Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash: Bodies of All Six Victims Recovered; Karnataka Govt Coordinates Repatriation

Bengaluru, Oct 31: The mortal remains of all six people, including the pilot, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on Friday have been recovered, the Karnataka government confirmed in an official statement.

 Representational Image 

The civil helicopter, operated by Trans Bharat Aviation, was carrying five passengers from Karnataka along with the pilot when it crashed in the mountainous terrain of Hathi Parvat in Chamoli district at around 2 PM.

According to information received from the Uttarakhand State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the helicopter was travelling from Badrinath to Dehradun when the accident occurred.

Following the incident, a massive search and rescue operation was launched involving personnel from the Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local police, the Health Department and district disaster management authorities.

The bodies of all six victims were subsequently recovered and are being transported to Joshimath for post-mortem examinations.

Karnataka Government Steps In to Assist Families

The Karnataka government has initiated coordination with the Uttarakhand administration to ensure the earliest possible transportation of the mortal remains to Karnataka.

The offices of the Karnataka Chief Minister and the State Relief Commissioner are in direct contact with their counterparts in Uttarakhand. The Resident Commissioner’s office at Karnataka Bhavan is also assisting in coordinating the arrangements.

The state government has assured all possible support and assistance to the bereaved families during this difficult time.

Helicopter Lost Radar Contact Minutes After Take-off

According to Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar, the Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter departed from the Badrinath civil helipad at approximately 1:12 PM on October 30, heading towards the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun.

However, just two minutes after take-off, at around 1:14 PM, its radar communication link was lost near Joshimath.

After receiving information about the missing aircraft, two search teams comprising police personnel, SDRF members and Army personnel were dispatched from Pandukeshwar and Joshimath to trace the helicopter.

The aircraft was eventually located in the difficult mountainous terrain of the Hathi Parvat area, where all six occupants had died.

The tragic accident has left families mourning the loss of their loved ones, while authorities continue to coordinate the necessary formalities and arrangements for the return of the victims’ mortal remains.

Census 2027: House-to-House Population Count to Begin on January 25; Self-Enumeration from January 10

New Delhi, Oct 31: The Centre has announced the schedule for the second phase of Census 2027, with the nationwide house-to-house population enumeration set to begin on January 25, 2027, and continue until February 28. A revisional round will subsequently be conducted from March 1 to March 5, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

 Representational Image 

As part of the exercise, citizens will also have the option of completing their census details through a self-enumeration facility between January 10 and January 24, ahead of the commencement of the door-to-door survey.

The reference date for Census 2027 has been fixed at midnight (00:00 hours) on March 1, 2027.

The scheduled exercise will cover all States and Union Territories, with certain exceptions. The notification excludes Manipur until further orders, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Second Phase to Capture Detailed Population Data

Census 2027 is being conducted in two phases. The first phase, covering House Listing and Housing Census, commenced in April 2026 and focused on gathering information about housing conditions, household facilities, basic amenities and assets.

The second phase will focus on collecting detailed demographic, social and economic information about individuals through a household schedule comprising 40 questions.

The information will cover several important aspects, including age, marital status, religion, caste, educational qualifications, employment, migration, disability and other demographic indicators.

Comprehensive Caste Enumeration: A Major Highlight

One of the most significant features of Census 2027 will be the inclusion of comprehensive caste enumeration across all communities.

This will make it the first census since Independence to systematically collect caste-related information across all communities. In previous censuses, including the 2011 Census, systematic caste enumeration was primarily limited to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The decision to undertake comprehensive caste enumeration was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on April 30, 2025.

India’s First Digital Census

Another major milestone is that Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital census, with data collection being carried out using digital tools and technology.

The Central Government has approved a budgetary allocation of Rs 11,718.24 crore for conducting the nationwide exercise.

The census will cover all 36 States and Union Territories, encompassing 7,092 sub-districts, 5,128 statutory towns, 4,580 census towns and approximately 6.39 lakh villages.

With digital data collection, comprehensive caste enumeration and detailed household-level information, Census 2027 is expected to provide an updated picture of India’s demographic, social and economic landscape.

