15, Oct 2026
Excel Dryer’s headquarters earns WELL Silver Certification, setting a new standard for workplace wellness
FM Architecture chosen to drive innovation showing how wellness-centered design creates healthy sustainable workplaces while serving as an educational resource
East Longmeadow, Mass.— Excel Dryer’s newly renovated corporate headquarters has earned WELL Silver Certification, recognizing the company’s ambitious effort to create a workplace centered on sustainability and employee health, comfort, collaboration and productivity. When Excel Dryer set out to transform its East Longmeadow headquarters, the company wanted to create a workplace that put those principles into practice and needed the right architecture and design partner to bring that vision to life.
“I sent out a request for proposal to multiple architecture firms with one very clear and lofty goal for this project: design the most beautiful, healthiest and sustainable office space in the world!” said William Gagnon, executive vice president and COO of Excel Dryer, Inc. “Ultimately, FM Architecture was selected, and they delivered an amazing space.”
Boston-based Fennick McCredie Architecture (FM Architecture) led the design of the renovation, working closely with Excel Dryer to turn that vision into a functional workplace. From the beginning, both teams approached the project as an opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful architecture can support the people who use the space every day.
“From the beginning, Excel Dryer challenged us to think beyond a traditional office renovation. They wanted a workplace that would embody their commitment to innovation and sustainability while creating an exceptional and healthy environment for their employees,” said Deborah Fennick, cofounder and design principal at FM Architecture. “That shared ambition gave us the opportunity to design a space where wellness and design excellence are truly interconnected.”
Following guidelines established by the International WELL Building Institute, the completed Excel Dryer Healthy Office Oasis project has earned WELL Silver Certification. The WELL Building Standard recognizes spaces designed to support occupant health and well-being through strategies addressing areas including air, water, light, movement, materials, comfort and mind.
“WELL gave us a framework for looking at the workplace holistically, not simply as a collection of sustainable features, but as an environment that can actively support the people who use it every day,” said Katherine Brekka, senior associate and sustainability practice leader at FM Architecture. “From air quality and natural light to materials, acoustics and ergonomics, each decision was considered through the lens of occupant health and well-being. Achieving WELL Silver Certification validates that comprehensive approach.”
Throughout the 5,000-square-foot renovation, FM Architecture incorporated design elements intended to support indoor environmental quality, comfort and employee experience. Features include a LifeAire air purification system with MERV 13 filters and activated carbon, a vegetative roof, living walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, daylight-optimized and self-tuning lighting, ergonomic workstations, acoustic ceilings, modular glass partitions and sound masking systems. Flooring made from recycled fishing nets collected in developing countries further supports the project’s emphasis on thoughtful material selection and sustainability.
The renovation also gave Excel Dryer an opportunity to put into practice many of the healthy building and sustainability principles it advocates within the built environment. The headquarters restrooms include the D|13 Integrated Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer, incorporating touchless hand drying directly into the sink area as part of the overall workplace design, reducing reliance on single-use paper towels.
For employees, the result is a workplace intentionally designed around their daily experience. For visiting architects, designers, engineers, distributors, representatives and customers, the headquarters serves as a working demonstration of how healthy building principles can move from specification and design goals into a completed commercial space.
The project also extends beyond the physical renovation. Excel Dryer offers approved continuing education courses centered on the renovation and the WELL Building Standard, giving architects and designers opportunities to explore healthy buildings, sustainable restroom design and strategies that support occupant wellness while earning continuing education credits.
For Excel Dryer, achieving WELL Silver Certification represents both validation of the completed project and a milestone in the collaboration between the company and FM Architecture. The Healthy Office Oasis now provides a tangible example of how wellness, sustainability, innovation and thoughtful design can come together in a modern workplace.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Oct 2026
Symphony by Wix Integrates Link’s Wallet for Agents, Built by Stripe, Enabling AI Agents to Make Payments on Behalf of Small Businesses
With Link’s wallet for agents, Symphony’s AI agents go from flagging what needs attention to handling it, keeping inventory stocked, bills paid, and deadlines met on the owner’s behalf, with every purchase approved first
NEW YORK, October 15, 2026 – Wix.com Ltd. (NASDAQ: WIX), today announced that Symphony by Wix, the standalone multi-agent system for small and medium-sized businesses and solopreneurs, now connects to Link, Stripe’s digital wallet. The integration allows Symphony’s team of AI agents to make payments on the business owner’s behalf, taking execution one step further. Symphony’s agents already know how a business operates and work as a coordinated team across it, executing tasks and surfacing growth opportunities. With Link connected, they can now carry that work through to payments, so a task is finished rather than handed back to the owner.
