28, Oct 2026
HighPoint Launches Gen5 AI Upgrade Solutions: Bringing Blackwell GPU Compute and Gen5 Storage to Edge Infrastructure

Technical dedicated Solutions Page Enables x86 Edge Infrastructure to Run 600W Blackwell Accelerators and Gen5 Storage at Full 64 GB/s Line Rate Without Full Platform Refreshes.

FREMONT, CA — October 2026 — HighPoint Technologies, Inc., a pioneer in high-performance PCIe switching architectures and NVMe storage connectivity, has unveiled its new portfolio of Gen5 AI Upgrade Solutions. Engineered for systems integrators and AI infrastructure professionals, the new dedicated landing page details deployment architectures for adding NVIDIA Blackwell RTX 6000 Pro GPUs and high-density Gen5 NVMe arrays to existing x86 Intel and AMD systems via autonomous hardware-level P2P switching fabric.

Overcoming the Physical and Bus Bottlenecks of Edge AI

As large language models, multimodal vision pipelines, and real-time inference expand into decentralized edge environments, engineering teams face critical infrastructure roadblocks:

The Gen4 Replacement Dilemma: Swapping out entire server backbones for native Gen5 hardware demands significant capital expenditure and introduces extensive project delays driven by persistent market supply constraints for enterprise Gen5 CPUs and DDR5 memory.

The Physical Edge Barrier: Compact 1U/2U server chassis and short-depth edge enclosures often face severe slot limitations, insufficient onboard power, and thermal constraints that physically prevent housing 600W active-cooled GPUs internally.

HighPoint’s Gen5 AI Upgrade Solutions resolve both challenges at the silicon layer, unlocking native NVIDIA GPUDirect P2P and GPUDirect Storage (GDS) compatibility across x86 Intel and AMD platforms. Powered by an integrated 48-lane Broadcom PCIe Gen5 switch and PCI-SIG CopprLink connectivity, these solutions establish a localized, autonomous downstream sub-fabric. High-throughput AI workloads execute via hardware-level Peer-to-Peer (P2P) DMA at full line-rate (up to 64 GB/s bi-directional)—transferring data directly between local NVMe storage, edge accelerators, and GPUs while completely bypassing the host CPU, system RAM, and host motherboard bus.

“Edge AI architects are caught between two bad options: replace entire server fleets prematurely, or sacrifice GPU performance due to host bus bottlenecks,” said May Hwang, Marketing Director at HighPoint Technologies. “Our Gen5 AI Upgrade Solutions offers an immediate third path. By combining dedicated 64 GB/s CopprLink cabling with our autonomous 48-lane switching fabric, system builders can integrate Blackwell-class compute and Gen5 storage into their existing x86 Intel and AMD edge footprints at full line rate.”

Three Targeted Architectural Deployment Models

The newly launched solution details three modular hardware deployment blueprints tailored to real-world edge environments:

1. Disaggregated External Compute: Couples the Rocket 7634D/7638D/1638E host adapter with the RocketStor 8631D-1300W enclosure over dedicated CopprLink™ CDFP x16 cabling, offloading 1300W of power and active cooling outside 1U/2U servers to run 600W Blackwell GPUs at continuous peak boost clocks.

2. Vertical / Cascading PCIe Expansion: Bridges the Rocket 1600A Series to secondary adapters like the Rocket 1528D via high-density MCIO connections, multiplying a single host x16 slot into an expansive hierarchy supporting 8+ NVMe drives alongside edge GPUs and NPU accelerators without chassis overhauls.

3. Horizontal Direct PCIe Expansion: Connects GPUs and Gen5 NVMe scratch pools directly to a single-tier crossbar matrix (such as the Rocket 7638D), delivering zero-hop, ultra-low latency (~100–150 ns) for live inference, token caching, and prompt fine-tuning.

28, Oct 2026
SWISS celebrates inaugural flight to Bengaluru

SWISS celebrates inaugural flight to Bengaluru

 

Today at 1:34 p.m., SWISS flight LX140 departed Zurich for Bengaluru for the first time. With five weekly nonstop flights, we are connecting Switzerland with one of India’s most dynamic technology and business hubs. The new route opens up exciting opportunities for our guests, whether they are traveling for business, visiting family and friends, or exploring southern India.

