Category Archives: Business

Insurance Professionals Report an Average 17% Rise in Luxury Watch Claims, According to New Research

10^th June 2026 — The Watch Register, the world’s largest and most established international database of lost and stolen luxury watches, reports new research²  that highlights a significant increase in insurance claims relating to the loss and theft of high-value watches.

The study, conducted amongst 100 insurance loss adjustors and claims managers across the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, reveals that luxury watch-related claims have risen markedly in recent years.  When asked how claims volumes have changed compared to three years ago, two-thirds (67%) of respondents reported an increase of between 10% and 25%, while a further 9% cited even sharper rises of between 25% and 50%.  Overall, insurers reported a mean average increase of 17% in luxury watch claims over the period.  Insurance respondents in Asia reported the highest mean average increase in claim volumes (21%) compared with an average of 15% in the US.

The findings suggest that the volume of watch-related claims will continue to increase.   More than half (54%) of respondents anticipate claims will rise by a further 10% to 25% over the next three years, while nearly one third (32%) expect increases of between 25% and 50%.  A smaller proportion (2%) predict even more significant growth of up to 75%.  The mean average anticipated increase stands at 24%, underlining the expectation that luxury watch theft will remain a persistent and growing challenge for insurers globally.

Additionally, given the high circulation of stolen goods on the market, three in four (77%) of insurance respondents report seeing an increase in defective title claims from jewellers’ block policy holders who have unwittingly purchased stolen watches. The majority (83%) of insurers say they are now taking steps to mitigate risk by only paying out defective title claims for watches on the condition that the policy holder has carried out due diligence prior to the transaction by checking a stolen watch database.

Katya Hills, Managing Director of The Watch Register, said: “Insurance professionals  report a clear rise in luxury watch-related claims, which reflects the high incidence of theft affecting watch owners and jewellers today. Watches are expensive, portable, easy to steal, and highly liquid. The exceptional resale value of watches and high demand for the most desirable models on the secondary market are continuous drivers of theft.  

“It is more imperative than ever that insurers record the serial numbers for lost and stolen watch claims and report these losses to The Watch Register database to facilitate future detection. The database proactively searches the global pre-owned watch market, maximising the chances of recovery for insurers and their policy holders, and enabling insurers to recoup funds paid out on claims.”

In 2025 The Watch Register reached a landmark 5,000 lost and stolen watches identified since the service was founded more than a decade ago.  In the past year alone, stolen watches identified by The Watch Register have been traced across 34 countries spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, Australia and the Middle East, underlining both the global scale of the problem and the reach of the platform.

FUJIFILM India Opens First Revoria Experience Center, Launches AI-Driven Revoria Press PC2120

Faridabad, June 10 :  FUJIFILM India announces the opening of a new facility, the “Revoria Experience Center”, in Faridabad, Delhi-NCR area of India on June 10. This center will serve as a strategic hub for validating high-value printing using the “Revoria Press” series production printers and for developing skilled personnel. The facility aims to support the rapidly growing printing market in India by conducting output validation for a wide range of papers and specialty toners to achieve high-value-added printing, as well as providing training and development programs for operators and designers. Through these efforts, the center will contribute to expanding business opportunities and improving productivity for printing industry customers.

At the Experience Centre launch, FUJIFILM India also unveiled its latest Revoria Press PC2120, the flagship model in the Revoria Press series for high-end professional printing. The system builds on the strengths of its predecessor with advanced AI-driven automation, including intelligent pre-press optimization and real-time print monitoring. It also features an expanded color gamut with a newly developed green toner alongside pink, enabling stable one-pass six-color printing and more vivid, RGB-like color reproduction. The expanded specialty toner range enhances creative flexibility and supports a wide spectrum of high-quality, value-added commercial print applications.

Emphasizing Fujifilm’s focus on supporting India’s growing digital print ecosystem, Mr. Hiroshi Kida, Corporate Vice President and Director General Manager, Graphic Communication Division, said,

“India is one of the most dynamic and promising markets for digital printing, driven by growing demand for high-quality, customized, and value-added print applications. The Revoria Experience Center has been established to support this growth by enabling customers to experience Fujifilm’s latest production print technologies, expand paper compatibility, and unlock new possibilities in specialty color and premium printing. We believe this center will play an important role in strengthening customer capabilities and contributing to the sustainable growth of India’s printing industry.”

