centered on “China’s Model of Inclusive Growth”, stating: “The deep integration of tourism with other sectors expands the foundation of tourism development while strengthening industry resilience. Inclusive tourism directly benefits communities, earning the sector broad and societal support. At the same time, advancing environmentally friendly tourism enhances the destination’s appeal and elevates a nation’s global reputation. Through collective strength, tourism can become an open, inclusive, and sustainable force that meaningfully contributes to global economic growth, social stability, and human well-being.”

Gloria GUEVARA, President & Chief Executive Officer of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, delivered opening remarks, stating: “We do a lot of research, showing that China is driving global tourism growth. One key policy is the visa exempt, which make it easier for more travelers to come. Getting to China is easier through improved connectivity, with flights and transportation connecting China to the world. Although we have a lot of situations around the world, and people are worried, I believe that through public and private collaboration and working together, we can unlock future growth and build a better future.”

LUO Laijun, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, delivered congratulatory remarks, stating: “Recent years have seen global tourism weather severe headwinds from public health emergencies and extreme weather to economic volatility and shifting consumer trends, all of which have accelerated the industry’s structural transformation. By focusing on emerging consumer trends and driving breakthroughs in cultural integration, green transition, and smart travel, the industry can turn crises into catalysts for evolution.”

Representing the Partner Country, Miguel SANZ CASTEDO, Representative of Minister for Industry and Tourism of Spain, Director General of Turespaña, and President of the European Travel Commission, delivered partner country remarks, stating: “Spain and China are among the world’s leading tourism powers. We face common challenges: how to create greater value through tourism? How to harness technology while preserving the human dimension of travel? And how to ensure that tourism contributes to prosperity and wellbeing? These challenges require dialogue and cooperation, which is why this Global Tourism Economy Forum is so valuable. Spain stands ready to work with our partners, in Macao, in the rest of China and beyond, to build a tourism sector that is more sustainable, more innovative, more connected and more human.”

Representing the Featured Chinese Province, Bateer, Executive Vice Governor of the Hainan Provincial People’s Government, delivered featured province remarks, stating: “As the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, Macao stands as a glowing showcase of centuries-old Sino-Western cultural fusion, offering rich lessons from which Hainan can learn. As China’s largest special economic zone and sole free trade port, Hainan shares the South China Sea with Macao, bound by geographic proximity, cultural affinity, and deep bonds of kinship that create vast potential for cultural tourism collaboration. As the Forum opens, global partners are warmly invited to Hainan for leisure and investment, embrace the new opportunities in the Hainan Free Trade Port, and jointly shape a more open, inclusive, and dynamic global tourism economy.”

Re-emerging from its founding city of Macao, the 12^th Global Tourism Economy Forum not only builds a practical bridge for global tourism collaboration, but also initiates a vital path toward overcoming industry uncertainty and reshaping a sustainable future. At a pivotal moment marked by the rebuilding of sector resilience and the pursuit of high-quality growth, the Forum will continue to bring global stakeholders together to enhance industry governance. By fostering collaboration through openness and driving breakthroughs through innovation, the event aims to chart a new blueprint for global tourism defined by strength, adaptability, and long-term value.

About Global Tourism Economy Forum 

Founded in 2012, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a premier international platform dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of the global tourism economy. Serving as an essential bridge for exchange and cooperation between China and the international community, the Forum convenes leaders from governments, enterprises, academia, and international organizations worldwide to address opportunities and challenges in global tourism, establishing itself as one of the most influential annual events in the global tourism economy sector.

Having successfully hosted eleven editions, the Forum has attracted over 15,500 delegates from 88 countries and regions and invited more than 780 world-renowned speakers. It has established a high-level dialogue and practical cooperation network that spans the globe and connects government, industry, academia, and research.

For more details about the Forum, please visit https://gte-forum.com/en/ and follow official social media channels for the latest updates. 

