23, Oct 2026
PNB MetLife Launches Momentum Quality Index Fund for Long-Term Financial Goals
NEW DELHI, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife), one of India’s leading life insurers, has launched the PNB MetLife Momentum Quality Index Fund, under its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)[1]. The fund combines equity market participation with life cover and is designed for Indian customers seeking long-term capital growth through disciplined investing.
The fund has been introduced under PNB MetLife’s Smart GEM – (ULIF 04519/10/26MOMENTUMQL117) and SIPP Pro – (ULIF04619/10/26PEMOMENTQL117) products. For Smart GEM, the New Fund Offer (NFO) period will run from October 19– 29, 2026, at an initial Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹10 per unit. For SIPP Pro, the New Fund Offer (NFO) period will remain open from October 19-November 4, 2026, at an initial Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹10 per unit[2].
PNB MetLife Momentum Quality Index Fund tracks the BSE 500 Momentum Quality 50 Index (customised)[3]. The fund follows a multi-factor strategy combining two complementary investment factors: momentum, which reflects market trends, and quality, which focuses on the financial fundamentals of businesses. This rule-based approach brings the two factors together within a single investment strategy.
It helps customers link today’s disciplined investing to their longer-term life goals, alongside financial protection for their family[4].
Key Features:
- Balanced Market Participation: Quality focuses on financially superior businesses, while momentum factors aim to capture growth during bullish rallies.
- Diversified Exposure: Factor-based investing targets specific drivers of return, such as value, quality, and momentum, rather than assigning weights by company size alone. This enables exposure to be spread across multiple sectors, allowing diversification.
- Long–term Orientation: Encourages sustained investment through market cycles to support financial goals.
- Life Cover with Retirement Readiness: As a ULIP-linked fund, it combines equity growth potential with life insurance protection, helping customers work towards a dedicated long-term corpus alongside financial protection for their family.
Investment risk in this policy is borne by the policyholder, and unit-linked products carry a five-year lock-in. Please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.
Speaking on the launch, Sourabh Lohtia, Chief Marketing Officer, PNB MetLife said, “As customers think about their financial future, they are increasingly looking for solutions that can help them pursue long-term goals while also providing life insurance protection. At PNB MetLife, our focus is on giving customers more choices to plan for important life milestones with confidence. The Momentum Quality Index Fund strengthens this proposition by bringing together a disciplined approach to investing with the protection offered through ULIPs.”
[1] PNB MetLife Momentum Quality Index Fund is a passively managed fund with the BSE 500 Momentum Quality 50 Index (customised) as its benchmark
[2] For Smart GEM, the NFO period will run from 19th October – 29th October 2026, with units being allotted at an initial NAV of ₹10 on 30th October 2026. For SIPP Pro, the NFO period will remain open from 19th October- 4th November 2026, with units being allotted at an initial NAV of ₹10, on 5thNovember 2026
[3] Customised index created and maintained by BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd. for PNB MetLife India to meet IRDAI investment norms
[4] IN THIS POLICY, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. The unit linked insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. Policyholder will not be able to surrender/ withdraw the money invested in unit-linked insurance products completely or partially until the end of the fifth year.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/pnb-metlife-launches-momentum-quality-index-fund-for-long-term-financial-goals-302917869.html
- 0
- By Sai Krishna
23, Oct 2026
SBC and V&V Group Announce Strategic Consolidation of Technology and AI Capabilities into a Joint-Venture Platform
14 tax-technology products and intellectual assets came together under a common AI-native integration layer, creating an integrated platform spanning transfer pricing, corporate tax, GST, e-invoicing, audit and suite of accounting products. Combined businesses served 1,500–2,000 clients, including over 350 multinational groups, and brought together nearly 500 professionals, with plans to expand into four to five jurisdictions within 24 months
HYDERABAD, India, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Steadfast Business Consulting (SBC), a Hyderabad-headquartered international tax, transfer pricing and tax-technology group, and V&V Group, a Bengaluru-based GST and audit-technology group, announced a strategic consolidation of their technology assets and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into a joint-venture technology platform. The initiative marks a significant step towards building an Indian-owned, AI-enabled technology enterprise that combines deep tax expertise, proprietary software and intelligent automation to serve businesses and professional services firms across global markets.