On the occasion of the inaugural flight, SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger said:

“With Bengaluru, we are launching more than just a new flight route. We are creating new opportunities for our guests, for Swiss companies, and for Switzerland as a business location. India is a market with enormous potential, and Bengaluru is one of Asia’s leading technology and innovation hubs. Alongside Delhi and Mumbai, Bengaluru is our third destination in India. We are making a targeted investment in the growth of our long-haul network while also strengthening Switzerland’s international connectivity. In an increasingly interconnected world, personal encounters and direct exchanges are more important than ever.”

For more background on the addition of Bengaluru to our route network, please see the media release we published in May.

To mark the launch of our new route, we invite you to discover Bengaluru with SWISS Magazine and explore two sides of this vibrant Indian metropolis: Indian actress Nidhhi Agerwal takes us on a journey through her hometown, showcasing Bengaluru in all its colors. Only in Bengaluru for a short business trip? We share five places where you can discover a different side of the city between meetings. Here are our tips for 48 hours in Bengaluru.

28, Oct 2026
BP Singh, Legendary Producer Behind ‘CID’ and ‘Aahat’, Dies After Heart Attack

Mumbai, Oct 28: The Indian television industry is mourning the loss of veteran producer-director BP Singh, widely recognised for creating and shaping some of the country’s most memorable crime and thriller shows, including CID and Aahat. He reportedly passed away on Tuesday morning following a major heart attack.

BP Singh, Legendary Producer Behind ‘CID’ and ‘Aahat’, Dies After Heart Attack

 File Photo

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news through a social media post, expressing grief over the demise of his close friend and former associate.

Singh’s death marks a significant loss for Indian television, where his work helped establish crime investigation and supernatural thrillers as popular genres among viewers.

Ashoke Pandit Pays Tribute to His Close Friend

Remembering Singh as a brilliant filmmaker and a wonderful human being, Pandit shared an emotional tribute, highlighting his lasting contribution to the entertainment industry.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA).

He expressed heartfelt condolences to Singh’s family and loved ones, adding that the veteran filmmaker’s work would continue to inspire future generations.

‘CID’ and ‘Aahat’ Made Him a Household Name

BP Singh earned widespread recognition for his association with CID, one of Indian television’s most enduring crime investigation series. The show became a favourite among audiences for its gripping cases, memorable characters and investigative storytelling.

He was also closely associated with Aahat, a popular horror anthology that brought suspense and supernatural stories to television audiences for years.

Through these productions, Singh played an influential role in shaping the crime and thriller television landscape in India. His storytelling approach and long-standing contribution earned him a special place in the industry.

Television Industry Mourns His Passing

News of Singh’s demise prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, actors and admirers on social media.

Actor Anup Soni was among those who paid tribute, commenting, “Rest in peace sir.”

Tributes reflected the respect Singh commanded among industry professionals and the lasting connection his shows built with audiences across generations.

Final Rites Scheduled for October 28

According to Ashoke Pandit’s announcement, Singh’s final rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Further details were expected to be shared with those wishing to pay their last respects.

As the television fraternity remembers the veteran producer-director, his legacy lives on through the iconic shows that entertained millions of viewers and helped define an era of Indian television.

28, Oct 2026
New Annual Toll Pass from November 1: Residents Living Within 20 Km of Toll Plazas Can Save on Travel

New Delhi, Oct 28: Frequent commuters living near National Highway toll plazas may soon get relief from recurring toll expenses, with the Centre set to introduce a special annual pass for eligible private vehicle owners from November 1, 2026.

New Annual Toll Pass from November 1: Residents Living Within 20 Km of Toll Plazas Can Save on Travel

 Representational Image 

Under the new scheme, residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of an eligible toll plaza can obtain an annual pass for either ₹1,500 or ₹3,000, depending on the location of the toll plaza.

The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aims to make regular travel more affordable for people who frequently use toll roads near their homes.

Annual Pass Fees: ₹1,500 or ₹3,000

The annual fee will depend on whether the toll plaza falls within or outside municipal or local town limits.

₹1,500 per year: For eligible toll plazas located outside municipal or local town limits.

₹3,000 per year: For eligible toll plazas situated within municipal or local town limits.

The scheme is intended to benefit residents who regularly cross a particular toll plaza for work, education, business or other daily activities.

Who Is Eligible for the New Toll Pass?

The facility will be available to eligible owners of private, non-commercial vehicles residing within 20 km of a designated toll plaza.