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GAC Showcases Multiple Models at Canton Fair: Systemic Global Expansion as a Response to High‑Level Opening‑Up

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 15 October, the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) kicked off in Guangzhou. Dubbed “China’s No.1 Exhibition” with a 70‑year history, it serves as a vital window for global merchants to understand China, and one of GAC’s stages to connect with the world. For international buyers, GAC serves not only as a sourcing platform but as a trusted channel for experiencing Chinese automotive innovation and building long-term local partnerships. Having made its debut in 2012, GAC has participated in the fair 30 times to date. Together with the Canton Fair, it has witnessed the transformation of Made‑in‑China products into Chinese global brands.

This transformation is reflected in GAC’s global expansion journey through a string of continuously refreshed sales figures. Overseas sales stood at 90,000 units in 2024, hit 130,000 units in 2025, and exceeded 197,000 units in January‑September 2026, representing a year‑on‑year surge of 138.9%. GAC is sprinting full steam ahead toward its annual target of 300,000 overseas units. GAC has accomplished a shift from “product export” to “system‑level global expansion”.

At the GAC booth, XT80, AION i60 and AISTALAND GX7 showcased intelligent driving, three-electric systems and premium cabins. The energy-ecology zone featured DC ultra-fast charging piles, 7 kW smart home chargers, multi-in-one electric drive units and PV-Storage-Charging-Swapping Technology, addressing range anxiety. Opening day drew buyers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and Africa. At the Music & Cuisine Festival, GAC built three immersive spaces blending smart mobility, Cantonese cuisine, camping and sports. The XT80, AION N60, GAC S7 and AISTALAND GT7 served as lifestyle carriers, letting guests enjoy morning tea, global cuisines and intangible cultural heritage.

GAC will advance its ONE GAC 2.0 strategy, deepening localized operations and expanding its systematic global layout. As a tribute to the Canton Fair’s 70th anniversary and a new business card for China’s auto industry, GAC will help drive Chinese intelligent manufacturing onto the global stage.

For further information about GAC, please visit https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

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AGFUND wins international award for excellence in inclusive banking and social impact

 Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal credits the founders of AGFUND’s microfinance banks for laying the foundations of its development impact

BANGKOK, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) won the “Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact” award at the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Awards, organized by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) in cooperation with the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG).

AGFUND CEO Hammam bin Nasser bin Juraid accepted the award in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, President of AGFUND, said the recognition acknowledges AGFUND’s experience using financial services to empower underserved communities, strengthen livelihoods and promote economic independence.

He credited the founders of AGFUND’s microfinance banks, particularly the late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, for establishing institutions centered on empowering people.

He added that the award reflects over two decades of commitment, the dedication of financial inclusion banks and partners, and clients who transformed financing into businesses and family income. He emphasized expanding opportunities and measuring success through lasting improvements in people’s lives.

Prince Abdulaziz stressed that the recognition reflects the value of institutions reaching excluded populations and encourages broader access and economic opportunities for families.

AGFUND’s financial inclusion banking network has served more than 1.3 million clients and disbursed over US$1.37 billion in financing since inception. Women represent 59 per cent of borrowers, demonstrating its contribution to economic empowerment.

Presented by WSBI, established in 1924, together with ESBG, the award recognizes an approach linking financial services, social impact and sustainable development.

Following its first bank in Jordan in 2004, AGFUND expanded across nine countries: Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Mauritania and Sierra Leone, focusing on communities underserved by conventional financial institutions.

The network has issued more than 1.5 million loans, opened over 927,000 savings accounts, established 112 branches and employed more than 1,500 people. Its services finance micro and small enterprises and income-generating activities, improving livelihoods and economic independence.

AGFUND plans to strengthen development partnerships, advance digital solutions and innovative financial products, and integrate financing with training, capacity development, market access and risk protection.

It is also exploring geographic expansion, particularly in Africa, through institutional partnerships that adapt successful approaches to local needs and extend sustainable financial inclusion to more communities.

