9, Jun 2026
Paymentology Powers PayMongo’s New Virtual Mastercard Card for Philippine SMEs
MANILA, Philippines: June 9 —Paymentology, PayMongo and Mastercard have announced the launch of a new Virtual Prepaid Business Payment Card designed specifically for Philippine small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The solution is the first virtual prepaid card in the market to combine prepaid functionality with business-focused payment capabilities, giving SMEs access to tools that help them manage spending, control expenses and operate more efficiently.
The launch comes as SMEs continue to face limited access to business-grade financial tools despite accounting for the majority of businesses in the Philippines, employing 63% of the workforce and contributing up to 40% of GDP.
Businesses using the new PayMongo platform can onboard and access a virtual prepaid card in less than five minutes, providing fast access to payment tools designed specifically for the needs of growing businesses.
The solution has been purpose-built around the operational needs of SMEs, enabling businesses to:
● Set spending limits and issue separate cards for teams or purposes
● Track transactions in real time
● Enable freelancers and employees to access funds without requiring personal bank accounts
● Access and manage payments through the existing PayMongo workflow
● Benefit from enterprise-grade fraud monitoring, compliance and transaction security powered by Paymentology and Mastercard infrastructure
Jojo Malolos, CEO at PayMongo said: “”We are giving Filipino entrepreneurs a real, honest shot at growing their business. We’re giving SMEs a financial tool they can control – one that enforces the discipline to spend only on what moves the business forward, and nothing else. The biggest motivation for any business owner is seeing their business actually grow. This is the tool that lets them see it, and build on it.”
The initiative also reflects broader momentum within the Philippine payments landscape, following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap target of achieving 50% digital retail transactions by 2023.
Every card issued through the programme runs on Paymentology’s globally scalable issuer-processing infrastructure and Mastercard’s payments network, providing built-in fraud controls, transaction monitoring and compliance standards. The PayMongo platform is also PCI-DSS 4.0 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified.
Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology commented: The Philippines is a market where small businesses power the majority of employment but have historically had limited access to business-focused payment tools. Through our partnership with PayMongo and Mastercard, we are helping make modern card-based financial services more accessible to Philippine SMEs, regardless of size. This launch demonstrates how issuer processing can help unlock practical, scalable payment solutions for businesses that have traditionally been underserved.”
The partnership also represents an important step in PayMongo’s broader vision to build a comprehensive suite of card-based financial tools for Philippine businesses, with additional innovations planned in the future.
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- By Neel Achary
9, Jun 2026
Maoist Arms and Explosives Seized in Joint Night Operation in Malkangiri
Malkangiri, June 9 (UDN): Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in anti-Maoist operations after recovering a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a joint night operation in the Maoist-affected areas of Malkangiri district.
The operation was carried out jointly by personnel of the District Voluntary Force (DVF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist movement and the presence of hidden arms dumps in the region.
During the search operation conducted in a forested area, security personnel unearthed a substantial quantity of explosives, ammunition, and other materials believed to have been stocked by Maoist cadres for future attacks. The recovered items were safely seized and secured by the forces.
Officials said the successful operation has dealt a significant blow to Maoist activities in the area and could help prevent potential attacks targeting security personnel and public infrastructure. The seizure is expected to weaken the operational capabilities of the insurgents in the region.
No exchange of fire or casualties were reported during the operation. Security forces have intensified combing and search operations in the surrounding areas to track down Maoist cadres and uncover additional hidden caches.
Senior police officials praised the coordinated efforts of the security forces and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the district. They also appealed to local residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to extremist activities.
Malkangiri, one of Odisha’s most sensitive Maoist-affected districts, has witnessed intensified anti-insurgency operations in recent years, leading to significant gains in curbing extremist influence and strengthening development initiatives in remote areas.
9, Jun 2026
President Droupadi Murmu Presents Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026
New Delhi, June 9 (BNP): President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred Gallantry Awards upon personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2026 (Phase-I) held at the historic Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The prestigious ceremony recognized exceptional acts of courage, devotion to duty, and selfless service displayed by security personnel in the face of extraordinary challenges. The awards were presented to officers and personnel who demonstrated remarkable bravery during counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, rescue efforts, and other high-risk assignments carried out in the service of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, the President commended the awardees for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security, and integrity. She noted that their courage and professionalism serve as an inspiration to the nation and future generations.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony is one of the highest recognitions bestowed upon members of India’s defence and security forces for acts of conspicuous bravery and distinguished service. The event was attended by senior military officials, government dignitaries, family members of the award recipients, and other distinguished guests.
