21, Aug 2026
BL Networks (BLNWX) Details Major Global Infrastructure Expansion and Upgrades
SHERIDAN, Wyo., Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BL Networks, operating under ASN 399629, today detailed its ongoing global infrastructure expansion. Highlighting a multi-year project to strategically meet demand for associated privacy-VPS provider BitLaunch, it reinforces its commitment to deliver high-performance and low-latency networking to a growing global user base of privacy-conscious cloud users.
BLNWX: The Latest Network Expansions
Over the past three years, BL Networks has ramped up its mission to deliver private infrastructure to growing internet populations. Its most recent expansions include:
1. Singapore (May 2026) – BLNWX’s APAC debut
Responding to demand in the Asia-Pacific region, BLNWX launched its newest location in Singapore. The location was selected to deliver low-latency service to BitLaunch customers in the APAC region while maintaining the reliability and performance its users have come to expect.
2. Amsterdam (September 2025) – The 20 Gbps Upgrade
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most critical routing hubs and therefore one of the most popular hosting locations. To meet significant user demand, BL Networks rolled out a third Amsterdam location with major upgrades. 20 Gbps network speeds built on tier-1 multi-homed bandwidth and modern DELL server hardware ensure that even the most bandwidth-heavy workloads remain stable.
3. Bucharest, Romania (March 2024) – Extending the European footprint
While locations in London and Amsterdam provided BL Networks with excellent coverage across Europe, there was room for improvement in the east. The launch of a new data center region in Bucharest delivered ultra-low latency to users in Eastern Europe. A favorite location for VPNs and web hosting providers, Romania has the fastest internet speeds in the region, enabling BitLaunch to deliver 20 Gbps up/down.
4. Dallas, Texas (February 2024) – Serving the South
Following rollouts in Los Angeles and Chicago, the next logical step was to serve the US’s southern states. Lying in the center of the telecom corridor, Dallas, TX was the natural choice. Strong fiber coverage and a low incidence of natural disasters, combined with proximity to some of the world’s largest networking firms, made it the near-perfect expansion choice.
Hardware specifications and performance standards
Rather than confusing users with varying hardware profiles, BL Networks has opted for strong baseline specifications built on:
- Modern Dell server hardware featuring Intel Gold CPUs
- Fast Samsung Enterprise SSDs configured in RAID10 for maximum I/O and redundancy
- High-speed ECC memory (RAM)
- Hardware-level KVM virtualization
- Industry-leading, heuristic DDoS protection
Just as crucial as the specifications themselves, however, is BLNWX’s philosophy of scaling sustainably with demand. Rather than overselling like many providers, it endeavors to under-promise and over-deliver.
BLNWX’s Eco Commitment
BL Networks’ philosophy of sustainability extends beyond responsible infrastructure scaling. As it expands its physical footprint, it remains committed to environmental sustainability through its Carbon Negative Pledge.
Doubling its commitments until it pays off its historic carbon debt, it has directly funded the planting of almost 25,000 trees and offset 961.54 tons of CO2e. It also endeavors to reduce its e-waste output by purchasing refurbished server hardware whenever it reasonably can without sacrificing quality.
BitLaunch VPN and the Future
BLNWX’s continuing infrastructure expansion enables not only capacity for its VPS customers but also new regions for BitLaunch VPN, which it launched in July 2025. The service allows users to deploy their own, private VPN across multiple regions in seconds.
Looking ahead, BL Networks remains dedicated to expanding its first-party network to more regions while maintaining its rigorous privacy and sustainability standards and continuing to eliminate the barriers associated with traditional payment methods.
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- By Sai Krishna
21, Aug 2026
Penske Automotive Sets Scene for Freedom 250 Grand Prix: NYSE Content Update
NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.
NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 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.
Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on August 21st
- The Freedom 250 Grand Prix commences this weekend.
- Representatives from Penske Automotive (NYSE: PAG) and McLaren will join NYSE Live this morning.
- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend the race.
- The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marks the first ever NTT INDYCAR series race on the National Mall.
- Manchester United (NYSE: MANU) representatives will join Taking Stock.
- Manchester United begins its Premier League season on Saturday at 7:30 AM ET.