Website – https://agfund.org/

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Rohit Sharma Joins Freyr Energy as its First Brand Ambassador; Launches ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ Campaign

• India’s World Cup-winning captain fronts a nationwide campaign urging families to choose a rooftop solar partner they can count on for the next 30 years

• Freyr’s “Rishta Pakka” ad film features brand ambassador Rohit Sharma

National, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freyr Energy, India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, announced Rohit Sharma, India’s World Cup-winning captain, as its first-ever brand ambassador. The association launches with ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’, a nationwide campaign built on a simple idea: rooftop solar is a 30-year decision, and it deserves a company that delivers year after year. The campaign also features an ad film, “Rishta Pakka,” with Rohit Sharma as the protagonist, talking about solar, subsidies, and its benefits through a humour-led narrative.

The partnership brings together two records of consistency and benchmark-setting. Rohit Sharma has spent nearly two decades delivering at the highest level of international cricket, setting standards others now measure themselves against. Freyr Energy has done the same on India’s rooftops for more than a decade, designing, financing, installing and servicing 24,000+ solar systems across 40+ cities, and introducing industry firsts such as its Freyr Energy App, self-cleaning solar systems and solar experience centres. The launch comes at a turning point for the category, with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana bringing millions of Indian families to rooftop solar for the first time. Eligible households can access government subsidy support of up to ₹78,000, while financing options at low and competitive interest rates can further reduce the upfront financial burden of making the switch. A solar system is meant to perform for decades, long after installation day, so the real risk for a family is not whether to go solar, but whom to trust with it. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to answer that question.

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder & Managing Director, Freyr Energy, said, “Our aim has always been to raise the bar for what Indian homeowners can expect from rooftop solar, not just on installation day but across the 30-year life of their system. Rohit has spent his career doing exactly that in cricket, which made him the natural choice as our first brand ambassador.”

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder & Director, Freyr Energy, said, “When a family puts solar on its roof, they are trusting a company for the next 30 years. That company has to show up every time and stand behind the family’s decision long after the system is switched on. ‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ says that in five words, and no one says it better than Rohit.”

Speaking about the association, Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, said, “Protecting the environment has been close to my heart for years. Rooftop solar gives families a chance to do their bit for the planet, and it’s important to have a partner you can trust for the journey. That’s what drew me to Freyr Energy. I’m happy to be part of their campaign, encouraging more families to embrace solar and choose a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

Rajan Mahalingam, Marketing Head, Freyr Energy, said, “‘Solar Ho, Toh Freyr Ho!’ is built to make Freyr the first name families think of when they consider rooftop solar. Rohit’s reputation for consistency and trust mirrors what we promise every customer, and that gives the campaign an authenticity audiences will connect with. We look forward to taking this message to millions of homes across India.”

The ad film “Rishta Pakka” is live across Freyr Energy’s YouTube channel on: https://youtu.be/SW_0c1FSaQU   

About Freyr Energy

Founded in 2014 by Saurabh Marda and Radhika Choudary, Freyr Energy is India’s second-largest residential rooftop solar company under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 24,000+ installations for homes and businesses across 40+ cities. The company brings system design, installation, financing assistance and technology-enabled customer support under one roof to make the switch to rooftop solar simple and dependable.

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A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger now available from Histria Books

Oct 17: Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of A Christmas Regency Collection by Barbara Metzger that brings together three Regency romances, Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season. This collection is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.

Christmas has a way of upsetting even the best-laid plans, and that is part of the fun in Barbara Metzger’s Regency romances. Across Father Christmas, An Enchanted Christmas, and Greetings of the Season, mistletoe, holiday enchantment, and unexpected turns of fate make room for love and laughter. Snowy manor houses and glittering balls set the scene, while Metzger’s wit keeps the festivities lively.