The consolidation brings together 14 technology products and intellectual assets spanning transfer pricing, corporate taxation, GST, e-invoicing, audit, bookkeeping and regulatory compliance. Together, the two organisations serve approximately 1,500–2,000 clients, including more than 350 multinational groups, and brings together nearly 500 professionals, comprising 40–50 chartered accountants and 40–50 engineers. Their services businesses across India, the UAE, the United States and Europe are positioned to serve as the platform’s first customers and international distribution channel.
The combined portfolio includes SBC’s TP Doc Gen AI (TAIGA), TaxMate, FixTag, SBC Track and ROC Data, alongside V&V Group’s GSTZen, WeAudit, DeskAudit, Papilio and the Tidy suite. The common AI-native integration layer is designed to connect these products, streamline workflows and reduce duplication in technology development, data infrastructure and service delivery.
Commenting on the announcement, CA Mithilesh Reddy, Founder & Managing Partner, SBC, said, “Indian firms never lacked talent. We lacked scale and ownership of our tools. This combination gave us both. By bringing together our domain expertise, proprietary technologies and AI capabilities, we took an important step towards building a globally competitive, Indian-owned technology enterprise. Our vision was to move beyond traditional consulting models and create a platform where every service engagement benefited from our own technology, enabling us to deliver greater efficiency, consistency and value to businesses worldwide.”
The combined technology estate included 51 AI agents, of which 44 are operational. The proposed common AI layer brings together regulatory knowledge, tax laws, rulings, comparables and financial data to support automation across document preparation, data processing, reporting and audit-related workflows. The architecture is designed to integrate with client enterprise resource planning systems, India’s GST and e-invoicing infrastructure, and relevant data providers.
The platform follows a human-led decision-making model: AI executed repetitive and data-intensive tasks, while qualified professionals retained responsibility for interpretation, review and final decisions. This approach sought to combine the speed and scalability of automation with professional judgement, accountability and regulatory expertise.
Vinay Thyagaraj, Co-founder, V&V Group and GSTZen, said, “Our GST, e-invoicing and audit engines already supported Indian businesses in managing their everyday compliance requirements. Bringing these capabilities together with SBC’s expertise in international taxation and transfer pricing created an opportunity to build a more comprehensive technology platform. With one AI layer and a wider global channel, we aimed to transform proven India-built solutions into scalable products that businesses and professional services firms across the world could use. Our focus remained on using technology to simplify complexity while keeping qualified professionals at the centre of decision-making.”
The organisations outlined a four-phase integration roadmap spanning 24 months. The initial 90 days focused on establishing joint technology leadership, a common data infrastructure and an integrated product roadmap. The next phase envisaged cross-selling opportunities across the combined client base and the establishment of a shared delivery centre. Within 12 months, the technology joint venture planned to introduce new products, including UAE e-invoicing, WeAudit AI and TidyBooks AI. The final phase targeted operations across four to five jurisdictions within 24 months.
TidyBooks AI is envisioned as an integrated platform connecting invoicing, accounting, financial statements, audit files and transfer pricing documentation. The roadmap also includes expanding the technology portfolio into global VAT and e-invoicing requirements, with Dubai positioned as a regional hub for the Gulf Cooperation Council market.
The consolidation is expected to generate operational efficiencies through a shared engineering team, common data stack, unified AI gateway, integrated delivery infrastructure and a single go-to-market strategy. The model followed a ‘build once, deploy everywhere‘ approach, allowing the organisations to scale technology across their combined client base without duplicating development efforts.
Beyond serving their own clients, the organisations envisage a white-label and subscription-based delivery model that enabled other professional and consulting firms to access the platform under their own brands. The approach was intended to help smaller and mid-sized firms adopt advanced technology without having to independently develop and maintain complex software infrastructure.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for technology-enabled professional services. By combining its accounting expertise, engineering talent and cost-efficient delivery capabilities, the group aimed to export technology-led tax and compliance solutions to international markets while creating opportunities for professionals skilled in AI, taxation and regulatory technology.