Several awards were also conferred posthumously, honouring personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties. Family members of the deceased recipients received the awards on their behalf amid emotional and solemn moments during the ceremony.
The event highlighted the nation’s deep respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who continue to serve with courage and dedication, often at great personal risk, to ensure the safety and security of the country.
9, Jun 2026
IDC Names Dreame Technology the Global Leader in Robot Vacuum Sales and Revenue
New Delhi, June 9 : In Q1 2026, Dreame ranked No.1 in Global Robot Vacuum Sales & Revenue, according to International Data Corporation . This milestone reinforces its position as a premium, innovation-driven leader in the smart home industry.
Dreame Robot Vacuum has expanded to over 120 countries and regions, opened more than 6,500 flagship stores worldwide, and surpassed 11 million cumulative unit shipments. It holds the No.1 market share in 30 countries, including over 50% in 10, supported by a sustained annual growth rate exceeding 100% for six consecutive years.
The product portfolio features industry-leading, world-first technologies, enabling devices to clean lower, reach deeper, climb higher, and operate more intelligently in real home environments. Each innovation addresses real household cleaning challenges, translating advanced technology into practical everyday value.
“Achieving No.1 globally in both sales and revenue in Q1 2026, according to IDC, marks a significant milestone for Dreame Robot Vacuum,” said Michael MENG, President of Dreame Robot Vacuum. “It reflects our long-term commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design. We will continue pushing the boundaries of home robotics to create smarter and more meaningful living experiences for users around the world.”
Looking ahead, Dreame Robot Vacuum will continue expanding its presence in the smart home industry, moving beyond floor cleaning toward the next generation of intelligent robotic automation.
9, Jun 2026
PM Narendra Modi Set to Become India’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister
New Delhi, June 9 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to achieve a historic milestone on June 10 by surpassing the tenure record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister.
Having first assumed office on May 26, 2014, Modi has completed more than 12 years in office and is poised to overtake Nehru’s uninterrupted tenure as Prime Minister. The milestone marks a significant chapter in India’s political history and reflects Modi’s sustained electoral success and leadership over the past decade.
Under Modi’s leadership, the country has witnessed several major initiatives and reforms across sectors including infrastructure, digital governance, financial inclusion, manufacturing, welfare delivery, defence, and foreign policy. His tenure has also been marked by the implementation of large-scale programmes aimed at economic growth, social welfare, and technological advancement.
The achievement comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third consecutive term at the Centre, enabling Modi to continue as Prime Minister and extend his record-breaking tenure.
Political observers view the milestone as a rare achievement in Indian democracy, highlighting both leadership continuity and electoral endurance in the world’s largest democracy.
As Prime Minister Modi enters this new phase of his tenure, attention is expected to remain focused on the government’s development agenda, economic priorities, and long-term vision for India’s growth and global standing.
The milestone is being seen as a significant moment in the nation’s political journey, underscoring Modi’s place among the most influential leaders in independent India’s history.
9, Jun 2026
Indian Railways to Launch AI-Powered Waiting List Prediction System from August
New Delhi, June 9: In a significant step towards modernising passenger services, Indian Railways is set to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered waiting list prediction system from August, enabling passengers to receive more accurate estimates of ticket confirmation chances.
Representational image
The new technology will use advanced machine learning algorithms and data analytics to analyse historical booking patterns, cancellation trends, seasonal travel demand, train occupancy rates, and route-specific data. Based on these insights, the system will provide passengers with a more precise assessment of the likelihood of their waitlisted tickets being confirmed.
Railway officials said the AI-driven feature is aimed at reducing uncertainty for passengers and helping them plan their journeys more effectively. The system is expected to offer real-time, data-backed predictions, making the reservation process more transparent and reliable.
At present, passengers often depend on third-party platforms or estimated forecasts to gauge their chances of securing a confirmed berth. With the introduction of the AI-powered model, Indian Railways plans to integrate a scientifically developed prediction mechanism directly into its reservation ecosystem.
The initiative forms part of the Railways’ broader digital transformation programme focused on leveraging emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, optimize seat utilization, and enhance customer experience. Officials believe the system will not only benefit passengers but also contribute to smarter management of railway resources.
Once implemented, the AI-enabled feature will be available through railway booking platforms, offering millions of daily users a more dependable and user-friendly reservation experience.
The rollout marks another milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to embrace cutting-edge technology and deliver smarter, passenger-centric services across the country.