- The club will host a special match screening at Pier 17 in New York City.
- Investors are tracking the latest bond market movement.
- The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2007 earlier this week.
Opening Bell
Penske Automotive (NYSE: PAG) celebrates the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C.
Closing Bell
Manchester United (NYSE: MANU) celebrates the start of the Premier League season
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
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21, Aug 2026
India’s FDI Reform Gains Momentum as 29 Investments Worth ₹4,895 Crore Reported
New Delhi: India’s revised foreign direct investment (FDI) framework is beginning to facilitate faster investment flows, with 29 FDI investments involving proposed investments of ₹4,895.65 crore reported under the new regime up to August 20, 2026.
The investments cover a diverse range of sectors, including Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Information & Communication, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centres and transport services, reflecting continued overseas interest in India’s expanding digital, industrial and services economy.
The investments have been reported by investors and entities based in Mauritius, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands. The geographical spread highlights the continuing interest of international investors in India as a destination for capital and technology.
The revised framework is designed to simplify and accelerate foreign investment by removing the requirement for prior government approval in cases where ownership from Land Bordering Countries (LBCs) is non-controlling and limited to up to 10 per cent. The reform is aimed at providing greater regulatory certainty, reducing transaction timelines and improving the overall ease of doing business.
The changes were introduced through Press Note 2 of 2026 and the subsequent amendment to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, notified on May 1, 2026. Under the revised rules, the beneficial ownership test is applied at the level of the investor entity. Investors with non-controlling LBC ownership of up to 10 per cent can therefore invest through the automatic route, subject to applicable sectoral caps, entry routes and other regulatory conditions.
Importantly, eligible investors can proceed without seeking any additional government approval after reporting the prescribed information to the authorities. This represents a significant shift from the earlier regulatory approach under Press Note 3 of 2020, under which foreign investors with even a small degree of beneficial ownership originating from an LBC were required to obtain prior government approval.
The earlier requirement had been viewed as a source of uncertainty and additional transaction time for international investors, particularly in cases involving minimal and non-controlling LBC ownership. The revised framework seeks to address these concerns while maintaining the necessary regulatory safeguards.
The reporting of 29 investments worth nearly ₹4,900 crore indicates that the policy change is already supporting greater clarity and predictability for foreign investors. As India continues to attract capital into emerging areas such as AI, data infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, the streamlined FDI regime could further strengthen the country’s position as a competitive global investment destination.
21, Aug 2026
PM Modi Engages with Space Startup Leaders, Urges India to Lead Global Space Economy
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth, highlighting the growing role of private enterprise in strengthening India’s position in the global space industry.
The interaction brought together entrepreneurs working across a wide spectrum of space technologies, including launch vehicles, reusable semi-cryogenic propulsion systems, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion, space and defence intelligence, space-debris removal, and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence. The startup leaders outlined the rapid advances being made by India’s private space sector and shared their vision for its next phase of growth.
The founders highlighted their efforts to develop critical capabilities and technologies indigenously, noting the strong support provided by the government and increasing collaboration within the industry. They said the opening of the space sector to private participation had created significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and encouraged companies to develop innovative solutions for both domestic and global markets. Several companies are also showing interest in adopting technologies emerging from India’s private space ecosystem.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the startup leaders for taking the initiative in an emerging and strategically important sector. He said the confidence demonstrated by private space companies has reinforced the vision behind opening the sector to private participation. With several countries either unable or unwilling to make large investments in space, he noted, India has a major opportunity to expand its global footprint and emerge as a leading space power.
The Prime Minister urged companies to look beyond conventional applications and explore ways in which space technologies can directly improve people’s lives. He called for stronger collaboration between space startups and organisations in sectors such as agriculture, environment and education. For instance, space-debris companies could work with environmental organisations to scale their solutions, while companies developing space-based agricultural technologies could collaborate with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity.
Calling for the creation of a world-class space ecosystem, Modi said India should aspire to become the country the world looks to whenever space is discussed. He also underlined the potential of the sector to attract global talent, investment and companies to India.
The Prime Minister further encouraged space startups to establish closer links with Atal Tinkering Labs, saying early exposure to space technology could stimulate curiosity and innovation among schoolchildren and inspire the next generation of space entrepreneurs and scientists.