About SBC: SBC is an international tax, transfer pricing and tax-technology group with operations in Hyderabad and Dubai and a presence in the United States. It serves more than 350 multinational groups across international taxation, transfer pricing, Advance Pricing Agreements, UAE corporate tax, Pillar Two, virtual CFO services and Global Capability Centre advisory. Its technology portfolio includes TP Doc Gen AI (TAIGA) and TaxMate. SBC is a member of Kreston Global, an international network spanning more than 120 countries. Website: steadfastconsultants.in
About V&V Group and GSTZen: V&V Group, co-founded by Vinay Thyagaraj and CA Venugopal Gella, is a Bengaluru-based technology group specializing in GST, e-invoicing, audit automation, bookkeeping, VAT and customs technology. Its portfolio includes GSTZen, WeAudit, DeskAudit and the Tidy suite of products. The group focuses on simplifying tax compliance, financial reporting and audit processes through technology-enabled solutions. Website: gstzen.in
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/sbc-and-vv-group-announce-strategic-consolidation-of-technology-and-ai-capabilities-into-a-joint-venture-platform-302917845.html
23, Oct 2026
Indian Stock Markets Open Higher as IT Stocks Rally Despite Global Weakness
Mumbai, Oct 23: Indian equity benchmarks opened higher on Friday, supported by strong buying in information technology (IT) stocks and positive domestic factors, even as weak global market cues weighed on investor sentiment.
Representational Image
The BSE Sensex opened at 73,665.64, gaining more than 400 points, or 0.57 per cent. The NSE Nifty 50 started the session at 22,742.20, up 54.55 points, or 0.24 per cent.
IT Stocks Lead Market Gains
The technology sector emerged as the key driver of the morning rally, with the Nifty IT index rising nearly 3 per cent. The Nifty MidSmall IT & Telecom index also advanced by around 1 per cent, reflecting sustained buying interest in technology-related shares.
The Nifty Pharma and Nifty Healthcare indices traded marginally higher, providing additional support to the broader market.
However, selling pressure persisted in select sectors. The Nifty Metal, Nifty Realty and Nifty MidSmall Financial Services indices declined by up to 1 per cent.
Crude Oil Prices Remain a Concern
Market analysts cautioned that rising international crude oil prices could pose a significant challenge to the Indian economy and equity markets. Brent crude prices climbing to $114 per barrel have raised concerns about inflation, the country’s import bill and corporate profitability.
On the positive side, the US 10-year Treasury yield declined sharply to 4.96 per cent, while the Indian rupee appreciated to 94.70 against the US dollar, according to the market figures cited by analysts. These developments could help moderate foreign institutional investor (FII) selling pressure.
IPO Funds May Boost Liquidity
Analysts also expect a potential liquidity boost following the allotment of shares in the Jio Platforms initial public offering (IPO).
Of the Rs 3.73 lakh crore reportedly committed to the IPO, more than Rs 3 lakh crore is expected to return to the financial system after the allotment process, potentially by Monday. The release of these funds could improve market liquidity and support equities in the coming week.
However, the extent of any market impact will depend on how investors redeploy the released funds and on prevailing domestic and international conditions.
Nifty Technical Outlook
Technical indicators presented a mixed picture for the benchmark index.
The Nifty’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 43.98, above its average of 38.86, suggesting some improvement in momentum. Meanwhile, the Put-Call Ratio (PCR) eased to 0.82.
Analysts identified the 22,600–22,650 range as an immediate support zone for the Nifty, while resistance was seen between 22,900 and 23,000.
A sustained move above resistance could improve near-term sentiment, while a break below support may increase selling pressure.
FIIs Sell, Domestic Institutions Provide Support
Foreign institutional investors continued to remain net sellers on Thursday, offloading equities worth Rs 3,459 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), however, helped cushion the impact by purchasing shares worth Rs 2,891 crore on a net basis.
The divergence between foreign and domestic institutional flows remains an important factor influencing the direction of Indian equities.
Global Markets Weigh on Sentiment
Global market developments continued to pose challenges for investors. In the United States, the Nasdaq Composite fell 2.6 per cent on Thursday amid a technology sell-off linked to concerns surrounding artificial intelligence-related stocks.
Asian markets also opened lower on Friday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 declining around 1.7 per cent.
Despite these external headwinds, buying in Indian IT stocks and expectations of improving liquidity helped domestic benchmarks begin the session in positive territory.
Market Outlook
Indian equities may remain sensitive to movements in crude oil prices, foreign fund flows, currency fluctuations and global technology stocks. The anticipated return of IPO-related funds could provide near-term support, although sustained gains will depend on broader market conditions and investor confidence.
