22, Aug 2026
Chandigarh University Hosts Global Architectural Voices to Deliberate on Technology, Heritage and Future of Architecture
Leading Architects Deliberate Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies & the Future of Architecture
CHANDIGARH, India, Aug. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aimed at transforming industry–academia engagement from dialogue into tangible collaboration, the 4th International Conference on Trends in Architecture and Construction (ICTAC 2026) was inaugurated today at Chandigarh University, bringing leading architects, academicians, researchers, industry professionals and scholars onto a single platform to deliberate on the future of architecture and construction.
The conference set the stage for new industry partnerships, architecture and research consultancy, professional knowledge exchange and stronger industry exposure for future architects. Organised by the University Institute of Architecture (UIA), Chandigarh University, the two-day hybrid conference is being held on August 20 and 21, 2026 at Chandigarh University.
The inaugural day brought together eminent voices from the field of architectural education, research and professional practice, including Prof. Jayshree Deshpande, Director of the Council of Architecture – Training & Research Centre (COA-TRC) as Chief Guest, Yatin Pandya, Founder & Principal Architect, Footprints EARTH, Ahmedabad, Manmohan Khanna, Founder & Principal Architect, KMA Architecture and Chairman-IIA, Chandigarh Chapter as Guest of Honours, Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Rai Bhatnagar, Group Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr R Jagdeesh Kannan, Pro Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs, Chandigarh University among other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Jayashree Deshpande, Director of the Council of Architecture – Training & Research Centre (COA-TRC) said, “AI and other emerging technologies are a blessing because they can help us to think and design better. Architecture today deals with projects which are immense in scale, and it is not possible for an architect to do everything single-handedly. We must therefore learn to collaborate with engineers, planners, policymakers, consultants and specialists and technology can enable us to work together more effectively.”
Deshpande added, “We are entering an extraordinary phase of technological change, with artificial intelligence, digital twins, generative design, robotics and data-driven planning transforming the way we conceive, design and construct our buildings and cities. But technology should remain a means and not become the mission. Technology must be used to improve the quality of human life, to create spaces, cities and communities that are stronger, more resilient, inclusive and connected. Technology is smart, but the human should be wiser. If we learn to use technology properly, we can create wise cities that are technologically advanced but emotionally connected. This is particularly important as we work towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. Our young professionals should engage with the various initiatives of the Government of India and utilize the opportunities available to contribute to the development of the country. Ultimately, our responsibility as architects is not simply to create iconic buildings, but to create places where people feel safe, included, inspired and at home. If technology can help us achieve that, then it has truly served society and contributed to the larger vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
Yatin Pandya, Founder & Principal Architect, Footprints EARTH, Ahmedabad said, “Architecture is not merely about buildings or forms; it is about the experience, emotion and impact we create. Trends may come and go, but what is truly appropriate and meaningful can remain timeless. As architects, we must observe, understand and foresee the implications of even the smallest design decisions, because our responsibility extends beyond an individual client to the larger community and the future of our planet.”
Manmohan Khanna, Founder & Principal Architect, KMA Architecture said, “Chandigarh University has the potential to become one of the leading institutions in the country and the world and the students here are fortunate to be part of that journey. Students are our future and together we must work towards building the finest professionals for the country.”
A key thrust of ICTAC 2026 is its emphasis on creating concrete mechanisms for sustained industry–academia engagement. The inaugural day also featured the opening of the Heritage Exhibition – ‘Pehchan 2.0’, placing India’s architectural heritage within the wider discourse on identity, conservation and contemporary architectural practice.
The programme further witnessed the unveiling of the ICTAC Inaugural Board and the release of the Abstract Book, followed by paper presentations. The research presentations provided scholars and participants with a platform to share emerging ideas, studies and perspectives in architecture and construction.
The second day of the conference will feature the Industry Colloquium, comprising plenary sessions and high-level panel discussions with distinguished experts from academia, government and industry. A major highlight will be the signing of an MoU between UIA and Walia Creative Architects, creating a formal avenue for closer engagement between academic and professional practice.
About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.
Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/
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- By Sai Krishna
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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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
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
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
Sprite and IRCTC Flag Off India’s First Branded Train as the Sprite Tejas Express
The Sprite Tejas Express will operate on the Lucknow–New Delhi–Lucknow route, bringing Sprite’s signature refreshment and experiences to Indian travellers.