KSAT and Morehead State University Partner to Expand Lunar Communications Infrastructure

Partnership strengthens the KSAT Lunar Network and supports deep space and lunar exploration

DENVER and MOREHEAD, Ky., Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced a strategic partnership with Morehead State University (MSU) to enhance the KSAT Lunar Network, supporting the growing demand for communications and tracking services for deep space and lunar missions.

The partnership leverages MSU Space Science Center’s established deep space communications capabilities, including its 21-meter and 12-meter-class antennas in Morehead, Kentucky, to further increase the KSAT Lunar Network. Together, the partnership enables mission operators to maintain reliable links with spacecraft operating beyond Earth orbit by adding network capacity and resiliency over the Eastern United States.

“Partnering with MSU advances KSAT’s ability to deliver the communications infrastructure required for the accelerated demand for deep space and lunar missions. We are especially thrilled about this partnership as it helps enable science and exploration space missions today, while developing the next-generation workforce to support the long-term development of the U.S. cislunar economy,” said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT Inc.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the future of space exploration through innovation, education, and collaboration,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, Executive Director of Space Science Center. “Working with KSAT provides exciting opportunities for our students and researchers while enabling us to contribute directly to the thriving commercial sector.”

KSAT and MSU share a strong commitment and heritage of supporting NASA’s Artemis program, most recently the Artemis II mission, and the broader science and exploration, as well as inspiring the next generation. In addition to expanding KSAT Lunar capabilities, the partnership will create even more opportunities for student involvement and workforce development through KSAT’s internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of engineers and space professionals for careers in the rapidly growing space sector.

About KSAT:

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading commercial provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. Headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, the company operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica to provide unique southern hemisphere coverage. Through KSAT Inc., KSAT’s U.S. based full-capability subsidiary, KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry. 

About MSU:

Morehead State University (MSU) is a comprehensive, regional university located in Appalachian Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest. MSU is known for excellence in STEM fields and pre-professional programs. The Space Science Center is MSU’s Program of Distinction and manages a significant research and development portfolio in small satellite systems, having executed 7 smallsat missions to date. The Center operates a 21-meter ground station and a 12-meter tracking antenna that provides lunar tracking services and smaller aperture ground stations for satellite telecommunications support. The Center also supports innovative undergraduate, graduate and a Doctor of Engineering program in Space Systems Engineering.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ksat-and-morehead-state-university-partner-to-expand-lunar-communications-infrastructure-302925397.html

GAC Showcases GAC ALL-NEW E8 at 2026 Macao Auto Expo

MACAO, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 30, the 16th China (Macau) International Automobile Exposition opened at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. Under the theme “Where Craft Meets Technology,” GAC presented multiple new-energy models. The GAC ALL-NEW E8 was officially launched in Macao, while the AION i60 and AION N60 made their Macao debuts. As the only Chinese automotive brand to have participated in the Macao Auto Expo for 16 consecutive years, GAC continues its “In Macao, For Macao” commitment, with sales in Macao up 113% year-on-year this year.

In product terms, GAC showcased an all-star lineup including the GAC ALL-NEW E8, GAC ALL-NEW M8, AION i60, AION N60, AION UT, AION V and GAC E9 PHEV, covering battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and extended-range powertrains, as well as sedans, SUVs and MPVs. In sales and service, GAC places GAC CARE+ at the core, supporting users from vehicle selection and purchase to use and maintenance. It has a showroom presence in Macao and offers the “Bay Area Link” service for maintenance across the Greater Bay Area, backed by the unified “One GAC” network. The GAC Owner APP enables one-tap vehicle control, and more service showrooms are planned. GAC also connects with users through global sports marketing, partnering with clubs including Chelsea FC Men, Villarreal CF and Flamengo to share a passion for football.

Designed for families in Macao and the Greater Bay Area, the GAC ALL-NEW E8 offers a pure-electric range of 281 km, charge-sustaining fuel consumption as low as 3.98 L/100 km, approximately 56 square feet of cabin space with 18 seating configurations, a 540° panoramic surround-view camera system, and a CLTC combined range of 1,537 km. The MAX variant is priced at HKD 339,800 and the ULTRA at HKD 369,800, with an early-bird discount of HKD 6,000.