Investors are likely to monitor the Nifty’s immediate support and resistance levels closely as the market seeks direction amid mixed domestic and international signals.
23, Oct 2026
ICBA, OpenAI Announce Strategic Alliance to Bring Frontier AI Cybersecurity Capabilities to Community Banks
Washington, D.C. | Oct 23 — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and OpenAI today announced a landmark strategic alliance to help community banks access AI-enabled cybersecurity capabilities, training, and peer-to-peer engagement. The alliance builds on ICBA’s broader advocacy to ensure community banks are included as advanced AI capabilities are developed and deployed.
Earlier this year, ICBA led development of the Secure & AI-Ready America Action Plan, which called for federal action to address AI-enabled cybersecurity risks and expand access to advanced defensive capabilities for critical infrastructure providers. The partnership connects that priority with OpenAI’s Daybreak for Frontline Defenders, creating a pathway for community banks to access advanced cyber capabilities, training, and technical support.
“Community banks do not need to navigate the AI era alone,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Through our new alliance, ICBA and OpenAI are helping ensure community bankers have a seat at the table as some of the world’s most advanced cybersecurity capabilities are developed and deployed. Our members will have opportunities to learn directly from leading AI experts, explore defensive capabilities, and share lessons learned so they can make informed decisions that strengthen the resilience of their institutions and the communities they serve.”
“Protecting America’s financial infrastructure means making sure community banks have access to advanced tools to defend it,” said OpenAI Head of National Security Policy Sasha Baker. “Through Daybreak for Frontline Defenders and our work with ICBA, we’re helping put AI-powered cyber defenses within reach of the banks that Main Street depends on—with the training and support to use them effectively. The strength of a bank’s defenses shouldn’t depend on the size of its technology budget.”
What this Alliance Means for Community Banks
Through this alliance, eligible ICBA member banks will have a pathway to explore OpenAI’s Daybreak for Frontline Defenders, which is designed to support defensive cybersecurity work, including vulnerability identification and validation, threat investigation, authorized security testing, remediation support, risk prioritization, and other cybersecurity workflows.
The alliance will also provide ICBA-member community banks with:
Subsidized access to Daybreak for Frontline Defenders for eligible institutions in accordance with OpenAI’s program requirements.
ICBA member-exclusive education and training with OpenAI experts.
ICBA’s new AI Show-n-Tell sessions, providing a practical forum for community banks to demonstrate real-world AI use cases, discuss implementation challenges, and share lessons learned.
The AI Adoption group on ICBA Community, ICBA’s peer-to-peer network of more than 8,000 community bankers allowing members to exchange resources, questions, and practical experiences.
Together, ICBA and OpenAI aim to make advanced cybersecurity capabilities more practical and accessible for community banks, whether an institution is ready to explore frontier AI today or is still developing its AI strategy. As these technologies evolve, ICBA and OpenAI will continue working to identify sustainable, cost-effective approaches that enable community banks of varying sizes and technical maturity to participate and benefit.
23, Oct 2026
QFocus Technologies Scales Global Engineering Business, Plans to Triple Workforce in 2027 to Support Growing Customer Demand
BENGALURU, India and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QFocus Technologies LLC (QFocus), headquartered in the USA, is strengthening its global engineering operations following continued business growth across its key markets. The company has doubled its customer base to include top OEMs and CMs across AI infrastructure, medical devices and industrial products, adding multiple new customer engagements over the past 12 months.
Since its inception, QFocus has built relationships with leading global organizations across the technology and manufacturing ecosystem, supporting engineering programs for a global electronics manufacturing and supply chain solutions provider, a leading computational software company serving the semiconductor design industry, a frontier AI company advancing AI infrastructure and computing, and a global medical technology company, amongst others.
These customer programs also offer QFocus engineers opportunities to work on real-world engineering challenges for global organizations, gain exposure to international engineering practices and contribute to technologies and products with applications across industries. By working alongside experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and supporting demanding customer requirements, engineers can deepen their technical capabilities while gaining experience across the product development and manufacturing lifecycle.
The company plans to triple the number of its engineers globally over the next 12 months, strengthening its capabilities across AI/ML & software engineering, data science & engineering, ASIC hardware & embedded software design, validation & verification, and manufacturing & quality engineering. The expansion will support QFocus’ growing portfolio of global customer programs while further positioning it as a premier SME-led engineering services provider globally.