9, Jun 2026
TERI Director Highlights Climate-Health and WEFE Nexus Solutions at Global Sustainability Conference in Brussels
Brussels, Belgium, June 9, 2026: Anshuman represented India at the 9th G-STIC Conference in Brussels, contributing to key discussions on the Climate–Health nexus and the Water–Energy–Food–Environment (WEFE) Nexus, with a focus on advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.
Speaking during the session titled “Climate–Health Nexus: Driving Solutions in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape,” Anshuman emphasized the need for integrated Climate–Health Intelligence Systems that bring together climate, environmental, and health data. He noted that such systems can play a crucial role in strengthening resilience, enhancing early warning mechanisms, and safeguarding vulnerable communities from climate-related risks.
In another session, “Transforming Irrigation Systems through WEFE Nexus Innovations,” he highlighted several Indian initiatives that demonstrate the value of integrated resource management. These included the PM-KUSUM programme, SKY Programme in Gujarat, and the adoption of micro-irrigation systems across the country.
Anshuman explained how coordinated planning across water, energy, and food systems can improve resource efficiency, strengthen food and water security, and enhance farmer livelihoods. He stressed that innovative technologies and cross-sector collaboration are essential to addressing complex sustainability challenges.
The discussions at the conference underscored the growing importance of integrated approaches, technological innovation, and international cooperation in building resilient communities and accelerating progress toward global sustainable development goals.
9, Jun 2026
HDFC Mutual Fund Launches Nationwide ‘Naari Nivesh Yatra’ to Promote Financial Awareness Among Women
Mumbai, June 9 : HDFC Mutual Fund, today launched the Naari Nivesh Yatra, a first-of-its-kind nationwide investor education and awareness initiative designed to encourage women to take charge of their financial future through informed investing and long-term financial planning. The initiative was flagged off at Chetana College, Bandra, Mumbai.
Recognising the increasingly important role women play in household financial decision making and wealth creation, the Naari Nivesh Yatra aims to bring investor education directly to communities across the country through an extensive six-month outreach programme.
As part of the initiative, two canters will travel across India in two different directions, covering multiple cities and towns. At each destination, HDFC Mutual Fund will conduct community engagement activities across multiple locations, featuring Nukkad Natak and interactive investor awareness sessions that simplify key financial concepts and encourage conversations around investing.
A key focus of the Yatra will be direct engagement with women at the grassroots level. Over the course of the campaign, HDFC Mutual Fund will conduct 60 dedicated sessions with Women Self Help Groups across the country, creating platforms for discussion around financial planning, goal-based investing, long term wealth creation and the importance of developing disciplined investment habits.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said,
“Across India, women are often the most disciplined savers in a household and yet, structured investing has remained out of reach for many because the right conversation around personal finance never happened. The NaariNivesh Yatra is built around that conversation. Through street plays, community sessions and direct engagement with Self Help Groups, we want to bring that conversation directly to women and help them see investing not as something complicated and distant, but as a practical tool for financial goals they already have in mind.”
The Naari Nivesh Yatra is being undertaken as an extension of HDFC Mutual Fund’s investor education and awareness initiative, Barni Se Azadi, which encourages individuals to move beyond traditional saving practices and explore the benefits of informed investing to achieve their financial aspirations.
Through the Yatra, HDFC Mutual Fund reaffirms its commitment to advancing financial awareness and empowering women to take confident steps towards achieving their financial goals.
Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)
- Freedom from market timing
- Well suited for long term wealth accumulation
- Disciplined wealth creation
An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative
Visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-howto know more about the process to complete a one-time Know Your Customer requirement to invest in Mutual Funds. Investorsshould only deal with registered Mutual Funds, details of which can be verified on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html).
For any queries, complaints & grievance redressal, investors may reach out to the AMCs and / or Investor Relations Officers. Additionally, investors may also lodge complaints directly with the AMCs. If they are not satisfied with the resolutions given by AMCs, they may raise complaint through the SCORES portal on https://scores.sebi.gov.in/SCORES portal facilitates investors to lodge complaint online with SEBI and subsequently view its status. In case the investor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaints raised directly with the AMCs or through the SCORES portal, they may file any complaint on the Smart ODR on https://smartodr.in/login.
9, Jun 2026
AD Ports Group Launches Trial Operations at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt
Safaga, Egypt/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 09 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today launched trial operations at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt ahead of the terminal’s full operational launch later this year.
His Excellency Lieutenant-General Eng. Kamel El Wazir, Minister of Transport – Egypt; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi – Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; along with senior officials have conducted a site tour of the new multipurpose terminal in Safaga Port – Egypt.