Regionally, GAC’s retail sales in Asia-Pacific rose 109% year-on-year in the first three quarters. In September, retail sales in Portugal grew 34% month-on-month, while Brazil surged 280% year-on-year. As a gateway to Portuguese-speaking markets, Macao plays a key role in GAC’s global layout. Looking ahead, GAC will continue its long-term commitment to Macao, enhance local products and services, and deepen collaboration with Portuguese-speaking and Asia-Pacific markets.

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gac-showcases-gac-all-new-e8-at-2026-macao-auto-expo-302925143.html

Gastops and Bell Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Future Collaboration Opportunities

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gastops, a global leader in intelligent condition monitoring solutions, and Bell Textron Inc. (Bell), a leading aerospace manufacturer and provider of vertical lift aircraft, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities for future collaboration related to Bell’s industrial participation activities in Canada.

Announced at the Canadian Aerospace Summit 2026, the MOU establishes a framework for discussions focused on in-service support solutions, capability expansion, and the application of advanced drivetrain health monitoring technologies for current and future Bell aircraft programs.

“Gastops has a long history of developing technologies that help operators better understand the condition and performance of mission-critical equipment,” said Shaun Horning, President & CEO of Gastops. “We are pleased to explore opportunities with Bell that leverage our combined expertise and support the long-term success of aerospace programs and operators. This collaboration also creates an opportunity to further showcase the advanced technologies and engineering expertise being developed and supported here in Canada.”

“We look forward to exploring opportunities with Gastops that support Bell programs, strengthen our Canadian industrial participation, and create long-term value for customers and operators,” said Jeffrey Schloesser, Senior Vice President, Strategic Pursuits at Bell. “This collaboration will support efforts to deliver aircraft that meet the sustainability and readiness needs of our customers.”

The agreement builds upon the complementary capabilities of both organizations. Bell brings over 90 years of aerospace leadership and aircraft manufacturing expertise, while Gastops has more than 45 years of experience in condition monitoring, diagnostics, prognostics, and equipment health intelligence.

“Innovation happens when organizations combine expertise to solve complex operational challenges,” said Daniel Obedi, Vice President, Aerospace Platforms at Gastops. “This MOU creates an opportunity to explore how advanced health monitoring technologies can contribute to aircraft availability, reliability, and long-term sustainment for current and future platforms.”

About Gastops

Gastops is the world’s leading provider of intelligent condition monitoring solutions used in Aerospace, Defence, and Energy applications to optimize the availability, performance, and safety of critical assets. We offer peace of mind to our customers with innovative online monitoring sensors, at-line analysis, complex modeling and simulation, world-class laboratory testing, engineering, design, and MRO services that predict performance to enable proactive operating decisions. We have been providing powerful insights into the condition of critical equipment since 1979. Gastops is the intelligence inside what moves you.

www.gastops.com 

About Bell

Bell is a leading aerospace manufacturer and provider of vertical lift aircraft for military, commercial, public safety, and industrial customers around the world. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Bell designs, manufactures, and supports advanced aircraft solutions that help customers operate safely, efficiently, and reliably across a wide range of missions.

www.bellflight.com

Media Contact: media@gastops.com, +1 (613) 744-3530, www.gastops.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gastops-and-bell-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-to-explore-future-collaboration-opportunities-302925011.html

Aarti Industries Sustains Growth Momentum in Q2 FY27, Led by Higher Volumes

Records highest quarterly revenue and EBITDA, reflecting sustained business growth and operating performance

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aarti Industries Limited (AIL), a leading global speciality chemicals company, today announced its financial results for the second quarter and half-year ended September 30, 2026, reporting continued revenue and EBITDA growth, supported by higher volumes.

The Company sustained its growth momentum, with volumes up by over 30%. Higher export demand and effective pass-through of elevated raw material costs drove revenue growth. Reflecting this growth, the quarterly EBITDA breached the 400 cr mark to close at 418 cr, the highest ever for AIL.