Founder & CEO Ajit Chandorkar said, “We see tremendous opportunities to support customers navigating complex development and manufacturing environments. Our delivery model pairs industry-recognized SMEs directly with agile engineering teams, combining strategic foresight with technical execution to address our customers’ most intricate challenges. Expanding our product engineering team alongside our AI capabilities will further strengthen this approach, enabling our customers to accelerate time-to-market, elevate product quality and improve operational efficiency. As we continue to build our engineering capabilities, we remain focused on fostering a high-caliber team that delivers world-class solutions and creates lasting value for our customers.”
QFocus is also continuing to build relationships with academic institutions and engineering partners globally to strengthen its talent pipeline and create opportunities for engineering professionals to work on emerging technology areas.
About QFocus Technologies
QFocus is a US-based design and manufacturing engineering service provider, delivering consulting-led services that help clients achieve faster time-to-market and improved process and product quality. QFocus’ comprehensive service portfolio spans embedded systems & AI, manufacturing/quality engineering, factory data analytics, and operational excellence. QFocus serves clients across Medical & Life Sciences, AI Infrastructure and CE, and Industrial & Transport sectors.
QFocus fosters a vibrant environment of joy, excitement, creativity, and innovation, placing inclusion, empathy, and empowerment for every employee and partner at the heart of its growing culture. We are a team of Go-Getters in the making!
For more information about QFocus and its services, visit www.qfocustech.com or contact ops@qfocustech.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/qfocus-technologies-scales-global-engineering-business-plans-to-triple-workforce-in-2027-to-support-growing-customer-demand-302917772.html
23, Oct 2026
Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launches the sixth edition of the ‘Emirates Energy Award’, worth USD 1 million
On the second day of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES):
Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launches the sixth edition of the ‘Emirates Energy Award’, worth USD 1 million, under the theme “Innovating for Sustainable and Resilient Energy”
Dubai, UAE, Oct 23: The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launched the 6th Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2026–2028 held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme ‘Innovating for Sustainable and Resilient Energy’. This announcement was made by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of Emirates Energy Award, during the activities of the 12th edition of the World Green Economy Summit at Dubai World Trade Centre.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, said: “I am pleased to announce the launch of the sixth cycle of Emirates Energy Award 2026–2028, organised by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy under the theme ‘Innovating for Sustainable and Resilient Energy’. This new theme aligns with the vision of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the United Arab Emirates as a global hub for innovation in sustainable and resilient energy sector. The theme also reflects the Award’s direction to enhance the sustainability and resilience of energy systems, while strengthening their capacity to address climate change, thereby supporting sustainable development and strengthening global energy security.”
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer added: “Emirates Energy Award is aligned with the objectives of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. It also reflects our belief that innovation is a fundamental pillar in building an energy sector that is more efficient, resilient and better equipped to adapt to future changes. Through the forward-looking vision and sound directives of the wise leadership, Dubai is a leading global model in the transition towards clean and sustainable energy, and in consolidating innovation and resilience in the energy sector.The sixth cycle of the Award will continue to serve as a leading platform for recognising outstanding initiatives, projects and practices that deliver practical and innovative solutions, contribute to the advancement of the energy sector, enhance its sustainability and resilience, and support efforts to build a secure and sustainable energy system capable of keeping pace with global transformations.”
HE Al Tayer added: “Emirates Energy Award 2026-2028 carries a total award value of USD 1 million across ten categories, reflecting the breadth of the Award’s priorities, from advancing energy efficiency across the public and private sectors and supporting energy projects of different scales, to promoting the circular economy and the wider adoption of distributed solar energy solutions. The categories also highlight the importance of education and capacity building, research and development, innovation, and empowering young talent to contribute to the energy solutions of the future.”
HE Al Tayer added further: “We take this opportunity to invite institutions, organisations and individuals involved in the energy sector to participate in the sixth cycle of Emirates Energy Award and to present their experiences, solutions and outstanding projects that embody the spirit of innovation and respond to the requirements of the next phase. Moreover, we aspire for this cycle to serve as a catalyst for the development of more efficient, capable and resilient practices, while accelerating the adoption of solutions that enhance the reliability of the energy sector, strengthen its readiness for the future, and open new horizons for sustainable development. In conclusion, we hope that the sixth cycle of the Award will contribute to advancing the transition towards a clean and sustainable energy system, while safeguarding our planet’s resources and preserving them for generations to come.”