Most AI tools for business stop at insight. They find the problem, draft the email, or flag the risk, and then hand the final step back to the owner. With Link connected, Symphony’s agents can carry tasks through to payment, with business owners approving each purchase before it is made. For small business owners, that means stock is reordered before it runs out, invoices are paid before they fall overdue, and entry fees are covered before a deadline passes, none of it landing back on the owner’s to-do list.
Every payment runs inside a system the owner controls. With Link’s wallet for agents, buyers review and approve each spend request, while Stripe uses a secure payment token or one-time virtual card for the transaction. In practice, it can play out across the whole life of a business:
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A new owner is setting up their business. Symphony identifies the required registration fees and pays them, so the business is registered before the first sale.
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A candle shop’s best-selling scent drops below five units. Symphony reorders from the usual supplier and pays overnight, so the owner wakes up to “reordered” rather than “almost out.”
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A supplier invoice lands on a Friday afternoon. Symphony confirms the amount matches the purchase order and pays it that day, instead of it sitting until the owner has a free hour.
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A local farmer’s market closes applications in three days. Symphony pays the entry fee right away, so the opportunity is secured rather than left on a list that expires.
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A customer leaves a two-star review over a late delivery. Symphony sends a complimentary gift card the same day to make good.
Symphony’s agents never see the owner’s underlying payment details, and each card is capped at the approved amount. Approval can be given within a 10-minute window from any device, by WhatsApp or SMS.
“Since launch, Symphony has been built to act on behalf of business owners, not just advise them,” said Ronny Elkayam, COO of Wix. “Connecting Link is the last mile of that promise. An agent that can find an overdue invoice or an expiring grant deadline is useful. An agent that can get it paid, with the owner’s approval and inside clear limits, is a teammate. That is the difference between knowing what to do and having it handled.”
“People start businesses to solve problems and serve customers. Routine tasks like ordering supplies and paying bills take valuable time away from that work,” said Jay Shah, business lead for Link at Stripe. “With Link’s wallet for agents, Symphony can handle more of those tasks, giving business owners more time to focus on what matters most to them.”
The Link integration follows Symphony’s August launch and extends the platform’s expansion into the operational layer of how SMBs manage, automate, and grow. The connection is rolling out to Symphony users with a US-based Link account, with payments made in US dollars.
15, Oct 2026
Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz Joins the NEAR Foundation Council
The Solana infrastructure leader and privacy advocate joins NEAR Foundation’s governing body to help bring privacy to onchain markets and will judge the upcoming NEAR Hackathon
San Francisco, CA – 15 October 2026 – NEAR Foundation’s Council (NFC), the governing body responsible for oversight of the Foundation and its most significant decisions, today announced the appointment of Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius and privacy advocate. Bringing a proven operator’s technical rigor, market judgment, and deep expertise in cross-chain privacy infrastructure, Mumtaz will help guide the Foundation’s product strategy, ecosystem growth, and governance as NEAR expands its private onchain market vision. He will also serve as a judge for the upcoming NEAR Hackathon, starting November 1.
Mert joins current Council members Illia Polosukhin, Co-Founder of NEAR Protocol; Diogo Mónica, Co-founder of Anchorage Digital; Chris Donovan, former COO of NEAR Foundation; and Bowen Wang, founder of NEAR One. Leveraging his background as a technical operator and cross-chain builder, Mumtaz will help steer the Foundation’s product development, go-to-market execution, and ecosystem strategy as NEAR advances its privacy-focused onchain vision.
“Mert is a rare force in crypto, with a unique ability to be both correct and vocal about it,” said Illia Polosukhin, Co-Founder of NEAR Protocol. “He was an early NEAR Intents adopter and advocate before most of the industry caught on, and the whole NEAR ecosystem and I personally have benefited from his candor and support. Mert’s conviction, technical depth, and direct approach will be a great asset for the NEAR Foundation Council as we work to bring private assets and markets to every chain. His sharp perspective and shared belief in the vision will be a major advantage for NEAR in shaping what we build next.”