Evolving global trade dynamics are creating new opportunities for Indian speciality chemical manufacturers. China’s initiatives to rationalise industry capacity, alongside India’s expanding trade agreements with developed economies, including the UK and European markets, could strengthen India’s competitive position in global supply chains over the medium to long term. AIL sees opportunities to leverage these developments through its integrated manufacturing capabilities and established global customer relationships. The impact of this phenomenon is visible both in margin and volume improvements across the NCB value chain. The momentum is expected to continue and extend to other value chains like DCB, NT, etc.

Financial Highlights – Q2 FY27

• Revenue from Operations: ₹3,887 crore, registering growth of 73% YoY and 48% QoQ.
• EBITDA: ₹418 crore, compared with ₹291 crore in Q2 FY26, representing 44% YoY growth.
• Profit After Tax: ₹169 crore, registering growth of 60% YoY.
• H1 FY27 Performance: Revenue of ₹6,513 crore, EBITDA of ₹802 crore and PAT of ₹324 crore.

The company’s robust pass-through model supported passing on elevated input prices to customers, while absolute EBITDA remained protected, keeping EBITDA margins suppressed.

Business Highlights & Outlook

• Zone IV Commissioning:  Following the commissioning of Phase I in September 2026, the Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) facility and part of the Multipurpose Plant (MPP) have commenced operations, with activities focused on stabilisation, customer qualifications and progressive commercialisation. Further capacities are scheduled for commissioning during Q3- Q4 FY27. With its multiproduct and multitechnology capabilities, Zone IV is expected to emerge as a key growth engine for AIL over the next 1-2 years, supporting portfolio diversification and expansion into value-added chemistries.

• Strategic Partnerships: On October 13, 2026, AIL entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with a global speciality chemicals company, spanning more than 10 years and representing cumulative revenue potential of approximately ₹1,500 crore over the contract period. Commercial operations at the proposed dedicated facility are targeted for FY29. The Augene Chemicals JV is progressing towards commercial production, while Circularity JV remains targeted for commissioning in H2 FY27.

• Capacity Expansion & Operational Efficiency: Fuel additives capacity expanded from 290 KTPA to 360 KTPA, supporting higher volumes during the quarter. AIL continued to focus on cost optimisation, yield improvement, energy efficiency, and digital-led operational improvements across its manufacturing value chains.

• Health & Safety Excellence: Aarti Research and Technology Centre (ARTC), AIL’s R&D arm, was awarded the Sword of Honour 2026 by the British Safety Council after receiving a Five Star rating in health and safety management, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to safe and responsible innovation.

• Outlook: AIL expects to sustain its growth momentum, supported by export demand, progressing customer engagements and the commercialisation of new capacities. It remains focused on improving asset utilisation, operating efficiency, working capital management, and cash generation, alongside developing value-added speciality chemical platforms.

Mr Suyog Kotecha, Managing Director & CEO, Aarti Industries Limited, said:

“Over the past two years, our efforts have been directed towards strengthening the foundations for AIL’s next phase of growth. We have focused on expanding market participation, deepening customer partnerships, and building capabilities that let us serve a wider range of global requirements. These efforts are now driving stronger business momentum.

As global supply chains evolve, customers are placing increasing importance on reliability, technical depth, and long-term manufacturing partnerships. China’s evolving role in the global chemicals industry, including its anti-involution initiatives, coupled with India’s expanding trade relationships through FTAs, could create additional opportunities for growth across the sectors and for AIL over the medium to long term. We see an opportunity to deepen our participation in customers’ value chains supported by our integrated manufacturing model, R&D capabilities and differentiated chemistries

Our next phase focuses on converting the opportunities we have created into sustained earnings and stronger returns on our investments. Our priorities are clear: expand our share of customer business, bring new capabilities to productive utilisation and strengthen cash generation. We intend to pursue growth with the same emphasis on consistency, capital efficiency and long-term value creation.