The meeting was attended by leaders of 20 startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe (Hyspace), Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.
The interaction underlined a broader transformation underway in India’s space economy—one in which private innovation, government support and cross-sector collaboration are increasingly coming together to build a globally competitive space ecosystem.
21, Aug 2026
Selective UPI MDR Will Need Reliable Merchant Intelligence, Not Just a Pricing Rule
As India reopens the UPI economics debate, the implementation challenge will be identifying, classifying and treating merchants fairly
BANGALORE, India, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At CARD91, we believe the UPI MDR debate must go beyond pricing. Any selective framework will require accurate merchant verification, consistent classification and ongoing risk visibility to protect legitimate businesses and ensure fair implementation.
The passage of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has reopened the industry discussion around the Merchant Discount Rate, or MDR, on UPI transactions.
The amendment creates a legal pathway under which the existing zero-MDR structure may be modified for specified digital payment transactions. However, the Government has clarified that no immediate charge has been introduced. Consumers and person-to-person payments will remain free, small merchants will remain protected, and no final MDR framework has been announced.
Beyond the question of whether MDR should return, the industry must consider how any selective framework would work in practice. If future rules differentiate between transactions or merchant segments, banks and acquiring institutions will need accurate and current information about the businesses accepting those payments.
Incorrect merchant identity, outdated business information or inaccurate classification could result in inconsistent policy application and unnecessary disputes.
“The most difficult part of a selective MDR framework may not be setting a rate; it will be applying the policy consistently to the right merchant,” said Ajay Pandey, CEO, CARD91. “Whatever parameters are eventually adopted, banks and acquirers will need verified and explainable information about the businesses accepting payments. The quality of merchant data will directly influence how fairly any differentiated framework operates.”
Four Questions the Ecosystem Must Address
1. Is the merchant identity properly verified?
Merchant verification must go beyond collecting documents. Banks and acquirers need to establish that the business is genuine, operational and consistent with the credentials submitted during onboarding.
2. Is the merchant classified correctly?
A merchant’s declared activity, actual business model and assigned Merchant Category Code should remain aligned. Institutions also need reviewable processes for identifying and correcting classification errors.
3. Has the merchant’s profile changed?
Verification should not end after onboarding. Business activities, ownership details, digital footprints and transaction behaviour can change over time. Material changes may require additional review, but controls should remain proportionate and should not create unnecessary friction for genuine merchants.
4. What happens when the system gets it wrong?
Merchants need a clear process for correcting identity, classification or policy application errors. Explainable decisions and transparent redress will be essential if financial policies are applied differently across merchant segments.
Why Merchant Intelligence Matters Now
UPI processed 23.66 billion transactions worth approximately ₹29.88 lakh crore in July 2026. At this scale, inaccurate merchant records can create operational complexity for financial institutions and businesses.
The issue extends beyond MDR. Reliable merchant information also supports appropriate transaction limits, effective fraud controls, regulatory compliance and accurate payment categorisation.
In July 2025, before the current MDR discussion, CARD91 introduced an AI-led merchant verification and classification capability to help regulated institutions strengthen business verification and classification. The current debate highlights why accurate and current merchant information matters beyond onboarding.
A risk score or automated system should not independently decide whether a merchant is subject to MDR. Any future structure must follow the regulations and operating rules established by the Government, RBI and NPCI. Technology should support institutional judgement and consistent implementation, not replace them.
“The goal should not be to add more friction to merchant acceptance,” said A.G. Ramakrishna, Chief Product Officer, CARD91. “It should be to ensure that legitimate businesses are treated consistently while financial institutions have the information required to manage risk and implement policy responsibly.”
India built UPI’s reach by making digital payment acceptance simple and accessible. If a selective MDR model is introduced, preserving that accessibility will depend not only on the pricing decision but also on the quality, transparency and fairness of its implementation.
About CARD91
CARD91 is a payments and onboarding risk infrastructure provider, enabling regulated entities to launch and scale customer programs with ease. The platform supports seamless onboarding journeys, fraud detection, credit decisioning, card issuance across credit, prepaid, and forex, and UPI stack capabilities across issuance and acquiring.