At Helius, Mert leads the build-out of the infrastructure that teams including Phantom, Jupiter, Coinbase, and Bitwise use to build on Solana, from RPC nodes and data streaming to transaction delivery and validators. An early user of NEAR Intents, Mert has since called NEAR the market of markets for its role in industry-wide infrastructure connecting chains and liquidity. Mert has proven he can spot where the industry is going long before it arrives, and as a vocal celebrant of the NEAR ecosystem, his voice on the Foundation Council will be a valuable asset in driving the NEAR ecosystem forward.
“There is no world in which crypto succeeds but distinct markets are gatekept exclusively through CEXes,” said Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius. “We already have that and it’s called TradFi. For crypto to win, we need connected, unstoppable liquidity at planetary scale. A market of markets. Neither Solana, Zcash, or Bitcoin can win on their own, we must work together. And NEAR is how.”
Mert will also join the judging panel for the upcoming NEAR Hackathon, a two-week build sprint on NEAR’s stack, including NEAR Intents and NEAR AI Cloud. Development runs November 1 to 14, with results announced by November 18. Mert judges alongside Illia Polosukhin; Eddy Lazzarin of a16z crypto; Avichal Garg of Electric Capital; Kain Warwick of Synthetix and Infinex; Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly; and Stepan Gershuni of cyber•Fund, with Claude Code and Codex reviewing as AI judges.
NEAR is building where markets across every chain meet, for people and AI agents alike, with confidentiality as a core primitive. NEAR Intents has processed more than $33 billion in all-time volume, with confidential TVL now over $160 million. near.com is confidential by default. Users trade across chains from an account they control and keep their positions and history to themselves.
Mert has argued that NEAR is a crucial component of this cycle’s progress, his vision for a privacy renaissance is aligned with NEAR Intents’ vision of universal, private markets. NEAR is excited to welcome him to the Foundation. For more information about NEAR Foundation, please visit https://near.foundation/.
15, Oct 2026
Leostream Simplifies Secure Remote Access with New Cloud Offering
Leostream Cloud connects authorized users directly to the workstations and resources they need, providing an alternative to VPN-based remote access
BOSTON – October 15, 2026 – Leostream Corporation, a leading provider of secure remote access and digital workspace management solutions, today announced Leostream Cloud, a new cloud-based offering designed to simplify secure remote access to physical and cloud-hosted workstations and other protected resources.
Remote users often need access to a specific workstation or resource, not an entire corporate network. Yet organizations have traditionally relied on virtual private networks (VPNs) to provide remote connectivity, potentially giving users broader network access than their work requires. Leostream Cloud enables organizations to replace or avoid VPN deployments for these remote access use cases by authenticating users, applying access policies and connecting them only to the resources they are authorized to use.
“Remote access has traditionally been associated with providing users a path into the corporate network, often through a VPN, but in many cases that is more access than they actually need,” said Karen Gondoly, CEO of Leostream. “With Leostream Cloud, we’re applying the same principles of choice and controlled access that have always been central to Leostream, but now delivered through the cloud. Organizations can provide secure remote access without requiring users to first connect to the corporate network through a VPN. Instead, they can authenticate the user, authorize the specific resource and limit everything else, giving users a simple way to connect while giving IT greater control over what they can access.”
Leostream Cloud also supports vendor privileged access management (VPAM) use cases, giving organizations a way to provide third-party users and contractors controlled access to specific resources without granting broader network access.
“Organizations need a practical way to give vendors and other external users access to the systems required to do their jobs without unnecessarily opening up the broader environment,” said Piotr Baranowski, Owner, Instructor and CTO, Open Source Education Center (OSEC). “In validating the VPAM workflow in Leostream Cloud, we saw how identity and access policies can be used to connect an authorized user directly to an approved resource. It’s a straightforward approach to a remote access challenge that many organizations are trying to solve.”