To qualify, motorists must meet the applicable eligibility conditions and have a valid, functioning FASTag fitted to their vehicle.

Eligible users can choose between the existing monthly pass and the new annual pass for the designated toll plaza. However, the annual pass will be restricted to that particular location and cannot be used at other toll plazas.

The scheme will not cover National Highways and expressways operating under a closed user-fee collection system. It will also exclude locations where a service road or alternative road is available for commuters, according to the supplied report.

When Can Motorists Apply?

The annual pass facility is scheduled to become available at eligible toll plazas from November 1, 2026.

Motorists will also be able to access the facility through the Rajmargyatra mobile application from December 1, 2026, as stated in the report.

The government has introduced the provision through the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, under the National Highways Act, 1956.

The annual fee may be revised by the government each year, with any revised rates taking effect from April 1 of the relevant year.

How Will the New Pass Benefit Commuters?

The annual pass could provide significant convenience to residents who regularly travel through the same toll plaza. Instead of paying toll charges on individual journeys, eligible motorists will have an annual payment option for the designated location.

The facility may be particularly useful for daily commuters, local business owners and residents whose routine journeys involve repeated toll crossings.

However, living near a toll plaza does not automatically guarantee eligibility. The vehicle category, distance from the plaza and other conditions applicable to the location will determine whether a motorist can obtain the pass.

What Should Vehicle Owners Keep in Mind?

Before applying, motorists should check whether their nearby toll plaza is covered under the scheme, confirm the applicable annual fee and ensure that their FASTag is active.

They should also verify the latest eligibility requirements and application procedure through official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways channels or the Rajmargyatra application when the facility becomes available.

The new provision is expected to offer an additional toll-payment option for eligible residents, potentially reducing the financial burden of frequent travel on National Highways.

28, Oct 2026
UAE Confers Prestigious Royal Honour on Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for Mid-Air Bravery

Oct 28: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has received a prestigious royal honour from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his courage and decisive actions during a mid-air cockpit attack that threatened the safety of passengers and crew.

UAE Confers Prestigious Royal Honour on Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for Mid-Air Bravery

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Machchhar in recognition of his extraordinary bravery during the aviation emergency on September 30.

Despite suffering serious injuries during the confrontation, the captain reportedly took critical steps to help contain the threat and protect those aboard the aircraft.

Captain’s Courage Helps Avert Potential Disaster

According to the report, the incident unfolded when the cockpit came under attack during a flight. Faced with a potentially life-threatening situation, Captain Machchhar acted under extreme pressure.

His actions reportedly enabled the flight deck door to be unlocked, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and help bring the situation under control.

The coordinated response played a crucial role in containing the threat and safeguarding everyone on board. The incident has also drawn attention to the challenges airline crews face when dealing with security threats during flight.

UAE Leadership Recognises the Crew’s Efforts

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the honours to the flydubai flight crew, according to the report.

The Crown Prince had also visited the injured pilot earlier in October to express appreciation for his courage and commitment to protecting human life.

The UAE’s recognition extends beyond the captain, acknowledging the collective efforts of crew members and others who helped respond to the emergency.

UAE Confers Prestigious Royal Honour on Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for Mid-Air Bravery

Leaders Praise the Pilot’s Bravery

Captain Machchhar’s actions have reportedly drawn praise from international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel is also expected to present an additional civilian bravery award to the pilot following his recovery, the report stated.

The international recognition highlights the importance of decisive leadership, teamwork and composure in high-pressure aviation emergencies.

A Reminder of Courage and Duty

The incident underscores the immense responsibility carried by pilots, whose decisions can have life-or-death consequences when an emergency unfolds thousands of feet above the ground.

Captain Machchhar’s reported actions and the assistance provided by the crew and passengers demonstrate how courage and cooperation can prove vital in a crisis.

The UAE’s honour serves as recognition of those efforts and the commitment to protecting human life.

28, Oct 2026
Cyclone Arnab: Red Alert in Six Odisha Districts, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Persist

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Odisha remains on high alert as Cyclone Arnab continues to influence weather conditions across the state, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to several districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with disaster response teams deployed to minimise damage and protect lives.

Cyclone Arnab: Red Alert in Six Odisha Districts, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Persist

 Representational Image 

According to the report, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for six districts, cautioning residents about extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds over the next 24 hours. The adverse weather could also affect road connectivity, low-lying areas and vulnerable locations.