Emirates Energy Award has consolidated its position as an international platform that showcases best solutions and innovations made across the region and globally in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, education, and research and development. Over its five previous cycles, the Award has recognised a diverse range of winners from government, private-sector and academic institutions, among others. These achievements reflect the cumulative efforts that have helped advance innovation and deliver more modernised solutions that address the needs of vital sectors, both regionally and globally.
Over its five previous cycles, Emirates Energy Award has honoured a total of 151 winners. The first four cycles recognised 118 winners, while the fifth cycle honoured 33 winners, reflecting the Award’s expanding reach and its continued role in highlighting outstanding initiatives and projects across the various fields of energy and sustainability.
HE Ahmed Butti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award said: “The sixth cycle of the Emirates Energy Award marks a new phase in the Award’s journey, guided by a vision focused on translating innovation into tangible impact across the energy sector. It seeks to encourage solutions that enhance efficiency, improve resource management, and strengthen the ability of systems and infrastructure to operate efficiently under varying conditions. The theme of this cycle, ‘Innovating for Sustainable and Resilient Energy’, reflects the need to move beyond conventional solutions towards more advanced models that are better equipped to respond to the rapid changes shaping the global energy sector.”
HE Al Muhairbi added, “We view the Award as an important platform for accelerating promising ideas and highlighting projects that deliver key value and demonstrate the potential for scalability and implementation, whether in energy generation, management, storage or efficiency. The Award also helps showcase experiences that harness technology, circular economy approaches and smart solutions to improve performance, reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency, thereby supporting the competitiveness of the energy sector and encouraging institutions and companies to adopt more advanced and future-ready solutions.”
Over the course of its five previous cycles, Emirates Energy Award has consolidated its role as an incubator for pioneering ideas. Innovative contributions in the field of clean energy demonstrate the Award’s ability to inspire creative minds to address global energy challenges. This direction also aligns with the UAE’s role in fostering an enabling environment for innovation across clean energy through initiatives and strategies that help create favourable conditions for transforming emerging projects into scalable and implementable models.
HE Al Muhairbi noted: “We expect strong participation from youth and entrepreneurs in the Award, which represents a key element in endorsing diversity and innovation through the development of practical and resilient solutions that keep pace with global transformations and support the UAE’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality. The ideas we have seen from these emerging projects in previous cycles open new opportunities for building a sustainable economy and a society that is more aware of clean energy.”
During the press conference, Taher Diab, Secretary-General of Emirates Energy Award, provided a detailed overview of the Award’s objectives and categories, which have reinforced its position as a platform for innovation in the energy sector by contributing to the advancement of clean energy and highlighting best practices and pioneering achievements in energy efficiency.
The Emirates Energy Award is granted across the Award’s 10 categories, including: Energy Efficiency – Public Sector; Energy Efficiency – Private Sector; Large Energy Project; Small Energy Project; Circular Economy; Large Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation ≥ 500 kW); Small Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation < 500 kW); Education and Capacity Building; Research and Development; and Young Energy Professional.
23, Oct 2026
From Fruit Matcha to Seaweed Gelato: Discover and Source Japan’s Trending Foods at “JAPAN’S FOOD” EXPORT FAIR Winter 2026
Why Japanese Traditional Foods Are Worth Watching
Three Japanese Food Finds to Explore This Winter
- Fruit Matcha: A Modern Twist on Traditional Japanese Tea
-
Suji Ao Gelato: A Modern Japanese Dessert Inspired by Seaweed
-
Kaori Gatsuo Natto: Traditional Fermented Soybeans with a Smoky Bonito Flavor
More to Discover at “JAPAN’S FOOD” EXPORT FAIR Winter 2026
Discover 3,000+ Japanese Products & Regional Specialties – Explore everything from premium matcha and wagyu beef to sake, seafood, and unique regional specialties rarely found overseas.
- NEW! Japanese Tableware & Kitchenware Fair – Debuting this winter, the new fair offers buyers the opportunity to source Japanese tableware and kitchenware alongside food products.
- Connect with Suppliers Through Free Matching Service – Share your sourcing needs and schedule meetings in advance to connect with potential suppliers efficiently.