In India, economic growth and an increasing labor force are driving a rapid expansion of the middle class with enhanced purchasing power. This has led to a shift in consumer and business activities from a focus on price to an emphasis on quality and added value. Against this backdrop, the commercial printing market in India is experiencing growing demand for printed materials that prioritize design, high print quality, and added value over low-cost printing. This trend is expected to continue, resulting in strong market growth.

In response to these changing market conditions, printing businesses serving the commercial printing sector are required to meet increasingly diverse customer needs. In particular, the digital quick printing sector that handle a wide variety of printed materials from both individuals and companies need to strengthen their ability to work with diverse types of papers, including specialty papers. Moreover, in the photobook printing sector, there is a strong focus on meeting demand for high-value-added printing that involves high-quality finishing and decoration.

FUJIFILM Business Innovation has supported printing industry customers in achieving high-quality, high-value-added printing through the provision of the “Revoria Press” series production printers. Our technologies, including specialty toners in green and pink that enable wide color gamut printing, and gold and silver toners with high glossiness, as well as the capability to handle specialty papers such as embossed paper and films, have received high acclaim in areas that demand visual expression, including promotional materials and photobooks.

Celebrating the launch, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said,

 “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving our world more smiles. The opening of the Revoria Experience Center in Faridabad along with launch of the Revoria Press PC2120, featuring advanced AI-driven automation while simplifying complex work, is a significant step in this direction, as it brings advanced digital printing technologies closer to customers in India. Through this facility, we aim to help print businesses explore new applications, validate diverse media, enhance print quality, and create greater value for the end customers.”

The newly opened “Revoria Experience Center” is named after the globally proven “Revoria Press” brand. This facility is aimed at enabling printing industry customers to experience our products and technologies firsthand, leverage them for proposing high-value-added printing solutions, and improve productivity through the following functions.

• Experience and evaluate the latest production printer technologies:The facility is equipped with actual production printers, including the “Revoria Press” series, allowing customers to experience and evaluate the machines firsthand. The specialized staff supports output validation and practical proposals for a wide range of printed materials such as promotional items, packaging, and photobooks, utilizing specialty papers and toners.

• Operator training to support print quality and productivity improvement:Training programs are provided to enhance operator skills for stabilizing print quality and improve equipment utilization.

• Designer development to strengthen proposal capabilities:To enhance proposal skills for clients ordering printed materials, designer development programs are offered to deepen designers’ expressive abilities and understanding of printing technology from a design perspective.

• Hands-on experience of photobook printing:To expand opportunities for photobook printing, the facility provides a hands-on photobook printing experience using production printers, making it accessible even to those without special knowledge or advanced skills.

Commenting on the launch of the new experience center, Mr. Priyatosh Kumar, Associate Director and Head of Graphic Communications & Device Technology, FUJIFILM India said

“As the digital penetration continues to increase in India it becomes critical to help enable local media suppliers and work for their product compatibility on digital machines. It also would serve as a training ground for operator related trainings and knowledge sharing. This experience center is an effort in that regard. It acknowledges the need to have a local platform to enable expansion of digital printing applications in India. Today also marks the commercial launch of the new powerhouse flagship product, Revoria Press 2120. Built as an upgrade to the hugely successful model of Revoria Press PC1120, the new Revoria Press PC2120 introduces advance AI-driven automation, an expanded color gamut featuring a newly developed green toner, and stable one-pass six-color printing using CMYK plus seven specialty toners options.”

FUJIFILM Group will leverage this facility as a base to meet the diverse printing demands of the Indian market and strive to create new demand moving forward.

Facility Overview

• Facility Name: Revoria Experience Center

• Opening Date: June 10, 2026

• Location: Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India

• Installed Equipment: Revoria Press PC2120, Revoria Press EC2100S, Revoria Press SC285S, ApeosPro C810 / C650

The services and product names mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.