Secure Access to the Resource, Not the Network
Leostream Cloud combines identity-based authentication with policy-driven resource assignment to control who can connect, what they can access and how the connection is established. Users sign in through a centralized access experience and see only the resources they are authorized to use. By connecting users directly to approved resources rather than first placing them on the corporate network, Leostream Cloud can eliminate the need for a VPN in remote access scenarios where users only require access to specific workstations or systems.
The Leostream Cloud Agent uses outbound connectivity to help organizations provide access to protected resources without directly exposing remote access services such as RDP or SSH to the internet. Organizations can also centrally manage access policies and resource assignments while maintaining logs and optional session recordings for greater visibility into remote activity.
Leostream Cloud can support remote access across physical workstations, data centers, branch or project sites, and cloud environments. Organizations can select from connection protocols including RDP, VNC, SSH, HTML5, Amazon DCV, Jump Desktop, and Sunshine/Moonlight based on the requirements of different users and workloads.
This flexible approach enables a range of remote access scenarios, including connecting engineers to CAD workstations, creative professionals to cloud GPU resources, researchers to Linux systems, and contractors to specific approved resources. For organizations evaluating alternatives to HP Anyware, Leostream Cloud provides a flexible path forward that supports multiple connection protocols and diverse physical, virtual and cloud-hosted resources without locking users into a single protocol or infrastructure model. Rather than deploying a separate access solution for each environment or use case, IT teams can manage diverse users, resources and connection methods through a centralized platform.
Leostream Cloud is part of an organization’s Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), by applying identity and policy at the point of access and limiting users to authorized resources. For organizations looking to reduce reliance on VPNs, this resource-specific model provides an alternative to extending network-level access to remote users. It is designed to address a specific component of ZTNA: securely connecting authenticated users to individual workstations and protected resources without providing unnecessary access to the surrounding network.
15, Oct 2026
In Karntaka – Stress Builds Through Every Decade, And The Hair Pays The Price
Traya Health’s Study of Karnataka Men Finds the State Above the National Average on Every Internal Health Marker Linked to Hair Loss, i.e., Stress, Sleep, and Metabolism.
Bangalore, Oct 15 – Traya Health today released state-level findings from India’s male hair health study covering more than 5 lakh men across the country. Karnataka men were assessed as part of the national study.
In Karnataka, stress, sleep and metabolism are all above the national average. This is not a story about one alarming number. It is a story about three internal health conditions running above the national baseline at the same time, building quietly through a man’s twenties and thirties, and showing up in the hair before most men know to look for a cause.
The Findings:
The median age of people with hair loss in this study is 29.
|
Health Marker |
Karnataka |
National Average |
Difference |
|
Stress |
61.3% |
54.6% |
+6.7 pts |
|
Poor Sleep |
33.4% |
29.5% |
+1.2 pts |
|
Metabolism |
57.3% |
55.8% |
+1.5 pts |
Stress, sleep, and metabolism are not separate lifestyle concerns sitting alongside hair loss. They are the internal conditions that drive it. Sustained stress disrupts the hormonal signals that keep hair follicles in their growth phase. Poor sleep cuts short the cellular repair that follicles depend on. Metabolic pressure means the body deprioritises hair redirecting nutrients to more critical functions first.
In Karnataka, all three are running above the national average. Together, they create a compounding internal environment where hair loss is not just likely; it is almost inevitable.
More than 3 in 5 Karnataka men are under moderate to high stress. It’s significant how at 18-20 it’s 49.5% and at 36-40 it’s 65.7%. They become progressively more stressed through every decade of adult life. Sustained stress elevates cortisol, disrupts hormone balance and pushes hair follicles out of their growth phase. And because the process is gradual, most men never connect the stress they have been carrying for years to the hair loss they are now experiencing.
Nearly 1 in 3 Karnataka men are not sleeping well. It leads by 3.9 percentage points above the national average. Worsens steadily with age from 30.3% at 18–20 to 38.1% at 41–50. Sleep is when the body repairs. When it is consistently disrupted year after year, the deficit compounds. The hair loss that follows is slow, diffuse, and almost impossible to trace back to its source.
Metabolism issues are highest in the youngest Karnataka men: 61.2% at 18–20. For metabolism. The metabolic and nutritional pressure starts before a Karnataka man has turned 21 and stays elevated through every age group. When the body is running low, hair is the first thing it cuts.