Red Warning for Six Districts

Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam are among the districts identified under the Red Warning in the supplied report.

These areas may experience extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 50–70 kmph.

Several other districts, including Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh, are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with wind speeds potentially reaching 40–60 kmph.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious as the weather system continues to affect different parts of the state.

Orange Warning Issued for October 29

The weather threat is expected to continue in parts of Odisha on Thursday, October 29.

According to the supplied report, an Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall and winds of 40–60 kmph are forecast.

The movement of the weather system towards southern Chhattisgarh could prolong rainfall across several areas. Residents in vulnerable locations should remain alert and follow official weather advisories.

Odisha Strengthens Disaster Preparedness

The state government has intensified precautionary measures to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone.

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the cyclone’s landfall process began near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh at around 1:30 am. The system was expected to move north and northwest towards areas near Malkangiri after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The supplied report states that 313 emergency response teams have been deployed, including 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 244 Fire and Emergency Services teams.

Authorities have also taken precautionary steps in landslide-prone areas, including restricting access to certain roads. Fishing boats have reportedly returned to shore as part of the safety measures.

The state administration has prioritised the protection of lives and property, with further action to be taken according to changing weather conditions.

Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

With heavy rainfall and strong winds likely to continue, residents in affected districts are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and vulnerable structures, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

People living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas should remain particularly alert and move to safer locations if directed by officials.

The administration has reiterated its focus on preventing casualties and ensuring a coordinated emergency response as Odisha navigates the impact of Cyclone Arnab.

28, Oct 2026
NxtGen Named an OpenAI Select Partner within the OpenAI Partner Network
  • Partnership to help customers translate AI adoption into measurable business outcomes
  • “SpeedCode” – a coding agent planned for engineering teams
  • Pilot to assess quality, completion time, and cost

BENGALURU, India, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NxtGen, a provider of cloud, AI infrastructure and managed services in India, today announced that it has been named an OpenAI Select Partner within the OpenAI Partner Network.

NxtGen | OpenAI Select Partner

The OpenAI Partner Network is a global programme for partners to build, sell and deliver AI solutions with OpenAI. It brings together partners with deep industry expertise, delivery capabilities and customer relationships while equipping them with resources, enablement and support to help enterprises adopt OpenAI frontier models and products and turn them into measurable impact.

Supporting Enterprise AI Adoption in India

As an OpenAI Select Partner, NxtGen will continue working with OpenAI to help organisations build, deploy and scale AI solutions responsibly and effectively.

This work will help organisations put GPT-6 Astra to work across more of their business, using deeper reasoning and computer use to complete complex workflows and deliver finished work. NxtGen will focus on supporting Indian enterprises with architecture, security, access controls, auditability and local operating support.

Speaking about the requirements of Indian enterprises, A S Rajgopal, MD & CEO, NxtGen, said, “India’s enterprises need access to advanced AI together with the governance, local operating capability and accountability required to put it to work.”

“Becoming an OpenAI Select Partner will help us bring these elements together and support customers as they move from experimentation to practical applications across their businesses,” he added.

Expanding AI Services and Introducing SpeedCode

NxtGen supports organisations in India with cloud, data centre, AI infrastructure, cyber resilience and managed services. Its AI services span discovery, architecture, evaluation, security review, adoption, usage governance and production operations.

NxtGen also plans to introduce SpeedCode, an India-focused, NxtGen-owned coding agent built using the open-source Codex CLI and OpenAI models via API. It is designed to help engineering teams turn defined software tasks into scoped, tested, and reviewable code changes while keeping developers in control.

Evaluating SpeedCode Through a Controlled Pilot

Looking ahead, NxtGen plans to offer a controlled SpeedCode pilot, enabling customers to assess accepted engineering work, completion time, quality, and cost before considering wider adoption. Through this work, NxtGen aims to help customers translate AI adoption into measurable business outcomes.

Learn more about the OpenAI Partner Network.

Also, for further information about NxtGen, please visit the website.

About NxtGen

NxtGen is India’s largest sovereign cloud provider, serving more than 1,000 customers across the country. NxtGen operates– SpeedCloud®- a public cloud platform, SpeedCloud Supreme – an alternative to private cloud and Industry vertical clouds for the Government and Financial Services. NxtGen delivers value to its customers by ensuring superior performance at lower cost. The NxtGen AI portfolio unifies GPU platforms from NVIDIA, AMD & Intel and provides a wide choice of highly optimised models to build enterprise use cases. NxtGen is working to truly democratise the cloud and AI technologies by making them viable for enterprises of all sizes.