Leadership ‘Behavioural Gap’ Stalling Global AI Adoption, Major Study Finds

June 10: A significant disconnect between executive ambition and organisational reality is stalling the integration of artificial intelligence across the world’s leading companies.  This is according to a new study by leadership consultancy The Positive Group –  conducted in collaboration with researchers from Harvard Business School, RSGI, and Hubel Labs – which states the primary obstacle to a successful AI strategy is not the limitations of technology, but a deficit in critical leadership behaviours at board and C-suite levels.

The report AI Success: The Leadership Factor,  is based on an in-depth qualitative study of 35 senior leaders from global giants including HSFKramer, ServiceNow, McDonald’s and Grant Thornton, spanning professional services, financial services, consumer brands, tech, and life sciences. The findings reveal a stark “AI Ambition-Maturity Gap”: while 86% of leaders interviewed aim for advanced AI maturity within the next 12–24 months, only 28% have successfully embedded AI into core workflows to deliver measurable value at scale.

The research identified three specific day-to-day areas to address.

1.The Role Model Gap 
Only 33% of executives who took part in the study see their leaders demonstrate adaptability, highlighting a huge disconnect between “talking” and “doing.”  Leaders need to move beyond theory and actively use AI tools in their daily workflows. Showing vulnerability by experimenting and failing in front of the team builds the psychological safety needed for others to innovate.

2.The Communication Gap
While 65% of the study respondents believe their leadership team can tell a motivating story for AI use, only 45% said they keep their teams regularly informed about actual AI developments. Leaders need to close the 20-point gap between general motivation and consistent, practical updates.

3.The Training Disconnect
Just 62% of the study respondent believe their leaders encourage employees to take ownership of AI innovation.  The fact this number is not higher could be linked to inadequate AI training programmes. Only six out of ten (59%) of those who took part in the study said their organisations have structured AI training in place for all, 28% said it was for senior leaders or specific teams only; 10% said training was managed on a case-by-case basis, and 4% said training was not prioritised at all.

The Human Barrier to Technical Progress
The study suggests that the technical AI hurdle is being cleared far more quickly than the human one. The study identifies four recurring behavioural barriers that are currently outpacing traditional corporate planning cycles:

1.Continuous Disruption: AI capabilities evolve so rapidly that they render standard strategic cycles obsolete, leading to executive fatigue and short-termism.
2.Fragmented Expectations: A lack of shared meaning regarding AI’s purpose leads to a proliferation of “hype-driven” pilots without consistent criteria for success.
3.Emotional Polarisation: AI unsettles established expertise hierarchies, creating a divide between enthusiasm and deep-seated anxiety regarding professional identity and relevance.
4.The Innovation-Risk Tension: In regulated environments, the absence of clear leadership on trade-offs leads to either paralysing caution or unstructured, risky experimentation.

The Data on Leadership Influence
The study provides a rare quantitative link between leadership culture and technical maturity. Leaders in “high-maturity” organizations – those successfully scaling AI -rated their management teams significantly higher across three key behavioural metrics compared to those in the pilot stages.  They reported:

40% higher adaptability-related behaviours
30% higher clarity-related behaviours
25% higher trust-related behaviours 

Will Marien, CEO of The Positive Group, emphasizes that the “Next Chapter” of the AI revolution will be written by people, not code. 

“Over the past few years, organisations have explored artificial intelligence through pilots and experimentation. Today, we are moving beyond exploration to the pressing challenge of maximising value from these technologies,” says Marien. “That shift raises the question: what does effective leadership look like in the AI era? Real value emerges when AI is paired with judgement, meaning and shared understanding. It is leadership that will determine how powerfully that partnership performs.”

A New Framework for the C-Suite
The report argues that the most successful organisations are moving away from treating AI as a “tech project” and are instead adopting three specific leadership modes:

Sensemaking and storytelling: The ability to translate complex AI concepts into plain language and define what “good” looks like for the specific business context “Storytelling and simplicity are powerful drivers of adoption. 

“We need to explain AI in plain language, simple enough that even my six-year-old could understand it, because accessibility builds curiosity and trust.” – Tarv Nijjar, Global Head of Product & Platform Transformation, McDonalds, who took part in Positive Group’s study.  

Mediation and trust: Building trust by making uncertainty visible and acknowledging the legitimate emotional responses of a workforce facing disrupted roles. 