HOW FAR IT HAS GONE
Hair loss in Karnataka is not being caught early. By the time most men seek help, the condition has already progressed significantly.
Only 16.8% come in at Stage 1 – the earliest and most addressable point. More than half, 53.5%, are already at Stage 3 or beyond.
At 18–20, 12.9% of Karnataka men are already experiencing heavy hair fall – sudden, widespread shedding in men who are barely adults.
By 26–30, only 15.7% remain at Stage 1. By 41–50, that drops to 5.1%, while 55.9% are at Stage 4 or beyond. The window to act is open longest in a man’s early twenties.
TRAYA’S READ
Hair loss is not driven by a single cause that can be identified and fixed. It is driven by sustained, compounding stress, sleep, and metabolism. In Karnataka – all running above the national baseline, building quietly through a man’s twenties and thirties, showing up in your hair.
In Traya’s POV, most men experiencing hair loss have been addressing it with oil and shampoos. The real problem is internal and needs a holistic solution addressing the root cause.
15, Oct 2026
Nation Remembers ‘Missile Man’ APJ Abdul Kalam on Birth Anniversary; Amit Shah, Jaishankar Pay Tributes
New Delhi, Oct 15: India on Thursday remembered former President and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, with Union ministers and chief ministers paying tribute to the legendary scientist whose contributions to defence technology, space research and education left a lasting imprint on the nation.
Representational Image
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and several chief ministers highlighted Kalam’s scientific achievements, democratic values and enduring commitment to inspiring young Indians.
Widely known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ and the ‘People’s President’, Kalam continues to be remembered for his vision of a scientifically advanced, self-reliant and developed India.
Amit Shah Recalls Kalam’s Contribution to National Security
Paying tribute on social media platform X, Home Minister Amit Shah described Kalam as an exceptional scientist who dedicated his abilities to strengthening India’s strategic capabilities.
“Tributes to the People’s President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Ji, on his Jayanti,” Shah wrote, adding that Kalam’s life would continue to inspire younger generations to devote themselves to serving the nation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also honoured the former President, praising his vision, commitment and dedication to the country.
“Pay my tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary today. His vision, commitment & dedication for the nation continue to inspire,” Jaishankar said.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy remembered Kalam as a pioneering scientist and visionary leader who devoted his life to advancing India’s scientific capabilities and nurturing the aspirations of young people.
He emphasised Kalam’s belief in the transformative power of knowledge, innovation and education, describing his legacy as a continuing source of inspiration for generations.
Chief Ministers Honour the Missile Man
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to Kalam, highlighting his contribution to India’s strategic strength and defence preparedness.
In his message in Hindi, Adityanath described the former President as a visionary who helped elevate the country’s strategic capabilities and whose exemplary life would continue to inspire citizens.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to Kalam, linking his legacy to the importance of reading and lifelong learning.
Maharashtra observes Kalam’s birth anniversary as Vachan Prerna Divas, an initiative aimed at encouraging reading habits and promoting the pursuit of knowledge.
From Rameswaram to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam rose from a modest background to become one of India’s most admired scientists and public figures.
He served as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and earned widespread affection for his simplicity, humility and close engagement with students.
Kalam began his professional journey at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1960 before joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969.
At ISRO, he led the Satellite Launch Vehicle-III project, which successfully placed the Rohini satellite into near-Earth orbit in 1980, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous space programme.
He later played a leading role in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, which advanced the development of indigenous missile systems, including Agni and Prithvi. These contributions earned him the enduring title ‘Missile Man of India’.
Kalam also served as a key scientific adviser during the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, a landmark moment in India’s strategic and defence history.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1997.
A Lasting Message for Students and Young India
Beyond laboratories, missile programmes and the presidency, Kalam’s greatest legacy arguably lies in his unwavering belief in the potential of young people.
He consistently encouraged students to dream ambitiously, develop scientific thinking, pursue knowledge and use their abilities to address national challenges.
His birth anniversary is widely associated with World Students’ Day, reflecting his enduring connection with education and youth empowerment. The observance celebrates the values he championed throughout his life: curiosity, discipline, innovation and the courage to pursue ambitious goals.