Through its NPCI-certified capabilities and technology stack, CARD91 helps institutions design bespoke customer payment programs and market them with speed, security, and a seamless digital experience. Built by a team of bankers and technologists and proudly made in India, CARD91 operates across key financial hubs, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Chennai.
For more information, visit https://card91.io/ or contact sales@card91.io.
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21, Aug 2026
PVR INOX to Open 25,000-Sq.-Ft. Multiscreen Multiplex at Bhumika Realty’s The Icon in Faridabad
Delhi NCR, Aug 21: Bhumika Realty, the real estate arm of Bhumika Group, today announced a partnership with PVR INOX Limited for a 25,000 sq. ft. multiscreen multiplex at The Icon, its mixed-use development on Delhi-Mathura Road in Sector 27A, Faridabad.
The agreement marks the second association between the two companies, following PVR INOX’s presence at Urban Square, Udaipur. The repeat partnership comes as Bhumika Realty expands its portfolio of mixed-use and retail developments across high-growth markets.
At The Icon, PVR INOX will occupy approximately 25,000 sq. ft. across the second and third floors. The multiplex is planned to commence operations alongside the opening of the mall.
The cinema will form part of The Icon’s wider mix of premium retail, entertainment, hospitality and residences. The development is intended to serve the established catchment around Sector 27A as well as the wider Faridabad & South Delhi market.
Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said:
“PVR INOX’s association with The Icon, following our partnership at Urban Square, is a strong endorsement of the quality and positioning of the development. As we expand into high-growth markets, we are focused on building assets that can attract leading national brands and generate sustained consumer demand. PVR INOX adds an important entertainment component to The Icon and strengthens its overall proposition.”
Located on NH-19, Delhi-Mathura Road, in Sector 27A, Faridabad, The Icon is a RERA-approved mixed-use development comprising premium retail, residences and hospitality. The project has been designed by Bentel Associates of South Africa.
The development is located within an established residential and commercial catchment and has direct frontage on the Delhi-Mathura Road corridor. Its location is expected to allow it to serve both nearby residential communities and consumers from across Faridabad and adjoining areas.
The partnership builds on PVR INOX’s existing presence at Urban Square, Udaipur, Bhumika Realty’s retail and entertainment development in Rajasthan. The two projects represent Bhumika Realty’s strategy of combining retail, entertainment and other consumer-facing uses within larger mixed-use developments.
The Icon is among Bhumika Realty’s key developments in Delhi-NCR, alongside its broader portfolio spanning retail, residential, hospitality and mixed-use projects.
21, Aug 2026
Bandhan Konnagar Launches SETU 2026 to Build a National Dialogue on Collaborative Social Development
Mumbai / New Delhi, Aug 21: Bandhan Konnagar hosted the first-ever SETU – India’s National Leadership Summit on Collaborative Social Development today, with the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Building Partnerships for Scalable Social Impact’, to discuss the theme with policy makers, government officials, corporate CSR and ESG practitioners, philanthropists, academicians and experts from the development sector. The Summit aimed to establish a national forum for discussion and action on the opportunities and challenges of integrating development goals across government, business, civil society, communities and other stakeholders and into scalable, measurable and sustainable solutions. The Summit was organised at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, and was an important milestone in the development of a national dialogue for inclusive and collaborative social development that will be continued in the future.
Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, was invited to the inaugural Summit, which brought together senior government representatives, including Shri Arun Kr Pillai, CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC); Shri Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Chairman, Bandhan Group; and Shri Sanjib Kumar Das, CEO, Bandhan Konnagar, along with CSR and ESG leaders, development practitioners, philanthropies, academicians and implementation partners.
SETU is an ongoing dialogue on collaborative social development at national level. The Summit aims to foster greater linkages among policy, resources, implementation and community needs and will highlight these through cross-sector discussions, exchange of grassroots experience, evidence-based impact studies, partnership announcements and recognition of organisations contributing to inclusive development. Through the synergy of government, corporations, civil society, philanthropy, academia and communities, SETU seeks to promote solutions that can shift from policy to practice, pilot to scale, intervention to impact and measurable. With this, it aims to play a part in a development paradigm in which economic development and social development go hand in hand and be a part of India’s growth.