Perry Burton, Head of Partner Learning and Development, Grant Thornton UK, who took part in the study, said: “In partnerships, you can’t simply tell people what to do. Change has to come through influence and example. That’s challenging when people are moving fast, feel pressure to deliver, and are understandably anxious about how their roles might evolve.”

 Adaptive Execution: Reframing experimentation as structured learning, where leaders model the use of tools themselves and provide explicit permission to “stop” initiatives that do not align with strategy. 

“Successful AI leadership requires both strategy and courage. There’s enormous pressure to chase every trend, but the real discipline lies in holding to a clear strategy and resisting the temptation to be reactive.” – Isabel Parker, White & Case, Chief Innovation Officer, who took part in the study. 

As global markets face a fast-moving regulatory environment and shifting expertise hierarchies, The Positive Group’s research suggests that the highest-leverage move an executive team can make is not increasing their R&D budget, but strengthening the behavioural capabilities of their leaders.

“The gap is not primarily technical, but behavioural,” the report concludes.

Marien adds: “Strengthening these capabilities may be the highest-leverage move organisations can make as AI reshapes how work is done.” 

Evergreen Goodwill Brings Seattle Soccer Summer to Life with Custom Screen-Printing Events at the World’s Largest Goodwill

SEATTLE, June 9:  As Seattle gears up for a global influx of soccer fans this summer, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is inviting locals and visitors alike to experience a different kind of matchday energy—one rooted in creativity, community, and uniquely Seattle style.

Just steps from Seattle Stadium, the Seattle flagship store—the largest Goodwill in the world—will host two special screen-printing events as part of its Seattle Soccer Summer celebration. Taking place June 19 and June 24 from 3–7 PM, these one-of-a-kind activations transform thrifted shirts into meaningful, personalized keepsakes.

Designed by Seattle-based artist Hoa Hong, the limited-edition graphics draw inspiration from soccer culture and the global connections that define the sport—offering a wearable memory for travelers and a point of pride for locals. Each item will be screen-printed live on-site by The Vera Project, turning every piece into something personal, creative, and distinctly Seattle.

For fans heading to or from nearby match watch parties, the events offer a natural extension of the day’s energy. Located a short walk from the Chinatown–International District, the flagship store provides an easy post-match destination at which to wait out the heavy traffic.

Event Highlights:

Limited-edition, soccer-inspired designs by Hoa Hong

Live screen-printing with custom tees and totes made on the spot

Curated selection of high-quality blank t-shirts to choose from

Live DJ set from 3–5 PM

A creative, community-driven atmosphere that reflects Seattle’s culture

Beyond the experience itself, each purchase carries a deeper impact: Revenue from every sale supports Evergreen Goodwill’s tuition-free job training, education, and career placement programs across Northwest Washington—connecting a moment of creativity to long-term community benefit.

ALAN CAGLE NAMED MANAGING DIRECTOR AT LOEWS PHILADELPHIA HOTEL

PHILADELPHIA, PA , June 10: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Philadelphia’s Historic Treasure and home to the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS), is pleased to welcome Alan Cagle as Managing Director of Loews Philadelphia Hotel. With over 25 years in hospitality, Alan brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to excellence to Loews Hotels & Co.

With Cagle at the helm, the hotel is poised to continue to penetrate its presence within Philadelphia’s meetings, events, and social catering landscape while elevating its profile among leisure and business travelers alike. Combined with the recent reimagination of the hotel’s iconic 33rd floor event space and the launch of new family-focused summer experiences, Loews Philadelphia Hotel is entering an exciting new chapter that reinforces its role as both a historic landmark and a dynamic gathering place in the heart of the city.

New this Summer, Loews Philadelphia Hotel is pleased to launch a new STEAM initiative as an extension of its Loews Loves Families and Loews Little Legends program. The hotel’s monthly art and jazz brunch, will now include a complimentary art activity experience inspired by the featured monthly artist from Morton Contemporary Gallery allowing children to unleash their inner artist alongside a trained professional on the last Sunday of every month in June, July and August. Children can simply sign up at the Front Desk prior to participation.

“I am thrilled to join Philadelphia’s Historic Treasure at Loews Philadelphia Hotel and work alongside talented leaders and team members at the property. As we continue to build upon the hotel’s legacy and introduce exciting new experiences for our guests and the Philadelphia community, I am confident my leadership will further elevate the property’s position as one of the city’s premier and iconic hospitality destinations.”