NEW DELHI, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rail travel has long been an integral part of India’s mobility and social fabric, connecting cities, communities, and millions of passengers across the country. In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Sprite and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) today flagged off the Sprite Tejas Express, in the presence of senior leadership from Indian Railways, IRCTC and Coca-Cola India. Bringing together Sprite’s signature refreshment with India’s diverse travel culture, the partnership creates a new experience for passengers travelling between the two cities, where varied tastes, preferences and shared moments come together along the journey.
The Delhi–Lucknow corridor offers Sprite an opportunity to connect with consumers across one of its key markets, while reaching travellers across business, leisure, and family journeys. The Sprite Tejas Express will operate on the Lucknow–New Delhi–Lucknow route for six months starting August 2026, with five coaches featuring Sprite branding across the exterior. The train will also be announced as the Sprite Tejas Express at originating and en route stations on both legs of the journey.
The experience extends onboard, with Sprite featuring as part of the passenger food bundle. The inauguration will also see passengers receive Sprite samples and merchandise, with the association set to bring further Sprite-led experiences onboard.
Abhishek Gupta, Vice President, Customer Development, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, said, “We congratulate IRCTC on this innovative partnership and an important milestone for travel experiences in India. At Coca-Cola, we continue to explore collaborations that can unlock new avenues for growth and create shared value. Our association with IRCTC reflects our commitment to building long-term customer relationships and expanding our presence across the travel ecosystem. With the Sprite Tejas Express, we are bringing Sprite’s refreshment and creating a more engaging experience for travellers.”
The Sprite Tejas Express directly integrates sustainability into the passenger journey by incorporating practical, recycled material applications on ground. At the station, benches made from recycled plastic, with each bench repurposing approximately 45 kg of post-consumer packaging waste. Extending this approach to its ceremonial launch, the train’s flag-off featured an official flag made from repurposed PET bottles, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into functional and meaningful elements.
Ajit Kumar Sinha, Chief Regional Manager, Lucknow Division, IRCTC, said, “At IRCTC, we continuously look at opportunities to enhance the passenger experience across our premium train services through relevant partnerships and initiatives. Our association with Sprite on the Tejas Express brings an established consumer brand into the travel environment through an integrated onboard experience. We look forward to making the journey more engaging for passengers travelling on the Lucknow–New Delhi route.”
Further building on Sprite’s connection with food culture, the brand has also collaborated with Wow! Momo as part of the Sprite Tejas Express experience.
The Sprite Tejas Express marks a new association for Sprite, bringing the brand into the travel occasion and creating new opportunities to connect with consumers through the moments, preferences and experiences that shape their journeys.
About Coca-Cola:
Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rimzim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.
The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of over six million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities, and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.
Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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21, Aug 2026
STARTRADER Launches XAUUSD247, Extending Gold CFD Access Across the Full Week
The new instrument provides XAUUSD247 quotes during weekends and overnight hours, subject to scheduled maintenance windows.
PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARTRADER today announced the launch of XAUUSD247, a gold CFD that provides quotes across the full week, including weekends and overnight hours when the traditional gold market is closed. The instrument goes live on MetaTrader 5 on 21 August 2026, with Web and app availability to follow in early September. Availability depends on account type, client classification and jurisdiction; the instrument is not available to clients in all countries.
The launch responds to the fact that developments affecting gold can occur outside traditional market hours. Gold responds to geopolitical developments, central bank decisions, and shifts in risk sentiment that do not follow a five-day trading week.
Now, XAUUSD247 sits alongside the existing XAUUSD, which remains available on unchanged terms. Clients can access XAUUSD247 alongside the existing XAUUSD, subject to applicable account and jurisdictional availability.
The launch is consistent with STARTRADER’s broader 24/7 product direction, reflecting an effort to extend access beyond standard market hours where the product structure allows. XAUUSD247 extends that approach to commodities.
“Gold is one of the most event-sensitive instruments on the market. Developments that move it do not wait for Monday. XAUUSD247 provides quoted pricing during these periods, including when the traditional market is closed.”
– Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER
STARTRADER expects to explore continuous access across other asset classes where client activity and market-moving developments are least aligned with standard trading hours.
CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Entity-specific disclosures apply by jurisdiction.
About STARTRADER
STARTRADER is a global multi-asset broker empowering retail and institutional partners to access global markets through a range of platforms, including MetaTrader, STARTRADER APP, and STAR Copy. STARTRADER operates through entities licensed and regulated by authorities including CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, combining strong governance with a client-first approach, serving both retail clients and partners with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and long-term growth.