At a time when holiday reading can feel crowded with familiar promises, these three books offer something more companionable: a chance to spend the season with a writer who knows that affection is often funniest when people are trying hard to behave. Together, they make a welcome gift for longtime Metzger readers and an inviting introduction for newcomers.

Barbara Metzger is the award-winning author of more than three dozen Regency romances and a dozen novellas. Her acclaimed novels, set primarily in Regency-era England, have earned numerous honors, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Madcap Award for humor in romance writing, and two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards. A former editor, proofreader, greeting-card verse writer, and artist, Metzger also paints, gardens, volunteers at her local library, and enjoys beachcombing on Long Island.

Father Christmas, 200 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-854-0; Greetings of the Season, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-853-3; An Enchanted Christmas, 274 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-855-7 by Barbara Metzger are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. These titles are also available as ebooks. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

Star Health Brings ‘Bishram Grih’ and Face Scan Health Assessments to Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur

First-of-its-kind initiative by Star Health offers pandal hoppers in Kolkata and Durgapur a comfortable space to rest and refresh, along with an instant indicative health report covering approximately 17 parameters

KOLKATA, India, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, today announced the introduction of ‘Bishram Grih’ at select Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur. The first-of-its-kind initiative by Star Health offers pandal hoppers a comfortable lounge-style space to “Rest, Relax & Rejuvenate” during their Puja journey. Each Bishram Grih will also feature a technology-led Face Scan health assessment, enabling visitors to gain quick insights into select health indicators.

Pandal hopping during Durga Puja can be tiring, particularly for those visiting multiple locations in a day. At each Bishram Grih, visitors can take a break, sit comfortably and enjoy refreshments such as tea and water before continuing their Puja journey.

A key feature of the Bishram Grih is Star Health’s Face Scan health assessment kiosk. Through a simple and contactless facial scan, visitors can receive an instant indicative health report covering approximately 17 health parameters. The assessment provides insights into select vital signs and indicators related to stress, recovery and heart rate variability, including heart rate, respiratory rate, stress index and HRV metrics, among others.

Star Health will set up two Bishram Grihs in Kolkata and one in Durgapur. The initiative will be active from 16 October to 20 October 2026 at the following Puja pandals:

• Bag bazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav Exhibition, Kolkata
• 22 Palli Sarodotsab, Northern Park, Kolkata
• Marconi Dakshina Pally, Durgapur

Operating hours: 11AM onwards

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Himanshu Walia, Whole-time Director & CMO, Star Health Insurance, said, “”Durga Puja is a festival close to every Bengali’s heart, and pandal hopping is an integral part of the celebrations. With thousands of people spending long hours visiting pandals, we wanted to create a space where they could pause, rest and recharge before continuing their Puja journey. Bishram Grih brings this thought to life by offering visitors a comfortable lounge-style space with refreshments at select pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur.

By integrating a quick and contactless Face Scan health assessment into the experience, we are also encouraging visitors to become more aware of select health indicators in a simple and accessible manner. Through Bishram Grih, we hope to combine festive convenience with preventive health awareness and make wellbeing a meaningful part of the Durga Puja experience.”

Star Health also encourages pandal hoppers in Kolkata and Durgapur, particularly senior citizens and families with young children, to take precautions during the festivities. These include staying hydrated, taking regular breaks between pandal visits, wearing comfortable footwear and seeking medical advice in case of any discomfort.

Commenting on the regional initiative, Mr. Atin Roy, Business Head – West Bengal, Star Health Insurance, said, “West Bengal comes alive during Durga Puja, with families and visitors spending long hours exploring pandals across the region. Bishram Grih responds to a practical need by offering pandal hoppers a comfortable space to pause, refresh and regain energy. Visitors can also access a complimentary, contactless Face Scan health assessment that provides an instant indicative report covering approximately 17 health parameters. By setting up these facilities at prominent pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur, we aim to make comfort and health awareness a meaningful part of the festive experience.”