Alan most recently joins us from Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing with Pyramid Global Hospitality, a full-service waterfront hotel featuring 350 guest rooms and 24,000 square feet of banquet and catering space, where he served as General Manager. During his tenure, he has built strong industry partnerships through involvement with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Philadelphia Hospitality Association, driving citywide and social catering opportunities.

Prior to living in Philadelphia, Alan spent nearly eight years leading the Food & Beverage team at Hyatt Regency Princeton, NJ, where he oversaw multi-outlet operations including banquets, restaurants, lounges, and in-room dining, and launched two concept-driven restaurant brands. In his spare time, Alan enjoys cooking with his family and recently started experimenting with hydroponic growing.

RAKEZ joins forces with Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund to strengthen support for innovators and high-potential businesses

Ras Al Khaimah, 10 June: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) entered into a strategic partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance, to strengthen support for innovators, startups, and growth-stage businesses within its ecosystem.

The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony at Compass Coworking Centre between MBRIF Head Shaker Zainal and RAKEZ Chief Government & Corporate Relations Officer Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping innovative businesses access funding support, ecosystem connections, and growth opportunities that enable long-term scalability and market expansion.

Through this collaboration, RAKEZ customers will gain access to a broader range of support services designed to accelerate business growth. This includes access to financing pathways and funding support through MBRIF, alongside structured mentorship and expert advisory to help innovative businesses strengthen their business models and scale more effectively. The partnership will also provide access to joint workshops and innovation programmes focused on practical areas such as growth strategy, financial planning, and market expansion.

These offerings will be complemented by RAKEZ’s streamlined business set-up, licensing, and operational support, as well as access to a wider ecosystem of partners, investors, and networks. Together, these elements are intended to help businesses launch, grow, and expand with greater confidence while contributing to sustainable, impact-driven outcomes.

Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance and the Ministry’s representative at MBRIF, Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, said: “The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund continues to play an important role in advancing the UAE’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the country’s vision for a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Partnerships of this kind help expand the support available to high-potential businesses by strengthening access to financing, strategic guidance, and growth opportunities. Continued collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to creating the conditions in which innovation can scale, diversify the economy, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s long-term development.”

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Innovation plays a critical role in shaping resilient and future-ready economies. Through our partnership with MBRIF, we are creating stronger pathways for startups and growth-stage businesses within our ecosystem to access specialised support, funding opportunities, and strategic networks that can help accelerate their growth journeys. This collaboration reflects our continued focus on building an environment where innovative businesses can scale with confidence from Ras Al Khaimah.”

By bringing together funding, mentorship, and innovation support with a seamless business set-up and operating environment, the partnership ensures that startups and SMEs have what they need at every stage of their growth journey. RAKEZ and MBRIF will continue to work closely to help innovative businesses scale with confidence and unlock new opportunities within the UAE’s evolving innovation landscape.

ICICI Prudential Life Launches Signature Secure, Redefining ULIPs with Guaranteed Maturity Benefits

Bangalore, June 10 : ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched ICICI Pru Signature Secure, Indian life insurance’s first Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) with an in-built guaranteed maturity benefit.

ICICI Pru Signature Secure is a Non Participating Linked Individual Savings Life Insurance Plan and has been designed for customers looking for the reassurance of tax efficient guaranteed benefits. The product offers a simple proposition – invest once, stay protected through life cover during the policy term and receive a maturity benefit at the end of five years. . On maturity, the customer receives the higher of the fund value or the guaranteed maturity benefit, providing the reassurance of a guaranteed outcome

For instance, a 45-year-old customer looking for a one-time investment solution can invest ₹5 lacs in ICICI Pru Signature Secure and remain protected through life cover during the policy term. The customer can choose a life cover (Sum Assured) of ₹6.25 lacs and gets a guaranteed maturity benefit of ₹7 lacs in this case.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Vikas Gupta, Chief Product Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said,

“Customers seeking guaranteed returns have traditionally relied on instruments such as fixed deposits, bonds and other guaranteed-return products. However, customers are increasingly looking for solutions that can help them achieve better post-tax outcomes along with guaranteed returns and financial protection. ICICI Pru Signature Secure has been designed to address this need by bringing together the benefits of a ULIP, an in-built guaranteed maturity benefit and life cover within a single proposition.