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21, Aug 2026
Colgate-Palmolive elevates Prabha Narasimhan to EVP – Marketing, Asia-Pacific and announces Manish Anandani as new MD & CEO for India
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Colgate-Palmolive India Limited today announced a key leadership transition. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, has been elevated to the role of Executive Vice President – Marketing, Asia-Pacific Division, Colgate-Palmolive, effective close of business hours on 27 September, 2026.
To lead the company into its next growth phase, the Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Manish Anandani as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 28 September, 2026.
During Prabha Narasimhan’s four-year tenure at the helm of Colgate-Palmolive India, she steered the company through a transformative growth journey, reinforcing its position as the market leader in oral care. Under her leadership, the company doubled down on strategic premiumisation, accelerating premium portfolio growth to five times the pace of the broader market, while delivering volume-led growth, industry-leading profitability, and consistent top-line momentum.
Her tenure was marked by a sharp pivot toward digital transformation, quick-commerce expansion, and consumer-centric innovation, alongside a renewed push for category expansion by driving oral hygiene habits across urban and rural India. She also strengthened the brand’s purpose-driven impact through flagship initiatives like Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures and the Oral Health Movement.
Prabha brings extensive experience across markets, categories and geographies, with a proven track record of building brands and driving category growth. Before joining Colgate-Palmolive India, she held senior leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever, including as Executive Director for Home Care, where she led businesses across diverse consumer categories. Her experience spanning India and international markets, combined with her expertise in brand building and category development, positions her strongly for her new Asia-Pacific mandate.
Colgate-Palmolive India is stepping up its premiumisation strategy as it looks to build on strong business momentum and create higher-value growth in the country’s oral care market. The company’s focus on premium products, category development and operational efficiencies comes as it marks 90 years of operations in India and seeks to strengthen its growth trajectory in the market.
The company is also stepping up investments behind its brands and growth opportunities. Winning on the digital screen has been a central engine in the recent past for Colgate-Palmolive’s growth. Driven by good execution and performance across e-Commerce and quick commerce, these channels have served as major growth catalysts, being growth, margin, premiumisation, and share accretive. The e-Commerce channel has been delivering high double-digit topline expansion with more than 50% of sales coming from premium products and gross margins at an impressive 400 basis points higher than overall company averages. As Indian consumers increasingly embrace rapid delivery, our strong execution ensures we are uniquely positioned to capture value across these evolving platforms.
Manish Anandani brings 30 years of rich and varied experience across sales, marketing, general management and senior leadership roles. He joins Colgate-Palmolive India from Kenvue (erstwhile Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health) where he was the Managing Director for India and South Asia. An expert in enterprise strategy, digital and eCommerce transformation, and market expansion, his appointment marks a homecoming to Colgate-Palmolive. He previously spent 13 years with the company (2005–2018), rising through critical leadership roles across India, Indochina, and the Corporate office, culminating as Worldwide Director in Global Customer Development.
About Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited
Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care & Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and digital literacy and enhancing children’s oral health through its flagship, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how it is building a future to smile about, visit: www.colgatepalmolive.co.in
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21, Aug 2026
Binance Donates INR 3.3 Crore to Goonj’s Rahat Initiative for Assam Flood Relief
Contribution funds emergency food, clean water, hygiene kits and shelter for families across 349 flood-hit villages in seven districts
GUWAHATI, India, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Binance Charity, the philanthropic arm of Binance, today announced a donation of INR 3.3 Crore (USD 350,000) to Goonj’s Rahat Initiative to deliver urgent humanitarian relief in the state of Assam, as the Indian state faces its worst floods in over 60 years.
The scale of destruction caused by the floods has been unprecedented, displacing thousands of families and leaving many in urgent need of support. The death toll has risen to 105, while more than 12 lakh people across 25 districts and 2,734 villages have been affected by flooding at various stages this year, according to the latest reports. A total of 349 villages in Golaghat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Bajali, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, and Jorhat were reported affected earlier in August.
The contribution will fund urgent relief and recovery needs, including access to essential relief materials, including household items, hygiene items, tarpaulins, and other supplies, based on the needs and priorities of affected communities.
The contribution is expected to reach 27500 families across the affected districts and is intended to help communities meet immediate needs while beginning the longer process of recovery and rebuilding.