November 11–13, 2026 | Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
23, Oct 2026
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives Unveils New Campaign featuring Adriana Lima
A new visual campaign captures the vision of unique island living, through light, water and Baccarat’s world of crystal – shot by world-renowned photographer Russell James
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives unveils a new brand campaign starring internationally renowned model Adriana Lima, offering a cinematic interpretation of residential ownership and the distinctive way of life imagined for Baccarat’s first island in the Maldives.
Shot against the natural landscape of the Indian Ocean, by iconic photographer Russell James, the campaign explores the interplay between light, water and nature and Baccarat’s world of crystal, craftsmanship and French artistry. Across a series of intimate visual moments, Lima brings to life the rituals of residential living in the Maldives – from quiet mornings and time spent with family to swimming, exploring and gathering together by the water – from the luxury of your own home.
At its heart, the campaign presents how owning a residence in the Maldives can be a way of life, rather than simply a place to stay. The residences are conceived around the rhythms of the Maldivian landscape, with the natural environment providing the backdrop to everyday life. All 62 turnkey residences, ranging from two to five bedrooms, embody the maison’s timeless sophistication with light-filled interiors that bring the outside in. Expansive layouts with 20-metre private infinity pools, dual outdoor showers, fire pits for starlit gatherings, personal yoga pavilions, and fully equipped bars for seamless al fresco indulgence create the idyllic island lifestyle.
For the first time, the campaign reveals the Maldives’ only golf residences. A collection of five homes situated around the island’s private nine-hole golf course, curated entirely for those who embrace daily active living to the backdrop of the Maldives’ most desirable settings.
Russell James is a globally recognized fine art and fashion photographer known for expertly capturing human experience and the true essence of places and people. Russell James comments: “The extraordinary beauty of Adriana immersed in the perfect nature of the Maldives is one of the most authentic and logical photographic series I have had the pleasure to create.”
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives comprises a collection of five islands across 125 acres in the South Malé Atoll, with 62 private residences and 50 villas enveloped by the Indian Ocean. As the first Baccarat-branded residences in the Indian Ocean, the project carries over 250 years of the Maison’s heritage and artistry. Designed by world-renowned partners including 1508 London, HKS, L’Observatoire International, and Marcel Wanders, the destination embodies timeless sophistication and contemporary craftsmanship.
The new campaign featuring Adriana Lima is now live on baccaratmaldivesresidences.com | @baccaratmaldivesresidences.
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives is managed by Starwood Hotels, the property offers a curated lifestyle of culinary excellence and holistic wellbeing, with seven specialty restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center, and an array of sports and leisure facilities. Every detail reflects Baccarat’s enduring commitment to the art of living beautifully.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/baccarat-hotel–residences-maldives-unveils-new-campaign-featuring-adriana-lima-302917037.html
23, Oct 2026
Odisha Woos Global Investors at India Chem 2026, Eyes Chemical-Led Industrial Growth
Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has invited domestic and international investors to explore opportunities in the state’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector, pitching Odisha as a promising destination for downstream manufacturing, specialty chemicals and emerging industrial value chains.
Pic Credit: x.com/IPR_Odisha
Addressing the CEO Roundtable at India Chem 2026 in Mumbai on Thursday, Majhi outlined the state government’s vision of transforming Odisha from a predominantly mineral-driven economy into a chemical-led industrial hub. The roundtable was chaired by Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s port infrastructure, refinery capacity, industrial feedstock availability, established manufacturing base and connectivity to domestic and international markets as key advantages for prospective investors.
He also assured industry representatives that the state would work closely with companies throughout the investment process, from site selection and infrastructure development to regulatory approvals, project execution and commercial operations.
Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur in Focus
Odisha’s investment strategy centres on leveraging its coastal infrastructure and industrial clusters to attract new chemical and petrochemical projects.
Majhi identified Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur as potential destinations for port-based industries, while Angul and Dhenkanal offer opportunities for projects seeking proximity to metals, coal, power and established industrial consumers.
The state’s existing industrial ecosystem, including steel, aluminium, fertiliser and mining units, provides a substantial potential market for industrial gases, process chemicals, specialised coatings, refractories and water-treatment products.
Odisha is seeking to build on these demand centres by encouraging downstream manufacturing and developing supplier networks that can support both existing industries and new investments.