Years after his death in 2015, Kalam remains a powerful symbol of how scientific excellence, humility and public service can come together to shape a nation’s future.
As leaders across the country paid tribute to him, the central message of his life remained relevant: building a stronger India begins with empowering its people, especially its young minds, through education, innovation and a shared commitment to national progress.
15, Oct 2026
India to Remain World’s Fastest-Growing Major Economy for 20–25 Years: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister cites India’s young population, expanding consumer market and entrepreneurial spirit as key drivers of long-term growth; calls for collective efforts to achieve developed-nation status by 2047.
New Delhi, Oct 15: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has expressed confidence that India will remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy for the next two to two-and-a-half decades, citing its demographic advantage, expanding domestic market and growing global economic influence.
Addressing the SRCC Centenary Conclave in New Delhi on Thursday, Goyal said India was increasingly attracting international attention as countries recognised the potential of its young, ambitious population and its growing role in technology, trade and global economic development.
“The world wants to engage with India today because they recognise the young aspirational India is going to lead global growth,” the minister said, adding that the country could emerge as a major engine of technological advancement and international trade.
Young Population, Large Market to Drive Growth
Highlighting India’s long-term economic prospects, Goyal identified its demographic dividend, entrepreneurial energy and large consumer base as key strengths that could sustain growth over the coming decades.
He said these advantages would not only influence India’s economic trajectory but also shape its role in the evolving global economy.
“We will continue to be the fastest-growing large economy in the world for the next 20-25 years,” Goyal said, expressing confidence in the country’s ability to maintain its growth momentum.
His remarks come amid India’s broader ambition to strengthen its position in global manufacturing, expand international trade and attract investment across key sectors.
Collective Effort Needed to Achieve Developed-Nation Status
The minister also stressed that India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 would require sustained participation from citizens across all sections of society.
Emphasising individual responsibility and public participation, Goyal urged people to move beyond a mindset of avoiding challenges and take an active role in the country’s development.
“There’s a very large segment of people that is running away from the problems. They are not willing to accept that our destiny is in our own hands,” he said.
He added that achieving the developed-nation goal would depend on collective determination and a willingness to contribute to nation-building.
India’s Growing Global Economic Role
Goyal said the ambition to pursue larger goals had become a defining feature of modern India and was contributing to the country’s rising international standing.
As global economic and technological priorities evolve, India’s young workforce, domestic demand and entrepreneurial ecosystem could provide important advantages. However, sustaining rapid growth over the long term will also depend on productivity, job creation, infrastructure, investment and the ability to translate economic expansion into broader improvements in living standards.
The minister’s remarks underline the government’s confidence in India’s long-term economic potential, with the 2047 developed-nation vision serving as a central milestone in its development agenda.
15, Oct 2026
Ladakh Gets INR 3,350-Crore Development Boost as PM Modi Inaugurates Five Major Projects
Leh, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated five major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, highlighting the Centre’s focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving access to essential services and unlocking the region’s economic potential.
Representational Image
Addressing the gathering through video conferencing, Modi described the occasion as a historic milestone for Ladakh, saying the projects would expand access to electricity and water, improve connectivity and create new opportunities for local communities.
“A new chapter is being written today in the history of Ladakh,” the Prime Minister said, congratulating the people of the region, engineers, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and others involved in completing the projects.
New Leh Airport Terminal to Boost Tourism
A major highlight of the inauguration was the new terminal building at Leh airport, constructed at a cost of ₹650 crore.
According to the Prime Minister, the terminal is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger-handling capacity from around 10 lakh to 35 lakh, while flight operations are projected to expand significantly.
The facility incorporates geothermal technology, which Modi described as a first-of-its-kind feature for an airport in India. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to support the growth of tourism and improve the region’s air connectivity.
Given Ladakh’s growing appeal among domestic and international travellers, the expansion could provide a significant boost to tourism-related businesses and local employment.
Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road Cuts Travel Time
The Prime Minister also dedicated the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road to the people of Ladakh. Built at a cost of approximately ₹2,500 crore, the strategic road has reduced travel time along the route from around 12 hours to three hours, according to Modi.
The improved connectivity is expected to facilitate travel, strengthen trade links and improve access to remote areas. The road also adds to the region’s strategic infrastructure, where difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions have historically posed major transportation challenges.