Commenting on the situation, SB Seker, Head of APAC, Binance, said, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods. In times like these, it is crucial that communities and organizations come together to support those most in need. By working with Goonj’s ‘Rahat Initiative’, we hope our contribution will provide urgent relief on the ground and help families begin the long journey of rebuilding and recovering.”
Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, said, “The scale of loss across Assam this monsoon has been staggering, and further nonstop rains have forced people to be in makeshift arrangement. Months of stored grain and livelihoods gone overnight. Support like this lets us move faster; getting relief material into the hardest-to-reach districts now, and staying on the ground through the recovery phase, not just the emergency. A long term intervention is needed apart from the immediate support and that is what we are aiming for.”
Timely support is crucial in helping affected families recover. Goonj also has an open fundraiser for anyone wishing to support the affected communities directly through their official campaign page.
About Binance Charity
Binance Charity is a leading philanthropic organization that leverages blockchain technology to provide transparent, efficient, and timely assistance during times of crisis. By harnessing the power of cryptocurrencies and Web3 solutions, Binance Charity aims to bridge the gap between those in need and the resources required to rebuild lives and communities. With a strong commitment to global humanitarian causes, Binance Charity continues to spearhead innovative approaches to drive positive change worldwide.
About Binance
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means.
For more information, visit https://www.binance.com
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21, Aug 2026
2026 World Robot Conference: Zoomlion Showcases Industrial Embodied Intelligence
BEIJING, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion” or “the Company”; 1157.HK) is showcasing its embodied intelligence technologies and robotic products for industrial applications at the 2026 World Robot Conference (WRC), taking place from Aug. 19-23, 2026, in Beijing, China.
Since 2015, the WRC has brought together companies, researchers and industry stakeholders to showcase advances in robotics and practical applications. The 2026 edition focuses on human-robot collaboration and closer alignment between technology development and industrial demand.
A Showcase for Zoomlion’s Embodied Intelligence Systems
At the WRC, Zoomlion is presenting the bipedal humanoid robot Z01, the wheeled humanoid robot Z03, and the quadrupedal robot dogs D15 and D40, as well as its self-developed joint modules.
These robotic products reflect Zoomlion’s application of embodied intelligence to address practical manufacturing pain points such as flexible sorting, precision assembly and wire-harness handling, with each robot configured for the requirements of its assigned task.
Zoomlion’s booth features Robot Ops, an embodied intelligence operating system that debuted at Hannover Messe in April 2026. Designed as a professional development platform for embodied intelligence in the Software 3.0 era, Robot Ops integrates four core modules: basic tools, imitation learning, reinforcement learning and task orchestration. It supports a closed-loop development lifecycle covering data collection, model training, simulation and validation, as well as deployment and operations.
The platform is designed to support applications involving humanoid robots, industrial robots, construction machinery and autonomous driving, empowering industries through a single integrated platform while providing a standardized and replicable engineering pathway for the large-scale deployment of embodied intelligence.
Alongside Robot Ops, Zoomlion is also presenting ZBrain, an embodied intelligence system which enables traditional industrial robots to move beyond fixed-program execution and become intelligent operating units capable of sensing their environment, understanding tasks, making autonomous decisions and executing closed-loop operations.
Empowered by ZBrain, users can issue task instructions, after which the system autonomously performs detection, planning, execution and verification. It is designed to support high-mix, low-volume production, significantly shortening deployment timelines, accelerating changeover cycles and lowering the barrier to adoption.
At the conference, Zoomlion is highlighting capabilities that are grounded in real-world testing. Zoomlion has validated its robots across nearly 20 manufacturing scenarios at Zoomlion Smart City, where they have been deployed in active manufacturing environments. This operational experience provides the data and know-how needed to move intelligent technologies and robotic products toward large-scale industrial deployment.
Industrial and Interactive Demonstrations
Visitors can experience the capabilities of Zoomlion’s robots firsthand through a series of industrial and interactive demonstrations. The Z03 performs material picking, sorts irregularly shaped items and completes the preassembly of rearview mirrors, while the Z01 handles and organizes wire harnesses. The demonstrations also include synchronized dance performances, robot-guided tours and gesture-based interactions with Z01.
The Company is advancing embodied intelligence from laboratory research to deployable industrial applications and supporting intelligent manufacturing across industries.
Visitors to the WRC 2026 can find Zoomlion at Booth D403 in Hall D.
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