Shri Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Chairman, Bandhan Group, said, “India’s vision of achieving a developed country status by 2047 will be fulfilled with a purpose only when the fruits of development are realized for all the sections of society. Rural communities, women, youth and under-served communities can’t just be passive beneficiaries of development; they must be the active participants and contributors to economic and social change in India. The next step in CSR is to go beyond expenditure and activity to measurable long-term impact. SETU is a call to move from welfare to empowerment, from isolated interventions to partnerships and from short-term activities to enduring social value.”
The first session was inaugurated by Shrimati Kamlesh Paswan and Shrimati Arun Kumar Pillai, providing the background to the significance of policy, skilling and institutional partnership in inclusive development. Shri Chandra Shekhar Ghosh gave a leadership talk titled “From Inclusion to Institution: Building Development Models from the Grassroots” highlighting the importance of developing models that are more than individual interventions that can become sustainable institutions and systems. The Summit also saw the discussion around the structural issues in skill development, sustainable livelihoods and enterprise, credit and markets, community-led climate action, and the importance of health and education in inclusive human development.
Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee gave a keynote on the journey of CSR from compliance to collaborative & measurable impact and Ms. Shefali Agarwal, CGM, NABARD spoke on Graduated Rural Income Generation Programme (GRIP) and innovative means of enabling rural ultra poor families. The programme was also marked through the impact study along with a partnership announcement between Bandhan Konnagar and LEAP 300, experience sharing by livelihood beneficiaries and recognition of Bandhan Konnagar‘s CSR partners by the SETU Bandhan CSR Awards.
Shri Sanjib Kumar Das, CEO, Bandhan Konnagar, said, “For us, SETU is the next step in the development of Bandhan Konnagar‘s 25-year-long journey and we feel that it will be the key between thoughts and deeds. We hope to foster partnerships that are outcome-focused, scalable and responsive to the reality on the ground, which is defined by the coming together of communities, implementation organisations, government, corporates, donors and knowledge institutions around a shared purpose to strengthen an ecosystem in which education, skilling, livelihoods, financial inclusion and climate resilience can converge to create greater opportunities for communities, and help build a more equitable and future-ready India.”
Bandhan Konnagar, an NGO, initiated its activities in 2001 with two main goals: Poverty alleviation and Women’s empowerment which were the driving force behind organising the Summit. With a long-standing belief that social transformation is impossible with just one intervention, Bandhan Konnagar was conceptualised as an extension of this belief. Bandhan Konnagar, now with 25 years of grassroots engagement, was conceived as an extension of their long-held belief that sustainable social transformation can only be achieved through a series of interventions. The organisation sees the need for the next steps toward development in the form of enhanced partnerships, increased attention to measurable results, institutional development and solutions that help communities break free from welfare and dependency and transition to dignity, opportunity and economic self-reliance. Hence, the Summit aimed to convene multiple stakeholders to discuss evidence, experiences and models that can be transferred, enriched and scaled up to the national level in India.
21, Aug 2026
Eastern India Gets Major Rail Boost: Centre Approves INR 9,450-Crore Project for 410 km of New Lines
New Delhi, Aug. 21: The Centre has approved a major railway infrastructure project worth ₹9,450 crore aimed at adding around 410 km of new rail capacity across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Representational Image
The expansion is expected to ease congestion on some of eastern India’s busiest railway corridors, improve passenger connectivity and accelerate the movement of freight between ports, industrial centres and inland markets.
The project is expected to benefit nearly 60 lakh people across 6,448 villages, while strengthening rail infrastructure in regions with significant industrial, mining and port activity.
Four key railway corridors to get additional capacity
The approved works cover four important sections:
Kharagpur–Bhadrak: 173 km fourth line
Bhadrak–Haridaspur: 75 km fourth line
Gummidipundi–Gudur: 90 km third and fourth lines
Cuttack–Paradeep: 72 km third and fourth lines
Together, the projects will add approximately 410 km of additional railway capacity to the network.
Odisha to gain significantly
Several important railway hubs in Odisha and neighbouring states are expected to benefit from the expansion, including Bhadrak, Cuttack, Paradeep, Haridaspur and Kharagpur, along with the Gudur corridor in Andhra Pradesh.