By bringing together physical comfort and preventive health awareness, Bishram Grih seeks to make wellbeing a meaningful part of the Durga Puja experience. Through such technology-led initiatives, Star Health is exploring ways to complement health insurance protection with solutions that encourage people to remain more engaged with their overall wellbeing.

About Star Health and Allied Insurance: 

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first standalone health insurance company. Star Health provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor-made products to cater to needs such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac illnesses, as well as specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1 crore claims.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8 lakh agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 15,000+ network hospitals and 18,500+ employees.

Talk to Star: helping policyholders plan care with confidence: Star Health offers guided support through 7200 222 333 for eligible policyholders seeking Home Healthcare or planned hospitalisation assistance. Customers can call the number and press 1 for Home Healthcare or press 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand coverage, network hospital options, the cashless process, required documents and care pathways before admission or home-based treatment. Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual OPD consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

For more information visit www.starhealth.in

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Paris Court Ruling on Discontinued Feature Will Have Minimal Impact on Angelalign Customers

Angelalign Has Already Replaced Torque Ridges with Upgraded “Pressure Points” in Europe

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Angelalign Technology Inc. (6699.HK) (“Angel”) http://www.angelaligner.com, a company driven by innovation in orthodontic clear aligner technology, said today that a ruling by the Paris Local Division of the Unified Patent Court concerning its Torque Ridges feature does not affect the availability of its offering in Europe, which already incorporates the next generation of torque-control technology. 

Angel already has discontinued Torque Ridges in Europe and has replaced it with an upgraded feature called Pressure Points. Pressure Points, which launched in the European market in September, was designed to improve torque control and reflects Angel’s continued commitment to innovation focused on solving orthodontists’ clinical challenges. Angel customers in Spain, the UK and outside of Europe, including the Americas and Asia, are not affected by this ruling. Angel is constantly developing new solutions to continue to serve its customers well.

The court today ruled that the Torque Ridges feature infringes a patent held by Align Technology Inc. (ALGN) for repositioning a patient’s teeth according to an orthodontic treatment plan. Angel respectfully disagrees with the decision and is reviewing it closely while it evaluates its options. Angel will comply with the court’s ruling, including the return of any products. Because Torque Ridges is no longer offered in Europe, orthodontists using Angel products and services can continue treating their patients with access to Pressure Points and Angel’s ongoing clinical and technical support.

“Our priority is to ensure that orthodontists can continue delivering excellent care to their patients,” said Xavier Cherbavaz, General Manager and Vice President, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Angelalign Technology Inc. “Torque Ridges has already been retired in Europe and replaced with Pressure Points, an approach intended to support controlled force application and tooth contact. We remain focused on giving orthodontists innovative clinical solutions and a dependable customer experience.”

“Angel takes intellectual property rights seriously and is careful not to infringe on valid patents,” added Richard Hirschland, Angel’s Chief Commercial Officer and SVP. “We are reviewing the court’s reasoning carefully and will consider all available options. Angel will continue to innovate and improve its products to benefit its providers and their patients despite litigation by a competitor. Continuous innovation means anticipating challenges and preparing solutions to protect the customer experience. Our transition to Pressure Points reflects that commitment. We are determined to continue developing innovative solutions so that orthodontists can rely on Angel over the long term.”

To learn more, visit angelaligner.com/eu and www.angelaligner.com.

About Angelalign Technology Inc.

Founded in 2003 and publicly listed since 2021, Angelalign Technology Inc. provides clear aligner solutions to clinically focused professionals and patients in over 60 countries. Having surpassed two million cumulative cases and with about a US$2 billion market capitalization, the company focuses on clinical innovation and professional support to help experts achieve extraordinary outcomes. Its established global operations and continued investment in innovation support its long-term commitment to orthodontists and their patients. Learn more at angelaligner.com.

Media Contact:

Sue Kolb

Angelalign Technology Inc.

sue.kolb@angelaligner.com

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