For media queries, please reach out to marketing@nxtgen.com

 

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28, Oct 2026
Kaizen Global Appoints Sivaramakrishnan Senthatty (Siva Sen) CEO of Kaizen Global India to Scale Global Delivery and Enterprise AI Capabilities

New leadership appointment strengthens Kaizen’s India GCC strategy, expanding global delivery, talent, and AI-driven transformation capabilities worldwide

ATLANTA and CHENNAI, India, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kaizen Global LLC, a leading global provider of enterprise AI, data analytics, and technology services, today announced the appointment of Sivaramakrishnan Senthatty (Siva Sen) as Chief Executive Officer of Kaizen Global India. In this role, Siva Sen will lead the expansion of Kaizen’s India operations, strengthening its Global Capability Center (GCC) strategy to scale delivery, talent, and enterprise AI capabilities for clients worldwide.

Kaizen Gl

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Kaizen Global as it accelerates investments in its global delivery model. Kaizen Global India will serve as a core engine for enterprise transformation, leveraging Kaizen’s strengths in data engineering, advanced analytics, and enterprise AI, with continuous improvement and execution discipline.

Siva Sen brings extensive leadership experience in building and scaling global delivery organizations, with a strong track record of driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and leading large-scale transformation initiatives. He joins Kaizen Global from LTM Ltd., an L&T Group Company, where he served as EVP and Country Head for Japan, leading international operations and market expansion. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at HCL Tech and TCS.

“As enterprises rethink how they build and scale capabilities in the AI era, the role of a high-quality global delivery hub becomes increasingly crucial,” said Krishna Arangode, Founder & CEO of Kaizen Global. “Siva Sen’s experience in building and operating large-scale delivery organizations will be critical as we shape Kaizen Global India into a differentiated engine for execution, innovation, and long-term client impact.”

Scaling a Next-Generation India GCC

Kaizen Global India is being designed as a high-impact global delivery hub, supporting enterprise clients across data, AI, ERP modernization, and innovation initiatives. The center will serve clients across key global markets, including India, Japan, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Building on the recent acquisition of Nihon Technology, Kaizen Global India will leverage strong expertise in ERP implementations, cybersecurity, and application development and modernization, while expanding rapidly into advanced analytics and AI-led transformation capabilities.

Over the next few years, Kaizen Global plans to expand its India workforce across data engineering, AI/ML, ERP, and cybersecurity practice areas. This includes the building of specialized practice teams and investment in talent development, governance, and scalable delivery frameworks to support long-term growth.

Building a Global Delivery Engine for the AI Era

“What excited me about Kaizen Global is the opportunity to build a truly differentiated global delivery engine for the AI era,” said Siva Sen. “We’re bringing together strong data and AI capabilities with disciplined execution and a scalable delivery model. The focus in India will be on building high-quality teams and creating the operational backbone needed to deliver complex transformation programs with consistency and speed.”

“The industry is on the cusp of an AI-driven transformation that will redefine enterprise operating models,” said Anand Srinivasan, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner at Kaizen Global. “Organizations will need partners who can translate AI potential into real, scalable business outcomes. With Siva Sen leading our India operations, we’re building the capabilities needed to support that shift at scale.”

As Kaizen Global continues to expand its global footprint, the India center will play a key role in enabling closer alignment between strategy, technology, and execution. By building capabilities at scale and investing in talent and governance, Kaizen Global is positioning itself to support clients in navigating increasingly complex, AI-driven transformation journeys.

About Kaizen Global

Kaizen Global is a leading global provider of AI, data analytics, and technology services for enterprise transformation and business value generation. Combining business acumen with technical know-how, Kaizen Global delivers measurable, sustainable business outcomes through AI-enabled services, development of intelligent systems, and deployment of advanced analytics – all via a continuous improvement delivery model with a human-in-the-loop. Recognized for speed and flexibility by Gartner, NPR, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and by Inc. 5000 as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, Kaizen is a certified minority-owned business headquartered in Atlanta with offices in New York, Dallas, Tokyo, Osaka, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Follow Kaizen Global on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter @KaizenGlobal.com.

For more information, visit www.kaizenglobal.com.