The Cuttack–Paradeep and Kharagpur–Bhadrak sections are particularly important for Odisha’s freight network, given their links with major industrial zones and ports. Increased rail capacity is expected to facilitate smoother movement of cargo to and from ports such as Paradeep and Dhamra.
Freight movement likely to become faster
One of the biggest advantages of the project will be increased capacity for freight trains carrying coal, iron ore, steel, cement, foodgrains, containers and automobiles.
With additional lines, freight trains will have greater operational flexibility, potentially reducing waiting time and congestion while improving the movement of raw materials to industries and finished goods to domestic and export markets.
Connectivity and economic activity
The railway expansion is also expected to generate wider economic benefits by improving access to markets, supporting industrial growth and creating opportunities for local businesses and employment.
For passengers, additional track capacity could help improve train operations and reduce delays on heavily utilised routes where passenger and freight services currently compete for limited track space.
Projects targeted for completion by 2030-31
Following the Centre’s approval, the projects will move towards implementation, including construction and tendering activities. The government has set a target of completing the works by 2030-31.
The ₹9,450-crore investment is expected to significantly strengthen eastern India’s rail network and improve the region’s role as a key corridor for passenger travel, industrial development and national freight movement.
21, Aug 2026
Global Artist Hajime Sorayama Establishes Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd. and Announces New Management Structure
Best known for his iconic Sexy Robot series and the original design of Sony’s “aibo,”
Sorayama enters a new chapter of global creative activity
TOKYO, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
Establishment of Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd.
Hajime Sorayama has officially ended his management agreement with Nanzuka Gallery and has established Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd.
Effective immediately, Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd. will serve as the exclusive point of contact for all matters relating to Hajime Sorayama, including licensing, brand collaborations, artwork management, exhibitions, media inquiries, and all other business affairs.
Official Instagram Account
At present, neither Hajime Sorayama nor Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd. has access to or holds administrative control over the Instagram account that had previously been used as his official account (@hajimesorayamaofficial).
Accordingly, information published through that account may not represent communications from Mr. Sorayama or Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd.
We are currently taking the necessary steps to regain administrative access to the account.
To avoid confusion, we kindly ask collectors, fans, business partners, members of the media, and all interested parties to refer only to the official website for accurate information regarding Hajime Sorayama and his activities.
Official Website: www.sorayamahajime.com
Intellectual Property and Artwork Deliveries
Following the end of the management agreement, we are currently organizing the transfer of the intellectual property and managed assets belonging to Hajime Sorayama.
At this time, there remain certain matters relating to the transfer of trademarks, artworks, and other managed assets that have not yet been completed. We will continue to work with all relevant parties to reach an appropriate resolution.
During this transitional period, delivery of certain artworks previously purchased by collectors may take longer than originally anticipated.
We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this may cause.
If you have any questions regarding an existing order or the delivery status of an artwork, please contact us using the information below. We are committed to responding promptly and in good faith.
Autographed Trading Cards Sold by “KAKAWOW”
Currently, within the product “2026 KAKAWOW Phantom Hajime Sorayama Trading Cards,” there are certain cards that are advertised to bear Sorayama’s hand-signed autographs. We have confirmed that these autographs were not signed by Sorayama himself.
Hajime Sorayama is consulting with the relevant authorities regarding suspected forgery and unauthorized use of his personal signature.
Hajime Sorayama and our company consider it our highest priority to protect his fans and customers from any further confusion and harm. We kindly ask all fans, business partners, and other concerned parties to exercise caution regarding this matter.
Notice to Collectors, Partners, and the Media
As we continue through this transitional period, we are aware that some inquiries are still being directed at former points of contact or based on outdated information.
For all inquiries regarding Hajime Sorayama, including artwork licensing, brand collaborations, exhibitions, media requests, and other business matters, please contact Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd.
Our mission is to protect and manage Hajime Sorayama’s artistic legacy and intellectual property while continuing to develop new projects with partners around the world.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support during this transition.
Statement from Hajime Sorayama
To my fans, collectors, business partners, and everyone who has supported me throughout the years, I would like to express my sincere apologies for any concern or inconvenience caused during this transition.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported my artistic journey. Going forward, Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd. will serve as the official source of accurate information regarding my work and activities.