The officials reviewed the terminal’s operations, systems, and processes, which are designed to ensure full operational readiness and the seamless delivery of services in accordance with the highest international standards. The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal is being delivered under a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2023 for the development and operation of the multipurpose terminal, in partnership with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA).
Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, said: “We commend the productive partnership with AD Ports Group to deliver a range of strategic maritime port projects along the Red Sea, as well as across various sectors of the maritime transport industry. Safaga Terminal serves as a key gateway for the development of Upper Egypt and will play a vital role in supporting the mining activities associated with the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, facilitating import and export operations, and enabling development projects across Northern, Central, and Southern Upper Egypt through enhanced connectivity with the port. This development is also expected to attract investments across industrial, logistics, warehousing, processing, and assembly sectors, while strengthening container and cargo transportation capabilities throughout the region, further supporting economic growth and trade development.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “Egypt is one of the Group’s most important international markets, and serves as a major trade gateway along the Group’s global network, spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. With strategic access to the Red Sea, Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal reinforces our position as an enabler of trade across key waterways. We look forward to the full operational launch of our new terminal later this year, which represents another major step in our cooperation with our partners in Egypt, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”
The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal will span approximately 810,000 m2, featuring a 1,000-metre quay wall designed to handle up to 450,000 TEUs, alongside 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro cargo.
The terminal is set to be the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region of southern Egypt, serving as a key gateway for the region and strengthening connectivity across Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes.
Egypt and the Red Sea are a focus of AD Ports Group’s expanding global network of integrated trade, transport, and logistics facilities. In April 2026, Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group confirmed the delivery of three new ship-to-shore (STS) and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga. Beyond its container feeder shipping and stevedoring services, the Group recently announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Group is also developing the 20 km2 KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park with Egyptian partners at the Mediterranean gateway of the Suez Canal.In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (USD 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), and subsequently moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.
9, Jun 2026
Teledyne FLIR OEM Launches Boson SX8, the First NDAA-Compliant 8 µm SXGA LWIR Thermal Camera Module
The 1280 × 1024 Boson SX8 and Boson SX8-CZ 15–75 deliver optimized size, weight, and power with high-performance thermal imaging
Teledyne FLIR OEM, a business unit of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the release of the ITAR-free Boson® SX8, the first NDAA-compliant, volume production, uncooled longwave infrared (LWIR) thermal camera module to combine an 8-micron pixel pitch with SXGA (1280 × 1024) resolution. The state-of-the-art 8-micron pixel enables industry-best thermal performance and four times the resolution of today’s high-volume, uncooled VGA (640 × 512) thermal camera modules, all within a similarly sized compact package.
Designed for high-performance and optimized for size, weight, and power (SWaP) constrained defense and industrial applications, the Boson SX8 family enables integrators and operators to see more, see farther, and deploy high-performance thermal imaging at production scale.
Critical for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), counter-UAS, perimeter security, handheld devices, seekers, visual augmentation, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, the Boson SX8 family delivers performance previously available only in heavier, larger, and more power-hungry cooled, midwave infrared (MWIR) thermal imaging systems.
“By reducing pixel area by 55% compared to the standard 12-micron LWIR pixel format, Boson SX8 represents a transformational moment for thermal imaging,” said Paul Clayton, President, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “By pairing this advanced 8-micron pixel architecture with SXGA thermal resolution at full-rate production, we’re giving customers greater situational awareness and longer effective range without compromising SWaP or supply-chain confidence.”
In addition to multiple fixed-lens options, the new Boson SX8-CZ 15–75 features a factory-integrated 5x continuous-zoom (CZ) lens to further extend range performance. This option pairs the camera module with a 15–75 mm continuous-zoom lens, engineered and calibrated as a single system. The integration provides optimized optical performance with focus-through-zoom, thermal gradient compensation, factory alignment, and a single-source warranty, reducing integration risk while accelerating time to market.
Engineering Breakthrough, Delivered at Production-Scale
The Boson SX8 and Boson SX8-CZ 15–75 are manufactured at high volume in the United States by the world’s leading supplier of OEM thermal camera modules. Designed for production deployment, the Boson SX8 family offers OEMs a low-risk path from development through full-rate manufacturing, including integration with Teledyne FLIR OEM’s Prism™ intelligent embedded software products.
Teledyne FLIR OEM will demonstrate the Boson SX8 product family at Eurosatory 2026 at the Teledyne FLIR booth in Paris, where attendees can experience the latest advances in high-definition, SWaP-optimized thermal imaging. For more information, visit oem.flir.com/bosonsx8.