About Aarti Industries Limited

Aarti Industries Limited (AIL) is a leading global speciality chemicals company with over four decades of expertise in complex process chemistries, scale-up and manufacturing. Established in 1984, AIL serves leading global and domestic customers across diverse end-use industries through a portfolio of 100+ products, supported by 16 manufacturing plants, four R&D centres and 250+ scientists.

With strong capabilities spanning research, process development, engineering and commercial-scale manufacturing, AIL continues to advance innovation, customer partnerships and sustainable growth. The Company has earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing it among the top 1% of companies assessed globally, and the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award. Reinforcing its commitment to world-class safety standards, AIL’s Aarti Research & Technology Centre (ARTC) has also received the prestigious Sword of Honour from the British Safety Council, along with a Five-Star Rating in its Occupational Health and Safety Audit.

With deep expertise across multiple chemistry platforms, an integrated manufacturing footprint, and strong R&D capabilities, AIL continues to strengthen its position as a trusted Global Partner of Choice.

Website: www.aarti-industries.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aarti-industries

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/aarti-industries-sustains-growth-momentum-in-q2-fy27-led-by-higher-volumes-302925023.html

Xinhua Silk Road: 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum to open in SE. China’s Putian on Oct. 31

BEIJING, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum will be held from October 31 to November 2 in Putian, southeast China’s Fujian Province. It will feature a main forum, 10 thematic forums and supporting events, with 13 additional venues. Overseas guests will come from 47 countries and regions.

The forum will unveil version 2.0 of the Mass Conservation Ocean Model (MaCOM), developed independently by China and made open-source worldwide. It will also host a ceremony to hand over an integrated smart terminal for China’s MAZU meteorological early warning solution to Sri Lanka, and award the first Mazu scholarships to support the training of meteorological professionals worldwide.

As of October 2026, the MAZU early warning solution has been deployed in eight countries, including Pakistan, Ethiopia and the Solomon Islands, with more than 50 other countries accessing it through a cloud platform, according to Chinese meteorological authorities.

A sub-forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Mazu culture and China-Brazil cultural exchanges will present the city’s legislative outcomes concerning Mazu Day and release an initiative on academic exchanges concerning Mazu culture and maritime civilization.

Thematic forums will cover the marine economy, ecological conservation and women’s development. Planned releases include a 2026 report on China’s maritime culture and a white paper on green, high-quality island development. The forums will also seek to advance a framework agreement on mangrove conservation and restoration and the establishment of a Mazu protection fund.

Held alongside the forum, the 28th Meizhou Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival will broadcast its opening ceremony live worldwide for the first time, showcasing Mazu sacrificial rituals, a national intangible cultural heritage item. The original dance drama Mazu will also make its world premiere in Putian.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352764.html

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-11th-global-mazu-culture-forum-to-open-in-se-chinas-putian-on-oct-31-302924988.html

Fintech OPay Raises $304 Million Ahead of NYSE Debut: NYSE Content Update

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on October 30th

• OPay will begin trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ‘OPAY.’
  • The firm’s IPO gives it a market cap above $4 billion.
  • NYSE Live will have extensive coverage of the celebration, including executive remarks and an interview with Co-CEO Lars Boilesen.
  • Connor Group Managing Partner Jim Neesen will deliver his latest insights on the current IPO market.
• Upwind raises $400 Million in Series C funding   
  • Upwind says the capital will boost its product and engineering growth.
  • The company’s latest round of funding comes less than nine months after it raised $250 million in a Series B round.
  • Co-founder + CEO Amiram Shachar will join Taking Stock to discuss how the funds will help defenders protect new risks in the AI era.
• Adobe becomes official AI Fan Experience Partner for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team
  • The company says it plans is to give fans tools to create and share their own content with AI
  • Adobe expands its global partnerships across other pro sports leagues including the NFL, MLB, and NHL. 
  • Adobe executive Marissa Dacay will join NYSE Live to elaborate on the company’s strategy in the sports ecosystem.

Opening Bell

OPay (NYSE: OPAY) celebrates its IPO

Closing Bell

The WLDA Summit rings the Closing Bell

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fintech-opay-raises-304-million-ahead-of-nyse-debut-nyse-content-update-302924923.html