I remain fully dedicated to creating new work every day. Throughout my career, I have always pursued the challenge of creating what no one has ever seen before—work that is unlike anything anyone else has created. This philosophy continues to guide my practice, and I look forward to sharing new works with audiences around the world.
I will continue to approach every new creation with sincerity and dedication, striving to inspire curiosity and excitement through my art. I am currently working on many exciting projects that I’m sure will surprise everyone, so please stay tuned.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Hajime Sorayama
About Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd.
Sorayama Hajime Estate Co., Ltd. was established to manage and protect the artworks, intellectual property, licensing activities, and brand collaborations of internationally acclaimed artist Hajime Sorayama.
The company serves as the exclusive representative for Mr. Sorayama’s business affairs and is committed to protecting his artistic legacy while fostering new collaborations and projects worldwide.
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21, Aug 2026
Udaan network, Sense International India’s network of adults with deafblindness brings girls and women with deafblindness to the forefront of Advocacy
New Delhi, August 21, 2026: Sense International India (Sense India), the country’s only national organisation exclusively supporting persons with deafblindness and multiple disabilities, today hosted a press conference on ‘Building Leadership and Advocacy Skills of Girls and Women with Deafblindness’ at the Press Club, Delhi today.
Udaan Network, Sense India’s network of adults with deafblindness brought together girls and women with deafblindness to highlight the barriers faced by them and the urgent need for greater visibility, recognition and participation.
Speaking for themselves and their communities were Asha Patwal from Uttarakhand, an artist and aspiring teacher; Maiden Soben Lyngkhoi from Shillong, an aspiring baker; Alice from Kolkata, a dancer and entrepreneur; Dodiyar Maheshwari from Ahmedabad, a café professional and performer; and Ganga from Wayanad, an independent professional and advocate.
The event highlighted three urgent priorities: ensuring girls and women with deafblindness have meaningful opportunities to speak for themselves and take leadership roles; ensuring deafblindness is accurately identified and included in the Census 2027 and other data systems; and making essential information accessible in formats that persons with deafblindness can access and use.
Girls and women with deafblindness face multiple and intersecting barriers related to gender, disability, communication and accessibility, limiting their access to education, employment, public life and decision-making. The press conference emphasised that inclusion cannot simply mean being present—it must mean having the voice, agency and opportunity to lead.
The event also stressed that without accurate data through Census 2027, persons with deafblindness, particularly girls and women, risk remaining invisible in policies, programmes and services. Being counted is fundamental to being recognised. Equally, information on government schemes, education, employment, healthcare, elections, rights and public services must be made available according to individual communication needs, including through Braille, large print, tactile communication, tactile sign language and accessible digital formats.
Speaking on the occasion, Uttam Kumar, CEO, Sense International India, said, “For nearly three decades, our work has shown us that girls and women with deafblindness know what needs to change. What they are too often denied is the opportunity to say it publicly and to be heard. Today, that space belonged to them. We hope every journalist here leaves not just with a story, but with a responsibility: to help ensure that this community is counted, recognised and heard long after today. As we move towards Census 2027, it is critical that deafblindness and all 21 specified disabilities under the RPwD Act are accurately captured, so that no one is left invisible in India’s official data. What is not counted cannot be adequately planned for or addressed — and deafblind people must not be missing from the nation’s count.”
The press conference was organised in collaboration with the Deafblind Regional Centres (DbRCs), members of the Udaan Network and Sense India’s state partner organisations, which provided mentoring, preparation, accessibility and logistical support to enable the women to take the lead in the media engagement and was supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF).
The initiative seeks to challenge the perception of girls and women with deafblindness as merely recipients of care and support, and reinforce their identity as rights-holders, advocates, contributors and leaders. By creating direct dialogue between women with deafblindness and media professionals, it also aims to promote more accurate, respectful and rights-based representation of deafblindness.
The message from the women at the press conference was clear: they want to speak for themselves and address their concerns, and they should not be brought into conversations only after decisions affecting their lives have already been made.
Girls and women with deafblindness should not simply be included in conversations about their lives and rights, they should be enabled and empowered to lead those conversations.