Media Contacts:

Paulette Brown

Carabiner Communications

pbrown@carabinercomms.com 

770.577.3881

Prem Sivakumaran 

Growth Mechanics 

Prem@growthmechanics.in 

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27, Oct 2026
Ascendion Expands AI Advisory Community with Four Global Business and Technology Leaders

Former Global CTO of Banco Santander, former Group CIO of Currys, former CEO of IBPAP, and former Microsoft CVP and CTO of AI join the advisory community

Advisors will provide guidance on AAVA platform innovation, AI strategy, C-suite alignment, and enterprise adoption across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the UK

The growing community of advisors will bring practitioner perspective closer to Ascendion as enterprises move AI from experimentation to governed, production-scale outcomes

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ascendion, an AI-native software engineering company, today announced the appointment of four global business and technology leaders to its AI Advisory Community: Andy Gamble, Jack Madrid, Julieta Ross, Ph.D., and Joseph Sirosh, Ph.D. 

Ascendion Expands AI Advisory Community with Four Global Business and Technology Leaders

The advisors bring perspectives rarely found in one group: executives who answered to Boards, regulators, and C-suites for what technology actually delivered; a builder of AI and data platforms at global scale; and a leader who shaped one of the world’s largest technology-services and talent ecosystems. Their experience spans banking, high-tech, media, and retail. Each will work directly with Ascendion’s regional and engineering leaders, so their counsel reaches the decisions it is meant to shape. 

“We are changing how software gets built. Enterprise leaders have moved past experiments. They want AI that delivers outcomes boards can measure and risk they can manage. Andy, Jack, Julieta, and Joseph have the experience and know where transformation succeeds. They will challenge our thinking, raise our ambition, and help us navigate a period of intense — and exciting — change,” said Karthik Krishnamurthy, CEO, Ascendion. 

Each advisor will map to a different part of the business, strengthening Ascendion’s alignment with leadership communities across the globe. 

  • Julieta Ross, Ph.D., former Global CTO of Banco Santander, brings two decades of leading technology inside global banks, along with public-company board experience. She will work with Ascendion’s leadership on executive relationships, go-to-market strategy, and growth, and will help the company meet the governance, regulatory, and risk expectations that banking and financial services leaders place on AI. 
  • Andy Gamble, former Group CIO of Currys plc, has spent nearly three decades as a technology buyer and transformation leader across consumer electronics, industrial, and retail businesses. He will advise Ascendion’s work across Europe and the UK, with a focus on consumer goods, manufacturing, and retail, and will share what executive teams and Boards expect from a technology partner. 
  • Joseph Sirosh, Ph.D., former Microsoft CVP and CTO of AI, has spent his career building and scaling machine learning platforms in the high-tech industry. He will advise Ascendion’s engineering leadership on the evolution of AAVA and its broader platform strategy as AAVA becomes an orchestration and harness layer for enterprise AI. 
  • Jack Madrid, former President and CEO of IBPAP, spent five years leading the industry association behind one of the world’s largest technology and business-services ecosystems, centered in the Philippines. He brings robust experience working across industries, including banking, high-tech, and media, and will advise Ascendion on Asia-Pacific markets and on how AI is reshaping global delivery, skills, and workforce models. 

Together, the advisors give Ascendion an outside perspective on the full spectrum of enterprise AI, from agentic platform strategy and product engineering to industry alignment and delivery. They will add capacity to Ascendion’s ongoing work on AI governance, helping ensure trusted impact from AI-native software engineering, and their practice-based insight will inform how Ascendion applies its Engineering to the Power of AI™ approach to commercial models, platform design, service execution, and workforce development. 

About Ascendion

Ascendion is a global AI-native software engineering company delivering trusted business outcomes – capital unlock, innovation velocity, lower risk – to 250+ enterprise clients. The company delivers business outcomes at scale by combining expert engineers, AI agents, and AAVA, Ascendion’s agentic AI platform. Together, they design, engineer, and operate production-ready software that improves everyday work and life. Learn more at www.ascendion.com.

Engineering to the Power of AI™, Engineering to Elevate Life™, and AAVA™ are trademarks or service marks of Ascendion. AAVA™ is pending registration. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

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27, Oct 2026
Piramal Pharma Limited Announces Results for Q2 and H1 FY27

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Piramal Pharma Limited (NSE: PPLPHARMA | BSE: 543635), a leading global pharmaceutical, health and wellness company, today announced its standalone and consolidated results for the Second Quarter (Q2) and Half Year (H1) ended 30th September 2026.