Modi praised the contribution of the BRO in advancing infrastructure development in the mountainous region.
Hydropower Project to Strengthen Electricity Supply
The inauguration also included the 9 MW Hanu Hydroelectric Project and associated transmission infrastructure aimed at improving local power stability.
Emphasising the importance of reliable electricity, Modi said dependable power supplies could improve education, healthcare, village-level businesses and other essential services.
For remote communities, more stable electricity infrastructure is particularly important, given the region’s challenging geography and climatic conditions.
Forty Water Bodies to Address Seasonal Shortages
Under Project Amrit Him Sarovar, the Prime Minister dedicated 40 water bodies spread across 40 villages.
The initiative is intended to help mitigate seasonal water shortages and support irrigation for local farmers. Improved water availability could benefit agricultural activities and strengthen livelihoods in communities that face difficult environmental conditions.
The projects collectively target some of Ladakh’s most pressing development needs: reliable power, water security, transport connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
PM Highlights Expansion of Ladakh’s Infrastructure
During his address, Modi outlined the Centre’s claims of significant improvements in the region’s infrastructure since 2019.
He said Ladakh’s road network had expanded from approximately 1,800 kilometres to 4,000 kilometres, while the number of major bridges had risen from 19 to 75. The number of helipads, he added, had increased from seven to 40.
The Prime Minister also said access to safe drinking water had grown from 3.5 per cent of the population before 2019 to more than 99 per cent.
He highlighted progress on the Zojila Tunnel, saying the project would help make Ladakh accessible throughout the year by reducing its dependence on seasonal road access.
Homestays, Greenhouses and Local Products in Focus
Modi also pointed to the expansion of tourism and livelihood opportunities, stating that the number of homestays in Ladakh had increased from around 150 to 3,000. The number of greenhouses, he said, had crossed 11,000.
The growth of homestays is expected to provide more local families with opportunities to benefit from tourism, while greenhouses can support agricultural production in the region’s cold climate.
Highlighting Ladakh’s cultural and economic identity, the Prime Minister spoke about traditional products such as Pashmina and the region’s apricots, noting that local apricots had received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
He also underlined the importance of Buddhist monasteries, historical artefacts and the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage. The inauguration of the country’s first petroglyph conservation park in Leh was cited as another step towards protecting Ladakh’s ancient heritage.
Focus on Education and Access to Justice
The Prime Minister said the Centre was working to expand access to quality technological education so that young people in Ladakh would not have to leave the region to pursue advanced studies.
He referred to plans for campuses associated with IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu in Ladakh as part of efforts to strengthen higher education opportunities.
Modi also highlighted the sanctioning of a Leh bench of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court in August, describing it as a step towards bringing access to justice closer to the people.
‘Ladakh’s Development Is Our Priority’
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the region, Modi said Ladakh’s development remained a priority and called for collective efforts to take the Union Territory towards greater prosperity.
The inauguration of the five projects marks a fresh push to strengthen Ladakh’s infrastructure and public services. Their long-term impact will depend on effective implementation, reliable maintenance and the extent to which improved connectivity and essential services translate into better livelihoods for local residents.
15, Oct 2026
Caller Name Display Service to Roll Out Across India From November 1: What Mobile Users Should Know
New Delhi, Oct 15: Mobile phone users across India are set to receive a new layer of caller identification, with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directing telecom operators to implement the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service across their service areas from November 1, 2026.
Representational Image
The service will enable recipients to see the caller’s name alongside the phone number on incoming calls, potentially making it easier to identify unknown callers and helping users make more informed decisions about answering calls.
According to the DoT guidelines, telecom operators have already conducted trials of CNAP on wireless terrestrial networks using 4G and higher-generation technologies. The facility will be made available automatically to eligible subscribers, without requiring them to submit a separate request.
How Will the New Caller Identification System Work?
Under the existing system, incoming calls generally display the caller’s phone number, unless the number is saved in the recipient’s contact list or identified through another service.
With CNAP, the Calling Line Identification (CLI) information will include two fields: the caller’s telephone identifier and the caller’s name.
The name displayed will depend on whether the number is already saved on the recipient’s phone.