The state’s 15-million-tonne-per-annum refinery at Paradip, the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), Indian Oil Corporation’s refinery and petrochemical complex, and the Plastic Park at Paradip form important elements of this strategy.
These facilities are expected to support investment opportunities in polymers, packaging, technical textiles and other petrochemical-based products.
Infrastructure and Faster Approvals on the Agenda
Emphasising the need for a supportive industrial ecosystem, Majhi said the state was working towards facilitating shared infrastructure, including common effluent treatment plants, logistics and storage facilities, utility corridors, pipeline connectivity and deep-sea discharge systems, depending on project requirements.
The government also intends to coordinate statutory approvals through a collaborative approach involving the Industries Department, Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL), Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), the State Pollution Control Board and other relevant agencies.
The aim is to improve coordination and provide investors with greater clarity on project timelines and regulatory requirements. Locations with pre-approved environmental clearances, including at Gopalpur, could also help expedite project development, subject to applicable statutory conditions.
Push for Specialty and Green Chemicals
The Chief Minister encouraged companies to consider investments across a range of emerging and established segments, including coal-to-chemicals, coal-gasification derivatives, specialty chemicals, fluorochemicals, battery materials, advanced polymers, refrigerants and green-chemical value chains.
He reiterated the state government’s willingness to welcome industries, including red-category industrial units, while maintaining environmental safeguards, safety standards and regulatory compliance.
The approach, he indicated, would focus on combining investment facilitation with responsible industrial development.
Odisha Seeks to Expand Beyond Minerals
The investment pitch at India Chem 2026 reflects Odisha’s broader ambition to diversify its industrial base by increasing value addition to its existing resource and infrastructure advantages.
By attracting downstream chemical industries, the state aims to strengthen manufacturing linkages, expand industrial supplier networks and create opportunities across multiple sectors.
The success of the initiative will depend on translating investment interest into projects supported by reliable infrastructure, feedstock availability, efficient clearances and environmental safeguards.
With its ports, refinery infrastructure and established industrial clusters, Odisha is positioning itself to play a larger role in India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry.
23, Oct 2026
Five Rescued Orangutans May Return to Indonesia Soon; Smuggling Network Remains Untraced
Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: The process to repatriate five orangutan infants rescued from Bichitrapur forest in Odisha’s Balasore district has gathered momentum, with Indonesia preparing to send a team of wildlife experts to India next month. However, the investigation into the suspected international wildlife trafficking network behind their arrival in Odisha remains inconclusive.
A five-member team of Indonesian wildlife experts is expected to visit India in November to coordinate the repatriation process. The animals, rescued on September 8, are currently being housed at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, where they are reportedly healthy and receiving veterinary care.
The proposed transfer will depend on the completion of the necessary legal formalities and regulatory procedures, along with coordination between the authorities of the two countries.
Investigation Yet to Identify Suspected Traffickers
While preparations are underway to send the orangutans back to their country of origin, the Crime Branch’s Special Task Force (STF) is continuing its investigation into how the animals were brought to Odisha and who was responsible for their alleged trafficking.
Investigators have reportedly examined CCTV footage to trace the movement of the orangutans from Kolkata through Digha before they reached Bichitrapur in Balasore district. Despite these efforts, the suspected smugglers and the wider network allegedly involved in the operation remain unidentified.
The case has raised concerns about the possible movement of protected wildlife across international borders and the challenges involved in tracing those responsible for such activities.
DNA Testing Remains a Key Step
The Forest Department has maintained that DNA testing is necessary to establish the species and origin of the rescued animals. However, the tests have not yet been conducted, leaving an important aspect of the investigation pending.
Scientific confirmation, along with the completion of the required documentation and clearances, is expected to play a significant role in determining the next steps for the animals’ repatriation.
Previous Repatriation Offers a Precedent
In a similar case, a Sumatran orangutan rescued in India in November 2024 was recently returned to Indonesia through coordinated efforts involving wildlife authorities in both countries and officials associated with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
That case highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing wildlife trafficking and ensuring the safe return of animals to their country of origin.
For the five orangutan infants at Nandankanan, the immediate priority remains their continued care and safe repatriation once all necessary procedures are completed.
As Indonesian experts prepare for their expected November visit, attention remains divided between the efforts to bring the animals home and the unanswered questions surrounding how they entered Odisha and who facilitated their alleged illegal transportation.