Consolidated Financial Highlights

(in ₹ Crores or as stated)

Particulars

Q2FY27

Q2FY26

YoY Growth

H1FY27

H1FY26

YoY Growth

Revenue from Operations

2,617

2,044

28 %

4,887

3,977

23 %

   CDMO

1,424

1,044

36 %

2,611

2,041

28 %

   CHG

849

644

32 %

1,592

1,281

24 %

   PCH

359

319

13 %

706

621

14 %

EBITDA

385

224

72 %

669

389

72 %

EBITDA Margin

14.7 %

11.0 %


13.7 %

9.8 %


PAT

5

(99)

105 %

(64)

(181)

64 %

Key Highlights

  • Broad-based Revenue Growth: Revenue grew 28% YoY in Q2FY27 and 23% YoY in H1FY27, driven by strong performance across all three businesses.
  • Significant Profitability Improvement: EBITDA increased 72% YoY in Q2FY27 and H1FY27, with over 350bps EBITDA margin expansion in both periods. This was driven by higher capacity utilization, operating leverage, disciplined execution, and sustained cost optimization initiatives.
  • Robust RFP Activity and Order Inflows: Added 22 new customers and successfully hosted 110 customer audits in H1FY27.
  • Best-in-Class Quality & Compliance: Successfully completed 12 regulatory inspections and 110 customer audits during H1FY27, while maintaining the Company’s track record of no Official Action Indicated classifications across US FDA inspections.
  • Upgrade FY27 Outlook: Based on the strong first-half performance and continued business momentum, we upgrade our FY27 outlook and now expect revenue growth of 19% to 20%, accompanied by meaningfully higher profitability.

Nandini Piramal, Chairperson, Piramal Pharma Limited said, “We delivered a strong H1FY27, with revenue growth of 23% and EBITDA margin expansion of over 350 basis points, driven by healthy demand across our businesses, disciplined execution, and improved operating leverage. The performance was led by our CDMO business, which grew 28% on the back of strong order inflows and robust execution. Our CHG business complemented this momentum with 24% growth, supported by inhalation anesthesia sales in ex-US markets and the integration of the Kenalog, while Consumer Healthcare continued to deliver steady 14% growth through the strong performance of Power Brands and e-commerce.

With H2 typically stronger than H1, we are well positioned to deliver a strong full-year performance, supported by a healthy order book, encouraging customer engagement, and continued operating discipline.”

Key Business Highlights

Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO):

  • Robust Growth: Broad-based growth across India and overseas sites, supported by healthy commercial demand, improved execution and disciplined cost management. India and North America led performance across the network.
  • Enhanced Profitability: Better capacity utilization and operating leverage drove a meaningful improvement in profitability.
  • Strong Commercial Momentum: Strong RFP activity and order inflows resulted in addition of 22 new customers during H1FY27. Phase III pipeline increased to 28 molecules from 25 as of March 2026.
  • Innovation and On-Patent Revenue Growth: Innovation-related revenues grew 24%, while on-patent commercial manufacturing revenues grew 39% in H1FY27.
  • Differentiated Capabilities: Strengthened biologics capabilities through acquisition of a controlling stake in Yapan Bio. The Lexington expansion remains on track, will add sterile fill-finish capabilities, completing the integrated ADC offering. Commissioned a new microbiology laboratory at the site.
  • ADC Services continued to gain momentum, with revenues up 51% YoY in H1FY27.
  • Deepening Customer Engagement: Successfully hosted 110 customer audits during H1FY27, reflecting continued customer engagement and confidence in the Company’s quality systems.

Complex Hospital Generics (CHG):

  • Inhalation Anesthesia Leadership: Maintained leadership in the US Sevoflurane market with a 48% value share, while building traction in ex-US markets. (Source: IQVIA)
  • Kenalog® Integration: Kenalog® contributed to CHG revenue during Q2FY27 and is expected to be an important growth driver for the business in FY27.
  • Intrathecal Therapy: Maintained the #1 position in the US Intrathecal Baclofen market. (Source: IQVIA)
  • Injectable Pain Management: Continued collaboration with suppliers to ensure product availability.
  • Building a Differentiated and Specialty Portfolio: Continued investments in 505(b)(2) products, complex and differentiated generics, branded products, in-licensing and co-development to strengthen the long-term portfolio.

Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH):

  • Power Brands Continue to Outperform: Power Brands grew 21% YoY in H1FY27, contributing 53% of PCH sales, reflecting the strength of the core portfolio.
  • Strong E-commerce Momentum: Grew 32% YoY in H1FY27 and contributed 28% of PCH sales.
  • Innovation and Premiumization: Continued focus on fewer, larger, and higher-potential launches to enhance portfolio quality and margins. Launched the ‘Vizible’ range under Lacto Calamine to strengthen presence in premium skincare.
  • Sustained Brand Investments: Invested approximately 11% of PCH sales in media and trade promotion across digital and traditional channels to support long-term brand growth.
  • Bayer Distribution Agreement: The distribution agreement will naturally expire in December 2026. The transition is being jointly managed to ensure business continuity, with no material impact expected on FY27 guidance.

 

Consolidated Profit and Loss Statement

(in ₹ Crores or as stated)

Particulars

Quarterly

Half Yearly

Q2FY27

Q2FY26

YoY  Change

Q1FY26

QoQ  Change

H1FY27

H1FY26

YoY  Change

Revenue from Operations

2,617

2,044

28 %

2,270

15 %

4,887

3,977

23 %

Other Income

36

66

-45 %

89

(60) %

125

124

1 %

Total Income

2,653

2,109

26 %

2,359

12 %

5,012

4,101

22 %

Material Cost

906

703

29 %

852

6 %

1,758

1,397

26 %

Employee Expenses

714

611

17 %

676

6 %

1,390

1,230

13 %

Other Expenses

648

571

13 %

547

18 %

1,195

1,085

10 %

EBITDA

385

224

72 %

285

35 %

669

389

72 %

Interest Expenses

88

82

6 %

88

(1) %

176

169

4 %

Depreciation

233

203

15 %

224

4 %

457

400

14 %

Share of Net Profit of Associates

18

15

20 %

20

(9) %

37

33

12 %

Profit Before Tax

82

(46)

277 %

(7)

1,194 %

74

(146)

151 %

Tax

77

53

44 %

62

24 %

139

56

149 %

Net Profit after Tax

5

(99)

105 %

(69)

107 %

(64)

(202)

68 %

Exceptional item1

–

–

NA

–

NA

–

21

NA

Net Profit after Tax after Exceptional Item

5

(99)

105 %

(69)

107 %

(64)

(181)

64 %

  1. Exceptional items include, one time insolvency proceeds received from a claim filed against a third-party supplier of our complex hospital generics business, with the NCLT in November 2023

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet



(in ₹ Cr. or as stated)

   Key Balance Sheet Items

As at

30-Sep-26

31-Mar-26

Total Equity

8,165

8,162

Net Debt

4,859

4,164

Total

13,023

12,326




Net Fixed Assets

10,448

9,784

    Tangible Assets

4,923

4,843

    Intangible Assets including goodwill

4,254

3,841

    CWIP (including IAUD2)

1,271

1,100

Net Working Capital

2,260

2,081

Other Assets3

315

462

Total Assets

13,023

12,326

Earnings Conference Call

Piramal Pharma Limited will be hosting a conference call for investors / analysts on 28th October 2026 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM (IST) to discuss its Q2 and H1 FY2027 Results.

The dial-in details for the call are as under:

Event

Location & Time

Telephone Number

Conference call on 28th October 2026

India – 10:00 AM IST

+91 22 6280 1461 / +91 22 7115 8320 (Primary Number)

1 800 120 1221 (Toll free number)

USA – 12:30 AM

(Eastern Time – New York)

Toll free number

18667462133

UK – 04:30 AM

(London Time)

Toll free number

08081011573

Singapore – 12:30 PM

(Singapore Time)

Toll free number

8001012045

Hong Kong – 12:30 PM

(Hong Kong Time)

Toll free number

800964448

Express Join with Diamond Pass™

Please use this link for prior registration to reduce wait time at the time of joining the call –Click here

About Piramal Pharma Limited:

Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL, NSE: PPLPHARMA I BSE: 543635), offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 17 global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a complex hospital generics business; and the Piramal Consumer Healthcare (PCH) business, selling over-the-counter consumer and wellness products. In addition, one of PPL’s associate companies, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, a joint venture between Abbvie and PPL, has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area in the Indian pharma market.

For more information, visit:  Piramal Pharma | LinkedIn

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