Saved contacts: The name stored in the recipient’s contact list will continue to appear.
Unsaved domestic numbers: The caller’s name recorded in the originating telecom operator’s subscriber database will be displayed.
International calls: Incoming international calls will be identified as “International Call”.
The new framework is intended to provide name-based identification through telecom networks rather than relying exclusively on contact lists or third-party applications.
Automatic Activation, With Further Expansion Planned
The DoT has directed operators to introduce CNAP across their service areas from November 1. Eligible users will not need to activate the service through a separate application or submit an individual request.
The initial implementation covers 4G and higher-generation wireless networks. The rollout for 2G and 3G networks, as well as public switched telephone networks, will be considered separately following further examination.
The phased approach reflects the need to assess the technical requirements for extending the facility across different types of telecom infrastructure.
Privacy and Network Security Safeguards
The government has incorporated privacy and security requirements into the CNAP framework.
The guidelines call for a “security-by-design” approach, requiring telecom operators to ensure that the query-response mechanism used to retrieve a caller’s name does not retain the calling name identity after the call has ended.
Operators must also ensure that their networks, databases and connectivity systems can handle CNAP requests efficiently without compromising service quality.
The framework has been introduced in line with Rule 48(1) of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Principal Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026, which requires authorised entities to ensure secure presentation of calling line identification and prevent tampering.
Businesses Can Display Registered Names
The guidelines also provide flexibility for businesses and bulk subscribers that wish to display a preferred name instead of the name recorded in standard subscriber records.
However, the preferred name must meet specified verification requirements. It must either be a registered trademark listed with the Trade Marks Registry or a registered trade name recorded on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) portal.
This provision is intended to help businesses maintain consistent identification when contacting customers while ensuring that displayed names meet recognised registration criteria.
What Does the Rollout Mean for Users?
The introduction of CNAP could make it easier for mobile users to identify callers whose numbers are not saved in their contacts. It may also provide an additional layer of transparency in incoming calls.
However, displaying a caller’s name should not be treated as a guarantee that a call is genuine or trustworthy. Users should continue to exercise caution when asked to share passwords, banking details, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other sensitive information.
With the November 1 rollout approaching, CNAP marks a significant change in how caller identity is presented through India’s telecom networks. Its effectiveness will depend on implementation across operators, accurate subscriber records and the continued protection of user privacy.
15, Oct 2026
AVer’s MT300(N) Achieves Certification for Microsoft Teams Rooms
Taipei, Taiwan – Oct 15: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, announces the MT300(N) is now Certified for Microsoft Teams. The MT300(N) meets Microsoft’s performance and compatibility requirements for qualified Teams Rooms deployments, supporting reliable integration across certified room environments.
“Achieving certification for the MT300(N) emphasizes our continued focus on delivering solutions that simplify deployment while supporting reliable collaboration experiences,” said Katie Sullivan, Senior Product Manager for AVer Information Inc. “The MT300(N) gives organizations greater flexibility by enabling voice tracking, multi-camera switching and broad compatibility with leading audio and video technologies in a compact platform.”
“We’re pleased that the AVer MT300(N) camera is certified for Microsoft Teams,” said Albert Kooiman, General Manager, Teams Partner Engineering and Customer Enablement at Microsoft. “The MT300(N) supports multi-camera voice-tracking, outputting over a single USB stream and integrates with a broad ecosystem of third-party microphones that are certified for Microsoft Teams. This combination provides customers with powerful choices for creating effective meeting experiences, especially in large meeting rooms.”
The MT300(N) is designed to enhance AVer PTZ cameras by adding advanced voice tracking capabilities in a compact, flexible form factor. The MT300N can be discreetly installed beneath a table, mounted behind a display with the included surface-mount brackets, or integrated into a rack with an optional rack-mount accessory. By connecting multiple cameras, the MT300N enables seamless voice-activated camera switching to ensure active speakers remain in view for a more engaging and natural collaboration experience.
The MT300(N) brings advanced voice tracking functionality to Microsoft Teams Rooms environments through integration with Microsoft Teams Certified microphones. Designed for flexible collaboration workflows, the MT300(N) supports customizable multi-camera switching with a variety of connectivity options for cameras enabling seamless integration with Teams Rooms and a range of content capture applications.