The product enables customers to make a one-time investment while remaining focused on their long-term financial goals with greater confidence. The plan also offers life cover throughout the policy term, helping customers secure the financial future of their loved ones.”

Notably, the product provides a guaranteed maturity benefit of up to 140% of the initial premium paid. At maturity, customers receive the higher of the fund value or the guaranteed maturity benefit. In addition, the product comes with zero premium allocation charges and policy administration charges.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance remains committed to delivering superior value to its customers. The Company achieved a claim settlement ratio of 99.3% with an average turnaround time of 1.1 days in FY2026, demonstrating its commitment to supporting customers and their families when it matters the most.

Over the past 25 years, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has had the privilege of serving customers across generations. The Company remains focused on building a future-ready organisation led by technology that continues to adapt thoughtfully, act with agility and create meaningful impact by expanding access to insurance while delivering long-term sustainable value to all stakeholders.

Former Indofast Energy CEO Anant Badjatya Takes the Helm at Spiro as Group CEO

Pune, June 10: Spiro, Africa’s  electric mobility company, today announced the appointment of Anant Badjatya as Group Chief Executive Officer.

Anant joins Spiro with more than two decades of leadership experience across India, the Middle East and Africa, building and scaling businesses across electric mobility, energy and industrial sectors. Most recently, he served as CEO of Indofast Energy, the joint venture between IndianOil and SUN Mobility, where he led the development of one of India’s largest battery-swapping networks, comprising more than 1,800 stations and serving nearly 90,000 vehicles daily.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Spiro following its landmark US$215 million financing round, one of the largest investments ever made in Africa’s electric mobility sector. As Spiro is accelerating on its mission to transform mobility across Africa, Anant’s broad mandate will span battery swapping, leasing, logistics, energy, and vehicle manufacturing. As CEO Mobility, Kaushik Burman will continue to further consolidate Spiro’s leadership and fleet in Spiro’s 7 existing markets and beyond.

Under Mr. Badjatya’s leadership, Spiro aims to significantly deepen its India’s Tech hubs – both Pune which serves as the center for automotive innovation, and Bengaluru, Spiro’s center for innovation across technology. With already 100+ people, the Pune tech center is poised for rapid expansion, creating high-value jobs in EV powertrain design, battery management systems (BMS). The Bengaluru hub, already counting 50+ people, will further develop IoT-enabled cloud platforms and pilot R&D localization effort in Kenya and Nigeria.

Gagan Gupta, Founder and Chairman of Spiro said:

“As Spiro is accelerating on its mission to transform mobility across Africa through clean, affordable and accessible electric transportation solutions, Anant will consolidate the Group’s strategic initiatives and guide the company through its next chapter of growth and execution in mobility, energy and tech.”

Commenting on his appointment, Anant Badjatya said:

“Africa represents the most exciting frontier for electric mobility. Spiro has built a unique platform and is exceptionally well positioned to accelerate the transition to cleaner and more accessible mobility across the continent. I look forward to working with our teams, partners and stakeholders to drive the next phase of growth and impact.“

FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem meets with President of the Czech Republic, Prime Minister, and government leaders in Prague

Discussions focused on motorsport development, road safety and sustainable mobility

Dubai, UAE, June 10: H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has met with senior leaders of the Czech Republic in Prague, reinforcing the strong partnership between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and one of Europe’s most significant automotive and motorsport nations.

During the visit, President Ben Sulayem held discussions with the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Boris Šťastný.

The meetings this week focused on shared priorities across mobility and motorsport, including road safety, sustainable transport, innovation, and grassroots participation.

Speaking following the meetings, FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The Czech Republic has a proud automotive and motorsport heritage and continues to demonstrate how mobility, innovation and sport can work together.”

“I would like to thank President Pavel, Prime Minister Babiš, and Minister Šťastný for their warm welcome and constructive discussions. I look forward to continuing our collaboration as we work together to build a safer, more sustainable future for mobility and motorsport.”

As part of discussions on mobility, President Ben Sulayem outlined the FIA’s work to improve road safety outcomes through data-driven initiatives including the FIA Road Safety Index and FIA Driver Safety Index.

The programmes provide governments, organisations and road users with practical tools to measure, benchmark and improve road safety performance, supporting the ambition of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.

The FIA President also highlighted the contribution of the Autoklub České republiky in advocating for increased accessibility and diversity in motorsport.

Through its work in education, advocacy and competition, the Club plays a vital role in creating opportunities for participation at every level of the sport. President Jan Šťovíček plays an active role within the FIA ecosystem including service on the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), as President of the Coordination Forum for Eastern and Central European Countries (COFO), and as a board member of the FIA Foundation.

Funded by grants from the FIA and FIA Foundation, the Autoklub CR has developed two key programmes to encourage the next generation of racers.

The Karting Academy is an educational programme that develops Karting skills and knowledge while cultivating talent, and has seen more than 1,000 children attend the programme so far, with many now competing internationally. RacerBuggy 160 is a division for children aged 5 to 8 focused on autocross training. Over the last seven years, more than 3,000 children have passed through the academy.

President Ben Sulayem praised the Autoklub’s ongoing investment in karting, national championships and youth participation programmes, which are helping to strengthen the future of Czech motorsport.

President of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, Jan Šťovíček, said: “It was an honour to showcase the positive impact that FIA funding is having across our programmes. These grants are helping us strengthen grassroots motorsport, invest in young talent and create new opportunities for people to engage with our sport.”

The visit forms part of the FIA President’s ongoing programme of engagement with governments, Member Clubs and stakeholders worldwide, supporting the FIA’s mission to advance safe, sustainable and accessible mobility while ensuring the continued growth and development of motorsport.

Study Finds Common Infection Does Not Increase Risk of Recurrent Preterm Birth

A new study from UTHealth Houston found that the common sexually transmitted infection, Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as MGen, does not appear to increase the risk of recurrent preterm birth.

The findings were published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a tiny bacteria that can infect the urethra or reproductive tract. Most people with the condition have no symptoms, but when it does cause symptoms, it can lead to irritation or inflammation that needs treatment.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks and is a leading cause of infant illness and death. Earlier research suggested that certain Mycoplasma species might contribute to preterm labor, but those studies were limited.

“These findings provide important new insight into the role of Mycoplasma genitalium in pregnancy,” said Irene Stafford, MD, MPH, first author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “Given its links to HIV acquisition and growing antimicrobial resistance, continued study of this emerging infection remains an important public health priority.”

Mycoplasmas are a group of tiny bacteria that can live in the genital tract. Unlike most bacteria, they don’t have a cell wall, which makes them harder to detect and treat. Because of mycoplasma genitalium’s link to inflammation, researchers questioned whether mycoplasma genitalium might play a role in pregnancy complications, including recurrent preterm birth.

To better understand the connection, researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind prospective study in nearly 500 pregnant individuals with a history of preterm birth or related complications. The patients were enrolled between July 2023 and December 2025. Participants were tested early in pregnancy for Mycoplasma genitalium using an FDA?cleared vaginal swab test.

The study found that 12% of participants tested positive for Mycoplasma genitalium. The infection was significantly more common among those who had experienced a prior preterm birth. However, Mycoplasma genitalium did not increase the risk of having another spontaneous preterm birth or a second?trimester loss caused by cervical insufficiency, which the study also explored.

The findings suggest that while Mycoplasma genitalium may be associated with past pregnancy complications, it does not appear to drive recurrent preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies. Researchers note that Mycoplasma genitalium may pose more risk during a first-time or incident infection, when the body has not yet developed an immune response.

“This study provides important clarity for patients and clinicians,” said Stafford, who is a maternal-fetal medicine physician. “For individuals already at high risk of preterm birth, Mycoplasma genitalium infection alone does not seem to increase the likelihood of another early delivery.”

Researchers emphasize that more studies are needed, as preterm birth is complex and influenced by many factors. Still, these results offer reassurance and help guide future screening and treatment decisions.

Other UTHealth Houston researchers on the study include Sean Blackwell, MD; Han-Yang Chen, PhD; Sahana Kodali, BS; and Mason Collie, BS.

Additional contributors are Erik Munson, PhD, with Marquette University, and Damon Getman, PhD, with Hologic Inc.